Neutral summaries of your favorite news sources — just the facts.
Your favorite news sources, one neutral feed — we distill their reporting into fact-first
summaries and always link to the original story. How it works
World News
Comprehensive coverage of international news and global events
Eastern Congo is facing a fast-growing outbreak of Ebola, with over 500 suspected cases and at least 131 deaths reported. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the outbreak a global health emergency due to concerns about its rapid spread and impact, especially in urban areas.
Key Facts
The Ebola outbreak in Congo has caused over 500 suspected cases and at least 131 deaths.
The virus spread unnoticed for several weeks before the first death was confirmed on April 24, 2026.
The outbreak involves a rare Ebola variant called the Bundibugyo virus, with no approved vaccines or treatments.
Cases have appeared in multiple cities, including Bunia, Goma, Mongbwalu, Butembo, and Nyakunde.
One case and one death were reported in Uganda linked to people who traveled from Congo.
An American doctor treating patients in Bunia has been infected.
Initial tests for the more common Ebola type were negative, delaying the response.
The WHO plans to meet its emergency committee to discuss the outbreak further.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A building collapsed in the eastern German city of Görlitz, likely caused by a gas explosion. Rescue teams searched for three people missing after the collapse and worked carefully due to possible gas leaks.
Key Facts
The building collapse happened Monday night in Görlitz, near the Polish border.
Police suspect a gas explosion caused the collapse.
Three people were reported missing under the rubble.
Rescuers used search dogs and cleared debris by hand and with an excavator.
Initial reports of up to five people missing were incorrect.
The missing individuals were visiting the rented building for a vacation.
The collapsed building had rental and vacation apartments.
Görlitz is a city with about 57,000 people and a historic old town popular for filming movies.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A cruise ship infected with hantavirus has arrived in the port of Rotterdam, Netherlands. Authorities plan to disinfect the ship and place the crew in quarantine before the ship continues its journey to Iceland for another cruise starting May 29.
Key Facts
The cruise ship affected by a hantavirus outbreak docked in Rotterdam on May 18, 2026.
There were 27 people on board, including Dutch citizens.
The ship will be disinfected after docking in Rotterdam.
Crew members will enter quarantine to prevent the spread of the virus.
The ship will depart for Iceland to begin a new cruise on May 29.
Dutch authorities expect that more cruise ships might experience similar virus outbreaks.
Hantavirus is the cause of the outbreak on this vessel.
The situation is being closely monitored by public health officials in the Netherlands.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The son of Isak Andic, founder of the fashion chain Mango, was arrested in Catalonia, Spain, in connection with his father's death nearly 18 months ago. Isak Andic died after falling down a ravine while hiking, and the case, initially treated as an accident, is now being investigated as a possible homicide.
Key Facts
Isak Andic, founder of Mango, died in December 2024 after falling about 100 meters in a mountain ravine near Barcelona.
He was hiking in Montserrat with his son, Jonathan Andic, at the time of the fall.
Police initially considered the death an accident but later reopened the case as a possible homicide.
Jonathan Andic was arrested and is being questioned by the Catalan police.
A judge changed Jonathan’s status from witness to possible suspect in September 2025.
Investigators found clues suggesting the fall may not have been accidental but did not find direct evidence explaining what happened.
The Andic family has declined to comment but said they respect the investigation and support the authorities.
Isak Andic started Mango in 1984, growing it into a well-known fashion brand with many stores in Europe.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump said he paused a planned military strike on Iran after Gulf countries asked him to hold off. He also described ongoing peace talks with Iran as “very positive.”
Key Facts
President Trump had planned a military strike on Iran but decided to pause it.
This decision came after countries in the Gulf region requested the US to delay the strike.
Trump called the current peace talks with Iran “very positive.”
The situation involves tensions between the US and Iran in the Middle East.
Other nearby events include Iran setting up a new body to manage the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway.
Attacks in the region have increased recently, including strikes in Gaza and a drone hit on a UAE nuclear plant.
The US strategy of pressuring Iran has not yet resolved the conflict or talks.
There are concerns about the economic impact of the Middle East conflict discussed by the G7 finance ministers.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Eric Cantona, a former football player, is featured in two films at the Cannes Film Festival this year. One is a new movie called "Marvellous Mornings," and the other is a British documentary about his years at Manchester United.
Key Facts
Eric Cantona is a former professional football star.
He appears in "Marvellous Mornings," directed by Avril Besson.
He is also in a British documentary called "Cantona."
The documentary covers five years of his time at Manchester United, a major football club.
Both films are being shown at the Cannes Film Festival in 2026.
Cannes Film Festival is an important international event for movies.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Russia began three days of nuclear weapons drills involving thousands of troops and many types of military equipment. These drills come amid rising tensions with Ukraine and after the end of a nuclear arms treaty with the United States.
Key Facts
The drills run from May 19 to 21, 2026 and include over 65,000 soldiers.
More than 7,800 weapons and equipment items are involved, including around 200 missile launchers.
Aircraft, ships, submarines, and nuclear submarines are participating in the exercises.
Russia plans to test-launch ballistic and cruise missiles during the drills.
The New START nuclear arms treaty between Russia and the U.S. ended in February 2026.
Russia says it will use nuclear weapons drills to prepare for any threat of aggression.
Russia recently deployed nuclear-capable missiles to Belarus, an ally bordering NATO countries.
Ukraine’s president ordered troops to strengthen defenses at the northern border amid concerns about a potential new attack from Belarus.
The drills started just before President Vladimir Putin’s visit to China.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Cuba’s president said the country has the right to protect itself if the United States attacks. This statement came after President Donald Trump hinted at possibly taking control of Cuba and placed new sanctions on the Cuban government.
Key Facts
Cuba’s president warned of retaliation if the U.S. attacks Cuba.
Cuba claims it has a legitimate right to defend itself against military attacks.
Tensions between Cuba and the U.S. have increased recently.
President Donald Trump suggested the U.S. might take over Cuba.
The U.S. has imposed additional sanctions on Cuba's government.
Cuba is a communist country in the Caribbean.
The announcement followed concerns about possible military or economic actions by the U.S.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
An Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has caused at least 131 deaths. One American infected in the DRC has been moved to Germany for special medical care, and travel warnings have been issued for nearby countries.
Key Facts
At least 131 people have died from Ebola in the DRC.
The Ebola strain involved is called Bundibugyo.
One US citizen infected with Ebola was evacuated to Germany for treatment.
Travel warnings and entry restrictions apply to people from affected regions.
The affected regions include the DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan.
Health officials report the outbreak may be larger than currently known.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Former Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero is being investigated for alleged corruption related to a government bailout of the airline Plus Ultra during the COVID-19 pandemic. Authorities searched his office and other locations, and he is due to testify in court about possible influence on the bailout approval process.
Key Facts
Zapatero is under investigation for influence peddling linked to the Plus Ultra airline bailout.
Plus Ultra received 53 million euros ($62 million) in state aid in 2021 during the pandemic.
The investigation involves a businessman named Julio Martinez Martinez ("Julito") and his company Analisis Relevante.
Zapatero is accused of pushing the Ministry of Transport to approve the bailout.
Allegations claim Zapatero received 10 million euros ($12 million) in illegal commissions.
The airline has ownership ties to Venezuelan businessmen linked to the government of Nicolas Maduro.
The case has caused political tension in Spain, with the opposition criticizing Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, a member of Zapatero’s party.
Zapatero served as Prime Minister from 2004 to 2011 and denies any wrongdoing in this case.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has caused about 131 deaths out of 513 suspected cases, spreading into Uganda as well. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared it an international health emergency and is holding an emergency meeting to decide the next steps, as there is no approved vaccine for the virus strain causing this outbreak.
Key Facts
The Ebola outbreak in the DRC has an estimated 131 deaths and 513 suspected cases.
The WHO declared this Ebola outbreak a global health emergency.
The virus is spreading to neighboring Uganda and other provinces in the DRC.
The outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, which has no approved vaccine and can kill up to half of those infected.
A WHO emergency committee of experts will meet to discuss possible vaccine solutions and response strategies.
The vaccine Ervebo, used for another Ebola strain, may offer some protection but is not officially approved for Bundibugyo.
WHO is sending medical supplies and protective gear to help fight the outbreak.
Germany will treat a U.S. citizen who caught Ebola in the DRC, with U.S. health authorities involved.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Two bodies of missing Italian divers were recovered from an underwater cave in the Maldives by Finnish specialist divers after a scuba diving accident. The recovery operation is ongoing, with two bodies still inside the cave, and officials hope to find them soon.
Key Facts
Two Italian bodies were retrieved from the third chamber of an underwater cave known as "shark cave" in the Maldives.
The cave is very deep, reaching up to 60 meters (197 feet), and the entrance lies at 47 meters depth.
Five people died in the scuba diving accident; two bodies remain inside the cave.
The first Italian diver’s body was recovered shortly after the accident near Vaavu Atoll; he was named as Gianluca Benedetti.
A Maldivian rescue diver died during the search for the bodies.
Finnish specialist divers found the four missing divers on Monday in the furthest chamber of the cave.
Weather was rough during the dive, with a yellow warning issued for boats and fishermen.
The diving team had a permit to dive to 50 meters but did not mention the cave in their proposal, and the University of Genoa said it did not approve deep-sea dives as part of the mission.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Talks between the United States and Iran have stopped with no agreement reached, as both sides refuse to give in on key issues. President Donald Trump cancelled planned strikes on Iran after advice from Gulf countries, but tensions remain high in the region.
Key Facts
US-Iran negotiations are currently stalled with no progress.
Neither the US nor Iran is willing to compromise on their demands.
President Donald Trump decided not to carry out military strikes on Iran.
The decision to cancel strikes came after advice from Gulf countries.
Iran has created a new group to manage the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway.
There have been increased attacks in the Middle East amid the diplomatic standstill.
Regional tensions affect broader issues, such as security and global energy supplies.
The situation has drawn attention from international groups and other countries nearby.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor has secretly applied for an arrest warrant for Israel’s Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, accusing him of war crimes and crimes against humanity, including apartheid against Palestinians. This could be the first ICC arrest warrant for apartheid and follows UN criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza and the West Bank.
Key Facts
The ICC prosecutor filed a secret arrest warrant request for Bezalel Smotrich last month.
Smotrich faces charges of war crimes, forced displacement, persecution, and apartheid.
If approved, this would be the ICC’s first arrest warrant for apartheid.
There may be upcoming arrest warrant requests for Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.
Smotrich would be the third Israeli politician targeted by the ICC after Prime Minister Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant.
The UN report accused Israel of unlawful killings of over 70,000 people in Gaza since October 2023.
The UN warned that Israel’s repeated acts might amount to ethnic cleansing of Palestinians.
The ICC actions relate to Israel’s treatment of Palestinians in the occupied West Bank and Gaza.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
New audio recordings reveal that Israel helped free former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez, who is now expected to support US and Israeli military and economic plans in Latin America. The report highlights ongoing US and Israeli actions in various regions, including Latin America and the Middle East, amid wider conflicts and controversies.
Key Facts
Audio leaks suggest Israel funded the release of Juan Orlando Hernandez from prison in the US.
Hernandez was serving a 45-year sentence for drug trafficking and other crimes.
Hernandez is expected to assist US-Israeli military and economic interests in Latin America.
US President Donald Trump pardoned Hernandez in December before overseeing a disputed operation against Venezuela's President Maduro.
Israel praised the US operation against Maduro, despite its illegality under international law.
The US and Israel have ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, including a recent war on Iran and support for Israel’s military actions in Gaza.
Nearly 73,000 Palestinians have died in Gaza while Israel continues attacks despite an official ceasefire.
US televangelist Paula White-Cain encouraged donations to support Israel amid the conflict.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Russian President Vladimir Putin visited China to seek more support from China, Russia’s largest trading partner, amid its difficulties in the Ukraine war. Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping plan to discuss expanded cooperation in trade, energy, and diplomacy, including a major new gas pipeline project.
Key Facts
Putin visited China shortly after President Trump’s visit, highlighting Beijing’s key role in global diplomacy.
Putin and Xi Jinping have called each other “dear friends” and have strengthened ties during the Ukraine conflict.
They will discuss the Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline, which will carry up to 50 billion cubic meters of gas annually from Russia’s Arctic region to China through Mongolia.
This pipeline helps Russia shift energy exports from Europe, which is reducing its dependence on Russian fuel due to the Ukraine war.
China is now the largest buyer of Russian oil, often paying in Chinese yuan despite Western sanctions on Russia.
Negotiations over the price of gas for the new pipeline are ongoing, with China cautious about costs amid regional instability.
China has increased its economic and diplomatic support for Russia since the start of the Ukraine conflict, boosting trade to record levels.
The visit signals China’s message to the U.S. about its strategic partnerships with Russia, Iran, and North Korea.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Khartoum, the capital of Sudan, shows signs of recovery after years of conflict, with some shops and roads reopening. However, many people are cautious about returning to their homes due to damaged infrastructure, limited services, and ongoing economic difficulties.
Key Facts
Many neighborhoods in Khartoum remain damaged and largely deserted, especially wealthier eastern districts.
Central areas like the Arab Market and city center are still mostly ruined and quiet.
Some streets, such as Freedom Street and Sixty Street, have reopened shops and businesses, with traffic slowly returning.
Families return carefully based on factors like income, education, healthcare, and security.
Some residents have established lives abroad and are hesitant to come back due to economic instability.
Northern Omdurman’s Karari area has experienced growth as commercial activity and institutions relocated there.
Psychological impacts from war, including trauma and fear, affect many residents’ decisions about returning.
There is an increasing market for homes, especially in eastern districts, as some residents sold properties during the conflict.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
An Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) has killed at least 131 people and may be spreading faster than first thought, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The virus has also reached neighboring Uganda, and experts believe the number of cases could be higher than reported due to challenges in tracking the disease.
Key Facts
The Ebola outbreak began in DR Congo and has caused at least 131 deaths.
More than 513 suspected cases have been reported in DR Congo, with one death in Uganda.
WHO warns the outbreak is spreading to other regions and crossing borders.
The strain involved is the rare Bundibugyo strain, with no approved vaccine currently available.
Insecurity and population movement in affected areas make it hard to control the outbreak.
Neighboring countries like Rwanda have closed borders and increased health screenings.
An American doctor infected with Ebola is being evacuated for treatment in Germany.
The CDC is working to evacuate other Americans exposed to the virus.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
ALS, also called Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a rare nerve disease that causes muscle control loss and paralysis over time. Although several celebrities recently shared their ALS diagnoses, experts say there is no evidence that working in entertainment increases the risk of the disease.
Key Facts
ALS attacks nerve cells that control voluntary muscle movement.
About 1.9 people per 100,000 develop ALS each year worldwide, making it rare.
Around 35,000 people in the U.S. are living with ALS.
About 10% of ALS cases are inherited due to gene mutations.
ALS symptoms and severity vary, even among people with the same genetic mutations.
No proven link exists between ALS risk and jobs in acting or performing arts.
Celebrity ALS diagnoses increase public awareness but can create an illusion of a trend.
Researchers study genetic, cellular, and environmental factors to understand ALS causes.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A former Libyan prison chief, Khaled Mohamed Ali El Hishri, faced the International Criminal Court (ICC) for serious crimes such as torture, rape, and murder at Mitiga prison near Tripoli. Judges will decide within 60 days if there is enough evidence to start a full trial against him.
Key Facts
Khaled Mohamed Ali El Hishri was in charge of Mitiga prison in Libya from 2015 to early 2020.
He is accused of 17 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity, including torture, rape, and murder.
Witnesses called him the "Angel of Death" and said he used extreme violence like shooting prisoners in the legs and beating them with shovels.
Prison conditions were very bad, with overcrowding, disease, and starvation common.
El Hishri allegedly used disease as a weapon by putting detainees in sick cells intentionally.
The ICC hearing is a "confirmation of charges," not a full trial, and judges have 60 days to decide what happens next.
El Hishri is the first person to appear in this ICC Libya case, part of a UN-backed investigation started in 2011 after Libya’s civil war.
The ICC also seeks other suspects related to crimes in Libya, including a judicial police head and one of former leader Gaddafi’s sons.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
