Iran Carries Out New Executions, Ebola Under Watch in DR Congo and China Advances Toward the Moon

Caribbean

CARICOM, the UN and UNDP launch regional anti-crime framework

CARICOM, the United Nations and the UN Development Programme launched a new regional framework in Basseterre aimed at reducing crime and violence across the Caribbean. The initiative focuses on prevention through public health, education, justice and social protection policies.

Americas

Venezuela: María Corina Machado confirms presidential candidacy

From Panama, María Corina Machado announced that she will run in Venezuela’s next presidential election. She said her return to the country would be coordinated with the United States as part of the political transition plan established after Nicolás Maduro’s capture.

Bolivia: United States sends emergency food assistance

The United States announced emergency food aid and logistical support for Bolivia as road blockades and protests continue to disrupt supplies of food and medicine across several regions.

United States

Douglas McCain, eldest son of John McCain, dies at 66

Douglas McCain died suddenly at the age of 66. A former Navy pilot and American Airlines captain, he was the adopted son of late U.S. Senator John McCain.

Armed man shot near the White House

An armed suspect was shot and killed by Secret Service agents after opening fire near the White House in Washington. A bystander was seriously injured and federal authorities are investigating the incident.

Bipartisan lawmakers challenge Justice Department fund

Republican and Democratic lawmakers introduced legislation to block a $1.8 billion Justice Department fund designed to compensate individuals claiming they were unfairly targeted by the government, including some linked to the January 6 Capitol riot.

Canada

Canada welcomes major Indian trade delegation

Piyush Goyal is leading the largest Indian business delegation ever sent abroad to Canada. Both countries aim to strengthen cooperation in energy, infrastructure, artificial intelligence and innovation.

Europe

Vatican: Pope Leo XIV calls for peace

During the Pentecost Mass at the Vatican, Léon XIV urged humanity to reject the “evil of war” and called for peace and dialogue amid rising global conflicts.

France: Gérald Darmanin proposes immigration moratorium

French Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin proposed a three-year moratorium on legal immigration and suggested stricter visa and family reunification policies.

Portugal: Father of abandoned French children speaks out

The father of two French children found abandoned in southern Portugal said he is waiting for official authorization to reunite with them while their mother and her partner remain in custody.

Middle East

Iran: new executions linked to protests

Iranian authorities executed two men accused of involvement in protests and espionage activities. Four additional death sentences were also issued in cases related to demonstrations following the death of Mahsa Amini.

Asia-Pacific

China: Shenzhou-23 mission advances lunar ambitions

China launched the Shenzhou-23 mission toward the Tiangong space station with the goal of keeping an astronaut in orbit for one full year for the first time. The mission is part of Beijing’s long-term plan to send humans to the Moon before 2030.

Africa

DR Congo: tougher measures introduced against Ebola

Democratic Republic of the Congo and neighboring countries introduced stricter health measures to contain the country’s 17th outbreak of Maladie à virus Ebola. Authorities reported more than 900 suspected cases and over 220 suspected deaths in eastern regions of the country.

Cherline Ades.