Africa
Fire burns through popular southern Africa tourist attraction
Helicopters and soldiers are being sent to battle a fire at Etosha National Park, a popular tourist attraction known for its large salt pan. The fire is believed to have broken out at a charcoal production site outside the park’s borders. Etosha National Park is also home to critically endangered black rhinos.
Dozens of buffaloes drown in Namibia
At least 80 buffaloes in Namibia were killed after they trampled over each other and drowned in a river. The animals were being chased by lions when they fell from a deep cliff into the river. Officials said that the meat from the carcasses will be distributed to communities in the area.
Asia
Hundreds of students sick from free school lunches in Indonesia
At least 1,000 children became ill after eating free school lunches in Indonesia. Recently, 800 other students also fell ill from the food in West Java and Central Sulawesi provinces. The meals are part of President Prabowo Subianto’s multi-billion-dollar nutritious meals program.
Deadly typhoon sweeps through Vietnam
A deadly typhoon has swept through Vietnam, killing at least 11 people and damaging or destroying hundreds of homes. Authorities are still searching for dozens of missing people, including 17 fishermen who were on their boats at the time of the typhoon. Climate change has made typhoons stronger and more frequent.
Europe
King Charles set to meet Pope Leo
King Charles III and Queen Camilla are set to meet Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican in October. The two were scheduled to travel to the Vatican earlier this year but had to cancel plans because of the poor health of Pope Francis. The purpose of the meeting is to emphasize friendly relations between the Catholic Church and the Church of England.
Slovakia changes constitution, now recognizes only two sexes
Officials in Slovakia have approved a change to the country’s constitution, ensuring that the law recognizes only male and female sexes. The legal change also restricts adoptions to married heterosexual couples and prohibits surrogate pregnancies. Amnesty International said the change will have consequences for LGBTQ people.
Latin America
Bolsonaro son charged with coercion
Eduardo Bolsonaro, the son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, has been charged with coercion. Bolsonaro, who is also a congressman, allegedly acted to subject the interest of the republic to personal and family agendas. He called the allegations absurd in a social media post.
Deadly clash in Ecuador jail
At least 13 inmates and one prison guard were killed during clashes between rival gangs in an Ecuador jail. An unknown number of prisoners escaped during the incident as well. Police eventually regained control of the prison after deploying 200 police and soldiers.
North America
Bad Bunny to perform at Super Bowl
Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martinez Ocasio, will headline the 2026 Super Bowl half-time show. The Puerto Rican pop star has won three Grammys and 12 Latin Grammys. The 2026 Super Bowl takes place at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
Oregon sues Trump administration
The state of Oregon is suing the Trump Administration after President Donald Trump announced plans to deploy the National Guard to Portland. Oregon is arguing that the deployment of the National Guard is unlawful. Trump said the National Guard will protect ICE Facilities “under siege from attack by Antifa, and other domestic terrorists.”
