Africa
Kenyans march against femicide
Hundreds of Kenyans gathered across major cities in Kenya to protest against rising cases of femicide and other forms of violence against women. According to a 2022 survey, one in three Kenyan women have suffered from physical violence during their lives. Demonstrators carried signs with the names of femicide victims. There have been at least 500 recorded cases of femicide in Kenya between the years 2016 and 2023.
Burkina Faso thanks Russia for wheat
Officials in Burkina Faso thanked Russian officials for delivering a “priceless gift” of 25,000 tons of wheat. The country is home to one of the world’s most-neglected crises where about a quarter of all children under five have stunted growth. Residents in the West African nation also suffer from acute food shortages. Last month, Russia re-opened its embassy in Burkina Faso.
Asia
North Korea fires cruise missiles
South Korea’s military confirmed that North Korea fired several cruise missiles in waters off its east coast. It is unknown how many missiles were fired or what type of missiles were used. In recent months, North Korea leader Kim Jong Un has ended numerous peace-keeping agreements while also ramping up military action. The country claimed to have tested a new solid- fueled missile and underwater attack drones that can reportedly carry a nuclear weapon.
China sentences British national to jail
Chinese officials sentenced a British national to five years in jail for spying in 2022. The man, named Ian J Stones, was sentenced for the crime of “illegally obtaining intelligence for overseas actors.” Stones worked in China for 40 years and is believed to be around age 70. Recently, China has publicized cases of alleged espionage by Western countries.
Europe
Protesters throw soup at Mona Lisa
Environmental protesters in France threw soup at the Mona Lisa, which was protected by glass. It is one of the most famous paintings in the world and rests at the Louvre. The painting wasn’t damaged, and video showed two women protesters wearing shirts that read “food counterattack.” The group Riposte Alimentaire (Food Counterattack) claimed responsibility for the incident, saying the protest was part of efforts to integrate food into the general social security system.
Gunmen attack Catholic Church in Turkey
Two gunmen attacked a Catholic church in Turkey and killed one man. The incident took place during a morning Mass, and police are still searching for the suspects. Officials said it appears the incident was a targeted attack but it is not immediately clear what the motive was. The Pope expressed his support for those impacted by the shooting at the end of his weekly prayer at the Vatican.
Latin America
Argentines protest over workers’ rights
Tens of thousands of people in Argentina protested as President Javier Milei’s plans to cut workers’ rights. The president promised deep spending cuts when he was sworn in 45 days ago. The main protest took place in the capital outside Congress. Milei plans to deregulate the economy, slash labor rights and cut large areas of government as the country continues to suffer through high poverty levels. He also announced his intention to cut rent caps and remove government subsi- dies on everyday items.
Mexican man arrested for walking on plane’s wing
A man in Mexico has been arrested after he opened a plane’s emergency door and walked on the aircraft’s wing. The man did so because the plane had been stuck on the tarmac for hours without air conditioning or water for passengers. Those aboard the plane wrote a joint statement saying the man had everyone’s support. The flight was delayed because of a maintenance issue, officials said, and it is unclear if the man is in custody or what charges he may face.
North America
Statue of Jackie Robinson stolen
Police in Kansas said a statue of American baseball player Jackie Robinson was stolen from a park in Wichita. Officials are offering a cash reward for any tip on where the statue is. The statue was cut at the ankles and then loaded into a truck. The park is known for honoring influential African Americans like Robinson, who was the first Black player in Major League Baseball. The statue is valued at more than $75,000.
World’s largest cruise ship sets sail from Miami
The Royal Caribbean Group’s 1,197 ft Icon of the Seas cruise ship set sail from Miami. It is the world’s largest cruise ship and can hold a maximum of 7,600 passengers. The ship is going on a seven-day island hop- ping trip in the Caribbean and was built in Finland. The vessel cost $2 billion to build and includes more than 40 restaurants, bars and lounges. Environmentalists have warned the ship will leak harmful methane into the air.
