Africa
Kenyan climbs Mount Everest – James Kagambi was greeted with a hero’s welcome when he returned back to Kenya after climbing Mount Everest. Kagambi is the first Black Kenyan to climb Mount Everest and was part of the first all-Black team to climb the mountain. He is a 62-year-old retired school teacher and said he was surprised to see the summit crowded.
Uganda deals with high living costs – Uganda President Yoweri Museveni said the country’s government will not intervene in the rising costs of goods. Uganda has seen prices of imported raw materials, food, and other products rise due to a crisis facing many other countries due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Museveni said Uganda will need to frugally use imported items it can afford.
Asia
Kim Jong-un lays mentor to rest – Photos from North Korean state media showed Kim Jong-un carrying the coffin of former Korean People’s Army Marshal Hyon Chol-hae. It is believed that Chol-hae groomed Kim Jong-un to be North Korea’s leader. Kim Jong-un was pictured not wearing a mask as the country deals with a wave of COVID cases. North Korea media said “a great many” of soldiers and citizens attended the funeral.
Taliban orders women broadcasters to cover face – The Taliban have ordered Afghan TV women journalists to cover their face while on television. The group also recently ordered all women to wear a face veil while in public. The Taliban have also banned women from traveling without a man and secondary schools are not allowing girls to attend classes. Anyone who refuses to follow the Taliban’s laws are at risk of being punished.
Europe
Officials monitor monkeypox near Irish border – Health officials have been deployed to Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland because of the monkeypox. There are no reported cases in either area, but officials said they want to be prepared for possible infections. Monkeypox can cause mild flu-like symptoms and a rash. The UK has reported 20 cases so far.
Russian diplomat quits – Boris Bondarev, a Russian diplomat to the United Nations, quit his position because of Russia’s invasion in Ukraine. He said he has never been so ashamed of his country and called the war “bloody, witless and absolutely needless.” Ukraine has called for maximum sanctions against Russia like an oil embargo. Russia has reportedly been using “scorched earth” tactics in eastern Ukraine recently.
Latin America
Costa Rica takes aim at hackers – Costa Rica President Rodrigo Chaves said the country is at war with hackers who targeted 27 government institutions. Hackers have caused disruption to IT systems of the government institutions. Chaves recently introduced a plan to target the Conti ransomware cartel who is demanding a ransom of $20 million. The hack affected automatic payment services, causing some residents to not be paid on time.
100,000 Mexicans missing- Government data shows that a record 100,000 people disappeared in Mexico. Most of the disappearances have occurred since 2007 when the country launched a “war on drugs.” Many of those who are missing are victims of organized crime. Relatives of those who are missing accused the Mexican government of not doing enough to find their loved ones. Only 35 of the disappearances have led to convictions.
North America
Elon Musk accused of sexual misconduct – Elon Musk, the world’s richest man, is accused of groping and exposing himself to an employee at his SpaceX rocket company. Reports allege that SpaceX paid the employee $250,000 to settle the claim. Musk tweeted that the accusations are “utterly untrue.” Tesla, Musk’s electric car company, saw shares drop after the news came out.
United States offers vaccines to North Korea – As North Korea deals with nearly 2.5 million suspected COVID cases, President Joe Biden has offered the country COVID vaccines. North Korea has yet to respond to the offer. The country is believed to be vulnerable to the virus because of a lack of testing and vaccines. North Korea has previously turned down vaccines from Covax and from South Korea.
