Africa
South Sudan postpones elections
Officials in South Sudan are planning to hold an emergency meeting after the government announced that national elections would be postponed by two years. Elections were scheduled to take place this winter, but instead, President Salva Kiir will remain in power. South Sudan has not held national elections since 2011.
Democratic Republic of Congo rules over coup attempt
A court in the Democratic Republic of Congo is planning to sentence 37 people to death over an attempt to overthrow the country’s president. Among those sentenced to death include three Americans. The incident occurred in May when the men allegedly led an attack on the presidential palace and the home of an ally of President Félix Tshisekedi.
Asia
China changes retirement age
For the first time since the 1950s, China will raise its retirement age. Women in blue-collar jobs can now retire at age 55, up from 50, while women in white-collar jobs can retire at 58, up from 55. The retirement age also increased from 60 to 63 for men. China has one of the lowest retirement ages in the world.
Europe
Russia/Ukraine exchange prisoners
Thanks to a deal brokered by the United Arab Emirates, Russia and Ukraine have exchanged 206 prisoners of war. Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky posted a photo of some of those who were released saying “Our people are home.” Russian officials said they plan to give released prisoners “necessary psychological and medical assistance.”
Migrants die crossing the Channel
At least eight people were killed while trying to cross the Channel from France to England. The victims were aboard a rubber vessel that was holding 60 people from countries like Eritrea, Sudan, Syria, and Iran. Emergency responders provided care to 53 people, and a baby was taken to a hospital with hypothermia.
Latin America
Indigenous cloak returned to Brazil
A Danish museum has returned a sacred cloak to indigenous leaders in Brazil. The cloak is made of 4,000 red feathers from the scarlet ibis bird and was taken from the Tupinambá people more than 300 years ago. Several Tupinambá people gathered outside when the cloak was returned with drums and pipes filled with medicinal herbs, waiting to see the cloak.
Former Peru president passes
Alberto Fujimori, who served as Peru’s president from 1990 to 2000, has died. He was previously convicted on human rights abuses and corruption. Some admired him for his tough stance against a left-wing guerilla insurgency. However, his war against the insurgency also led to the killing of 25 people by government-backed death squads. Thousands gathered to celebrate him last week at his wake.
North America
New York City mayor’s chief counsel resigns
Lisa Zornberg, chief counsel for New York City Mayor Eric Adams, has resigned. Her resignation came days after New York Police Commissioner Edward Caban resigned after his home was raided because of a corruption probe. Adams thanked Zornberg for her work, but did not speak on the reason for her departure.
Taylor Swift endorses Harris
Popstar Taylor Swift endorsed Kamala Harris in an Instagram post after last Tuesday’s debate. She called her a steady-handed, gifted leader and said she will be voting for her this November. The endorsement came as a surprise to the Harris campaign, according to reports. In 2020, Swift also supported President Joe Biden.
