FIFA Power Struggle: France’s football federation has withdrawn support for Gianni Infantino’s 2027 re-election bid, joining other European federations amid anger over his governance and a failed plan to bring private investment into World Cups. Red Sea Security: Iran-backed Houthis seized Yemen’s Mocha and strategic islands near Bab al-Mandeb, raising risks for global shipping and pushing up pressure on a key trade chokepoint. Sports Rewards in Nigeria: President Bola Tinubu says he has fully redeemed pledged rewards for D’Tigress, including cash, three-bedroom homes and national honours, and says Super Falcons payments are also in motion. Southern Africa Health Policy: Governments are urged to raise tobacco taxes in Windhoek to cut use, protect families (with a gender impact), and boost domestic revenue for health and services. Somalia/DRC Diplomacy & Conflict: Somalia’s pirate threat remains elevated in Red Sea lanes while DRC President Tshisekedi strengthens ties with Israel, a move analysts link to wider alignment with US allies and isolating Rwanda. Culture & Media: National Geographic launches “Africa: Earth’s Wild Home,” narrated by Wunmi Mosaku, spotlighting wildlife across the continent. Rights & Justice: Rights groups press for a chemical weapons inquiry into Sudan’s war at the UN Human Rights Council. Climate & Waste: A report highlights how Western consumption offloads environmental and health costs of used clothes and e-waste onto the Global South, including Ghana’s Kantamanto market. Global Map Politics: Japan demands changes to the UN-backed “Equal Earth” world map after Kuril Islands are shown in the same color as Russia.