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The U.S. Justice Department is expected to announce criminal charges against Raúl Castro, Cuba's former leader, related to a 1996 incident where Cuban forces shot down planes flown by a humanitarian group called Brothers to the Rescue. The announcement will take place in Miami during a ceremony honoring the victims of that attack.
Key Facts
Raúl Castro is 94 years old and the brother of Fidel Castro.
He is being charged for his role in the 1996 shootdown of planes flown by Brothers to the Rescue, a humanitarian group.
The incident resulted in deaths and has been a point of tension between the U.S. and Cuba.
The Justice Department scheduled the announcement at Miami’s Freedom Tower during a victim remembrance event.
Jose Basulto, founder of Brothers to the Rescue, expressed hope that the indictment would be made public.
Raúl Castro stepped down as head of Cuba’s Communist Party in 2021 but remains influential.
The U.S. government considers this case significant in addressing past actions by Cuba’s leadership.
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Two teenagers in San Diego attacked a mosque, killing three people before taking their own lives. Investigators found writings online where the suspects praised a previous mosque attacker and expressed hateful views toward multiple groups.
Key Facts
Cain Clark, 17, and Caleb Vazquez, 18, fatally shot three people at the Islamic Center of San Diego before killing themselves.
The suspects’ alleged writings, found online, show hateful beliefs about Muslims, Jews, Black people, women, LGBTQ+ community, and political groups.
They called themselves the “Sons of Tarrant,” referencing Brenton Tarrant, who killed 51 people in New Zealand in 2019.
Vazquez claimed membership in the “incel” community, which includes men who feel denied romantic or sexual relationships.
The attackers praised Adolf Hitler and other mass killers as inspirations.
A victim, Amin Abdullah, resisted the shooters and slowed them down, helping protect about 140 schoolchildren nearby.
The suspects likely met and radicalized online but details of their radicalization are still under investigation.
Video of the shooting was livestreamed and later shared on a website that posts violent content.
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Scientists warn that the collapse of Antarctica’s Thwaites Glacier could cause sea levels to rise by nearly 3 meters (about 10 feet) over time. This rise in sea levels would flood large parts of the U.S. coastline, putting many cities at risk of severe flooding or partial underwater submersion.
Key Facts
The Thwaites Glacier in West Antarctica is becoming unstable and losing ice rapidly.
Its collapse could add about 65 centimeters (2 feet) to sea levels initially.
This collapse might trigger further melting of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet, potentially raising sea levels by up to 3 meters.
NOAA maps show that this rise would flood many U.S. coastal cities, including Jacksonville, Tampa, New Orleans, New York City, and parts of California.
Florida and the Gulf Coast are especially vulnerable to flooding and land loss.
Important infrastructure like airports and sports stadiums could be affected.
The glacier has lost over 1 trillion tons of ice since 2000.
The floating part of the glacier is breaking apart and melting faster due to warm seawater.
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The World Health Organization (WHO) says the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is a serious threat in the region but not yet a global pandemic. So far, 51 cases have been confirmed in DRC and two in Uganda, with ongoing investigations about the outbreak’s start and efforts to control its spread.
Key Facts
The Ebola outbreak is mainly in eastern DRC, especially in Ituri and North Kivu provinces.
WHO confirms 51 cases in DRC and 2 cases in Uganda, including one death in Uganda’s capital, Kampala.
Nearly 600 suspected cases and 139 suspected deaths have been reported, suggesting the outbreak is larger than confirmed cases show.
The outbreak likely began a couple of months ago, but investigations are still ongoing.
WHO declared a public health emergency of international concern but said the outbreak does not meet the threshold for a pandemic emergency.
A U.S. doctor infected with Ebola was evacuated from DRC to Germany for treatment.
WHO officials emphasize efforts to track contacts, isolate cases, and provide care.
The WHO responded to criticism from U.S. officials by explaining its role is to support countries, not replace their outbreak responses.
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Former Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford said the UK Labour government has offered Wales very few new powers since 2024, which he believes contributed to Welsh Labour's defeat in the recent Senedd election. He criticized Welsh Labour MPs in Westminster for not pushing more devolution, while some within Welsh Labour blamed Drakeford's leadership for the loss.
Key Facts
Mark Drakeford led Welsh Labour to victory in 2021 but stepped down as first minister in 2024.
Welsh Labour lost control of the Welsh government in the May 2024 Senedd election and dropped to third place.
Drakeford says few new powers were given to Wales by the UK Labour government from 2024, weakening Labour’s appeal.
Welsh Labour previously supported stronger devolution, meaning more control over Welsh affairs within the UK.
Some Welsh Labour members blame Drakeford’s leadership and decisions like the 20mph law and NHS waiting lists for the defeat.
The UK Labour government has made some changes, including reforms in Welsh funding and youth justice powers.
Welsh Labour still wants more powers over areas like policing, justice, and the Crown Estate but lacks support from Labour MPs in Westminster.
Drakeford called on UK Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer to set a timetable for his resignation.
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President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin have both recently visited Beijing, showing China's growing role in international diplomacy. Experts note that the visits highlight how the Ukraine and Iran conflicts are affecting the relationship between China and Russia.
Key Facts
President Trump visited China shortly before President Putin’s visit to Beijing.
The timing of these visits shows China’s increasing importance in world diplomacy.
The wars in Ukraine and Iran are influencing how China and Russia work together.
China buys a large part of Russia’s exports, but Russia makes up only 4% of China’s international trade.
Leaders from China and Russia have praised their strong partnership during meetings in Beijing.
China is seen as a more stable power while the US and Russia are involved in ongoing conflicts.
Discussions between China and Russia focus heavily on trade and political cooperation.
The visits aim to demonstrate China’s central role in global affairs and its relationships with both the US and Russia.
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The UK is expected to experience a heatwave during the long bank holiday weekend, with temperatures possibly reaching 30°C in some areas. This warm weather is caused by a change in wind direction bringing hot air from southern Europe and north Africa, and could be the earliest 30°C recorded in the UK since 1952.
Key Facts
Temperatures in parts of the UK might reach up to 30°C from Friday 22 May to Wednesday 27 May 2026.
The UK Health Security Agency has issued heat health alerts for much of the Midlands and south-east England during this period.
A heatwave in the UK means at least three consecutive days of temperatures above a certain threshold, which varies by region (e.g., 28°C in London, 25°C in Scotland and Northern Ireland).
London and the south Midlands are most likely to experience this heatwave first, with warm weather expected to continue into the middle of next week.
The warm air is coming from southern Europe and north Africa due to a shift in the jet stream, which will bring warmer southern winds.
If 30°C is reached before Monday, it will be the earliest 30°C temperature recorded in the UK since 1952.
Recent wet weather is expected to ease, with most areas becoming dry by Thursday and Friday, although some showers may still occur in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Spring rainfall has been very low in southern and eastern England this year, with some areas receiving only about a third of their usual amount before May.
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Russian President Vladimir Putin visited China to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping. They focused on talks about energy and security, reinforcing their close partnership during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Key Facts
Vladimir Putin visited China, which is Russia's key partner since the war in Ukraine started.
The main topics discussed were energy and security issues.
This visit happened less than a week after U.S. President Donald Trump met with President Xi Jinping.
Russia and China aim to build a new international order different from the current one.
Their trade relationship, especially in oil and gas, is a major focus during the talks.
This meeting highlights the strong ties between Russia and China despite global tensions.
The visit lasted two days and was meant to show their "unshakable" partnership.
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The World Health Organization (WHO) is checking if any vaccines or treatments can help stop a spreading Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The outbreak has caused over 130 deaths and more than 500 infections, and the WHO says it may last a long time.
Key Facts
The Ebola outbreak is happening in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
At least 131 people have died, and over 500 are infected.
Ebola is a contagious disease causing severe bleeding (haemorrhagic fever).
The WHO has declared the outbreak an international health emergency.
The WHO is evaluating possible vaccines and treatments to control the outbreak.
The outbreak is expected to continue for an extended period.
Health efforts are increasing to try to limit the spread of the disease.
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Iran warned the United States not to restart attacks, saying it could lead to a wider war beyond the region. This comes after President Donald Trump suggested the US might launch another major strike on Tehran. Meanwhile, Iranian civilians are preparing for possible conflict as talks have not produced any clear agreements.
Key Facts
Iran threatened to open new conflict areas if the US resumes attacks.
President Donald Trump mentioned the possibility of another “big hit” against Tehran.
The current ceasefire between Iran and the US is fragile and uncertain.
Negotiations to prevent further conflict have not yet resulted in decisions.
Iranian civilians are preparing for a potential escalation in fighting.
The warning implies a risk of war expanding beyond Iran’s region.
This situation is part of ongoing tensions between the US and Iran.
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The World Health Organization (WHO) reports 600 suspected cases and 139 suspected deaths from Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) and Uganda, with numbers expected to increase. The outbreak involves the Bundibugyo type of Ebola, which has no approved vaccine or specific treatment, and is mainly affecting eastern DR Congo and parts of Uganda.
Key Facts
There are 600 suspected Ebola cases and 139 suspected deaths reported by WHO.
51 cases have been confirmed in DR Congo, mainly in Ituri and North Kivu provinces.
Two cases confirmed in Uganda’s capital, Kampala, both linked to travel from DR Congo.
The Ebola outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo strain, which has appeared only twice before.
Bundibugyo Ebola lacks an approved vaccine and targeted drugs, complicating treatment.
The outbreak started around April, with the first patient a nurse who died in Bunia, DR Congo.
WHO declared a public health emergency but did not label it a pandemic.
Eastern DR Congo’s ongoing conflict makes managing the outbreak more difficult.
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President Xi Jinping welcomed President Vladimir Putin to Beijing for a two-day meeting. They talked about stopping fighting in the Middle East to keep energy supplies stable and discussed the "Power of Siberia 2" gas pipeline project, but did not finalize any deal.
Key Facts
The meeting took place in Beijing and lasted two days.
President Xi emphasized the importance of ending conflicts in the Middle East.
Both leaders focused on energy issues during their talks.
They discussed the "Power of Siberia 2," a proposed natural gas pipeline from Russia to China.
No final agreement was reached on the pipeline during the summit.
The summit aimed to strengthen relations between China and Russia.
The energy supply situation in the Middle East was a key topic because conflicts there affect global energy markets.
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A suspected drug trafficker survived a recent plane crash near Florida. He was found with $30,000 in a bag linked to a high-ranking Bahamian politician, prompting calls for an investigation into alleged drug smuggling involving government officials.
Key Facts
The suspect was deported to the Bahamas over 10 years ago after drug and money laundering convictions.
He is accused of trafficking cocaine from the Bahamas to the U.S.
Court papers say he met a Bahamian politician in October 2024 to discuss a large cocaine shipment.
The alleged politician may have promised protection for the cocaine shipment.
The Bahamas’ police commissioner resigned in December 2024 amid corruption scandals connected to drug trafficking.
U.S. officials say drug networks operate in the Bahamas with help from corrupt local officials.
The Bahamian government says it will investigate and cooperate with U.S. authorities.
The plane crash involved 11 survivors, including the suspect, and the pilot reported losing all communication and navigation before the crash.
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Lithuanian leaders and parliament members took shelter during a drone air alert in Vilnius, causing flights and travel to stop temporarily. The alert followed recent drone incidents over the Baltic states, involving drones suspected to be from Ukraine and interference blamed on Russia.
Key Facts
Lithuania's president and prime minister went to emergency shelters during a drone air alert.
The alert stopped flights and paused road and rail travel in the capital city, Vilnius.
It is unclear who sent the drone that triggered the alert.
NATO jets were deployed but could not find the drone over Lithuania.
Estonia shot down a suspected Ukrainian drone, believed to have been redirected by Russian electronic interference.
Ukraine apologized for drones accidentally entering Baltic airspace and blamed Russia for redirecting its drones.
Latvia’s Prime Minister resigned after a political crisis related to drones entering Latvian territory.
Russia accused the Baltic states of allowing Ukraine to use their airspace to strike Russia, which the Baltic countries deny.
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Multiple fast-moving wildfires are burning across many counties in California, forcing thousands of people to evacuate quickly. Fire crews are working hard to contain the fires, but conditions are changing rapidly, and smoke is spreading, creating health risks and travel problems.
Key Facts
Thirteen wildfires have been reported across several California counties; two of these fires are now fully contained.
Counties affected include Santa Barbara, Kern, Ventura, Riverside, San Diego, Merced, Imperial, Los Angeles, and Siskiyou.
Evacuation orders have been given to residents in several areas due to immediate life threats from the fires.
Shelters have been set up in affected counties to assist evacuees.
People under evacuation orders are advised to leave immediately and bring essentials like ID, medications, masks for smoke, and pet supplies.
Fire containment levels vary; for example, the Santa Rosa Island Fire is 26% contained, and the River Fire near Bakersfield is 15% contained.
Some fires are difficult for crews to access due to remote locations and wind-driven fire behavior.
Authorities emphasize following road closures and safety instructions closely during evacuation.
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U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will help with security during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Officials plan to focus on stopping fake goods and human trafficking as large crowds gather for the event.
Key Facts
ICE will play a role in security during the 2026 World Cup.
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin spoke about the risks of counterfeit products and human trafficking at big events.
ICE’s investigative branch, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), will work daily during the tournament.
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will also assist in tackling illegal activities.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) oversees ICE, HSI, and CBP.
The announcement came as ticket sales for the tournament are lower than expected.
Large events like the World Cup can attract various criminal activities.
Details may be updated as the event approaches.
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Russia’s war in Ukraine has harmed wildlife, especially birds. An owl named Sunny was injured by drone attacks and is now being cared for by a volunteer while other birds and their habitats are also suffering due to the conflict.
Key Facts
In February, Russian kamikaze drones attacked the Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhia, causing damage and deaths.
A long-eared owl named Sunny was blinded in one eye and had his wing broken by the attack; his wing was later amputated.
Sunny is currently recovering with a volunteer biologist, Veronica Konkova, who rescues injured birds.
Thousands of birds are trapped in nets and cables set up near the frontlines to stop enemy drones, causing death or injury.
Russian attacks have damaged nature reserves and breeding grounds along the Dnipro River.
The destruction of the Kakhovka dam caused severe flooding and lowered water levels, reducing birds’ feeding areas.
Due to the war and habitat loss, many bird species have disappeared from important wildlife areas.
Some birds, like white storks, are changing behavior by nesting in new places like landfills because their natural food sources are gone.
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Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps warned that if the U.S. or Israel attack Iran again, the conflict could spread beyond the Middle East with strong retaliation. President Donald Trump said he was close to ordering new strikes on Iran but held back after allies expressed hope for peace talks.
Key Facts
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard threatens to expand war beyond the region if attacked again by the U.S. or Israel.
The Guard said it has not yet used all of its military capabilities.
President Trump was "an hour away" from launching new strikes on Iran but stopped after allies requested patience.
China’s President Xi Jinping urged for an urgent ceasefire during a summit with Russia’s Vladimir Putin.
A South Korean oil tanker recently passed the Strait of Hormuz with Iran’s approval, the first since the Iran war began.
A South Korean ship was hit by unknown aircraft near the Strait of Hormuz in early May; Iran denied involvement.
South Korea condemned the attack and called for an investigation to find those responsible.
The Iran war is now in its 82nd day, with growing tensions and efforts toward peace talks ongoing.
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The UK government has eased sanctions to allow imports of Russian jet fuel and diesel refined in other countries due to rising fuel prices linked to the Iran war and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. This new permission is open-ended but will be reviewed regularly, and it follows a US decision to extend a similar waiver on Russian oil.
Key Facts
The UK now allows imports of Russian jet fuel and diesel refined in countries like India and Turkiye.
This trade licence started Wednesday and has no fixed end date but will be checked periodically.
The UK also gave a temporary licence for some Russian liquefied natural gas imports.
Previous UK sanctions targeted thousands of Russian individuals, companies, and oil exports after Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022.
The US extended a waiver allowing Russian oil shipments already on the sea to enter its markets, citing disruptions from the Iran conflict.
The European Union and some officials criticized the easing of sanctions, saying it reduces pressure on Russia.
The UK government said the changes are limited in time and specific to this situation.
Opposition Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch criticized the UK government for relaxing sanctions after supporting Ukraine for 18 months.
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The Philippine Supreme Court ruled against blocking the arrest of Senator Ronald dela Rosa, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for crimes related to the country’s drug war. The ruling allows Philippine authorities to proceed with his arrest while other legal questions remain unresolved.
Key Facts
Senator Ronald dela Rosa is wanted by the ICC for crimes against humanity linked to the Philippines’ “war on drugs” from 2016 to 2022.
The ICC is based in The Hague and investigates serious international crimes such as crimes against humanity.
The Philippine Supreme Court denied a petition that tried to stop the arrest of dela Rosa based on the ICC’s warrant.
Dela Rosa has denied involvement in illegal killings during the drug crackdown.
He stayed hidden for six months before coming out last week and taking refuge in the Senate, then fled after a shooting between government agents and Senate security.
The Philippine government will follow the Supreme Court ruling but leaves enforcement details to the Department of Justice.
The ICC estimates that 12,000 to 30,000 people died during the drug war, which was led by then-President Rodrigo Duterte and enforced by dela Rosa when he was police chief.
Rodrigo Duterte is also accused by the ICC, has been in ICC custody since March 2025, and denies wrongdoing.
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