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Meadowview (United States) (AFP) – The American chestnut tree, once a pillar of forests across the eastern United States, is struggling to survive. In the early part of the 20th century, a fungus discovered after Japanese chestnut species were planted in New York City spread across the continent, decimating the American chestnut tree in less than three decades. Now the American Chestnut Foundation is working to resurrect the species. Their mission: finding a way to fight the blight by combining crossbreeding with genetic modification.

Washington (AFP) – In the United States, 64% of African-American children do not know how to swim and have a higher risk of drowning, due to a lack of funds and access to pools, combined with the lasting impact of segregation. To make up for the absence of swimming classes at school, a local association in Washington, DC provides free training to children in a low-income area.

Washington (AFP) – President Joe Biden plans to speak soon to incoming British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, the White House says. “President Biden looks forward to speaking with… Sunak in the upcoming days and to our continued close cooperation with the United Kingdom,” Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre tells reporters during a briefing.

Washington (AFP) – The US Justice chief accuses China of interfering with the American justice system as he announces indictments of 13 Chinese nationals who allegedly worked for Beijing’s spy agencies. Three separate cases unveiled showed that “the government of China sought to interfere with the rights and freedoms of individuals in the United States and to undermine our judicial system that protects those rights,” says Attorney General Merrick Garland.

Kathmandu (Nepal) (AFP) – Dogs in Nepal are being treated to flower garlands and snacks during Kukur Tihar – a day specifically reserved for honouring the four-legged animals. This celebration falls on the second day of the five-day festival of Tihar dedicated to the Hindu god of death Yama.

Vaxholm (Sweden) (AFP) – Underwater images released by the VRAK Museum of Wrecks show Swedish maritime archeologists swimming inside “Applet” (The Apple), a 17th century warship which they discovered close to the island of Vaxholm. Applet is the long-lost sister ship of the iconic vessel “Vasa”, which sank on its maiden voyage in 1628. Applet was launched the following year.

London (AFP) – Britain’s incoming prime minister Rishi Sunak vows to bring “stability and unity” at a time of economic crisis, after he was named the Conservative party’s new leader. “The United Kingdom is a great country, but there is no doubt we face a profound economic challenge,” he tells reporters, appearing to rule out an early general election.

Kyiv (Ukraine) (AFP) – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky claims Russia had ordered around 2,000 drones from Iran, the same kind that Kyiv says Moscow has been using in its recent attacks against Ukraine. “The disgusting sound of Iranian drones is heard in our skies every night. According to our intelligence, Russia ordered about 2,000 ‘Shaheds’ from Iran,” Zelensky says during a speech at a conference organised by the Israeli newspaper Haaretz. It was not immediately clear if Zelensky was referring to Russia’s past purchases or new ones.

Potsdam (Germany) (AFP) – Environmental activists splash mashed potatoes on Claude Monet’s “Haystacks” painting in Museum Barberini in Potsdam, Germany, days after Vincent van Gogh’s “Sunflowers” was covered in tomato soup in London.

Taipei (AFP) – People in Taiwan react to the Chinese Communists Party’s new leadership after Xi Jinping secured an unprecedented third term and a sweeping reshuffle of its top ruling body. “I think Xi Jinping is quite determined to have Taiwan under the control of the Chinese government, just like Hong Kong and Macao,” a Taipei resident says.