International
TikTok establishes joint venture to end US ban threat
The new structure responds to a law passed under US President Donald Trump’s predecessor Joe Biden that forced Chinese-owned ByteDance to sell TikTok’s US operations or face a ban in its biggest market.
TikTok has announced it has established a majority American-owned joint venture to operate its US business, allowing the company to avoid a ban over its Chinese ownership.
The video-sharing app is a global digital entertainment powerhouse but its mass appeal and links to China have raised concerns over privacy and national security.
The TikTok USDS Joint Venture LLC will serve more than 200 million users and 7.5 million businesses while implementing strict safeguards for data protection and content moderation, the company said.
AFP reported that the new structure responds to a law passed under US President Donald Trump’s predecessor Joe Biden that forced Chinese-owned ByteDance to sell TikTok’s US operations or face a ban in its biggest market.
Trump welcomed and claimed credit for the deal, but also thanked Chinese President Xi Jinping for approving it.
“I am so happy to have helped in saving TikTok!” Trump said in a post on Truth Social late Thursday.
“It will now be owned by a group of Great American Patriots and Investors, the Biggest in the World, and will be an important Voice.”
“I would also like to thank President Xi, of China, for working with us and, ultimately, approving the Deal,” he added.
International
Japan beer giants raided over alleged price-fixing cartel
Asahi, Kirin and Sapporo all saw their share price fall after news of the investigation broke on Wednesday. Suntory’s beer business is not publicly-listed.
Image credit: BBC| GETTY Images
Japanese officials have raided the country’s biggest beer makers over allegations they worked together to raise the price of their beverages.
Asahi, Sapporo, Kirin and Suntory Spirits confirmed to the BBC that their premises had been searched by the Japan Fair Trade Commission (JFTC), adding that they would fully cooperate with the regulator.
The four firms dominate Japan’s beer market, with their drinks a common sight in supermarkets and convenience stores across the country.
Asahi, Kirin and Sapporo all saw their share price fall after news of the investigation broke on Wednesday. Suntory’s beer business is not publicly-listed.
“I do not deny that an investigation is being conducted today, but I’d like to refrain from commenting on the details as a preliminary review is underway,” JFTC Secretary General Iwanari Hiroo said, according to local media.
International
Belgian Students Protest Over Rising Education Costs
Tuition fees for most students in Belgium’s French-speaking Community, was increased from €835 to €1,194.
Hundreds of students in the Belgian city of Liège took to the streets protesting rising education costs, according to Belga news agency.
Tuition fees for most students in Belgium’s French-speaking Community, was increased from €835 to €1,194.
Local media reported that 107 people had been arrested in recent days, for offences linked to property damage and arson.
The protesters are challenging conditions in Belgium’s French-language education system, citing rising costs, overcrowded classrooms and difficulties accessing study materials.
Students carried placards expressing their frustration, including messages calling for education to be treated as a right rather than a privilege.
International
Ethiopian woman says she hasn’t eaten or drunk water since age 10
Despite claiming not to eat, Ambaw said she enjoys preparing meals for her family and visitors.
•Muluwork Ambaw
An Ethiopian woman, Muluwork Ambaw, has claimed that she has not eaten food or drunk water since she was 10 years old, saying she suddenly lost her appetite as a child.
Ambaw, who is now 26 and lives in Jimma, Ethiopia, said her last meal was lentil stew before she stopped eating and drinking.
Her extraordinary claim gained international attention after travel content creator Drew Binsky visited her in Ethiopia and documented her story and daily life.
According to Ambaw, the change began when her family would ask her to have breakfast before going to school.
Her extraordinary claim gained international attention after travel content creator Drew Binsky visited her in Ethiopia and documented her story and daily life.
According to Ambaw, the change began when her family would ask her to have breakfast before going to school.
“I used to live with my family, and they asked me to eat breakfast and go to school. I said I had eaten, but I was pretending,” she said, according to an account shared by Binsky.
Ambaw said she simply stopped feeling hungry or thirsty and has continued living without consuming food or water.
Despite claiming not to eat, Ambaw said she enjoys preparing meals for her family and visitors.
She reportedly grows vegetables in her garden so she can cook fresh food when her sister or guests visit.
“I cook as much as I want, but I have no appetite,” she said.
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