Africa
Dozens of miners rescued
Officials in South Africa have rescued more than 150 illegal miners from an abandoned mine. Most of those who were rescued said they were forced against their will to search for gold. Authorities arrested the miners and said three bodies were recovered on the first day of the rescue operation.
Opposition wins Ghana president election
Former President John Mahama is set to become the next president of Ghana after winning the country’s presidential election. Ghana is facing its worst economic crisis in a generation, causing the cost of basic goods to rise. The country is also struggling to repay its debts. As of Sunday, no official results have been declared despite Mahama’s opponent conceding defeat.
Asia
South Korea president to remain in office
Officials in South Korea failed to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol, who attempted to declare martial law. His declaration was overturned by parliament and caused large, nationwide protests. A bill to censure him fell five votes short of the 200 needed to pass.
Japanese actress found dead
Miho Nakayama, who was known for starring in the 1995 film “Love Letter,” has passed away at the age of 54. She was found dead in her bathtub in her Tokyo home. It is unknown what the cause of her death is. Nakayama was one of Japan’s most popular teen idols and also found success as a singer.
Europe
Ukraine gives update on death toll from war
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky said that around 43,000 Ukrainian soldiers have been killed since Russia invaded the country. Another 370,000 Ukrainian soldiers have also been injured. Zelensky also declared that 198,000 Russian soldiers have been killed while another 550,000 have been wounded.
Explosion in Netherlands kills five
An explosion in the Netherlands has killed at least five people and injured four others. The blast caused several homes in the area to collapse, and it is unknown how many people are missing. Police are still investigating the cause of the blast but noted that a car drove away at a high speed after the incident.
Latin America
Missing woman spotted in Mexico
Hannah Kobayashi, a 30-year-old woman from Hawaii who was reported missing, was discovered crossing on foot into Mexico. Officials said she appears to be safe and described her as a “voluntarily missing person.” Before going missing, Kobayashi sent messages to her families about her money and identity being stolen.
Gang jailed for attempting to smuggle cocaine
Three men have been jailed after trying to smuggle cocaine in a cargo of bananas from Colombia in 2021. The men, Petko Zhutev, Ghergii Diko and Bruno Kuci, pleaded guilty to smuggling. The cocaine had a street value of more than $211 million.
North America
TikTok set to be banned in 2025
A federal appeals court upheld a law which would ban social media platform TikTok in the United States if it isn’t sold. The country is accusing the platform’s owners of having links to China. President-elect Donald Trump said he would not allow a ban on TikTok prior to the November elections.
Slippers from Wizard of Oz sell
Ruby red slippers from the movie, “The Wizard of Oz,” have been sold for $28 million at an auction. The slippers are one of four pairs remaining from the film. Another pair resides at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History.
