by Ifreke Inyang

A review of the stories that made headlines last week (23rd May – 29th May, 2011).

MONDAY

At least 89 people were killed as a tornado tears through the city of Joplin in the US state of Missouri, cutting a path six miles long.

US President Barack Obama arrived in the Republic of Ireland at the start of a week-long tour of Europe, which also includes the UK, France and Poland.

Ash from a volcanic eruption in Iceland could begin to drift across the UK towards the end of the week, the Met Office said.

TUESDAY

One person was killed and at least 20 hurt in an explosion at an Iranian oil refinery coinciding with an opening ceremony attended by President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

South Africa’s second-biggest drug maker Adcock Ingram reported a flat half-year profit as acquisitions and new distribution partnership were offset by the suspension of key drugs at home.

Internet and media bosses gathered in Paris for talks on the internet’s future, ahead of the web being discussed at the upcoming G8 summit.

WEDNESDAY

Fifa began investigations into the allegations against four officials, including vice-president Jack Warner and presidential candidate Mohamed bin Hammam.

French Finance Minister Christine Lagarde announced her candidacy to lead the IMF, after Dominique Strauss-Kahn quit over sex charges.

Veteran talk show host Oprah Winfrey’s final programme was broadcasted on Wednesday after 25 years on air.

THURSDAY

South Sudan’s leader Salva Kiir said he will not lead his people back into conflict with the north over the disputed region of Abyei after its seizure at the weekend.

Leaders of some of the world’s wealthiest nations met in France for a summit set to be dominated by uprisings in the Arab world.

The US ordered all its non-essential diplomatic staff to leave Yemen and issues an advisory against travel there as clashes escalate.

Ratko Mladic, wanted for the Srebrenica massacre of Bosnian Muslims, was arrested in Serbia and moves to extradite him to The Hague tribunal begin.

Central Bank governor appears before senate to defend cash withdrawal limitation policy

FRIDAY

ASUU president, Ukachukwu Awuzie, said the association’s agreement with the federal government must be passed into law and that the planned strike was non-negotiable.

Fifa president Sepp Blatter was placed under investigation by the organisation’s ethics committee over accusations that he failed to report the payment of alleged bribes.

Greek leaders meeting in Athens failed to give cross-party support to Prime Minister George Papandreou’s new austerity plan.

SATURDAY

Gil Scott-Heron – the influential US musician, poet and author, known as the “godfather of rap” died in a New York hospital at the age of 62.

A US man detained in North Korea for six months was released and he left for China with a US government delegation.

Barcelona lifted the Champions League trophy after defeating Manchester United 3-1 at Wembley. The goals came from Pedro Rodriguez, Lionel Messi and David Villa.