🌎 So the sky isn't falling

Hey, what’s up? Welcome to the debut edition of Willie — where we redefine what it means to be newsworthy. First, a heartfelt thank you for joining us on this journey.

If you’ve ever found yourself puzzled by the endless stream of sameness in your news feed, Willie is here to break the cycle. Think of us as a counterpoint to last week’s chair-throwing political theater.

That said, some stories demand pause. Storm Boris has torn through Central and Eastern Europe, while devastating floods sweep across West Africa. These events serve as a stark reminder of how frequently climate change is fueling extreme weather, disproportionately affecting the world’s most vulnerable communities.

While we’re fortunate that the sky isn’t falling, we believe in striking a thoughtful balance. So stick with us as we reimagine the news and the world, together.

IN THE WORLD

🇭🇹 Haiti has established a new council to organize its first elections in eight years, which is seen as critical to restoring political stability in the Caribbean nation. The last presidential election in Haiti took place in 2016. The new council, made up of various political, civil society, and religious leaders, is tasked with overseeing the electoral process as Haiti faces mounting pressure to rebuild its governance amid ongoing security and humanitarian challenges.

🇱🇰 Sri Lankans will soon head to the polls for a high-stakes election amid economic turmoil and widespread protests. The upcoming presidential election is seen as a pivotal moment for a nation grappling with inflation, food shortages, and deep public dissatisfaction with the government. With hopes of political change, voters are demanding solutions to the economic crisis that has left many struggling for survival. 

🇪🇺 / 🇳🇬 Europe and Nigeria are both grappling with severe floods caused by extreme weather. In central Europe, Storm Boris has devastated regions across Poland, the Czech Republic, Romania, and Austria, leaving at least 21 dead and forcing mass evacuations. Warnings are in place for further flooding in Italy, Croatia, Hungary, and Slovakia. Meanwhile, Nigeria, having recently dealt with unusually heavy rainfall that contributed to the Alau dam collapse in Borno state, faces potential floods in 11 states after Cameroon released water from its Lagdo Dam.

🇰🇪 Kenya is harnessing the power of AI to enhance maternal health care. AI-driven tools are being used to improve early diagnosis, monitor pregnancies, and predict complications, providing better care for expectant mothers. Experts say this technology has the potential to reduce maternal mortality rates by offering more accurate and timely interventions.

🇦🇺 The Australian Federal Police (AFP) have arrested the alleged mastermind behind the "Ghost" encrypted communication platform, used by criminal gangs to orchestrate drug trafficking and violent crimes. The 32-year-old man was apprehended in Sydney, with authorities claiming he built and operated the platform from his bedroom. Ghost phones, marketed as "unhackable," were used by major Australian and international crime syndicates.

IN PERSPECTIVE

Zimbabwe’s Elephant Cull Sparks Global Outcry Amid Drought Crisis

In a move that has stirred global controversy, Zimbabwe has authorized the culling of 200 elephants in response to an escalating hunger crisis caused by severe drought. With food shortages threatening both human and animal populations, the government argues that the decision is necessary to prevent widespread famine and reduce competition for resources.

A delicate balance

While Zimbabwe has one of Africa’s largest elephant populations, their search for food has led to conflicts with humans and overgrazing, further straining local ecosystems. Wildlife advocates have voiced concerns, pushing for alternative measures to protect both animals and livelihoods.

What’s PETA saying?

The cull has sparked international debate. Animal rights organizations, including PETA, have condemned the cull, arguing that killing animals to solve a human crisis is both inhumane and short-sighted. PETA suggests that Zimbabwe should instead focus on sustainable conservation efforts that don’t resort to violence against endangered species. They raise concerns about whether trophy hunting and wildlife culling truly serve long-term conservation goals or merely provide short-term relief while exacerbating larger environmental problems.

QUICK HITS

• Future-proofing humanity — Scientists hope this 5D memory crystal could one day aid in bringing humans or other species back from extinction if technological advancements allow.

• Planting seeds of peace — Led by nonprofit Treedom for Palestine, the tenth Freedom Farm, adding 2,500 olive trees to the West Bank’s landscape, is being planted. Olive trees are rooted in the region’s culture and economy and stand as a powerful emblem of peace amid decades of conflict.

• Art over violence — In El Salvador, mural artists are transforming crime-ridden neighborhoods by painting over bullet-riddled walls, turning symbols of violence into vibrant expressions of hope.

• Ancient art meets ancient life — A mysterious South African cave painting may reveal a prehistoric fascination with fossils, as researchers suggest that the artwork, which depicts strange, dinosaur-like creatures, could have been inspired by fossilized remains.

• Southern Guild goes global — The pioneering gallery from Cape Town, whose gallerists are drawn to a spirituality that prevails in South African art and aim to place community and collaboration above all else, is leading the charge in showcasing African artists on the international art scene.