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Comprehensive coverage of international news and global events
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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A drone attack caused a fire at the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in the United Arab Emirates but did not affect radiation levels or the plant's operations. The incident highlights ongoing tensions in the Gulf region amid a fragile truce between the U.S. and Iran.
Key Facts
A drone strike caused a fire at the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant’s electrical generator outside the inner security area.
No injuries were reported, and the fire was contained without affecting radiation levels.
Emergency diesel generators provided power to one reactor unit, and all units are operating normally.
The Barakah plant is the first nuclear plant in the Arab world and supplies about 25% of the UAE’s electricity.
The UAE has intercepted 572 missiles and 2,265 drones since the recent war began.
The fragile U.S.-Iran truce started in early April following attacks by the U.S. and Israel on Iran.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) was informed and said it is ready to assist if needed.
President Donald Trump said the U.S. could accept a peace deal with Iran if Tehran stops nuclear development for 20 years.
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Chanticleer Garden is a well-known garden located just outside Philadelphia. A videographer named Jim Zurich made a video about this garden, which is available to watch on the CBS News app and website.
Key Facts
Chanticleer Garden is near Philadelphia.
It is featured in a video by Jim Zurich.
The video is published by CBS News.
The video can be watched on the CBS News app, Chrome browser, and Safari browser.
The content is part of the CBS News Nature series.
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Scientists warn that this year could see a rise in Lyme disease and other illnesses spread by ticks. Warmer weather may increase the number of ticks and infections, making outdoor activities riskier.
Key Facts
Lyme disease is caused by bacteria carried by ticks.
Warmer temperatures can lead to more ticks in certain areas.
More ticks mean a higher chance of people getting sick.
Tick-borne illnesses include Lyme disease and others transmitted by ticks.
Scientists advise caution when spending time outdoors, especially in grassy or wooded areas.
Preventive measures like using insect repellent and checking for ticks can reduce risk.
This warning is based on environmental trends observed by researchers.
Early symptoms of tick-borne illnesses often include fever, rash, and fatigue.
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The Osher Map Library at the University of Southern Maine holds half a million rare maps and globes, some dating back to the 1400s. These maps show how people in the past viewed the world, revealing political views, creativity, and sometimes deliberate errors, proving maps still matter today even with GPS technology.
Key Facts
The Osher Map Library is located at the University of Southern Maine in Portland.
It contains about 500,000 rare maps, globes, and atlases.
Some of the collection dates back to the 15th century (the 1400s).
Historical maps show how past mapmakers viewed the world, including political biases.
Some maps were made with whimsical or intentional distortions.
The library helps explain why maps remain useful despite modern GPS technology.
Correspondent Martha Teichner visited the library to explore its collection and significance.
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Ukraine launched one of its largest drone attacks on Russia, killing at least four people and injuring twelve. Three of the deaths happened near Moscow, and debris landed near Russia’s biggest airport without causing damage.
Key Facts
Ukraine carried out a major drone strike on Russian territory.
At least four people were killed in the attack.
Twelve others were wounded during the strike.
Three of the fatalities occurred close to Moscow.
Debris from the attack fell near Russia’s largest airport but did not damage it.
The strike is part of ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
Local Russian authorities reported on the casualties and damage.
The incident happened around May 17, 2026.
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Former Defense Secretary Robert Gates said the United States faces a dangerous time because of nuclear threats from both Russia and China. He explained that China is growing stronger economically, militarily, and technologically, but the U.S. still leads in many areas. Gates also said that recent talks between President Trump and China aimed mostly to keep relations stable and avoid worsening trade conflicts.
Key Facts
Robert Gates called the current period very dangerous, with nuclear-armed rivals in Europe and Asia.
China and Russia together have almost twice as many nuclear warheads as the U.S. when China's modernization is complete.
China has great manufacturing power and uses many tools like trade and communication to influence the world globally.
The U.S. military currently has more power than China, but China is catching up, especially in shipbuilding.
The U.S. still holds economic and technological advantages over China.
Both countries have domestic problems that affect their power, including economic and population challenges.
The recent meeting between President Trump and Xi Jinping focused on keeping trade peace and avoiding escalation of economic conflict.
The meeting resulted in setting up working groups to discuss artificial intelligence and tariffs, but few concrete agreements.
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Police arrested 43 people during two protests in London: a far-right "Unite the Kingdom" rally led by Tommy Robinson and a pro-Palestinian march. The police reported some hate crimes and minor violence but said both events mostly passed without major incidents.
Key Facts
Tommy Robinson led the Unite the Kingdom rally, which attracted about 60,000 people, fewer than last year’s 150,000.
The pro-Palestinian march had between 15,000 and 20,000 participants, though organizers claimed 250,000.
Police arrested 43 people in total: 20 from the Unite the Kingdom rally, 12 from the pro-Palestinian march, and 11 unconnected to either event.
Some arrests involved alleged hate crimes, including racist and homophobic insults directed at police officers.
A woman was arrested for carrying a 3-foot sword; others were arrested for offensive placards and minor assaults.
Police said five officers were assaulted but none needed hospital treatment.
Both protests occurred on the same day as the FA Cup final in London, where 22 arrests were also made.
Police are reviewing videos for possible anti-Jewish hate speech related to the pro-Palestinian march.
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The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that Ebola could spread further in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) and Uganda. Health workers are responding to the outbreak, which has already caused multiple deaths in the region.
Key Facts
Ebola is a severe illness that is spreading in DR Congo and Uganda.
The outbreak has resulted in at least 80 deaths so far.
The WHO has declared the situation a global health emergency.
Medical teams, including experts from Doctors Without Borders (MSF), are working on the ground.
The disease spreads through close contact with infected people and contaminated items.
Efforts include safe burials and health education to slow the spread.
The outbreak is being closely monitored to prevent it from reaching other countries.
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The article explains how to make a traditional Philadelphia sandwich called a hoagie. Chef Beau Neidhardt shows the steps to build this large sandwich, which was popular with shipyard workers during World War I.
Key Facts
Hoagies are a type of big sandwich from Philadelphia.
The sandwich became popular when shipyard workers brought them for lunch during World War I.
Chef Beau Neidhardt from Liberty Kitchen demonstrates how to make a hoagie.
The sandwich is made in a specific Philadelphia style.
The article is based on a CBS News segment featuring a correspondent named Susan Spencer.
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A geomagnetic storm caused by solar activity may let people in many parts of the United States see the northern lights this weekend. Normally visible only in far northern areas like Alaska, the aurora borealis could be seen as far south as some central states if the storm strengthens.
Key Facts
The northern lights are caused by charged particles from the sun hitting Earth's atmosphere and creating glowing colors.
This weekend, a solar wind stream from a coronal hole will create a geomagnetic storm, expanding the usual area where auroras appear.
The best chance to see the lights is in northern U.S. states such as Alaska, Washington, Idaho, Montana, and Minnesota.
If the storm gets stronger, the aurora may be visible as far south as Oregon, Nebraska, Illinois, and New York.
The colors of the northern lights depend on the gases and height in the atmosphere where the particles collide.
Viewing is best late at night, especially between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m., away from city lights and with clear skies.
The aurora may look brighter in smartphone photos than to the naked eye.
Even in the best conditions, the northern lights are unpredictable and may only appear as a faint glow.
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Director Jon Favreau is the creator of the Disney+ show "The Mandalorian," featuring the character Grogu, also known as Baby Yoda. The character became very popular, even appearing as a balloon in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Favreau shared how he started his career and went from acting to writing and directing famous movies like "Elf" and "Iron Man."
Key Facts
Jon Favreau created the show "The Mandalorian" for Disney+ in 2019.
Grogu (Baby Yoda) is a main character known for being cute but with unique "Star Wars" features.
Grogu became a cultural phenomenon, including appearing as a balloon in the Macy's Parade in New York City.
"The Mandalorian and Grogu" is the first "Star Wars" movie released in nearly seven years.
Favreau started his career as an actor but later became a successful writer and director.
His first screenplay was "Swingers," inspired by his own experiences as a struggling actor.
He directed the popular holiday movie "Elf" and the superhero film "Iron Man."
Favreau values handmade effects and designs in the "Star Wars" universe to create a distinct look.
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Jon Favreau, the creator of the "Star Wars" series "The Mandalorian," discusses his work on the show and the new film "The Mandalorian and Grogu." He talks about the story influences, including Japanese samurai films, and how he expands the "Star Wars" universe for new fans. Favreau also shares his experience working with Robert Downey Jr. on "Iron Man" and his 2014 movie "Chef," which is about cooking.
Key Facts
Jon Favreau created the "Star Wars" series "The Mandalorian."
He directed the new film "The Mandalorian and Grogu."
The story of "The Mandalorian" is influenced by Japanese samurai movies.
The series aims to reach and attract new audiences to the "Star Wars" universe.
Favreau worked with Robert Downey Jr. on the movie "Iron Man."
He made the movie "Chef" in 2014, which focuses on cooking.
The interview was conducted by CBS News correspondent Tracy Smith.
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A drone attack caused a fire near the Barakah nuclear power plant in the United Arab Emirates but did not affect the plant’s operations or radiation levels. The UAE’s Defense Ministry said its air defenses stopped two drones, while a third hit a generator; the origin of the drones is under investigation.
Key Facts
The fire occurred on the outside of the Barakah nuclear plant’s perimeter in the Al Dhafra region.
No injuries were reported, and radiation levels remained normal.
The UAE’s nuclear regulator confirmed all plant units are operating normally.
The UAE Defense Ministry said three drones were involved; two were intercepted, one hit a generator.
The drones were reportedly launched from the “western border,” but more details are being investigated.
The International Atomic Energy Agency said one reactor briefly used emergency power due to the incident.
The UAE has faced multiple Iranian drone and missile attacks since the US and Israel began strikes against Iran.
Despite a ceasefire between the US and Iran, drone attacks on the UAE have continued recently.
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Jon Favreau, the director and creator of the "Star Wars" series "The Mandalorian," talks about bringing the characters Pedro Pascal's bounty hunter and "Baby Yoda" (Grogu) to movies. He explains how the "Star Wars" stories focus on father-son relationships and how he used his experience with improvisation when directing Robert Downey Jr. in "Iron Man."
Key Facts
Jon Favreau created and directs "The Mandalorian" series in the "Star Wars" universe.
The show features a bounty hunter played by Pedro Pascal and a character called "Baby Yoda" or Grogu.
Favreau highlights that family bonds, especially between fathers and sons, are important themes in "Star Wars."
He describes the universe as having a handmade, authentic feeling.
Favreau also directed Robert Downey Jr. in the movie "Iron Man."
He used his background in improvisation (making things up on the spot) when working with actors like Downey Jr.
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Yasser Abbas, the son of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, was elected to Fatah’s top leadership committee during the party’s first Congress in the West Bank in ten years. The Congress also re-elected Mahmoud Abbas as head of Fatah and included other key leaders, while discussing plans for reforms and elections amid ongoing challenges.
Key Facts
Yasser Abbas joined Fatah’s central committee, the movement’s highest leadership body.
The Congress took place in Ramallah over three days and had a 94.6% voter turnout.
Mahmoud Abbas was re-elected as head of Fatah and promised reforms and elections.
Marwan Barghouti, a popular leader jailed in Israel, received the most votes for the committee.
Jibril Rajoub was re-elected as secretary-general of the committee.
Fatah is facing challenges after Israel’s war on Gaza and growing internal division.
Fatah once dominated Palestinian politics but has lost influence to Hamas, which controls Gaza.
The Congress did not clarify who will lead Fatah after Mahmoud Abbas.
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Venezuela deported Alex Saab, a close ally of President Nicolás Maduro, to the United States, where he faces several criminal investigations. Saab was previously pardoned by President Joe Biden in a prisoner swap but is now expected to possibly testify against Maduro, who is on trial in the U.S. on drug charges.
Key Facts
Alex Saab is a businessman and ally of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
Saab was deported to the U.S. due to ongoing criminal investigations.
He was pardoned by President Joe Biden less than three years ago in a prisoner exchange.
Maduro had previously fought hard to bring Saab back to Venezuela after his arrest in 2020.
Saab faces charges related to bribery and corruption involving Venezuelan government food contracts.
The U.S. government describes Saab as Maduro's "bag man," involved in illegal financial deals.
Saab’s arrest and deportation highlight tensions within Venezuela’s ruling Chavista coalition.
Maduro is currently on trial in Manhattan for drug-related charges after a U.S. military operation.
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