Africa
Kenyan street vendor killed by police
Boniface Kariuki, a Kenyan street vendor, was shot and killed by police in the country during protests. The incident occurred around two weeks ago, and Kariuki was recently declared brain dead. Kariuki was shot when police were cracking down on a protest against the death in detention of blogger and teacher Albert Ojwang.
DR Congo/Rwanda reach peace deal
Officials from the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda have agreed to a ceasefire. However, non-state armed groups active in the eastern DR Congo region said it’s not clear whether all will follow the ceasefire. The conflict between the nations grew earlier this year when rebels seized control of eastern DR Congo. Thousands of people and hundreds of thousands of others have been displaced.
Asia
Protests against Thailand prime minister continue
Over this past week, protests continued against Thailand Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra after a call she had with former Cambodian leader Hun Sen. The call was regarding a recent incident on their border. A rally over the weekend was the largest of its kind since the ruling Pheu Thai party came into power in 2023.
Soldiers killed by car bomb in Pakistan
At least 13 soldiers were killed in Pakistan when a suicide bomber drove a vehicle packed with explosions into a military convoy. Pakistan alleged the bomber behind the attack was backed by India, but the country denied the allegation. The attack was claimed by a suicide bomber wing of a faction of the Pakistan Taliban.
Europe
Ukraine wildlife park looks to rescue lions
The Yorkshire Wildlife Park in Ukraine is creating a fund to help rescue three lions impacted by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The lions are living in captivity in Ukraine, and the park is aiming to bring the animals to the wildlife park in the UK. Last year, the Yorkshire Wildlife Park rescued a lioness and her three cubs after they were abandoned in Ukraine when the conflict started.
Serbian police/protesters clash
A group of 140,000 protesters gathered in Serbia over the weekend calling for elections and end to President Aleksandar Vucic’s 12-year rule. Riot police were seen firing tear gas and stun grenades while Vucic accused the demonstrators of being part of a foreign plot. Protests in Serbia have lasted for months and have involved university shutdowns. Vucic’s second term is scheduled to end in 2027.
Latin America
Ecuador drug lord captured
Ecuador police have recaptured Adolfo Macias Villamar, the leader of the criminal gang Los Choneros. He is the country’s most wanted fugitive, and his gang is blamed for the country’s high murder rates. Villamar is also suspected of ordering the assassination of a presidential candidate in 2023. He was detained in an underground bunker.
Hot air balloon accident in Brazil
At least eight people were killed in Brazil from a hot air balloon accident. Officials said a fire started inside the basket. Among those who were killed include two couples, a mother and daughter, a figure skater, and an ophthalmologist. The incident occurred in southern Santa Catarina, a popular tourist destination.
North America
Trump budget bill could cut health insurance for millions
New estimates show that a budget bill in the US Senate could cut health insurance coverage for around 12 million Americans. The bill recently passed a preliminary vote in the Senate. Trump has called for the bill to pass Congress before July 4 while the Whtie House said failure to pass it would be the ultimate betrayal.
Brad Pitt’s home targeted by thieves
Actor Brad Pitt’s Los Angeles home was targeted by thieves last week. The suspects fled with stolen items, but it is unknown what exactly was taken. Pitt was in the UK when the incident occurred, promoting his new film F1. Recently, thieves have targeted other celebrity homes, including the home of Jennifer Aniston.
