By: Joseph Rios
Africa
Top Kenyan cyclist dies – Sule Kangangi, a 33-year-old cyclist for Kenya, died after crashing while participating in the Vermont Overland race on Saturday. Kangangi represented Kenya at the Tour du Rwanda contest, Commonwealth Games and All African games. He also won the men’s edition of the first gravel race held in East Africa at the Massai Mara game reserve in Kenya.
Former South Africa railway executives arrested – Brian Molefe, former CEO of South Africa’s state-owned ports and freight rail company Transnet, and Anoj Singh, who was the company’ chief financial officer, were arrested Monday. The two were linked to a multimillion-dollar fraud corruption case. Both men are facing charges of fraud, corruption and money laundering.
Asia
Protests held over release of rap- ists in India – Across India, protests are being held against the government’s decision to release 11 men who were jailed for life for the gang rape of a Muslim woman. The men had served 15 years in prison and were seen meeting relatives outside the jail who gave them sweets and touched their feet to show respect. At least 100 retired civil servants wrote to the chief justice of India condemning the rapists’ release.
Pakistan seeks flood aid – Monsoon rains have killed at least 1,033 people in Pakistan. Countries like the United States and the United Kingdom have contributed to a disaster appeal, but Pakistan says more funds are needed. In the province of Sindh, thousands of people have been displaced from their homes. Other parts of the coun- try have also seen large amounts of people flee. Officials blamed climate change for the heavy flooding.
Europe
Drought worsens in Spain – Recent research shows that parts of the Iberian Peninsula are their driest in 1,200 years. Extreme heat and a lack of rainfall has led to a serious drop in levels of Spain’s natural water reserves. The Global Drought Observatory recently reported that Europe is in the midst of its worst drought in 500 years. The European Forest Fire Information System said more than 270,000 hectares have been burnt this year in Spain.
UN nuclear watchdog to travel to Ukraine – The UN’s International Atomic Energy Agency will travel to the Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. The site has been occupied by Russian troops since March. Fighting around the site has caused global concern over the safety and security of the nuclear plant. Ukraine and Russia accused each other of shelling the area. The International Atomic Energy Agency said it must protect the safety and security of the nuclear plant.
Latin America
Last member of indigenous group in Brazil dies – Officials in Brazil announced that the last remaining member of an uncon- tacted indigenous group in Brazil died. The man had lived in total isolation for the past 26 years and was known as Man of the Hole because he dug deep holes. He was the last remaining member of an indigenous group who lived in the Tanaru indigenous area in the state of Rondônia. A majority of his tribe were likely killed by ranchers in the 1970s.
Peru sues company over oil spill
Peru’s consumer protection agency will sue Repsol, a Spanish oil firm, because of an oil spill that occurred in January. The spill left beaches blackened off the coast of Lima and was called the worst ecological disaster around the area by the country. At least 10,000 barrels were leaked into the Pacific Ocean. Respol denied responsibility and said the spill was caused by the oil tanker.
North America
U.S. warships pass through Taiwan Strait – For the first time since tensions between Taiwan and China increased, two U.S. warships passed through the Taiwan Strait. Tensions between the countries increased after U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan earlier this month. The U.S. Navy said the trip through the Taiwan Strait demonstrated the United States’ commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.
Former White House pastry chef passes – Roland Mesnier, who served as a pastry chef at the White House for five presidents, passed at the age of 78. He was first hired during Jimmy Carter’s presidency in 1979 and retired in 2004 when President George W Bush was in office. Mesnier wrote that in 27 years at the White House, he never served the same dish twice. Former first lady Hiliary Clinton tweeted that she has fond memories of Mesnier and that he will be missed. Mesnier died after suffering from a short illness.
