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World News
Comprehensive coverage of international news and global events
The United Nations health agency has declared an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda a "public health emergency of international concern." So far, no cases have been reported in the United States, but health authorities are watching closely and helping local teams contain the outbreak.
Key Facts
At least 80 people have died in the Ebola outbreak in the DRC and Uganda so far.
The DRC has confirmed 8 Ebola cases and nearly 250 suspected cases.
Two unrelated Ebola cases, including one death, have occurred in Uganda.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is monitoring the outbreak but has found no cases in the U.S.
The CDC is assisting with tracking exposed people and screening travelers at border points in the affected regions.
The U.S. Embassy in Uganda warns Americans not to travel to the DRC’s Ituri province due to limited U.S. government support there.
Ebola symptoms include fever, extreme tiredness, and can appear 2 days to 3 weeks after infection.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has not labeled the outbreak a pandemic but called it a public health emergency of international concern to speed global response.
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The United Arab Emirates (UAE) reported a drone strike near the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in Abu Dhabi, causing a fire but no injuries or radiation leaks. The UAE government is investigating the attack and has condemned it as a violation of international law, while the UN nuclear agency expressed serious concern.
Key Facts
Three drones entered the UAE from the west; two were stopped, one hit an electrical generator outside the nuclear plant’s inner perimeter.
The fire caused by the drone strike was controlled, and the nuclear plant continues to operate normally.
No injuries or radiation safety issues were reported after the incident.
UAE officials called the strike a dangerous escalation and an unacceptable act of aggression.
The UAE has previously blamed Iran for attacks on its energy infrastructure amid the ongoing regional conflict.
Iran denied that the UAE was involved in attacks and accused the UAE of supporting US attacks from its territory.
The UN’s International Atomic Energy Agency is closely monitoring the situation and urged all parties to avoid military actions that threaten nuclear safety.
President Donald Trump described the recent ceasefire with Iran as fragile and said he rejected Iran’s demands to end the war and reopen a key shipping route in the region.
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The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is facing a new outbreak of the deadly Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, just months after ending the previous outbreak. The World Health Organization has declared this situation a public health emergency as the disease spreads rapidly in northeastern DRC and nearby Uganda.
Key Facts
The new Ebola outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo strain, first found in Uganda.
The outbreak is mainly in Ituri province, including Rwampara, Mongwalu, and Bunia.
Over 300 suspected cases and 88 deaths have been reported so far.
There is no specific treatment for this Ebola strain, so prevention and early detection are vital.
Unsafe burial practices have contributed to the virus spreading in communities.
Community mistrust and ongoing conflict in the region make controlling the outbreak harder.
Health officials urge people to follow hygiene rules and avoid contact with sick individuals and dead animals.
The Africa Centre for Disease Control calls for quick regional cooperation to isolate cases and monitor cross-border spread.
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In Iran, men and women attended defense training sessions on light weapons held inside mosques in several cities. State television reported that these sessions were meant to prepare the public to defend the country.
Key Facts
Defense training took place in mosques across multiple Iranian cities.
Both men and women participated in the sessions.
The training focused on using light weapons.
State TV presented the sessions as a way to increase public readiness.
The goal was to prepare citizens to defend Iran if needed.
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Taiwan’s representative to the U.S., Alexander Yui, said Taiwan wants peace and stability amid tensions with China. He stated Taiwan is not causing trouble and highlighted concerns over China’s pressure and the importance of Taiwan’s sovereignty during recent talks between President Trump and President Xi Jinping.
Key Facts
Taiwan’s representative to the U.S. is Alexander Yui.
Yui said Taiwan seeks peace and normal life without causing conflict.
China considers Taiwan part of its territory and has not ruled out using force.
The U.S. has supported Taiwan’s defense for many years.
President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping discussed Taiwan during their summit in Beijing.
Xi warned of possible conflicts if the Taiwan issue is not handled carefully.
Yui said President Trump mostly heard China’s perspective during the talks.
Taiwan wants to maintain its sovereignty, democracy, and economy without being controlled by China.
President Trump has not decided on a pending U.S. weapons sale to Taiwan but sees it as a negotiation tool.
Taiwan wants to avoid war but strengthens its security against what it calls Chinese aggression.
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Taiwan’s president said Taiwan will not give up its democracy or independence under pressure, even though it wants to avoid conflict. This statement came after meetings between the United States and China, where Taiwan’s future was a key topic.
Key Facts
Taiwan’s president said the island will keep its democracy and sovereignty despite pressure.
Taiwan wants to maintain peace and avoid starting conflicts.
China claims Taiwan as part of its territory and wants reunification, even by force if needed.
President Donald Trump said he does not want Taiwan to become independent and has not decided on approving a new $11 billion arms sale to Taiwan.
Chinese leader Xi Jinping called Taiwan the most important issue in China-US relations and warned of possible conflict if mishandled.
The US has supported Taiwan with arms sales and security cooperation, which Taiwan sees as vital for regional peace.
Taiwan’s president called China the main cause of instability in the region.
Trump said he made no promises on the Taiwan issue during his talks with Xi Jinping.
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Taiwan's representative to the U.S., Alexander Yui, said Taiwan is not causing problems with China. This came after Chinese state media reported that President Xi Jinping told President Trump there could be conflicts if the Taiwan issue is not managed carefully.
Key Facts
Alexander Yui is Taiwan's representative to the United States.
He said Taiwan is not responsible for creating tensions with China.
Chinese media reported that President Xi Jinping spoke to President Trump about possible conflicts over Taiwan.
President Xi warned that the Taiwan situation needs to be handled properly to avoid conflicts.
The comments were made during an interview on CBS News' "Face the Nation" program.
The situation involves Taiwan’s relations with both China and the U.S.
Taiwan's status is a sensitive topic in international politics.
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U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said the new China-U.S. Board of Trade will focus on trading goods that are not sensitive. These goods include agricultural products, energy items, Boeing airplanes, and medical devices.
Key Facts
The China-U.S. Board of Trade is a new group set up to work on trade issues between the two countries.
The board will focus on "non-sensitive goods," meaning items that do not involve security or advanced technology concerns.
Examples of these goods include agricultural products like crops, energy goods such as oil or gas, Boeing airplanes, and medical devices.
Jamieson Greer, the U.S. Trade Representative, spoke about this on the program "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan."
The goal is to improve and manage trade on everyday products without touching on controversial or sensitive areas.
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Canal+, a major French film producer owned by billionaire Vincent Bolloré, said it will stop working with 600 film industry professionals who signed a petition against Bolloré’s influence. The petition accuses Bolloré of increasing far-right control over French cinema, while Canal+ leadership denies this and claims the petition is unfair to their teams.
Key Facts
Canal+ announced it will no longer collaborate with 600 industry workers who signed an anti-Bolloré petition.
The petition warns against growing far-right influence in the French film industry linked to Bolloré and Canal+.
The announcement was made by Canal+ CEO Maxime Saada at the Cannes Film Festival.
Some petition signers are well-known figures like Juliette Binoche and director Arthur Harari.
Bolloré is a conservative billionaire with media holdings in TV channels, publishing, and cinema.
Bolloré’s leadership style has caused disputes in French media and publishing industries.
The Canal+ logo was booed at Cannes screenings, reflecting public controversy.
Bolloré is sometimes compared to US media mogul Rupert Murdoch, with his CNews channel similar to Fox News.
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Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel is close to completing its goal of killing the people responsible for the October 7 attacks by Hamas. This follows the killing of a senior Hamas commander, Ezzedine Al-Haddad, as part of Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza.
Key Facts
Prime Minister Netanyahu stated that most planners of the October 7 attacks have been killed.
Israel killed Hamas commander Ezzedine Al-Haddad in an airstrike on May 15, 2026.
The October 7 attacks resulted in 1,221 deaths in Israel according to official counts.
Israel has also killed other top Hamas leaders such as Yahya Sinwar and Mohammed Deif.
Israeli forces currently control about 60% of Gaza’s territory.
A US-brokered ceasefire requires Israel to hold just over 50% of Gaza.
Israel’s military campaign has led to over 72,700 deaths in Gaza, mostly civilians, according to Gaza health authorities and confirmed by the UN.
Netanyahu emphasized Israel’s mission to ensure Gaza no longer threatens Israel.
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Families of two Saudi scholars facing the death penalty have asked the University of Cambridge to stop plans for training Saudi defense ministry staff. The families and human rights groups say the deal could support Saudi Arabia’s government despite ongoing human rights abuses.
Key Facts
Cambridge Judge Business School wants to provide leadership and innovation training to Saudi defense ministry staff.
The sons of Hassan Farhan al-Maliki and Salman al-Odah, two Saudi scholars sentenced to death, have asked Cambridge to cancel the deal.
Al-Maliki and al-Odah have been imprisoned since 2017 for charges linked to their free speech and reform efforts.
Saudi Arabia executed at least 356 people last year, the highest number in recent history.
The deal has caused concern within Cambridge, with some academics and human rights groups fearing it could legitimize Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s government.
Cambridge’s committee approved seeking a memorandum of understanding with Saudi defense, but no formal agreement has been signed yet.
Human rights organizations stress that academic freedom and freedom of speech should be protected, which they fear will be compromised.
The university declined to comment directly on the appeal letter but referenced a prior statement saying no formal agreement is signed.
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An exhibition in Bath, England, called Beyond Impressionism, highlights printmaking works by famous painters like Manet, Van Gogh, and Picasso. The show features over 50 prints made between the 1850s and 1930s, revealing how these artists helped revive printmaking as an important art form.
Key Facts
The Holburne Museum in Bath is hosting the Beyond Impressionism exhibition.
The exhibition includes prints by impressionists, post-impressionists, and cubists.
Artists featured include Édouard Manet, Vincent van Gogh, Paul Gauguin, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, and Pablo Picasso.
The prints show how these painters helped bring printmaking back into artistic prominence after it had become mostly commercial.
Some prints are from public museums, while others come from private collections rarely seen before.
Manet was part of a group in Paris that promoted etching as an art form equal to painting.
The show runs from May 23 to September 13, 2024.
Another printmaking exhibition starts in Bath on May 22, featuring artist Norman Ackroyd.
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Ukraine carried out drone strikes on Russian territory, resulting in at least four deaths and twelve injuries. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described these strikes as a justified response to Russian aggression.
Key Facts
Ukraine used drones to attack locations inside Russia.
The strikes killed at least four people and wounded twelve others.
President Zelensky said the attacks were a justified reaction.
The conflict is part of ongoing tensions between Ukraine and Russia.
The information was reported on May 17, 2026.
The strikes show Ukraine’s ability to target locations beyond its borders.
The report mentioned multiple protests and events in the UK but focused mainly on the Ukraine-Russia situation.
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German officials allowed a rescue attempt to save a stranded whale named Timmy despite warnings the effort was unlikely to succeed. After nearly two months, the whale was found dead in Danish waters following the rescue mission.
Key Facts
Timmy was a young humpback whale stranded on a sandbank near Timmendorfer beach in Germany.
The whale showed signs of poor health, including weakness and injuries from a fishing net.
Two wealthy individuals funded a €1.5 million rescue effort to float Timmy into deeper waters.
Some experts and the International Whaling Commission said the rescue was not advisable due to the whale’s weak condition.
The whale was transported via a water-filled barge to the North Sea near Denmark.
Danish authorities confirmed Timmy’s death after finding the carcass near the island of Anholt.
People were warned to avoid the whale's body due to possible disease risks.
There are no plans for necropsy (animal autopsy) or removal of the whale’s body by Danish authorities.
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A drone struck a nuclear power plant in the United Arab Emirates, but the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported that radiation levels at the site remain normal. There were no immediate signs of a radiation leak or danger following the incident.
Key Facts
A drone hit a nuclear power plant in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed radiation levels are normal after the strike.
No radiation leak or safety breach has been reported.
The incident occurred amid ongoing conflicts and tensions in the Middle East.
The UAE is working with international agencies to monitor the situation.
There are no reported injuries or damage to the plant’s core systems.
The situation is part of a larger pattern of regional instability involving several countries.
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The World Health Organization (WHO) declared an international health emergency due to an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo). This outbreak has caused more than 80 deaths and there is currently no vaccine available for this Ebola strain.
Key Facts
The Ebola outbreak is happening in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
More than 80 people have died from this outbreak.
The Ebola strain involved does not have a vaccine.
The WHO called the situation an international health emergency on May 17, 2026.
Ebola is a serious virus that causes fever, bleeding, and can often be deadly.
The risk of the outbreak spreading to nearby countries like Uganda is a concern.
Health authorities are monitoring the situation closely to prevent further spread.
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Taiwan’s representative to the U.S., Ambassador Alexander Yui, spoke about the possibility of a call between President Donald Trump and Taiwan’s leader, President Tsai Ing-wen. He said Taiwan wants to share its side of the story regarding its history and relationship with China and stressed Taiwan’s independence and sovereignty despite Chinese claims.
Key Facts
There has been no call between a U.S. president and a Taiwanese leader since 1979.
President Trump hinted that a call with President Tsai might happen but nothing is scheduled yet.
Taiwan and the U.S. maintain constant communication.
Ambassador Yui said Taiwan has resisted Chinese aggression for 77 years.
Taiwan’s official name is the Republic of China, and it has never been controlled by the People’s Republic of China.
President Trump has asked both Taiwan and China to avoid actions that increase tension.
Taiwan defines its independence as being free from Chinese control while keeping its democracy and economy.
The U.S. supports its longstanding position on Taiwan’s status and wants peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.
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An Ebola outbreak has been declared a health emergency in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) and Uganda. The World Health Organization (WHO) is warning about the risk of the disease spreading further in the region.
Key Facts
Ebola cases and deaths have been reported in DR Congo and Uganda.
The outbreak has reached at least 80 deaths so far.
The WHO has declared the situation a global health emergency.
Health officials are concerned about the virus spreading to more areas.
Both countries are working with international organizations to control the outbreak.
Ebola is a serious virus that causes severe illness and can be deadly.
The declaration aims to raise awareness and increase aid to fight the disease.
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Ukraine carried out one of its largest drone strikes on Russia, killing at least four people, including three near Moscow, and injuring about a dozen others. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy said the attacks were justified and part of Ukraine's response to Russian strikes on its cities. Russian defenses reportedly shot down hundreds of drones during this wave of attacks.
Key Facts
At least four people died from Ukraine's drone strikes in Russia, including a woman in Khimki and two men in Pogorelki near Moscow.
Around a dozen people were wounded, mostly in Moscow near an oil refinery.
Debris from drones fell on Moscow's Sheremetyevo Airport but did not damage it or affect flights.
Russian air defenses claimed to have shot down 556 drones across Russia overnight; more than 1,000 drones were intercepted or jammed in the previous 24 hours.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy said the drones flew more than 500 km (310 miles) from Ukraine and that Ukraine is overcoming Russian air defenses.
Experts say the drone strikes are retaliation for recent Russian attacks on Kyiv following a ceasefire.
Russian drone strikes on Ukraine overnight wounded eight people.
The attacks highlight Ukraine's ability to target areas around the Russian capital, increasing pressure on Russia amid ongoing war tensions.
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Irish researchers found the oldest known English poem, Caedmon's Hymn, in a medieval book in a library in Rome. The poem, written in Old English in the 7th century, was found within the Latin text of a famous history book by the Venerable Bede.
Key Facts
Caedmon's Hymn is the oldest surviving English poem, created in the 7th century by a Northumbrian worker.
The poem is found inside copies of the "Ecclesiastical History of the English People," written in Latin by Bede.
The newly found manuscript dates from the 9th century and is one of the oldest known copies.
Earlier copies placed the poem in the margins, but this discovery shows it included in the main text body.
The discovery shows that written English was important and more widespread in the early 9th century than previously thought.
Caedmon composed the poem after a dream instructed him to sing about creation while at Whitby Abbey in North Yorkshire.
This manuscript traveled extensively before ending up in Rome’s National Library.
The manuscript was copied at a Benedictine abbey in Nonantola, Italy, a key medieval center for copying books.
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