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Ghislaine Maxwell’s ex-boyfriend, billionaire Ted Waitt, told U.S. lawmakers he gave her $7.2 million after they broke up. He said he was unaware of her crimes connected to Jeffrey Epstein and regrets not investigating Epstein’s past during their relationship.
Key Facts
Ted Waitt co-founded Gateway Computer and dated Ghislaine Maxwell for six years.
He testified before the House Oversight Committee investigating Jeffrey Epstein and Maxwell.
Waitt said he did not know about Maxwell’s crimes while they were together.
He gave Maxwell $7.2 million after their breakup to help her maintain her lifestyle.
Maxwell was convicted in 2022 for sex trafficking and linked to Epstein’s crimes.
Waitt denied Maxwell’s claim that he was blackmailed over lawsuits involving Epstein.
Waitt said Maxwell was upset after their breakup and that his staff handled the payment.
He expressed regret about his association with Maxwell and Epstein and said he would avoid it if he could.
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Five Italian scuba divers died while exploring underwater caves near Vaavu Atoll in the Maldives. One body was found about 60 meters deep, and search teams are working to recover the others under difficult conditions.
Key Facts
The accident involved five Italians diving about 50 meters deep in caves.
The Maldives military found one body inside a cave underwater.
The other four divers are believed to be inside the same cave system.
Specialized divers are conducting a high-risk search operation.
The incident is considered the deadliest diving accident in the Maldives.
The divers went missing on Thursday after failing to resurface.
Rough weather and a yellow warning for boats were reported in the area.
The victims included a marine biology professor from the University of Genoa, her daughter, and two young researchers.
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Cuba's national power grid failed, cutting electricity across the island's eastern provinces and causing long blackouts in the capital, Havana. The outages happened amid a fuel shortage worsened by U.S. sanctions, while a U.S. delegation visited Cuba and offered $100 million in humanitarian aid.
Key Facts
Cuba's power grid collapsed early Thursday, affecting all eastern provinces.
Havana has faced blackouts lasting 24 hours or more.
Cuba is experiencing a severe fuel shortage, with no diesel reserves available.
Russia has sent one fuel ship recently and plans to send another, but the second tanker is stuck in the Atlantic.
Mexico has sent humanitarian aid to Cuba and opposes the U.S. energy blockade.
A U.S. delegation, including CIA Director John Ratcliff, met with Cuban officials during the crisis.
The U.S. State Department offered $100 million in aid to Cuba, but it is unclear if Cuba will accept it or how the aid will be delivered.
The Cuban government denied posing a security threat to the U.S. during talks with the U.S. delegation.
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government plans to sue The New York Times for defamation after the newspaper published an opinion column alleging sexual abuse by Israeli settlers and security forces against Palestinian prisoners. The New York Times defends the article, saying it was carefully fact-checked and based on multiple interviews and independent research.
Key Facts
Netanyahu's office called the article "one of the most hideous and distorted lies ever published against the State of Israel."
Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar ordered a defamation lawsuit against The New York Times and journalist Nicholas Kristof.
The article was based on interviews with 14 people claiming sexual abuse by Israeli settlers or security forces.
The Times says the reports were verified with witnesses, family members, lawyers, independent experts, and human rights groups.
It is uncertain if the lawsuit will be filed in Israel or the United States.
In the U.S., governments cannot sue for defamation, and public officials have a high legal standard to prove malicious falsehoods.
Legal experts say such a lawsuit would likely be difficult to win in the U.S. because opinion journalism is protected under the First Amendment.
President Trump has used lawsuits against news outlets in the past to seek settlements over unfavorable coverage.
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The UK Labour Party is experiencing political changes after Health Secretary Wes Streeting and MP Josh Simons resigned. Andy Burnham, mayor of Greater Manchester, plans to run for Parliament following Simons’ resignation. Meanwhile, King Charles III gave a speech outlining the government’s plans.
Key Facts
Wes Streeting resigned as Health Secretary, saying he lost confidence in the Prime Minister’s leadership.
Labour MP Josh Simons also resigned his seat in Parliament.
Andy Burnham, mayor of Greater Manchester, announced he will seek to replace Simons in Parliament.
King Charles III delivered a speech in Parliament detailing the government’s agenda.
Labour won the Greater Manchester seat in 2024 with over 50% of the vote but later fell to third place.
Other political events mentioned include debates on social care funding, asylum system issues, and UK citizenship test questions.
Starmer, leader of Labour, expressed sadness at Streeting’s resignation and faces potential leadership challenges.
The article covers various UK political issues and statements from different party leaders.
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Lebanon and Israel have started a third round of direct talks in Washington, aiming to extend a fragile ceasefire and address issues like Israeli troop withdrawal and Hezbollah disarmament. These talks involve mid-level officials and happen despite Hezbollah’s opposition and no formal diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Key Facts
The third round of talks between Lebanon and Israel began in Washington, DC.
The talks focus on extending a ceasefire and resolving issues such as Israeli forces leaving southern Lebanon and disarming Hezbollah.
The discussions are held by ambassador-level and mid-level officials, not top leaders.
Hezbollah opposes the talks and is not participating.
There is no formal diplomatic relationship between Lebanon and Israel.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who was involved in earlier talks, was absent due to President Trump’s visit to China.
The United Nations hopes these talks will lead to a lasting peace and calls for restraint from all parties.
People in southern Lebanon feel cautiously hopeful about the talks but understand full normalisation is unlikely under current Lebanese law.
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Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, asked the BRICS countries to speak out against actions by the United States and Israel that he said break international law. He made this request during a meeting of foreign ministers in New Delhi.
Key Facts
Abbas Araghchi is Iran’s Foreign Minister.
He spoke at a BRICS foreign ministers meeting in New Delhi.
BRICS includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.
Araghchi urged these countries to condemn the US and Israel.
He referred to actions by the US and Israel as violations of international law.
The call was made on Thursday during the meeting.
The statement reflects Iran’s position on US-Israeli policies.
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Nobel Peace Prize winner Denis Mukwege criticized a peace deal in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) that was arranged with help from the United States, calling it unfair and harmful to the country. Meanwhile, in Senegal, France’s economic influence is declining as China and Turkey become the top investors.
Key Facts
Denis Mukwege is a Nobel laureate from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
He described a US-brokered peace deal in eastern DRC as predatory, meaning it takes advantage of the country.
France was once the main investor in Senegal’s economy.
China and Turkey are now the leading investors in Senegal.
The article also mentions ongoing regional news, including political situations in the Middle East and Africa.
The coverage includes the career of South African artist Tyla.
The source of the article is France 24, dated May 14, 2026.
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The article discusses the possibility of Andy Burnham returning to Westminster, the UK Parliament. It references opinions on Labour Party leadership candidates and their policies.
Key Facts
Andy Burnham is a British politician who may return to Parliament.
The article connects Burnham’s return with discussions about Labour Party leadership.
Labour is a major political party in the UK.
The content includes an invitation to send questions to journalists Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey.
Kiran Stacey wrote an article about Labour leadership candidates and their policies.
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Alan Rothwell, an actor known for playing David Barlow in the original cast of the TV soap Coronation Street, has died at the age of 89 after a short illness. He also appeared in other TV shows like Brookside and was a presenter for children’s programs.
Key Facts
Alan Rothwell was born in Oldham and played David Barlow from 1960 to 1969 on Coronation Street.
He acted in other series such as Gideon’s Way, The Villains, Brookside, and Doctors.
Rothwell presented children’s TV shows Picture Box and Hickory House.
The role of David Barlow was created specifically for him by the show’s creator Tony Warren.
He was the brother of Ken Barlow, a character played by William Roache.
William Roache and Coronation Street’s spokesperson both expressed condolences after Rothwell’s death.
Rothwell died peacefully in hospital and is remembered fondly by his family.
He was 89 years old at the time of his death.
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Filmmaker Christopher Nolan, known for movies like "Oppenheimer," "Interstellar," "The Dark Knight," and "The Odyssey," was interviewed by Scott Pelley on the show 60 Minutes. The interview will air on Sunday.
Key Facts
Christopher Nolan is a movie director and writer.
He made films such as "Oppenheimer," "Interstellar," "The Dark Knight," and "The Odyssey."
Nolan gave an interview to Scott Pelley.
The interview is scheduled to air on 60 Minutes.
Viewers can watch the interview on the CBS News app or their preferred browser.
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Cuba experienced a major power failure that cut electricity to the entire eastern part of the island and caused long blackouts in the capital, Havana. The country's old power system is struggling due to economic problems and limited fuel supplies, with efforts underway to restore power but no clear timeline for full recovery.
Key Facts
Cuba's national power grid collapsed early Thursday, affecting all eastern provinces from Guantánamo to Ciego de Ávila.
The blackout caused power outages lasting up to 24 hours in Havana.
Cuba produces only about 40% of the fuel it needs to run its economy.
A recent oil shipment from Russia ran out, and a second fuel ship has been delayed for weeks in the Atlantic.
The Cuban government said the energy crisis is critical and is working to restore power.
Blackouts have led to reduced work hours, food spoilage, and some canceled hospital surgeries.
The Cuban government partly blames U.S. sanctions for the fuel shortages and power problems.
President Donald Trump warned in January that countries supplying oil to Cuba could face tariffs as part of U.S. sanctions.
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Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas promised reforms and pledged to hold long-delayed presidential and parliamentary elections at a Fatah party conference in the West Bank. Abbas was re-elected as leader of Fatah, which is the main party in the Palestinian Authority, and the conference aims to elect a new leadership committee after 10 years.
Key Facts
Abbas pledged to reform the Palestinian Authority and hold new elections but did not give a timeline.
The Fatah conference in Ramallah will last three days and elect a new central committee for the first time in a decade.
Abbas was unanimously re-elected as Fatah leader and will continue heading its central committee.
Fatah is the largest party in the Palestinian Authority and faces pressure from the US, EU, and Arab states for reforms and elections.
Rival factions like Hamas control Gaza after winning 2006 elections and expelling Fatah in factional fighting.
About 2,580 Fatah members are attending, with representatives from Ramallah, Gaza, Cairo, and Beirut.
Key leadership contenders to potentially replace Abbas include Jibril Rajoub and Hussein al-Sheikh.
Some prominent figures, including Nasser al-Qudwa, boycotted the conference, calling it illegitimate.
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A new book by French journalist Florian Tardif claims that a message exchange between President Emmanuel Macron and Iranian-French actress Golshifteh Farahani led to an argument between Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron. The argument allegedly caused an incident, viewed worldwide, where Brigitte Macron appeared to slap her husband as they left a plane in Hanoi. The French presidency denies the claims, stating the event was playful, and no official response has been made by the Macrons or the actress.
Key Facts
A French journalist, Florian Tardif, wrote a book alleging President Macron sent a message saying "I find you very pretty" to Golshifteh Farahani.
The book claims the relationship between Macron and Farahani was "platonic" or non-romantic.
The First Lady, Brigitte Macron, reportedly saw the message and became very angry, leading to a quarrel en route to Southeast Asia.
The quarrel is said to have caused the moment where Brigitte appeared to slap President Macron after exiting the plane in Hanoi.
The Elysee Palace initially doubted the incident’s authenticity but later called it "banter" between the couple.
Both President Macron and Brigitte Macron have denied any real dispute, saying they were just joking around.
Brigitte Macron’s team rejected any connection between the incident and the actress, also stating she never checks her husband’s phone.
Golshifteh Farahani dismissed past rumors of a relationship, calling them unrelated and not bothersome.
The controversy has had little impact on the French public, as many prioritize politics over politicians’ private lives.
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Three people in Napa County, California, have been hospitalized after eating poisonous wild mushrooms amid an unusual rise in toxic mushroom illnesses across the state. Since November 2025, 47 cases have been reported, including four deaths and some needing liver transplants, mostly caused by dangerous mushrooms like the death cap and western destroying angel.
Key Facts
Three people from Napa County got sick after eating wild mushrooms found in Deer Park.
Since November 2025, California has had 47 cases of poisonous mushroom poisoning.
Four people have died, and several needed liver transplants.
The outbreak involves deadly mushrooms such as death caps and western destroying angels.
Recent rains have caused more poisonous mushrooms to grow in California.
Poisonous mushrooms can look and taste like safe ones, even confusing experienced hunters.
The state usually sees fewer than five mushroom poisonings each year.
Many poisonings happened near Salinas, where people from Mexico forage mushrooms similar to ones from their home region.
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A severe tornado outbreak may happen across the central United States over six days, threatening millions of people with dangerous storms, large hail, and strong tornadoes. The National Weather Service and meteorologists warn that the central Plains and Midwest could see especially severe weather from Thursday through Tuesday.
Key Facts
Tornado outbreaks are expected from May 14 to May 19, mainly in the central U.S.
The risk includes strong tornadoes, damaging winds, and hail up to 3 inches in diameter.
Millions of people live in areas with a slight to enhanced chance of severe storms.
Northern Texas, western Oklahoma, and central Kansas face early thunderstorm and hail risks.
By Saturday, the chance of strong tornadoes increases across the central Plains and Missouri Valley.
Illinois has already seen over 100 tornadoes this year, above its usual number.
Tornadoes form when warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico meets cooler northern air, mostly in spring.
The National Weather Service urges people to take precautions and stay informed as storms develop.
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President Donald Trump is visiting Beijing for the first time in nine years to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping. The leaders will discuss important issues like trade, Iran, and Taiwan amid rising global tensions.
Key Facts
President Trump returns to Beijing after a nine-year gap.
He will meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Main topics include trade relations between the US and China.
They will also discuss conflicts involving Iran.
Taiwan’s situation is a key concern during talks.
The meeting happens while global tensions are increasing.
The talks aim to find agreement or manage rivalry between the two countries.
The discussion is part of a podcast episode produced by several journalists and editors.
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At the Cannes Film Festival 2026, famous actors Isabelle Huppert, Vincent Cassel, and Sandra Hüller appeared to promote new films. Directors Asghar Farhadi and Paweł Pawlikowski premiered their latest movies, "Parallel Tales" and "Fatherland," featuring well-known French and international actors.
Key Facts
The Cannes Film Festival took place in 2026 on the Croisette promenade.
Asghar Farhadi presented the film "Parallel Tales."
"Parallel Tales" stars Virginie Efira, Pierre Niney, Isabelle Huppert, Vincent Cassel, and Catherine Deneuve.
Paweł Pawlikowski competed with his new film "Fatherland."
Sandra Hüller stars in "Fatherland," one of the festival’s highly expected premieres.
The event attracted many famous actors and directors from France and beyond.
FRANCE 24’s culture editor reported live from the festival’s red carpet.
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Andy Burnham is trying to become a political candidate after Josh Simons said he would step aside for him. Wes Streeting resigned as health secretary, and the current Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, is facing serious challenges within his party.
Key Facts
Wes Streeting resigned from his role as health secretary.
Josh Simons said he would give up his seat to Andy Burnham.
Andy Burnham still needs approval from the National Executive Committee to become the candidate.
After approval, Andy Burnham must win the election to take the seat.
The party is experiencing significant internal problems.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer is dealing with the biggest rebellion against his leadership so far.
The timing of any potential leadership election is still unclear.
The news comes from a BBC Newscast episode discussing these events.
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Russia attacked Kyiv for several hours, using hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles. The attack killed at least 10 people and showed that fighting in eastern Ukraine is continuing without signs of stopping.
Key Facts
Russia launched a long attack on Kyiv early Thursday.
The attack involved hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles.
At least 10 people were killed in the assault.
The fighting in eastern Ukraine, especially in the Donbas region, is ongoing but slowing down.
The attack damaged homes and buildings in Kyiv.
The assault reduced hopes for a pause or end to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
NATO and European countries continue to follow and respond to the conflict.
Russia’s drone attacks on Ukraine have increased in recent days.
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