Biden makes history as first US president to visit Angola
President Joe Biden is making history as the first American president to visit Angola. This also marks the only trip to sub-Saharan Africa of his presidency.
The focus of the three-day visit is on the U.S.-backed Lobito corridor railway redevelopment project in Angola, Zambia and Congo. It’s meant to counter China’s influence on the continent. The U.S. has committed $3 billion to the corridor and related projects, according to administration officials.
The goal is to increase the U.S.’ presence in the region which is rich in the critical minerals used to make things like electric vehicle batteries and other electronic devices, as well as clean energy technologies.
Biden plans to meet with President João Lourenço in the capital, Luanda. Lourenço met with Biden at the White House in November 2023.
He will also visit the National Slavery Museum. White House national security spokesperson John Kirby said Biden will give a speech at the museum on Tuesday, Dec. 3, acknowledging “both the horrific history of slavery that has connected our two nations, but also looks forward to a future predicated on a shared vision that benefits both our people.”
On his way to Angola, Biden stopped in the island nation of Cape Verde for a short, closed-door meeting with Prime Minister Ulisses Correia e Silva.
Barack Obama was the last president to visit sub-Saharan Africa in 2015.
Giraffes may be next on endangered species list as population rapidly declines
Giraffes could soon be listed on the endangered species list. U.S. wildlife officials say that’s because multiple species of giraffe populations are declining rapidly.
Researchers point to the loss of habitat, poaching and climate change in their native land in Africa. According to the Giraffe Conservation Foundation about 117,000 wild giraffes are left worldwide – down almost 30% from the 1980s.
The population for the three subspecies of northern giraffe declined from 25,653 to 5,919, a 77% decrease since 1985. Listing many of the species as either endangered or threatened means they would receive federal protections under the Endangered Species Act.
Even though hunting giraffes is illegal in all but three countries in Africa, people still do it for meat and for trophy purposes.
According to the Humane Society of the United States, between 2006 and 2015, trophy hunters imported more than 3,700 giraffes into the U.S. The proposed rule would work toward cutting down illegal hunting and trade of giraffes by requiring a permit to import them into the U.S.
It would also expand funding for research and conservation efforts. A final decision on the endangered status of giraffes will happen in February.
Idris Elba plans to move to Africa to boost film industry
Idris Elba announced his plans to leave Hollywood in hopes of growing Africa’s entertainment industry. The Golden Globe winner said he started the process to launch a global hub for film studios to be built on the continent and plans to relocate there within the next 10 years.
He got the green light after meeting with Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
Elba is aiming to build the first studio in Zanzibar. The government has already promised to contribute 200 acres of land.
He hopes the move will open doors for young African creators.
“A lot of media is centered around negative depictions of Africa,” Elba told CNN. “But the median age in Africa is 19; these young people are optimistic and they deserve the chance to tell their stories.”
Elba’s mother is from Ghana and his father is from Sierra Leone, so he’s often talked about his attachment to Africa.
According to a recent UNESCO report, the continent’s film and audiovisual industry could create 20 million jobs. The report also said it would add $20 million to its gross domestic product by 2030.
Uber Safari launching this week as company promotes conservation
Uber announced on Monday, Sept. 30, that it is getting into the safari business. The rideshare company said that it’s allowing customers in Cape Town, South Africa, to hail its services starting on Wednesday, Oct. 2, for a wildlife adventure.
Here how it works, Uber customers will be able to open the rideshare app and select “Uber Safari” on the home screen. Customers will then have to choose their date, pick-up and drop-off locations, and then wait to see if their trip is confirmed. Once confirmed, they’ll be swept away and have the chance to see lions, elephants, cheetahs, rhinos and more.
Uber said that every booking will “help protect endangered species and ensure the preservation of South Africa’s rich biodiversity.”
Reservations will open on Wednesday, Oct. 2, and be bookable for 90 days. Customers will need to give 24 hours advance notice before booking their safari and the experience is a flat fee of $200 for up to four guests. The service is only available on Fridays and Saturdays.
This isn’t the first attempt by Uber to branch out its services. Earlier this year, Uber offered luxurious “champagne-fueled trips” in France and last year it launched hot air balloon rides in Turkey.
Xi Jinping commits $50 billion to boost Africa’s infrastructure development
Chinese President Xi Jinping has pledged more than $50 billion in financial support to Africa over the next three years, aiming to expand China’s economic influence and strengthen development partnerships across the continent. The announcement was made during the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation summit in Beijing on Thursday, Sept. 5, where leaders from more than 50 African nations gathered.
Xi outlined a broader commitment to modernizing Africa, promising $30 billion in credit lines, $10 billion in investments by Chinese companies, and other forms of assistance, including military aid. He emphasized that modernization is a right for all nations and criticized the Western approach for causing “immense suffering” in developing countries.
China’s deeper involvement in Africa is also part of a broader strategy to boost its standing in the global south.
The move comes as China continues to position itself as Africa’s largest trading partner, overtaking the U.S. in 2009. Last year, China approved nearly $5 billion in loans, the first increase since 2016, though concerns have been raised about the rising debt burden on African nations.
In contrast, the United States committed $55 billion to Africa in 2022, focusing on health, climate change, and women’s economic participation.
Since May, the Biden-Harris administration has signed 75 deals aimed at meeting its aid goal by 2025. U.S. initiatives emphasize public health, with significant investments in HIV/AIDS treatment, malaria prevention and COVID-19 response.
Xi’s latest pledge also signals a shift in China’s approach. Moving away from larger, debt-heavy infrastructure projects, he is focusing on smaller, targeted initiatives, which he described as “small and beautiful.”
These efforts will prioritize clean energy, industrial growth, and advanced technologies, addressing Africa’s energy shortages while promoting sustainable development.
VP Kamala Harris formally accepts Democratic presidential nomination at DNC
Vice President Kamala Harris closed out the Democratic National Convention (DNC) by accepting her party’s nomination for president. And one of the largest diamonds ever found was just unearthed in Botswana. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Friday, Aug. 23, 2024.
VP Kamala Harris formally accepts Democratic presidential nomination at DNC
Vice President Kamala Harris has officially accepted her party’s nomination for president. The Democratic National Convention came to a close Thursday night, Aug. 22, after Harris addressed the crowd, laying out more of her policy vision for the nation and going after her Republican opponent, former President Donald Trump.
“I want you to know I promise to be a president for all Americans,” Harris said. “You can always trust me to put country above party and self. In many ways, Donald Trump is an unserious man. But the consequences, but the consequences of putting Donald Trump back in the White House are extremely serious.”
During her speech, Harris vowed to create what she called an “opportunity economy.” She also reiterated her stance that Israel has a right to defend itself but pressed for a cease-fire deal and pledged to reform the U.S. immigration system.
When Harris turned her attention to the former president, she blamed Trump for Republicans voting against a bipartisan border bill, said he sent a mob to the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, and highlighted his now-criminal record.
“The biggest reaction is why didn’t she do the things she’s complaining about,” he questioned. “She could’ve done it three and a half years ago. She could do it tonight, by leaving the auditorium and going to Washington D.C. and closing the border. She doesn’t need a bill. I didn’t have a bill; I closed the border. She could still do them. She’s got four and a half to five months left.”
All eyes will be on Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the third-party candidate, on Friday, Aug. 23, as he’s set to hold a press conference. The speculation is Kennedy will be dropping out of the presidential race and potentially endorsing Trump.
They had planned to march toward the convention center but were blocked by rows of police in riot gear.
#WATCH : More videos of Massive pro-Palestine protest engulfs DNC convention
Thousands of pro-Palestinian demonstrators marched in Chicago during the Democratic National Convention, outraged over Dems' backing for Israel in the Gaza war.
The group of about 40 unconfirmed delegates and supporters spent Wednesday night, Aug. 21, outside the United Center on the sidewalk and remained there until after 8 p.m. Thursday before finally going back inside to the convention.
Supreme Court allows Arizona to enforce proof-of-citizenship law
The United States Supreme Court agreed to temporarily reinstate a portion of a 2022 Arizona law requiring proof of citizenship when people register to vote. In a 5-4 ruling, the high court gave a partial victory to Republicans who have been trying to enforce proof of citizenship as a requirement to cast a vote in November.
While the justices ruled the state can enforce the requirement of proof of citizenship to vote using the state’s registration form, the court turned down other requests that would bar voters who registered using a federal form or by mail unless they showed proof of citizenship.
This is only a temporary ruling while litigation continues. So, it’s unclear as of now if, come November, voters in the state will have to show documentation they’re a legal resident to cast a ballot.
Canadian government orders arbitration to end rail labor dispute
The Canadian government has intervened in a labor dispute involving thousands of freight train workers. The deadlock on workers’ contract negotiations could have led to a major economic disruption, impacting goods coming into the United States.
The trains are expected to resume running in a few days.
FDA approves updated COVID vaccines
The FDA has approved updated COVID vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna. This puts the new shots on track to reach most Americans within days.
Today, we approved and granted emergency use authorization for updated mRNA COVID-19 vaccines (2024-2025 formula) to include a monovalent (single) component that corresponds to the Omicron variant KP.2 strain of SARS-CoV-2. https://t.co/pul33IEnIw
These shots target a strain called KP.2, which was the dominant COVID strain in May when a summer surge of the virus began, but now only accounts for roughly 3% of all U.S. cases, according to the CDC. Still, Pfizer and Moderna said their KP.2 vaccines can produce stronger immune responses against other circulating sub-variants than last year’s shots.
Second largest diamond ever found is discovered in Botswana
The second largest diamond ever found was just unearthed in Botswana, according to the Canadian mining company that discovered the gem in one of its mines in Africa. The massive, 2,492-carat diamond is the biggest to be found in more than a century and it was located using X-ray technology.
The mining company presented Botswana’s president with the huge stone on Thursday, Aug. 22. The diamond will be evaluated over the next several weeks and will likely sell for tens of millions of dollars.
The colossal stone is believed to be the biggest one found since a 3,106-carat diamond was discovered in South Africa in 1905 and cut into smaller stones — some of which make up the British royal family’s crown jewels.
South Africa faces systemic issues, including a weak power grid causing hundreds of hours of blackouts that hinder development and manufacturing. The country also battles nearly 33% unemployment, one of the world’s highest, with economic growth expected to be less than 1% this year.
Corruption scandals highlight governance weaknesses within the ANC. Additionally, South Africa has one of the highest violent crime rates globally, with 45 murders per 100,000 people.
Lines formed early at various polling stations, including a primary school in Soweto, where South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to vote.
The ANC, which has dominated elections since 1994 when Nelson Mandela was elected president, might now fall short of a majority, potentially requiring a coalition with smaller parties to govern.
Despite these challenges, the ANC is still expected to win the largest share of the vote, likely ensuring a new term for President Ramaphosa.
Trump criminal trial moves to the jury
With closing arguments coming to a close, the criminal trial of former President Donald Trump is headed to the jury. And actor Robert De Niro speaks out against the former president at a campaign event for President Joe Biden. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Wednesday, May 29, 2024.
Trump criminal trial moves to the jury
The criminal trial of former President Donald Trump in New York will go into the hands of the jury Wednesday, May 29, after a day of closing arguments.
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Both sides took their time Tuesday, May 28, in hopes of swaying the 12-person jury. Trump’s attorney Todd Blanche spent three hours on closing arguments, trying to discredit the defense’s star witness, Michael Cohen, describing him as “the human embodiment of reasonable doubt,” “an MVP of liars” and “the greatest liar of all time.”
The prosecution took nearly five hours for its closing arguments, claiming the former president committed “a subversion to democracy” and aiming to prove Trump is guilty of falsifying business records.
Trump has denied any wrongdoing in the case.
This morning, the jury will receive instructions from the judge before beginning deliberations to reach a verdict in the first criminal trial of a former U.S. president.
Robert De Niro speaks at Biden campaign rally outside Trump trial
De Niro, a longtime Democrat who recently voiced an ad for Biden’s campaign, spoke to reporters, criticizing Trump. Trump is the presumptive GOP nominee in the upcoming presidential election.
“When Trump ran in 2016, it was like a joke,” De Niro said. “This buffoon running for president ‘no never could happen.’ We’d forgotten the lessons of history that showed us other clowns who weren’t taken seriously until they became vicious dictators. With Trump, we have a second chance and no one is laughing now.”
De Niro was accompanied by two law enforcement officers who were at the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, saying the riot was fueled by lies that the 2020 election was stolen.
Pro-Trump supporters could be heard chanting in the background during the Biden event. In response, the Trump campaign held a press conference soon after, with a spokesperson saying, “Donald Trump’s numbers are rising … the best the Biden campaign can do is roll out washed-up actors.”
Harvey Weinstein to appear in same NY courthouse as Trump trial
Harvey Weinstein is expected to appear before a judge Wednesday, May 29, in the same New York City courthouse as where the Trump trial is taking place. Weinstein is awaiting a retrial on rape charges after his 2020 conviction was overturned.
He was initially convicted of third-degree rape, but that conviction was tossed out in April by New York’s highest court, which ruled that the trial judge unfairly allowed testimony from other women not involved in the case.
Weinstein maintains that any sexual activity was consensual.
The former Hollywood producer had been serving a 23-year sentence in New York. Weinstein was also convicted in Los Angeles in 2022, where he is sentenced to serve 16 years.
The retrial in New York is expected to begin sometime after Labor Day.
Gaza aid deliveries suspended after pier damaged
Aid deliveries to Gaza have been suspended after a U.S.-built temporary pier became damaged by rough seas.
The $320 million pier, operational since May 17, has already faced several issues, including three U.S. service member injuries and four vessels being beached due to heavy seas.
Pentagon officials addressed the necessary repairs on Tuesday, May 28.
“Unfortunately, we had a perfect storm of high sea states and then, as I mentioned, this north African weather system also came in at the same time creating not an optimal environment to operate this JLOTS, this temporary pier,” Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh said.
Army engineers are working to repair the pier, and officials hope it will be fully operational in just over a week.
South Africans vote in most competitive election since apartheid
Opinion polls suggest the African National Congress (ANC) may lose its parliamentary majority for the first time in 30 years. Voters are voicing frustration over high unemployment, crime rates, power cuts and corruption.
Lines formed early at various polling stations, including a primary school in Soweto, where President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to vote.
The ANC, which has dominated elections since 1994 when Nelson Mandela was elected president, might now fall short of a majority, potentially requiring a coalition with smaller parties to govern. Despite these challenges, the ANC is still expected to win the largest share of the vote, likely ensuring a new term for President Ramaphosa.
MLB incorporating Negro League stats into record books
History is being made Wednesday in Major League Baseball as MLB officially incorporates the stats of former Negro League players into its record books.
In 2020, MLB announced it would be “correcting a long oversight” by adding the Negro Leagues. Because of these additions, Hall of Famer Josh Gibson will now become MLB’s new all-time career leader in batting average, surpassing Ty Cobb. Gibson will also surpass Babe Ruth in slugging percentage and and OPS.
“This initiative is focused on ensuring that future generations of fans have access to the statistics and milestones of all those who made the Negro Leagues possible,” baseball commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement.
Pro-Palestinian demonstrators interrupt President Biden’s celebrity-packed fundraising event at Radio City Music Hall. And, The Wall Street Journal marks one year of reporter Evan Gershkovich being held in a Russian prison. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Friday, March 29, 2024.
High-profile attendees paid up to $500,000 for perks, including a photo op with the presidents by Annie Leibovitz. The event featured celebrities like Mindy Kaling, Stephen Colbert, Lizzo, and Queen Latifah, blending humor with the presidents wearing aviator sunglasses in homage to Biden’s style.
However, it also faced moments of tension as protesters voiced their opposition to Biden’s support for Israel in the Gaza conflict. Outside Radio City Music Hall, a significant number of protesters clashed with police. The three presidents addressed the Gaza war, advocating for a two-state solution and the protection of civilian lives.
To highlight his ongoing imprisonment, today’s Wall Street Journal front page features a significant blank space with the headline, “His story should be here – A year in Russian prison. A year of stolen stories, stolen joys, stolen memories. The crime: journalism.”
Emma Tucker, the Journal’s Editor in Chief, expressed admiration for Gershkovich’s resilience and humor in the face of wrongful detention in a letter published in today’s edition.
She emphasized the attack on free press rights and the crucial role of journalism in society. A Russian court recently extended Gershkovich’s detention until June 30, without setting a trial date or presenting evidence to support the espionage allegations.
Biden admin. approves $60 million in emergency aid after Baltimore bridge collapse
The emergency funds are designated for debris removal, detour arrangements, emergency repairs, and reconstruction.
45 killed in fiery bus crash in South Africa, 8-year-old survives
An 8-year-old child was the sole survivor of a bus crash in South Africa on Thursday that resulted in 45 fatalities. The bus, transporting worshippers to an Easter festival, veered off a bridge in a mountain pass, plunged into a ravine, and caught fire.
The child, who sustained serious injuries, is currently receiving treatment in the hospital.
Authorities indicate that the crash occurred after the driver lost control of the bus. Search operations for the victims are still underway.
House to submit Mayorkas articles of impeachment to Senate
The U.S. House of Representatives plans to deliver two articles of impeachment against Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas to the Senate on April 10.
House Speaker Mike Johnson and 11 GOP impeachment managers have requested Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to promptly schedule a trial. Impeached federal officials undergo Senate trials to determine their removal.
Mayorkas, impeached last month for allegedly not enforcing U.S. immigration laws and making false statements to Congress, contends he isn’t to blame for the border crisis, attributing it to Congress’ failure to fix a broken immigration system.
Schumer announced that senators will be sworn in as trial jurors after the impeachment articles are delivered. Currently, both the House and Senate are on a two-week recess.
NFL player buys $15k lawn mower after signing record contract
The Eagles, with Dickerson, will kick off their season on September 6 in Brazil, marking the NFL’s first regular season game in the country, where Dickerson is unlikely to bring his new mower.
Top UN court rejects South Africa call for Israel to end war against Hamas
At The Hague in the Netherlands on Friday, Jan. 26, the U.N.’s top court rejected South Africa’s call to end Israel’s military operations in the Gaza Strip. The nearly unanimous decision by the panel of 17 judges delivered a blow to advocates’ hopes of a ceasefire.
Israel’s war against Hamas is in its fourth month and shows no signs of ending soon. However, the panel did deliver South Africa at least one legal victory. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) ordered Israel to “take all measures” to prevent further Palestinian deaths to ensure against claims of genocide.
The court ordered Israel to take legal action against anyone who commits genocide, publicly incites genocide, or is complicit in genocide against Palestinians. The panel also demanded additional steps be taken to ensure humanitarian aid is flowing into Gaza.
Israel said it’s already ensuring aid to the Gaza Strip and these demands will likely change little about their efforts.
“Israel is enabling, working with, we say, international organizations to enable humanitarian relief to the Gaza Strip,” said Pnina Sharvit Baruch, a senior researcher at the Israeli Institute for National Security Studies. “On a practical level, these measures would not necessarily change Israel’s conduct.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded to the ruling Friday in a recorded address.
“The charge of genocide leveled against Israel is not only false, it’s outrageous, and decent people everywhere should reject it,” Netanyahu said. “Our war is against Hamas terrorists, not against Palestinian civilians. We will continue to facilitate humanitarian assistance and do our utmost to keep civilians out of harm’s way, even as Hamas uses civilians as human shields.”
Other factors the court considered were comments by the defense minister of Israel, who is accused of telling troops on the Gaza border that they were “fighting animals” who were the “ISIS of Gaza.”
The ruling by the ICJ is just the first step in South Africa’s genocide case against Israel. It’s believed a decision by the U.N. may take years.
As the court rejected a call to end fighting, the death toll of Palestinians has now surpassed 26,000 people, according to the Hamas-controlled Gaza Health Ministry.
Meanwhile, more than 100 Israeli hostages remain at the mercy of Hamas militants. Families of the hostages have pleaded with Israeli leaders to strike a deal to bring the captives home, even storming government meetings.
Israel’s war against Hamas came after a terrorist attack on Oct. 7, 2023, at a music festival in Israel. The attack left 1,200 dead, and Hamas militants took around 250 people hostage.