Africa
Most young Africans want to leave the continent – According to the African Youth Survey, which involved researchers interviewing more than 4,000 people aged 18-24, more than half of young Africans plan to emigrate in the next couple of years. Researchers reported that those who were surveyed said governments should prioritize creating well-paid jobs, reducing corruption, and fight climate change. Survey results show that two-thirds of young African people are not optimistic about the direction of the continent.
Missing activist found dead Moreblessing – Ali, a Zimbabwean opposition party activist, was found dead after a large search was conducted. She was reported missing after an argument with her former boyfriend, Pius Jambo. He is a supporter of the ruling party and is accused of dragging her from a bar in May. Jambo is linked to previous attacks against opposition supporters.
Asia
More than 150 COVID cases linked to bar in China – After widespread testing in Beijing, more than 166 COVID cases were linked to a bar in the city. China is the world’s only major economy that is still enforcing a zero COVID policy. Residents who live near the bar will be tested for the virus for three days. The outbreak came from a bar called the Heaven Supermarket Bar, located in an entertainment district.
Indian soldiers charged over failed raid – Police in north-eastern India have charged 30 soldiers over the killings of civilians in a military operation that took place last year. Reports suggest that the soldiers shot at miners who they mistook for militants. Indian army officials apologized for the killings and ordered an investigation. Indian law allows for protection from prosecution for soldiers who mistakenly kill civilians.
Europe
Russia introduces McDonald’s replacement – Earlier this year, McDonald’s shut down operations in Russia because of the country’s invasion of Ukraine. But last week, the country introduced rebranded restaurants titled “Vkusno I Tochka.” The name translates to “Tasty and that’s it.” Oleg Paroyev, CEO of Vkusno I Tochka, said the company’s goal is to ensure that guests do not notice a difference in the quality of food or ambiance.
Trial starts for alleged border rapist in France – Dino Scala, who is accused of carrying out rapes and sexual assaults over a 30-year span, is set to face trial in France. He has confessed to 40 attacks on girls and women in communities near the French border with Belgium. Scala is a former caretaker and soccer coach and was arrested in 2018 after a 17-year-old girl was attacked. Some of Scala’s victims are not alive while others have refused to appear at the trial. Other victims have stated that they hope they have a chance to be heard at the trial.
Latin America
Reports suggest missing bodies found in the Amazon – Earlier this week, Brazilian media reported that the bodies of a journalist and indigenous expert who were reported missing in the Amazon were found. However, Brazilian police denied the reports and said that they have discovered items that belonged to the missing residents and “biological material.” Dom Phillips and Bruno Pereira have been missing since June 5. Both men received threats for their work supporting indigenous rights, according to local groups.
Megachurch leader jailed in Mexico – Naason Joaquin Garcia, leader of the La Luz del Mundo mega church, pleaded guilty to three counts of sexually abusing girls from his congregation. The church was founded in Mexico in 1926 by Garcia’s grandfather. Garcia is known as the “Apostle” by his followers. The church is headquartered in Mexico and had more than 188,000 followers in 2019.
North America
White supremacists arrested at Idaho gay pride event – Police arrested 31 members of the Patriot Front white supremacist group at a gay pride event. The group was allegedly planning to riot at the event and were found with riot gear and a smoke grenade. Photos showed the men in masks kneeling with their hands tied behind their backs. Police say they were tipped by a resident who said the group looked like an army.
Inflation in the United States – The Department of Labor reported that the annual inflation rate rose to 8.6 percent in May. Inflation in the United States is at its highest rate since 1981. The war in Ukraine has contributed to higher prices of oil and commodities. Food for example costs 10% more last month compared to May 2021. President Joe Biden recently said the country needs to do more quickly to get prices down.
