Erion Veliaj, the once-prominent mayor of Tirana, Albania, has spent nine months in prison amid corruption allegations that have clouded his political future. Veliaj, a leading figure in the ruling Socialist Party, had been poised for higher office before his incarceration. The case highlights Albania's struggle with systemic corruption, even as it seeks closer ties with the European Union. Efforts to root out corruption face resistance, reflecting the challenges of reform in a fragile democracy. Analysts argue that while addressing institutional corruption is necessary, the politicization of such cases risks undermining public trust in governance. Washington Post (World)

A train collision near Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic, injured 57 people, including five with serious injuries, according to local authorities. The accident has disrupted transportation between Ceske Budejovice and Plzen, with traffic expected to resume later in the day. Investigations are underway to determine the cause of the crash. This incident underscores the need for improved railway safety standards across Europe, as aging infrastructure and high traffic volumes increase risks. bostonglobe.com

Japan has reported a surge in Asiatic black bear attacks, prompting military intervention in rural areas. Bears have ventured into urban spaces, including sidewalks and airport runways, creating widespread alarm. Environmental experts link the phenomenon to habitat loss and climate change, which have disrupted ecosystems and forced wildlife into human settlements. The government faces criticism for failing to implement proactive conservation measures, exposing the tension between development priorities and ecological sustainability. Washington Post (World)

A betting scandal has rocked Turkish football, with 371 referees found to have betting accounts and 152 actively gambling, including Süper Lig officials. The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) has suspended 149 referees and over 1,000 players for violating rules, while criminal investigations have been launched. TFF President İbrahim Hacıosmanoğlu has pledged a comprehensive cleanup to restore trust. Critics argue that this scandal reflects deeper governance failures, with systemic corruption and poor oversight eroding public confidence in Turkish football. The Guardian

India is set to end its purchase of discounted Russian crude oil as new U.S. sanctions take effect. The sanctions aim to curtail Russia's energy revenue amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. India’s pivot away from Russian energy supplies highlights the growing influence of Western sanctions globally, though it also raises questions about energy security for one of the world’s largest oil importers. Analysts believe India’s diversification efforts will test its diplomatic balancing act between major powers. The NY Times

Nvidia's record-breaking financial results have spurred a global market rally, easing fears of an AI bubble. The company’s revenue grew by 62% year-over-year, driven by robust demand for AI chips. Nvidia’s CEO, Jensen Huang, projected continued growth, describing the AI sector as entering a "virtuous cycle." The earnings also lifted investor sentiment, with Asian and European markets following U.S. gains. However, critics warn that over-reliance on AI-driven growth could create vulnerabilities if market enthusiasm outpaces economic fundamentals. Wall Street Journal (Markets) The Guardian

As UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer attends the G20 summit in South Africa, questions arise over international support for Ukraine amidst alleged corruption in the Zelenskyy government. Simultaneously, domestic issues such as debates over single-sex spaces and the upcoming Covid-19 inquiry report add pressure back home. Starmer’s balancing act between international diplomacy and domestic controversies reflects the complexities of modern governance, with critics highlighting the need for clear policy direction on both fronts. Politico Europe

Australia’s bid to host Cop31 has failed, with the summit instead awarded to Antalya, Turkey. However, Chris Bowen, Australia’s climate change minister, has negotiated a co-leadership role in the negotiations, ensuring focus on Pacific Island issues. While critics lament the missed opportunity for Australia to showcase leadership, others view the arrangement as a pragmatic compromise that salvages influence in global climate talks. This outcome underscores the geopolitical complexities of climate diplomacy. The Guardian The Guardian (Environnment)