Africa
Dozens die on ferry near Mozambique
Officials near the north coast of Mozambique said more than 90 people died after a ferry sank. Those on the ferry were fleeing a cholera outbreak, and among the victims were children. The boat was traveling from Lunga to Mozambique Island, a Muslim-majority area.
Ugandan band arrested for criticizing president’s speech
Authorities in Uganda arrested eight members of a band after they complained that President Yoweri Museveni’s speech during a wedding anniversary was too long. The band members are being held at a police station and were charged with insulting the president. Authorities nor the band have publicly commented on the incident.
Asia
Hong Kong busts gold smuggling operation
Officials in Hong Kong arrested a 31-year-old man who was transporting gold worth more than $10 million. The gold was discovered by custom officials who were examining two air compressors. After searching, they discovered gold had been molded into parts like gears, screws, and motor cores. Smuggling carries up to seven years in jail in Hong Kong.
Taiwan earthquake injures hundreds
Rescuers in Taiwan are working to save some 127 people who are trapped in collapsed tunnels because of a 7.4 magnitude earthquake. The earthquake killed at least nine people and injured more than 900 others. It is the strongest earthquake to hit Taiwan since 1999 when 2,400 people were killed.
Europe
Slovakia elects new president
Peter Pellegrini, a populist in Slovakia, has been elected as the country’s new president. He is 48 years old and defeated Ivan Korcok. Pellegrini is a former Prime Minister and has a positive attitude toward Russia. He vowed to ensure that Slovakia will remain at peace during a speech on Sunday.
Germany accused of breaching UN genocide convention
Nicaragua asked the UN’s highest court to stop German weapon sales to Israel, accusing the country of breaching the UN genocide convention. Germany rejected the claims. Last year, nearly 30 percent of Israel’s military equipment purchases came from Germany. Nicaragua said Germany’s arm sales to Israel makes the country complicit in Israel’s alleged war crimes in Gaza.
Latin America
Guatemala former general on trial
Benedicto Lucas Garcia, a former general in Guatemala, is on trial for allegedly ordering the murder of more than 1,200 indigenous Ixil Maya people during the country’s civil war. He is 91 and has been indicted for genocide, crimes against humanity and forced disappearances. These incidents allegedly occurred between 1978 and 1982, and Garcia has denied the charges.
Brazil court orders inquiry into Elon Musk
Brazil’s Supreme Court has opened an inquiry into social media platform X owner Elon Musk. He recently said he would reactivate accounts on the social media platform that the court had ordered to be blocked. The profiles are believed to be owned by those involved in far-right movements, including supporters of former Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro, who stormed the country’s Congress and other government buildings last year.
North America
Engine cowling on Boeing plane falls off in Denver
Officials are starting an investigation after an engine cowing on a Boeing plane fell off during take-off at Denver International Airport. The engine cowing struck a wing flap of the aircraft, and the plane returned safely after originally departing for Houston. The plane had 135 passengers and six crew members on board. There have been safety concerns around Boeing in recent months.
More jobs added in U.S. last month
The United States said the country’s unemployment rate fell to 3.8 percent while the country added more than 300,000 jobs last month. It was originally predicted that the country would add around 200,000 jobs last month. Officials said the strong job growth could lead to delayed cuts to U.S. interest rates. The labor market has increased thanks to government spending in fields like high tech manufacturing and infrastructure.
