Stories about English from May, 2016
The Oil Spill in the Adriatic Sea Is a Sneak Peek at Looming Natural Disasters
A malfunction at an oil refinery caused an oil spill in the Adriatic Sea off the coast in Croatia last week, wreaking havoc on the local environment and spreading panic.
A Group of Anti-Corruption Activists Was Attacked Today in Russia. Wanna Buy Some Plane Tickets?
News of an attack on activists is the leading news story across much of Russian social media today, and the travel company Aviasales decided to capitalize on the story.
Ugandans Are Finally Back on Social Media After Days-Long Blackout
The Uganda Communications Commission ordered the sites blocked for "security reasons" ahead of President Yoweri Museveni's inauguration. Authorities also blocked access to social media during elections in February.
‘Biko Zulu’, ‘They Call Me Daktari’ and ‘Mummy Tales’ Among the Winners of the Kenyan Blog Awards
The winners of the Kenyan Blog Awards 2016 were announced at a gala event that took place on May 14 in Kenya's capital Nairobi.
Prepare for Pushback If You Call Jamaica Violent (Even Though It Can Be)
"These pockets of violence [...] are not as insignificant as we think. We have not begun to uncover the various forms of violence [...] in our society. Violence is pervasive."
Singaporeans Are Urged to Eat Less Rice, As Fears Grow About Links to Diabetes
Does eating rice pose a greater risk of diabetes that consuming sugar? Singaporeans are duking it out over this very question.
Beijing Police Really Want You to Know a Man Who Died in Custody Was Accused of Soliciting a Prostitute
As if that really matters. The troubling case has left some netizens believing that police are trying to cover up a young environmentalist's death after he was arrested.
Cameroonian Rapper Valsero Launches a Scathing Musical Attack on President Biya's 33-Year Rule
"Look at these youths! All they dream of is to go far away / Look at these youths! They’ve lost the will to fight because it’s not worth it"
Russians Aren't Happy About Losing Eurovision, But They Weren't Happy Before, Either
Russia's narrow defeat this weekend in the 2016 Eurovision music contest wasn't the only tension in a competition full of lights, pyrotechnics, and nationalism.
Chinese Censors Crack Down on ‘Illegal’ Live-Streaming, Including Erotic Banana Eating
As it is impossible to pre-screen live-streamed content, China's public security bureau has set up a police station at the office of major live-streaming platform to oversee what is broadcast.
Anti-Counterfeiting Group Ousts Alibaba, Chinese Consumers Unsympathetic
"Stay at home. If your counterfeits are high quality and cheap, Chinese people will support you and no one will disqualify you."
Taking Back Japan, One History Textbook at a Time?
By pushing for the omission of certain ideas from history textbooks, the current Japanese administration is promoting a revisionist view of the country's past. Will they succeed?
Ethiopian Blogger and Activist Sentenced to Five Years and Four Months
Ethiopia's state prosecutor conflated digital security training with terrorism. A local judge agreed.
A Hub for African Digital Art, From Science Fiction Maasai Warriors to Star Wars Re-Imagined in Africa
What if after an annihilation of humans by a lethal virus brought by aliens, the only survivors were the beautiful and strong Maasai people?
Lower Castes in India Are Still Clearing Human Waste With Their Bare Hands, Despite Laws Against It
According to a recent report, many rural households in India continue to engage in manual scavenging, finding that it has less to do with poverty than with enduring caste-based discrimination.
Five Things to Know About the Millions of Dead Fish Washing Up on Vietnam's Central Coast
"Clearly they don’t look at us as people, but animals. They want us to die with the fish."
Indonesians Light Candles and Seek Justice for Murdered Teenage Rape Victim
"We're all saddened by the tragic loss of Yuyun. Perpetrators must be arrested and receive maximum punishment. Women and children must be protected from violence."
Striking Google Satellite Photos Show Landslide Damage in Japan After Earthquakes
At least 49 people died in collapsed buildings and landslides, and tens of thousands more were evacuated as the result of frequent and violent aftershocks.
Bulgarian ‘Green’ Activist Faces Lawsuit Over Facebook Post
Bulgarian eco-activist Borislav Sandov was sentenced for "insulting" the director of a mining company through a Facebook status. Court of appeals will hear his case at the end of May.
Cue the Next Witch-Hunt Against Russia's News Media
If Moscow is saddling up for another offensive against “foreign agents,” Ilya Ukhov couldn’t have timed it better when he claimed Dozhd might secretly receive funding from the US government.
Where Is Zeenat Shahzadi? Missing Journalist Is Suspected Victim of Pakistan's Enforced Disappearances
"It is getting to the point when anyone of us can disappear for seeking or speaking the truth..."