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Clashes between armed groups in Colombia kill at least 52

Clashes between armed groups in Colombia kill at least 52

Summary

At least 52 fighters were killed in violent clashes between two rival rebel groups in a coca-growing region of southeastern Colombia. The groups are former members of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc) who rejected a 2016 peace deal and compete for control of the area.

Key Facts

  • The fighting occurred in the jungle area of Guaviare department near Barranco Colorado village.
  • Two dissident Farc factions led by Iván Mordisco and Calarcá Córdoba fought each other.
  • Both groups refused to accept the 2016 peace agreement that disarmed most Farc members.
  • The faction led by Calarcá Córdoba is involved in peace talks with President Gustavo Petro.
  • The faction led by Iván Mordisco remains in conflict with the government after a ceasefire was suspended in 2024.
  • The official death toll of 52 fighters comes from one guerrilla faction and is not independently confirmed.
  • The Colombian government sent troops to protect civilians in the conflict zone.
  • Other armed groups like the National Liberation Army (ELN) also announced temporary ceasefires due to upcoming elections.
  • Colombia’s long-running conflict is fueled by drug trafficking and illegal mining and has caused hundreds of thousands of deaths and mass displacement.
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What’s behind South Africa’s anti-migrant protests?

What’s behind South Africa’s anti-migrant protests?

Summary

Foreign workers in South Africa are facing protests and violence from groups who say these workers live and work there illegally. These groups want all foreign workers to leave the country by June 30. South Africa has had several waves of anti-immigrant violence over the past ten years, often targeting people from other African countries.

Key Facts

  • Anti-immigrant groups in South Africa are protesting against foreign workers.
  • Protesters demand that foreign workers leave by June 30.
  • These protests are part of repeated violence against migrants over the last decade.
  • Many migrants come from neighboring African countries.
  • South Africans complain that the government is not enforcing immigration laws properly.
  • Since apartheid ended in 1994, South Africa has attracted thousands of foreign workers.
  • Experts like university professors, politicians, and immigration lawyers are discussing the issue.
  • The protests affect migrants' safety and their ability to live and work in South Africa.
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Aid supplies reach heart of Congo’s Ebola outbreak as WHO head travels to Kinshasa

Aid supplies reach heart of Congo’s Ebola outbreak as WHO head travels to Kinshasa

Summary

Aid supplies donated by the European Union arrived in Bunia, Congo, to help fight a rare Ebola outbreak in the region. Health workers are facing shortages of medical gear and resistance from local communities while treating patients with the Bundibugyo virus, which has no approved treatment or vaccine.

Key Facts

  • The Ebola outbreak is in Ituri province, northeastern Congo.
  • European Union aid includes masks, gloves, boots, and medicines.
  • The virus involved is the Bundibugyo Ebola virus, a rare type without approved treatments or vaccines.
  • Medical staff sometimes use expired protective masks due to supply shortages.
  • Local residents have attacked health centers over burial practices that differ from traditional rites.
  • The Congolese Health Minister said communities often resist epidemic measures due to confusion and lack of trust.
  • Aid deliveries from the EU will continue over the next eight days.
  • WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus is traveling to Congo to observe the response efforts.
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Oil prices dip amid reports of tentative US-Iran deal

Oil prices dip amid reports of tentative US-Iran deal

Summary

Oil prices fell on Thursday after reports said the U.S. and Iran reached a tentative deal to extend their ceasefire and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The price of Brent crude oil dropped to about $94 per barrel from $96, while U.S. crude was around $89 per barrel.

Key Facts

  • The U.S. and Iran reportedly made a tentative agreement to extend a ceasefire.
  • The deal includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route.
  • Brent crude oil price fell from about $96 to $94 per barrel.
  • U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude was trading near $89 per barrel.
  • The price changes happened on a Thursday afternoon.
  • The Strait of Hormuz is important because much of the world’s oil passes through it.
  • A tentative deal means the agreement is not final yet but shows progress.
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Olivia Rodrigo Addresses Viral Backlash Around Babydoll Dress

Olivia Rodrigo Addresses Viral Backlash Around Babydoll Dress

Summary

Olivia Rodrigo spoke about the online criticism she received for wearing babydoll dresses during her new music era. She said the negative reactions show how people wrongly accept the idea of sexualizing young girls and emphasized she wears the style because it makes her feel cool, inspired by 90s rock artists.

Key Facts

  • Olivia Rodrigo faced backlash online after wearing babydoll dresses in her music videos and live shows in 2026.
  • The criticism started after her "Drop Dead" music video and increased after a live show in Barcelona.
  • Rodrigo said the fuss over her dresses reflects harmful cultural messages that blame girls for how others see their bodies.
  • She wears babydoll dresses because they make her feel comfortable and are inspired by female rock artists like Kathleen Hanna and Courtney Love.
  • Olivia wants to protect younger girls from being told they are responsible for unwanted attention based on their clothing.
  • She described her current fashion as fun, relaxed, and influenced by 1970s styles.
  • Rodrigo contrasted the backlash against babydoll dresses with how she has worn more revealing outfits on stage without similar criticism.
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Nearly 500,000 Russian soldiers have died in Ukraine war, Britain says

Nearly 500,000 Russian soldiers have died in Ukraine war, Britain says

Summary

British intelligence reports that nearly 500,000 Russian soldiers have died since Russia's full invasion of Ukraine began in 2022. Russia has warned foreign nationals, including diplomats, to leave Kyiv ahead of planned strikes on military targets, while the U.S. embassy in Kyiv remains open despite misinformation.

Key Facts

  • The UK’s Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ) estimates almost 500,000 Russian military deaths since February 2022.
  • This figure is the highest official estimate of Russian casualties from any government to date.
  • Neither Russia nor Ukraine have publicly confirmed their casualty numbers.
  • Some experts believe the actual number of Russian dead may be even higher.
  • Russia warned foreign nationals and diplomats to evacuate Kyiv ahead of planned attacks on military-industrial sites.
  • The warning was linked to retaliation for a recent Ukrainian drone attack in the Luhansk region.
  • The U.S. embassy in Kyiv remains open and corrected false reports of closure.
  • U.S. lawmakers recently met with Ukraine’s president to discuss continued support against Russian attacks.
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Hepatitis B drug may offer 'functional cure' for some patients

Hepatitis B drug may offer 'functional cure' for some patients

Summary

Researchers reported a new drug for hepatitis B that helped some patients reduce the virus to very low levels, allowing their immune system to control it without ongoing treatment. This result is called a "functional cure" and has not been achieved before with hepatitis B treatments.

Key Facts

  • The drug is the first of its kind for hepatitis B.
  • About 20% (1 in 5) of patients treated saw their virus lowered to very low levels.
  • Patients who reach these low levels can stop treatment without the virus returning.
  • This state is called a "functional cure" because the virus is controlled but not fully eliminated.
  • The findings come from two international studies funded by pharmaceutical company GSK.
  • Dr. Seng Gee Lim from Singapore helped lead the research.
  • The results were shared at a scientific meeting in Barcelona, Spain.
  • This drug represents a new level of success in hepatitis B therapy.
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Israel’s Netanyahu directs army to seize 70 percent of Gaza Strip

Israel’s Netanyahu directs army to seize 70 percent of Gaza Strip

Summary

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered the Israeli army to control 70 percent of the Gaza Strip, up from the current 60 percent. Despite a ceasefire agreed in 2025, Israeli attacks on Gaza continue regularly, worsening the humanitarian situation for the two million Palestinians who live there.

Key Facts

  • Prime Minister Netanyahu said the Israeli army currently controls 60 percent of Gaza and aims to reach 70 percent.
  • In March, Israel quietly expanded control to about 64 percent of Gaza, beyond a ceasefire line set in 2025.
  • About two-thirds of Gaza’s land is inaccessible to Palestinians due to Israeli military presence.
  • Continuous Israeli airstrikes have caused many civilian deaths, including at least 10 people killed in one recent raid.
  • The UN reports that Gaza’s humanitarian conditions are critical, with overcrowding, lack of clean water, and rising health risks.
  • Despite a ceasefire, Israeli attacks inside Gaza happen almost every day.
  • The conflict has killed over 72,000 Palestinians since October 2023.
  • The UN and international officials warn the situation in Gaza could become permanently unstable without renewed diplomatic efforts.
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US, Iran reach MoU on 60-day truce, Trump’s approval pending

US, Iran reach MoU on 60-day truce, Trump’s approval pending

Summary

US and Iranian negotiators have agreed on a plan to extend a ceasefire for 60 days. This agreement still needs approval from President Donald Trump before it can take effect.

Key Facts

  • The US and Iran have reached a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for a 60-day truce extension.
  • This MoU is a formal agreement outlining the ceasefire terms.
  • The extension would keep the ceasefire active for two more months.
  • The deal is not finalized until President Donald Trump gives his approval.
  • Negotiators from both countries worked together to create this agreement.
  • The ceasefire aims to reduce conflict and tensions between the US and Iran.
  • The news comes from US sources familiar with the talks.
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US and Iran reach tentative deal for 60-day truce extension, officials say

US and Iran reach tentative deal for 60-day truce extension, officials say

Summary

The United States and Iran have reached a preliminary agreement to extend their ceasefire by 60 days and begin talks to end the war permanently, pending approval from President Donald Trump. The deal reportedly includes allowing free ship traffic through the Strait of Hormuz and lifting the U.S. naval blockade on Iranian ports.

Key Facts

  • The US and Iran agreed on a tentative deal to extend the ceasefire by 60 days.
  • The agreement needs final approval from President Donald Trump.
  • The deal allows unrestricted passage of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.
  • The US would lift its naval blockade on Iranian ports under the deal.
  • Iran claims joint control of the Hormuz Strait with Oman, but the US rejects Iranian control.
  • US Treasury Secretary threatened Oman with sanctions if it imposes fees on ships in the strait.
  • Iran denied the deal is finalized and said it will announce any agreement officially.
  • The agreement requires Iran to commit to not developing nuclear weapons, which Iran has stated previously.
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Happy the elephant dies aged 55 after being euthanized at New York zoo

Happy the elephant dies aged 55 after being euthanized at New York zoo

Summary

Happy, an Asian elephant at New York’s Bronx Zoo, was euthanized at age 55 due to age-related health issues. She was well known for a legal case trying to grant her personhood rights and for scientific research showing elephants can recognize themselves in mirrors.

Key Facts

  • Happy lived at the Bronx Zoo since 1977 and was euthanized peacefully in 2023 due to health problems.
  • The zoo cared for Happy for over 30 years, with staff present at her passing.
  • Happy became the center of a legal case starting in 2018, where animal rights activists sought to recognize her as a person to free her.
  • New York’s highest court ultimately denied the legal claim, but two judges strongly disagreed in their opinions.
  • The case was the first involving an elephant’s claim to legal personhood.
  • Happy was part of a 2005 study proving elephants can recognize themselves in mirrors, a sign of self-awareness.
  • She leaves behind a companion, Patty, who is 57 years old.
  • The Wildlife Conservation Society stopped keeping elephants in New York zoos 20 years ago, so Patty is likely the last elephant in the city.
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Netanyahu orders Israeli army to seize ‘70% of Gaza Strip’, violating ceasefire deal

Netanyahu orders Israeli army to seize ‘70% of Gaza Strip’, violating ceasefire deal

Summary

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered the Israeli army to take control of 70% of the Gaza Strip, which would break the current ceasefire agreement and could worsen humanitarian issues in the area. Israeli forces have gradually expanded their control since an October ceasefire, pushing deeper into areas held by Hamas and forcing many Palestinians to leave their homes.

Key Facts

  • Netanyahu has directed the Israeli army to seize 70% of the Gaza Strip, up from the current 60% control.
  • The October ceasefire gave Israel control of 53% of Gaza, but Israeli forces have moved further west into Hamas-controlled areas since.
  • Israeli-backed militias have been evacuating residents along the ceasefire line, telling people to leave their homes or shelters.
  • Over 900 Palestinians have died from Israeli airstrikes or shootings during the ceasefire period.
  • Israel’s expansion plans violate the U.S.-brokered ceasefire and the peace plan set by President Donald Trump.
  • The Trump peace plan supported a division of Gaza and stated that no one would be forced to leave the area.
  • Expanding Israeli control would force the 2.2 million Palestinians remaining in Gaza into less than a third of the territory, already very crowded.
  • Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz suggested that Palestinians might leave Gaza voluntarily, which human rights groups see as a plan to push them out by making conditions unbearable.
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US, Mexico, Canada rolling out Ebola-related travel measures ahead of World Cup

US, Mexico, Canada rolling out Ebola-related travel measures ahead of World Cup

Summary

The United States, Mexico, and Canada have introduced health checks and travel rules for visitors coming from African areas with high Ebola risk. These measures are in place to protect people during the FIFA World Cup hosted by the three countries in June.

Key Facts

  • The U.S., Mexico, and Canada are co-hosting the FIFA World Cup starting in June.
  • All three countries are implementing health measures for travelers from parts of Africa with Ebola outbreaks.
  • The measures aim to reduce the risk of Ebola spreading during the large international event.
  • The rules apply to visitors, fans, athletes, and tourists arriving from high-risk African regions.
  • The countries have coordinated their approach to ensure safety for citizens and visitors.
  • Ebola is a virus that can cause severe illness and spreads through contact with infected bodily fluids.
  • These travel measures are preventive steps ahead of the expected large influx of international travelers.
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US, Iran trade blame over fire exchanges

US, Iran trade blame over fire exchanges

Summary

The United States and Iran exchanged fire on Thursday, with Iran firing on a US military base and the US striking Iran’s Bandar Abbas port. Both countries agreed to extend a ceasefire by 60 days, but President Donald Trump has not yet approved the agreement.

Key Facts

  • Iran said it fired on a US army base in the region.
  • The US reported striking the Bandar Abbas port in Iran.
  • Both countries agreed on a memorandum to extend their ceasefire for 60 days.
  • President Donald Trump has not yet approved the ceasefire extension.
  • Pakistan’s foreign minister is flying to Washington to help speed up negotiations.
  • The US foreign counterpart to be met is Marco Rubio.
  • The clashes happened on Thursday, May 28, 2026.
  • The situation is part of ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
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Florida Drought Could Make Hurricanes Worse This Year: Map

Florida Drought Could Make Hurricanes Worse This Year: Map

Summary

Florida and parts of the Southeast are experiencing severe drought, which could increase the dangers from hurricanes this hurricane season. Although experts expect fewer storms due to El Niño, dry soil and weakened trees may lead to more flooding and damage if a storm hits.

Key Facts

  • The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, peaking between August and October.
  • NOAA predicts the 2026 hurricane season will have fewer storms because of El Niño, a Pacific Ocean warming that can reduce hurricane formation.
  • About 64% of Florida and 56% of Georgia are under extreme to exceptional drought conditions.
  • Dry, hard soil from drought and areas damaged by wildfires can cause faster water runoff and increase flash flooding risks during storms.
  • Trees stressed by drought and wildfires are more likely to fall during strong winds, causing property damage and power outages.
  • The worst drought areas in Florida are in Northern Florida and the Big Bend region, where hurricane impact could be severe.
  • Meteorologists are watching the Gulf of Mexico for possible tropical storms through June 11.
  • El Niño adds wind patterns that often stop hurricanes from forming but does not completely remove the risk of dangerous storms.
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How pigeons exploit magnetic fields for navigation

How pigeons exploit magnetic fields for navigation

Summary

Scientists studied how homing pigeons use the Earth's magnetic fields to find their way. They discovered that iron-rich immune cells in the pigeons’ livers may help them sense magnetic fields and send signals to their brains, aiding navigation.

Key Facts

  • Birds, including pigeons, use Earth's magnetic fields to navigate, especially in low light or cloudy conditions.
  • Scientists are unsure exactly where and how birds sense magnetic fields inside their bodies.
  • Researchers found strong magnetic responses in the iron-rich cells of pigeon livers.
  • The study involved training pigeons to fly a set route and then removing certain liver cells in some pigeons.
  • Pigeons with these liver cells removed had trouble finding their way when the sun was hidden by clouds.
  • Images showed liver immune cells (macrophages) connected to nerves, suggesting they send magnetic information to the brain.
  • This finding offers a new idea that liver cells, not just beak or eyes, may help birds sense magnetism.
  • The research was published in the journal Science by a team from the University of Bonn and University Hospital Bonn.
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Israel intensifies strikes on Lebanon during ceasefire, videos show

Israel intensifies strikes on Lebanon during ceasefire, videos show

Summary

Israel has increased its air strikes on Lebanon, targeting hundreds of locations linked to Hezbollah over recent days. Videos confirm attacks on crowded neighborhoods in southern Lebanon, while Lebanon’s health ministry reports over 3,000 deaths since the war began.

Key Facts

  • Israel has escalated strikes against Hezbollah targets in Lebanon recently.
  • Videos show damage in densely populated areas of southern Lebanon.
  • More than 3,000 people have died in Lebanon since the conflict started.
  • The conflict involves Israeli military actions in Lebanon.
  • The war has led to significant civilian casualties and destruction.
  • Lebanon’s health ministry is tracking the casualties from the war.
  • The broader Middle East region is also experiencing conflicts and political tensions.
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How War Changed Eid in Lebanon

How War Changed Eid in Lebanon

Summary

After almost three years of war in Lebanon, many families are unable to celebrate Eid as they used to. Instead, they face loss, fear, and difficult living conditions in crowded shelters or damaged homes.

Key Facts

  • Lebanon has experienced nearly three years of ongoing war.
  • Many villages have been destroyed during the conflict.
  • Thousands of people have been forced to leave their homes.
  • Families are spending Eid grieving for lost loved ones.
  • People live in crowded shelters because their homes are damaged or unsafe.
  • The holiday feels different due to fear of more violence and hardship.
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Olivia Rodrigo responds to babydoll dress criticism: ‘It shows how we normalize pedophilia in our culture’

Olivia Rodrigo responds to babydoll dress criticism: ‘It shows how we normalize pedophilia in our culture’

Summary

Olivia Rodrigo spoke out after people criticized her for wearing a babydoll dress during a concert in Spain. She said the upset over the dress reveals how society wrongly sexualizes and blames girls for what they wear.

Key Facts

  • Olivia Rodrigo wore a short, puffy floral babydoll dress at a show in Barcelona on May 8.
  • Some people online said the dress was inappropriate because it looked childlike.
  • Rodrigo compared the criticism to how culture normalizes pedophilia and unfairly blames girls for being sexualized.
  • She said she has previously worn more revealing outfits without similar complaints.
  • The babydoll dress style was popular among 90s female punk musicians like Kathleen Hanna and Courtney Love.
  • Courtney Love publicly supported Rodrigo after the backlash.
  • Rodrigo’s third album, "You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love," will come out on June 12.
  • She plans to tour the US this fall, with UK and Europe dates next year.
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Carney calls for new US-Canada partnership to ‘help make America great again’

Carney calls for new US-Canada partnership to ‘help make America great again’

Summary

Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney has called for a stronger partnership with the United States to boost cooperation in key industries. He wants to improve the relationship ahead of the review of the North American trade agreement and help both countries compete with other global powers.

Key Facts

  • Carney spoke in New York about creating a “true partnership” between Canada and the U.S.
  • The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) is up for a mandatory review in July.
  • Canada is working to reduce its trade dependence on the U.S. by signing deals with many other countries.
  • Carney highlighted that Canada is a major supplier of energy, minerals, and cars to the U.S.
  • He said Canadian aluminum exports equal the energy capacity of 10 Hoover dams.
  • Canada buys more goods from the U.S. than China, Japan, and Germany combined.
  • Carney noted past U.S. tariffs have hurt Canadian industries like steel and aluminum.
  • He described U.S.-Canada trade ties as having weaknesses that should be fixed for mutual benefit.
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