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Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich says the International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor is seeking a secret arrest warrant against him, but he has not been told the charges. The ICC has denied issuing new warrants recently, while Smotrich ordered the demolition of a Palestinian village in the West Bank following the news.
Key Facts
Bezalel Smotrich is Israel’s Finance Minister with influence over West Bank policies.
He said the ICC prosecutor requested a secret arrest warrant for him, without specifying charges.
The ICC said it had not issued new arrest warrants for Israeli officials at this time.
Smotrich ordered the demolition of Khan al-Ahmar, a Palestinian Bedouin village in the West Bank.
Israel’s Supreme Court approved evicting Khan al-Ahmar in 2018, but the order was delayed due to international warnings.
In 2024, the UK and four Western countries sanctioned Smotrich over accusations of inciting violence against Palestinians.
In November 2024, the ICC issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Gallant for alleged war crimes.
The ICC also sought warrants for Hamas leaders, but they were killed before any could be issued.
Israel is not a member of the ICC and opposes its authority over Israeli actions.
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Russian President Vladimir Putin is visiting China on May 19 to strengthen the partnership between Russia and China. He plans to meet with Chinese leader Xi Jinping to discuss key international and regional issues.
Key Facts
Putin's trip aims to show strong ties between Russia and China.
The visit happens shortly after President Donald Trump's tour in Beijing.
Putin and Xi Jinping will talk about deepening their countries' strategic partnership.
They will exchange views on important global and regional matters.
The Kremlin officially announced the visit and its goals.
The visit highlights the close relationship between the two nations amid global political developments.
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Since Western countries placed sanctions on Russia after its invasion of Ukraine, Russia has increased its economic ties with China. This includes trade in oil and technology that can be used for both civilian and military purposes.
Key Facts
Russia faces Western sanctions because of the war in Ukraine.
These sanctions have pushed Russia to strengthen economic relations with China.
China supplies Russia with oil and dual-use technology (technology for both civilian and military use).
Russia relies on these imports to support its military efforts in Ukraine.
Chinese-Russian trade and diplomatic talks are becoming more important.
Russian President Vladimir Putin regularly meets with Chinese leaders, including President Xi.
China presents itself as a stable power amid conflicts involving the US and Russia.
The cooperation between Russia and China has grown stronger since the Ukraine conflict began.
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President Donald Trump has threatened military action against Iran several times but has delayed attacks after interventions by other countries and ongoing peace talks. Recently, leaders from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE convinced him to hold off on a planned attack while peace proposals continue between Iran and the U.S.
Key Facts
President Trump has repeatedly warned Iran of possible U.S. military strikes.
He delayed some attacks after talks and requests from Iran and intermediaries like Pakistan.
Leaders of Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE recently persuaded President Trump to pause an attack.
Iran is involved in peace talks with the U.S., mediated by Pakistan.
Despite ceasefires, occasional small conflicts have continued.
Trump described the Gulf leaders’ peace proposals as a chance to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.
Trump warned the U.S. could launch a large attack at any moment if a deal fails.
Iran dismissed some of Trump’s threats and claimed it would resist U.S. pressure.
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The U.S. Treasury Department added more than two dozen new individuals, companies, and ships to its sanctions list targeting groups linked to Iran and terrorist organizations like Hamas. These actions aim to block financial support and shipping networks connected to these groups in several countries.
Key Facts
The U.S. Treasury announced new sanctions on May 19.
More than 24 people, companies, and vessels were added to the Specially Designated Nationals list.
Targets include financial supporters and shipping networks linked to Hamas, HASM, and Iranian procurement firms.
Sanctions carry "secondary sanctions risk," meaning others doing business with these parties could face penalties.
The affected networks operate in countries like Turkey, Hong Kong, Spain, the UAE, and various maritime areas.
The sanctions are part of ongoing U.S. efforts to pressure Iran and related groups.
The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) manages these sanctions under Executive Order 13224 focused on counterterrorism.
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Many people spend a lot of money on skin care products, but using too many can harm the skin barrier. Dr. Rachel Nazarian explains how to protect the skin barrier and why it matters for healthy skin.
Key Facts
The skin barrier is the outer layer of the skin that protects against damage.
Overusing skin care products can weaken the skin barrier.
A damaged skin barrier can lead to skin problems like dryness and irritation.
Experts advise using fewer, gentle products to keep the skin barrier healthy.
Protecting the skin barrier helps maintain moisture and shields from harmful substances.
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Israel and Argentina have started a direct flight between Tel Aviv and Buenos Aires to strengthen their political and economic ties. This move is part of Israel’s effort to build closer relationships in Latin America through security and technology cooperation, amid its global challenges.
Key Facts
El Al, Israel’s national airline, launched a twice-weekly direct flight from Tel Aviv to Buenos Aires starting November.
The flight covers 12,000 kilometers and lasts about 16.5 hours, making it El Al’s longest route ever.
The flight aims to support the "Isaac Accords," a Latin American cooperation framework inspired by the Abraham Accords.
Israel wants to improve ties with Latin American countries like Argentina, Ecuador, Costa Rica, and Paraguay through shared security and technology projects.
Argentina’s far-right President Javier Milei and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu share political alignment, which helps drive this partnership.
Israel offers advanced military, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and border technology to countries facing internal conflicts and crime.
This strategy helps Israel gain diplomatic support and reduce international isolation, especially amid criticism over its actions in Palestinian territories.
Israel uses infrastructure like ports and flights not just for transport but to deepen security and business connections.
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The BBC announced new hosts for Strictly Come Dancing: Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe. They will replace previous hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman and will appear when the show returns this autumn.
Key Facts
Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe are the new Strictly Come Dancing hosts.
They replace Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who left last year.
The new hosts were chosen after a long audition process involving several TV personalities.
Judges Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, and Anton Du Beke will return.
Fifteen of last year’s 20 professional dancers will remain, with five leaving.
The BBC plans to add new international dance talent to the show’s lineup.
Kate Phillips, BBC’s chief content officer, praised the new hosts’ chemistry.
Zoe Ball participated in auditions but was not selected as a host.
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A cannon used by Clint Eastwood in the movie The Good, the Bad and the Ugly has been found in a museum in Cartagena, Spain. The Sad Hill Cultural Association traced the 150-year-old cannon, originally made in Manchester, after it was lent to the movie’s production and later stored in Spanish military museums.
Key Facts
The cannon was used in the 1966 film The Good, the Bad and the Ugly during a famous scene with Clint Eastwood.
It is a 75mm cannon made by Whitworth in Manchester in 1873.
The Spanish military lent the cannon to the film’s production team.
After filming, the cannon was returned to a military museum in Madrid, then moved to Toledo.
The cannon was later rediscovered in a military history museum in Cartagena, southeast Spain.
The museum staff did not know the cannon’s connection to the movie until contacted by the Sad Hill Cultural Association.
The association hopes to display the cannon near the original filming site in Burgos but faces bureaucratic delays.
The city of Cartagena now promotes the cannon as a free tourist attraction.
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A car bomb exploded outside a defense ministry building in Damascus, Syria, killing one soldier and injuring at least 18 people. Authorities found and were trying to dismantle another bomb nearby when the car bomb went off. No group has said they carried out the attack.
Key Facts
The explosion happened outside a defense ministry building in the Bab Sharqi district of Damascus.
One Syrian soldier died in the car bomb blast.
At least 18 other people were wounded and taken to hospitals.
Security forces had found a separate bomb near the building and were trying to deactivate it when the car bomb exploded.
No group has yet claimed responsibility for the car bombing.
Last year, a church explosion in Damascus killed 25 people and was claimed by a Sunni extremist group, while officials blamed ISIS.
The incident was reported by Syrian state media and aid agencies including FRANCE 24, Reuters, and AFP.
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Beanie Feldstein talks about her first children's book, which focuses on the importance of friendship. She also shares that she will soon become a parent and mentions her role in a new movie alongside Robert De Niro.
Key Facts
Beanie Feldstein is an actress and author.
She released her debut children's book.
The book’s main theme is the power of friendship.
Feldstein is preparing to become a parent soon.
She stars in a new film with actor Robert De Niro.
The information was shared during an interview with CBS News.
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Israeli finance minister Bezalel Smotrich said the International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor has secretly asked for an arrest warrant against him. He responded by ordering the evacuation of a Palestinian village in the West Bank and promised to fight back against the Palestinian Authority. The ICC can investigate potential war crimes in Palestinian territories, which Israel does not recognize as under ICC jurisdiction.
Key Facts
Bezalel Smotrich, Israel’s far-right finance minister, says there is a secret ICC arrest warrant request against him.
Smotrich ordered the evacuation of Khan al-Ahmar, a Palestinian Bedouin village in the occupied West Bank.
He said Israel will respond with a "war" against the Palestinian Authority.
The ICC can investigate war crimes in Palestinian territories because the Palestinian Authority joined the court in 2015.
Israel is not a member of the ICC and rejects its authority over Israelis.
The ICC previously issued arrest warrants in 2024 for Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, a former defense chief, and a Hamas leader.
The United States, Israel’s key ally, opposes ICC arrest warrants against Israeli officials and imposed sanctions on ICC staff under President Trump.
Smotrich supports expanding Israeli settlements and keeping control over Gaza and the West Bank, positions rejected by Netanyahu.
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Author Bruce Feiler traveled to 16 countries on six continents over three years to study rituals. He says that rituals can help reduce loneliness and bring people together.
Key Facts
Bruce Feiler is an author who studied rituals around the world.
He visited 16 countries across six continents to learn about different rituals.
Feiler believes rituals can help fight loneliness.
He also sees rituals as a way to reduce social division and polarization.
Feiler talked about his findings on the TV show "CBS Mornings."
Rituals are repeated actions or ceremonies people do together.
These practices can build community and connection among people.
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An American doctor tested positive for Ebola while working in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The World Health Organization (WHO) will hold an emergency meeting as the Ebola outbreak in the DRC has caused more than 130 deaths.
Key Facts
An American doctor caught Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The Ebola outbreak has caused over 130 deaths so far.
The World Health Organization is organizing an emergency meeting to address the outbreak.
The outbreak is ongoing and spreading, causing concern among health officials.
The emergency meeting is scheduled to take place on Tuesday.
CBS News is reporting on the situation to keep the public informed.
Ebola is a serious infectious disease causing fever, bleeding, and often death.
The meeting aims to coordinate a response to stop the outbreak from worsening.
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An 18-year-old named Cole Turley has admitted to murdering 16-year-old Kayden Moy on Irvine beach in May 2025. Two other teenagers, Jay Stewart (18) and a 15-year-old boy, are on trial for the same murder charge and additional crimes related to trying to hide evidence.
Key Facts
Cole Turley, 18, pleaded guilty to murdering Kayden Moy, who was 16 years old.
Jay Stewart, 18, and a 15-year-old boy deny the murder charge and are on trial.
The accused are said to have chased Kayden Moy, causing him to fall, then stabbed him several times.
Stewart and the teenager are also charged with trying to cover up the crime by cleaning blood off a knife and their bodies.
They reportedly hid the knives in furniture and tried to burn stained clothes and a phone.
The suspects tried to avoid cameras by covering their faces and changing clothes at a house in East Kilbride.
They allegedly paid for things with cash to avoid using cards that could be traced.
Stewart faces extra charges for threatening behavior and carrying a knife during incidents linked to the murder case.
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Sebastian Stan stars in the film "Fjord," which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival. The movie, directed by Cristian Mungiu, is about a Romanian family that moves to rural Norway and faces isolation from locals.
Key Facts
Sebastian Stan plays a major role in "Fjord," marking his first acting role in Romanian.
"Fjord" was directed by Cristian Mungiu and shown in the Cannes Competition section.
The story focuses on a Romanian family adapting to life in a remote area of Norway.
Nicolas Winding Refn returned to Cannes with a horror thriller called "Her Private Hell."
Pedro Almodovar presented "Bitter Christmas," a drama about filmmaking, creativity, and aging.
Cannes Film Festival also featured stars like Kristen Stewart and Éric Cantona during its 2026 edition.
The festival highlights new films from famous actors and directors, emphasizing global cinema.
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Iran held large public wedding ceremonies in Tehran for couples who joined a government program pledging to defend the country in the ongoing war with the U.S. and Israel. The events were part of a campaign to boost national unity and show readiness for conflict, occurring amid threats of renewed military action from President Trump and a fragile ceasefire.
Key Facts
Hundreds of couples married in Tehran’s public squares, including over 100 at Imam Hossein square.
The weddings celebrated couples who joined the "self-sacrifice" program, pledging to defend Iran in the war.
The term "self-sacrificing" (Jan-fada) means being ready to take up arms and risk death for the country.
Ceremonies included military vehicles and were overseen by clergy, with images of Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei present.
The events were broadcast on Iranian state TV to raise morale during the war.
The program has attracted millions of supporters, including prominent Iranian officials.
The wedding ceremonies coincided with military tutorials on firearms for civilians in Tehran.
This activity is part of Iran’s wider effort to demonstrate popular support during the war triggered by U.S.-Israeli attacks.
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The Sandy Fire in Simi Valley, California, burned multiple homes and caused thousands of people to leave their houses for safety. Firefighters responded to control the fire and protect nearby communities.
Key Facts
The Sandy Fire occurred in Simi Valley, California.
Several houses were destroyed by the fire.
Thousands of residents had to evacuate to avoid danger.
Fire crews worked to stop the fire from spreading.
The evacuation was ordered to keep people safe while the fire was active.
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The United States has extended a 30-day waiver allowing some countries to buy Russian oil that was already on ships at sea, aiming to help vulnerable nations access energy amid disruptions caused by the US-Israel conflict with Iran. The extension, set to last until June 17, also seeks to stabilize global oil markets and limit China’s ability to stockpile discounted Russian oil.
Key Facts
The US announced a 30-day extension of a sanctions waiver for Russian oil on tankers already at sea, lasting until June 17.
The waiver helps vulnerable countries access oil and aims to stabilize the global crude oil market.
It also intends to reduce China’s ability to accumulate discounted Russian oil supplies.
The first 30-day waiver was issued in March after oil prices surged due to US and Israeli strikes on Iran.
Energy market instability continues due to the US-Iran conflict and closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil shipping route.
About 113 million barrels of Russian oil are currently loaded on ships at sea.
India and China remain major buyers of Russian crude despite US pressure.
Russian oil exports to India recently increased to over 2 million barrels per day, while exports to China remain strong.
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Two wildfires are spreading in southern California, one near Simi Valley and another on Santa Rosa Island. Firefighters are working to contain the fires, and thousands of homes have been evacuated due to the danger.
Key Facts
The Sandy Fire started on Monday morning near Simi Valley, north-west of Los Angeles.
The fire has burned about 1,364 acres and is not yet contained.
About 750 firefighters are fighting the Sandy Fire with the help of helicopters dropping water at night.
Over 10,000 homes have been evacuated, and 3,500 more are under evacuation warnings.
High winds helped spread the fire on Monday morning but later calmed down.
A fire on Santa Rosa Island has burned 14,600 acres since Friday and remains uncontained.
Around 70 firefighters and park rangers are working on the Santa Rosa Island fire.
Santa Rosa Island is mostly uninhabited but has important plant and animal life.
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