CHICLAYO (PERU) - In northern Peru, the self-anointed "city of Pope Leo XIV" is feverishly preparing for a visit by its former bishop, despite the pontiff's lung cancer diagnosis raising doubts over his travel plans.

TIRANA (ALBANIA) - Anti-government protests in Albania's capital left several official buildings badly damaged and at least one on fire on Wednesday as demonstrations spiralled into violence for a second straight night.

WASHINGTON (UNITED STATES) - SpaceX boss Elon Musk said Wednesday that any disruptions reported by Ukraine in using the Starshield satellite communications system would be the responsibility of the US government, not his company.

Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit has defended a proposed 8-billion-baht electric harvester scheme, citing long-term savings for farmers and environmental benefits.

Thaksin Shinawatra's lawyer has urged the amnesty committee to consider the political origins of the former prime minister's cases, warning that excluding him could prolong Thailand's political divisions.