Africa
Rebels blamed for church bombing in Democratic Republic of Congo – Islamic State group-affiliated rebels are accused of bombing and killing 17 people at a church in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Allied Democratic Forces reportedly targeted the church this past Sunday and left 39 people wounded. The group is active in eastern Congo, and a Kenyan national was arrested in connection with the attack.
Tiger on the loose in South Africa – South African officials say a privately owned tiger escaped from a private property. The animal escaped after a fence at the property was cut. It attacked a person, killed a dog, and mauled another one. A special police force was deployed to search for the animal. Authorities believe the tiger was hiding in a bushy area for shade and are hoping to lure it when it needs to drink water.
Asia
Former Afghan official killed – Mursal Nabizada, a former member of Afghanistan’s parliament, was shot and killed at her home. She was 32 and was one of the few women members of parliament who stayed in Kabul after the Taliban seized power in 2021. Nabizada is described as a fearless champion for Afghanistan who turned down a chance to leave the country.
Japan set to release radioactive water into sea – Japan is planning to release more than a million tons of water into the sea from a destroyed nuclear plant. The operator of the plant said after treatment, the levels of most radioactive particles meet the national standard. The International Atomic Energy Agency said the activity is safe, but groups like the Pacific Islands Forum have criticized Japan for an alleged lack of transparency.
Europe
Mafia boss arrested in Italy – Matteo Messina Denaro, the alleged boss of the Cosa Nostra Mafia, was arrested in Sicily after 30 years on the run. He was detained at a clinic where he was receiving treatment for cancer. Denaro was Italy’s most-wanted mafia boss. He was tried and sentenced to life in jail in 2002 over a variety of murders. Italy Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called the arrest a “great victory for the state.”
German defense minister resigns – Germany Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht has resigned from her position. Germany is under pressure to allow the delivery of German-built battle tanks to Ukraine. Lambrecht was mocked for announcing that Germany was sending 5,000 military hel- mets to Ukraine. She was also criticized for not improving the country’s poor equipped armed forces.
Latin America
Mexico introduces strict tobacco laws – Mexico has enacted a total ban on smoking in public places. Tobacco companies are also not allowed to advertise or promote their products. Groups like the Pan American Health Organization have applauded Mexico’s efforts to curb tobacco use. Other Latin American countries have passed laws that create smoke-free public spaces.
Peru protests leave 17 dead – At least 17 people died in violent protests in southeastern Peru. Supporters of ex-President Pedro Castillo and security forces clashed in the incident. Castillo was arrested last month for attempting to dissolve Congress. Since then, his supporters have protested and blocked roads for weeks. Castillo is under investigation on charges of rebellion and conspiracy.
North America
UFO reports by U.S. troops rise – A new report by the United States government suggests that UFO sightings by U.S. troops has increased. The government is aware of 510 reported sightings, which is an increase compared to the first 2021 assessment. The report reads that encounters with UFOs continue “to occur in restricted or sensitive air space, highlighting possible concerns of safety.”
Trump company fined for tax fraud – Former President Donald Trump’s real estate company was fined $1.6 million for tax crimes. A New York Court found that the Trump Organization was guilty of fraud and falsifying business records. Trump and his family were not part of the trial. He is facing other legal battles including a lawsuit against him and his children over allegations of fraud.
