Africa
South Africa struggles with unemployment
As South Africans prepare for the country’s May 29 election, unemployment issues continue to be a topic of discussion. The country’s unemployment level is at 33 percent the worst of any nation. To combat the issue, South Africa’s government organized a job fair where hundreds of people turned up seeking employment.
DR Congo stops coup attempt
The Democratic Republic of Congo confirmed it stopped an attempted coup centering around Congolese and foreign fighters. Dozens were arrested, including three Americans and a British citizen. The assailants were reportedly members of a group linked to formerly exiled DR Congo politician Christian Malanga.
Asia
Knife attack leaves two dead at China school
Two people were killed, and 10 others were injured when a 45-year-old woman attacked a school in China with a knife. It is unknown if there were any child victims. The country has seen several knife attacks recently, including an incident this month where a man stabbed and killed two people at a hospital.
India deals with rising heat
Residents in India are dealing with scorching temperatures as the country hosts its general election. Temperatures reached 113 degrees in the capital of Delhi while temperatures were slightly higher in other parts of the country. India extended voting times and asked its residents to protect themselves against the heat while going out to vote.
Europe
Slovakia Prime Minister attacked
Slovakia Prime Minister Robert Fico is recovering from injuries after he was shot at close range when greeting supporters. Fico is no longer facing life threatening injuries, but he remains in intensive care. Local media reports have identified the alleged assailant as 71-year-old Juraj Cintula. Officials said Cintula may have not been working alone during the attack.
Ukraine fears more Russia attacks
Officials in Ukraine warned that Russia could increase its attacks in the northeastern portion of the country. In just a week, thousands of people were evacuated from the city of Kharkiv. Ukraine’s forces are outgunned by the Russian troops, and the country admitted there are issues with military staffing and morale. Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky said the country has about 25 percent of the weapons it needs to defend itself.
Latin America
Rival cartels leave residents dead in Mexico
Local reports read that 11 people were killed during clashes between rival cartels in southern Mexico. Among the victims include two nuns and a teenager. In the state of Chiapas, the Sinaloa Cartel and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel are battling for control of the territory. People who live in the region sometimes hide in their homes for days while the cartels exchange gunfire.
Tens of thousands of children crossing dangerous jungle
Research from the United Nations shows that more than 30,000 children have crossed the Darien Gap this year. The area is a jungle straddling Panama and Colombia. Most of the children are trying to reach the United States, and migrants who cross the jungle are often robbed or extorted by gangs. In December, Doctors Without Borders recorded 214 cases of sexual violence in the jungle.
North America
Bruce Nordstrom passes
Bruce Nordstrom, who sat at the helm of the Nordstrom retail store, passed away. He was 90 years old and served as the executive of Nordstrom and as board member for the company’s board of directors. The retail store grew during Nordstrom’s time when he made the company public in 1971 and launched the lower-priced version of the store, Nordstrom Rack. His sons called him a “legendary business leader” in a statement confirming his death.
Diddy apologizes over video of him attacking ex-girlfriend
Sean “Diddy” Combs apologized over a video that surfaced showing him kicking and pushing her in a hotel. Ventura’s lawyers said Diddy’s statement was “more about himself” than the people he has hurt. The video was released by CNN and was filmed at a hotel in Los Angeles. Recently, several other women have filed lawsuits against Diddy, accusing him of sexual and physical abuse.
