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Comprehensive coverage of international news and global events
Contestants from the BBC show Race Across the World are running together in a race to remember Sam Gardiner, a former participant who died in a car accident. The run will also raise money for cancer support through The Christie Charity.
Key Facts
Sam Gardiner, age 24, died in a car crash near Manchester on May 26, 2025.
The crash happened because his car had unsafe tyre tread and rolled over.
Contestants from every series of Race Across the World will run in the Great Manchester Run on May 31.
The run marks one year since Sam’s death and supports charity fundraising.
More than £28,000 was raised after his death for fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), which Sam had.
Sam’s adoptive mother Jo, who traveled with him on the 2020 show, will support the runners.
The run raises money for The Christie Charity, which helps people affected by cancer.
Contestants from different series, including winners and runners-up, will join the run.
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Lebanon and Israel agreed to extend a ceasefire for 45 more days after talks in the United States, even though fighting continued in southern Lebanon. Iran’s Foreign Minister said President Trump’s administration indicated willingness to negotiate, but there are still disagreements over Iran’s nuclear material.
Key Facts
Lebanon and Israel agreed to extend their ceasefire by 45 days, despite some ongoing attacks.
At least 12 people died in southern Lebanon on Friday, including three paramedics.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the US showed openness to talks, with possible help from China.
Iran reported over 1,260 people killed and 2,800 wounded in attacks on its capital during the conflict.
Iran is allowing more ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz after countries accepted new legal rules it set.
China indicated it might veto a US-backed UN resolution related to the Strait of Hormuz.
The UAE plans to speed up building a pipeline to export oil without passing through the Strait of Hormuz by 2027.
The US charged an Iraqi man connected to Iran-backed militia with attacks in Europe and Canada.
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President Donald Trump is increasing pressure on Cuba despite ongoing conflicts involving Iran. The U.S. has continued a tough campaign against Cuba, including an oil blockade and sending the CIA chief to Havana, signaling Washington’s strong focus on Cuba.
Key Facts
Since January, the U.S. began a campaign against Cuba that includes an oil blockade.
The U.S. seized Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, an ally and energy supplier to Cuba.
President Trump has sent the CIA chief to Havana as part of the pressure efforts.
The U.S. government is reportedly preparing charges against former Cuban leader Raúl Castro.
Cuba is 90 miles from Florida and governed by a communist-led government.
Trump reversed former President Obama’s efforts to ease relations with Cuba.
President Trump appointed Marco Rubio, a strong critic of Cuba, as secretary of state and national security adviser.
The U.S. has taken aggressive actions in the region, including a raid in Venezuela and military action involving Iran.
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Gunmen kidnapped many students from a school in Borno State, northeastern Nigeria, during classes on Friday morning. No group has claimed responsibility, but the attack resembles actions by the Boko Haram rebel group that has been fighting in the region for years.
Key Facts
The kidnapping happened at Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School in Askira-Uba, Borno State.
Attackers arrived on motorcycles and took several students; some students escaped.
Boko Haram, a militant group, commonly uses kidnappings in its ongoing conflict in northeastern Nigeria.
Borno State is near Sambisa Forest, a known stronghold of these rebels.
Mass kidnappings have become frequent in rural areas of Nigeria with weak government control.
Recently, 23 children were kidnapped from an orphanage in Kogi State, central Nigeria.
On the same day, gunmen abducted students in Oyo State, southwestern Nigeria, causing school closures there.
Experts say violence in northern Nigeria is driven by extremism, poverty, lack of education, and weak government presence.
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US and Nigerian forces worked together to kill a top Islamic State leader in Nigeria during a mission on May 15, 2026. The leader, Abu Bakr al-Mainuki, was known for organizing and funding attacks and was considered a key figure in the group’s operations in West Africa.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump announced the joint US-Nigerian mission that killed Abu Bakr al-Mainuki.
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu confirmed the strike killed al-Mainuki and several of his lieutenants in the Lake Chad Basin.
Al-Mainuki was the second in command of the global Islamic State group and led the West Africa branch.
He was involved in planning attacks against the US and its interests.
Al-Mainuki was born in Nigeria's Borno province in 1982 and had fought with IS in Libya previously.
The US sanctioned al-Mainuki in 2023 before this operation.
Nigeria faces ongoing security challenges from multiple armed groups, including Islamic State affiliates.
US troops and drones have been deployed to Nigeria to assist in the fight against militants in recent months.
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A 38-year-old man died after being attacked by a great white shark near Rottnest Island, Western Australia. Rescue teams tried to save him on site, but he died from his injuries.
Key Facts
The attack happened just before 10 a.m. local time on a Saturday near Rottnest Island, west of Perth.
The victim was 38 years old and was taken by boat to Geordie Bay Jetty for emergency treatment.
Paramedics and police performed CPR, but the man died at the scene.
The shark was about four meters (13 feet) long and identified as a great white.
This is the first fatal shark attack in Western Australia since March of the previous year.
Shark attacks are more common on Australia's east and southeast coasts, averaging 20 incidents per year.
Recent shark attacks have led to beach closures in New South Wales on Australia’s east coast.
Fatal shark attacks remain rare but have occurred sporadically along the Australian coast.
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A 38-year-old man was killed by a 13-foot great white shark at Horseshoe Reef near Rottnest Island in Western Australia. He was taken to shore and given emergency care but could not be saved. This is the first fatal shark attack in the state since March last year.
Key Facts
The attack happened just before 10:00 local time at Horseshoe Reef, northwest of Rottnest Island near Perth.
The shark involved was a great white about 13 feet (4 meters) long.
Emergency teams performed CPR at Geordie Bay jetty but the man died.
Western Australia’s Department of Primary Industries warned people to be extra careful in waters near the area.
The last fatal shark attack in Western Australia was in March of the previous year.
Since 1791, Australia has recorded nearly 1,300 shark attacks, with over 260 deaths.
Earlier this year, four shark attacks occurred in New South Wales within two days, including the death of a 12-year-old boy.
Shark attacks raise ongoing concerns and debates about safety measures like shark nets in Australia.
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UK Labour Party leader Keir Starmer faced a troubled week with calls for his resignation after poor election results. Some Labour MPs resigned in protest, and although no formal leadership challenge has reached the required number of nominations, the party appears divided, and Andy Burnham is seen as a possible future leader.
Key Facts
Keir Starmer, UK Labour Party leader, faced internal pressure after Labour’s poor election results.
Steve Reed, housing secretary, stated no one has officially challenged Starmer due to nomination rules.
Several junior and then more senior Labour MPs resigned in protest.
Andy Burnham, Greater Manchester mayor, is viewed as a potential successor but must win a parliamentary seat first.
Catherine West, a lesser-known Labour MP, pushed for Starmer to step down and sparked discussion of a leadership contest.
Labour insiders describe the party’s internal conflict as unusual so soon after a major election win.
Labour MPs need at least 81 nominations to trigger a formal leadership challenge, which has not happened.
Josh Simons, a new Labour MP, stepped down to support Burnham’s path to leadership.
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Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu, a well-known actress, spoke about self-confidence at the Cannes Film Festival. She acts as an ambassador for L’Oréal Paris and emphasizes accepting yourself as you are.
Key Facts
Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu is a star of a famous TV series.
She appeared at the Cannes Film Festival in France.
She represents self-confidence for L’Oréal Paris.
Leroy-Beaulieu says self-confidence grows over time and through difficult experiences.
The Cannes Film Festival is a major event celebrating movies and culture.
The article also mentions other cultural news around Cannes and France.
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The Eurovision Song Contest is a popular music event known for its fun and flashy performances. Recently, Israel's participation has caused controversy, with some people questioning whether the contest can stay neutral since politics and conflicts are involved.
Key Facts
Eurovision is a major music contest watched by millions.
It features colorful and playful performances and costumes.
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) organizes Eurovision and says it is about music and unity.
Israel’s participation has led to protests and boycotts by some artists and broadcasters.
The EBU banned Russia from Eurovision after its 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
Critics say there are double standards because Israel is still allowed to compete despite ongoing conflicts.
The controversy raises questions about Eurovision’s claim to be free from politics.
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President Donald Trump announced that US and Nigerian forces killed Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, a top leader of the Islamic State group in Africa, during a joint military operation. This could be a significant setback for the group, which operates mainly in the Lake Chad Basin and Sahel regions.
Key Facts
Abu-Bilal al-Minuki was described as the "second in command" of ISIS worldwide and led IS-linked groups in Africa.
The US named al-Minuki a Specially Designated Global Terrorist in 2023.
The Nigerian military has not officially commented on the raid yet.
Al-Minuki directed IS cells across multiple African countries, including Nigeria, Niger, Chad, and Mali.
President Trump called the operation "flawlessly executed" and thanked Nigeria for their partnership.
The killing is seen as a blow to ISIS’s networks, funding, and military plans against both Africa and the US.
US and Nigerian forces have increased cooperation against extremist violence in recent years.
Previous joint actions include a US-Nigerian airstrike last Christmas against ISIS-linked groups in Nigeria's Sokoto state.
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Israel and Lebanon have agreed to extend a ceasefire and will hold more talks to work on a political solution. This decision was announced by the US just before the original ceasefire was to end, even though Israel continued some strikes in southern Lebanon.
Key Facts
Israel and Lebanon agreed to extend a ceasefire that was set to expire on April 17.
They plan to have expanded talks about a political settlement following the extension.
The US announced the ceasefire extension.
Israel carried out new strikes in southern Lebanon despite the ceasefire.
Israel says these new strikes are not covered by the ceasefire.
The conflict involves Israeli actions responding to fire from Hezbollah.
Israel has been attacking and invading southern Lebanon since early March.
The ceasefire aims to reduce fighting and find a political solution.
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Andy Burnham, the popular Mayor of Greater Manchester known as the “King of the North,” may try to challenge UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s leadership. To do this, Burnham first needs to win a seat in Parliament, but Starmer is currently facing low approval and pressure to resign after poor local election results and a cabinet resignation.
Key Facts
Andy Burnham is the Mayor of Greater Manchester and has won three major mayoral elections since 2017.
Burnham is seen as a potential challenger to Prime Minister Keir Starmer and is considered more left-leaning.
To challenge Starmer, Burnham must first secure a seat in Parliament.
Starmer has faced declining approval ratings and criticism within his Labour Party.
One cabinet member has already resigned amid the turmoil.
More than 20% of Labour MPs want Starmer to step down.
Burnham is nicknamed the “King of the North” due to his strong support for northern England and its working-class communities.
Burnham previously served in the UK Cabinet from 2007 to 2010 and ran unsuccessfully for Labour leader in 2010 and 2015.
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Drone attacks have become the main cause of civilian deaths in Sudan’s war, killing over 880 people this year alone. Both the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) use drones supplied by foreign countries, leading to more attacks on crowded areas and civilian places like hospitals and markets.
Key Facts
Drone strikes caused more than 80% of conflict-related civilian deaths in Sudan recently.
At least 880 civilians were killed by drones between January and April 2025.
The Sudan war started in April 2023, causing over 59,000 deaths and displacing 13 million people.
The RSF and Sudan’s army both use drones to fight for control and to attack enemy-held areas.
Drone attacks have targeted hospitals, schools, dams, markets, and displacement camps.
The number of drone-related deaths in 2025 increased by 600% compared to the previous year.
Drones are supplied mainly by countries in the Middle East, including possible support from the United Arab Emirates and China.
Some drones can visually identify specific targets, raising concerns about deliberate attacks on civilians.
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Spain’s public broadcaster decided not to take part in the Eurovision Song Contest this year because of Israel’s participation. The boycott reflects Spain’s protest against Israel’s actions in the conflict with Hamas in Gaza. Other countries like Ireland, Slovenia, the Netherlands, and Iceland have also joined the boycott.
Key Facts
Spain is not participating in the Eurovision Song Contest for the first time in seven years.
The boycott was announced after the European Broadcasting Union allowed Israel to compete.
Spain’s broadcaster, RTVE, has shown messages supporting Palestine and criticizing the conflict.
Other countries joining the boycott include Ireland, Slovenia, the Netherlands, and Iceland.
Spanish fans usually watch the contest with friends, but this year some will watch alone online.
Israel has competed in Eurovision for 50 years and has won four times.
Israelis see Eurovision participation as a sign of international acceptance.
Some Spanish fans support the boycott for political reasons, while others miss the event’s usual excitement.
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Israel and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have a close but quietly managed relationship, especially during the ongoing Iran-related conflict in the region. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu revealed he visited the UAE recently, but the UAE quickly denied this, showing the sensitivity of their public ties.
Key Facts
Israel sent Iron Dome air-defense systems and operators to the UAE to help defend against Iranian attacks.
Prime Minister Netanyahu stated he made a secret visit to the UAE during the current regional conflict.
The UAE denied Netanyahu’s visit and any Israeli military delegation presence.
The UAE and Israel formally established diplomatic ties in 2020 through the Abraham Accords.
The UAE prefers to keep its relationship with Israel low-profile due to regional public opinion.
Negative views of Israel remain strong in many Arab and Muslim countries.
The current conflict began after Hamas, backed by Iran, attacked Israel, leading to a major Israeli military response in Gaza.
The Gaza Health Ministry reports over 72,700 Palestinian deaths since the conflict started.
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Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, believed to be the second-in-command of ISIL globally, was killed in a joint operation by U.S. and Nigerian forces, President Donald Trump announced. The operation aimed to weaken ISIL’s global activities and was carried out with help from intelligence sources in Africa.
Key Facts
Abu-Bilal al-Minuki was an important leader in ISIL and part of its global management group.
The U.S. and Nigerian military forces worked together to carry out the mission that killed him.
President Trump thanked Nigeria for its cooperation in the operation.
Al-Minuki had been under U.S. sanctions since 2023 due to his terrorist links.
The U.S. described him as a senior leader based in the Sahel region of Africa.
President Trump said removing al-Minuki weakens ISIL’s global operations.
The U.S. deployed hundreds of troops to Nigeria to provide support but they do not take part in combat.
Nigeria denies accusations that it only protects one community from attacks, saying violence affects multiple groups.
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Jeremy Corbyn, former leader of the UK Labour Party, described the intense pressure and criticism he faced during a party coup attempt in 2016. After the EU referendum, many senior party members resigned from his team, and a no-confidence vote was held, but Corbyn refused to step down at that time.
Key Facts
Jeremy Corbyn led the Labour Party from 2015 to 2019.
On June 25, 2016, after the EU referendum, Corbyn's Shadow Foreign Secretary was involved in planning a mass walkout.
Corbyn dismissed Hilary Benn, the Shadow Foreign Secretary, after confirming his role in the plot.
A total of 21 resignations from Corbyn's shadow cabinet occurred over that weekend.
Corbyn faced an hour of harsh criticism at a Labour parliamentary meeting and a vote of no confidence passed 172 to 40.
Despite the pressure, Corbyn decided not to resign, stating he was elected with a clear majority by party members.
Corbyn’s wife, Laura Alvarez, was an important source of support during this difficult time.
The article compares Corbyn’s experience with recent events involving Labour leader Keir Starmer and other UK political figures.
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President Donald Trump announced that U.S. and Nigerian forces carried out a joint mission to kill Abu Bakr al-Mainuki, a leader of the Islamic State group in Nigeria. Al-Mainuki was considered the group's second-in-command globally and was involved in organizing and funding attacks against the U.S. and its interests.
Key Facts
The joint mission took place on a Friday night in Nigeria.
Abu Bakr al-Mainuki was the Islamic State’s second-in-command worldwide.
He was in charge of the Islamic State branch in West Africa after the previous leader died in 2018.
Al-Mainuki was born in Borno province, Nigeria, in 1982.
He had been planning attacks against the United States and its interests.
The U.S. sanctioned him in 2023.
President Trump ordered strikes against the Islamic State in Nigeria in December 2025 and deployed troops and drones earlier in 2026 to assist Nigeria.
Nigeria is facing a complex security crisis involving multiple armed groups linked to the Islamic State.
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Taiwan said it is a sovereign and independent nation and thanked the United States for its security support, especially through arms sales. This statement came after President Donald Trump warned Taiwan not to declare formal independence during his visit to China, where he met President Xi Jinping.
Key Facts
Taiwan’s foreign ministry said Taiwan is a sovereign and independent nation, not under China’s control.
Taiwan appreciates US President Donald Trump’s support for peace in the Taiwan Strait.
Taiwan says US arms sales are part of Washington’s security commitment under the Taiwan Relations Act.
In December, the US approved an $11 billion arms sale package to Taiwan, with another $14 billion package awaiting approval.
President Trump warned Taiwan against declaring formal independence after meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Trump said he does not want a war over Taiwan and wants both sides to "cool down."
The US officially recognizes Beijing and does not support formal independence for Taiwan but supplies Taiwan with arms for defense.
Chinese President Xi Jinping told Trump that Taiwan is a sensitive issue and warned against missteps.
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