Africa
Dozens of kidnapped children/teachers freed
Nigeria’s military said it freed 44 students and teachers who were kidnapped from the southern state of Oyo. The kidnapping took place two months ago, and the freed captives are undergoing medical treatment. Nigeria’s government said it is working to improve security around schools and vulnerable communities.
Sudan paramilitary leader sentenced to death
Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, the leader of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, has been sentenced to death. He was found guilty of war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide. The Rapid Support Forces has yet to comment on the court’s ruling and previously rejected war crime accusations.
Asia
Flooding kills dozens in Bangladesh
At least 51 people were killed by heavy rainfall in Bangladesh recently. Flash floods and landslides hit large parts of the country, causing thousands of people to lose their homes. Because Bangladesh has many rivers, it typically sees heavy rain and floods during monsoon season. Climate change has also made rainfall more intense and more frequent.
Fire at Bangkok bar kills dozens
A fire at a bar in Thailand over the weekend killed at least 28 people and critically injured 25 others. Video footage showed customers screaming as they tried to leave through a flame-enveloped front door. Eyewitnesses told media that the fire started near the stage of the bar in the popular Chatuchak district.
Europe
Russia anti-war politician detained
Boris Nadezhdin, an anti-war politician who tried to challenge Vladimir Putin during Russia’s presidential election, was arrested. He recently announced he was running as a candidate in September’s parliamentary elections. His staff said the reason for his detention is unknown, but last week, he was accused of being a foreign agent by the justice ministry.
Spain battles one of its worst-ever wildfires
Firefighters in Spain are still working to contain parts of a wildfire in the southeast part of the country. So far, at least 12 people have died around the village of Bedar, and 23 others are still missing. France, Portugal, and Spain are all dealing the wildfires because of a sustained heatwave in Southern Europe this summer.
Latin America
Cuba protests power cuts
Last week, Cubans in different parts of the country banged pots in protest to a nationwide power cut. So far, Cuba has suffered through three power outages this year. The country is dealing with fuel shortages because of tight US sanctions and an effective US oil blockade. Cuban and United States relations have worsened in recent years.
Plane crash in Bahamas kills 10
Officials in the Bahamas announced that nine passengers and a pilot were killed in a small plane crash. The aircraft crashed into pushes prior to landing and happened on the day of the Bahama’s 53rd independence anniversary. Details about those who were on board, like age and names, have not been released.
North America
US Senator Lindsey Graham dies
Republican Senator Lindsey Graham died at the age of 71 over the weekend. His office said he passed after a brief and sudden illness. Graham was elected to the Senate in 2002 and was one of Washington’s most influential voices on foreign policy. He was a close ally of US President Donald Trump, and his successor will be chosen during November’s midterm elections.
Toronto street festival shooting leaves two dead
Police in Toronto said two people were killed in gunfire at a salsa street festival. Officials said there was an exchange of gunfire between two people, and two firearms were recovered. No arrests in connection to the incident have been made, and police are still investigating.
