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Cuba’s foreign minister said the US is falsely accusing Cuba to justify possible military action, following reports that Cuba has attack drones and may target US locations. Cuba faces a fuel crisis worsened by US sanctions and denies any intention of war but says it is preparing to defend itself.
Key Facts
Cuba’s foreign minister, Bruno Rodríguez, called US accusations a “fraudulent case” for military intervention.
A US news report said Cuba has about 300 drones and may use them to target US sites like Guantanamo Bay and Key West, Florida.
Cuba is undergoing a fuel shortage worsened by a US-led oil blockade and sanctions.
US President Donald Trump threatened Cuba with military action like that against Venezuela’s leader Nicolás Maduro.
The US intelligence report suggested Iranian military advisers are present in Cuba.
Cuba denies wanting war but is preparing to defend itself from outside attacks.
There have been public protests in Cuba due to blackouts, food and medicine shortages, and declining services.
The US has increased surveillance flights over Cuba and plans to build up military forces in the region.
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Russian drones struck two civilian ships near ports in Ukraine’s Odesa region, including a Chinese-owned cargo ship, one day before Russian President Putin’s visit to China. The Chinese vessel was damaged but continued its journey without injuries to the crew.
Key Facts
Russian drones hit two civilian ships near Ukrainian ports in the Odesa region.
One ship was Chinese-owned and flew the Marshall Islands flag.
The Chinese crew was unharmed, and the ship continued on its route.
The attacked Chinese ship was heading to load iron ore concentrate.
Russia has frequently targeted civilian ships in Odesa since invading Ukraine in 2022.
The attacks occurred just before President Putin’s two-day visit to Beijing to meet President Xi Jinping.
Ukraine reported that Russia launched over 500 drones and 22 missiles during overnight attacks.
China calls for peace talks in Ukraine but has not condemned Russia’s invasion.
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Israeli forces started stopping boats from the Global Sumud Flotilla near Cyprus. The flotilla, with over 50 boats, left Turkey last week aiming to bring aid to Gaza and challenge Israel’s blockade.
Key Facts
Israeli forces intercepted boats from the Global Sumud Flotilla near Cyprus.
Several vessels were boarded by Israeli soldiers.
The flotilla has more than 50 boats.
All boats left from Turkey last week.
The flotilla’s goal is to break Israel’s blockade on Gaza.
The blockade restricts goods and aid entering the Gaza Strip.
Organizers of the flotilla are trying to deliver aid to Gaza.
The event is part of ongoing tensions around access to Gaza.
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Armed men on a Libyan coastguard boat fired shots at a German rescue ship carrying migrants in international waters off Libya. The rescue crew and migrants feared for their lives as the Libyan coastguard tried to force the rescue ship to return to Libya.
Key Facts
Shots were fired on May 11 at 11 a.m. by Libyan coastguard gunmen near Libya’s coast.
The German-flagged rescue ship Sea-Watch 5 had about 30 crew members from several countries and 90 rescued migrants on board.
The attackers fired 10 to 15 shots without warning and tried to seize the rescue ship to take it back to Libya.
The only Arabic speaker on board, lawyer Yasmin Ibrahim Elzanaty, tried to negotiate with the attackers, but they threatened to board the ship.
This attack is part of ongoing violence by Libyan coastguards against NGO rescue ships in the Mediterranean.
Several Libyan coastguard boats used in such incidents were donated by Italy through a European Union program.
The EU said it will continue supporting Libya despite the attack, saying their cooperation has prevented further violence.
Italian authorities opened an investigation into the Sea-Watch 5 captain for allegedly aiding illegal migration, which the NGO called an attempt to block rescue efforts.
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Russia launched drone and missile attacks on eight regions of Ukraine at night, injuring more than two dozen civilians, including three children. The city of Dnipro was the most affected, with over 500 drones targeting the central area.
Key Facts
Russia carried out attacks using drones and missiles on eight regions in Ukraine.
More than 24 civilians were wounded by these strikes.
Three children were among the injured.
The city of Dnipro experienced the heaviest attack.
Over 500 drones were launched during the assault.
The attacks happened during nighttime hours.
Local authorities reported on the civilian injuries.
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The United States and Iran have held one round of talks to stop the conflict that began on February 28. A fragile ceasefire has been in place since April 8, but tensions are rising after a possible Iranian attack near a power plant in the United Arab Emirates, causing concern for the stalled talks and global markets.
Key Facts
Conflict between the US and Iran began on February 28, 2026.
The two countries have held only one round of peace talks so far.
A fragile ceasefire started on April 8, 2026.
There was a likely Iranian attack near a UAE nuclear power plant.
The ceasefire and talks have been weakened by this attack.
The stalled peace talks and rising tensions are causing worries in world markets.
The United States and Iran continue to exchange proposals to end the conflict.
The situation affects US allies in the Middle East, such as the UAE.
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A Dutch cruise ship named MV Hondius, affected by a hantavirus outbreak, has arrived in Rotterdam with only crew members on board. Three people who traveled on the ship died, two confirmed with the virus, while health officials continue testing and isolating the crew.
Key Facts
The MV Hondius cruise ship docked in Rotterdam after passengers left in the Canary Islands.
Only crew members remained on board for the final part of the journey.
Three deaths are linked to the ship, including a Dutch couple and a German woman; two had confirmed hantavirus.
The World Health Organization reported 10 hantavirus cases related to this outbreak (8 confirmed, 2 suspected).
Hantavirus is a virus mostly carried by rodents and rarely spreads from person to person, except with some strains like the Andes virus.
The ship will be cleaned thoroughly before it leaves Rotterdam again.
Authorities have provided mobile homes for the crew to stay in isolation.
Health officials collected and are testing samples from the crew to check for hantavirus infection.
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President Donald Trump is considering military actions against Iran because negotiations over Iran's nuclear program have stalled. There are several possible outcomes, including renewed U.S. strikes to force Iran to compromise, Iran agreeing to some deal due to economic pressure, or a continued cycle of conflict with no clear resolution.
Key Facts
President Trump warned Iran that the U.S. will strike harder if Iran does not improve its offer in nuclear talks.
The U.S. is discussing military options with the national security team.
Iran demands war reparations, relief from sanctions, control over seized assets, and control of the Strait of Hormuz.
One scenario is the U.S. bombing Iran again to push for a limited deal on inspections and shipping.
Another scenario is Iran agreeing to a partial compromise to ease economic pain.
An ongoing conflict scenario could involve repeated U.S. strikes and Iranian retaliation without a final resolution.
Gulf shipping and energy prices have been disrupted by the conflict, affecting global markets.
Mediation efforts involve countries like Pakistan and Qatar trying to reduce tensions.
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Iran has sent new terms for a possible peace deal to the U.S. through Pakistan, focusing on ending the war without discussing nuclear issues yet. President Trump warned Iran to act quickly on the deal, while oil prices rose and global stock markets fell due to fears that the conflict might worsen.
Key Facts
Iran conveyed revised peace deal terms to the U.S. via Pakistani mediators.
Iran says talks are ongoing and have not included nuclear matters yet.
President Trump warned Tehran that time is running out to accept a peace deal.
Oil prices increased, with Brent crude above $110 per barrel.
Stock markets in Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, and Europe mostly declined.
A drone strike on a UAE nuclear power plant raised concerns about conflict escalation.
Some experts say risks of the war getting worse are growing despite hopes for diplomacy.
Trump recently spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu regarding the situation.
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Harry Styles responded briefly to a fan shouting "Viva Palestina" during his concert in Amsterdam by saying "Correct." This marked a rare public comment by the singer on the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine.
Key Facts
The incident happened at the opening night of Harry Styles’ world tour in Amsterdam on May 16.
A fan shouted "Viva, Viva Palestina" during the concert, and Styles replied "Correct" after adjusting his earpiece.
The clip showing this exchange went viral with over 1.6 million views on social media.
Styles has not made a formal statement about the Israel-Palestine conflict.
His tour is partnered with the charity Choose Love, which supports displaced communities, including some in Palestinian areas.
The Israel-Palestine conflict is causing public and political pressure on artists and cultural events to express their views.
Some countries are boycotting the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest due to Israel’s participation amid the conflict.
Other artists like Halsey, Roger Waters, Dua Lipa, and Billie Eilish have publicly addressed or taken action related to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
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A 38-year-old man was killed by a great white shark while spearfishing near Rottnest Island, Australia. The attack is the second fatal shark incident in the country this year and happened near a coral reef off the southwest coast.
Key Facts
The man was spearfishing with friends when the shark bit him on the legs near a dive boat.
The victim was taken about 1,100 yards to Rottnest Island, where paramedics could not save him.
A 16-foot great white shark had been seen near the attack site before the incident.
The victim was identified by family as Steven Mattaboni, a father of two young daughters.
Western Australia Premier Roger Cook called the event deeply distressing and thanked emergency responders.
This was Australia's first shark fatality since January, when a 12-year-old boy died from a bull shark bite in Sydney Harbor.
Australia averages over three fatal shark attacks each year and has recorded about 1,300 shark incidents since 1791.
Scientists think crowded coastal waters and rising ocean temperatures may be changing shark behavior and increasing attacks.
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According to Amnesty International’s 2025 report, the number of death sentences and executions increased worldwide, reaching a record high. China leads in executions, and Iran saw its number of executions nearly double compared to 2024.
Key Facts
The global number of death sentences and executions rose in 2025.
China carried out the highest number of executions.
Iran’s executions almost doubled from the previous year.
Amnesty International is the organization that published these figures.
The report highlights concerns about the rise in the use of the death penalty.
The increase happened despite ongoing debates over capital punishment worldwide.
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Matt Brittin has started as the new director general of the BBC and said the organisation faces major financial challenges requiring £500 million in cuts. He stressed the need for the BBC to change quickly to meet audience needs while maintaining quality journalism and creative content.
Key Facts
Matt Brittin is the new BBC director general, arriving after Tim Davie's resignation.
The BBC needs to save £500 million and may cut up to 2,000 jobs.
Brittin described the BBC as a trusted news source and important cultural institution.
He plans to modernise the BBC by focusing on digital platforms and audience engagement.
The National Union of Journalists is currently striking over programme shift changes.
Brittin’s previous role was at Google, overseeing Europe, Middle East, and Africa.
He must manage ongoing government talks over the BBC’s royal charter, which expires in 2027.
The BBC is dealing with legal action from President Donald Trump about a Panorama documentary.
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Dennis Locorriere, the guitarist and lead singer of the band Dr Hook, has died at age 76 after a long kidney disease battle. He was a key member of the band from 1969 to 1985 and sang many of their popular songs.
Key Facts
Dennis Locorriere died at age 76 after fighting kidney disease.
He was the guitarist and co-lead singer of Dr Hook from 1969 to 1985.
The band had hits like "When You’re In Love With a Beautiful Woman" and "Sylvia’s Mother."
Locorriere’s voice was known for being boyish and soulful, paired with bandmate Ray Sawyer’s rougher country style.
Dr Hook’s music often featured multi-voiced harmonies and a mix of soft rock and disco sounds.
Ray Sawyer left the band in 1983, and Locorriere became the main frontman until the band ended in 1985.
After the band split, Locorriere toured alone and released three solo albums.
He co-wrote some songs covered by famous artists like Bob Dylan and Olivia Newton-John.
Locorriere was born in New Jersey and later lived with his third wife in Sussex, UK.
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The head of Canal Plus, France's largest film producer, announced a plan to blacklist 600 film industry workers who signed a petition against Vincent Bolloré, a billionaire with right-wing political views. This announcement was made during the Cannes Film Festival, where many film professionals were gathered.
Key Facts
Canal Plus is the biggest film producer in France.
The head of Canal Plus threatened to blacklist 600 industry professionals.
These professionals signed a petition opposing Vincent Bolloré.
Vincent Bolloré is a billionaire known for his right-wing political views.
The announcement happened at the Cannes Film Festival in southern France.
Cannes is a major international event for the global film industry.
The blacklist would affect people working within the French and European film industries.
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Peru’s presidential election will go to a second round between Keiko Fujimori, daughter of a former president, and Roberto Sanchez, a left-wing candidate. The national election board confirmed Sanchez’s place after a month-long vote count, but his candidacy faces accusations of financial crime and challenges from a third-place candidate.
Key Facts
Keiko Fujimori is running for president in Peru for the fourth time.
Roberto Sanchez is the left-wing candidate who qualified for the second round.
The vote count took about a month to confirm the candidates.
Sanchez received over 2 million votes.
Sanchez is accused of financial crimes by the public prosecutor’s office.
Rafael Lopez Aliaga, who finished third, will not accept the election results.
Keiko Fujimori is the daughter of former Peruvian president Alberto Fujimori.
The election is closely watched and has generated controversy over legitimacy.
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At least six Americans have been exposed to the Ebola virus during an outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), where the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared an international emergency. The outbreak has caused 336 suspected cases and 88 deaths, and efforts are underway to safely relocate the affected Americans.
Key Facts
At least six Americans were exposed to Ebola during the DR Congo outbreak.
The outbreak has 336 suspected cases and 88 deaths reported.
One American may be showing symptoms, and three others had high-risk exposure.
The Ebola strain involved is Bundibugyo, which has no approved drugs or vaccines.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is assisting in safely withdrawing affected Americans.
WHO declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern but not a pandemic.
Neighboring countries are increasing border screenings and preparedness to stop the spread.
Ebola spreads through contact with infected bodily fluids and causes severe illness with a high death rate.
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Two US Navy fighter jets crashed into each other during a performance at an air show in Idaho. All four crew members safely ejected and used parachutes to land without injury. Authorities are investigating how the accident happened.
Key Facts
The incident involved two US Navy EA-18 Growler jets.
The collision occurred during the Gunfighter Skies Air Show in Idaho.
Each jet had two crew members on board, all of whom survived.
The crew members ejected and parachuted to safety.
An official investigation has started to find out the cause of the collision.
The accident took place on Sunday.
The jets were performing a midair display at the time of the crash.
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A drone strike caused a fire near a nuclear power plant in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. No one was injured, and there was no release of radioactive material. The origin of the attack is unknown, but Iran is suspected, and President Donald Trump plans to meet with security advisers to consider military responses.
Key Facts
A drone strike hit near a nuclear power plant in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
The strike caused a fire but no injuries or radiation leaks.
The source of the attack is not confirmed, with Iran as a main suspect.
President Donald Trump will meet national security advisers on May 18, 2026.
The meeting will discuss possible military options in response to the attack.
The incident has raised concerns about nuclear safety and regional tensions.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported normal radiation levels after the strike.
The UAE has not publicly blamed any country yet.
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A cruise ship called MV Hondius, which had a hantavirus outbreak, docked in the Netherlands for cleaning and quarantine. All passengers left the ship earlier, and the crew members will stay in quarantine while the ship undergoes disinfection.
Key Facts
The MV Hondius docked at Rotterdam, Netherlands, carrying 25 crew and 2 medical staff after passengers disembarked elsewhere.
No one currently on board is showing hantavirus symptoms.
Three passengers died from the virus, including a Dutch couple likely infected in South America.
At least 11 people on the ship were infected, with 9 confirmed cases.
Passengers from the ship were evacuated to over 20 countries for quarantine.
The World Health Organization (WHO) assesses the outbreak risk as low and expects reduced transmission after containment.
Crew who cannot return home will quarantine in special containers set up near the dock.
The cruise ship will be cleaned following Dutch health rules before it can sail again.
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