Africa
Ghana is Africa’s top gold producer – Thanks to a 32 percent surge in gold production last year, Ghana regained its status as the largest producer of gold in Africa. Officials pointed to an increase in production in both small-scale and large-scale mining for the surge. Experts and Ghana’s government warned that the country could have to import drinking water soon if illegal gold mining in rivers and other bodies of water continues.
Militants target displaced people in DR Congo – At least 40 people were killed by the militia group, Codeco (Cooperative for Development of the Congo) early Monday morning. The group targeted a camp for displaced people in the eastern part of the country. Reports read that militants shot and hacked residents before setting fire to huts. The group claims to defend the interests of Lendu farmers.
Asia
India state prepares for cyclone – Residents living in Gujarat, a western Indian state, are preparing for an extremely severe cyclone that is expected to hit the area on Thursday. Heavy rains and high tides are expected, and residents have been told to avoid visiting beaches. The storm could potentially reach wind speeds of 125 mph, and state government deployed national and state disaster response teams in areas likely to be affected by the storm.
China takes aim at AirDrop and Bluetooth – China’s national internet regulator launched a public consultation on proposals that would restrict the use of mobile file-sharing services like AirDrop and Bluetooth. Anti-government activists typically use AirDrop to organize and share their political opinions. In China, iPhone and other Apple products can only be used for 10 minutes when receiving files from people who are not listed as a contact.
Europe
Former Italian Prime Minister dies – Silvio Berlusconi, the former Prime Minister of Italy, died at a hospital in Milan where he was being treated for a lung infection. He was the longest serving Prime Minister in post-war Italy and faced various sex scandals and corruption cases throughout his career. He was in office from 1994 to 2011, and Italy is planning a national day of mourning this week.
Ukraine claims to liberate village in country – Ukraine officials said it liberated four villages in the south-east of the country. Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the country has started a counter-offensive attack on Russian troops. Over the weekend, the Ukrainian military claimed Russia troops blew up a dam that caused flooding and mass evacuations. Russia blamed Ukraine for the damaged dam.
Latin America
Deadly earthquake strikes Haiti – Just days after being hit with severe flooding, an earthquake struck the Haitian city of Jérémie, leaving three people dead. Recently, torrential rains displaced more than 13,000 people in the country. Government officials called for international partners to take “urgent measures” to assist the country. The World Food Program is planning to provide hot meals to those who have been displaced.
Crocodile impregnates itself in Costa Rica zoo – For the first time, experts found a case of a crocodile making herself pregnant at a zoo in Costa Rica. The animal’s offspring was 99.9 percent genetically identical to herself. “Virgin births” have been found in species of birds, fish, and other reptiles, but never crocodiles. The crocodile who laid the egg was kept apart from other crocodiles its entire life.
North America
U.S. musician detained in Russia – Michael Travis Leake, an American musician and former paratrooper, was detained in Russia. He is accused of organizing “the sale of drugs to young people,” and denied all charges. In a video from Russian state television, Leake was shown locked in a metal cage. The U.S. State Department said staff attended Leake’s hearing over the weekend.
Unabomber found dead in prison – Ted Kaczynski, known as the Unabomber, was found dead in his prison cell. He killed three people and injured 23 others during a mail-bombing spree between 1978 and 1995. Kaczynski was sentenced to life without parole in 1996 after avoiding law enforcement for nearly 20 years. He spent the past 30 years held at prisons across the United States, including in Colorado.
