Africa
Deadly South Africa building collapse was ‘preventable’
South Africa’s government recently released a report on a 2024 building collapse that killed 34 construction workers. The report reads that the tragedy was “entirely preventable.” Officials say serious safety concerns were raised about the building prior to its collapse. Some of those concerns were reported a year before the collapse.
Zambia teacher killed by elephant
Students, colleagues and others recently paid tribute to Janet Easton, a 68-year-old teacher in Zambia. Easton, known as Janice, was trampled to death by a nursing elephant earlier this month. Colleagues described Easton as a much-loved friend who had an impact on generations of students.
Asia
Air force jet crash leaves 19 dead
A Bangladeshi air force jet crashed into a school campus in the capital of Dhaka, killing 19 people and injuring 164 others. The jet experienced a mechanical fault after taking off for a training exercise, according to a statement from the armed forces. The pilot tried to land the jet in a less populated area after the mechanical error occurred.
North Korea bans tourists from new water park
Officials in North Korea are planning to ban foreign tourists from a newly opened seaside resort. The resort is part of the country’s effort to boost tourism. Prior to opening, it was promoted as an attraction for locals and foreign tourists. North Korea’s new seaside resort includes hotels, restaurants, shopping malls, and a water park.
Europe
Moscow airports temporarily closed
Over the weekend, 140 flights at Moscow’s major airports were canceled because of a Ukrainian drone attack. Russia’s defense ministry said more than 230 drones were downed over Russia. Earlier this year, 60,000 passengers were stranded at Moscow airports after Ukraine launched more than 500 drones in a 24-hour period.
Anti-immigrant protests in Poland
Demonstrators in dozens of towns and cities in Poland gathered to protest against immigration. These rallies were organized by a far-right political group. The group, known as Konfederacja, has claimed there has been a flood of illegal migration in Poland. However, official figures do not show an increase in immigration in the country.
Latin America
Bolsonaro must wear ankle tag
Former Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro has been ordered by a judge to wear an ankle tag. He will also be required to follow a curfew as officials worry he might try to leave the country while taking stand. Bolsonaro is accused of plotting a coup to prevent President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva from taking office in 2023. He denied the claims.
Gunmen open fire on Ecuador pool hall
At least nine people were shot and killed in Ecuador when gunmen opened fire. Police believe the victims were not the intended targets of the attack. Among the victims included a local soccer coach and the son of a radio presenter. Ecuador has one of the highest murder rates in the region.
North America
Late Show ends after 33 years
CBS announced last week that The Late Show with Stephen Colbert will end in 2026 after 33 years on air. The TV network said the move is a financial decision and is not related to the show’s performance. The Late Show first aired in 1993 as a competitor to NBC’s own talk show.
Mars rock sells for $4.3 million
A rock from Mars that was found on Earth sold at a New York auction for $4.3 million. The rock weighs 54 pounds and was discovered in a remote region of Niger in 2023. It is 70% larger than the next biggest piece of Mars that has ever been recorded. Other items sold at the auction included a Ceratosaurus skeleton and the skull of a Pachycephalosaurus.
