Rorisang Modiba brings you the latest news from around the world.
USA – Chinese officials are reportedly considering selling TikTok’s American business to Elon Musk if the USA bans the app, Bloomberg News reported. However, TikTok denies the story, and it’s unclear if ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, is aware of these discussions. China wants TikTok to remain with its owner, ByteDance, but it might not have a choice. One suggestion is for Musk’s X platform to take over TikTok in America. The US government wants the issue resolved by 19 January, expressing concerns that China could use TikTok to spy on Americans.
Los Angeles – Police are investigating whether human activity caused the deadly Palisades fire in Los Angeles. They suspect fireworks or illegal camping could be responsible, but faulty equipment or arson are also possible causes. The fire has claimed 24 lives and destroyed thousands of homes. It has burned nearly 24,000 acres, and firefighters have contained only 14% of it.
UK – Prison inspector Charlie Taylor has warned that gangs are using drones to smuggle drugs, weapons, and phones into UK prisons. Taylor says police and prison staff have lost control of the airspace around major prisons such as HMP Manchester and HMP Long Lartin. Inspectors found prisoners receiving a significant amount of contraband via drones, which are now capable of carrying larger loads that could even assist in escapes. Taylor warns this endangers guards, prisoners, and the public.
Mali – Mali’s army has seized three tons of gold worth R3.4-billion from the Canadian company Barrick Gold Corporation as part of a dispute over mining revenues. The gold was taken from a mine near Kayes and moved to the capital, Bamako. This followed an order from Mali’s top judge, who accused Barrick of concealing funds and issued an arrest warrant for the company’s CEO, Mark Bristow. Barrick has offered to pay R7-billion to resolve the issue, but four of its managers remain in custody. Mali is demanding that foreign mining companies contribute more financially to the country.
Pictured above: Elon Musk.
Source: X
