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Venezuela has deported Alex Saab, a close ally of President Nicolás Maduro, to the United States to face criminal charges. Saab was previously pardoned by President Joe Biden but is now linked to investigations involving bribery and government contracts in Venezuela.
Key Facts
Venezuela says it deported Alex Saab to the U.S. for ongoing criminal investigations.
Saab is a Colombian-born businessman and a close ally of President Nicolás Maduro.
U.S. officials accuse Saab of being involved in bribery related to Venezuelan government food contracts.
Saab was described by the U.S. as Maduro’s "bag man," meaning he handled money or deals for Maduro.
Maduro had strongly tried to bring Saab back home after his arrest in 2020.
Saab was pardoned by President Joe Biden in a prisoner swap less than three years ago.
Saab may be asked to testify against Maduro, who faces drug charges in the U.S.
Venezuela’s statement referred to Saab only as a "Colombian citizen" possibly due to local laws against extraditing nationals.
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Two Weeks in August is a BBC drama about a group of university friends reuniting for a summer holiday on a Greek island. The show explores how their relationships have changed over time due to marriage, children, and mental health, revealing tensions and personal struggles beneath the holiday fun.
Key Facts
The show centers on a group of friends who meet again years later for a holiday in Greece.
Jessica Raine plays Zoe, a mother and teacher who feels pressure to keep everyone happy.
Damien Molony plays Dan, Zoe’s husband, who struggles with depression during the trip.
Antonia Thomas plays Jess, who finds it hard to reconnect with the group.
The series shows how people change and how old friendships can become strained.
Catherine Shepherd, the writer, says the show is about normal people, not the very rich like in The White Lotus.
The drama was filmed in Malta and Gozo.
The tone mixes dark comedy with real-life emotional challenges.
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The UK has had five prime ministers in seven years, showing political instability. Experts say this is due to hard times like Brexit, the pandemic, and economic issues, as well as challenges within UK politics itself.
Key Facts
The UK has had five prime ministers in seven years, none completing a full term.
Over the same period, there have been many changes in other key government roles.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch both say Britain is not ungovernable.
Recent crises include the 2008 financial crash, Brexit, Covid-19, the war in Ukraine, and energy problems.
Experts suggest some prime ministers lacked leadership skills or experience.
The UK political system gives power to a government with a parliamentary majority, but recent leaders have struggled to use it effectively.
Some blame difficulties on the civil service, which can be slow or obstructive.
Past prime ministers had mentors or advisers, which recent leaders may have lacked.
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The Bolivian military and police cleared roadblocks set up by protesters outside La Paz as part of nationwide antigovernment demonstrations. The protests, involving miners, teachers, Indigenous groups, and unions, oppose President Rodrigo Paz’s economic policies amid Bolivia’s worst economic crisis in decades.
Key Facts
About 3,500 soldiers and police took part in the operation to remove roadblocks early Saturday.
Around 57 people were arrested during the crackdown.
Protests were organized by various groups, including miners, schoolteachers, Indigenous groups, and unions.
Bolivia is facing a serious economic crisis with depleted foreign currency reserves and fuel shortages.
The government ended a long-standing fuel subsidy and is pushing to privatize state-owned companies, causing anger among many citizens.
Recent protests led to the repeal of a controversial land reform law seen as threatening small landowners.
President Paz blamed the blockades for supply shortages and said three people died after not reaching hospitals.
Argentina’s President Javier Milei sent humanitarian aid and publicly supported President Paz against the protests.
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Venezuela's government said it sent Alex Saab, a close ally of President Nicolás Maduro, to the United States to face legal charges. Saab was previously pardoned by President Joe Biden but now may have to testify against Maduro, who is accused of drug crimes in the U.S.
Key Facts
Alex Saab is a Colombian-born businessman linked closely to Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.
The Venezuelan immigration authority said Saab was deported due to ongoing criminal investigations in the U.S.
Saab was pardoned by President Joe Biden as part of a prisoner exchange less than three years ago.
U.S. officials have called Saab Maduro’s “bag man,” accusing him of bribery related to Venezuelan government food contracts.
Maduro and Venezuela’s acting president previously claimed Saab was a diplomat detained unfairly on a refueling stop.
Saab’s role involved the CLAP program, which supplies food staples to poor Venezuelans during economic hardship.
Saab had fallen out of favor with Maduro’s government and was removed from official roles earlier this year.
Venezuelan law forbids extraditing its own citizens, but Saab was described officially only as a Colombian citizen.
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Two leading Labour Party figures, Wes Streeting and Andy Burnham, are planning to run for party leader. Both support the idea of the UK rejoining the European Union if they become prime minister.
Key Facts
Wes Streeting and Andy Burnham want the UK to rejoin the EU.
Both are expected to compete to replace Sir Keir Starmer as Labour leader.
Nigel Farage criticized Andy Burnham, saying he would betray Brexit voters.
Andy Burnham plans more public control over utilities like water and energy.
He also wants to build more council (public) housing.
Wes Streeting has confirmed he will enter the Labour leadership race.
Streeting proposes Labour include rejoining the EU in its next election plan.
The Sunday papers also reported on unrelated stories, like police under investigation for sleeping while guarding the King.
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Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a severe mental health condition affecting some women before their periods. It causes intense emotional and physical symptoms, including anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts, which improve once menstruation begins. Researchers have created a suicide prevention tool to help doctors recognize PMDD and provide better care.
Key Facts
PMDD causes severe mood and physical symptoms in the one to two weeks before a period.
Symptoms can include anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, fatigue, headaches, and joint pain.
PMDD affects over a million women in the UK, but many remain undiagnosed.
Hormonal changes, especially in progesterone and estrogen, drive PMDD symptoms.
Women with PMDD have a higher risk of suicidal thoughts and attempts than the general population.
A new tool developed by Scottish researchers helps doctors identify signs of PMDD linked to suicide risk.
This tool aims to improve diagnosis and support women’s mental health by considering menstrual cycle patterns.
The goal is to introduce this tool widely within the NHS to help more women receive proper treatment.
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A Chinese community leader in New York, Lu Jianwang, was found guilty of running an illegal overseas police station for China, according to U.S. prosecutors. This is part of a broader effort by the Chinese government to monitor and influence Chinese expatriates abroad, including activities like spying on critics and spreading propaganda.
Key Facts
Lu Jianwang set up an office in Manhattan's Chinatown, claiming it was for helping Chinese expats renew driver's licenses and socializing.
The FBI raided the office, calling it the first known illegal Chinese police station in the U.S.
Lu was convicted of acting as an unauthorized foreign agent and could face up to 30 years in prison.
Another case involved a California politician who admitted to posting Chinese government propaganda targeting Chinese Americans.
China is accused of running about 100 similar overseas police stations in 53 countries worldwide.
The Chinese government denies these are police stations, calling them volunteer service centers.
Experts say these covert operations are part of China's larger plan to control dissent and influence overseas Chinese communities.
This news came as President Donald Trump met with Chinese President Xi Jinping but avoided discussing espionage.
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BIIRD is an all-female Irish traditional music group that formed in 2024 and quickly became popular by selling out venues in the UK and Ireland and touring with Ed Sheeran, all without releasing an album. The group mixes traditional Irish music with modern styles and challenges old-fashioned ideas about women in Irish folk music through their performances and fashion.
Key Facts
BIIRD is an all-female group with 8 to 11 members from Ireland.
They performed for the first time together in Trafalgar Square on St Patrick’s Day 2024.
The group has sold out venues and opened for Ed Sheeran in stadium tours.
They have not released a recorded album yet; their fame comes from live shows and word of mouth.
The founder, Lisa Canny, aims to change how women are seen in traditional Irish music.
Members wear bold, theatrical clothes made by Irish designers, which is different from usual folk music style.
The group’s music mixes traditional Irish sounds with a modern, pop-like energy.
BIIRD was formed by connections in the Irish traditional music scene, rather than formal auditions.
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Hezbollah has increased its use of small drones to attack Israeli military targets in southern Lebanon and northern Israel. These drones often use fibre-optic cables to avoid detection and are made from cheap, commercially available parts. Israeli forces are working on better defenses but have so far struggled to stop these drone strikes.
Key Facts
Hezbollah has shared at least 35 verified videos of drone attacks since March 26.
The drones target Israeli soldiers, armored vehicles, and air defense systems.
Many drones use fibre-optic cables instead of wireless signals, making them hard to detect or jam.
The Israeli military has reported deaths and injuries from these drone attacks.
Experts say the drones cost around $300-$500 each and can include 3D-printed parts.
Israel is investing in better defenses and training to respond to this new threat.
Hezbollah has used larger attack drones before, but these small first-person view (FPV) drones are a new tactic.
The use of cheap FPV drones has become common in modern conflicts, such as in the Russia-Ukraine war.
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Thousands of people gathered in Berlin to mark the 78th anniversary of the Palestinian Nakba. During the event, German police used force, including hitting and pepper-spraying some protesters.
Key Facts
The event took place in Berlin, Germany.
It was held to remember the Nakba, which marks the displacement of Palestinians in 1948.
Thousands of protesters attended the rally.
German police responded with physical force against some protesters.
Police actions included hitting and using pepper spray.
The incident was recorded on video showing the police response.
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A California man named Donald Do was arrested for trying to illegally export nearly 300 wild loggerhead musk turtles to Taiwan. He falsely claimed the turtles were bred in captivity to get a permit but actually bought them from poachers. Another man from Louisiana, Albert Bazaar, was also arrested for selling over 1,700 turtles taken from the wild.
Key Facts
Donald Do tried to export 292 wild loggerhead musk turtles to Taiwan between December 2022 and May 2024.
Do and an accomplice obtained a US Fish and Wildlife Service export permit by falsely claiming the turtles were captive-bred.
The turtles were actually poached from the wild in Florida and other places.
Albert Bazaar from Louisiana was arrested for selling over 1,700 loggerhead musk turtles.
Loggerhead musk turtles are protected by law and have large heads with strong jaws.
The Lacey Act makes it illegal to give false information about wildlife in trade.
Law enforcement conducted an operation called “Southern Hot Herps” to stop turtle poaching in the southeastern US.
If convicted, Do could face up to five years in prison. He pleaded not guilty and has a bond hearing scheduled for May 21.
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Félicien Kabuga, a Rwandan suspect accused of involvement in the 1994 genocide, died in a hospital in The Hague while in custody. He had been declared unfit to continue his trial in 2023 due to dementia, which prevented a verdict on his case.
Key Facts
Félicien Kabuga was 91 years old when he died in custody in The Hague, Netherlands.
He was charged with encouraging and funding the genocide against Rwanda’s Tutsi minority in 1994.
His trial began in 2022, almost 30 years after the genocide that killed about 800,000 people.
In 2023, judges said Kabuga was too ill (due to dementia) to continue his trial.
An investigation has been ordered to understand how he died in custody.
Kabuga was arrested in France in 2020 after an arrest warrant and a $5 million bounty were issued in 2013.
He pleaded not guilty to charges including genocide, murder, and persecution.
Rwanda offered to accept him if released, but Kabuga’s lawyer said he feared mistreatment there.
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Two staff members of a right-wing presidential candidate were killed in Colombia two weeks before the country’s May 31 election. The attacks happened in Meta, a region with a history of violence, and officials warn such violence threatens democratic participation.
Key Facts
Two campaign staffers for candidate Abelardo de la Espriella were shot by gunmen on motorbikes in Meta.
The victims were Rogers Mauricio Devia Escoba, a former mayor, and his adviser Eder Fabian Cardona Lopez.
Another attack targeted a former mayoral candidate in the same area.
Violence and threats against political leaders have increased ahead of the presidential election.
Colombia’s presidential race includes 14 candidates, with frontrunners including left-wing Senator Ivan Cepeda and right-wing Abelardo de la Espriella.
Meta is known for rebel activity and cocaine trafficking, contributing to security challenges.
Some candidates have faced death threats, and security is tight for leading politicians.
A rebel group that did not disarm after a 2016 peace deal has carried out violent acts, including kidnapping and attacks on politicians.
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The UK and France have agreed to extend a pilot program called “one in, one out” until October. This program returns one asylum seeker who crosses the Channel in a small boat to France in exchange for allowing another asylum seeker from France to come to the UK legally.
Key Facts
The “one in, one out” scheme was signed by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron in July.
The pilot program was originally set to end on June 11 but will now continue until October 1.
The goal is to reduce small boat crossings across the Channel and stop people-smuggling gangs.
Since the deal, over 600 people have been sent back to France, and about 580 have arrived in the UK legally under the scheme.
Small boat crossings fell by about one-third compared to last year, partly due to bad weather.
People-smuggling gangs have changed tactics and now use other routes, like Belgium, or more expensive crossings in lorries (trucks).
Some asylum seekers have raised concerns about poor treatment and the dangers they face, both in UK detention and after being returned to France.
The UK Home Office says this scheme is part of broader efforts to reduce illegal migration and return people with no legal right to stay in the UK.
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A recent poll shows that Brazil’s presidential race is very close, with current president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and challenger Flavio Bolsonaro tied at 45% support each. Flavio Bolsonaro, son of imprisoned former president Jair Bolsonaro, has been involved in controversy over fundraising for a film about his father while Lula seeks a fourth term.
Key Facts
The poll was done by Datafolha on May 12-13 with about 2,004 respondents.
Lula and Flavio Bolsonaro each have 45% voter support in a potential run-off election.
About 9% of those surveyed said they would cast a “null” vote, and 1% were undecided.
Lula, 80 years old, is aiming for a fourth nonconsecutive term as Brazil’s president.
Flavio Bolsonaro is the son of Jair Bolsonaro, who is in prison for trying to overturn the 2022 election.
Flavio Bolsonaro asked a banker accused of fraud to help finance a movie about his father called Dark Horse.
Flavio denies wrongdoing and says the movie’s funding was a private matter unrelated to fraud.
Left-wing politicians are asking for an investigation into the film financing and other campaign controversies.
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Taiwan said it is an independent country after President Donald Trump expressed doubts about a big weapons sale to Taiwan. China responded by promising to work more closely with the US on security but said it does not recognize Taiwan as separate from China.
Key Facts
Taiwan declared itself a sovereign and independent nation.
President Donald Trump questioned the future of a major arms sale to Taiwan.
The arms sale involved weapons intended for Taiwan’s defense.
China said it will cooperate more with the US on security matters.
Beijing stated it has no right to claim Taiwan as a separate country.
Taiwan’s statement was a response to President Trump’s remarks.
The situation highlights ongoing tensions between China, Taiwan, and the US.
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Cuba is facing a severe power crisis caused by a shortage of fuel, leading to daily blackouts and problems with water, lighting, and transportation. The situation worsened after the U.S. stopped Venezuelan oil shipments to Cuba, as Venezuela was a major oil supplier for the island.
Key Facts
Cuba’s national electricity grid is unstable and experiencing prolonged blackouts.
The country has run out of fuel reserves, including diesel.
Blackouts have lasted over 20 hours, notably in Havana.
Venezuela used to supply about 24% of Cuba’s daily oil consumption but stopped after the U.S. captured Venezuelan President Maduro.
Cuba produces only about 40% of its oil needs domestically, mainly heavy oil that harms infrastructure.
About 80% of Cuba’s electricity comes from natural gas plants, while 20% comes from renewable sources like solar energy.
On January 29, President Trump declared a national security emergency on Cuba and threatened tariffs on countries supplying oil to Cuba.
The U.S. government offered $100 million in aid to Cuba during the crisis.
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The Eurovision Song Contest held its grand final in Vienna with 25 countries competing despite protests against Israel’s participation. Fans enjoyed diverse musical acts, while some countries boycotted the event over political reasons related to Israel’s conflicts.
Key Facts
The Eurovision final took place at the Wiener Stadthalle arena in Vienna.
25 countries performed, including Israel, Finland, Moldova, Serbia, Denmark, Germany, Ukraine, Australia, and others.
Five countries—Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, Iceland, and Slovenia—boycotted the contest due to opposition to Israel’s involvement.
Israel’s contestant Noam Bettan performed the song “Michelle” in Hebrew, French, and English.
The contest combines viewers’ votes and national juries’ points to select the winner.
Finland is the favorite to win with the song “Liekinheitin” by Pete Parkkonen and Linda Lampenius.
Australia, represented by Delta Goodrem, may host next year if it wins, as it is a regular participant despite being outside Europe.
Eurovision is known for mixing pop music with political issues and often features artists from smaller countries or less-known backgrounds.
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The Bolivian military police arrested protesters and used tear gas to clear road blockades after 11 days of demonstrations. These protests were caused by fuel shortages linked to a closure at the Strait of Hormuz, despite a deal made between protesters and the government.
Key Facts
Protests in Bolivia lasted 11 days.
Demonstrators blocked roads during the protests.
Military police arrested some protesters.
Tear gas was used to break up road blockades.
The protests were about fuel shortages.
The fuel shortages were influenced by a closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route.
A deal was made on Friday between the government and protesters before the police actions.
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