Africa
Crystal meth lab discovered in South Africa
Police in South Africa announced that they discovered a crystal meth laboratory with drugs worth $20 million. Officials said they arrested five people from North America and two others who are believed to be from West African countries. A recent report described South Africa as one of the largest crystal meth consumer markets in the world.
Malawi arrests eight for alleged election fraud
Officials in Malawi arrested at least eight people for alleged electoral fraud. Authorities allege the suspects tried to manipulate data figures when working as data entry clerks. The country also suffered from an election controversy in 2019 when a court annulled then President Mutharika’s victory.
Asia
Typhoon hits Philippines
Super typhoon Ragasa has hit the Philippines, causing thousands of people to evacuate. The storm is expected to head west towards southern China as well. The typhoon also caused schools and government offices in large parts of the country to close. Super typhoon Ragasa is the equivalent to a Category 5 hurricane.
Transgender bodies discovered in Pakistan
The bodies of three transgender people were discovered on a roadside in Pakistan. The victims were shot dead, and police are still working to confirm their identities. Human rights groups warned that there has been a rise in violence against trans people in Pakistan. It is estimated that there are around half a million transgender citizens in Pakistan.
Europe
Massive protests in Netherlands
At least 1,500 anti-immigration protesters gathered in the Netherlands, blocking a highway crossing The Hague. Police used tear gas and water cannon to control the crowd while a police car was set on fire. The demonstration was organized by a right-wing activist who is demanding stricter migration policies and a crackdown on asylum seekers.
Suspect arrested in connection to 1982 attack on Jewish restaurant
Police in Paris have arrested a man who was wanted for more than 40 years because of a deadly attack on a Jewish restaurant. The incident occurred in 1982 when a gun and grenade assault killed six people and injured at least 20 others. The suspect, Mahmoud Khader Abed Adra, faces charges of terrorist murder and attempted terrorist murder.
Latin America
Colombian sentenced to jail after large drug seizure
Didier Reyes, a Colombian national, has been jailed for 13 years and six months after attempting to smuggle $56 million worth of cocaine. The drug seizure marked one of the largest of its kind in the UK. Police said Reyes played an important part in the smuggling attempt and acted as a go between with drug cartel bosses in Colombia.
Mexico/Canada agree to strengthen ties
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney met in Mexico City. Following the meeting, the two countries announced they agreed to deepen ties and work closer on trade and security. Canada and Mexico have both been impacted by U.S. tariffs.
North America
Law enforcement banned from wearing masks in California
California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill to ban local and federal law enforcement officers from wearing face masks while on duty. Among the agencies that will be impacted by the bill includes the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The bill was introduced in response to federal agents wearing masks in Los Angeles during immigration raids.
Trump New York Times lawsuit dismissed
A U.S. district judge has dismissed President Donald Trump’s $15 billion defamation lawsuit against the New York Times. The judge pointed to issues with the lawsuit’s contents and gave Trump 28 days to file an amended complaint. A spokesperson for the president said he will continue to “hold the Fake News accountable through this powerhouse lawsuit.”
