Briefly

UNITED STATES

2 dead, 19 injured after chemical leak at plant

At least two people were killed and 19 others were hospitalized on Wednesday after a chemical leak at a silver catalyst plant in the US state of West Virginia, local authorities said. The incident happened during a shutdown process at a facility near Charleston, when two chemicals were accidentally mixed, producing toxic hydrogen sulfide gas. Seven emergency responders were among the injured. Authorities have launched an investigation, and state agencies are coordinating a response.

PERU

Ministers resign over US jet deal delay Peru's Defense Minister Carlos Diaz and Foreign Minister Hugo de Zela resigned on Wednesday after a dispute over delay in the purchase of US-made F-16 fighter jets. President Jose Balcazar said the decision aimed to ensure prudent public spending and left the deal to the next administration. Both ministers opposed the delay, warning it could affect Peru's credibility and national security. The move comes amid a political transition, with a new president expected to take office in July.

ARGENTINA

Milei proposes electoral reform, scraps primaries

Argentina's President Javier Milei has sent Congress a bill to reform the electoral system, aiming to cut costs and boost transparency. The proposal would scrap mandatory primary elections, tighten party rules, raise thresholds for political parties and bar convicted candidates from running. The government said the move is part of efforts to shrink the state and reduce spending, noting the 2023 primaries cost about 45 billion pesos ($32.65 million). The bill requires congressional approval.

Xinhua - Agencies