WAO ART #96

Greece has recovered hundreds of looted artefacts, including a 2nd-Century bronze statue of Alexander the Great, after a 17-year legal battle with the company of a British antiquities dealer, Robin Symes. Greece has been fighting to recover looted artefacts from museums and private collections worldwide.

Africa is seeking a new role in global trade and will not accept being a source of raw materials for the rest of the world, according to the African Union's Trade Commissioner. Western powers seeking greater trade links with the continent.

Japan's pacifist ideals are being challenged as the country faces threats from China and North Korea. The government is embarking on a military spending spree and seeking to expand its armed forces, leading to a division among the Japanese public over their pacifist ideals.

US debt ceiling talks have resumed after a brief pause, but the White House warns of "serious differences" with Republicans. Without a deal, the US could default on its $31.4tn debt, which would mean the government could not borrow any more money or pay all of its bills.

Bitcoin payments firm Strike is expanding to 65 global markets and relocating its headquarters to El Salvador, where Bitcoin is legal tender. CEO Jack Mallers cited regulatory uncertainty in the US as the reason for the move. The app uses the Bitcoin Lightning Network for cheaper and faster transactions.

Musician Tom Grennan has paid £2,000 to fly a fellow Coventry City fan from Argentina to Wembley to watch the Championship play-off final. Lauti Murguia had asked for help after the team qualified to play Luton Town on 27 May and said he might have to sell his car to pay for the flights and ticket.

A typhoon watch has been issued for Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) as Tropical Depression 02W (TD 02W) is expected to intensify into a typhoon within the next 48 hours. Residents should prepare for potential tropical storm force winds, ranging from 34 to 63 knots.