Africa
Inflation in Nigeria reaches new high
Recent statistics show that inflation in Nigeria is at its highest rate in more than 27 years. Research from the National Bureau of Statistics shows that the price of goods has risen to just under 29 percent compared to a year ago. Recently elected President Bola Tinubu has carried out a series of economic reforms but ended a popular fuel subsidy to try to revive growth.
Mine landslide leaves 22 dead
Officials in northern Tanzania said 22 people were killed following a landslide at an illegal mine. Activity in the area was restricted because of heavy rains. Those who were killed began mining in the area nearly three weeks ago before the government introduced safety procedures. Unregulated and illegal mining is a common occurrence in Tanzania.
Asia
Taiwan chooses pro-sovereignty candidate
Voters in Taiwan have elected pro-sovereignty candidate William Lai as president. Officials in China were angered by the election, insisting that Taiwan is part of China. Chinese leaders had cast the Taiwan election as a choice between war and peace. In recent months, China has increased its military presence in Taiwan, sparking fears of a possible conflict.
Kim Jong Un believed to have turned 40
Officials suspect that North Korea leader Kim Jong Un has turned 40, at least. He has never revealed his birthday, but it is believed he turned 40 on Monday. North Korea officials released photos of Kim Jong Un and his daughter visiting a chicken farm on Monday. Some experts suggest that older members of North Korea’s ruling elite feel he is still too young to lead the country.
Europe
Ukraine says it shot down Russian plane
Officials in Ukraine confirmed that the country’s military shot down a Russian military spy plane over the Sea of Azov. Some experts have said it would be a blow to Moscow’s air power. The plane detects air defenses and coordinates targets for Russian jets. The aircraft costs hundreds of millions of dollars to build, and it is suspected that Russia has six more of the planes in service.
Italian minister accused of possessing stolen painting
Junior Italian Culture Minister Vittorio Sgarbi is accused of owning and exhibiting a stolen 17th century plane. He denied the allegations for “The Capture of Saint Peter” painting that was reported stolen in 2013. Sgarbi is known for his foul language and convictions for slander and is also accused of altering the painting by adding a candle to the top corner. He claimed to find the painting while restoring a villa his mother purchased.
Latin America
Ancient city discovered in the Amazon
Scientists have discovered a large ancient city in the Amazon that was hidden for thousands of years by vegetation. The discovery took place in eastern Ecuador, and the city was connected by a network of roads and canals. The city was bult nearly 2,500 years ago and was home to several residents for up to 1,000 years. Evidence of the city was first found in the 1970s, but this is the first time a comprehensive survey has been completed.
Ecuador declares war on criminal gangs
After armed men interrupted a live broadcast and threatened a TV studio, Ecuador ordered from criminal gangs to be “neutralized.” The incident at the TV studio showed masked gunmen break into the studio during a broadcast, forcing staff to the floor. At least 13 people were arrested after the attack, and two employees of the TV station were injured. Peru also recently ordered the deployment of police to the border to prevent instability spilling over into the country.
North America
Hot air balloon crash in Arizona kills four
Four people were killed in Arizona over the weekend after a hot air balloon crashed into the ground. The incident occurred in a desert area roughly 65 miles south of Phoenix. It is unknown what caused the incident. Officials plan to bring the hot air balloon to a secure facility for additional evaluation. It is believed the balloon had an unspecified problem with its envelope.
U.S. seeking death penalty for racially-motivated 2022 shooting
The U.S. Department of Justice is seeking the death penalty for a gunman who killed 10 people in Buffalo, New York in 2022. The gunman, Payton Gendron, a 20-year-old white male, said he carried out the attack because the victims were Black. All 10 of the victims were black. Several victims and families impacted by the shooting said they welcomed the request for the death penalty.
