Africa
Cameroon president set for eight terms
Cameroon President Paul Biya will continue to stay in office after being declared winner in a disputed election. Biya, who is 92 years old and the world’s oldest head of state, first came to power in 1982. Biya’s re-election has come with allegations of vote rigging — claims that his party and the government have denied.
Mali closes schools and universities
Officials in Mali have closed schools and universities nationwide until Nov. 9 because of a blockade on fuel imports imposed by Islamist insurgents. Mali has suffered through a fuel shortage recently after militants from an al-Qaeda affiliate imposed a blockade. Mali’s fuel supplies are brought in via road from neighboring countries.
Asia
India/China continue direct flights
India and China have resumed direct flights between the countries. Flights were first suspended during the pandemic and did not restart after a deadly clash in a Himalayan border area. Last year, India and China reached a new agreement on border patrols, paving the way for direct flights to continue.
Former Thailand queen passes
Officials in Thailand announced that Queen Sirikit has passed away at the age of 93. Sirikit was married to King Bhumibol Adulyadej for more than 60 years. She was seen as a style icon and frequently made international best-dressed lists. Her body will lie in state at the Grand Palace’s Dusit Throne Hall.
Europe
Two arrested over Louvre theft
Officials in France announced they have arrested two suspects over the theft of crown jewels from the Louvre Museum. Items worth $102 million were stolen from the museum last weekend. Local media reported that DNA found at the scene of the robbery led to identifying one of the suspects.
Ireland elects new president
Catherine Connolly is set to become the president of Ireland. Early voting numbers made it clear Connolly would become the 10th president of Ireland. She is an independent who pledged to be an inclusive president for all during her acceptance speech. Connolly defeated Fine Gael’s Heather Humphreys in the presidential election.
Latin America
Brazil president to seek fourth term
Brazil President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva announced his intentions to run for a fourth term as Brazil’s president. He is 79 years old and became Brazil’s oldest president when he defeated Jair Bolsonaro in the 2022 presidential election. Lula has suffered health problems recently. Last year, he had surgery for a brain bleed after he fell in the presidential palace.
Ecuador president targeted with poison
Ecuador President Daniel Noboa said his team has proof that someone tried to poison him by putting toxic substances in chocolate and jam. Ecuador has seen violent clashes recently because of fuel prices. Earlier this month, five people were detained over an alleged assassination attempt on Noboa.
North America
Trump to raise tariffs on Canada
President Donald Trump announced he intends to add 10% to US tariffs on goods imported from Canada. He announced this decision after Ontario aired an anti-tariff advertisement featuring Ronald Reagan. Trump called the advertisement a “fraud” and was angered that Canada did not remove the commercial ahead of the World Series.
June Lockhart passes
June Lockhart, an actress known for her roles in Lassie and Lost in Space, has passed away at the age of 100. A family spokesperson confirmed she died of natural causes at her home in Santa Monica. Lockhart also made a cameo in the 2021 Netflix remake of Lost in Space. She is survived by her two daughters.
