Africa
Kidnapped college students rescued
Authorities in Nigeria rescued a group of college students who were kidnapped. A group of nine students were kidnapped last Thursday by gunmen who attacked the Confluence University of Science and Technology. In recent years, Nigeria has seen a surge in kidnapping gangs. Hundreds of people have been abducted since the year began.
Internet down across several African countries
Several African countries, including Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Uganda, are experiencing internet out- ages. This is due to faults in under-sea cables that connect the country to the rest of the world through South Africa. Last month, residents in parts of West and Southern Africa also experienced a similar outage.
Asia
Flooding leaves hundreds dead in Afghanistan
Flash flooding in northern Afghanistan has killed more than 300 people. Photos showed torrents of water sweeping through houses and villages. Afghanistan has been dealing with unusually heavy rainfall over the past few weeks. Thousands of homes were damaged and others buildings like mosques and schools were also affected.
Australian teen jailed for murder
A teenager, who cannot legally be named, has been jailed for 14 years after breaking into a woman’s house and stabbing her to death in Australia. The victim, Emma Lovell, was killed in 2022 at age 41. Lovell’s husband Lee was also injured in the attack. The teenager pleaded guilty to murder and three other burglary and assault charges.
Europe
Putin changes defense minister
Russia President Vladimir Putin is planning to remove Russia Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu from his position. He will be replaced by Deputy Prime Minister Andrei Belousov and appointed to secretary of Russia’s Security Council. It is unusual for reshuffles to occur in Russian politics. Shoigu had been in his role since 2012.
Thousands protest against Georgia bill
Tens of thousands of people in Georgia gathered to protest against a controversial foreign influence bill that would target civil society organizations and independent media that receive foreign funding. Demonstrators have called the bill “Russian law” because Russia passed similar legislation in 2012. Other countries like the United States have said the bill threatens free speech. Rallies primarily took place in the capital of Tbilisi.
Latin America
Peru president’s brother arrested
The brother of Peru President Dina Boluarte was arrested for allegedly being involved in a corruption network. Nicanor Boluarte is accused of using powers granted by his sister to give funds to leaders and mayors in exchange for bribes. He denied any wrongdoing, and arrest warrants have been issued for 21 other people.
Argentines strike against spending cuts
Strikes against public spending cuts in most of Argentina have caused entities like schools, banks and stores to close. Last week, train and metro services were suspended as well. The strike was designed to be a wake-up call for leaders, according to one of the main union leaders, Hector Daher. Leaders feel it’s necessary to reduce the country’s public deficit to control Argentina’s inflation rate.
North America
Man who received pig kidney transplant dies
Richard “Rick” Slayman, who became the first man to receive a genetically modified pig kidney transplant, has died. He passed two months after the surgery, and doctors said there was no indication his death was because of the transplant. Slayman’s operation was seen as a historic milestone. He had suffered from Type 2 diabetes and hypertension.
Duke students walk out on Jerry Seinfeld during graduation
Pro-Palestinian students at Duke University walked out on a commencement ceremony ahead of a speech by comedian Jerry Seinfeld. He has been a vocal supporter of Israel throughout the war in Gaza. Videos showed students booing Seinfeld and chanting “free Palestine.” Several students stayed at the ceremony and chanted words of support as well.
