Africa
Kenyan preacher arrested over starvation allegations – Kenyan preacher Makenzie Nthenge was arrested after being linked to the deaths of four people who died from starvation after following radical religious teachings. He is behind the religious cult, Good News International Church, in which his followers were willing to fast to death after being convinced it was a quick way to meet Jesus. Reports suggest some of his followers went as long as 21 days without food.
Rebels refuse to demobilize in Democratic Republic of Congo – The M23 rebel group in the Democratic Republic of Congo said it refuses to disarm or demobilize in the country. The country’s president recently said there would be no political negotiations with the rebels, and that according to an agreement with regional states, the group is expected to demobilize before returning to civilian life. Over the past year and a half, nearly a million people have been displaced by fighting in the country.
Asia
Chinese trapeze artist dies while performing – Over the weekend, a Chinese acrobat died after falling during a performance. The woman, surnamed Sun, fell from a significant height after another performer didn’t catch her with his legs during a transition. The performer is Sun’s husband, surnamed Zhang. Sun leaves behind two children, and an investigation into the incident is underway.
Sydney no longer Australia’s largest city – For the first time since the 19th century, Sydney is no longer Australia’s most populus city because of a boundary change. Melbourne is now the most populus city in the country after the city limits were expanded to include the Melton area. Melbourne is home to 4,875,400 people, which is 18,700 more than Sydney.
Europe
Putin critic jailed – Vladimir Kara-Murza, a Russian opposition activist, has been sentenced to 25 years in jail in Russia. He was charged with treason for criticizing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and spreading “false” information about the Russian army. Kara-Murza has spoken out against Russian President Vladimir Putin for years. His sentence has been widely condemned and a judge only took minutes to rule on his case.
Woman emerges from cave after 500 days – Beatriz Flamini, a Spanish extreme athlete, emerged from a cave after spending 500 days without any human contact. She entered the cave in Russia as part of an experiment monitored by scientists. Experts used her time in isolation to study the impact of social isolation and extreme temporary disorientation on people’s perception of time. To pass the time, Flamini exercised, drew, and knitted hats.
Latin America
Mayan scoreboard discovered – Archaeologists in Mexico discovered a carved stone believed to have been used as a scoreboard for pelota, a ball game played by the Mayans. The artifact is believed to be around 1,200 years old and was found at the Chichen Itza archaeological site. The item was found half a meter underground, and researchers are working to determine what the writing on it means.
Former Peru minister found guilty in journalist’s death – Daniel Urresti, a former Peruvian minister, has been sentenced to 12 years in jail after being found complicit in the killing of journalist Hugo Bustíos. The court found that Urresti, (who at the time was a military intelligence officer in the army), took part in Bustíos’ murder. Bustíos reported on human rights abuses, and judges concluded that his murder was premeditated.
North America
Shooting at birthday party in Alabama leaves four dead – At least four people were killed in a mass shooting at a teenager’s birthday party in Alabama. The victims are between the ages of 17 and 23, and it is unknown if a suspect is in in custody. At least 28 others were injured, some critically. There were around 50 people at the party, and reports suggest someone from outside the community came in and began shooting. There have been more than 160 mass shootings in the United States this year.
Montana bans TikTok – Montana became the first state to pass legislation that bans the social media app TikTok on personal devices. The app has been accused of posing a national security risk through data gathered by users. If signed into law by the state’s governor, the ban would take place in January. TikTok suggested it would take legal action to fight the legislation.
