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A BBC investigation found that people smugglers are using UK-registered businesses to receive payments for illegal boat crossings of the English Channel. Migrants and their families can pay cash or electronic transfers via these businesses, which include shops and car washes, to arrange the risky crossings from France to the UK.
Key Facts
People smugglers direct migrants to pay nearly £3,000 for Channel crossings through UK companies’ bank accounts.
A south-east London phone shop was secretly filmed offering to handle cash payments for smugglers.
Smugglers provide details of UK businesses and European companies to receive payments for crossings.
A smuggler named Ahmad, operating from northern France, listed three UK businesses for payment, including a Woolwich phone shop.
Migrants live in camps near the Channel, such as one in Dunkirk called "the jungle," where smugglers approach them.
Smugglers told undercover researchers that payments would be transferred to them only after a successful crossing.
Some UK businesses mentioned include a wholesale company in Newcastle and a car wash in Cambridgeshire.
Experts say the use of UK businesses for such payments is unusual and reflects smugglers' confidence operating openly.
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RAF Lakenheath and nearby bases in Suffolk, England, host the largest US Air Force presence in Europe. The local community experiences disruptions like phone and internet signal loss and loud noises when US military planes fly, but they also benefit economically from the bases.
Key Facts
RAF Lakenheath is the largest US Air Force base in Europe.
Nearby bases include RAF Mildenhall and RAF Feltwell.
About 7,000 US active duty personnel and 11,000 family members live on or near the bases.
The village of Lakenheath has around 10,000 people, nearly half are US citizens.
Locals notice phone and internet signals drop during military activities.
Loud noises from military jets cause disruption but are accepted by residents.
Car insurance is higher locally due to accidents involving American drivers.
The bases store nuclear weapons and were originally selected in World War II for strategic reasons.
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The UK’s next ambassador to Japan, Corin Robertson, may be asked to give evidence about the decision to grant Peter Mandelson security clearance despite warnings from vetting officials. This is part of a parliamentary inquiry into how Mandelson was appointed ambassador to the US.
Key Facts
Corin Robertson was the Foreign Office’s chief operating officer when Mandelson’s security clearance was approved in January 2025.
Three senior officials decided on Mandelson’s clearance; Robertson is the only one not yet questioned by MPs.
The inquiry is close to finishing but will wait for more documents before concluding.
Olly Robbins, the Foreign Office’s top civil servant, approved Mandelson’s clearance against vetting advice and was recently fired by Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Robbins and another official, Ian Collard, did not read Mandelson’s vetting report but relied on verbal briefings.
UK Security Vetting warned that Mandelson posed “high” security risks and his clearance should be denied.
Starmer had already chosen Mandelson as ambassador before the vetting concerns were officially received.
Robertson may be questioned on whether she fully reviewed Mandelson’s vetting documents or was briefed verbally, and on her role in the decision.
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Uganda has put in place emergency actions to deal with a recent outbreak of the Ebola virus. These measures aim to control the spread of the disease and protect the population.
Key Facts
Uganda is currently facing an outbreak of the Ebola virus.
The government has introduced emergency measures to address the outbreak.
The capital city, Kampala, is a key location for reporting on the situation.
Ebola is a serious viral illness that can spread rapidly.
The emergency measures seek to limit infections and manage health risks.
Local and international health agencies are likely involved in the response.
Effective response is critical to prevent the outbreak from worsening.
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A new study suggests that birdwatching may help keep the brain healthy as people get older. The activity might protect against dementia and memory loss related to aging.
Key Facts
Birdwatching is also called birding.
Birding involves observing birds in nature.
The study found a connection between birding and better brain health.
Birding may help prevent or slow down dementia.
Dementia is a condition that affects memory and thinking skills.
Age-related cognitive decline means the brain works less well as people get older.
The research suggests birding is a helpful hobby for the elderly.
The findings were reported by CBS News.
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The UK government stopped its refugee family reunion program in September, which has led to many children being separated from their families. The British Red Cross estimates that hundreds of children each month, including many unaccompanied minors, remain apart from their families because of this suspension.
Key Facts
The UK suspended the refugee family reunion scheme in September last year.
Between 550 and 1,360 children may be separated from their families every month while the suspension lasts.
Among these children, 180 to 430 each month could be unaccompanied minors (children without adults).
A legal challenge to this suspension was heard recently by the UK high court.
The government argues that the suspension helps reduce pressure on local authorities’ resources.
Critics say the suspension was rushed and has left many families trapped in dangerous situations in countries like Afghanistan, Sudan, Yemen, and Eritrea.
The British Red Cross has helped over 1,100 families affected by the suspension.
The Home Office says family reunion will no longer be automatic and will require meeting stricter rules, but other ways to reunite families will still exist.
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Chinese leader Xi Jinping is preparing to welcome Russian President Vladimir Putin to Beijing this week, just days after U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit to China. The visits highlight China’s growing role in global diplomacy and the strengthening ties between China and Russia, especially on trade and energy.
Key Facts
Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin exchanged congratulatory letters before Putin’s visit to Beijing.
Putin’s visit is set for Tuesday and Wednesday, four days after President Trump left China.
2024 marks the 30th anniversary of the China-Russia strategic partnership.
China has increased trade with Russia, buying over a quarter of Russia’s exports, including $367 billion worth of fossil fuels since the war in Ukraine began.
China’s support of Russia’s energy has helped Russia finance its war in Ukraine.
President Trump’s talks with Xi focused more on trade, Taiwan, and the Middle East, with little mention of Ukraine or China-Russia relations.
Taiwan remains a sensitive issue, with Xi warning Trump about the risks of conflict over the island and Trump undecided on approving US weapons sales to Taiwan.
Russia and China are discussing expanding gas pipeline capacity to secure energy supplies in case of future conflicts.
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Kami Rita Sherpa set a new world record by climbing Mount Everest for the 32nd time. On the same day, Lakpa Sherpa also broke her own record as the female climber with the most Everest summits, reaching the peak for the 11th time.
Key Facts
Kami Rita Sherpa, 56, climbed Everest for the 32nd time, setting a new record.
Lakpa Sherpa, 52, reached the Everest summit for the 11th time, the most for a female climber.
The climbing season saw a record number of permits given to Everest climbers.
Everest's usual route was delayed due to a large chunk of glacier blocking the path.
Kami Rita Sherpa started climbing Everest in 1994 and has climbed almost every year since.
Lakpa Sherpa was the first Nepali woman to summit Everest in 2000.
Most foreign climbers climb with Nepali guides, who do not need permits.
Nepal’s Prime Minister and tourism officials praised the climbers for their achievements.
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The Australian government banned the neo-Nazi group National Socialist Network (NSN) and the White Australia Party as hate groups under new laws. The group is challenging the ban in court, arguing the law limits political freedom and gives the government too much power.
Key Facts
The National Socialist Network (NSN), also called White Australia, was banned as a hate group by the Australian government.
This law was passed after a terror attack at Bondi Beach in December.
NSN had said it would disband before the law was introduced but continued organizing.
The group applied to register the White Australia Party as a political group.
NSN leader Thomas Sewell and the group are challenging the ban in Australia’s High Court.
They claim the law violates the constitution and restricts freedom of political communication.
The ban makes supporting, funding, or joining NSN or White Australia illegal, with penalties up to 15 years in prison.
This is the second group listed as a hate group after the Islamist group Hizb ut-Tahrir.
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French singer and actor Patrick Bruel is facing several sexual assault complaints being investigated in France and Belgium. He denies the allegations, says he regrets any hurt caused, and plans to continue working while awaiting legal decisions.
Key Facts
Patrick Bruel is accused in at least four sexual assault complaints in France.
There is a separate investigation in Belgium regarding a complaint from March.
Bruel denies forcing anyone and expresses regret if he hurt someone.
He has a music tour planned in France, Switzerland, Belgium, and Canada starting June 16.
Feminist groups are petitioning to cancel his concerts.
Bruel’s lawyer said some claims were already investigated and closed due to lack of evidence.
Bruel’s statement says his relationship with accuser Flavie Flament was not violent or forced.
He supports letting the justice system decide the truth and vows to defend himself in court.
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Taiwan’s president, Lai Ching-te, said Taiwan will not start conflict or give up its independence after a meeting between President Trump and China’s Xi Jinping focused on Taiwan. President Lai confirmed Taiwan sees itself as a sovereign country but wants to avoid conflict and maintain peaceful relations with China under fair terms.
Key Facts
Taiwan considers itself a sovereign and independent democratic country.
President Lai said Taiwan will not provoke conflict or give up its national sovereignty and dignity.
Beijing claims Taiwan as part of China and considers it a major issue in China-U.S. relations.
President Trump and Xi Jinping discussed Taiwan during their summit, with Trump saying he does not want Taiwan to declare independence.
The U.S. remains Taiwan’s strongest ally and sells arms to Taiwan to help it defend itself.
In December, the U.S. approved $11 billion in arms sales to Taiwan, one of the largest such deals.
China has increased military pressure on Taiwan, including drills simulating blockades around the island.
Taiwan wants to keep peace and promote dialogue with China on equal and respectful terms but rejects forced unification.
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The CBS News program on May 17, 2026, covered three main stories. First, people are betting on the chance of war despite low chances. Second, London taxi drivers are doubtful about robot-driven taxis. Third, there is an interview with filmmaker Christopher Nolan.
Key Facts
Prediction markets are allowing bets on the possibility of war, even though experts say the odds are low.
London taxi drivers, known as cabbies, do not trust or support the use of robotaxis (self-driving cars).
Christopher Nolan, a well-known movie director, gave an interview to the TV program "60 Minutes."
The program aired on CBS News on May 17, 2026.
The topics mix global security, technology, and entertainment.
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Oil prices rose on Monday after President Donald Trump warned Iran that time is running out to reach a peace deal. The talks have stalled amid regional attacks and Iran's threats to block a key shipping route used for global oil supplies.
Key Facts
Brent crude oil price increased by 1.85% to $111.28 per barrel.
US oil price rose by 2.32% to $107.87 per barrel.
Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial shipping route for about 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas.
President Trump warned Iran that "the clock is ticking" and demanded fast progress toward peace talks.
Iranian media said the US did not make any serious offers to end the conflict, leading to stalled negotiations.
Iran has attacked neighboring countries, including Israel, Bahrain, and the UAE.
The UAE reported a drone strike near its Barakah Nuclear Power Plant, causing a small fire but no injuries or radiation risk.
President Trump is scheduled to meet with national security advisers to discuss possible military actions regarding Iran.
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Israel carried out air strikes in southern Lebanon on Sunday, killing at least five people and injuring 15 others. These attacks happened even though Israel had agreed to extend a ceasefire with Lebanon.
Key Facts
The strikes took place in southern Lebanon, near the city of Tyre.
At least five people were killed in the air strikes.
Around 15 people were injured during these attacks.
Israel had previously agreed to extend a ceasefire with Lebanon.
Despite this agreement, Israel launched the new strikes on Sunday.
The exact reasons for the strikes were not detailed in the report.
The situation remains tense in southern Lebanon due to these events.
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The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the Ebola virus outbreaks in two African countries a global health emergency. This declaration signals serious concern about the spread and impact of the disease.
Key Facts
Ebola virus outbreaks are occurring in two African countries.
The disease is deadly and spreads through close contact.
The WHO labeled the situation as a global health emergency.
This status helps coordinate and increase international assistance.
The goal is to prevent the spread of Ebola to other countries.
Declaring a health emergency can lead to more funding and resources.
The outbreaks have caused significant illness and death in affected areas.
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The United States is considering charging Raúl Castro, the former leader of Cuba, with a criminal case. This move may increase pressure on Cuba and could lead to changes in the country's government, but many details are still unclear.
Key Facts
The U.S. plans to indict Raúl Castro, who once led Cuba.
An indictment is a formal criminal charge.
This action is part of rising U.S. pressure on Cuba.
The potential indictment could influence reform efforts in Cuba.
There are still unanswered questions about the case and its effects.
CBS News reported on this development with coverage by correspondent Cristian Benavides.
The report was available through CBS News and its app.
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The killing of a top ISIL leader by U.S. and Nigerian forces shows the ongoing violence in the Lake Chad Basin. Two groups, ISWAP and Boko Haram, have grown stronger by taking advantage of regional security challenges and weak borders.
Key Facts
Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, a second-in-command of ISIL in West Africa, was killed near Lake Chad.
ISWAP (ISIL West Africa Province) and Boko Haram are the main armed groups causing violence in northeastern Nigeria and the Lake Chad region.
Boko Haram has rebuilt itself while security forces focused more on ISWAP, which has advanced drone technology.
Poor coordination and weak intelligence sharing among Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad, and Niger make it hard to fight these groups.
Porous borders in the Sahel region allow militants to move and smuggle weapons easily.
Local communities face insecurity, displacement, and forced recruitment by armed groups.
Economic interests, like controlling islands for taxes and smuggling, also motivate these groups.
Poverty and unemployment in the region contribute to recruitment of young people by Boko Haram and ISWAP.
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Drone strikes hit the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, causing a fire near a UAE nuclear power plant and prompting responses from both countries. Meanwhile, Israeli strikes in Lebanon killed several people including an Islamic Jihad commander, as US President Donald Trump warned Iran to act quickly to reach a peace deal.
Key Facts
A drone strike caused a fire at the Barakah nuclear power plant in the UAE.
UAE officials condemned the attack and said they were investigating its source.
The UAE defense ministry intercepted two other drones launched from the western border.
Saudi Arabia reported that it intercepted three drones recently.
Israeli airstrikes killed seven people in Lebanon, including a senior Islamic Jihad commander.
Eleven people were wounded in the Israeli strikes on southern Lebanese towns.
President Donald Trump warned Iran that it must move quickly to reach a peace agreement or face severe consequences.
Talks between Lebanon and Israel brokered by the US have been described as unsuccessful by Hezbollah.
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The UK government will introduce new rules to make it harder for people to get waste carrier licences and stop illegal dumping of rubbish in England. Starting in 2027, applicants must prove their identity and qualifications, and those caught dumping waste illegally could face up to five years in prison.
Key Facts
New waste carrier licence rules will begin in 2027 to prevent illegal rubbish dumping.
Applicants must prove their identity and that they have the right skills, not just fill out an online form.
Licences will require displaying the permit number on ads and vehicles.
Illegal transportation of waste could lead to prison sentences of up to five years.
The Environment Agency will have stronger powers to cancel permits and enforce rules.
Previously, it was easy to get a licence online by paying a fee, allowing some to misuse the system.
A cow named Beau Vine was able to get a waste disposal licence under the old system, showing its weaknesses.
The changes are part of a wider plan to fight waste crime, including new powers for local authorities and tougher penalties for fly-tipping.
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