Africa
Historic Ebola outbreak in DR Congo
The Democratic Republic of Congo confirmed that the country’s recent Ebola outbreak is the deadliest in its history. Since May 15, the virus has killed at least 2,325 people in the country. UN Humanitarian Chief Tom Fletcher recently warned that the virus is killing someone every 30 minutes.
Zambian opposition figures arrested
At least 11 people were arrested in Zambia, including senior opposition figures who are accused of being involved in an insurrection plot. Brian Mundubile, a leading opposition candidate, denied the accusations and said Zambia security forces tried to assassinate him. Mundubile had recently claimed victory in Zambia’s presidential election.
Asia
Record rains in South Korean city
Heavy rain has continued to fall on South Korea’s Gyeongsang province, causing a landslide that killed one person. The landslide also buried the first floor of an apartment building. Meanwhile, record rainfall caused by back-to-back storms has caused flooding in other parts of Asia, like China, Japan, and the Philippines.
South Korea proposes talks with North Korea
South Korea President Lee Jae Myung suggested having talks with North Korea on officially ending the war. He offered to discuss practical ways to stop North Korea’s nuclear weapon projects. North Korea has recently been testing ballistic missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads. Lee said he hopes South Korea and North Korea “will sit face-to-face for peaceful coexistence and mutual growth.
Europe
Tallest Virgin Mary statue in Europe unveiled
A small Polish village unveiled a statue of the Virgin Mary that stands 182 feet tall. It is believed to be the tallest statue of the Virgin Mary in Europe. The statue was commissioned by a local millionaire couple and rests in rural Konotopie. Poland is overwhelmingly Catholic, but many younger adults in the country are turning away from the church.
Belgian wildfire continues
Hundreds of firefighters in Belgium are working to contain a wildfire described as the largest in the country’s recent history. The fire is burning through Hautes Fagnes, Belgium’s largest nature reserve-prompting the evacuation of two nearby villages. High heat and the park’s terrain has made it difficult to extinguish the fire.
Latin America
Stolen art recovered in Brazil
Police in Brazil recovered eight illustrations by French artist Henri Matisse. The art was stolen from a library in Sao Paul and is worth around $200,000. Police arrested a 44-year-old man in connection to the stolen art and are still searching for five engravings by Brazilian artist Candido Portinari that was also stolen during a heist at Biblioteca Mario de Andrade last year.
Colombia earthquake kills dozens
At least 169 people were killed in Colombia by one of the country’s largest earthquakes in recent years The quake had a 7.4 magnitude, and around 900 others were injured. Colombia President Abelardo de la Espriella declared a national disaster situation. He just started his presidency this month.
North America
Actress Hayden Panettiere passes
Hayden Panettiere, known for her roles in TV shows like Heros and Nashville and films like Bring It On: All or Nothing, has passed at the age of 36. SAG-AFTRA, a union Panettiere was part of, said “our hearts are with her daughter, family, friends, and fans.” No cause of death has been confirmed.
Mangione admits to killing healthcare CEO
Luigi Mangione admitted in court to shooting and killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in court last week. The incident occurred in December 2024 when Tompson was walking into a hotel in midtown Manhattan. Mangione faces life in prison and state charges his lawyers are seeking to get dismissed after is guilty plea.
