Top stories
1. EXCLUSIVE: TSMC seeks factory-equipment alternatives to thwart China’s rare earths grip, sources say - Reuters
TSMC is looking for alternatives to factory equipment that relies on Chinese rare earths, according to Reuters sources, as Beijing’s export controls raise supply concerns. The move highlights chipmakers’ efforts to reduce exposure to critical materials.
Source: Reuters World (via Google News)
2. Hospitals deliberately targeted by Sudan’s RSF fighters, BBC investigation finds
A BBC investigation found that Sudan’s RSF fighters deliberately targeted hospitals in multiple attacks. The UN human rights chief, Volker Türk, said the attacks may amount to war crimes.
Source: BBC World
3. Race to update services’ computer systems after cyber-security flaw found
PHP developers reported “critical vulnerabilities,” prompting some websites to go offline. Services are racing to update their computer systems to reduce security risks.
Source: BBC World
World news
1. Shamonda virus detected in human for first time in France
A man in France is the first known human case of Shamonda virus, and investigators are examining whether the infection contributed to his death. The bunyavirus, spread by infected midges, is normally found in livestock such as cattle, sheep and goats.
Source: The Guardian World
2. Newborn twins fight for survival as conflict fuels Yemen’s hunger crisis
Fighting between pro-government forces and the Houthis forced the family of newborn twins Raghad and Raad to flee their home on foot. The twins are fighting for survival as conflict worsens Yemen’s hunger crisis.
Source: BBC World
3. Powerful earthquake hits Tibet killing 16 people, reports say
A powerful earthquake struck a mountainous, sparsely populated area in north-eastern Tibet, reportedly killing 16 people. Details are still being verified.
Source: BBC World
4. L’Oreal says weight loss drugs are impacting beauty and skin care sales
L’Oreal’s CEO said GLP-1 weight-loss drugs are affecting beauty and skin care sales. He called their use “a very important phenomenon for us.”
Source: BBC World
5. At least four dead after storm brings flooding to southern France
A storm brought flooding to southern France, leaving at least four people dead. Among the victims were two women found drowned in a cellar in the Bouches-du-Rhône region.
Source: BBC World
6. Severely ill ICE detainees face imminent deportation to unknown African states, advocates say
Relatives of gravely ill detainees at two Florida immigration jails say authorities plan to deport them as early as Wednesday to unidentified African countries where they have no ties, despite worsening medical conditions. The advocacy group Workers Circle says it has been informed of the flight plans.
Source: The Guardian World
7. New World screwworm cases confirmed in wildlife in Texas, beef cow in New Mexico - Reuters
Reuters reports that New World screwworm cases have been confirmed in wildlife in Texas and in a beef cow in New Mexico. The parasitic fly can infest warm-blooded animals, raising concerns for livestock health and agricultural controls.
Source: Reuters World (via Google News)
8. China bets on manufactured water, and wants to sell it to the world - Reuters
China is betting on manufactured water and aims to sell related technology and products to the global market. The source provides only the headline, so details remain limited.
Source: Reuters World (via Google News)
9. South Africa’s trade with China surges after duty-free deal - Reuters
Reuters reports that South Africa’s trade with China has surged after the two countries reached a duty-free deal. The report did not provide detailed figures but pointed to a clear boost in bilateral trade flows.
Source: Reuters World (via Google News)
10. Alberta welcomed migrant workers. Now, it wants to restrict their rights
Alberta once welcomed migrant workers but now seeks to restrict their rights. Vanesa Ortiz, who moved from Mexico to Calgary, criticized scapegoating non-permanent residents, saying it will not lower living costs.
Source: The Guardian World
11. Australia offers astronaut Katherine Bennell-Pegg for space mission to International Space Station
The Australian government has offered astronaut Katherine Bennell-Pegg, Australian of the Year, to the European Space Agency for a 2028 International Space Station mission. If selected, she would become the first qualified astronaut to fly under the Australian flag.
Source: The Guardian World
12. FIFA opens bidding for 2030 and 2034 World Cup media rights covering US and Puerto Rico - Reuters
FIFA has opened bidding for media rights to the 2030 and 2034 World Cups in the United States and Puerto Rico. The process covers broadcast rights for the next two tournaments, with terms not yet disclosed.
Source: Reuters World (via Google News)