Emma Sharman
Co-Editor-in-Chief

New Extinct Crocodile Species Identified in Australia:

An eight million years old skull of an extinct species of crocodile was discovered in the central region of Australia. This specimen was thought to have belonged to a member of the Baru genus when it was initially unearthed in 2009, but this information has been updated due to the newest study conducted. The species is expected to receive an official name in 2022. 

“It’s somewhat surprising to imagine that central Australia had rivers to support crocodiles,” Dr. Adam Yates, Senior Curator of Earth Sciences at the Museum and Art Gallery of Northern Territory told The BBC.

Yates explains that, based on the size and quantity of the teeth of the skull fossil, it is likely that this new species is “the most heavily robust member of the genus Baru…This was a crocodile that was attacking big prey. Big megafauna.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF NEWATLAS.COM

Pictured is an example of a member of the prehistoric genus Baru (the family of reptiles that may have looked similar to the newly discovered species.)

Severe Petrol Shortage Harbors Venezuela’s Crucial Fishing Industry:

Venezuela may be home to the largest oil reserves in the world, but mismanagement of the oil industry by the government has led to the industry’s collapse. Fishermen along the coast depended on consistent and cheap fuel sources in order to keep their businesses going. With gasoline prices skyrocketing and people having to wait days in line for just one tank, obtaining fuel for fishing boats is next to impossible.

The fuel shortages have led to widespread fuel smuggling, where Venezuelans sometimes end up paying $10 per gallon of gas.

Conflict Erupts in Jerusalem Between Palestinians and Israeli Police Following Cease-Fire in Gaza:

At the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem, a clash between the Palestinian militant group Hamas and Israel took place on Friday, May 21. This conflict exploded just hours after a cease-fire between the two groups. The fighting has left hundreds dead, though Israeli police claim to have used exclusively non-lethal weapons such as stun grenades and tear gas. 

It is not entirely clear what the specific source of tension was that led to the fighting.

One spokesperson referred to the conflict as a “riot” during an interview with NBC News, stating, “As soon as the noon prayer service ended, a riot broke out.”

Palestinian medics report that around 20 Palestinians were injured during the confrontation at the compound on May 21.

Prior to the cease-fire, 243 Palestinians were killed throughout 10 days of aerial and artillery attacks. 

Samoa is Set to Have its First Female Leader:

Fiame Naomi Mata’afa was sworn in as Prime Minister of Samoa on Monday, May 24, making her the first female leader in Samoan history. She is a member of Samoa’s FAST party, which has not been in power since the Human Rights Protection Party began their rule almost four decades ago. 

After being locked out of Parliament by Samoa’s long standing leader Tuila’epa Lupesoliai Neioti Aiono Sa’ilele Malielegaoi, Mata’afa took her oath in a makeshift tent. It is currently unclear whether or not these proceedings are technically legitimate. 

Faʻatuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (In English: “Faith in the One God of Samoa” or FAST) spokeswoman Lance Apulu described the actions of the HRPP to RNZ, stating, “I think a coup would be accurate…Bloodless, but they are actually coups.”

Fiame Naomi Mata’afa narrowly won the April 9 election, creating waves in Samoa’s formerly stagnant political status and making the FAST party the new majority party.  Samoa has remained in a consistent political state for over two decades, having kept the same leader in power for over two decades. The party to which this leader belongs is the HRPP, which has ruled Samoa for nearly 40 years.