Ship attacked in the Red Sea after a bulk carrier sinking claimed by Yemen's Houthi rebels

Protests have erupted in Togo after the arrest of a popular rapper and dozens of young activists, sparking violent clashes with security forces. Bertin Bandiangou, one of those detained, described being beaten and tortured by gendarmes during his arrest. At least 10 people have been killed since demonstrations began in June, with over 100 arrests. The protests target the long-ruling Gnassingbé dynasty, accused of suppressing dissent and clinging to power.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about one rapper’s arrest—it’s a boiling point for Togo’s youth, fed up with decades of authoritarian rule. The brutality against protesters highlights the government’s heavy-handed tactics, and the crackdown could escalate tensions further. For a region already grappling with instability, Togo’s unrest is another warning sign of what happens when leaders refuse to listen.

The UK is banning lead ammunition for hunting and shooting in England, Scotland, and Wales, with the phase-out starting in 2026 and taking three years—faster than originally proposed. Wildlife advocates are cheering the move, citing the toxic metal's harm to ecosystems, but some shooting groups worry the timeline doesn’t give enough time to switch to alternatives.

Editor’s Note: Lead ammo has been a contentious issue for years—it poisons soil, water, and wildlife (like birds that ingest spent pellets). While conservationists see this as a win, hunters and shooters argue the accelerated timeline might leave them scrambling for viable alternatives. It’s a classic clash between environmental urgency and practical logistics, with big implications for both ecosystems and rural traditions.

Kids and teens are starting to recognize the toll excessive smartphone use takes on their mental health—and they’re doing something about it. Instead of waiting for parents to step in, many are proactively setting their own boundaries, like taking breaks from social media or limiting screen time. Experts see this as a shift toward self-regulation, driven by growing awareness of online harms like anxiety and shortened attention spans.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another "kids these days" panic story—it’s a sign that young people are adapting to the digital world on their own terms. While debates rage about parental controls and tech addiction, teens are quietly taking charge of their well-being. That’s a hopeful development, suggesting awareness campaigns and open conversations about mental health might actually be sinking in. Still, it raises questions: Are kids getting enough support, or are they shouldering this responsibility because adults haven’t fixed the problem? Either way, it’s a story worth watching.

Ursula von der Leyen, the European Commission president, is bracing for an unusual censure vote in the European Parliament. While she’s likely to come out unscathed, the vote will expose growing unease over the EU’s shift toward more conservative policies. It’s less about her leadership collapsing and more about lawmakers sending a message.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just bureaucratic drama—it’s a temperature check on Europe’s political mood. Even if von der Leyen keeps her job, the vote highlights tensions as the EU grapples with rising right-wing influence. For anyone watching European unity (or cracks in it), this is a signal worth noting.

Chinese nationals working or investing in Africa are facing increasing risks of kidnappings, with reports of ransom demands targeting both individuals and businesses. Recent warnings from China’s embassy in South Africa highlight a troubling trend, particularly affecting Chinese women, while piracy incidents off the coasts of Somalia and Ghana have also zeroed in on Chinese fishing crews. Countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo are seeing similar threats, underscoring the dangers as China’s economic footprint expands across the continent.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about isolated crimes—it’s a sign of how geopolitical and economic shifts can create new vulnerabilities. As China deepens its investments in Africa, from mining to infrastructure, its citizens are becoming visible targets for criminal groups. The story matters because it exposes the human cost of global economic ties and raises tough questions about safety for foreign workers in high-risk regions. For African governments and Chinese businesses alike, balancing opportunity with security is becoming urgent.