Africa
Men sentenced to prison after attempting to kill Zambia president
Zambian Leonard Phiri and Mozambican Jasten Mabulesse Candunde have been sentenced to two years in prison for trying to use witchcraft to kill Zambia President Hakainde Hichilema. The two men were arrested in December with charms, including a live chameleon. This is the first time anyone was put on trial for attempting to use witchcraft against a president.
South Sudan Vice President charged with murder
South Sudan Vice President Riek Machar was charged with murder stemming from a March attack by a militia allegedly linked to him. The attack left 250 soldiers and a general dead. Machar has denied the allegations and called the charge a political witch-hunt. Some in the country fear the charges could reignite its civil war.
Asia
Nepal introduces first woman prime minister
Sushila Karki, Nepal’s former Supreme Court chief justice, has become the country’s first woman prime minister. She is 73 years old and is widely regarded as having a clean image. Among the challenges Karki’s cabinet is set to face includes restoring law and order, reconstructing parliament, and more.
Japan’s population continues to age
Japan recently announced that the number of people in Japan age 100 or older has risen to 99,763. Women account for 88 percent of that number. Japan is known for its long-life expectancy, and residents often have healthier diets and lower levels of common diseases.
Europe
Conor McGregor steps away from Irish president bid
Mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor announced that he is stepping away from Ireland’s presidential election. He said he made the decision after careful reflection and consulting with his family. Ireland is set to hold its presidential election next month.
Poland shoots down Russian drones
Officials in Poland said that the country shot down at least three Russian drones because of an airspace violation. Poland has recorded 19 drone incursions. Some of those drones flew close enough to four airports, causing them to temporarily close. President Donald Trump posted to social media, saying “What’s with Russia violating Poland’s airspace with drones? Here we go!”
Latin America
Brazilian composer passes
Hermeto Pascoal, known as the wizard of Brazilian music, has passed away at the age of 89. He is known for his blend of jazz and traditional music and wrote more than 2,000 instrumental pieces. Pascoal was mainly a pianist and flutist, but he also played the saxophone, guitars, drums, and accordions.
Former Brazil president sentenced to prison
Former Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro was sentenced to 27 years in prison for his role in plotting a military coup after he lost a presidential election. Bolsonaro was found guilty of leading a conspiracy aimed at keeping him in power in 2022. His lawyers are expected to request that he remain under house arrest rather than being sent to jail.
North America
Human remains found in vehicle belonging to singer
Police in Los Angeles discovered female human remains in an impounded vehicle that belongs to U.S. singer D4vd. His spokesperson said he was informed about what happened and is fully co-operating with authorities. Officials have yet to identify the victim or a person of interest.
ICE agent shoots and kills man in Chicago
A man in Chicago was shot and killed by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after he allegedly drove his car at a group of agents. Officials alleged they were trying to arrest the man, but he resisted and drove the vehicle toward them. The driver of the vehicle, Silverio Villegas-Gonzales, was pronounced dead at a hospital shortly after the incident.
