Top stories
1. Pope diagnosed with lung cancer but had successful surgery, Vatican says
The Vatican said Pope Leo was diagnosed with lung cancer and has undergone successful surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung. No further details about his condition were disclosed.
Source: BBC World
2. Saudi man charged with planting ‘sophisticated’ recording device in OpenAI office
Prosecutors say the device, wrapped in toilet paper, was found inserted into a USB port on the back of a TV in an executive conference room. A Saudi man has been charged in connection with planting it in OpenAI’s office.
Source: BBC World
3. AI investment props up global growth, but war and debt threaten outlook, IMF says - Reuters
The IMF said investment in artificial intelligence is propping up global growth, while wars and rising debt threaten the economic outlook. The fund warned these risks could weigh on future expansion.
Source: Reuters World (via Google News)
World news
1. AI boom bolstered growth in global trade, benefiting China and India, IMF says - Reuters
The IMF said the AI boom has bolstered growth in global trade, with China and India among the beneficiaries. The finding highlights how artificial-intelligence-related demand is supporting global trade flows.
Source: Reuters World (via Google News)
2. World stocks dip on AI spending concerns; Brent settles lower - Reuters
Global stocks slipped on concerns over AI-related spending, with investors turning cautious. Brent crude futures also settled lower, according to Reuters.
Source: Reuters World (via Google News)
3. Latin American organised crime ‘may operate in 16 European countries’
A four-month Guardian investigation found that cocaine seizures in Europe have risen more than fivefold in a decade as Latin American criminal networks expand across the continent. The groups have forged close ties with local mafia organisations and may operate in 16 European countries.
Source: The Guardian World
4. ‘Manosphere’ warnings as rates of family and sexual violence against Australian children rise sharply
A study says family and sexual violence against Australian children has risen sharply since the pandemic, with sexual assaults on boys up 15.7%, surprising researchers who expected declines. Authors say no single factor explains the rise, citing income inequality, increased reporting due to awareness, and ‘manosphere’ warnings.
Source: The Guardian World
5. Intense waves and floods batter California waterfront homes and boardwalks
A weekend of extreme weather brought flooding and intense waves to Southern California, inundating streets and damaging beachfront homes. Long Beach’s boardwalk was destroyed, and the effects reached Baja California, Mexico, and Las Vegas from the remnants of Tropical Storm Rachel.
Source: The Guardian World
6. Zimbabwean author denies using AI to write award-winning story
Zimbabwean author Simbarashe Kundizeza has denied accusations that he used AI to write his award-winning story. The allegation has caused an uproar on social media.
Source: BBC World
7. Ex-gang boss sentenced to 40 years for orchestrating Tupac Shakur’s murder
Davis was found guilty last month over his role in the late rap superstar’s death in a drive-by shooting in 1996. He has now been sentenced to 40 years in prison.
Source: BBC World
8. Netflix secures rights to air 2030 World Cup in Spain, Andorra - Reuters
Reuters reports that Netflix has secured the rights to air the 2030 World Cup in Spain and Andorra. The deal gives the streaming platform broadcast rights to the FIFA tournament in both markets.
Source: Reuters World (via Google News)
9. Hurricane Simon and Tropical Storm Rachel kill five people on Mexico’s Pacific coast
Hurricane Simon and Tropical Storm Rachel hit Mexico’s Pacific coast, causing flash flooding, downed trees and power lines, blocked roads and inundated homes. Security forces used helicopters to rescue dozens. At least five people died, including a 71-year-old man killed when a wall collapsed in Guerrero.
Source: The Guardian World
10. Indonesia wildfire fuelled by El Niño razes almost 300 homes
An El Niño-fuelled forest fire on Indonesia’s Sumatra island has destroyed nearly 300 homes in Bangka Belitung, displacing hundreds of residents. Officials describe conditions as the worst in a decade, with wildlife also severely affected.
Source: The Guardian World
11. UN development agency teams up with World Bank, others as funds grow scarce - Reuters
Reuters reports that a UN development agency is teaming up with the World Bank and other partners as available funding grows scarce. The move aims to pool resources and close financing gaps.
Source: Reuters World (via Google News)
12. Cornell bans all fraternity parties over gang sex assault allegations
Cornell University has banned all fraternity parties amid gang sexual assault allegations. The school has faced backlash over its handling of assault allegations brought by a woman known as Jane Doe.
Source: BBC World