Africa
Former Liberia official charged with arson
Jonathan Fonati Koffa, former speaker of Liberia’s parliament, has been charged with arson. The fire took place at Liberia’s Capitol building and destroyed the House of Representatives. Koffa has previously denied allegations that he was involved in the fire. He was impeached last fall over accusations of poor governance, corruption, and conflicts of interest.
Former Zambian president dies
Edgar Lungu, who served as Zambia’s president from 2015 to 2021, has passed away. He had been receiving specialized treatment in South Africa for an undisclosed illness. Several leaders in Africa applauded Lungu for his leadership while he was in office. For example, Kenya President William Ruto called Lungu a progressive and outstanding leader who served Zambia with zeal and commitment.
Asia
China/US meet for trade talks
Officials from the United States and China have started talks aimed at solving a trade war between the countries. The meeting took place in central London between officials like US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Chinese reps like Vice Premier He Lifeng. Despite a truce over trade tariffs that was reached last month, both countries have accused each other of escalating tensions.
India prepares to count population
Officials in India are set to count the country’s population after a six-year delay. The count is expected to finish in 2027. The last time India published its population data was in 2011. Government officials have blamed the delay on the COVID-19 pandemic, but several critics have questioned what took so long to resume the count.
Europe
Russia attacks large Ukraine city
Russia carried out a massive drone and bomber attack on Ukraine’s second-largest city, Kharkiv. The attack killed at least four people and injured 60 others. In total, Russia used 48 drones, two missiles, and four glide bombs in the attack. Ukraine recently carried out attacks on Russia’s railway infrastructure and air bases.
Norwegian doctor jailed for rape
Arne Bye, a doctor in Norway, has been sentenced to 21 years in prison for rape and sexual abuse. He was convicted on 70 counts of rape and sexual assault and 82 counts of abusing his power as a doctor. Almost all the incidents took place during medical examinations. Bye pleaded guilty to some of the crimes, and his lawyer said he will read the court’s verdict before considering whether to appeal.
Latin America
Colombian presidential candidate shot
Miguel Uribe Turbay, a Colombian presidential candidate, was shot twice in the head while at a campaign event. Police arrested a 15-year-old suspect at the scene. Uribe’s wife said he is currently fighting for his life and called on the nation to pray for his survival. He remains in intensive care and underwent procedures to his head and left thigh.
Indigenous lawyer leads Mexico chief justice race
Hugo Aguilar, an indigenous lawyer who has campaigned for Mexico’s indigenous groups, appears to become Mexico’s next chief justice. Aguilar is in the lead for the position ahead of Lenia Batres. The voting turnout was the lowest in any federal vote held in Mexico with only 13% of the population participating in the election.
North America
Arkansas prisoner recaptured
Grant Hardin, a former police chief convicted of rape and murder, has been caught after escaping prison. He was on the run for nearly two weeks and was captured 1.5 miles from the prison. Hardin escaped from the prison by disguising himself as law enforcement. He is currently serving a 30-year sentence for murder and another 50-year term for rape.
Proud Boys sue government
The far-right group Proud Boys is suing the US government for $100 million, saying their rights were violated during their prosecution for their involvement in the January 6 riots. Among those who sued include five leaders of the group who had their sentences pardoned or commuted earlier this year. The group is arguing their rights were violated to “punish and oppress political allies” of President Donald Trump.
