Epstein Emails, Nigerian Massacre, and a Thriving Snail

France has launched a preliminary inquiry into former Culture Minister Jack Lang over his alleged links to Jeffrey Epstein, according to BBC World. The investigation, focused on suspected "laundering of tax fraud proceeds," follows the release of Epstein files by the US Department of Justice, which documented connections between the Lang family and the late American sex offender. Lang, 86, has denied any wrongdoing, describing the allegations as "baseless" (BBC World).

The Epstein files have also shed light on Prince Andrew's relationship with businessman David Rowland. Emails revealed that Prince Andrew referred to Rowland as his "trusted money man" to Epstein, according to BBC Business. The emails suggest Prince Andrew attempted to promote Rowland's financial ventures while serving as the UK's trade envoy. However, Epstein appeared hesitant to engage with Rowland, after being warned by the UK press that Rowland was a "shady financier" (BBC Business).

In other news, a village in Nigeria is reeling from a recent attack by jihadists. The traditional chief of Woro, Kwara state, Umar Bio Salihu, recounted the night of terror during which gunmen killed two of his sons and kidnapped his wife and three daughters, according to The Guardian. The attack resulted in the massacre of hundreds of residents.

Meanwhile, conservation efforts have led to the resurgence of a Bermuda snail species previously thought to be extinct. The greater Bermuda snail (Poecilozonites bermudensis) was believed to have vanished, but a remnant population was discovered. Conservationists bred and released over 100,000 of the molluscs, according to The Guardian.

Finally, a Fox News report highlighted the importance of protecting a deceased loved one's identity. The report noted that scammers actively target the identities of those who have passed away, relying on delays and data gaps. The report emphasized that identity protection is often overlooked during the overwhelming process of handling legal and financial matters after a death (Fox News).