Africa
Gas blast kills three in Kenya
Three people were killed and nearly 300 others were injured when a gas blast occurred in Kenyan’s capital, Nairobi. The incident stemmed for a lorry carrying gas cylinders. Additionally, housing, businesses, and cars were damaged. At least 271 of those injured were taken to a hospital, including 25 children.
Sudan starvation rising
Recent reports to the World Food Program suggest people are dying from starvation in Sudan. War since April 2023 has displaced millions of people. Since then, violence has heated up between the country’s army and a rival paramilitary force. It is estimated that nearly five million people in Sudan face emergency levels of hunger.
Asia
India purchases armed drones
India will purchase 31 armed drones, missiles and other equipment from the United States. The cost of the weapons and equipment is around $4 billion. The deal was approved by the United States government, saying the purpose of the deal was to support foreign policy and national security objectives.
Japan sued over alleged racial profiling
Three residents in Japan are suing the country’s government, alleging they were the subjects of racial profiling. The men said they suffered distress from police questioning over their appearances. They are seeking around $20,250 in damage, per plaintiff. This is the first lawsuit of its kind to occur in Japan, according to the men’s attorney.
Europe
Knife attack occurs at major Paris train station
Three people were wounded because of a knife attack at the Gara de Lyon train station in Paris. One of the victims suffered serious stomach wounds, and police arrested a suspect that is a Malian national. The suspect was tackled by transport security officers and bystanders after attacking people with a knife and hammer. He had been legally living in Italy since 2016.
Italian minister resigns over stolen art
Junior Culture Minister Vittorio Sgarbi of Italy resigned from his position over accusations of stealing a famous 17th-century painting. Sgarbi is a renowned art critic and said he found the painting while restoring a villa his mother purchased more than 20 years ago. He is also being investigated by a prosecutor for illegally exporting another painting.
Latin America
Wildfires kill dozens in Chile
At least 64 people were killed by forest fires in Chile. The fires burn through the Valparaiso region and is believed to be Chile’s deadliest forest fire on record. Among those who were impacted include tourists visiting the costal region during summer holidays. The government also noted that between 3,000 and 6,000 houses were impacted by the fires.
Colombian police halt illegal frog smuggler
Police in Colombia charged a woman at an airport after finding 130 poisonous frogs in her luggage. The animals were dehydrated and stressed and are valued at $1,000 each. The woman said she was given the frogs as a gift in southern Colombia. Wildlife trafficking is common in Colombia and other parts of Latin America, including amphibians, small mammals and animal parts, like from sharks.
North America
Biden talks Iraq/Syria strikes
This past Friday, the United States launched retaliatory strikes in response to a drone attack on a military base that killed three American soldiers. The strikes targeted Iraq and Syria. The United States said the drone attack was related to an Iran-backed militia group. The attacks killed at least 16 people, including civilians.
Carl Weathers passes
Carl Weathers, known for his role as Apollo Creed in the Rocky movies, has passed away at age 76. His family released a statement about his death, saying he passed away peacefully in his sleep. Weathers has also had roles in Predator, and Happy Gilmore. He began his career as an NFL linebacker and contributed to film, television, arts, and sports.
