What You Need To Know:

1. A man walked along a Toronto street firing a handgun into restaurants and cafes, shooting 14 people and killing two before dying after an exchange of gunfire with police.

2. Nicaraguan police and armed pro-government civilians violently retook a symbolically important neighborhood that had recently become a center of resistance to President Ortega’s government.

3. A suicide bomber carried out an attack near the Kabul airport, killing 14 people and narrowly missing Afghanistan’s vice president, who was returning home after living in Turkey for over a year.

4. Israel’s parliament approved a controversial piece of legislation that defines the country as the nation-state of the Jewish people but which critics warn sidelines minorities.

5. A suspected Russian airstrike hit a school serving as a shelter in southwestern Syria, killing at least 10 people.

6. British Prime Minister May accepted amendments to a customs bill put forward by Brexit hardliners who oppose her plan for a “common rule book” with the European Union after the country leaves the bloc.

7. French President Macron fired the head of his personal security detail but faced criticism for failing to act sooner, after video was released showing the man posing as a police officer and beating a protester while off duty in May.

8. A candidate from the party of Pakistan prime ministerial hopeful was killed in a suicide attack that wounded four others, days before general elections.

9. Standing next to Russia’s Putin, President Trump openly questioned his own intelligence agencies’ conclusions that Russia was to blame for meddling in the 2016 U.S. election to Trump’s benefit.

10. The European Union and Japan signed a landmark deal that will eliminate nearly all tariffs on products they trade. It covers a third of the global economy and markets of more than 600 million people.

Afghanistan

• Suicide bombing in Kabul kills 14; VP unharmed
• Civilians killed in air strike
• ISIS suicide bomber kills 20 people in northern Afghanistan
• U.S. open to direct talks with Taliban

Australia

• PM calls on Pope to fire archbishop

Brazil

• Rightwing candidate slams centrists, softens tone in campaign launch

Bulgaria

• Parliament bars government from signing deals on migrant readmissions 

Cambodia

• Opposition says it has been ‘cut off’ in lead up to election
• China lends Cambodia $259 million to build new road

Cameroon

• Military, separatists blamed for ‘grave abuses’

Canada

• PM reshuffles cabinet, seeks to reduce reliance on U.S. 
• Man firing into Toronto cafe shoots 14 people, killing 2

China

• Hundreds protest over Hong Kong’s move to ban separatist political party 
• Court sends former Hong Kong leader back to jail with reduced sentence
• U.S. lawmakers cut anti-ZTE measure from defense bill

Colombia

• FARC leader Marquez declines to take Senate seat

Cuba

• Lawmakers approve new leader’s Cabinet with old faces in place
• Cuba aims to build socialism, not communism, in draft constitution 

Cyprus

• 19 dead as migrant boat sinks off northern Cyprus

Egypt

• Egypt and Sudan seek to bolster ties after yearslong tension
• Egypt passes law that could shield top military brass from prosecution

Eritrea

• Eritrean troops withdraw from Ethiopia border

Ethiopia

• Ethiopia has ‘no option’ but multiparty democracy

France

• President Macron fires bodyguard filmed beating protester; critics say too late

Georgia

• 4 miners killed in coal mine accident

Germany

• Around 25,000 people protest immigration stance of Merkel’s allies
• 9 injured in bus attack, suspect arrested
• Merkel vows to see out full term in office

Honduras

• Pope Francis removes Honduran bishop accused of sexual misdeeds

India

• Opposition leader Gandhi startles bitter foe Modi with hug
• Parliament to debate no-trust motion against Modi’s government
• Buildings collapse in Delhi killing at least 3

Iran

• Iran lifts ban on non-Muslim city council member after outcry

Iraq

• One protester killed at Badr militia branch
• Cleric Sadr backs protests, calls for delay in government formation

Israel

• Gays on strike over exclusion from surrogacy law
• Parliament passes contentious Jewish nation bill
• E.U. expresses concern over Jewish nation-state law
• Israel places new limitations on cargo crossing into Gaza 

Italy

• PM calls for E.U. body to coordinate migrant arrivals

Japan

• Japan and E.U. sign trade deal to eliminate nearly all tariffs
• Heatwave kills 14 people

Libya

• Libya rejects E.U. plans for migrant centers on its territory
• Two migrants die on boat left adrift by coast guard
• 8 migrants found dead in lorry contained in western Libya

Mexico

• President-elect vows improvements to deter migration
• Head of ruling party resigns after record loss

Nicaragua

• Police and armed pro-government civilians violently retake symbolic city
• U.N. chief demands end to violence, hundreds protest Ortega

North Korea

• North Korea takes swipe at South Korean President, urges return of restaurant workers 
• Kim slams local North Koreans for unfinished power plant

Pakistan

• Candidate of Imran Khan’s party killed in bombing 

Palestinian Territories

• Hamas accepts cease-fire after massive Israeli Gaza strikes
• 4 Palestinians killed by Israeli fire in Gaza 

Peru

• Peruvians march against corruption as head of judiciary resigns

Poland

• Parliament OK’s tighter grip on judicial branch

Russia

• Putin and Trump discuss referendum for eastern Ukraine 
• GDP growth slows to 1.1%
• Putin accuses U.S. forces of trying to ruin Trump summit outcome
• White House rejects Putin proposal to interview U.S. citizens 

Singapore

• Hack of 1.5M patients’ records targeted PM Lee

Slovenia

• Head of largest party tells President he cannot form government

Somalia

• Al Shabaab captures strategic town in Puntland

South Africa

• Gunmen ambush taxi drivers; 11 killed

South Korea

• Former President Park sentenced to 8 more years in prison
• Military helicopter crash kills 5

South Sudan

• President Kiir ready to accept peace deal

Spain

• Conservatives swing to the right with new leader
• Spain drops arrest warrant for former Catalan leader
• Constitutional Court blocks latest Catalan independence motion

Syria

• White Helmets evacuated to Jordan through Israel
• U.N. calls for safe passage for 140,000 trapped in southwest Syria
• At least 10 civilians killed by Russian airstrike
• Government, rebels clash over recon base near Israel

United Kingdom

• PM May frustrated Northern Ireland lacks devolved government 
• PM May narrowly avoids defeat in parliament on E.U. trade laws
• Millions face water restrictions amid hot, dry weather
• PM accepts key amendments from hardline Brexiteers
• Junior defense minister resigns, votes against government
• PM May wins parliament vote after bowing to Brexit pressure

United States of America

• President Trump heightens tariff threat in trade war with China
• Missouri duck boat accident kills 17 people 
• U.S. to alert public to foreign efforts to undermine politics
• Trump invites Putin to Washington despite U.S. uproar over Helsinki summit
• Trump questions U.S. intel, not Putin, on Russia 2016 meddling
• Trump tells Iran ‘never, ever threaten’ U.S. or suffer consequences

Venezuela

• Boy killed during protest in southern Venezuela

Vietnam

• Storm kills 20, leaves 16 missing

Yemen

• Suspected U.S. airstrike kills 4 al-Qaida operatives in Yemen

Zimbabwe

• Presidential election too close to call in latest poll

Follow @TheZenCorner on Twitter and Facebook for Breaking News.

PS: Subscribe to receive the “World News Recap” directly by email.

What You Need To Know:

1. A suicide bombing at an election rally in Pakistan’s southwest killed 128 people.

2. The Trump administration released a list of 10% tariffs on $200 billion in Chinese goods, making good on the president’s threats to escalate a broadening trade war with Beijing.

3. Official rivals just weeks ago, the leaders of Ethiopia and Eritrea embraced warmly to the roar of a crowd of thousands at a concert to celebrate the end of a long state of war.

4. Torrential rains across western Japan triggered floods and landslides that killed more than 200 people in Japan’s worst weather disaster in 36 years.

5. A tourist boat capsized off the coast of Thailand’s Phuket killing at least 44 people, making it Thailand’s worst tourist-related disaster in years and underscoring safety concerns about the industry.

6. The Israeli military lifted its restrictions along the Gaza border, indicating it had accepted an Egypt-mediated cease-fire that ended a 24-hour round of fighting with Hamas militants that had threatened to devolve into all-out war.

7. A suicide bomber in Afghanistan killed at least 12 people, including several children, in an attack in the eastern city of Jalalabad claimed by Islamic State militants.

8. A federal grand jury charged 12 Russian intelligence officers with hacking Democratic computer networks in 2016, in the most detailed U.S. accusation yet that Russia meddled in the presidential election to help Donald Trump.

9. Haitian Prime Minister Jack Guy Lafontant resigned amid calls for him to step down over his handling of a failed plan to raise fuel prices that set off a wave of deadly protests.

10. The United Nations Security Council imposed an arms embargo on South Sudan, nearly five years after civil war erupted in the country.

Afghanistan

• 10 killed in attack in Jalalabad
• 7 killed, 15 wounded in suicide attack
• U.S. Secretary pushes peace talks on unannounced trip
• At least 12 dead, including children, in suicide blast
• Afghan forces kill at least 6 civilians in ground and air operations

Algeria

• Authorities to stop forcing migrants into Sahara after outrage

Armenia

• Mayor of Yerevan resigns after national change of power

Azerbaijan

• Two policemen killed during protest

Brazil

• Lawyer tapped as new Labor Minister 

Cameroon

• President Biya to seek 7th term

China

• China raises tariff rates for some U.S. optical fiber products
• President Xi pledges $20 billion in loans to revive Middle East
• China lets Nobel widow leave for Berlin after house arrest 
• Court sentences veteran rights activist to 13 years in prison
• Industrial park blast kills 19 hurt 12 in southwest China

Colombia

• Duque names Carrasquilla as his finance minister

Congo

• Opposition leader Bemba nominated for presidential election

Czech Republic

• PM Babis wins vote of confidence for new cabinet

Denmark

• Iceberg 4 miles wide breaks off from Greenland glacier

Egypt

• 11 suspected militants killed in Sinai shootout
• Passenger train derails near Giza, scores injured
• Courts sentence 31 to death for killings, prison escape

Ethiopia

• Eritrean, Ethiopian leaders meet, call new peace example to Africa

France

• Army helicopter crashes in Ivory Coast, one dead
• Young, joyful France beats Croatia to win 2nd World Cup
• France to meet NATO defense spending by 2024

Germany

• Germany charges Iranian diplomat detained in bomb plot

Greece

• Authorities expel Russian diplomats over alleged protest money

Haiti

• PM Lafontant resigns amid fuel price hike fallout

Hungary

• Government prepares to pull out of U.N. migration pact

India

• Landslide in northeast kills 8 children, one woman

Indonesia

• Police shoot dead three suspected militants

Iran

• Woman who protested headscarf gets 20-year sentence
• Guards kill 3 militants near Iraq border
• Iran has no intention to leave Syria, according to top official

Iraq

• Protests in southern Iraq to demand better services, jobs
• Two protesters killed in clashes with security forces

Israel

• Cease-fire holds after day of intense Israel-Hamas fighting 
• Police question PM Netanyahu over alleged corruption
• Military fires missile at drone from Syria

Italy

• Italy cuts parliamentary pensions in victory for 5-Star

Japan

• Over 176 people killed in floods

Morocco

• Tens of thousands protest over jailed Rif activists 

Myanmar

• Court rules Reuters reporters can face full trial
• Landslide at jade mine kills at least 15, injures 45
• Police arrests government critic under sedition law

Nigeria

• Ruling party unseats opposition in southern Ekiti state

North Korea

• North Korea calls for senior-level talks to discuss U.S. soldiers remains

Pakistan

• Suicide bombing at election rally kills 128 people, candidate killed
• Former PM Sharif and daughter arrested on return to country
• Taliban claim bombing at rally that killed 21
• Hundreds of former ruling party members detained

Palestinian Territories

• Teenager killed in Gaza border violence
• Two Palestinians killed in Israeli air strike in Gaza

Philippines

• Gunmen kill fourth local official in a week
• President Duterte sees lowest rating since becoming president

Russia

• Russia to expel two Greek diplomats 

Saudi Arabia

• Defense Ministry official arrested on bribery charges

Singapore

• Second quarter GDP growth slows as trade tensions cloud outlook

Slovenia

• President gives largest party one more week to form coalition

Somalia

• 6 dead after attackers target presidential palace

South Africa

• 1 killed, 20 injured in charter plane crash
• 5 miners killed in fire at copper mine

South Korea

• Korea suspends civilian drills to help talks with North
• President Moon presses Trump, Kim for breakthrough in nuclear talks

South Sudan

• Lawmakers extend President’s term until 2021
• U.N. Security Council imposes an arms embargo on South Sudan

Spain

• 479 migrants rescued over weekend

Switzerland

• Switzerland launches WTO action over U.S. steel, aluminum tariffs

Syria

• Airstrike on area held by ISIS in eastern Syria kills 54
• Government widens assault in southwest hits ISIS pocket

Thailand

• After daring rescue, entire soccer team out of cave
• Death toll in tourist boat disaster rises to 44

Tunisia

• President says PM Chahed should quit if crisis continues

Turkey

• 24 killed in train derailment after heavy rains
• Erdogan names Cabinet for presidency with new powers
• Erdogan names son-in-law as finance minister
• Attack helicopter deal with Pakistan worth around $1.5 billion

United Kingdom

• President Trump tells PM May to sue the E.U., not negotiate
• PM fights to stop Cabinet exodus over Brexit
• Opposition Labour party takes poll lead amid Brexit crisis
• Police confirm source of Novichok poisoning
• Thousands of demonstrators mock Trump, protest his visit 

United States of America

• U.S. to impose $200 billion in tariffs on Chinese products
• President Trump picks conservative Kavanaugh as Supreme Court nominee
• President Trump suggests China might be interfering in U.S.-North Korea talks
• U.S. accuses Russian spies of 2016 election hacking as summit loans
• E.U. official criticizes Trump over attitude toward allies
• President lashes out at Germany, demands allies double NATO spending 

Vietnam

• Vietnam jails 6 for economic zone protest clashes

Follow @TheZenCorner on Twitter and Facebook for Breaking News.

PS: Subscribe to receive the “World News Recap” directly by email.

What You Need To Know:

1. British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson and Brexit Secretary David Davis resigned adding to divisions over Brexit that threaten to tear apart Prime Minister May’s government.

2. At least 100 people killed in torrential rains and landslides in western Japan.

3. The United States and China slapped tit-for-tat duties on $34 billion worth of each other’s imports, triggering the “largest-scale trade war.”

4. The parties in Germany’s ruling coalition reached an agreement on a package of measures to deal with asylum-seekers who have already registered in other E.U. states.

5. Turkey dismissed more than 18,000 civil servants, ahead of this month’s expected lifting of a two-year-old state of emergency imposed after an attempted coup.

6. Eight children trapped for over two weeks in a flooded cave in northern Thailand have been rescued; Four boys and their coach remain in the cave.

7. Anti-government protests broke out in Polish cities in defense of the country’s constitution, judicial independence and the rule of law.

8. Former Malaysian PM Najib was charged with criminal breach of trust and corruption, two months after a multibillion-dollar corruption scandal at a state investment fund led to his stunning election defeat.

9. At least six soldiers in Tunisia’s national guard were killed in an apparent attack by an armed group near the Algerian border.

10. A Pakistani anti-corruption tribunal sentenced former PM Sharif to 10 years in prison over purchases of luxury apartments in London.

Afghanistan

• Insider attack kills U.S. service member
• U.S., Afghan forces clear ISIS from eastern district

Australia

• Bishop sentenced to year’s detention for cover-up

Azerbaijan

• Azerbaijan hit by massive blackout, worst in decades

Belgium

• European peace activists march against Trump’s NATO visit

Bolivia

• President Morales has emergency surgery for tumor

Brazil

• Judge blocks order to release of Lula from prison

Cameroon

• 30 killed as bus drives into river

Canada

• Heat wave claims a total of 12 lives in Montreal

China

• 33 dead in boat sinking off Thai island, 23 missing
• China implements retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods

DR Congo

• 1 killed, 3 wounded after clashes near Congo-Uganda border

Eritrea

• Landlocked Ethiopia to begin using port of neighboring Eritrea

Ethiopia

• Ethiopia and Eritrea to re-open embassies in each other’s capitals
• Violence in southern Ethiopia forces more than 800,000 to flee

Germany

• Coalition reaches deal on migration, no transit centers
• IMF cuts 2018 economic growth forecast to 2.2%

Guatemala

• Authorities up number of missing to 332 in volcano eruption

Haiti

• Looting follows violent fuel protests in Haitian capital

Indonesia

• Authorities rush to rescue 140 people after ferry sinks, killing 4

Iran

• Iranian teen detained over Instagram dance videos
• Iran threatens to cut cooperation with nuclear body after Trump move

Iraq

• Police open fire on protesters near southern oilfields

Israel

• Israeli air strike hits Syria at Golan frontier
• Law freezes funds for Palestinian attackers’ families
• Troops kill Gazan who breached border to torch sniper post

Japan

• Authorities execute leader, 6 followers, of sarin attack doomsday cult
• Death toll climbs to 88 people as heavy rains hammer southern Japan
• Prime Minister Abe to cancel Iran trip over U.S. pressure on Tehran
• Emperor resumes official duties after suffering nausea 

Jordan

• UN urges Jordan to open borders to fleeing Syrians

Kenya

• Kenya to prosecute county governor, nine others in corruption case

Kuwait

• Court sentences lawmakers to prison over 2011 protest

Libya

• Armed group kidnaps three Filipinos and one Korean
• Lawmakers visit contested Jerusalem holy site
• Two workers killed in second attack on water plant

Macedonia

• Parliament endorses name deal with Greece for second time

Malaysia

• Former leader Najib charged with breach of trust, corruption

Mali

• Al-Qaeda linked group claims attack on French troops in Mali

Mexico

• 24 die in Tultepec fireworks blast
• Incoming President Obrador to seek negotiated peace in drug war
• Incoming President aims to end foreign fuel imports in three years
• President-elect pledges to reach understanding with Trump

Nigeria

• Ruling APC splits, could hamper Buhari re-election bid

North Korea

• North Korea slams ‘gangster-like’ U.S. demands after Pompeo visit

Pakistan

• Court sentences former PM Sharif to 10 years in prison
• Authorities arrest son-in-law of ousted premier Sharif
• Record rains turn city’s road into rivers; 6 dead

Palestinian Territories

• Palestinian killed as Gaza protests against Israel enter fourth month
• Palestinians to keep paying prisoner stipend despite Israel penalty

Philippines

• President Duterte will not seek second term under new constitution
• Bike-riding gunmen kill mayor in second murder in two days
• City mayor gunned down during flag-raising event

Poland

• Air force jet crashes in field, killing pilot
• Top court judges criticize pro-government principal 
• Massive protests in Poland against government judicial overhaul
• President announces retirement of Supreme Court chief
• E.U. moves against Poland for its new court law

Romania

• Fighter jet crashes during airshow, kills pilot
• Lawmaker panel partially decriminalized abuse of office

Saudi Arabia

• Security man, expatriate killed in attack

Somalia

• At least 9 killed in attack on interior ministry
• 7 injured by road-side bomb in Mogadishu

South Africa

• Son of former President Zuma to face charges

South Sudan

• Government proposes bill to extend president’s term
• 18 civilians killed in attack

Sri Lanka

• Sri Lanka to shift naval base to China-controlled port city

Syria

• Syrian troops recapture vital border crossing with Jordan
• Pro-Assad forces to leave rebel towns in deal brokered by Russia
• Air defenses hit Israeli plane, thwart missile strike
• Airstrikes resume in southwest Syria after talks fail
• Son of ISIS leader killed in Homs

Thailand

• Navy seal dies as schoolboys trapped in cave
• 8 children rescued from cave in risky operation; 5 remain inside
• At least 41 dead as boat sinks off southern Thai resort island

Tunisia

• At least 6 soldiers killed in attack near Algerian border

Turkey

• Train derailment kills at least 10, injures 73 people
• Authorities sack more than 18,000 personnel ahead of expected lifting of emergency rule
• Erdogan assumes new presidential powers tightening control over Turkey
• Journalists sentenced for links to U.S.-based cleric

Ukraine

• 3 soldiers die in training accident

United Arab Emirates

• Authorities extend compulsory military service to 16 months

United Kingdom

• Most senior Brexit official quits government
• Foreign Secretary Johnson quits government in Brexit crisis
• U.K. leaders endorse Brexit trade plan
• Police open murder investigation as 1 of 2 nerve agent victim dies
• Officials accuse Russia of dumping poison in Britain

United States of America

• U.S. triggers China tariffs, fuels fears of escalating trade war
• U.S. warships pass through Taiwan Strait amid China tensions
• President Trump pressed aides on Venezuela invasion
• Over 40 countries object at WTO to U.S. car tariff plan

Vatican

• Pope Francis warns climate change turning Earth into desert, garbage 

Vietnam

• Arrests seven ‘terrorists’ over bombing of police station
• Authorities jail former central bank official amid graft crackdown

Yemen

• Suspected U.S. drone strike kills 7 al-Qaeda members in Yemen

Follow @TheZenCorner on Twitter and Facebook for Breaking News.

PS: Subscribe to receive the “World News Recap” directly by email.

What You Need To Know:

1. Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador decisively won Mexico’s presidency, setting the stage for the most left-wing government in decades.

2. At least 48 people were killed in northern India when an overcrowded bus plunged off a mountain road into a gorge.

3. A suicide car bomb aimed at a patrol of French soldiers killed four civilians in northern Mali.

4. The U.S. ambassador to Estonia resigned over frustrations with President Trump’s comments about the European Union and his treatment of European allies.

5. The Turkish military killed eight Kurdish militants in air strikes in northern Iraq and southeastern Turkey.

6. Insurgent attacks in Afghanistan killed 29 people, targeting peace talks between the Taliban and village elders.

7. More than 200 people died in clashes in central Nigeria between farmers and herders after attacks by “suspected militia herdsmen.”

8. U.S. intelligence agencies believe North Korea has increased production of fuel for nuclear weapons at secret sites and may try to hide these while seeking concessions in nuclear talks.

9. A strike called by Argentina’s largest trade union in protest over President Macri’s market-friendly economic policies brought the country to a standstill.

10. German Chancellor Merkel has reportedly secured agreements with 14 European Union countries to rapidly return some asylum seekers.

Afghanistan

• Attacks kill 29 people, including elders urging peace
• Suicide bombers targets Sikhs, Hindus; 19 dead
• President orders troops to resume operations against Taliban
• Administrators strike threatens July presidential vote

Algeria

• Authorities strand up to 13,000 migrants in the desert

Argentina

• Strike against President Macri paralyzes Argentina; banks and grain affected

Australia

• Australia bans covert foreign interference in politics 
• Australia proposes law to stop ‘modern slavery’
• Australia and Vanatu to negotiate security treaty

Brazil

• Far-right lawmaker Bolsonaro leads presidential poll

Bulgaria

• Government survives no-confidence vote in parliament

Canada

• Canada lobbies big three U.S. carmakers to fight auto tariffs
• Canada hits back at U.S. tariffs, says it will not back down

China

• Knife-wielding man kills 2 boys in Shanghai, injures others
• Hong Kong’s pro-democracy protesters defiant, but rally turnout hits a low
• Large army veteran protests in China pose challenge for Xi
• Warships drill in waters near Taiwan
• China drops tariffs on animal feed from Asian countries
• 1 dead, three wounded in rare Hong Kong shooting

eSwatini

• Police fire stun grenades at anti-government protesters

Ethiopia

• 28 people in court following grenade attack
• Ethiopia welcomes 1st delegation from rival Eritrea in years

France

• Heavily armed men in helicopter free notorious inmate
• Pope Francis and President Macron meet at Vatican, discuss migration

Georgia

• Former President sentenced in absentia for abuse of power

Germany

• Chancellor Merkel secures deal with 14 E.U. nations on migrants
• Interior minister offers to resign, in blow to German coalition
• Parliament approves Greece aid package

Ghana

• President fires electoral commission head, two deputies

India

• Private plane crashes in crowded Mumbai area, 5 people dead
• Overcrowded bus plunges into gorge killing 48 people

Iran

• Gunfire, clashes amid protests over water scarcity
• Protests in Iran as President Rouhani says U.S. wants ‘economic war’
• Iran bans 1,300 imports as protesters, police clash over currency weakness

Iraq

• One dead in Kirkuk in suicide bombing near ballot box store

Israel

• Prince William arrives in Israel for historic visit
• Israel will not accept any Syrian refugees on its territory

Italy

• PM clashes with Germany, France, over gist of migration deal

Japan

• Japan to buy advanced U.S. radar for missile defense system 

Jordan

• PM visits border shut to displaced Syrians
• Jordan says ceasefire agreed in southern Syria

Kenya

• Fire sweeps through market in Nairobi killing 15

Libya

• Man gets 22 years for attacks on U.S. consulate in Benghazi
• Coastguard says 100 migrants may have drowned near Tripoli

Macedonia

• President refuses to sign ‘criminal’ law to change country’s name

Madagascar

• Madagascar to hold presidential elections in November

Malaysia

• Malaysian police to question Najib after seizing up to $275 million from homes
• Malaysia considers amending human trafficking law after U.S. report

Mali

• Car bomb kills 4 people, 3rd extremist attack this week
• 3 killed in attack on West African counterterror forces HQ

Mexico

• Leftist Obrador overwhelmingly elected President 
• Journalist murdered in southern Mexico before election

Morocco

• Court sentences journalist to three years in jail

Myanmar

• Myanmar rejects citizenship reform at private Rohingya talks

Nigeria

• Death toll more than 200 in central Nigeria weekend clashes
• Oil tanker fire kills 9 in Lagos

North Korea

• U.S. intelligence believes North Korea making more nuclear bomb fuel
• Korea’s discuss removing North’s artillery from tense border

Pakistan

• Pakistan takes radical Sunni leader off terrorist watch list ahead of election

Palestinian Territories

• Prince William meets Palestinians in West Bank
• 13 year-old killed along border with Israel

Poland

• Poland backs down on Holocaust law, moves to end jail terms
• Kaczynski says Germany should pay damages for WWII

Romania

• Government defeats no-confidence vote as thousands protest 

Russia

• President Putin boasts about Russia’s prospective nuclear weapons
• Opposition leader Navalny’s brother freed from jail
• E.U. leaders agree to extend economic sanctions on Russia

Saudi Arabia

• President Trump claims Saudi Arabia will boost oil production

South Korea

• Korea’s agree to improve North Korea’s railways

South Sudan

• South Sudan’s warring sides agree to permanent cease-fire
• Bangladeshi peacekeeper killed in attack in South Sudan

Spain

• Catalan chief to ask Spain for secession vote
• Spanish rescue ship told not to respond to distress call

Sudan

• Opposition leader refused entry to Egypt

Syria

• Double bombing kills at least 9 people in Afrin
• Airstrikes pound southern Syria, causing thousands to flee
• Fighting in Syria’s south escalates, displaces 50,000 people

Turkey

• Turkish airstrikes kill 4 Kurdish militants in northern Iraq
• Military kills 8 Kurdish militants in northern Iraq and southeast Turkey
• President Erdogan wins sweeping new powers after election victory

Ukraine

• Four Ukrainian soldiers killed as fighting flares in separatist conflict

United Kingdom

• Prime Minister May and E.U. urge Brexit haste, trade blame over stalemate
• Lawmakers approve extension of Heathrow Airport

United States of America

• President Trump and Russia President Putin to hold summit in Helsinki on July 16
• U.S. ambassador to Estonia resigns over Trump comments
• U.S. pulls funding for U.N. counterterrorism office
• Top court upholds travel ban targeting Muslim-majority nations
• U.S. pushes allies to halt Iran oil imports, waivers unlikely

Vatican

• Pope to 14 new cardinals: “Defend the dignity of the poor” 

Venezuela

• President Maduro calls U.S. VP Pence a ‘poisonous viper’
• U.S. VP Pence urges Latin American countries to isolate Venezuela

Vietnam

• Flood death toll rises to 15, more rains forecast

What You Need To Know:

1. Tayyip Erdogan won Turkey’s presidential election overcoming the biggest electoral challenge to his rule in a decade and a half.

2. President Trump threatened to escalate a trade war with Europe by imposing a 20% tariff on all U.S. imports of European Union-assembled cars.

3. Fears of a humanitarian crisis in Yemen’s Hodeidah grew as fighting spilled into residential districts after Arab coalition forces seized the airport from the Iran-aligned Houthis.

4. Unidentified assailants launched a grenade attack at a political rally in support of the Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in an attack that killed several people.

5. Chinese President Xi offered high praise to visiting North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, lauding the “positive” outcome of his summit with U.S. President Trump and promising unwavering friendship.

6. Taliban militants killed 30 Afghan soldiers and captured a military base in the western province of Badghis in their first major attack since a ceasefire for the Eid al-Fitr holiday.

7. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s wife, Sara, was charged with fraud over the alleged misuse of state funds in ordering catered meals at their official residence

8. Zimbabwe’s President Mnangagwa escaped injury in an explosion at a political rally, and vowed the attack would not derail Zimbabwe’s first election since the ouster of former strongman Mugabe.

9. Women in Saudi Arabia hit the roads ushering in the end of the world’s last ban on female drivers.

10. Nigeria imposed a curfew after least 70 people died in communal clashes between farmers and semi-nomadic herders.

Afghanistan

• Taliban kill 16 Afghan soldiers, kidnap engineers after ceasefire ends
• Taliban kill 30 soldiers after Eid ceasefire

Algeria

• 7 ISIS militants surrender in southern Algeria

Bosnia

• Police prevent hundreds of migrants from entering Croatia

Bulgaria

• Government faces no-confidence vote over security

Cambodia

• China pledges over $100 million military aid to Cambodia

Canada

• Senate approves recreational use of marijuana

China

• China urges U.S. to stop damaging works and deeds on trade
• President Xi praises North Korea’s Kim for Trump summit, promises support
• U.S. plans limits on Chinese investments in U.S. technology firms

Colombia

• Doubts loom over peace deal with Duque’s election

Congo

• Opposition leader Bemba expected home in July

Czech Republic

• Government backs bill on same-sex marriage

Denmark

• PM appoints new business minister

Egypt

• Egypt to extend state of emergency for three months
• White House’s Kushner meets with President Sisi about Middle East peace plan

Ethiopia

• Grenade attack caused blast at rally for Ethiopian PM, 7 killed

France

• President Macron urges Europeans to fight ‘leprosy’ of populism

Germany

• Chancellor Merkel says climate change is a fact, laments U.S. stance
• Conservative allies want to cut number of migrants

Greece

• Far-right lawmaker arrested on treason-linked charges

Hungary

• Parliament approves ‘Stop Soros’ law, defying E.U., rights groups

India

• Seychelles Parliament blocks planned Indian naval base on remote island

Indonesia

• Dozens missing after ferry sinks at Lake Toba

Iran

• Iran says no plans to increase missile range, rejects talks with Trump

Iraq

• U.S. strike kills 22 Shi’ite paramilitaries
• Iraq bombs meeting of ISIS leaders in Syria
• PM Abadi, Sadr alliance brings government closer
• Top court upholds election recount, reverses vote cancellations
• Two policemen wounded in clash with militiaman
• Upper house of parliament approves government’s Brexit law

Israel

• PM Netanyahu’s wife charged with fraud over catered meals
• Authorities indict ex-cabinet minister over alleged spying for Iran
• PM Netanyahu meets with Jordan’s King Abdullah in Amman
• Militants rockets, Israeli air strikes heat up Gaza border

Italy

• Container ship picks 113 migrants from boat south of Italy
• Italy says ‘arrogant’ France risks becoming ‘No. 1 enemy’ on migration

Japan

• Japan to halt missile attack drills after Trump-Kim summit
• Magnitude 6.1 quake in Osaka area kills 4, halts factories
• Support for PM Abe rises, boosting shot at historic tenure

Kazakhstan

• Police detain dozens at anti-government rally

Kenya

• At least 8 police officers killed by militants

Lebanon

• PM Hariri signals new government near

Libya

• East Libya forces in full control at Ras Lanuf oil port
• Libya recovers 5 bodies, picks up 185 migrants 
• 220 migrants drown off Libya in recent days
• Coastguard picks up 443 migrants headed for Italy

Macedonia

• More than 1,000 Macedonians protest country’s name change
• Parliament ratifies name agreement with Greece

Madagascar

• Plane crash kills 5

Mali

• At least 16 dead in central Mali ethnic clashes

Mexico

• Leftist Obrador consolidates presidency lead in latest polls

Moldova

• Thousands protest after court voids mayoral election result

New Zealand

• PM Ardern gives birth to baby girl

Nicaragua

• Violence flares up after suspension of peace talks

Nigeria

• Authorities impose curfew as 70 die in escalating communal clashes

North Korea

• Kim Jong-un visits China to discuss next steps on nukes
• North and South Korea agree to round of reunions of divided families

Palestinian Territories

• Palestinian killed in border fence explosion
• Trump adviser Kushner criticizes Abbas, says U.S. peace plan near 

Paraguay

• President Abdo to name his brother as Finance minister

Philippines

• President Duterte says no ‘justice’ for families of drug war casualties
• President Duterte approves $5.6 billion military upgrade

Romania

• Parliament changes criminal procedure; opposition says aims to hide corruption
• Ruling party leader sentenced, thousands rally

Russia

• Russia to impose duties on American goods after U.S. sets metal tariffs

Saudi Arabia

• Air defenses intercept missiles above Riyadh 
• Entertainment chief sacked after conservative backlash
• Women take victory lap as driving ban ends
• Authorities arrest two more women’s rights activists

South Korea

• U.S. drills suspended to aid talks with North Korea

South Sudan

• South Sudan rules out rebel leader re-joining government
• President Kiir heads to Ethiopia for peace talks with rebel leader

Sweden

• 3 men die of wounds in southern Sweden drive-by shooting
• 2 people killed in Malmo shooting

Syria

• Turkey and U.S. forces begin patrols near Manjib
• U.S. bombs Syrian army position near Tanf
• Army steps up attacks in southwest, Jordan concerned

Turkey

• President Erdogan wins presidential election, opposition yet to concede
• Authorities arrest 124 in Gulen probe targeting military
• 30,000 Syrians granted citizenship will vote
• Air strikes kill 26 militants in southeast Turkey, Iraq
• Police detain 47 suspected coup supporters 
• Kurdish militants attack Turkish troops; Turkish jets hit northern Iraq

Uganda

• President unveils measures to curb crime wave, criticize police

United Kingdom

• 3 people killed after being hit by a train in south London
• House of Lords reject PM’s Brexit plan on ‘meaningful vote’
• PM May says images of caged children in U.S. ‘deeply disturbing’

United States of America

• President Trump threatens 20% tariffs on E.U. car imports
• U.N. rights boss calls for end to Trump’s policy of family separation
• Senate passes defense bill, battle looms with Trump over China’s ZTE
• U.S. withdraws from U.N. Human rights council
• Pope Francis criticizes Trump administration policy on migrant family separation
• E.U. to impose duties on U.S. imports after Trump tariffs

Vatican

• Pope Francis urges press freedom, cites case of jailed Reuters reporters

Venezuela

• Chavez ally Cabello to lead Venezuelan Constituent Assembly

Vietnam

• Authorities arrest more oil executives amid corruption crackdown
• Floods, landslides in northern Vietnam kill 7

Yemen

• Saudi-led coalition seizes Hodeidah airport, fears for population grows

Zimbabwe

• President unhurt after ‘cowardly’ blast at rally

Follow @TheZenCorner on Twitter and Facebook for Breaking News.

PS: Subscribe to receive the “World News Recap” directly by email.

What You Need To Know:

1. President Trump announced that the United States will implement a 25% tariff on $50 billion of goods from China related to intellectual property and technology.

2. Right-wing candidate Ivan Duque won the Colombian presidential election against leftist Petro.

3. Greece and Macedonia set aside three decades of dispute as they agreed to rename Macedonia the “Republic of North Macedonia.”

4. Blasts killed at least 20 people in northeast Nigeria in the largest attack for weeks in a region blighted by Boko Haram.

5. Eight people died in a shoot-out and fire that shattered a truce struck hours earlier between Nicaraguan President Ortega and protesters.

6. A car bomb killed at least 26 people at a gathering of Taliban and Afghan armed forces in the eastern city of Nangarhar, Afghanistan.

7. Forces from an alliance of Arab states wrested control of the entrance to the airport in Yemen’s Houthi-held main port city of Hodeidah.

8. Turkish warplanes killed 35 militants from the Kurdistan Workers Party in air strikes in northern Iraq.

9. U.K. Prime Minister May defused a rebellion in parliament over her Brexit plans after having to compromise and hand lawmakers more control over Britain’s departure from the E.U.

10. China’s navy carried out drills in the South China Sea to simulate fending off an aerial attack, as the country clashes with the U.S. over responsibility in the disputed waterway.

Afghanistan

• Blasts hit gathering of Taliban and security forces in eastern Nangarhar
• Eid car bomb claimed by ISIS kills 26
• President extends ceasefire with Taliban by 10 days

Argentina

• Lower house passes legal abortion bill in a tight vote

Australia

• Right-wing party loses power to block PM’s bills

Bangladesh

• Rohingya toddler among 12 killed as first monsoon rains hit Bangladesh

Bulgaria

• Military helicopter crashes, killing two pilots

Cambodia

• Political prince hurt in car crash that kills wife
• U.S sanctions PM’s top bodyguard over rights abuses

Canada

• Parliament condemns U.S. attack on Trudeau, country simmers 

Chile

• Bank of Chile trades down after hackers rob millions in cyberattack

China

• Taiwan charges pro-China party spokesman and others with breaching national security
• China holds missile drills in South China Sea amid heightened tension
• China to impose 25% tariffs on 659 U.S. goods worth $50 billion
• Authorities complain to U.S. about new de facto embassy in Taiwan

Colombia

• Right-wing candidate Duque wins Presidential election

Congo

• Parliament to consider legal protection for ex-presidents

Czech Republic

• Center-left party approves joining coalition, new government close
• New government in jeopardy over foreign minister nomination

Egypt

• President Sisi pardons 3,477 prisoners ahead of Eid holiday 
• Lawmakers slam President Sisi’s fiscal reforms

El Salvador

• Judge orders arrest of 17, including minister, in Funes probe

France

• Farmers suspend fuel blockades after government gesture
• Parliament approves SNCF reform bill in breakthrough for President Macron
• France asks Italy to reconsider position on migrant ship

Georgia

• Prime Minister Kvirikashvili resigns

Germany

• New German FM wants ‘Europe United’ to counter ‘America First’

Greece

• Police fire tear gas to protesters over Macedonia deal
• PM survives no-confidence vote in parliament
• Greece, Macedonia sign pact to change Macedonia’s name

India

• U.N. urges inquiry into human rights violations in Kashmir
• Gunmen kill newspaper editor, two security guards in Kashmir

Indonesia

• Rescuers search for survivors after at least 15 die as boat capsizes

Iraq

• Turkish air strikes kill 35 Kurdish militants in northern Iraq
• Cleric al-Sadr joins forces with Iran-backed coalition
• Cleric al-Sadr warns of civil war

Ireland

• Ireland to vote on removing blasphemy as an offense 

Israel

• Israel targets rights group with bill to outlaw filming of soldiers
• Rights group says Israeli lethal force in Gaza may be war crime 
• Israeli forces evict settlers in West Bank land dispute case

Italy

• Italy won’t ratify E.U. free-trade deal with Canada
• Italy demands Netherlands recall NGO migrant rescue ships

Jordan

• Qatar extends $500 million aid package to Jordan

Libya

• 12 migrant bodies recovered off Libya

Macedonia

• President won’t sign off on name deal with Greece

Madagascar

• President names consensus cabinet, promises fair election

Malaysia

• Top two judges resign amid purge of top officials
• Malaysia to reopen embassy in North Korea

Mali

• Rioters ransack government buildings after dispute with Randgold mines

Mexico

• Cyber attack on campaign site triggers election nerves 
• Another political murder in last week of presidential race

Myanmar

• Witness no-show as Reuters reporters mark six months in detention

Nicaragua

• President’s foes stage nationwide strike
• Gunfire and home blaze breaks Ortega peace truce; 8 dead

Nigeria

• Blasts kill at least 20 in northeast Nigeria

North Korea

• Pompeo says North Korea sanctions to remain until complete denuclearization
• State media says President Trump agreed to lift sanctions against North Korea

Pakistan

• Pakistani Taliban leader killed in air strikes in Afghanistan near border

Palestinian Territories

• U.N. condemns excessive Israeli force against Palestinians

Philippines

• Authorities to arm community leaders to help fight crime, drugs

Russia

• Russia vows consequences after Norway invites more U.S. Marines
• Taxi plows into Moscow crowd injuring 8
• U.S. sanctions Russians over military, helicopter hacking

South Korea

• Ruling party set for landslide victory in regional polls

Spain

• Spain brings back free healthcare for illegal migrants
• Italy-France tensions flare as migrants head to Spain
• Minister resigns over tax fine
• New government agrees to raise pensions in life with inflation

Syria

• Army bombards rebels in southwest region
• Chemical weapons body confirms more sarin use in Syria

Turkey

• 3 killed as campaign visit in southeast Turkey turns into gun battle
• Turkish warplanes strike Kurdish militants in Iraq’s Quandil
• Jailed pro-Kurdish candidate in first TV appearance for 20 months 
• Military destroys 12 targets in northern Iraq

Uganda

• President, police vow crackdown after killing of MP

United Kingdom

• PM May wins vote in parliament on Brexit, compromises to avoid rebellion 
• Scottish lawmakers walk out of parliament in Brexit row
• PM May ‘disappointed’ after colleague blocks ‘upskirting’ law
• Minister resigns, plans to rebel over parliament’s Brexit role

United States of America

• President Trump announces 25% tariff on Chinese technology
• President Trump says Kim Jong-un makes ‘unwavering commitment’ to denuclearize
• President Trump to stop ‘expensive’ provocative, South Korea war games

Vatican

• Pope Francis accepts resignations of three Chilean bishops

Venezuela

• Tear gas explosion at Caracas club kills 17 people

Vietnam

• Thousands hold peaceful protests against foreign investment plans
• Government to deal with extremists behind protest clashes

Yemen

• Arab coalition seize entrance to Houthi-led Hodeidah airport

On June 11, 2018, United States President Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un met in Singapore. This was the first meeting between a sitting U.S. President and a North Korean leader in decades. The meeting resulted in a joint statement between the two leaders.

The GOOD:

North Korea agreed to a freeze of nuclear testing in exchange for the U.S. and South Korea freezing its military exercises. In the short term, this is a big success for peace and stability in the region.

Long-term, the United States may finally begin to establish diplomatic and possibly economic relations with North Korea, making any potential future conflict less likely, and giving Koreans hope for a better future.

The BAD:

The major criticism of the Singapore Summit is President Trump’s failure to force North Korea to make improvements when it comes to human rights, as well as releasing prisoners of war, an issue that matters a lot to Japan.

There were also no concrete steps towards denuclearization, only vague statements, which many diplomats will require to entertain the idea of establishing closer ties with North Korea.

Additionally, the summit with North Korea established a precedent that pursuing a nuclear weapons program may eventually grant your country diplomatic and economic ties with the U.S..

Conclusion:

Although more work needs to be done, the situation undeniably looks better than it did six months ago. We must credit South Korean President Moon and U.S. President Trump for this positive development.

Overall, this summit gets everyone closer to South Korea’s ultimate goal to reunite the Korean peninsula.

Follow @TheZenCorner on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for Daily Briefings.

PS: Subscribe to receive the “World News Recap” directly by email.

What You Need To Know:

1. U.S. President Trump asked U.S. representatives not to endorse the joint communique put out by the G7 leaders after Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau’s news conference.

2.  Burundi’s President Nkurunziza announced that he will not run for another term, even as he put in place a new constitution that would allow him to stay in power until 2034.

3. At least 109 people were killed after Guatemala‘s Fuego volcano erupted.

4. Clashes between troops backed by a Saudi-led coalition and the Iran-aligned Houthis intensified near Yemen’s Hodeidah as the U.N. tries to negotiate a ceasefire to avert a possible assault on the main port city.

5. Jordan’s King Abdullah replaced his prime minister in a move to defuse the biggest protests in years, over IMF-backed reforms that have hit the poor.

6. A motorcycle suicide bomber killed 14 people near a gathering of Muslim clerics in Afghanistan after they had issued a fatwa against suicide bombings.

7. Czech President Zeman appointed Andrej Babis as prime minister for a second time, giving him a new chance on forming a government to end a long political stalemate.

8. A storage site housing ballot boxes from Iraq’s parliamentary election caught fire, just days after parliament demanded a nationwide recount of votes, drawing calls for the election to be re-run.

9. At least 60 migrants were killed as their boat sank off the coast of Tunisia.

10. Airstrikes on a rebel-held Syrian village killed at least 35 people, including children, in one of the deadliest incidents this year.

Afghanistan

 

• Forces seize huge bomb-making cache at Pakistan border
• Forces kill 10 Taliban as ceasefire is announced
• President announces holiday cease-fire with Taliban
• Suicide bomber kills 14 after Afghan clerics outlaw suicide bombings 

Bosnia

• Drivers block roads over fuel prices

Brazil

• Support for leftist Haddad leaps with Lula backing
• Poll shows far-right presidential candidate as clear front-runner

Burundi

• President Nkurunziza says he won’t run for another term

Canada

• Populist Doug Ford wins Ontario polls, promises prosperity

China

• President Xi extolls free trade at Asia meet 
• China hacks sensitive U.S. Navy undersea warfare plans
• President Xi awards Putin friendship medal, promises support
• China says not scared after reported U.S. bomber trip over South China Sea
• Mine blast in northeast China kills 11
• Gas pipeline explosion injures 24 people in southwest China
• Hong Kong pro-democracy activist jailed six years for rioting

Colombia

• Right-wing Duque keeps lead in two election polls

Congo

• ICC overturns ex-VP Bemba’s war crime convictions
• Strong progress made in calming Ebola outbreak

Czech Republic

• Czech protests against PM Babis before his second appointment
• President appoints Babis as Prime Minister for second time 
• PM Babis to sue Slovakia over informer charges

Ecuador

• Foreign minister elected U.N. General Assembly President

Egypt

• President Sisi pardons 712 prisoners

El Salvador

• Attorney General seeks to arrest former President for alleged embezzlement

Eritrea

• U.S. detainee kills himself at Egyptian airport

Ethiopia

• PM Ahmed will not cut Egypt’s share of Nile waters
• PM replaces security chiefs as part of reforms
• Parliament votes to end state of emergency

Finland

• U.S., Russian military leaders meet in Finland for talks

France

• Farmers start refinery blockade over palm oil imports
• Members of Parliament ban mobile phone use in schools

Greece

• Thousands protest in northern Greece over Macedonia name

Guatemala

• Death toll climbs to over 100 in volcano eruption

Hungary

• PM Orban flags big changes to constitution

Iran

• President Rouhani criticizes U.S. ‘unilateralism’ over nuclear deal
• Revolutionary Guards kill 6 crossing border from Iraq
• Iran stands ground on nuclear inspections as France warns of red line

Iraq

• Bomb kills 2, injures 20 in Diyala province
• Ballot box storage site catches fire days after parliament demands recount
• Explosion kills at least one in Kirkuk
• Cleric Sadr announces disarmament initiative
• At least 18 killed in Baghdad explosion
• Lawmakers approve manual ballot recount in May 12 vote

Israel

• Israeli troops kill 4 Palestinians as Gaza protest resumes
• Over 250,000 people celebrate Gay Pride at Tel Aviv parade 
• Israel in uproar after Argentina cancellation of soccer match over Palestinian concerns
• Army kills Palestinian in West Bank during raid

Italy

• Authorities close ports to migrant boats, ask Malta to open its doors
• New economy minister vows to stay in euro, cut debt level
• New PM backs Trump on re-admitting Russia into G7
• Conte wins parliamentary backing, promises tough E.U. talks

Japan

• One man killed in bullet train attack

Jordan

• King Abdullah replaces PM to subdue protests 
• New Prime Minister says he will cancel tax bill amid protests 
• Unions strike after new PM appointed 
• Jordan to push IMF to slow reforms after protests 
• King appoints economists to form new government, calls for tax dialogue
• Gulf states pledge $2.5 billion aid package to Jordan

Kenya

• Ten people killed as domestic flight crashes in Kenya
• 5 police officers killed in explosive device attack

Malaysia

• PM Mahathir calls for review of Trans-Pacific trade pact
• Wife of former PM questioned, new corruption scandal unfolds

Mali

• Thousands rally against President Keita before election

Mexico

• 7 mine workers missing after accident in northern Mexico
• Mexico targets U.S. steel, pork, bourbon, and motor boats with tariffs

Myanmar

• Myanmar, U.N. sign pact on initial steps for Rohingya return

Netherlands

• Queen’s sister found dead at Buenos Aires home

Pakistan

• Former dictator Musharraf to run for Parliament

Palestinian Territories

• Palestinians killed in protest near Gaza-Israeli border

Peru

• President Vizcarra’s approval tumbles 15 points in third month in office
• Former government official Oliva to be finance minister
• Finance minister quits over fuel tax hikes

Philippines

• Troops kill 15 militants in air and ground assaults
• Duterte says will quit if enough women protest his kiss

Poland

• Gay pride parade turnout defies conservative times

Romania

• Ruling coalition stages rally against alleged abuses by anti-corruption prosecutors
• Measles outbreak kills dozens of children

Russia

• Putin willing to meet Trump whenever U.S. is ready
• Two militants who plotted attack in Caucasus are killed

Saudi Arabia

• 3 dead in southern Saudi Arabia from missile attack
• U.N. claims Saudi Arabia crushing dissent through counter-terrorism law

Singapore

• Prime Minister meets with North Korean leader
• Singapore to restrict airspace during U.S. – North Korea summit

Slovenia

• President to give mandate to anti-immigrant party to form government

Somalia

• Car bomb injures 7 soldiers
• U.S. soldier killed in battle against militants in Somalia
• U.S. says airstrike kills 27 al-Shabab extremists 

Spain

• Socialists rebound in polls after ousting PM Rajoy

Sudan

• Sudan cuts defense ties with North Korea

Sweden

• Poll shows failing support for Swedish government coalition

Switzerland

• Voters reject campaign to radically alter banking system

Syria

• Airstrike on rebel-held northwestern village kills 35

Taiwan

• Taiwan holds large-scale military drills amid China tensions

Tunisia

• PM fires interior minister after boat accident
• At least 60 dead after migrant ship sinks

Turkey

• Poll shows presidential vote going to second round
• Erdogan says Turkey will strike northern Iraq if Baghdad does not clear Kurdish militants
• Air strike kills 6 Kurdish militants in Iraq
• Court releases 14 students being tried for opposing Afrin operation

Ukraine

• Parliament votes to dismiss finance minister
• Finance minister says was asked to support corruption or quit

United States of America

• President Trump refuses to endorse G7 statement after Trudeau comments
• 4 soldiers wounded in Somalia
• U.S. says it will intensify fight against ISIS in Afghanistan
• U.S. reaches deal with China’s ZTE
• Diplomats in China hit by mystery illness
• U.N. calls on U.S. to stop separating families at border

The Vatican

• Pope tells oil executives that energy needs must not destroy civilization
• Former diplomat indicted on child pornography charges

Vietnam

• Police halt protests against new economic zones
• Vietnam expels human rights lawyer, 2nd dissident to Germany

Yemen

• Heavy clashes near Hodeidah as U.N. seeks ceasefire
• U.N. says assault on Yemeni port could cost 250,000 civilian lives
• Red Cross pulls 71 foreign staff out of Yemen amid insecurity
• At least 46 Ethiopian migrants drown off Yemen’s coast

Zimbabwe

• Opposition marches in capital, seeking fair vote

Follow @TheZenCorner on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for Daily Briefings.

PS: Subscribe to receive the “World News Recap” directly by email.

What You Need To Know:

1. The Trump administration delivered a gut punch to America’s closest allies, imposing tariffs on steel and aluminum from Europe, Mexico, and Canada in a move that drew immediate vows of retaliation

2. Giuseppe Conte was sworn in as Italy’s prime minister, heading western Europe’s first anti-establishment government bent on overhauling European Union rules on budgets and immigration.

3. At least 15 people were killed and more than 200 injured as pro-government armed groups opened fire on the marchers during a demonstration on Nicaragua’s Mother’s Day.

4. A right-wing opposition party led by a former Slovenian prime minister won the most votes in Slovenia’s parliamentary election, but not enough to form a government on its own.

5. Two Indian paramilitary soldiers were killed and 8 civilians wounded when Pakistani soldiers attacked dozens of posts along the highly militarized frontier in disputed Kashmir.

6. U.S. President Donald Trump, in a complete reversal, said he would hold a summit with North Korea‘s leader Kim Jong Un on June 12 in Singapore in the latest twist over eliminating Pyongyang’s nuclear arms program.

7. Socialist Pedro Sanchez was sworn in as Spain’s Prime Minister, taking over from conservative Mariano Rajoy who was ousted over a corruption scandal.

8. More than 50 senior Taliban commanders were killed in an artillery strike on a meeting in Afghanistan’s southern province of Helmand, as fighting continued across the country.

9. Israeli forces killed a Palestinian nurse as she tried to help a wounded protester at the Gaza border, while Israel said militants had attacked its troops with gunfire and a grenade.

10. Thousands of Jordanians protested against a planned tax increase, marching toward the office of the prime minister and demanding his resignation.

Afghanistan

• 50 Afghan Taliban leaders killed in rocket strike
• Afghan forces repel Islamic State attack at Kabul ministry
• Afghan forces mistakenly kill 9, mostly civilians in Eastern Nangarhar 

Argentina

• President Macri vetoes bill freezing utility prices

Belgium

• Man kills 3 with guns of stabbed police officers 

Brazil

• Deal to end trucker’s strike rattles Petrobras investors

Canada

• Canada to impose sanctions on more Venezuelan officials
• Canada to impose tariffs on U.S., challenge at WTO

China

• China warns U.S. trade deals are off if tariffs go ahead
• China rejects ‘ridiculous’ U.S.  accusations of South China Sea militarization 

Colombia

• Right-wing Duque leads leftist Petro in election poll

Croatia

• Police fire on van filled with migrants at border, 9 injured

Cuba

• Flooding in wake of storm Alberto kills 4

Denmark

• Parliament bans the wearing of face veils in public

Egypt

• Foreign Minister meets Jordan, Palestinians officials in Cairo

eSwatini

• eSwatini to keep Taiwan diplomatic relations despite Chinese pressure

France

• Paris police clear out migrant camp at center of debate
• Right-wing political group National Front renamed ‘National Rally’
• President Macron says U.S. tariffs are illegal and a mistake

Georgia

• Georgia to sever diplomatic ties with Syria after recognition of separatists 

Germany

• Man with knife, officer wounded in Berlin Cathedral shooting

Guatemala

• Volcano eruption kills 25, injures hundreds

Haiti

• Taiwan to loan ally Haiti $150 million amid China onslaught

India

• India, Pakistan, trade fire in Kashmir; 2 dead
• Pakistan, India agree to stop trading fire in Kashmir

Indonesia

• 5 dead in illegal gold mine accident

Iran

• Students harshly criticize Iran to Supreme Leader

Iraq

• ISIS kills 12 members of same family in attack in northern village

Israel

• Israel strikes Hamas in Gaza after rocket fire resumes

Italy

• Conte sworn-in as Prime Minister of anti-establishment government

Jordan

• Thousands protest against planned tax increase
• King Abdullah to ask PM Mulki to resign

Kenya

• Building collapses in Nairobi killing at least 3

Libya

• Fighting in Dern kills 17 civilians
• Rivals agree to December 10 elections despite unrest 

Mali

• President Keita confirms he will run for re-election

Mexico

• Mexico hits back at U.S. tariffs with measures on farm, steel products 
• Reporter beaten to death in Tamaulipas
• President Nieto tells U.S. that Mexico will not pay for wall
• Leftist Obrador widens lead ahead of July election

Mozambique

• At least 10 beheaded in attack in northern Mozambique

Nicaragua

• 15 killed in Nicaragua protests, including Mother’s Day march attack

Nigeria

• 15 killed by cattle rustlers in northwestern Nigeria

North Korea

• Rival Koreas agree to military, Red Cross talks for peace
• Senior official meets with President Trump at White House
• Top three military officials replaced

Palestinian Territories

• Gaza’s Hamas rulers say cease-fire reached with Israel
• Israeli army kills Palestinian nurse in Gaza border protests 
• President Abbas leaves hospital after 8-day stay

Philippines

• Congress passes autonomy bill for volatile Muslim region

Portugal

• Parliament rejects legal euthanasia in divisive vote

Saudi Arabia

• Attack in Talif kills at least 1
• Foreign Ministry denies French President’s charge it held Lebanese PM captive

Slovenia

• Right-wing opposition party wins most votes in parliamentary elections

South Africa

• Miner killed in accident at Sibanye’s Driefontein mine
• Parliament approves national minimum wage bill

Spain

• Socialist opposition leader to take over Spain’s new government after no-confidence vote

Syria

• President Assad raises prospect of clashes with U.S. forces in Syria
• President Assad to visit North Korea

Tunisia

• At least 46 migrants drown off Tunisia coast
• Tunisia to raise fuel prices, hold off public wages increases
• Ruling coalition fails to agree on economic reforms, cabinet reshuffle

Ukraine

• Prominent Russian journalist critical of the Kremlin fakes own death

United Kingdom

• Prime Minister May refuses to relax Northern Ireland abortion rules

United States of America

• U.S. imposes new trade tariffs on E.U., Canada, and Mexico
• U.S. vetoes UN Security Council proposal on Palestinians
• President Trump says June 12 summit with North Korea is back on
• Defense Secretary says U.S. to continue operations in South China Sea

The Vatican

• Pope Francis denounces a “culture of abuse and cover-up” in the Catholic church

Venezuela

• Authorities begin releasing 39 jailed opposition activists 

Yemen

• Saudi-led coalition closes in on port city of Hodeidah

Zimbabwe

• Zimbabwe sets first post-Mugabe elections for July 30

Follow @TheZenCorner on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for Daily Briefings.

PS: Subscribe to receive the “World News Recap” directly by email.

What You Need To Know: 

1. Italy’s Prime Minister-designate Giuseppe Conte has given up on efforts to form a government after President Mattarella rejected his choice for economic minister.

2. Ireland overwhelmingly voted to overturn their restrictive abortion ban in referendum.

3. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un made good on his promise to demolish his country’s nuclear test site as a small group of foreign journalists watched.

4. At least 30 Syrian army troops and Iranian-backed militiamen were killed when Islamic State fighters attacked a military outpost near Palmyra in eastern Syria.

5. A heatwave killed 65 people in Pakistan’s southern city of Karachi amid fears the death toll could climb as the high temperatures persist.

6. Venezuela‘s President Nicolás Maduro won re-election to another six-year term, in a vote marred by an opposition boycott, low turnout, and claims of vote-rigging.

7. Voters in Burundi overwhelmingly approved a new constitution, ushering in changes that could let President Nkurunziza stay in power until 2034.

8. Colombian right-wing candidate Ivan Duque won a place in June’s presidential runoff with leftist Gustavo Petro, deepening fears a peace accord with Marxist rebels could be unraveled or the economy overhauled.

9. An Ebola outbreak in DR Congo has infected at least 35 people, killing 12.

10. Sunni politician Saad al-Hariri was nominated to be Prime Minister of Lebanon for the third time.

Afghanistan

• At least 3 dead, 15 wounded in Baghdad suicide attack
• Kidnapped U.N. staff member and son released
• Sixth member of gas pipeline clearance team killed
• Death toll in Kandahar rises to 16

Algeria

• Blogger accused of espionage sentenced to 10 years in prison

Argentina

• Cinema collapse kills at least 3
• Thousands protest negotiations with IMF

Australia

• Far-right party rejects proposed tax cuts, adding to Prime Minister’s woes
• Authorities searching for 50 athletes, officials missing after Commonwealth games
• Archbishop convicted of concealing child sex abuse

Azerbaijan

• Blast at cafe in Baku kills 2

Barbados

• Barbados elects first female PM in opposition landslide win

Brazil

• City of Sao Paulo declares state of emergency due to trucker protest
• Government authorizes army to clear trucker protest 
• President Temer scraps re-election plan, backs former minister Meirelles

Burkina Faso

• Taiwan cuts ties with Burkina Faso
• Security forces kill 3 suspected Islamist militants in early morning raid

Burundi

• Voters approve new constitution extending presidential term limits 
• Opposition push to annul vote extending President’s term

Cameroon

• Dozens killed in restive Anglophone region

Canada

• Explosion at Indian restaurant wounds 15 people

China

• China considers scrapping birth limits by 2019
• China disinvited from major U.S. military exercise
• China calls U.S. withdrawal of drills invite ‘unconstructive’
• Authorities jail Tibetan language promoter for ‘inciting separatism’

Colombia

• Conservative former President Duque and leftist Petro to meet in run-off

Congo

• Death toll in Ebola outbreak reaches 12
• 50 people killed after boat capsizes on river
• Militia attacks east Congo gold mine

Croatia

• Parliament approves new economy minister to replace Dalic

Egypt

• Officials arrests prominent activist, latest in wider crackdowns

Estonia

• Police says $13 billion laundered through Estonia

Ethiopia

• University students protest over alleged rape

Finland

• Poll leaders rule out working with nationalists after vote

France

• Two French agents accused of spying for foreign power
• Unemployment edges up, dampening Macron’s hopes

Germany

• Nationalists march in Berlin, face massive counter-protests

Guatemala

• Court sentences four military officers for civil war crimes

Guinea

• President reshuffles government as he faces strikes, civil unrest
• Parliamentary majority rejects calls for Bollore inquiry

India

• India takes U.S. steel tariffs complaint to the WTO
• At least 9 dead after police fire on protesters seeking closure of copper smelter

Iran

• U.S. to impose ‘strongest’ sanctions on Iran if no changes made

Iraq

• Bombs target communist party headquarters

Ireland

• Voters overwhelmingly chose to legalize abortion in referendum 

Israel

• Defense chief plans 2,500 new West Bank settler homes
• Army kills 3 Gazan militants after foiling border bombing 
• Israeli air strikes target boat moored in Gaza
• Israeli minister says U.S. may soon recognize Israel’s hold on Golan Heights

Italy

• PM-designate Conte gives up efforts to form a government 
• 5-Star leader says President should be impeached
• President calls in former IMF official amid political turmoil 
• 2 dead, 18 injured in train accident in Piedmont

Lebanon

• Prime Minister Hariri wins majority support to be PM
• Parliament elects Hezbollah ally Ferzli deputy speaker
• Parliament re-elects Shi’ite Berri as speaker

Libya

• At least 7 killed by car bomb in Benghazi
• Clashes intensify in East Libya as car bomb kills 2

Malaysia

• Former leader Najib grilled by anti-corruption agency
• Large amounts of cash found at apartment of ousted PM’s son and daughter

Mexico

• Presidential race seen little changed by second debate

Myanmar

• Finance minister resigns
• Rohingya insurgents killed Hindu villagers

North Korea

• North Korea demolishes nuclear test site as journalists watch
• Kim Jong-un commits to summit with Trump, denuclearization

Pakistan

• Heatwave kills 65 people in Karachi
• Gunmen kill 2 policemen in southwestern Quetta
• Authorities approve bill to merge tribal regions with country

Palestine

• Dozens of Palestinians injured by Israeli gunfire in Gaza
• Palestinians demand full ICC investigation into “Israeli war crimes”
• President Abbas hospitalized with pneumonia

Panama

• Former President to stop fighting extradition from U.S.

Paraguay

• Paraguay opens embassy in Jerusalem
• Paraguay suspends arms imports in bid to stop illegal trafficking

Romania

• Court acquits former PM Tariceanu of false testimony charges 

Russia

• Investigation shows Russian military missile downed flight MH17
• Militants in Eastern Syria kill 4 soldiers
• President Putin meets French President Macron, says North Korea summit end regrettable
• Putin to step down as President after term expires in 2024
• Russia delays U.N. sanctions on Libya human-trafficking leaders

Saudi Arabia

• New arrests in crackdown on activists 

Somalia

• Dozens killed in clashes between two Somali regions in land dispute
• Storm in Somaliland kills dozens, wipes out farms
• Al Shabaab suicide bomber hits military convoy

South Africa

• Zuma ally resigns after anti-corruption protests

South Sudan

• U.S. proposes U.N. sanctions against six senior South Sudan officials
• Peace talks end without deal

Spain

• German court rejects call for Puigdemont to be rearrested
• Ruling party fined in major corruption case
• Authorities rescue over 500 migrants in the Mediterranean
• Leaders of Podemos win confidence vote after house purchase investigation

Syria

• At least 30 killed in ISIS attack on Syrian army near Palmyra
• Army, police celebrate recapturing all of Damascus 
• Air strikes on pro-government positions kill 12
• Suspected Israeli strike targets Hezbollah in Syria

Thailand

• Protest leaders surrender as pro-democracy march disperses 

Turkey

• Court sentences 104 people to life in prison in post-coup case
• 1 dead, 4 injured in explosives factory blast
• Police detain 51 suspected ISIS members
• Roadside bomb kills 2 village guards in southeast

Uganda

• Bus crash kills at least 22, including children

Ukraine

• FBI seek to thwart major cyber attack on Ukraine
• Ukraine tests U.S. missile systems for first time

United States of America

• President Trump says U.S. team in North Korea planning summit with Kim Jong-un
• American freed from Venezuela jail after 2 years 
• U.S. warships sail near South China Sea islands claimed by Beijing
• Top commander in Europe wants more resources, forces to deter Russia
• Secretary of State says ‘sonic attack’ in China 
• Japan, Russia, Turkey bring potential U.S. tariff retaliation to $3.5 billion

Venezuela

• Maduro re-elected President amid low turnout, global criticism
• Authorities arrest 15 military officials over vote period
• Election runner-up to formally challenge result
• Foreign minister says new U.S. sanctions are illegal
• President Maduro expels top U.S. diplomat

Vietnam

• U.S. slaps heavy duties on Chinese steel shipped from Vietnam
• Vietnam says Chinese bombers in disputed South China Sea increase tensions

Yemen

• Powerful cyclone strikes Yemen; 6 dead, 30 missing
• U.S. alarmed by strike on Turkish ship delivery wheat to Yemen
• 5 killed, 22 wounded by Houthi missile in Marib

Zimbabwe

• President applies to re-join Commonwealth, invites poll observers
• Army won’t allow opposition to rule