Africa
Dozens of kidnapped people rescued
Nigeria’s army announced it rescued 33 people who were kidnapped by armed men. The military followed the kidnappers to an unknown location, and the gunmen fled after gun exchange. Abductions in Nigeria for ransom are popular in the north-western part of the country and major roads.
Ethiopian independent news editor abducted
Yonas Kedir, the editor-in-chief for the Addis Standard independent news site, was abducted and assaulted by security forces, the news site alleges. The site’s owner also alleged that security forces raided the Yonas Kedir’s offices. Several rights groups said these incidents show a pattern of targeting independent news outlets.
Asia
One million people evacuated from Chinese homes
More than a million people were forced to evacuate from their homes in eastern China because of a typhoon. Officials also canceled nearly 1,000 flights in Shanghai alone. The typhoon, known as Typhoon Dolphin, is the strongest storm to hit China this year. The country has experienced torrential rains, severe flooding, and is at risk of landslides.
Indian police fire tear gas at protesters
Thousands of students and others gathered to protest in the Indian state of Jharkhand to demand reforms to recruitment exams. Police used tear gas shells to halt the protesters, and some people sustained injuries. Protests have gone on for over two weeks and are seeking to overhaul Jharkhand’s government exam system.
Europe
Spain introduces border controls from Italy
Spain is imposing border controls on air and sea travel from Italy for a month. Italy enacted similar measures recently, driven by a wave of 78,000 migrants moving from Morocco into the Spanish exclave of Ceuta. Italy and Spain do not share a land border. However, Italy stated that it reimposed border controls and temporarily suspended Schengen free-movement rules to prevent migrants entering Ceuta from traveling onwards to Italy.
Ancient Rome shipwreck discovered
Divers discovered a Roman shipwreck off the coast of Sicily, piled high with hundreds of well-preserved containers used to transport goods like wine and olive oil. The ship is believed to be more than 2,000 years old. Italy Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli said the wreck is one of the most important underwater archaeological discoveries in recent years.
Latin America
Alleged Colombia rebel leader killed
Hernando Forero Mosquera, known as “El ruso,” was killed in a military operation in central Colombia. He is suspected of leading a dissident faction of a left-wing rebel group. Colombia President Abelardo de la Espriella said the operation sent a message “to all bandits that there is nowhere for them to hide.”
Mexico influencer shot and killed during livestream
Cesar Gastelum, a Mexican influencer, was shot and killed while livestreaming on social media at a fast-food restaurant. Officials allege two men on a motorbike drove up to him and shot him at close range. Gastelum had more than half a million followers, and no arrests have been made yet.
North America
Puerto Rico rationing water supplies
Households in Puerto Rico are being forced to have their water supply shut off for 48 hours on a rotating basis as the country deals with a severe drought. The drought conditions have been compounded by long-term issues with the island’s infrastructure. It is unknown when the water supply shut off measure will end.
Man arrested, accused of starting wildfire in Spokane
Police in Spokane, Washington have arrested Aaron Farinacci, who is accused of starting a large wildfire in Spokane. Farinacci allegedly told police he waited for a hot, dry, and windy day to start the fire. He also claimed responsibility for 25 other fires set in the area over the past year. The Spokane fire has caused more than 60,000 people to evacuate and destroyed more than 700 buildings.
