Africa
South Africa mass shooting leaves 11 dead
At least 11 people were killed in South Africa this past weekend in a mass shooting. The incident occurred at a hostel, and 14 others were wounded. The shooting was carried out by gunmen who stormed the hostel and fired randomly at a group of people who were drinking. No arrests have been made.
Abducted children released in Nigeria
Authorities in Nigeria announced that around 100 children who were abducted last month have been freed. The children were previously taken from St Mary’s Catholic school in Papiri. Officials said authorities will need time to process the children and provide necessary support before announcing a formal handover back to their parents.
Asia
India nightclub fire leaves dozens dead
At least 25 people were killed at a popular nightclub in India because of a fire. Police believe indoor fireworks may be the cause of the blaze. Among those who were killed include four members of the same Delhi family and 21 staff members. Police arrested four people, including the nightclub’s manager.
Thailand changes afternoon alcohol ban
To ramp up tourism, Thailand is lifting a decades-old ban on the sale of alcoholic drinks in the afternoon. The ban has been in place since 1972 and was first introduced to stop government employees from drinking during work hours. Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul promised to win back tourists when he took office in September.
Europe
New mpox strain found in England
A person in England has tested positive for a new strain of mpox. That person recently traveled to Asia, and health officials are still assessing the significance of the new strain. While it is normal for viruses to evolve, an mpox infection is mild for many people. Vaccines are 75-80% effective at protecting against mpox.
Books damaged at Louvre
Museum officials at the Louvre museum in Paris said hundreds of books were damaged by a water leak. Books in the Egyptian department were damaged, but the museum’s deputy administrator said “no precious books” were affected. The leakage occurred weeks after thieves stole French crown jewels from the museum.
Latin America
Artwork stolen from Brazil library
At least eight engravings by French artist Matisse and five other pieces by Brazilian painter Candido Portinari were stolen by two armed men at a Brazil library. The incident occurred at Biblioteca Mario de Andrade, Brazil’s second largest library. Police have identified one of the two suspects and have located their getaway car.
Honduras deals with glitch during presidential election
Honduras’ presidential election vote count has been delayed twice by technical outages. Candidates Nasry Asfura and Salvador Nasralla are currently separated by 0.3 percentage points. Officials are urging Hondurans to be patient while police have increased security where votes are being tallied.
North America
US National Park Service changes fee-free days
The US National Park Service is planning to remove Martin Luther King Jr Day and Juneteenth from fee-free entrance days. The agency is planning to add Flag Day, which is also President Trump’s birthday, as a “patriotic” fee-free day. Those who are undocumented will still have to pay fees on the fee-free dates.
Influential architect passes
Frank Gehry, who is known for his titanium covered design of the Guggenheim Museum in Spain, passed away at the age of 96. Known as one of the most influential architects, Gehry received the Pritzker Architecture prize in 1989 for lifetime achievement. He is survived by two daughters, two sons, and his wife.
