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Comprehensive coverage of international news and global events
The United States has charged former Cuban President Raúl Castro with murder. This action increases tensions between the U.S. and Cuba, as President Donald Trump seeks to push for change in Cuba’s government, which has been led by the Communist Party since 1959.
Key Facts
The U.S. government announced murder charges against Raúl Castro on May 21, 2026.
Raúl Castro is the former president of Cuba and brother of Fidel Castro, who led the 1959 revolution.
The charges mark a significant rise in pressure from the U.S. toward Cuba’s communist government.
President Donald Trump is advocating for regime change in Cuba.
Relations between the U.S. and Cuba have been strained since the Cold War era.
Cuba’s current government has been led by the Communist Party for over six decades.
This indictment could further worsen diplomatic relations between the two countries.
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Ukrainian drones attacked the Syzran oil refinery deep inside Russia, causing a large fire, according to President Zelenskyy. These strikes are part of Ukraine’s increased use of long-range attacks targeting Russia’s oil industry, aiming to reduce Moscow’s war funding.
Key Facts
Ukrainian drones hit the Syzran refinery in Russia, located more than 800 km inside Russian territory.
The attack caused a fire with large black smoke clouds.
Russia’s Samara region governor reported two people killed by drone attacks in Syzran but did not specify the refinery.
The refinery is owned by Rosneft, a major Russian oil and gas company.
Ukraine has improved its drone and missile technology, allowing for mid- and long-range strikes deep in Russia.
Ukraine conducts almost daily attacks on Russian oil facilities to cut Russia’s income from oil sales.
The long-range strikes have contributed to Ukrainian gains on the battlefield and increased pressure on Russian President Putin.
Russia’s air defenses claimed to have shot down 121 Ukrainian drones in a recent 12-hour period.
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The U.K. government will release secret papers about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s time as a trade envoy. This follows concerns that he shared government information with Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted criminal linked to sex crimes.
Key Facts
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly Prince Andrew, was a U.K. trade envoy from 2001 to 2011.
Lawmakers demanded the release of papers after allegations of him sharing government reports with Jeffrey Epstein.
Epstein was a wealthy financier involved in sexual abuse and exploitation of young women and girls.
The U.S. Justice Department released millions of pages of documents about Epstein, revealing his network of influential friends.
The scandal has raised questions about power among the British aristocracy, politicians, and business leaders, called “the Establishment.”
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was stripped of his royal title by King Charles III to protect the monarchy’s reputation.
Government officials called for greater transparency and accountability regarding the royal family’s actions.
The papers are scheduled for public release on a Thursday, correcting an earlier mention of Wednesday.
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Documents show that Queen Elizabeth II strongly supported Prince Andrew’s appointment as a UK trade envoy. The papers reveal concerns about his high public profile and the need for media management, amid scandals related to his ties with Jeffrey Epstein.
Key Facts
Queen Elizabeth II wanted Prince Andrew to have a prominent role promoting UK trade.
The UK government released confidential documents about Andrew’s appointment.
A government memo noted his high public profile would require careful media handling.
Prince Andrew was stripped of his royal title in 2024 due to the Epstein scandal.
He served as a special trade envoy from 2001 to 2011 but stepped down over concerns about his associations.
The Epstein case has caused significant political and social debate in the UK about power and accountability.
Lawmakers have called for more responsibility from the royal family due to Andrew’s conduct.
The scandal intensified after the US Justice Department released files showing Epstein’s network of powerful friends.
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In the Congo River near Kinshasa, fishermen are catching more plastic waste than fish because of increasing pollution. Some have stopped fishing and instead collect plastic trash as a way to earn money and survive.
Key Facts
The Congo River is the second-longest river in Africa.
Pollution in the river has increased, affecting fishing activities.
Fishermen near Kinshasa are finding more plastic waste than fish in their nets.
Some fishermen have quit fishing due to the pollution problem.
These fishermen now collect plastic waste to support themselves financially.
This change shows how pollution impacts local livelihoods and the environment.
The situation highlights growing environmental and economic challenges in the region.
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Thirteen fighter jets were sent to chase a flying object that could not be identified, according to new files released by a UFO research group. The files include reports from the National Security Agency describing a star-shaped object moving quickly and changing directions in the sky.
Key Facts
Thirteen fighter jets were scrambled to follow an unidentified flying object (UFO).
The Disclosure Foundation released over 300 pages of intelligence reports from the NSA about UFO sightings.
These records were obtained after a Freedom of Information Act request.
The Trump administration released more than 160 UFO-related files earlier in the same month.
One report described a star-shaped object that witnesses said could not be a normal aircraft.
The object moved quickly, went up and down, and turned repeatedly at a high altitude.
The object showed a white glowing light with a slight blue color.
Many reports were once classified as “TOP SECRET UMBRA,” meaning very sensitive intelligence information.
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The Philippine justice secretary has ordered police to arrest Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged crimes against humanity during the country’s war on drugs. The Philippine Supreme Court rejected his attempt to stop the arrest, and authorities are actively searching for him after he disappeared following a brief refuge in the Senate.
Key Facts
Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa is wanted by the ICC for alleged crimes against humanity linked to the war on drugs under President Duterte.
The Philippine justice secretary has ordered law enforcement to arrest dela Rosa and warned that anyone helping him avoid capture would face consequences.
The Philippine Supreme Court rejected dela Rosa’s bid to block his arrest.
Dela Rosa hid for six months, briefly took shelter in the Senate, and then left quietly in early May after a violent incident.
The ICC estimates between 12,000 and 30,000 people were killed during Duterte’s war on drugs from 2016 to 2019.
Dela Rosa denies any involvement in illegal killings during this campaign.
President Duterte is also accused of crimes against humanity and has been held by the ICC since March 2025.
The Philippine National Police said they will follow the law in dealing with the arrest but did not confirm they would detain dela Rosa immediately.
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Stephen Colbert hosted the final episode of "The Late Show" on Thursday, marking the end of the show’s 30-year run. CBS decided to end the franchise for financial reasons, despite some viewers suspecting political factors due to Colbert’s outspoken views.
Key Facts
"The Late Show" ended after more than 30 years of airing.
Stephen Colbert was the host of the show from 2015 until its finale.
The show's original host, David Letterman, appeared in the final episode.
Several famous guests and late-night hosts appeared in the final shows, including Tom Hanks, Jon Stewart, Bruce Springsteen, Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel, Seth Meyers, and John Oliver.
CBS announced the show’s end in July, saying it was due to financial challenges in late-night TV.
Some people suspected political reasons for the show's cancellation because Colbert often criticized President Donald Trump.
Colbert began hosting after Letterman retired following a 22-year run.
The show was known for combining humor, political commentary, and celebrity interviews.
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Cuba is preparing to defend itself against a possible military attack by the United States, following increased tensions and an indictment against former Cuban President Raul Castro by US prosecutors. The Cuban government released a guide explaining how families should protect themselves and is relying on its national defense strategy that involves training all citizens to resist invasion.
Key Facts
US prosecutors indicted former Cuban President Raul Castro for the 1996 downing of aircraft that killed four American men.
The indictment accuses Castro of conspiracy to kill US nationals, murder, and aircraft destruction.
President Donald Trump has increased hostile rhetoric against Cuba and called it a "significant threat" to US national security.
Cuba’s Civil Defence published a guide called The Family Guide for Protection Against Military Aggression to prepare citizens for a potential US attack.
Cuba’s defense plan includes training all civilians as part of a military system called the War of All People.
Despite facing blackouts, fuel shortages, and loss of Venezuelan support, Cuba claims it is ready to resist a US invasion.
Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel warned that a US attack would cause severe casualties and said Cuba does not pose a threat.
Analysts note that Cuba’s experience fighting in Venezuela involved strong resistance by Cuban troops.
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A new outbreak of the Bundibugyo variant of Ebola is spreading in central Africa, mainly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, and possibly South Sudan. Experts say the US has significantly reduced its support for global health efforts, which is affecting efforts to control the virus and conduct important research.
Key Facts
The Bundibugyo variant of Ebola has no cure or vaccine and has caused two previous outbreaks.
Since April, there have been about 482 suspected cases and 116 deaths reported in the DRC, with additional cases in Uganda and possible spread to South Sudan.
The World Health Organization declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern immediately.
US foreign aid to the DRC dropped sharply from $1.4 billion in 2024 to $431 million in 2025, with further reductions in 2026.
The US also cut funding to Uganda and announced it would leave the WHO, stopping a $130 million funding contribution and causing job losses.
Key US health agencies, including USAID and the CDC, reduced staff, canceled research, and suspended Ebola response teams in the past year.
A specialized Ebola research lab in Maryland was shut down last year, limiting the US capacity to respond and research the outbreak.
Experts warn that cutting prevention funding will lead to more frequent and severe outbreaks.
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Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has shifted away from strong climate action despite his past work on climate finance and warnings about climate risks. His government has delayed or weakened multiple climate policies and is supporting new fossil fuel projects and subsidies.
Key Facts
Mark Carney, once known for his climate warnings as Bank of England governor and UN envoy, is now Canada’s prime minister.
Carney’s government eliminated Canada’s consumer carbon price, a tool to reduce emissions by charging households for pollution.
New climate rules have been weakened or delayed, including methane limits and clean electricity targets moved from 2035 to 2050.
Plans to cap oil and gas emissions and enforce zero-emission vehicle mandates have been scrapped or weakened.
Carney supports building new fossil fuel infrastructure, including pipelines and LNG (liquefied natural gas) facilities.
Environmental laws are being relaxed for projects labeled as “nation-building.”
Tax credits and subsidies have increased for carbon capture technology and oil extraction projects that use captured carbon to get more oil.
A new sovereign wealth fund will likely invest public money to help pay for fossil fuel projects, contrasting with Norway’s fund which focuses on sustainability.
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Raúl Castro, former Cuban President, has been charged along with five others. These charges come during rising tensions between Cuba and the United States, leading to speculation about possible U.S. military action against Cuba.
Key Facts
Raúl Castro and five other individuals have been charged.
Tensions between the U.S. and Cuba have increased recently.
A U.S. official anonymously warned about Cuba’s use of drones.
The charges against Castro are seen by some as a reason for the U.S. to consider military measures.
These events happen shortly after a U.S. official spoke to the news outlet Axios.
The Cuban government is described as a communist regime.
The situation is contributing to debates on U.S. foreign policy toward Cuba.
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Iran is considering the United States’ most recent reply to a suggested plan for a ceasefire, which was proposed with help from Pakistan. Experts from the US and Qatar talked about what steps both countries might take to stop the fighting.
Key Facts
Iran is reviewing Washington’s latest response to a ceasefire proposal.
The ceasefire framework was mediated by Pakistan.
A former US State Department official joined a discussion on the topic.
A Qatari academic also participated in the panel discussion.
The conversation focused on options the US and Iran have to end the war.
The article explores potential paths for peace between the US and Iran.
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A kite carrying handwritten messages from Palestinian children in Gaza was brought to the summit of Mount Everest by a team of climbers. The expedition aimed to raise awareness and funds for medical help for children affected by the conflict in Gaza.
Key Facts
A kite with messages from Palestinian children in Gaza reached the top of Mount Everest.
The summit was reached at 10:48 am local time (05:03 GMT) on Thursday.
Italian filmmaker Leonardo Avezzano and Nepali Sherpas carried the kite to the summit.
Jordanian Palestinian mountaineer Mostafa Salameh led the expedition but did not summit due to frostbite and a blood clot.
The expedition aimed to raise $10 million for medical aid for children in Gaza.
Everest is a dangerous mountain with low oxygen near the peak, making the climb risky.
Salameh has climbed Everest four times and is one of 20 people to complete the Explorer’s Slam, visiting poles and major peaks on all continents.
The team planned to carefully return to base camp, as reaching the summit was only halfway through the mission.
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France is marking the 25th anniversary of the Taubira law, which was the first law to recognize slavery as a crime against humanity. French lawmakers are now working to remove old laws called the “black code” that stayed active even after slavery ended in the 19th century.
Key Facts
The Taubira law was passed 25 years ago in France.
This law officially named slavery as a crime against humanity.
The anniversary is being observed on May 21, 2026.
French members of parliament want to repeal the “black code” laws.
The “black code” laws were established during slavery and continued after abolition.
Removing these laws aims to strengthen the legal stance against slavery’s legacy.
The effort reflects ongoing attention to human rights and history in France.
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Heavy rain caused severe flooding in southern China, washing away cars and destroying a bridge. At least 25 people have died, and many residents have been evacuated from affected areas.
Key Facts
Southern China experienced heavy flooding due to torrential rain.
The floodwaters swept away vehicles and damaged infrastructure, including a bridge.
At least 25 deaths have been reported as a result of the flooding.
Authorities ordered evacuations in multiple regions to protect residents.
Streets in affected areas were submerged under floodwater.
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The World Health Organization (WHO) says the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is very risky for the country and nearby region, but the risk to the rest of the world is low. So far, 51 cases have been reported in the northern provinces, with more expected. Families in affected villages are mourning lost loved ones.
Key Facts
The Ebola outbreak is happening in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo).
51 confirmed Ebola cases are reported so far.
The outbreak is mainly in the northern provinces of Ituri and North Kivu.
The World Health Organization says the outbreak is a high risk locally and regionally.
The global risk from this outbreak is considered low by WHO.
Officials expect the number of Ebola cases to rise.
People in the hardest-hit villages are dealing with death and loss from the outbreak.
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The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared a public health emergency due to a new outbreak of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda. This strain is different from previous Ebola viruses and currently has no approved vaccine or specific treatment, with over 130 deaths reported among more than 500 suspected cases.
Key Facts
The Ebola outbreak is mainly in northeastern DRC’s Ituri province, near Uganda and South Sudan.
The virus has spread within DRC and crossed into neighboring Uganda, with at least one death there.
There are about 513 suspected Ebola cases and 131 deaths linked to this Bundibugyo strain.
More than 120 people are quarantined in Uganda to control the spread.
Bundibugyo Ebola has caused past outbreaks with death rates of 30-50 percent.
No licensed vaccine or treatment currently exists for this strain of Ebola.
The WHO declared the outbreak a “public health emergency of international concern.”
Conflicts and displacement in the region make managing the outbreak more difficult.
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Net migration to the UK dropped by nearly half in the last year, falling from 331,000 in 2024 to 171,000 in 2025. This decline is mainly due to fewer people from outside the European Union moving to the UK for work, according to official government statistics.
Key Facts
Net migration to the UK was 171,000 in 2025, down 48% from 331,000 in 2024.
This is the lowest net migration level since 2021.
The peak net migration was 944,000 in 2023 before the sharp decline.
The drop was mainly because 47% fewer people from outside the EU came to the UK to work.
About 813,000 people moved to the UK, while 642,000 left the country in 2025.
Emigration (people leaving the UK) decreased slightly during this time.
Many people mistakenly think net migration is increasing, but it has actually fallen to its lowest level in years.
The government had promised to reduce migration, and these figures support that goal.
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Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz announced changes to his government team to include more people after weeks of protests. The protests started three weeks ago because people wanted higher wages, steady fuel supplies, and help with a big economic crisis.
Key Facts
President Rodrigo Paz of Bolivia plans to reshuffle his cabinet.
The goal is to make the government more inclusive.
Protests in Bolivia began three weeks ago.
Protesters want salary increases.
They also want stable fuel supplies.
Bolivia is experiencing its worst economic crisis in 40 years.
Roadblocks have been used as part of the demonstrations.
The cabinet changes are an effort to end the crisis.
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