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Lebanon’s economy is struggling due to renewed conflict with Israel and the wider war involving the US and Iran, which has disrupted fuel supplies and caused prices to rise. The ongoing violence has forced many people from their homes and damaged businesses, reversing recent economic improvements.
Key Facts
Renewed war between Israel and Lebanon has damaged Lebanon’s economy.
The US and Israel’s conflict with Iran has blocked the Strait of Hormuz, reducing oil supply and raising fuel prices.
Lebanon’s inflation hit an 18-month high in March 2026.
Lebanon’s GDP growth is forecasted to be zero if the war continues.
Over 1.2 million people in Lebanon have been displaced by recent fighting.
Lebanon faced a banking crisis starting in 2019, losing over 90% of its currency value.
The Beirut port explosion in 2020 killed 218 people and hurt public services.
Many businesses and homes have been destroyed, leading to job losses and increased poverty.
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Police in Italy stopped a party on the island of Stromboli because local rules do not allow music on Wednesdays. The party was a celebration for the cast and crew of the movie *Three Incestuous Sisters*, which included Mick Jagger among the attendees.
Key Facts
The party was held on Stromboli, a small island off the coast of Sicily.
Mick Jagger, lead singer of The Rolling Stones, was attending the wrap party.
The movie *Three Incestuous Sisters* stars Dakota Johnson, Jessie Buckley, Saoirse Ronan, and Josh O'Connor.
Police interrupted the music played through one small speaker due to a local ban on Wednesday music.
The ban and police action caused confusion and frustration among guests.
Rosa Oliva, head of Stromboli's tourism office, criticized the police for punishing the local community during a social event.
The island of Stromboli is part of Lipari’s administration, where the mayor enforces the Wednesday music ban.
The film is directed by Alice Rohrwacher and is based on a US graphic novel; Mick Jagger is reportedly playing a lighthouse keeper.
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Heavy rain has caused flooding and landslides in parts of southern and central China, resulting in deaths and evacuations. Meanwhile, northern and central India are experiencing extreme heat, with temperatures reaching as high as 48.2°C, leading to heat warnings and safety advice.
Key Facts
A slow-moving band of heavy rain stretched about 1,000 km across southern and central China on Tuesday.
The rain caused flash floods and landslides, killing 12 people and forcing hundreds to evacuate.
Some areas in China reported rainfall totals between 75mm and 95mm in 24 hours.
Flooding led to travel disruptions, power outages, and closures of schools and businesses.
In northern India, temperatures have risen above 40°C, with Banda reaching 48.2°C.
Nighttime temperatures in some areas are more than 5°C above the normal average.
Farmers in rural India work at night to avoid extreme daytime heat.
The heatwave in India is expected to last until next Wednesday, followed by thunderstorms.
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A strong El Niño weather pattern is expected to develop soon, likely between May and July, and could affect U.S. weather in many ways. It may increase Pacific hurricane activity, cause more drought and wildfires in the Northwest, and bring wetter weather to the Gulf Coast and Southeast.
Key Facts
El Niño is a natural climate cycle causing warm ocean water to move eastward in the Pacific, changing weather worldwide.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts El Niño conditions will appear this year, possibly very strong.
El Niño tends to increase hurricane activity in the Eastern and Central Pacific oceans.
Fewer hurricanes and tropical storms are expected in the western Atlantic during El Niño.
AccuWeather forecasts above-average numbers of storms and hurricanes this season in the Pacific.
The Northwest U.S. may face hotter, drier weather and higher risk of big wildfires due to El Niño.
Severe drought might expand in the Northwest and northern Rocky Mountains during the summer and fall.
Last year was one of the hottest on record globally, and El Niño could push temperatures even higher into 2027.
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President Donald Trump announced sending 5,000 U.S. troops to Poland after previously ordering a withdrawal of the same number from Europe. NATO allies and U.S. defense officials expressed confusion over this sudden change in troop deployment plans.
Key Facts
President Trump reversed his earlier decision to reduce U.S. troops in Europe by sending 5,000 troops to Poland.
NATO allies and defense officials were surprised and confused by the sudden change.
Trump made the announcement on Truth Social, citing his close ties with Polish President Karol Nawrocki.
Earlier, the Trump administration had planned to cut about 5,000 troops from Europe, including Poland.
About 80,000 U.S. troops are currently stationed in Europe; a rule requires keeping at least 76,000 unless allies agree otherwise.
Polish Foreign Minister Radek Sikorski welcomed the decision, saying it keeps U.S. troop levels in Poland stable.
NATO officials said they aim to stay coordinated with the U.S. on troop movements.
This change follows recent tensions and mixed statements involving European leaders and trade policies.
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The India-Africa Forum Summit planned for late May in Delhi was postponed because of a serious Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. The World Health Organization declared this Ebola outbreak a global health emergency, and there are concerns due to a rare Ebola type with no vaccine.
Key Facts
The summit, meant to strengthen ties between India and African countries, was scheduled from May 28 to 31 but is now delayed.
There have been about 600 suspected Ebola cases and 139 suspected deaths in the current outbreak.
The Ebola cases are so far only in Africa, mainly in areas affected by conflict.
This Ebola outbreak involves a rare virus species for which there is no vaccine available.
Ebola causes flu-like symptoms first, then serious issues like vomiting, diarrhea, organ failure, and sometimes bleeding.
The virus spreads through contact with infected body fluids such as blood or vomit.
Urban growth increases the chance of Ebola spreading as more people live near animals that carry the virus.
India has issued health advice for travelers from Ebola-affected countries to report symptoms and seek medical care if needed.
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Nato foreign ministers met to discuss their changing relationship with the United States and focus on key issues such as Ukraine, defense spending, and tensions with Russia. The meeting included updates on the US troop presence in Poland and support for Ukraine’s defense and future European Union membership.
Key Facts
The Nato meeting took place ahead of a summit in Ankara amid growing tensions with Russia, especially in the Baltic region.
The US announced plans to deploy 5,000 troops to Poland, maintaining troop levels after an earlier planned reduction was halted.
Polish official Radosław Sikorski expressed appreciation for President Trump’s decision to keep US troops in Poland.
European allies discussed increasing defense budgets and improving military capabilities, with a focus on deterring threats.
Italy’s Antonio Tajani highlighted the need for Nato to balance focus between eastern threats from Russia and southern security challenges.
Support for Ukraine remains a top priority, with talks about continued military aid and possible future EU membership for Ukraine.
Concerns were raised about Russian disinformation campaigns targeting the Baltics.
Separately, an explosion at a Hungarian oil plant caused one death and several injuries, with government officials responding on site.
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Police in Britain are investigating Prince Andrew over alleged misconduct linked to his work as a British trade envoy. Authorities have spoken with a woman’s legal representative about a claim that she was taken to a Windsor address for sexual purposes in 2010, but no formal investigation into that claim has started.
Key Facts
Prince Andrew is being investigated by Thames Valley Police on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
The investigation follows the release of files connected to Jeffrey Epstein, a late sex offender.
Prince Andrew was arrested and questioned in February related to his role as a British trade envoy.
Police reached out to a woman’s legal representative about a claim involving her being taken to Windsor for sexual purposes in 2010.
Police said they will take any report seriously and respect the woman’s privacy and anonymity.
No formal investigation has begun specifically on the Windsor sexual claim, according to the BBC.
Prince Andrew denies any wrongdoing connected to Jeffrey Epstein.
The police have asked others with information to come forward as part of their ongoing investigation.
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The Green party candidate for the Makerfield byelection, Chris Kennedy, withdrew less than 12 hours after being announced. He stepped down citing personal and family reasons following concerns over social media posts he made about attacks on Jewish ambulances.
Key Facts
Chris Kennedy was named Green party candidate for the Makerfield byelection on Thursday morning.
He withdrew from the election less than 12 hours later for personal and family reasons.
Media reported Kennedy shared social media posts questioning arrests related to a Jewish ambulance attack in north London.
The Green party said these posts do not represent their views and that Kennedy apologized and removed the posts.
Kennedy works as a nurse and children's safeguarding specialist.
The Greens are reopening candidate nominations and plan a selection meeting on Monday.
Some party members worry that running a Green candidate could split votes and help the Reform party win.
The Green party emphasized they want to focus on issues like fair taxes, cost-of-living, public services, and housing in the election.
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Secretary of State Marco Rubio is attending a NATO meeting in Sweden to address concerns among U.S. allies about America’s changing military plans and commitments in Europe. The meeting happens as uncertainty continues around conflicts in Iran and Ukraine, and follows mixed messages from President Donald Trump about troop deployments.
Key Facts
Marco Rubio, U.S. Secretary of State, is attending a NATO foreign ministers’ meeting in Sweden on May 21, 2026.
The meeting precedes a NATO leaders’ summit planned in Turkey in July 2026.
NATO members are uncertain about the U.S. military’s future troop commitments in Europe.
The Trump administration recently canceled some U.S. troop deployments to Poland and Germany.
President Donald Trump later announced sending 5,000 additional troops to Poland, causing confusion.
Rubio has been sent before to NATO and international meetings to present a calmer tone from the U.S. government.
Resentment remains in Europe over President Trump’s criticism of allies and his interest in buying Greenland.
The meeting occurs amid ongoing conflicts in Iran and Russia-Ukraine, affecting NATO discussions.
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British police have asked for witnesses in an investigation into possible crimes by Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, previously known as Prince Andrew. The inquiry focuses on claims of sexual misconduct, including an alleged 2010 incident linked to the late Jeffrey Epstein.
Key Facts
British police are investigating potential sexual offenses by Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
Thames Valley Police requested witnesses to come forward.
Police have contacted lawyers for a woman alleging she was taken to Windsor in 2010 for sexual purposes.
The investigation states that any complaint will be treated seriously and with respect for privacy.
The woman is represented by Florida lawyer Brad Edwards.
The alleged incident happened after the woman was trafficked by Jeffrey Epstein.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has denied any wrongdoing related to the allegations.
The inquiries relate to events connected to Windsor Castle in England.
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Sudan has been at war for three years, causing thousands of people to go missing. Many of these missing individuals are believed to be buried in unmarked graves around Khartoum, the capital region.
Key Facts
Fahmy al-Fateh disappeared over a year ago after leaving a military base in Khartoum.
His wife, Azaher Abdallah, has been searching for him while caring for their young son.
More than 8,000 people have gone missing during Sudan’s ongoing conflict.
The war involves fighting between Sudan’s army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
Many bodies are buried in unmarked or hurried graves at places like homes, sports fields, and roadsides.
The RSF has banned proper burials in cemeteries during the conflict.
Khartoum has two forensic doctors trying to identify bodies amid the crisis.
The fighting has displaced millions of people and destroyed much of Sudan’s infrastructure.
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Alberta will hold a referendum on October 19, 2026, to decide if the province should stay in Canada or pursue a path toward independence. The vote will ask whether Alberta should take legal steps to hold a binding referendum on leaving Canada, not directly decide independence.
Key Facts
Alberta’s Premier Danielle Smith announced the referendum date as October 19, 2026.
The referendum is triggered by a citizen-led petition with enough signatures.
The vote will ask residents if Alberta should remain in Canada or seek a binding vote on separation.
Prediction markets estimate a 17% chance that Alberta will vote “yes” for independence, up from 9% previously.
Prediction markets use real money bets to estimate the probability of political events.
If passed, this referendum would start a legal process for Alberta to separate from Canada.
The referendum itself will not immediately change Alberta’s status but could lead to future action.
Alberta is an oil-producing province in Canada with some groups supporting independence.
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English Heritage has built a 7-meter-high reconstruction of a 4,500-year-old Neolithic hall near Stonehenge. This project helps visitors and students learn about prehistoric life and will open to the public this summer as part of a new educational initiative.
Key Facts
The hall is based on archaeological evidence found two miles from Stonehenge, at a site called Durrington 68.
The original building was first excavated in 1928 and re-examined in 2007.
The reconstructed hall was built by over 100 volunteers using replica stone tools over nine months.
The structure aligns with the winter solstice, like Stonehenge.
The hall will be part of a larger learning centre opening by the end of 2026.
English Heritage plans to increase educational visits to nearly 100,000 students each year.
The hall will offer hands-on learning activities such as making prehistoric cheese and pottery.
The project aims to help people understand the society that built Stonehenge and the surrounding area.
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The US has paused a $14 billion arms sale to Taiwan to ensure it has enough weapons for a military operation related to the Iran war. President Donald Trump has not yet approved the sale and said he would discuss it with Taiwan's leader, while Taiwan says it has received no information about the pause.
Key Facts
The US is pausing a $14 billion weapons sale to Taiwan.
The pause is to make sure the US has enough weapons for a joint military operation called Epic Fury related to the Iran war.
Acting US Navy Secretary Hung Cao confirmed the pause at a Senate hearing.
President Trump has not decided whether to approve the arms sale and called it a "negotiating chip" with China.
Trump plans to talk directly with Taiwan’s leader, Lai Ching-te, about the sale, which is unusual in US-Taiwan-China relations.
Taiwan has not been officially informed about the pause.
China strongly opposes US arms sales to Taiwan and sees Taiwan as part of its territory.
Taiwan has increased its defense spending due to pressure from China.
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Iran and the United States are holding talks with the help of Pakistani mediators to end their conflict. U.S. officials see some progress, but President Donald Trump warns of strong action if Iran does not reduce its uranium stockpiles.
Key Facts
Iran and the U.S. are exchanging messages and draft proposals to create an agreement framework.
Pakistani officials are actively mediating between Iran and the U.S. in Tehran.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the talks have shown some progress but a deal is not certain yet.
President Donald Trump prefers diplomacy but warns of “very drastic” actions if Iran refuses to give up uranium stockpiles.
Iran accused the U.S. and Israel of bombing its Pasteur Institute, calling it a “war crime.”
Iranian aid workers rescued over 7,200 people trapped under rubble from attacks.
The U.S. military is keeping forces ready in the Arabian Sea while Iran has reportedly destroyed many U.S. drones.
The U.S. paused a $14 billion arms sale to Taiwan to conserve weapons for the Iran conflict.
Israel conducted an airstrike in southern Lebanon killing two people, and the U.S. sanctioned Hezbollah allies in Lebanon.
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President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio have renewed the threat of military intervention in Cuba, following criminal charges filed against Cuba’s former leader, Raúl Castro. While both officials say they prefer a peaceful solution, they expressed doubt that diplomacy with the current Cuban government will succeed.
Key Facts
President Trump said previous US presidents considered intervening in Cuba, and he might be the one to act.
Secretary of State Rubio called Cuba a national security threat due to its ties with US adversaries.
Rubio said the US prefers a peaceful agreement with Cuba but doubts the current government will negotiate.
The US recently charged Raúl Castro for ordering the 1996 shooting down of civilian planes.
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel called the charges a political stunt aimed at justifying military aggression.
Senior US officials have met with Cuban leaders but were unimpressed, leading to new sanctions.
The US Navy deployed the USS Nimitz and other ships for exercises in the Caribbean near Cuba.
Trump’s administration has imposed an energy blockade on Cuba, causing economic hardship and blackouts.
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The US government has imposed sanctions on a senior Tanzanian police official, Faustine Jackson Mafwele, due to his alleged involvement in the torture and sexual assault of human rights activists Boniface Mwangi and Agather Atuhaire. The activists were detained in Tanzania while observing a political trial last year, and their case is part of broader concerns over human rights abuses and political repression in Tanzania.
Key Facts
Faustine Jackson Mafwele, a senior assistant police commissioner in Tanzania, is sanctioned by the US for alleged human rights violations.
The sanctions prevent Mafwele from entering the United States.
Activists Boniface Mwangi (Kenyan) and Agather Atuhaire (Ugandan) were detained in Tanzania in 2023 and reported torture and sexual assault while in custody.
The Tanzanian government has not officially received the US designation and denies the allegations.
The US says Tanzanian police officers detained and abused the activists during their detention.
Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have called for investigations and raised concerns about a crackdown on opposition and activists in Tanzania.
The sanctions come after disputed elections in Tanzania that resulted in widespread protests and reported deaths, with President Samia Suluhu Hassan winning with 98% of the vote.
US lawmakers recently urged stronger actions against Tanzania over its human rights record and political repression.
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A tiger named Sandokan escaped from a private enclosure in Schkeuditz, Germany, injuring a 72-year-old tiger keeper before police shot and killed the animal to protect people nearby. Authorities are investigating the tiger’s owner, Carmen Zander, for possible safety violations, while local officials called for the enclosure’s removal.
Key Facts
The tiger escaped on a spring afternoon from the enclosure of Carmen Zander, known as Germany’s “Tiger Queen.”
The escaped tiger attacked a 72-year-old man working in the enclosure, causing serious injuries.
Police arrived, found the tiger near nearby gardens, and shot it dead about 30 minutes after escape.
Police did not have non-lethal equipment like a tranquilizer gun at the scene.
An investigation was opened into Zander for possible safety rule violations.
Zander has kept tigers in an industrial area near Schkeuditz since 2016 and has faced past scrutiny over animal conditions.
The local mayor demanded the immediate removal of the tiger enclosure to prevent future risks.
Zander is a former circus tiger tamer who now cares for tigers with donations and organizes public tiger-petting events.
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Israel’s parliament has begun the process to dissolve itself and hold new elections after the government coalition fell apart. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s far-right coalition collapsed mainly over a dispute about military service exemptions for ultra-Orthodox Jews, and a vote to dissolve parliament was passed by 110 out of 120 lawmakers.
Key Facts
Israeli lawmakers started dissolving parliament to call for new elections.
Prime Minister Netanyahu has led Israel for 20 of the last 30 years, recently heading a far-right coalition.
The coalition included ultra-nationalist and ultra-Orthodox religious parties holding 64 seats.
A major issue causing the collapse was a law about exempting ultra-Orthodox young men from military service.
The dissolution vote had strong support, with 110 of 120 lawmakers in favor.
New elections must take place between late August and October 27, 2024, after a three-month campaign period.
Netanyahu remains the leading candidate for prime minister according to recent polls, but election victory is not guaranteed.
The current government has been criticized for policies on West Bank settlements and actions in Gaza following the October 2023 Hamas attack.
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