World News

France’s top film producer says it will blacklist figures who petitioned against rightwing billionaire

May 17, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

The head of Canal+, France’s largest film producer, said the company will stop working with hundreds of cinema professionals who signed a petition against Vincent Bolloré, a rightwing billionaire who owns Canal+ and other media outlets. The petition warned that Bolloré’s control of French cinema could limit diversity and promote far-right ideas.

Key Facts

More than 600 people in French cinema signed a petition against Vincent Bolloré’s influence in the film industry.
Signatories include actors and directors like Juliette Binoche and Arthur Harari.
The petition expressed concern that Bolloré could control film financing, production, and distribution by owning Canal+ and cinemas.
Vincent Bolloré owns Canal+, StudioCanal, CNews channel, Europe 1 radio, and a Sunday newspaper.
Canal+ CEO Maxime Saada said the petition was unfair to Canal+ staff and announced a blacklist of signatories.
Some filmmakers and writers have protested Bolloré’s influence in media and publishing.
Bolloré denies using his media businesses to push political ideas, saying his goal is financial and cultural promotion.
The controversy is part of a wider debate about media control and political influence in France.

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Guardian World Guardian Business

Peruvian authorities confirm Fujimori and Sanchez advance to runoff

May 17, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Summary

Peru's election authorities confirmed that Keiko Fujimori and Roberto Sanchez will compete in the presidential runoff after the first round of voting faced delays and problems. Fujimori received 17 percent of the votes, and Sanchez received 12 percent. Election officials promised to improve the process before the runoff next month.

Key Facts

Keiko Fujimori, a right-wing candidate, placed first with 17% of the vote in the first round.
Roberto Sanchez, a left-wing congress member, came second with 12%.
The first round of voting on April 12 had delays and logistical problems, causing some voting to extend into the next day.
Peru’s National Jury of Elections (JNE) acknowledged these difficulties and pledged to fix them for the runoff.
A committee of national and international experts will help ensure smoother voting for the next round.
Rafael Lopez Aliaga, a far-right candidate who came third with nearly 12%, claimed the election was fraudulent and said he will not accept the results.
Election observers have not found evidence of fraud despite frustrations expressed.
Sanchez faces financial crime charges announced just before the runoff was confirmed.
Peru has had nine presidents in the past decade due to political instability and congressional impeachments.

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Al Jazeera

Trump warns Iran ‘clock is ticking’ as peace negotiations stall

May 17, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

President Donald Trump warned Iran that time is running out as peace talks between the U.S. and Iran have stalled. He urged Iran to act quickly, implying serious consequences if they do not.

Key Facts

President Trump made his statement on Sunday.
He said, “the clock is ticking” for Iran regarding peace talks.
Talks between the U.S. and Iran have reached a standstill.
The president warned Iran to move fast or face severe consequences.
He emphasized that “time is of the essence” in resolving the situation.
The message was delivered publicly by President Trump.
The warning relates to ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Iran.

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The Hill

Eurovision winner Dara arrives to screaming fans in Bulgaria

May 17, 2026 • BBC Top Stories

Summary

Bulgarian pop singer Dara arrived at Sofia airport to greet fans after winning the Eurovision Song Contest. Her song "Bangaranga" gave Bulgaria its first-ever win in the contest.

Key Facts

Dara is a 27-year-old Bulgarian pop star.
She won the Eurovision Song Contest with the song "Bangaranga."
This victory was the first time Bulgaria won Eurovision.
Dara was welcomed by a crowd of fans at Sofia airport.
She expressed excitement about returning to Bulgaria’s atmosphere.
The event took place recently in the Bulgarian capital, Sofia.
Eurovision is a popular international song competition.
Dara’s win is a historic moment for Bulgaria in the contest.

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BBC Top Stories BBC World

Video shows rescuers treating mountain climber who fell 50 feet

May 17, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

A hiker fell about 50 feet near the top of Mount Si in Washington state and was rescued by an emergency team. Bad weather delayed the rescue, but the team eventually reached the injured person and flew him to a hospital in Seattle.

Key Facts

The fall happened near Haystack Rock at the summit of Mount Si.
The hiker may have suffered a head injury.
Rescuers used a helicopter from the King County Sheriff Air Support team.
Clouds, wind, and snow initially made the rescue difficult.
The helicopter crew lowered rescuers on ropes to reach the hiker.
After rescue, the hiker was flown to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle.
Mount Si is about 35 miles east of Seattle with an 8-mile roundtrip trail.
Over 100,000 people hike Mount Si each year, with a climb of over 3,000 feet.

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CBS News

France listening to 10 ‘new’ suspected victims of Epstein: Prosecutor

May 17, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Summary

French prosecutors reported that about 10 new possible victims have come forward in their investigation into Jeffrey Epstein’s network. The Paris Public Prosecutor said investigators are meeting victims, some from other countries, and are using international help to gather more evidence.

Key Facts

Around 20 suspected victims have contacted French investigators since February, including 10 new ones not previously known.
The investigation focuses on possible human trafficking crimes linked to Jeffrey Epstein in France.
Some victims live abroad, so meetings are arranged to accommodate their travel to Paris.
Investigators are reviewing Epstein’s computers, phone records, and address books for evidence.
French magistrates are exploring crimes involving French facilitators who helped Epstein.
Suspected victims include women who were involved in probes of former European modeling agents Gerald Marie and Jean-Luc Brunel.
Gerald Marie is being investigated for possible ties to Epstein after requests from 15 women.
Jean-Luc Brunel was arrested in 2020 for abuse allegations and died in prison in 2022.

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Al Jazeera

Sudanese army advances in Blue Nile state deepen displacement crisis

May 17, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Summary

The Sudanese army has pushed forward in Blue Nile state, causing more families to flee their homes. Many of these families are now living in crowded camps that face serious water shortages and risks of flooding and disease.

Key Facts

The Sudanese army has advanced in Blue Nile state.
Fighting has forced many families to leave their homes.
Displaced people are moving into already crowded camps.
Camps face severe water shortages.
There are concerns about flooding and disease in these camps.
Both new and existing residents are affected by these problems.
The situation is creating a worsening displacement crisis in the area.

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Al Jazeera

Taiwan representative to US responds to Trump’s stance on arms sales

May 17, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Taiwan’s representative to the US, Alexander Yui, said Taiwan trusts President Trump’s administration to complete future arms sales. This statement came after President Trump decided to delay a $14 billion arms sale to Taiwan to use it as leverage in discussions with China.

Key Facts

Taiwan’s representative to the US is Alexander Yui.
Taiwan trusts the US government under President Trump to fulfill arms sales in the future.
President Trump delayed a $14 billion arms sale to Taiwan.
The delay aims to create leverage in talks with China.
China does not formally recognize Taiwan as a separate country.
Taiwan seeks support from the US for defense purposes.
Arms sales to Taiwan are sensitive due to China-Taiwan relations.
The issue involves international diplomacy between the US, Taiwan, and China.

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The Hill

Trump warns 'clock is ticking' for Iran as peace progress stalls

May 17, 2026 • BBC Top Stories

Summary

President Donald Trump warned Iran that time is running out to make progress in peace talks, as efforts to end the war have stalled. He plans to discuss the issue soon with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Key Facts

President Trump said the "clock is ticking" for Iran and urged them to act quickly on peace talks.
He posted a warning on his Truth Social platform, saying "TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE!"
Trump rejected Iran’s demands to end the war, calling their counteroffer "totally unacceptable."
Iran’s foreign ministry described their proposal as "responsible" and "generous."
Iran’s demands include stopping the war on all fronts, ending the U.S. naval blockade, and no further attacks on Iran.
Iran also wants compensation for war damages and control over the Strait of Hormuz.
President Trump is scheduled to speak with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about the situation.
The peace talks involve complex issues between the U.S., Iran, Israel, and Hezbollah forces in Lebanon.

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BBC Top Stories BBC World

London mayor criticises plans for north of England bid to host Olympics

May 17, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

The mayor of London has criticized plans for the north of England to bid alone to host the Olympics in the 2040s, saying not including London would miss opportunities. UK ministers are examining a possible northern bid while some northern politicians support hosting the Games there for regional growth.

Key Facts

Ministers have asked UK Sport to study a northern England bid for the 2040s Olympic Games and Paralympics.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan wants London included in any UK-wide Olympic bid, highlighting London's existing sports facilities.
Khan's office says using London's venues would help create a green, sustainable Olympics and bring economic benefits nationwide.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy and Chancellor Rachel Reeves, both MPs from northern England, support a northern-focused Olympic bid.
Nandy argues the north should host because of its sporting achievements and potential to show the region globally.
Reeves sees the Olympics as a way to boost the northern economy and supports stadium upgrades like Leeds’ Elland Road.
The UK government is promoting sports events and has introduced a bill to simplify bids for major sporting events.
Los Angeles will host the 2028 Summer Olympics; London last hosted in 2012.

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Guardian World

Italy’s leaders visit victims of Modena car-ramming, stabbing attacks

May 17, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Summary

Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and President Sergio Mattarella visited victims of a car-ramming and stabbing attack in Modena. The attacker, Salim El Koudri, hit people with his car and stabbed one person before being stopped by bystanders; several victims were seriously injured.

Key Facts

The attack happened on a busy shopping street in Modena, northern Italy, around 4:30 pm local time on Saturday.
Salim El Koudri, aged 31, drove his car at high speed, hitting more than a dozen people.
He also stabbed one pedestrian before being stopped by a group of passers-by.
Eight victims were hospitalized in serious condition; two women lost their legs, and one is in life-threatening condition.
Authorities described the attack as random and deliberate.
The attacker was an Italian citizen born to a family from Morocco and had a history of mental health treatment.
Officials said the incident appears linked to psychiatric distress, not terrorism.
Modena’s mayor praised citizens, including some of foreign origin, who stopped the attacker.

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Al Jazeera

‘A quiet belief everything’s going to be all right’: Bulgarians celebrate Dara’s Eurovision win with Bangaranga

May 17, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

Bulgaria won the Eurovision Song Contest for the first time with the song "Bangaranga" by Dara. The final took place in Vienna, and Bulgaria scored 516 points, beating Israel, which came second. Bulgarians celebrated the victory as a positive moment amid political challenges in their country.

Key Facts

Dara, whose full name is Darina Nikolaeva Yotova, performed "Bangaranga" and won Eurovision 2026.
The contest final was in Vienna on May 16, 2026.
Bulgaria won both the jury and public votes, a result not seen since 2017.
Israel finished second with 343 points; the UK came last with 1 point.
Some countries (Ireland, Spain, the Netherlands, Slovenia, Iceland) boycotted the event due to Israel’s participation.
Bulgaria’s Prime Minister Rumen Radev praised Dara for her talent and overcoming voting controversies.
Bulgarians see the win as a unifying moment during a time of political instability with frequent elections.
There is local competition in Bulgaria to host Eurovision 2027, with Sofia and Burgas interested.

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Guardian World

Taiwan's president defends U.S. arms purchases after Trump sowed doubts following visit to China

May 17, 2026 • PBS NewsHour

Summary

Taiwan’s president said buying weapons from the United States is key to preventing conflict in the region. He made this statement after President Donald Trump raised questions about U.S. support for Taiwan following his trip to China.

Key Facts

Taiwan’s president, Lai Ching-te, emphasized U.S. arms purchases as crucial to regional peace.
President Lai said U.S. arms sales are governed by laws and help keep stability.
President Lai thanked President Donald Trump for supporting peace and increasing arms sales to Taiwan since his first term.
President Trump had expressed doubts about ongoing U.S. support for Taiwan after visiting China.
The statement was made in response to concerns about regional security around the Taiwan Strait.

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PBS NewsHour

New Intelligence Report on Cuban Drones Draws Iraq Comparison From Left

May 17, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

A new U.S. intelligence report says Cuba has acquired over 300 military drones from Russia and Iran and has discussed possible attacks on U.S. targets as a backup plan. Cuban officials and progressive critics have responded by denying plans for aggression and comparing the report to past flawed intelligence before the 2003 Iraq War.

Key Facts

The U.S. intelligence assessment reports Cuba has more than 300 military drones from Russia and Iran.
Cuban officials have talked about possible strike scenarios against U.S. sites like Guantanamo Bay and Key West as a defense measure, not an active threat.
The Pentagon did not provide additional comment when contacted.
The Cuban Embassy called the report false and a reason for continued U.S. hostility.
President Donald Trump recently said the U.S. could quickly take control of Cuba and expanded sanctions on the Cuban government.
Cuba is in a severe energy and humanitarian crisis, partly due to U.S. actions against Venezuela, its main oil supplier.
Around 5,000 Cuban mercenaries are believed to have fought alongside Russia in Ukraine, gaining drone warfare experience.
U.S. officials say Cuba’s drone capabilities are unproven and do not see Cuba as an immediate threat.

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Newsweek

Peru's Fujimori and Sánchez to meet in June 7 presidential runoff

May 17, 2026 • PBS NewsHour

Summary

Peru's election authorities confirmed that Keiko Fujimori and Roberto Sánchez will face each other in a presidential runoff on June 7. Neither candidate won more than half of the votes in the first round held in early April.

Key Facts

Keiko Fujimori received about 2.8 million votes, or 17.19% of the total, advancing to the runoff for the fourth time.
Roberto Sánchez got around 2.015 million votes, or 12.03%, placing second.
There were 35 candidates in total in the first round.
Over 70% of voters chose candidates other than Fujimori or Sánchez in the first round.
Both candidates will likely need support from other parties to win the runoff.
The top concern for voters is crime, amid Peru’s ongoing political instability.
Peru has experienced a political crisis with eight presidents in about ten years and protests causing deaths in 2022 and 2023.
The confirmed runoff election date is June 7, 2026.

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PBS NewsHour

Three community kitchen workers among five killed by Israel in Gaza

May 17, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Summary

Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip killed at least five Palestinians, including three charity workers in Deir el-Balah. The attack targeted a community kitchen, and Hamas called it a war crime amid ongoing conflict in the region.

Key Facts

At least five Palestinians were killed in Israeli attacks across Gaza, including three in Deir el-Balah.
The three victims in Deir el-Balah worked at a community kitchen serving local people.
Hamas described the attack as a deliberate war crime and part of ongoing violence against Gaza residents.
Gaza’s Health Ministry reported over 72,760 Palestinians killed since October 7, 2023.
At least 871 Palestinians have died since a ceasefire began last October.
Israel controls about 60% of Gaza’s area, marked by a buffer zone called the “yellow line.”
Israeli military said they killed a person in the buffer zone, claiming the person was armed and dangerous.
Israeli forces also reported killing a Hamas commander named Bahaa Baroud, though this was not confirmed by Hamas.

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Al Jazeera

Cannes Film Festival: Follow the latest news with Eve Jackson

May 17, 2026 • France24

Summary

The Cannes Film Festival is currently taking place, featuring a variety of cultural events and film premieres. Highlights include the arrival of a Palestinian paracycling team, the debut of the American film "Paper Tiger," and tributes to actor John Travolta.

Key Facts

The Cannes Film Festival is an international film event held in France.
A Palestinian paracycling team made up of amputee athletes from Gaza arrived at Cannes.
The American movie "Paper Tiger" premiered at the festival.
John Travolta received a surprise honorary Palme d'Or, an award at Cannes.
Bulgaria won the 70th Eurovision Song Contest with the song "Bangaranga."
A film crew called “Gaza Sunbirds” traveled by sea to participate in Cannes.
Other notable participants include Finnish and Australian performers at a Eurovision event.
Actress Marion Cotillard starred in a new film where she reunites with Guillaume Canet.

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France24

Canadian FM: Is the US still a reliable ally?

May 17, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Summary

Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand talked about the United States, NATO, Israel, China, and Canada’s role in the world. She raised questions about whether the U.S. remains a dependable partner for Canada and its allies.

Key Facts

Anita Anand is the Canadian Foreign Minister.
She discussed the current role of the United States as an ally.
The topic included NATO, a group of countries that work together for defense.
Israel and China were also part of the discussion.
Anand talked about Canada’s place and responsibilities in international affairs.
Concerns were expressed about the reliability of the U.S. in global partnerships.
The conversation reflects Canada’s interest in maintaining strong global relationships.

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Al Jazeera

Bolivian police clash with protesters blocking roads into La Paz

May 17, 2026 • France24

Summary

In Bolivia, police and soldiers fought with protesters who were blocking roads leading into the capital, La Paz. The protesters were demanding higher wages and other improvements.

Key Facts

The clashes happened on a Saturday near La Paz, Bolivia's capital city.
Protesters blocked roads to make their demands heard.
Police and soldiers tried to stop the protests and clear the roads.
The main demand of the protesters was to increase wages.
The situation shows tensions between the government and workers in Bolivia.

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France24

The Guardian view on Cuba: Trump says he can do ‘anything I want’ to the island. It doesn’t belong to him | Editorial

May 17, 2026 • Guardian US

Summary

The United States, under President Donald Trump, has increased economic pressure on Cuba through an oil blockade, causing shortages, protests, and a crisis in hospitals and schools. The US government demands political and economic changes in Cuba, while Cuba faces severe challenges and uncertainty about its future.

Key Facts

The US has imposed an oil blockade on Cuba, leading to fuel shortages and widespread blackouts.
Blackouts have caused protests and disrupted schools, universities, and hospitals in Cuba.
US officials have hinted at major political changes, including possibly removing Cuba’s current president, Miguel Díaz-Canel.
The US wants Cuba to close Chinese and Russian intelligence bases on its territory.
UN experts say the US blockade may be illegal and cause collective punishment of the Cuban people.
Cuba’s tourism industry has collapsed, and some foreign companies have ended partnerships in Cuba.
There is tension between US government demands and vested interests within Cuba’s military-run economy.
President Trump has spoken about potentially taking control over Cuba but the island belongs to its people.

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Guardian US

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