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World News
Comprehensive coverage of international news and global events
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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Israeli forces boarded a flotilla of more than 50 boats carrying aid to Gaza in international waters near Cyprus. The flotilla’s organizers said the boarding was illegal, while Israel said it was enforcing a lawful maritime blockade of Gaza.
Key Facts
The Global Sumud Flotilla is carrying aid to Gaza and was intercepted about 250 nautical miles from Gaza.
Video showed Israeli commandos climbing onto several boats to board the flotilla.
Israel’s foreign ministry called the flotilla a deliberate provocation involving two Turkish groups.
Last month, Israeli forces intercepted 22 boats from the same flotilla near Crete, detaining 175 activists.
Most detained activists were released in Greece, but two were sent to Israel for questioning and deported after 10 days.
The flotilla aims to bring aid despite Gaza’s difficult living conditions and restrictions under the Israeli blockade.
The UN has reported ongoing problems with humanitarian aid entering Gaza, including shortages and equipment restrictions.
The conflict stems from Hamas’s attack on Israel in October 2023, followed by an Israeli military campaign causing many casualties.
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France’s Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin is visiting Algeria to improve cooperation between the two countries. The focus is on tackling the DZ Mafia, a criminal group suspected of running drug trafficking and violent activities in France from Algeria.
Key Facts
Gérald Darmanin is the French Justice Minister.
He is visiting Algeria to strengthen judicial cooperation.
The goal is to handle crime linked to the DZ Mafia.
The DZ Mafia is a criminal organization involved in drug trafficking.
Leaders of this group are believed to operate from Algeria.
The cooperation aims to reduce drug-related crime and violence in France.
France and Algeria are working together to address cross-border crime.
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The Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) is taking urgent steps to stop a new Ebola outbreak that has already killed many people. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the outbreak a public health emergency, and cases have also been found in nearby Uganda among travelers from Congo.
Key Facts
DR Congo is facing a new outbreak of the Ebola virus.
Dozens of people have died from this outbreak so far.
The World Health Organization declared this outbreak a public health emergency of international concern.
Ebola cases have spread to Uganda through travelers from DR Congo.
Health workers are using measures like disinfecting to control the virus.
Emergency actions are being advised and taken to stop the spread.
Previous large Ebola outbreaks have occurred in eastern DR Congo, such as in Beni in 2018.
Efforts involve monitoring and treating infected people to prevent further deaths.
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Wars and genocides cause long-lasting harm to civilians. Even after fighting stops, many people and communities continue to suffer physically and emotionally for many years.
Key Facts
Wars and genocides cause deep physical and psychological harm to civilians.
These harms can last for decades after the conflict ends.
The effects impact both individuals and whole communities.
The article is part of a series called "All Hail the Military."
This series explores how global military systems and power affect people worldwide.
The focus is on the long-term impact of violence on civilians.
The series aims to reveal hidden connections that support ongoing militarism.
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A strong late-season winter storm will hit Wyoming and Colorado, bringing up to 20 inches of snow and winds up to 60 mph. The storm will cause dangerous driving conditions, low visibility, possible power outages, and may disrupt travel, school, and daily activities in mountain and high-elevation areas.
Key Facts
The National Weather Service issued winter storm warnings for parts of Wyoming and Northern Colorado.
Snowfall could reach 20 inches in some mountainous regions.
Wind gusts are expected to be as strong as 60 miles per hour.
Heavy, wet snow may damage trees and power lines, causing outages.
Travel on Interstate 80 and key mountain passes will be difficult or impossible.
Visibility may drop below a quarter of a mile due to blowing and drifting snow.
The storm will affect Monday morning and evening commutes, and may delay or close schools.
Areas most impacted include Rocky Mountain National Park, Medicine Bow Mountains, Snowy Range, Wind River Mountains, and Casper Mountain.
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Russia and Ukraine exchanged drone and missile attacks overnight, causing casualties on both sides. Russia attacked Ukrainian cities Odesa and Dnipro, while Ukraine launched a large drone strike on Moscow. A Russian drone also hit a Chinese cargo ship in the Black Sea ahead of a meeting between Russian and Chinese leaders.
Key Facts
Russia launched hundreds of drones and nearly two dozen missiles at Ukraine overnight.
More than 30 people were wounded in attacks on the Ukrainian cities of Odesa and Dnipro.
A Russian drone struck a Chinese cargo ship in the Black Sea.
The drone hit occurred one day before Russian President Vladimir Putin was to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing.
Ukraine carried out its biggest overnight drone attack on Moscow in over a year.
At least four people died and 12 were wounded in Russia due to Ukrainian drone strikes.
The conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues to involve drone and missile attacks on both sides.
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Russian forces attacked two ships near Ukraine’s Odesa region using drones and missiles, including a Chinese-owned cargo ship. The attacks wounded more than 30 people and also targeted the Ukrainian port city of Odesa and other areas.
Key Facts
Russia launched hundreds of drones and nearly two dozen missiles at Ukraine overnight.
Two civilian ships were hit near the Odesa region in the Black Sea; one ship is Chinese-owned and sails under the Marshall Islands flag.
The Chinese-owned cargo ship was not carrying cargo at the time, had minor damage, and no casualties occurred on board.
Over 30 people were wounded in the attacks across Ukraine, including strikes near the city of Dnipro.
Ukraine’s air force downed most of the 546 drones launched by Russia but only part of the missiles.
Russia has repeatedly targeted Ukraine’s maritime export routes and ports during the ongoing conflict.
The attacks come after both sides experienced some of their bloodiest strikes in months.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the Chinese-owned vessel was hit by a Russian drone.
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The US Treasury Secretary urged other countries to join the United States in putting sanctions on Iran. This request was made as finance ministers from the G7 countries met in Paris.
Key Facts
The US Treasury Secretary made a call for worldwide support in sanctioning Iran.
The announcement happened during a G7 finance ministers meeting.
The meeting took place over two days in Paris.
The G7 is a group of seven major advanced economies.
The meeting occurred amid ongoing global economic challenges.
Sanctions are penalties meant to restrict a country’s economic activities.
The US is leading the effort to impose these sanctions on Iran.
The call aims to get other countries to cooperate in this economic pressure.
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A cruise ship with a hantavirus outbreak has arrived in Rotterdam, Netherlands, for cleaning and quarantine. Several passengers died from the outbreak, and crew and passengers have been isolated to prevent further spread.
Key Facts
The cruise ship MV Hondius docked in Rotterdam for disinfection after a hantavirus outbreak.
The ship had 25 crew members and 2 medical staff onboard when it arrived.
Three passengers died during the outbreak, including a Dutch couple likely infected in South America.
At least 11 cases of hantavirus have been linked to the ship; 9 cases confirmed.
Passengers disembarked earlier in the Canary Islands and were sent home under quarantine.
Some passengers, including 18 Americans, are under medical observation in specialized facilities.
The World Health Organization says the outbreak is rare and not related to COVID-19.
The cruise ship will be cleaned according to Dutch health rules and inspected before sailing again.
French scientists confirmed the virus strain matches known South American types with no new dangerous features.
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Thousands of transport workers across Kenya went on strike to protest a sharp rise in fuel prices. The strike caused major disruptions in cities like Nairobi, with many commuters stranded and businesses closing. The fuel price increase follows supply problems linked to a conflict in the Middle East, even after a ceasefire was declared.
Key Facts
Public transport operators in Kenya stopped working nationwide to protest high fuel prices.
Fuel prices rose by more than 20%, reaching about $1.80 per litre for diesel and petrol.
Key roads in Nairobi were mostly empty, and some people had to walk to work.
The strike led to some businesses closing and schools asking students to stay home.
Police used tear gas to break up protests after some clashes with demonstrators.
The Transport Sector Alliance wants fuel prices rolled back by about 35% and blames the government for not protecting citizens.
Kenya depends heavily on imported fuel, and disruptions at a key shipping route called the Strait of Hormuz have kept prices high.
Government officials said the price rise was due to global issues and called the strike unnecessary.
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The US military’s Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted new air strikes against ISIL fighters in northeastern Nigeria, working with the Nigerian government. These strikes followed the killing of Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, a top ISIL leader in West Africa, in a joint US-Nigerian operation.
Key Facts
AFRICOM carried out air strikes against ISIL fighters in northeastern Nigeria on Sunday.
No US or Nigerian forces were harmed during these strikes.
The strikes aim to reduce ISIL’s ability to plan attacks against the US and its partners.
Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, the second-in-command of ISIL in West Africa, was killed in an earlier joint strike on his compound.
Al-Minuki was a former Boko Haram leader and led ISIL activities in the Sahel and West African regions.
US soldiers have recently been deployed to Nigeria to help fight armed groups by sharing intelligence and technical support.
Nigerian forces maintain full command, with US troops not taking direct combat roles.
The Nigerian government denies US President Trump’s claim of mass killings of Christians by armed groups in Nigeria.
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Europe is moving from a period of cold weather to a rapid rise in temperatures as warm air from North Africa spreads north. Meanwhile, parts of the US are experiencing extreme weather swings including snowstorms in the northwest and fire risks in the southwest.
Key Facts
Europe had a long cool period with temperatures 10-15°C below normal due to Arctic air moving south.
Frosts affected farmers and gardeners, with French grape growers using fires to protect vines.
Europe recorded about 750,000 lightning strikes from thunderstorms between May 11-16.
Warm air from North Africa is expected to raise temperatures in western Europe by up to 15°C this week.
In the US northwest, another winter storm will bring heavy snow and strong winds early this week.
Red-flag fire warnings are active in parts of the US southwest due to dry conditions and gusty winds.
Central US faces thunderstorms, with a 15% tornado risk on Monday affecting nearly 900,000 people.
Europe is warming faster than other continents, making such extended cold spells increasingly rare.
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Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank drove into a group of livestock that belonged to a Palestinian shepherd, injuring several animals. Video footage captured two sheep trapped under the vehicle before the settlers left the scene.
Key Facts
The incident happened in the occupied West Bank.
The livestock belonged to a Palestinian shepherd.
Israeli settlers drove their vehicle into the herd.
Several animals were injured by the vehicle.
Video shows two sheep trapped under the vehicle.
The settlers left after the incident without helping the animals.
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A small number of Americans are being taken out of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda after exposure to an Ebola outbreak. This follows a recent hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship, which left dozens of Americans monitored for possible infection.
Key Facts
The Ebola outbreak has caused 10 confirmed cases and 336 suspected cases in the DRC, with 88 deaths, plus two confirmed cases and one death in Uganda.
The CDC says the risk to the general American public is low but is helping those directly affected.
Ebola death rates range from 25% to 50%, while hantavirus has about a 50% fatality rate.
Ebola is more contagious and has had larger outbreaks, often in areas with challenges in controlling transmission.
Hantavirus spreads mainly through contact with infected rodents or their waste; human-to-human spread is rare.
Ebola spreads through direct contact with infected animals’ body fluids or through contact with infected people’s fluids or contaminated surfaces.
Symptoms of hantavirus appear after 1 to 8 weeks, including fever and muscle aches; Ebola symptoms appear sooner, within 2 to 21 days, and include fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and organ issues.
Recently, 41 Americans were monitored for hantavirus after exposure during an Antarctic cruise.
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Armed groups in Colombia have increasingly used drones packed with explosives in attacks since 2023. These drone strikes have targeted civilians, police, military bases, and infrastructure, causing many deaths and injuries and marking a new phase in Colombia’s long-running conflict.
Key Facts
The first known deadly drone attack in Colombia occurred in 2024, killing a 10-year-old boy in Cauca.
Drone attacks surged from 1 in 2023 to over 300 in 2025, according to Colombia’s ministry of defence.
Armed groups like dissident FARC and the ELN use modified commercial drones to carry explosives.
Targets include hospitals, schools, police stations, military forces, and homes across many regions.
The conflict has lasted over 60 years, with more than 450,000 deaths and millions displaced.
The use of drones represents a significant shift in the conflict, adding a new and more dangerous weapon.
Attacks have spread from traditional conflict zones to at least 41 municipalities by 2025.
Experts warn that drone strikes create an airborne threat not seen before in Colombia’s conflict.
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The author learned that their father, who recently had a stroke, kept a second family for decades without the author’s knowledge. This discovery has been difficult but also led to new family connections.
Key Facts
The author’s father had a mild stroke and was hospitalized.
The author met a half-brother for the first time in the hospital.
The half-brother’s daughter contacted the author, revealing the author was an uncle and great-uncle.
The father had two families at the same time without the author knowing.
The father’s first wife passed away in 2024 and they never divorced.
The author’s childhood was affected by the father being rarely present.
The author feels anger and tries to forgive the father, who now has memory problems from the stroke.
The author has gained new family support from the half-brother and his daughter.
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Israel built two secret military bases in Iraq’s western desert before the US-Israel conflict with Iran started, according to The New York Times. Iraqi officials have denied allowing any foreign forces, while Israel reportedly used one base for special forces and air operations, with the US aware of the activity but claiming no involvement.
Key Facts
Israel set up two covert military bases in Iraq’s western desert before the war with Iran.
Iraqi officials identified and denied permission for Israeli presence in the area.
One base operated as a hub for Israeli special forces and air missions, including search-and-rescue.
The US reportedly knew about but denied involvement in the Israeli bases.
Israeli forces reportedly attacked Iraqi units that approached one of the bases.
The bases are near Iraq’s border with Saudi Arabia and the Najaf desert near Karbala.
Iraq protested privately to the US over these activities, calling them violations of sovereignty.
Iran criticized Israel’s actions and plans to discuss the issue with Iraqi authorities.
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Israeli forces started stopping several boats in a flotilla trying to break the blockade of Gaza. The flotilla, carrying activists from many countries, left from Turkey last week and was intercepted near Cyprus after Israel warned them to turn back.
Key Facts
Over 50 boats began the flotilla from Marmaris, Turkey, aiming to reach Gaza.
Israeli troops wearing tactical gear boarded one of the boats, causing a livestream to end.
Most boats are currently near the coast of Cyprus.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry called the flotilla a provocation and said it carried no humanitarian aid.
On April 30, Israeli forces stopped more than 20 boats near Crete and detained about 175 activists.
Two activists were taken to Israel, questioned, detained, and later deported; their governments criticized Israel.
The flotilla includes almost 500 activists from 45 countries.
The incident raises legal questions about enforcing blockades in international waters.
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The health minister of Congo announced three new Ebola treatment centers in Ituri province to help with the ongoing outbreak. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared this Ebola outbreak a global health emergency due to many cases and deaths in Congo and neighboring Uganda.
Key Facts
Three new Ebola treatment centers will open in Ituri region, eastern Congo.
Over 300 suspected Ebola cases and 88 deaths have been reported in Congo, with 2 deaths in Uganda.
Ebola cases have also appeared in Congo’s capital, Kinshasa, and the city of Goma.
WHO sent 35 experts and 7 tons of medical supplies to Ituri to help manage the outbreak.
The Ebola virus variant causing this outbreak, called Bundibugyo virus, is rare and has no approved vaccines or treatments.
This is only the third time the Bundibugyo virus has appeared since it was first found in 2007-2008 in Uganda.
Officials expressed concern about the lack of medicines and vaccines but hope to find options soon.
WHO’s emergency declaration means the outbreak is serious, could spread internationally, and needs global cooperation.
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