Africa
New research on elephants revealed
A study published in the journal Scientific Reports found that African elephants use more than 35 plants to treat themselves and their families when sick. The study observed elephants in the Mount Elgon region of Kenya. Among the plants the elephants were seen using include a plant called Angurweet that the animals used as medicine for their babies.
Billionaire helps to fund fuel pipeline in Africa
Aliko Dangote is planning to fund a $660 million fuel pipeline that will run between Ethiopia and Djibouti. The pipeline is expected to be operating within 18 months and is expected to reduce time needed to move fuel. Dangote is Africa’s richest man and said the project will strengthen Ethiopia’s energy security.
Asia
Rapper set to face rape trial in Australia
British rapper Yung Filly, whose real name is Andres Felipe Valencia Barrientos, is set to face a retrial over a rape accusation in Australia. He is accused of raping and assaulting a 20-year-old fan after a 2024 concert. Barrientos has denied the charges and was previously found guilty of two assault charges. A decision was not made for his rape charges.
Teenager becomes first Thai to win America’s Got Talent
Nene Royal became the first Thai winner of the TV show America’s Got Talent. Nene, 16-years-old, sang a rendition of Seven Nation Army by The White Stripes. Her real name is Rattikarn Amloy and by winning on the show, she earned $1 million.
Europe
Pope speaks on AI
Pope Leo XIV recently visited France where he spoke about the dangers of artificial intelligence. He warned against losing “our humanity” to machines and spoke with French President Emmanuel Macron. This is not the first time he’s spoken against AI. Earlier this year, Leo called for AI to be “disarmed.”
Man investigated for Nazi ties
A 105-year-old man is being investigated for being an accessory to multiple counts of murder at a Nazi camp during World War II. The man, who is not named, is accused of being a guard at camp Stalag 326 VI K in northwestern Germany. Around 30,000 prisoners of war are buried at the camp.
Latin America
Venezuela looks toward elections
Venezuela Interim President Delcy Rodriguez said elections will take place in the country. She was sworn in after former President Nicolas Maduro was captured by US forces over drug-trafficking charges. Rodriguez said the country is working closely with the Trump administration to resolve “existing differences.”
Several people extradited to US from Haiti over president assassination
Officials have sent 18 suspects in Haiti to Florida to stand trial for their alleged involvement in the death of Haiti President Jovenel Moise. He was shot and killed at his home in 2021. So far, more than 30 suspects have been indicted over the killing. Efforts to investigate the assignation have been hindered by gang control and other factors in Haiti.
North America
Trump lawsuit against newspaper dismissed
A lawsuit President Trump filed against The Des Moines Register newspaper has been dismissed. Trump accused pollster J Ann Selzer of election interference for showing he trailed to Kamala Harris during the 2024 election. A spokesperson for the president said he is “committed to holding responsible those who traffic in deception and fake news.”
TikTok to pay Alabama $100 million
As part of a lawsuit-settlement, TikTok will pay the state of Alabama $100 million. The lawsuit accuses TikTok of purposely creating an addiction platform for children. As part of the settlement, TikTok will introduce a two-hour daily usage limit for children and hour restrictions during school, only in Alabama.
