Africa
Flooding leaves dozens dead in Tanzania
Heavy rains and flooding have killed nearly 60 people in Tanzania since the beginning of the month. Serious flooding in the coastal region of the country also damaged thousands of farms in the area. April is the peak of Tanzania’s rain season, and this year, the country has experienced its heaviest rainfall in years.
Niger welcomes Russian troops
Members from Russia’s military arrived in Niger as part of a new agreement with the country. Military members arrived with a state-of-the-art air defense system, and Russia is expected to install the system and teach Niger’s army how to use it. Niger is one of several countries in the Sahel region to strengthen military relationships with Russia.
Asia
Sydney bishop stabbed
Mar Mari Emmanuel, a bishop at an Eastern Orthodox church, was stabbed during a sermon in Sydney. Several others were also injured during the incident, but none of their injuries are life-threatening. Police say they arrested a man in connection to the attack. The attack occurred during a live streaming of the church service.
Vietnam billionaire sentenced to death
A judge in Vietnam sentenced Truong My Lan to death last week for looting one of the country’s largest banks. She was convicted of taking out $44 billion in loans from the Saigon Commercial Break. Truong My Lan is one of very few women in Vietnam to be sentenced to death for a white-collar crime. She is a well-known business figure in Ho Chi Minh City.
Europe
Italian fashion designer passes
Roberto Cavalli, an 83-year-old Italian fashion designer, passed away at his home in Florence. He is known for his animal prints on leather and textiles, and his designs have been worn by celebrities like Jennifer Lopez and Kim Kardashian. Cavalli was also known for his hippie dresses, sand-blasted jeans and patchwork designs on denim. There are no details surrounding his death.
Germany changes gender laws
German lawmakers elected to pass a law that makes it easier for citizens to legally change gender. The law also includes fines for disclosing someone’s prior registered name or gender without consent. Germany expects the new rules to come into effect in November. Places like women’s gyms and changing rooms will still be allowed to decide who has access to them.
Latin America
Former Venezuela oil minister arrested
Tareck El Aissami, Venezuela’s former oil minister, has been arrested for corruption. He is accused of stealing from Venezuela’s state oil company and was once a powerful ally of President Nicolas Maduro. He had not been seen in public since he resigned last year. El Aissami allegedly used some of the money to renovate his house and sent some of it abroad.
Mexico cuts ties with Ecuador
After police stormed the Mexican embassy in Quito to arrest former Ecuadorian Vice-President Jorge Glas, Mexico said it is cutting ties with Ecuador. Mexican officials said police forcibly entered the embassy and called the move a violation of international law. Glas is wanted for alleged corruption. Mexico granted him political asylum, and Ecuador viewed the move as illegal.
North America
Former Cuba spy/ex-career diplomate sentenced to jail
Victor Rocha, an ex-career diplomat who served as U.S. ambassador to Bolivia, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison. He secretly passed information to the Cuban government for more than 40 years. Rocha pleaded guilty in a courtroom in Miami last week. The United States has had a tense relationship with Cuba since the 1950s.
OJ Simpson dies
OJ Simpson, who starred for the Buffalo Bills and was cleared of a controversial double murder, died at age 76. He was acquitted of the murder of his former wife Nicole Brown and her friend in 1995. Simpson had a form of prostate cancer and died surrounded by his family, according to a statement. In 2008, Simpson was convicted of armed robbery for breaking into a Las Vegas hotel room in an effort to retrieve his football memorabilia.
