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The Taliban in Afghanistan has passed a new law that appears to legally accept child marriage and makes it very hard for girls and women to get a divorce if their husbands do not agree. Activists and the UN say this law reduces women’s rights and puts girls at greater risk of early marriage and domestic violence.
Key Facts
The Taliban’s new divorce law suggests girls married against their will cannot get a divorce without their husband’s permission.
The law also limits a woman’s ability to divorce her husband for reasons like absence or lack of financial support.
There are no official numbers, but activists report a large increase in forced and underage marriages in Afghanistan.
The ban on girls’ education after age 11 is linked to higher rates of early and forced marriage.
About 70% of girls out of school are estimated to face early or forced marriage, with 66% of these girls under 18.
Women’s rights groups and the UN say the law deepens discrimination and denies women justice and freedom.
The Taliban government rejects criticism, calling it opposition to their religious system.
Research shows many child marriage victims face domestic violence and severe mental harm.
A recent case involved a 15-year-old girl dying from abuse shortly after being married.
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In July 2024, 23 girls survived a knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance and yoga workshop in Southport, England. Their parents say court-ordered anonymity has made it hard for their daughters to get support and has made their stories less known to the public.
Key Facts
Twenty-three girls survived a mass stabbing attack in Southport; three girls were killed.
The attacker, Axel Rudakubana, pleaded guilty to murder and attempted murder charges.
The courts granted legal anonymity to the injured girls to protect their privacy as they grow up.
Parents feel this anonymity has caused officials and the public to forget about the survivors.
Some girls suffered severe injuries, including one stabbed 33 times who escaped twice before collapsing outside.
Parents report their children continue to face physical and emotional challenges, including nightmares and medication for sleep.
Parents want the world to know the girls’ bravery and survival stories despite the court order.
The names of all survivors mentioned have been changed to follow the court’s rules.
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An Australian man named Matthew Cameron Paton died after falling down a ravine while hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in Peru. He fell when a wooden railing broke as he crossed a bridge, and rescue teams found his body about 300 meters below.
Key Facts
Matthew Cameron Paton, 53, was hiking the Inca Trail near Machu Picchu, Peru.
He fell down a ravine after a wooden railing broke while he crossed a bridge.
His body was found about 300 meters (984 feet) down near the "50 Gradas" section of the trail.
Paton had arrived in Cusco, Peru, with his wife about 12 days before the accident.
Local rescue teams searched for him after he was reported missing.
The police are investigating the cause of the fall.
Paton was a member of the Police Association of Victoria and worked in police training.
The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has been contacted for comment.
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Ozgur Ozel, the leader of Turkey’s main opposition party, said he will stay at the party’s headquarters after a court removed him from his position. He told supporters in Ankara that judges and prosecutors are trying to overthrow his party.
Key Facts
Ozgur Ozel is the leader of Turkey’s main opposition party.
A court ruling removed him from his leadership role.
Ozel refused to leave the party headquarters after the ruling.
He spoke to supporters in Ankara, Turkey’s capital city.
Ozel claimed that judges and prosecutors are attempting a coup against his party.
The situation involves political and legal actions within Turkey.
Ozel’s statement suggests ongoing tension between the opposition and the judicial system.
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The United Kingdom is expected to experience unusually high temperatures in May, with some areas possibly reaching 33°C, which would be a record. Heat health alerts have been issued early to warn people and health services about the risks of the warm weather.
Key Facts
Heat health alerts started in parts of the UK due to rising temperatures.
Temperatures could reach up to 33°C in southeast England on bank holiday Monday.
This would break the previous May temperature record of 32.8°C set in 1944.
The UK Health Security Agency says the alert aims to protect vulnerable people and prepare health services.
People are advised to stay hydrated, avoid sun at peak times, and keep homes cool.
The official heatwave is defined by temperatures over 26-28°C for three days in a row.
UV levels will also rise to "high," meaning the sun can cause sunburn faster than usual.
Scotland and Northern Ireland will be cooler with mostly cloudy skies and lower UV levels.
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Two separate attacks in Honduras killed at least 24 people, including four police officers. One attack happened at a ranch in northern Honduras, and the other occurred in the coastal town of Omoa near the Guatemala border.
Key Facts
At least 19 workers were killed in the ranch attack in Trujillo, northern Honduras.
Four police officers and one civilian were killed in the second attack in Omoa.
The police officers were part of an anti-gang operation traveling from Tegucigalpa to Omoa.
Authorities have not identified a clear motive for the attack on the ranch workers.
Northern Honduras has experienced ongoing conflicts over land for many years.
The police announced they will take direct action in response to both attacks.
Some bodies in the Trujillo attack may have been removed before police arrived.
No suspects have been arrested so far.
Honduras has high levels of crime related to gangs and drug trafficking and has the second-highest homicide rate in the Americas.
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Alberta, a province in Canada, will hold a vote in October to ask if the province should begin the process to hold a future, official referendum on leaving Canada. The current vote will not decide independence but will ask if legal steps should be taken toward a future binding vote on separation.
Key Facts
Alberta plans a referendum in October 2026 about starting a process toward a future vote on independence.
Premier Danielle Smith supports Alberta staying in Canada and will vote against separation.
The October vote will only ask if Alberta should begin legal steps toward a referendum, not actually separate.
Canadian law says provinces cannot leave the country without negotiations and federal government agreement.
Some political experts compare Smith’s approach to the way Britain’s then-Prime Minister handled the Brexit vote.
A motion by members of Smith’s party asked for the referendum to be held on October 19.
The Canadian federal government prefers working together with Alberta and supports projects like oil pipelines.
Current support for Alberta leaving Canada is under 30%, but the vote might send a message to the federal government.
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The U.S. Navy’s acting secretary said the sale of weapons to Taiwan is currently paused to ensure the U.S. military has enough supplies for operations related to the Iran conflict. President Donald Trump has not yet decided whether to approve the $14 billion arms sale to Taiwan and said he would discuss the matter with China’s leader, Xi Jinping.
Key Facts
The $14 billion arms sale to Taiwan is on hold to make sure the U.S. military has enough munitions for a mission called Epic Fury related to Iran.
Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao said the pause is temporary and sales will continue when the administration decides.
President Trump said he made “no commitment either way” about the Taiwan weapons sale after meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
The U.S. must provide weapons to Taiwan under law, while officially recognizing only Beijing as China.
Taiwan is a self-ruled democracy, and China claims it as part of its territory and has increased military pressure on the island.
Congress members from both parties have urged the Trump administration to keep arming Taiwan.
The U.S. approved a record $11 billion arms sale to Taiwan in 2025 before the current stalled $14 billion package.
China has not ruled out using force to take Taiwan, raising the stakes of U.S. arms sales and commitments.
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NATO’s European members plan to meet with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to discuss US troop cuts and to address tensions caused by President Donald Trump's criticism of Europe’s response to the US war on Iran. The meeting in Sweden aims to improve relations before a July NATO summit, amid concerns about US military reliability and ongoing conflict involving Iran.
Key Facts
NATO European members want to talk to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio about Washington’s plan to reduce troops in Europe.
President Donald Trump criticized Europe for its reaction to the US war on Iran and threatened to consider leaving NATO.
The US recently announced it would withdraw 5,000 troops from Germany, causing unease among European NATO partners.
The NATO foreign ministers meeting will be held in Helsingborg, Sweden, to discuss these issues before the July summit in Ankara.
The US Navy has paused arms sales to Taiwan to ensure enough weapons are available for US military operations related to Iran.
The Trump administration has imposed sanctions on groups linked to Hezbollah, accusing them of blocking disarmament efforts in Lebanon.
US and Iranian officials are involved in mediation talks, including efforts by Pakistan’s army chief to ease tensions.
The conflict has also affected Gaza, with warnings that the current division could become permanent without a ceasefire.
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US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met European NATO allies in Sweden to discuss troop cuts and NATO’s role amid tensions over the US-led war on Iran. President Trump expressed frustration with European countries for not supporting the US more in the conflict and threatened to reduce US commitment to NATO.
Key Facts
Marco Rubio held talks with European foreign ministers at a NATO meeting in Helsingborg, Sweden.
President Trump criticized NATO allies for not doing enough to support the US in its war on Iran.
The US recently announced it would withdraw 5,000 troops from Germany, causing concern among NATO members.
President Trump threatened to consider leaving NATO due to disagreements with Europe.
Some European countries sent naval vessels to help secure the Strait of Hormuz region.
The US plans to send 5,000 troops to Poland, reversing an earlier cancellation.
NATO allies are increasing defense spending in response to Trump’s demands.
European leaders are preparing for a NATO summit in Ankara focused on alliance strength and budget commitments.
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Malaysia’s internet regulator told TikTok to remove offensive and false content about the country’s king. The regulator wants TikTok to improve its rules and explain why it did not block harmful posts earlier.
Key Facts
Malaysia’s Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) ordered TikTok to act against content insulting the king.
The content included false information, AI-created videos, and altered images.
MCMC said TikTok’s previous responses to warnings were not good enough.
Malaysia’s laws forbid speech that spreads hatred or disrespect toward the royal family.
The regulator wants TikTok to improve how it checks and removes harmful posts.
MCMC stated it will keep enforcing rules to keep online platforms safe and respectful.
Malaysia is also planning to ban social media use for children under 16.
Earlier, MCMC briefly blocked an AI assistant called Grok over concerns about explicit images.
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Irish activist Caitriona Graham described being treated violently by Israeli forces during the interception of a ship carrying aid to Gaza. She said she was dragged by her hair and forced to the ground before being deported to Istanbul.
Key Facts
Caitriona Graham is an Irish activist involved in a Gaza-bound aid mission.
Israeli forces stopped the flotilla carrying aid to Gaza.
Graham was filmed being dragged by her hair and pushed to the ground.
She shared her experience in an interview with Al Jazeera.
After the raid, she was deported to Istanbul.
The incident involved a violent interception of the aid ship.
The flotilla’s goal was to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza.
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President Donald Trump announced he will send 5,000 U.S. troops to Poland, reversing last week’s decision by the Pentagon to halt the deployment of a 4,200-man brigade. The announcement was linked to the recent election of Poland’s President Karol Nawrocki, whom Trump endorsed.
Key Facts
Trump announced the deployment of 5,000 U.S. troops to Poland on social media.
Last week, the Pentagon said it would stop sending a 4,200-troop brigade to Poland.
The halted brigade had already trained and moved equipment for the mission.
Vice President JD Vance called the halt a "standard delay," not a reduction.
The Pentagon assured Poland the U.S. still has a strong military presence there.
Poland’s government said it used diplomatic efforts in Washington to oppose the troop cut.
It is unclear which specific troops will be sent or when they will deploy.
Possible troop sources include units in Texas or current personnel rotating in Poland.
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The United States opened a new consulate in Nuuk, the capital of Greenland. Hundreds of Greenlanders protested against this move, expressing their opposition to increased US involvement in the island.
Key Facts
The new US consulate was opened in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital city.
Hundreds of people protested at the opening event.
Protesters voiced opposition to US President Donald Trump’s interest in Greenland.
Greenland is a semi-autonomous territory under Denmark.
Demonstrators used the chant “No means no” to show their rejection.
The protests reflect local concerns about foreign influence on the island.
The event highlights geopolitical interest in Greenland by the United States.
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A record 274 climbers reached the top of Mount Everest from the Nepal side in one day, breaking the previous record from 2019. Climbing permits have increased this year, and despite safety concerns about overcrowding, the number of people attempting Everest remains very high.
Key Facts
On one day this spring, 274 climbers summited Mount Everest from Nepal, the highest number ever in a single day.
The previous record was 223 climbers on May 22, 2019.
China has closed the northern Tibet route to foreign climbers this season, so most climbs are from Nepal.
Nearly 500 foreign climbers received permits this year, which is a record high.
Climbing permits cost $15,000, up from $11,000, the first price increase in nearly ten years.
Climbers spend time in the "death zone" above 8,000 meters, where oxygen is very thin and most use bottled oxygen.
Several notable climbers set new records, including Kami Rita Sherpa’s 32nd summit and Lhakpa Sherpa’s 11th.
The season has had some fatalities due to altitude sickness and accidents on the mountain.
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Hundreds of people protested outside the new U.S. consulate in Nuuk, Greenland, against President Donald Trump's interest in greater influence over the island. The protest followed the visit of the U.S. special envoy, Jeff Landry, during a sensitive time in Greenland-U.S. relations.
Key Facts
Greenlanders gathered in Nuuk to oppose U.S. ambitions on the island, chanting "Greenland is for Greenlanders."
The new U.S. consulate opened in downtown Nuuk, replacing a smaller wooden cabin with a much bigger building.
Jeff Landry, President Trump's special envoy, visited Greenland without an official invitation and met local leaders and business people.
Some Greenlandic politicians, including the prime minister and MPs, declined to attend the consulate opening as a political statement.
Protest organizers stated Greenland is not for sale and emphasized that "no means no" in a democratic world.
Landry expressed support for Greenland’s economic independence but insisted U.S. sovereignty colors (red, white, and blue) are the only "red line."
The U.S. ambassador to Denmark spoke about a future partnership with Greenland, highlighting the Arctic’s global importance.
The White House provided no details about Landry’s meeting with President Trump but expressed optimism about the relationship.
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A court in Turkiye canceled the 2023 leadership election of the main opposition party, the Republican People’s Party (CHP), and reinstated its former leader, Kemal Kilicdaroglu, as interim head. This decision comes amid growing tensions between the opposition and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s government and has caused political uncertainty and market losses.
Key Facts
The court annulled the CHP’s 2023 leadership election, removing the current leader Ozgur Ozel.
Kemal Kilicdaroglu, the previous CHP leader, was named interim head by the court.
The CHP is Turkiye’s oldest political party and recently won major local elections against Erdogan’s ruling AK Party.
The opposition party has faced heavy government pressure, including arrests of many members and officials on corruption charges.
Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, a key CHP figure and Erdogan’s rival, has been imprisoned for over a year.
The CHP called the court ruling an “attempted coup,” while the government said it restores faith in the rule of law.
Turkiye’s stock market dropped 6% after the ruling, triggering a market-wide circuit breaker.
The pro-Kurdish DEM Party criticized the ruling as damaging to Turkish democracy.
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Alberta will hold a referendum on October 19 to decide if it should stay part of Canada or begin the legal process to explore separation. Premier Danielle Smith announced the vote after petitions showed significant public interest in both staying and separating.
Key Facts
The referendum will ask if Alberta should remain a province of Canada or start a process to hold a binding vote on separation.
Over 300,000 people signed a petition supporting Alberta's independence earlier this year.
More than 400,000 people signed a petition advocating for Alberta to stay in Canada.
The independence movement in Alberta is growing due to feelings that federal decisions overlook the province's interests.
Most opinion polls currently show that most Albertans want to stay part of Canada.
Premier Danielle Smith said she will vote for Alberta to remain in Canada.
This is the first major test of Canada's unity in decades.
The referendum is scheduled for October 19, 2023.
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A livestream showed two teenagers killing three people at the Islamic Center of San Diego, while at least three others watched the attack live through video calls. Some viewers urged contacting the police, but no help arrived in time. The shooters were inspired by hate and targeted specific groups.
Key Facts
Two teen gunmen filmed themselves during Monday’s attack at the Islamic Center of San Diego, killing three people.
At least three people watched the attack live through video calls on apps called Signal and Discord.
One viewer told another to call the police, but authorities were not alerted in time.
The attackers shared hateful messages against Jews, Muslims, women, Hispanic people, LGBTQ+ individuals, and others in a manifesto.
The two shooters called themselves "sons" of a 2019 Christchurch mosque shooter who also livestreamed his attack.
One viewer, “Otto,” may have been watching from outside the United States, possibly Albania.
The shooters had met online and were active in extreme online groups promoting hate.
Discord preserved information about the attack and gave it to law enforcement to assist with investigation.
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The United States and Iran are discussing ways to stop conflict, but they have not agreed yet. Iran is currently looking over the newest U.S. offer to end the war.
Key Facts
The U.S. made a new proposal to Iran aimed at ending the ongoing conflict.
Iran is in the process of reviewing this U.S. proposal.
The discussions focus on achieving peace between the two countries.
The situation involves complex national security issues.
CBS News national security analyst Aaron MacLean is providing insight on the matter.
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