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Rhun ap Iorwerth of Plaid Cymru was sworn in as the first minister of Wales, becoming the first leader outside the Labour party to hold this position. His party won the most seats in the recent election, and he promised to serve all communities while planning to announce his government team soon.
Key Facts
Rhun ap Iorwerth is the new first minister of Wales from Plaid Cymru.
He is the first non-Labour leader of the Welsh government.
Plaid Cymru won 43 out of 96 seats in the Welsh parliament (Senedd).
Labour's seats dropped from 29 to 9 in the election.
Reform party came second with 34 seats and will be the main opposition.
Ap Iorwerth was sworn in after receiving a Royal Warrant from King Charles III.
The new first minister aims to serve all people in Wales, including Welsh and non-Welsh speakers.
Opposition parties say they will work together to oppose Welsh independence.
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Keir Starmer, the UK Prime Minister, has survived an immediate threat to his leadership after a planned challenge from Health Secretary Wes Streeting did not develop. Despite some resignations from ministers close to Streeting, Starmer remains in charge and his main opponents have yet to secure enough support to formally challenge him.
Key Facts
Wes Streeting did not gain enough support from MPs to officially challenge Starmer's leadership.
Starmer demanded a clear challenge or silence from his cabinet members.
Four ministers resigned, three of whom were allies of Streeting, signaling internal disagreements.
Over 90 Labour MPs have publicly called for Starmer to step down.
Labour unions are split on whether Starmer should set a timetable to leave the leadership.
Andy Burnham, Greater Manchester mayor, is not currently positioned to challenge Starmer due to lack of a parliamentary seat.
Ed Miliband considered running for leader if Streeting pursued a strong leadership challenge.
Starmer maintains he is responsible and committed to leading the government despite recent election losses.
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U.S. President Donald Trump will discuss the sale of weapons to Taiwan during his upcoming meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. China opposes these arms sales, but the U.S. has continued supporting Taiwan's defense under law, which helps Taiwan prepare against possible Chinese aggression.
Key Facts
President Trump will visit China for a two-day summit with President Xi Jinping.
The U.S. has sold advanced military equipment to Taiwan for many years under the "one China" policy.
China wants Taiwan to be part of the mainland and opposes U.S. arms sales to the island.
The U.S. law allows selling weapons to Taiwan to help with its self-defense.
Taiwan recently approved a $25 billion defense budget, mostly for American military equipment.
Some U.S. senators support a $14 billion arms sale package to Taiwan, including advanced missile systems.
A recent Pentagon report says China currently does not plan to invade Taiwan soon but aims to be capable of it by 2027.
The issue of U.S. arms sales to Taiwan could affect U.S.-China trade and relations.
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Hannah Harper won Season 24 of the singing competition show "American Idol," becoming the first female country artist to win since Carrie Underwood in 2005. Judges Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, and Lionel Richie congratulated her and shared advice for her music career.
Key Facts
Hannah Harper was announced the winner of "American Idol" Season 24 on May 11.
She beat finalists Jordan McCullough and Keyla Richardson.
Harper is the first female country singer to win since Carrie Underwood in Season 4.
Harper closed the finale by performing the song "At the Cross (Love Ran Red)."
Judges Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie praised her win on social media.
Underwood said she would offer Harper advice on balancing motherhood and a music career.
Bryan encouraged Harper to use her win to create new music and pursue her dreams.
Richie told Harper to stay focused and build a long-lasting career by keeping the public’s attention.
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French President Emmanuel Macron spoke at the Africa Forward Summit in Kenya about changing France’s relationship with African countries. He highlighted the security issues in Mali, stressed the need for economic development alongside military efforts, and promoted a new partnership based on equality and increased private investment.
Key Facts
The Africa Forward Summit was held in Nairobi, Kenya, the first time in an English-speaking African country.
Macron called for a "partnership of equals" between France and African nations, moving away from old colonial dynamics.
In Mali, a coalition of Tuareg separatists and jihadists has challenged the ruling military junta, which had expelled French troops.
Macron admitted France did not push hard enough for economic development and political dialogue in Mali alongside military actions.
He criticized anti-French leaders in Mali for rewriting history and expressing ungratefulness.
Macron emphasized that African countries prefer private investment over budget aid.
The summit resulted in €23 billion in private investments from French and African business leaders.
Macron supports joint projects and co-investment to create local jobs and growth in Africa.
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Iran has increased its hostile statements toward the United Arab Emirates (UAE), warning of stronger attacks if the US and Israel continue military actions. Iran criticized the UAE for hosting US and Israeli forces and for deepening ties with these countries, which Iran sees as threatening regional security.
Key Facts
Iranian officials no longer see the UAE as a neighbor but as a "hostile base."
Iran’s military leaders warned the UAE not to allow US and Israeli forces to use its territory.
The UAE has close military and intelligence ties with the US and Israel, including hosting US troops at al-Dhafra airbase.
The UAE signed the Abraham Accords with Israel in 2020, normalizing relations and expanding cooperation.
Israel sent Iron Dome missile defense systems and personnel to the UAE during the current conflict.
Iran controls maritime areas near the UAE port of Fujairah, which was recently attacked, though Iran denied responsibility.
In retaliation, the UAE has cut visas, closed Iranian businesses, and blocked Iranian trade routes through its ports.
Iran is trying to shift imports away from UAE ports to land routes through neighboring countries due to a US naval blockade and rising food costs.
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Ukraine attacked gas facilities in southwest Russia, far from the border, in response to Russian attacks that killed six people in Ukraine. The ceasefire brokered by President Trump ended, and both sides have accused each other of continuing violence. Russia tested a new nuclear missile, while peace talks remain stalled.
Key Facts
Ukraine struck gas facilities in Russia’s Orenburg region, about 1,500 km from Ukraine’s border.
The attack was retaliation for Russian strikes on Ukraine that killed six people in Dnipropetrovsk.
Russia claimed it shot down nine Ukrainian drones over Orenburg, causing damage but no injuries.
The ceasefire brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump lasted three days and ended after Russia’s attacks.
Ukraine said it intercepted over 200 Russian drones targeting energy and civilian sites.
Russia tested a new nuclear-capable missile that it says can evade all missile defenses.
Russian officials say peace talks with the U.S. and Ukraine are progressing, but Ukraine disagrees and expects more attacks.
President Trump mentioned that the war’s end might be close and the U.S. is negotiating another ceasefire deal.
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A taxi driver in Turkiye fought an armed man who forced him to drive during a police chase. The driver grabbed the gun as the suspect fired at police, and officers then stopped and arrested the suspect.
Key Facts
The incident happened in Turkiye.
A gunman forced the taxi driver to drive during a police chase.
The suspect fired shots at the police during the chase.
The taxi driver wrestled the gun from the suspect.
Police officers entered the taxi and detained the armed man.
The taxi driver has been praised for his bravery.
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The UK will send drones, fighter jets, and a warship to join a multinational mission protecting shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. The mission, led by the UK and France, aims to keep the waterway safe and open for commercial ships amid tensions between Iran and other countries.
Key Facts
The UK will provide autonomous mine-detecting drones, drone boats, Typhoon fighter jets, and the warship HMS Dragon for the mission.
Over 40 countries are participating in this joint effort to protect shipping traffic in the Strait of Hormuz.
The Strait of Hormuz is a key route for about 20% of the world’s oil and natural gas supplies.
The UK already has more than 1,000 military personnel in the region involved in defensive operations.
The mission aims to be defensive and help restore confidence for commercial shipping.
The UK Ministry of Defence has allocated £115 million for new mine-hunting drones and counter-drone systems.
Iran controls the strait partly to respond to US and Israeli actions, while the US enforces a blockade on Iranian ports.
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has stated that the UK will not be drawn into the conflict and opposes the US blockade of Iran.
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The 79th Cannes Film Festival began on May 12, 2026, with actors Jane Fonda and Gong Li opening the ceremony. Director Peter Jackson received an honorary Palme d'Or award for his career in filmmaking.
Key Facts
The Cannes Film Festival started on May 12, 2026, in France.
American actor Jane Fonda and Chinese actress Gong Li presented the opening ceremony.
Jane Fonda spoke about cinema as a way to share stories and create empathy.
Director Peter Jackson, known for "The Lord of the Rings," was honored with a special Palme d'Or award.
Elijah Wood, who played Frodo in Jackson’s films, gave a speech praising Jackson.
Peter Jackson joked about winning the award as a surprise and a form of apology from Cannes.
The event took place on the French Riviera and attracted many celebrities.
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British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing growing pressure to resign after his party performed poorly in recent local elections. About 90 Labour MPs want him to step down, while 110 MPs support him. Some cabinet members have resigned, but Starmer says quitting would cause chaos.
Key Facts
Keir Starmer is the UK's Prime Minister and leader of the Labour Party.
The Labour Party did badly in the latest local elections.
Nearly 90 Labour Members of Parliament (MPs) are calling for Starmer to resign.
110 Labour MPs have signed a statement supporting Starmer.
Several of Starmer’s cabinet ministers have resigned amid the pressure.
Starmer says that if he resigns now, it would lead to instability in the country.
A former Labour adviser publicly called on Starmer to step aside or let Nigel Farage become prime minister.
This situation reflects deep divisions within the UK Labour Party.
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French President Emmanuel Macron visited Kenya for the Africa Forward summit and announced $27 billion in new investments for Africa. He said Europe wants to change its relationship with Africa from one of control to a partnership based on equality.
Key Facts
President Macron is attending the Africa Forward summit in Kenya.
He announced $27 billion in investments aimed at Africa.
Macron called for a major change in the relationship between Africa and Europe.
He stated Europe will no longer control terms but work as equal partners with Africa.
The announcement aims to strengthen cooperation between the two continents.
The investment is expected to support development projects in Africa.
This initiative signals a shift in how Europe approaches Africa.
Macron emphasized respect and fairness in future Africa-Europe relations.
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President Donald Trump said he will talk about a clear limit, or "red line," for ending a ceasefire with Iran. He dismissed Iran’s recent offer and plans to consider the issue while traveling to China.
Key Facts
President Trump mentioned a "red line" related to ending the ceasefire with Iran.
He rejected Iran’s latest counteroffer earlier in the week.
Trump spoke to reporters before leaving for a trip to China.
He said he will think about the issue during his flight.
The discussion involves ongoing conflict and negotiations with Iran.
The ceasefire is a temporary stop to fighting between the involved parties.
The situation reflects ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Iran.
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President Donald Trump avoided directly answering whether the US has a specific point that would end a ceasefire with Iran. He said he would consider the question while traveling to China and claimed that the US has strongly defeated Iran’s military.
Key Facts
President Trump was asked about a ‘red line’ that would end the ceasefire with Iran.
He did not give a clear answer and said he would think about it on his flight to China.
Trump stated that the US has defeated Iran’s military “very soundly.”
The report focuses on Trump’s comments about the ceasefire and US-Iran relations.
No new details on US policy or actions toward Iran were provided in this interaction.
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Experts are investigating the origin of a hantavirus outbreak linked to a cruise ship called the MV Hondius. They believe the virus likely came from rodents in the Andes Cordillera region of northern Argentina and Chile, and have ruled out a bird-watching site in southern Argentina as the source.
Key Facts
The hantavirus outbreak involved passengers on the cruise ship MV Hondius.
The World Health Organization (WHO) leads the investigation into the virus's origin.
The virus likely originated in the Andes Cordillera region, where the long-tailed rice rat, which carries hantavirus, is common.
Initial cases on the cruise came from people who had traveled to this region.
A theory suggesting the virus came from a bird-watching landfill in Ushuaia was ruled out by health officials.
The virus spreads mainly through inhaling particles from infected rodents in enclosed spaces.
Over 100 hantavirus cases and more than 30 deaths were recorded in Argentina in 2026.
Public health experts emphasize the importance of containing the virus spread while investigating its origin.
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Kuwait said that Iran tried to attack an island where China is helping to build a port. This claim came just before President Donald Trump was set to visit China for talks with President Xi Jinping about the war and other matters.
Key Facts
Kuwait accused Iran of trying to attack an island in its territory.
The island is the site of a port construction project with Chinese assistance.
The alleged attack happened earlier in the month but failed.
Iran has not confirmed or denied Kuwait’s accusation.
The accusation comes amid ongoing tensions and attacks in the Middle East.
These events risk causing a new stage of open conflict in the region.
President Donald Trump planned a high-level visit to Beijing shortly after the accusation.
The visit includes discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping, focusing on the war and related issues.
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President Donald Trump is traveling to Beijing to meet with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. Their discussions will focus on key issues that could affect global power and influence between the United States and China.
Key Facts
President Trump will visit Beijing for talks with Xi Jinping.
The meeting aims to discuss important political and economic topics.
The talks may impact the global balance of power.
There is a competition between the U.S. and China for influence worldwide.
The discussion could shape the future of international relations.
Experts from various institutions will analyze the outcomes and implications.
The meeting is seen as a significant moment in U.S.-China diplomacy.
Taiwan is among the related issues in the broader context of U.S.-China relations.
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Russia test-fired a new intercontinental ballistic missile called the Sarmat, which President Vladimir Putin said is the world’s most powerful missile. This missile will replace older Soviet models and is part of Russia’s broader effort to modernize its nuclear weapons. The recent tests come amid ongoing tensions with the West and uncertainty about nuclear arms control agreements.
Key Facts
Russia test-launched the Sarmat missile, a new long-range nuclear missile.
President Putin called the Sarmat the most powerful missile in the world, with warheads four times stronger than any Western missile.
The missile is expected to enter active military use by the end of the year.
The Sarmat is designed to replace about 40 older Soviet Voyevoda missiles.
It can carry a heavy payload of up to 10 tons and has a range over 21,700 miles.
The missile can fly in a way that helps it avoid missile defenses.
The U.S. and Russia’s last nuclear arms treaty expired in February, ending limits on their nuclear weapons.
Russia is also developing other new weapons, including a nuclear underwater drone and a nuclear-powered cruise missile.
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Keir Starmer, the Labour Party leader and UK Prime Minister, said he will continue leading the government despite growing pressure to quit. Several ministers have resigned, and some MPs want him to step down, but over 100 MPs have signed a statement supporting him and opposing a leadership contest.
Key Facts
Keir Starmer is the current leader of the Labour Party and UK Prime Minister.
Four government ministers resigned on the same day.
Many Members of Parliament (MPs) have called for Starmer to resign.
More than 100 MPs signed a statement backing Starmer and saying it is not the right time for a leadership contest.
No formal leadership challenge has been officially started.
Starmer said he will focus on governing despite the pressure.
The political situation is tense within the Labour Party.
The information is from a BBC news podcast episode released on 12 May 2026.
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President Donald Trump will visit Beijing to meet with President Xi Jinping amid ongoing tensions caused by the war involving Iran. The U.S. hopes China will use its influence to help end the conflict and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route, but expects limited cooperation on this issue. Both leaders want to keep the focus on improving U.S.-China relations despite disagreements over Iran.
Key Facts
President Trump is traveling to Beijing to meet President Xi Jinping after weeks of trying to get China to pressure Iran.
The war has lasted two months and has affected the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway used for transporting oil.
China is the largest buyer of Iranian oil and has some influence over Tehran, but is cautious about getting directly involved.
The U.S. government has imposed sanctions on Chinese companies that helped Iran with satellite imagery and oil purchases.
China calls these U.S. sanctions "illegal" and uses its own laws to block them.
China is working through diplomacy, including support for Pakistan's peace efforts and hosting Iranian officials.
Both countries want to avoid a trade war and maintain broader cooperation despite disagreements on Iran.
Kuwait accused Iran of sending armed forces to attack a site linked to a Chinese project, which Iran has not confirmed.
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