Africa
Bandits target church in Nigeria – An unknown number of criminals on motorcycles targeted four villages in Nigeria before later targeting Maranatha Baptist and St. Moses Catholic churches. At least three people were killed and two others were injured, according to local reports. Authorities also noted that several people were kidnapped. In early June, 40 people were killed in Nigeria when attackers targeted another church.
Burkina Faso army’s operation against jihadist fighters – Burkina Faso’s army killed at least 128 jihadist fighters in three military operations. The attacks took place in the air and ground and intensified between mid-May and mid-June. Earlier this year, Burkina Faso’s military seized power in a coup, saying the government has failed to protect its citizens from militants. In May, militants killed more than 80 people and displaced thousands in Burkina Faso.
Asia
Japan court rules in favor of ban on gay marriages – In a district court in Japan, a judge has ruled that the country’s ban on same-sex marriages does not violate its constitution. Another district court in 2021 ruled that not recognizing same-sex marriages was unconstitutional. Japan is the only country in the G7 group of developed nations that doesn’t allow same-sex marriages. Tokyo and other parts of the country offer partnership certificates to help same-sex couples rent and have hospital visitation rights.
Flooding in India and Bangladesh – Millions of people are stranded in India and Bangladesh while dozens have been killed because of lightning and landslides caused by monsoon storms. Forecast shows that flooding is expected to get worse in the coming days. Schools are being used as shelters and troops are working to evacuate households.
Europe
Russia blocking Ukraine grain – EU Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell said Russia is blocking millions of tons of Ukrainian grain. Borrell called the situation a “real war crime” and said the blockade puts tens of millions of people at risk of famine. Ukraine plays an important role in the global grain supply. EU leaders are set to meet to discuss the blockade.
France bans some outdoor events due to heat – Parts of France are banning outdoor public events like concerts because of the heat. Periods of intense heat are lasting longer because of global warming, scientists say. Other European countries like Spain, Italy and the UK are also suffering from high temperatures. Hot air has moved from north Africa to France and is the earliest hot spell to ever hit the country, according to state forecaster Meteo France.
Latin America
Gustavo Petro wins Colombia’s presidential election – Petro is slated to become Colombia’s first ever left-wing leader after defeating millionaire Rodolfo Hernandez. Petro told Colombians that real change is coming to the country at his victory speech on Sunday. His running mate, Francia Marquez, will become the country’s first Black vice-president. Petro is a former member if the M-19 rebel group that was established in response to alleged fraud in Colombia’s 1970 elections.
Mexican politician lynched – Daniel Picazo, who worked as an advisor in Mexico’s parliament, was lynched by a mob after rumors accusing him of kidnapping children spread on messaging groups. Picazo was attacked by a group of around 200 people in Puebla. No arrests have been made, but officials said they are investigating what happened to determine responsibility. Officials like Congresswoman Johanna Torres denounced the attack.
North America
U.S. teacher sentenced in Russia – Marc Fogel, who previously worked at the U.S. Embassy in Moscow and as an English teacher in the city, was sentenced to 14 years in prison in the country for “large scale” cannabis smuggling. He was sentenced in the same jurisdiction that is hearing a marijuana-related case against WNBA basketball player Brittney Griner. Marijuana is illegal in Russia.
Apple store workers unionize – Employees at an Apple store in Maryland became the first Apple employees to unionize in the U.S. Other Apple stores in the country, like in Atlanta and New York, are also working toward unionization. Some reports suggest that Apple hired a law firm known for its union expertise. The Maryland Apple store voted 65-33 in favor of unionizing.
