Africa
BMW to export cars from South Africa – German carmaker BMW is planning to export its electric vehicles from South Africa to other countries. Currently, South Africa manufacturers other international vehicles for other carmakers like Toyota and Ford. BMW is planning on producing vehicles at the company’s Rosslyn plant thanks to an investment of around $225 million, the carmaker said.
Night bus travel ban lifted in Tanzania – For the first time since the 1990s, people who live in Tanzania will be able to travel on buses at night. The ban was originally imposed because of a rise in road accidents and hijacking of buses, according to government officials. Now, the country is planning on working on a procedure to be followed by owners and drivers of buses for nighttime travel. Growth in the transport sector is expected to rise.
Asia
Cambodia threatens Facebook ban – Cambodia leader Hun Sen threatened to block Facebook in the country after the social media platform recommended he be suspended for six months. Earlier this year, he posted a video on Facebook calling for violence against his political opponents. The video was viewed 600,000 times. Hun Sen called for Cambodians to use other social media channels like TikTok and Telegram.
Pakistan to receive bailout funds – Pakistan reached a deal with the International Monetary Fund that will bring in more than $3 billion of funding to the country. The country is facing its worst economic crisis since it became an independent country in 1947. Estimates show that Pakistan needs more than $16 billion to recover from flooding that took place in 2022. For years, the country has struggled to stabilize its economy.
Europe
Protests ensue after policeman shoots teen in France – Nights of unrest ensued in France after a French policeman shot and killed a teenager during a traffic stop near Paris. The victim, Nahel M, was shot at point-blank range and was 17 years old. At least 667 people were arrested dur- ing one night of protests. France deployed 40,000 police officers across the country in response to the protests. The officer was charged with homicide and is currently in custody.
Man caught carving names at Rome’s ancient Colosseum – An unnamed man is facing a large fine or jail time up to five years, if charged and convicted, after he was filmed carving names into a wall at Rome’s ancient Colosseum. Italian police said the man was a tourist who lives in the UK. Italian Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano said the act was offensive to everyone in the world who appreciates the value of archaeology, monu- ments and history. The Colosseum is nearly 2,000 years old and is Italy’s most popular tourist site.
Latin America
Thirteen dead after shooting in Honduras Choloma, a Honduras town, is under curfew after 13 people were shot and killed at a birthday party. The curfew will run for 15 days. Officials said the measure was put in place in response to “the brutal and ruthless terrorist attack by hired killers trained and directed by drug lords.” Honduras is offering a $33,000 reward for help identifying and capturing those responsible for the shooting.
Bolsonaro trial begins – Former Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro’s trial has started in Brasilia. He is accused of abusing his power and spreading false information about Brazil’s electoral system during last year’s presidential election. Judges have the power to ban him from running for office for eight years. Bolsonaro spent the past three months in Florida for a self-imposed exile and has not said if he plans to run for president in 2026.
North America
Madonna discharged from hospital – Singer Madonna was discharged from a hospital and is feeling better after staying in intensive care because of a serious bacterial infection. She was preparing to begin a seven-month world tour before falling ill. Doctors said her condition became extremely serious and required treatment in intensive care. Various pop stars, actors/actresses, and others publicly sent good wishes to Madonna.
Police officer found not guilty over Parkland school shooting response – Scot Peterson, a former sheriff’s deputy, was found not guilty after staying outside when a gunman opened fire at a Florida high school in 2018. He was facing 11 charges, includ- ing felony child neglect, culpable negligence and perjury. Peterson is believed to be the first officer in America charged with failing to respond to a school shooting. In 2018, a gunman killed 19 children, two teachers and injured 17 others at Marjory Stonemason Douglas High School.
