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Germany's new Chancellor Friedrich Merz has stated that the country will do "whatever it takes" to strengthen its defense. This marks a shift toward increasing Germany's military capabilities.
Key Facts
Friedrich Merz became Germany's Chancellor last year.
He promised strong commitment to Germany’s defense.
The approach is to do "whatever it takes" for military readiness.
This indicates a move to expand Germany’s military power.
The statement reflects a change in Germany’s defense policy.
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The Environment Agency (EA) has published a list of 117 illegal waste sites in England, including 28 large "super sites" holding more than 20,000 tonnes of rubbish each. The EA is focusing on cleaning up some high-priority sites that pose serious environmental and community risks, while asking the public to report any information about these illegal dumps.
Key Facts
The new watchlist reveals 117 illegal waste sites in England, with 28 classified as "super sites."
Super sites each contain over 20,000 tonnes of waste; the largest has 281,000 tonnes of contaminated soil.
There are about 700 illegal waste sites overall in England.
Some sites are currently being cleaned, including locations in Kent and Oxfordshire.
The EA is not usually funded to clear all sites and acts mainly when there is significant environmental risk.
Waste found includes household rubbish, construction materials, asbestos, and tyres.
The EA limits detailed information to protect ongoing investigations but updates the list monthly.
The EA encourages the public to share any relevant information to help tackle illegal dumping.
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Cardinal Michael Czerny discussed Pope Leo’s first year as pope, the role of the Catholic Church in politics, and the challenges posed by artificial intelligence. The interview focused on how the Church approaches current global issues under Pope Leo’s leadership.
Key Facts
Cardinal Michael Czerny spoke about Pope Leo’s first year as the leader of the Catholic Church.
They discussed the political influence and role of the Catholic Church today.
The conversation included how the Church views and deals with artificial intelligence.
The interview was conducted by Norah O'Donnell.
The discussion was featured on CBS News.
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Russian officials reported that a Ukrainian drone attack hit a student dormitory in the Luhansk region, killing at least four people and injuring more than 30. Russian authorities condemned the strike as a “monstrous crime” and have opened a criminal investigation, while Ukraine has not commented on the attack.
Key Facts
The attack targeted a five-story dormitory of Luhansk Pedagogical University in the occupied Luhansk region.
At least four people were killed and about 35 injured, with some injured critically.
Around 86 children and teachers were inside the dormitory when it was struck.
The building partially collapsed to the second floor, trapping some inside.
Russian officials said Ukraine used four drones (UAVs) in the attack.
Russian authorities called the attack deliberate and called for those responsible to face justice.
Russia reported shooting down 217 Ukrainian drones across the country overnight.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy promised a response to recent Russian attacks that killed civilians.
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European Commission Executive Vice-President Roxana Minzatu said the current energy crisis is increasing the risk of poverty and social exclusion for many Europeans. She presented a new strategy to reduce poverty and improve job quality across the EU, linking strong jobs to better economic competitiveness.
Key Facts
About 93 million Europeans, or 1 in 5 people, are at risk of poverty or social exclusion.
Rising living costs, the energy crisis, the Ukraine invasion, and the Middle East crisis are increasing poverty risks.
Roxana Minzatu is responsible for social rights, skills, and quality jobs in the EU Commission.
The EU proposed a Quality Jobs Act to improve labor conditions and workplace safety.
The act is being discussed with trade unions and employers, with unions wanting stricter rules and employers preferring guidance.
The EU is working to help people move and work across member states by recognizing skills and qualifications better.
Young Europeans’ performance in math and science has worsened since the pandemic, partly due to online education challenges.
Despite political issues in Romania, many Romanians remain strongly supportive of the European Union.
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President Donald Trump said that previous U.S. presidents have considered intervening in Cuba, but it seems he will be the one to take action. This statement came after U.S. federal prosecutors charged former Cuban President Raúl Castro related to a 1996 incident involving the downing of civilian planes flown by Cuban exiles from Miami.
Key Facts
President Trump said that past U.S. presidents thought about intervening in Cuba.
He indicated that he might be the one to take action regarding Cuba.
This came after criminal charges were announced against former Cuban President Raúl Castro.
The charges relate to the 1996 shooting down of civilian planes operated by Miami-based Cuban exiles.
Trump had earlier suggested that further escalation was not needed after the indictment.
The incident involved planes being shot down, causing international controversy.
Cuban exiles in Miami were the operators of the planes targeted in the 1996 attack.
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US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the US regularly reviews where its troops are stationed worldwide. He explained that military decisions about troop locations are based on technical reasons, not politics, after confusion over President Donald Trump’s recent order to send 5,000 troops to Poland shortly after pulling the same number from Europe.
Key Facts
Marco Rubio is the US Secretary of State.
He spoke at a NATO meeting in Sweden.
The US is constantly reassessing its military troop locations globally.
Decisions on troop placements are technical, not political, according to Rubio.
President Trump announced sending 5,000 troops to Poland.
This move came weeks after pulling 5,000 troops out of Europe.
NATO allies were confused by the contradictory troop movements.
The discussion took place during a NATO foreign ministers meeting.
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Thousands of Cubans gathered outside the US embassy in Havana to protest the US decision to charge former Cuban leader Raul Castro for his role in the shooting down of two civilian planes 30 years ago. The protest reflects growing tensions between Cuba and the United States.
Key Facts
The protest took place in Havana on the morning of May 22, 2026.
Demonstrators were supporting Raul Castro, who was indicted by the US.
The indictment concerns the downing of two civilian airplanes three decades ago.
The protest was pro-government and started near Havana's waterfront.
Cuban officials have been showing strong support for Raul Castro amid rising tensions with the US.
The event is part of ongoing strained relations between Cuba and the United States.
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Sarah Kellen, who says she was both a victim and a recruiter for Jeffrey Epstein, spoke privately to lawmakers on Thursday. During the meeting, she named three people who she said were connected to abuse.
Key Facts
Sarah Kellen claims to have been a survivor of Jeffrey Epstein’s abuse.
She is also accused of recruiting victims for Epstein.
Kellen met with lawmakers in a private, closed-door session.
She provided three names of individuals linked to abuse.
The meeting took place on Thursday.
This discussion is part of ongoing investigations into Epstein’s activities.
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U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said there was small progress in talks with Iran, but it is unclear if a deal will be made or if conflict will resume. President Donald Trump delayed a military strike on Iran because serious talks are happening.
Key Facts
Marco Rubio is the U.S. Secretary of State.
Talks between the U.S. and Iran are ongoing.
There has been only slight progress in these talks.
President Trump postponed a potential military strike on Iran.
The decision to delay comes because serious negotiations are taking place.
President Trump warned that the ceasefire with Iran could end if no deal is made.
The ceasefire began in mid-April.
The terms and conditions for a deal with Iran have been changing.
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Activists trying to break Israel’s sea blockade of Gaza said Israeli forces beat, tortured, and sexually assaulted them after detaining their flotilla in international waters. Israel denies these claims and says detainees were treated according to the law, while some footage shows Israeli officials behaving provocatively toward activists.
Key Facts
The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) tried to deliver aid to Gaza but was stopped by Israeli naval forces near Cyprus in international waters.
Activists reported severe beatings, torture, sexual assaults, and many injuries including broken ribs and use of Tasers.
Israel’s Prison Service says detainees were treated lawfully with respect to their rights and proper medical care.
A doctor on one boat said activists were roughly handled, forced into stress positions, and kept under duress.
Over 50 boats with 438 people from more than 40 countries participated in the flotilla that left Turkey on May 14.
Israel deported the activists, but one Israeli citizen participant remained in custody for a court hearing.
Human rights groups claim activists suffered widespread physical abuse and humiliation by Israeli forces.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu defended the blockade but criticized a government minister for disrespectful behavior toward detainees.
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The television program "The Late Show" ended after being on air for 33 years. Stephen Colbert hosted the final episode, marking the close of the show's long history.
Key Facts
"The Late Show" aired on television for 33 years.
Stephen Colbert was the host for the show's final episode.
The show signed off on a Thursday night.
The ending marks the start of a new period in late-night TV.
CBS News covered the event with additional commentary from writer Mark Malkoff.
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Judith Chalmers, a well-known British TV presenter who hosted the travel show Wish You Were Here...? for nearly 30 years, has died at the age of 90. She had a long career in broadcasting and passed away after suffering from Alzheimer's disease.
Key Facts
Judith Chalmers was 90 years old when she died.
She hosted the travel show Wish You Were Here...? from 1974 to 2003.
Her broadcasting career lasted over 60 years.
She also worked on shows like Come Dancing, Good Afternoon, and BBC radio programmes including Woman's Hour and a Radio 2 show.
Chalmers began her career at age 13 presenting Children's Hour on the radio.
She was awarded an OBE (Order of the British Empire) in 1994 for her services to broadcasting.
Chalmers was married to sports presenter Neil Durden-Smith and had two sons, including TV presenter Mark Durden-Smith.
One of her sons hosted a reboot of her famous travel show in 2008, called Wish You Were Here…? Now & Then.
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Senegal’s Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko defended new laws that punish same-sex relationships more harshly and criticized Western countries for trying to influence Senegal’s views on homosexuality. The laws increase prison sentences for same-sex acts and punish supporting or promoting them, drawing concern from human rights groups and the United Nations.
Key Facts
Senegal’s new law doubles prison sentences for same-sex sexual acts from 5 to 10 years.
The law also criminalizes funding same-sex relationships and promoting homosexual acts.
Prime Minister Sonko said Western countries want to impose homosexuality on Senegal.
The United Nations Human Rights chief warned the law could lead to hate crimes and discrimination.
The law has coincided with more arrests of gay people in Senegal, including 12 men in Dakar.
Human Rights Watch called for the release of those arrested and for repealing discriminatory laws.
Over 60 countries criminalize same-sex relations, with many in Africa following similar laws.
Senegal is part of a broader trend in some African countries adopting stricter anti-LGBTQ laws.
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Pakistan’s top military leader, Field Marshal Asim Munir, is going to Tehran to help finalize a deal between the U.S. and Iran to end the war and start talks for a bigger agreement. Several countries, including Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Turkey, have been working as mediators in the negotiations.
Key Facts
Field Marshal Asim Munir is leading the mediation efforts between the U.S. and Iran.
He is traveling to Tehran after several days of lower-level talks.
The main goal is to agree on ending the war and beginning a 30-day negotiation period for a broader deal.
The broader deal aims to address Iran’s nuclear program, including its stockpile of highly enriched uranium.
Countries involved in mediation include Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Turkey.
Some Iranian leaders believe they have the advantage in these talks, making an agreement uncertain.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Iran must never have nuclear weapons and must not control shipping tolls in the Strait of Hormuz.
Talks focus on preventing Iran from gaining nuclear weapons and ensuring free passage through key waterways.
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A Hong Kong court allowed the national security trial to continue for three leaders of the Hong Kong Alliance, a group that organized Tiananmen vigil events now banned under a strict security law. Wu'er Kaixi, a former student leader from the 1989 Tiananmen protests, spoke about ongoing repression in Hong Kong and China against activists and ethnic minorities.
Key Facts
The trial involves three former organisers of Hong Kong's Tiananmen vigil events.
Vigils commemorating Tiananmen have been banned in Hong Kong since 2020.
The ban followed Beijing's imposition of a national security law after large pro-democracy protests in 2019.
Wu'er Kaixi is a student leader from the 1989 Tiananmen protests now living in exile.
Wu'er Kaixi criticized continued suppression of dissent and minorities by the Chinese government.
Hong Kong Alliance, which organized the vigils, has been disbanded.
The issue reflects broader concerns about freedom of speech and political rights in Hong Kong under Chinese rule.
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The latest series of the BBC show Race Across the World featured two young men from Liverpool, Jo and Kush, who traveled from Sicily to Mongolia. Their strong friendship and kindness stood out on the show, offering a positive example against negative stereotypes about masculinity and reality TV. The show is known for highlighting real relationships and personal growth through travel.
Key Facts
Jo Diop and Kush Burman, both 19 and from Liverpool, were contestants on Race Across the World.
The show covered a 7,500-mile (12,000 km) journey from Sicily to Mongolia using buses, taxis, and walking.
Jo and Kush developed a close friendship and supported each other emotionally during the race.
Producers spend a lot of time casting contestants by reviewing relationships and personal stories.
Race Across the World focuses on kindness and real human connections, different from many other reality TV shows.
The show highlights working-class stories and personal growth during travel rather than seeking fame.
Viewers responded well to the positive and uplifting nature of Jo and Kush’s friendship on the program.
The series is part of a wider trend of "feelgood TV" that offers hope and kindness amid negative news.
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FRANCE 24 journalists shared their favorite films and performances from the 2026 Cannes Film Festival. The article highlights selected works from the event but provides no detailed review or opinions.
Key Facts
The article focuses on the 2026 Cannes Film Festival.
FRANCE 24's arts24 team shared their favorite movies and performances from the festival.
No specific films or performers are named in the content provided.
The Cannes Film Festival is a major international film event held annually in France.
The article is short and mainly announces the journalists’ choices.
The article is published on May 22, 2026.
Additional unrelated news headlines appear below the main article content.
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Seven men have been charged with 40 crimes related to child sexual exploitation. The men were arrested in raids in Norwich, England, and Dumbarton, Scotland, linked to two teenage victims and alleged offenses from 2023 to 2025.
Key Facts
Seven men, aged 20 and 21, face 40 charges of child sexual exploitation.
The arrests took place after raids on six homes in Norwich and one in Dumbarton.
The crimes involve two victims who were teenagers at the time.
The alleged offenses occurred between August 2023 and May 2025 in Norwich.
All seven men confirmed only their names in court appearances in Norwich.
An eighth man, 19 years old, was arrested in Ireland as part of the same investigation.
The police involved are Norfolk Police.
The investigation is ongoing, with updates expected soon.
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Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum and U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin met in Mexico City to confirm their countries will keep working together on security issues. This visit came after recent tensions about the deaths of U.S. CIA agents near the border and legal charges against Mexican officials for drug trafficking.
Key Facts
Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum hosted U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin for a two-day visit.
They agreed to continue security cooperation based on mutual respect.
The visit followed recent tensions involving the deaths of two U.S. CIA agents near Mexico’s northern border.
Ten Mexican officials face drug trafficking indictments in the U.S.
Sheinbaum’s government began in October 2024 and aims to balance cooperation with the U.S. and protecting Mexico’s sovereignty.
There have been concerns about possible U.S. military intervention, which Mexico opposes.
The meeting is part of ongoing efforts to manage complex border and security issues between the two countries.
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