Africa
Dozens of school children kidnapped
At least 50 children from three Nigerian schools were kidnapped by gunmen last Friday morning. Most of the children are between the ages of two and five years old, and the suspects used them as human shields when fleeing. No group has yet to claim responsibility, but some outlets have suggested the Boko Haram Islamist group carried out the attack.
Kenyans strike high fuel prices
Public transport operators in Kenya are on a mayor strike against recent increases in fuel prices. Key roads in important parts of the country are mainly empty while some businesses and schools have closed. Officials recently raised petroleum prices by more than 20% because of supply route disruptions by the US-Israel conflict with Iran.
Asia
Shark attack kills Australian man
A 38-year-old man in Australia was attacked and killed by a 13ft shark over the weekend. The victim, Steven Mattaboni, was a father-of-two and an avid fisherman. He was bitten on his lower leg before he eventually died from his injuries. Mattaboni was attacked while he was spearfishing with friends.
Deadly freight train crash in Thailand
Police in Thailand confirmed that the driver of a freight train involved in a deadly crash tested positive for drugs. The incident occurred over the weekend when a train crashed into a public bus that had stopped on the railway tracks. At least eight people were killed, and dozens of others were injured. The bus driver and the guard responsible for lowering the barrier have been charged.
Europe
Escaped tiger killed in Germany
A tiger in Germany was shot and killed by police after the animal attacked one of its keepers. The animal is believed to be owned by Germany’s “Tiger Queen” and attacked the keeper while he was inside the tiger’s closure. After the attack, the tiger escaped and was shot and killed shortly after. Officials are investigating how the tiger escaped, and police are planning a drone search to ensure no other animals escaped the enclosure.
Shakira wins tax refund in Spain
Singer Shakira has been awarded a $64 million tax refund by a Spanish court. She was previously accused of tax fraud after authorities said she failed to prove she spent 183 days in Spain in 2011. Shakira’s tax refund includes income tax and fines authorities had charged her for infringement. She is set to perform alongside Madonna and BTS during the half-time show of the FIFA Men’s World Cup final.
Latin America
Mexico backs out of school cancelation plans
Mexico is canceling plans to end the school year one month earlier than normal for the World Cup. The country is cohosting the soccer tournament with the United States and Canada from June 11 until July 19. After originally planning to cancel school early, many parents complained that the move would disrupt their children’s learning. Plans changed after the education ministry held further talks with parents and educators.
Raul Castro set to be charged
The United States is planning to indict Cuban leader Raul Castro over aircrafts being shot down 30 years ago. The charges stem from 1996 when two planes operated by the humanitarian group Brothers to the Rescue were downed. Castro, who is 94, led the country for 15 years before stepping down as Cuban Communist Party leader in 2021.
North America
Iraqi charged after allegedly planning to attack Jews
The United States has charged a commander of an Iraqi militia for his role in an alleged planned attack on Jewish institutes. The commander, Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood al-Saadi, is accused of planning to attack a New York synagogue, and two Jewish institutions in California and Arizona. Officials allege the planned attack was in retaliation for the Iran war.
Canadian tests positive for hantavirus
A Canadian who was aboard a cruise ship which was hit by a hantavirus outbreak tested positive for the disease. That individual has mild symptoms and has not had any contact with the public since returning to Canada. British Columbia health officer Bonnie Henry emphasized that hantavirus is not considered to have pandemic potential. Hantavirus symptoms can include fever, fatigue, muscle aches, stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and shortness of breath.
