Africa
Somali referee to be paid World Cup check after being denied entry to US
Omar Artan, a Somali referee who was scheduled to officiate at the World Cup in the United States, will be paid his full tournament fee. Artan was barred from entering the United States after the country alleged “association with suspected members of terror organizations.” He vowed to officiate at the 2030 World Cup and thanked his country after returning home.
Former Nigerian general dies in captivity
Officials in Nigeria announced that Maj Gen Rabe Abubakar, a retired Nigerian army general, has died in captivity. He was kidnapped by gunmen in the north-west part of the country, and no group has yet to say it was behind the abduction. Abubakar served as military spokesman between 2015 and 2017. He was abducted with his wife last month.
Asia
Leaders of underground Chinese church detained
Chinese officials allegedly detained two leaders of an influential Protestant church in the country. The church alleges that midway through service, police entered the room and interrogated congregants, including children. After the interrogation, the leaders were detained. China’s Communist Party pressures Christians to participate in state-sanctioned churches led by government-approved pastors.
Japan/UK strike new deal
Japan and the UK have agreed to a multi-billion investment deal. As part of the deal, Japan will spend around $12 billion on UK infrastructure and financial services. The country will also spend up to $12 billion on UK offshore wind, which will create tens of thousands of jobs.
Europe
Son of Norway’s Crown Princess found guilty of rape
A court in Norway has found Marius Borg Hoiby guilty of two counts of rape. Hoiby, the son of Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit, was sentenced to four years in prison. Although he is not a royal figure, Hoiby grew up with Crown Prince Haakon when his mother married him when he was four.
Spanish tourist train overturns
A tourist train traveling through the Spanish town of Cartama overturned, injuring 17 people. The cause of the accident is unknown, and officials said none of the victims suffered serious injuries. The train was carrying around 30 people and was taking part in an event where people are encouraged to try food and drink offerings from local businesses.
Latin America
US artist dies in Brazil helicopter crash
Oliver Tree, a US musician and internet personality, died when a helicopter he was traveling in crashed into another in Brazil. He was on a world tour when the crash occurred. Officials said in total, six people died, and one of the helicopters caused 20 vehicles to catch fire. It is unknown what caused the crash.
Security official kidnapped in Haiti
James Boyard, inspector general of Haiti’s police, was kidnapped in the island’s capital Port-au-Prince. His wife and six-year-old daughter were also taken, and a ransom has been requested. Boyard is in charge of helping to rebuild Haiti’s armed forces. Kidnappings are increasing in areas of Port-au-Prince that were once considered safe.
North America
Trump’s name removed from Kennedy Center
President Donald Trump’s name was removed from the Kennedy Center in Washington DC. A judge recently found that the president’s name had been added to the venue unlawfully. The Kennedy Center announced that it complied with the ruling and removed Trump’s name from the building, its website, and other materials.
Toronto police officer killed
A police officer in Toronto was shot and killed during a maid at a high-rise building. Police in Toronto have been investigating suspects who allegedly fired at the US consulate building in the city earlier this year. Toronto officials said one of the suspects, 19-year-old Zara Jabbi, remains at large and is considered armed and dangerous.
