Africa
South africa gets snow for first time in a decade – For the first time in over 10 years, South Africa’s largest city had snow fall. Temperatures in Johannesburg are expected to remain cold throughout the week, and meteorologists are keeping a close eye on the weather. Snow hit other parts of the country including the Eastern Cape, Mpumalanga and the Gauteng region which includes Johannesburg.
Air strike kills 22 in sudan – At least 22 people were killed by a Sudanese army air strike. Among the victims were women and children. The area has seen heavy conflict since April between the army and a paramilitary force who have been battling for control of the capital Khartoum. Nearly three million people have been forced from their homes because of the conflict.
Asia
China kindergarten stabbing – Police say they arrested a 25-year-old man who is accused of stabbing six people at a kindergarten in China. Among those who were killed include three children, a teacher and two parents. It is unknown what the attacker’s motive was, but police said the stabbing was an intentional assault. China has seen a rise in knife attacks in recent years.
Vietnam bans Barbie movie – The upcoming Barbie film has been banned in Vietnam because of a scene that shows a map depicting Chinese territorial claims in the South China Sea. A senior Vietnamese official called a scene in the movie offensive, but it is unclear which scene they are referring to. China, Vietnam, the Philippines and other countries all have competing claims in the South China Sea.
Europe
France bans fireworks purchases – Residents in France have been banned from selling, possessing or transporting fireworks in anticipation of the Bastille Day festivities. The day falls on July 14 and is a celebration of France’s national day. Fireworks were used as a weapon during protests over the police killing of a 17-year-old. France’s Prime Minister said many people are worried about more violence during the holiday.
First openly gay president in eU sworn in – Lativa President Edgars Rinkevics became the first openly gay head of state of a European Union country when he was sworn into office. He served as the country’s foreign minister since 2011 and said fighting against corruption, crime and cartels must be a national priority. Gay marriage is illegal in Lativa but same sex unions are recognized.
Latin America
Mexican journalist’s body found Police in the Mexican state of Nayarit discovered the body of a journalist for one of Mexico’s top newspapers. The body of Luis Sánchez was found in the village of El Ahuacate, a day after he was reported missing. Sánchez is one of three journalists to have been abducted in the state recently. Many journalists who have been targeted in Mexico covered corruption or powerful drug cartels.
Bolsonaro banned from elections for eight years – Former Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro has been banned from running for office for eight years after he was found guilty of abusing his power ahead of last year’s election. He falsely claimed election ballots were vulnerable to hacking and fraud. Bolsonaro will not be eligible to run for office again until 2030. He called the decision a stab in the back and plans to keep advocating for right-wing politics.
North America
Larry Nassar stabbed in prison – Former U.S. national gymnastics team doctor Larry Nassar was stabbed multiple times during a fight with another inmate. He is currently serving a sentence up to 175 years for molesting gymnasts and is in stable condition. Reports read he suffered a collapsed lung after being stabbed twice in the neck, twice in the back and six times in the chest. Over 330 women and girls accused Nassar of sexual abuse.
Walmart gunman sentenced – A 24-year-old in El Paso, Texas pleaded guilty for killing 23 people at a Walmart in 2019. The shooting was one of the deadliest of its kind in American history, and the killer, Patrick Crusius could still face the death penalty on capital murder charges in state court. He targeted mostly Hispanic shoppers during the attack and had posted anti-immigrant content online minutes before shooting shoppers.
