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Iran military warns of ‘surprising’ methods of warfare if attacked again

Iran military warns of ‘surprising’ methods of warfare if attacked again

Summary

Iran’s military has warned that if it is attacked again, it will respond with new and unexpected ways of fighting. The military spokesman also said that countries that impose sanctions on Iran could have trouble passing through the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway.

Key Facts

  • Iran’s army spokesman is Mohammad Akraminia.
  • He said Iran will use new methods of warfare if attacked again.
  • The term “enemy” refers to those who might attack Iran.
  • Iran warned of “surprising” ways and new areas for retaliation.
  • Iran threatened countries that sanction it might face problems in the Strait of Hormuz.
  • The Strait of Hormuz is an important route for international shipping, especially oil.
  • This statement follows ongoing tensions between Iran and other countries.
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Hantavirus Cruise Ship Evacuation Underway–Where Will Passengers Go Next?

Hantavirus Cruise Ship Evacuation Underway–Where Will Passengers Go Next?

Summary

A cruise ship with a hantavirus outbreak has arrived near Tenerife in Spain’s Canary Islands. Authorities are testing passengers and crew and planning flights to send them home safely while keeping them in quarantine.

Key Facts

  • The cruise ship MV Hondius was stranded for days due to a hantavirus outbreak.
  • Three people have died and several others were infected.
  • The ship anchored off Tenerife, Spain, where health officials began testing everyone on board.
  • Spain’s Health Minister said the evacuation operation is going normally.
  • The World Health Organization and several countries, including the U.S., Germany, and France, are involved in the evacuation.
  • Passengers will be sent to quarantine after flying back to their home countries.
  • Repatriation flights are planned for Sunday and Monday.
  • The cruise operator is Oceanwide Expeditions.
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Plaid Cymru's Rhun ap Iorwerth hopes to be first minister on Tuesday

Plaid Cymru's Rhun ap Iorwerth hopes to be first minister on Tuesday

Summary

Rhun ap Iorwerth of Plaid Cymru hopes to become First Minister of Wales on Tuesday after his party won the most seats in the recent Senedd election. He needs a vote from the Welsh Parliament members, and Labour's interim leader Ken Skates has suggested his party will likely not oppose him.

Key Facts

  • Plaid Cymru won the largest group in the Welsh Senedd with 43 seats.
  • Rhun ap Iorwerth wants to lead a single-party government without partners.
  • Labour has 9 seats, Reform has 34, Conservatives 7, Greens 2, and Liberal Democrats 1 in the 96-member Senedd.
  • Labour’s previous leader, Eluned Morgan, lost her seat and resigned.
  • Labour is considering how to vote on ap Iorwerth’s nomination and may abstain.
  • Ap Iorwerth has tried to talk with leaders of other parties, but Reform leader Dan Thomas has not engaged with him.
  • Ken Skates called Labour’s election results “catastrophic” and plans a thorough review.
  • Ap Iorwerth aims to cooperate with Scottish and Northern Irish leaders for better deals from the UK government.
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Nobel laureate’s smuggled memoir details beatings and neglect in Iranian prisons

Nobel laureate’s smuggled memoir details beatings and neglect in Iranian prisons

Summary

Nobel Peace Prize winner Narges Mohammadi has revealed in a memoir, written secretly from Iranian prisons, that she endured beatings, medical neglect, and long periods of solitary confinement. Her health has seriously worsened due to these conditions, yet she remains imprisoned despite urgent calls for proper medical care.

Key Facts

  • Narges Mohammadi wrote her memoirs while imprisoned in Iran over the last decade.
  • She describes torture-like conditions, including beatings, interrogations, and long solitary confinement.
  • Mohammadi’s medical care in prison was often denied, despite serious health problems like seizures and a heart attack.
  • Her health deteriorated significantly, with a weight loss of more than 20 kg and life-threatening illnesses.
  • The memoir was smuggled out secretly, rewritten multiple times after guards destroyed earlier drafts.
  • Mohammadi has been arrested 14 times for activism supporting women’s rights, prisoner welfare, and opposing the death penalty.
  • She has received a total of 44 years in prison sentences and 154 lashes for her activism.
  • She won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2023 while still in prison and was briefly released in 2024 before rearrest in 2025.
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Book excerpt: "Torched" by Jonathan Vigliotti

Book excerpt: "Torched" by Jonathan Vigliotti

Summary

Jonathan Vigliotti’s book "Torched" describes the 2025 wildfire that severely damaged the Pacific Palisades area in Los Angeles. The fire spread quickly due to delayed emergency response and difficult geography, causing residents to evacuate on their own and complicating firefighting efforts.

Key Facts

  • "Torched" is a book by CBS News correspondent Jonathan Vigliotti, set to be published May 12.
  • It covers a major wildfire in Southern California that damaged thousands of homes and businesses.
  • The Pacific Palisades is a coastal community near Los Angeles, known for its rugged cliffs and history.
  • The fire began on January 7, 2025, from a smoldering ember in a dry area damaged by fireworks.
  • Fire crews arrived too late to stop the flames, which spread into residential neighborhoods.
  • Some streets were considered impossible to defend by firefighters if the fire reached them.
  • Residents evacuated themselves due to lack of official guidance, causing heavy traffic and blocking fire trucks.
  • The book also discusses the challenges of rebuilding Los Angeles after such disasters.
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As Trump Rift Grows, Who Does Ukraine Turn to for Support Against Russia?

As Trump Rift Grows, Who Does Ukraine Turn to for Support Against Russia?

Summary

Ukraine is facing challenges in its relationship with the United States under President Donald Trump, especially regarding direct military support. As the war with Russia continues and peace talks remain difficult, Ukraine is looking to Europe and other international partners for assistance.

Key Facts

  • Ukraine initially hoped President Trump would change U.S. support for the better, but relations have worsened over the past year.
  • The U.S. and Ukraine mainly cooperate through intelligence sharing, not direct military aid, under President Trump’s administration.
  • President Trump has expressed frustration with Ukraine’s role in peace negotiations and doubts Russia’s sincerity in talks.
  • Ukrainian President Zelensky visited Middle Eastern countries recently to strengthen long-term security and defense ties.
  • The U.S. has allocated about $183 billion for Ukraine and related defense efforts from 2022 to 2024.
  • European countries and the European Union are seen as important backup supporters for Ukraine’s financial and security needs.
  • Some experts believe the Ukraine-U.S. relationship is strained but not beyond repair.
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Israel strikes kill several in Lebanon despite truce

Israel strikes kill several in Lebanon despite truce

Summary

Israel launched air strikes in southern Lebanon on Saturday, killing at least nine people despite a three-week-old ceasefire with Hezbollah. The attacks also targeted an area near Beirut, outside Hezbollah's usual territories, amid ongoing daily clashes between the two sides.

Key Facts

  • Israel carried out air strikes across southern Lebanon.
  • At least nine people were reported killed by these strikes.
  • The attacks included a highway near Beirut, not traditionally controlled by Hezbollah.
  • The strikes occurred during a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah that started three weeks ago.
  • Despite the ceasefire, daily exchanges of fire continue mainly in southern Lebanon.
  • Hezbollah is an Iran-backed group involved in the conflict with Israel.
  • The ceasefire has not stopped the fighting in the region.
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Iran war disruptions spark higher costs and lost income in Bangladesh

Iran war disruptions spark higher costs and lost income in Bangladesh

Summary

The war in Iran has caused fuel shortages and higher prices in Bangladesh, affecting people’s daily lives and businesses. Many, like ride-share driver Tariqul Islam, are struggling to earn enough money due to long waits for fuel and rising costs, which is also slowing the country’s economic growth.

Key Facts

  • Bangladesh depends heavily on imported fuel, much of which passes through the Strait of Hormuz, a key route affected by the war in Iran.
  • Fuel shortages in Bangladesh have caused long lines at petrol stations and reduced income for workers like Tariqul Islam, who uses his motorbike for ride-sharing.
  • The energy crisis has disrupted daily life, slowed factory production, and raised operating costs for many businesses.
  • The Asian Development Bank lowered its growth forecast for developing Asia and the Pacific to 4.7% for 2026 and expects inflation to rise to 5.2% because of higher oil prices.
  • The Bangladesh government recently increased fuel supplies, which helped reduce waiting times, but concerns remain about ongoing fuel shortages.
  • Rising energy prices are expected to increase Bangladesh’s government spending on liquefied natural gas (LNG) by about $1.07 billion.
  • Many people fear that if the war continues, they may have to leave cities to find other sources of income.
  • Similar energy issues are affecting countries across Asia that rely on imported oil and gas.
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Libya’s Zawiya refinery resumes full operations

Libya’s Zawiya refinery resumes full operations

Summary

Libya’s largest working oil refinery in Zawiya has started operating at full capacity again after fighting nearby caused it to shut down for two days. The clashes involved heavy shelling near the refinery but did not cause serious damage, and fuel supplies to the capital Tripoli were not affected.

Key Facts

  • The Zawiya refinery is Libya’s largest operating oil refinery with a capacity of 120,000 barrels per day.
  • Fighting near the refinery forced a complete shutdown and evacuation of tankers on Friday.
  • Heavy shelling hit multiple locations within the refinery complex during the clashes.
  • Libya’s National Oil Corporation reported no major damage to the refinery during the incidents.
  • Fighting spread into residential areas next to the refinery, increasing security risks.
  • The refinery operator is the Azzawiya Oil Refining Company.
  • Fuel supplies to Tripoli and nearby areas remained uninterrupted.
  • The city of Zawiya has experienced repeated unrest and fighting since the fall of Gaddafi’s government in 2011.
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Live: Spanish passengers begin evacuating hantavirus-hit cruise ship, other nationalities to follow

Live: Spanish passengers begin evacuating hantavirus-hit cruise ship, other nationalities to follow

Summary

Spanish passengers have started leaving a cruise ship near Tenerife in the Canary Islands after a hantavirus outbreak was detected on board. Other passengers from different countries will be evacuated soon, and those who leave will be quarantined in hospitals to prevent the spread of the virus.

Key Facts

  • The cruise ship, named MV Hondius, had a hantavirus outbreak.
  • The ship anchored near Tenerife in Spain’s Canary Islands on May 10, 2026.
  • Spanish passengers disembarked first in small groups and were transported by bus to the airport.
  • Passengers showed no symptoms of hantavirus at the time of evacuation.
  • Evacuated passengers will fly to Madrid on a Spanish military plane.
  • Upon arrival, they will be isolated in hospitals for quarantine.
  • Officials made sure passengers will not have contact with the general public.
  • Other nationalities on board will follow the Spanish passengers in disembarking and evacuation.
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Starmer vows to stay on after local elections deliver losses for Labour

Starmer vows to stay on after local elections deliver losses for Labour

Summary

Keir Starmer said he will stay on as Britain's prime minister after the Labour party lost many local elections across the UK. The results showed voters turning away from Labour and supporting far-right and nationalist parties, especially in areas where Labour usually does well.

Key Facts

  • The local elections took place on Thursday, May 9, 2026.
  • Labour, led by Keir Starmer, suffered major losses in the UK, including in Wales.
  • These elections were Starmer’s biggest electoral test since Labour won in 2024.
  • Voters showed more support for far-right and nationalist parties.
  • Despite the losses, Starmer committed to remaining as prime minister.
  • The results highlight voter dissatisfaction with the Labour party.
  • The elections affected Labour’s standing in its traditional strongholds.
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The Americans Moving To the World’s Happiest Country

The Americans Moving To the World’s Happiest Country

Summary

More Americans are leaving the United States, seeking better opportunities and happiness abroad. Finland, ranked the happiest country for the ninth time in a row, attracts some Americans because of its social support, healthcare, education, and safety.

Key Facts

  • Last year, more people left the U.S. than came in, the first negative migration in 90 years.
  • The trend of negative net migration is expected to continue this year.
  • Finland topped the 2026 World Happiness Report for the ninth straight year.
  • The U.S. ranked 23rd in the same happiness report, with young Americans reporting lower life satisfaction.
  • Finland’s population (5.6 million) is similar to some U.S. states like Minnesota or Wisconsin.
  • Finland offers universal healthcare, free education through university, and strong social benefits like paid parental leave.
  • Finland’s climate is cold with long winters and short summers, similar to northern U.S. states but with more extreme daylight changes.
  • Some Americans, including a tech worker named Jeff, have moved to Finland without prior visits, attracted by these social and lifestyle benefits.
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In Cuba, Young People Are Wearing the Stars and Stripes

In Cuba, Young People Are Wearing the Stars and Stripes

Summary

Young people in Cuba are wearing American flag clothing amid severe hardships caused by ongoing economic problems and a U.S. trade embargo. Despite hardships worsened by U.S. sanctions under President Donald Trump, many blame the Cuban government for mismanagement and corruption, hoping for change to improve their daily lives.

Key Facts

  • Many young Cubans face daily struggles like lack of running water, limited electricity, and no public garbage collection.
  • The U.S. has maintained a trade embargo against Cuba for 67 years, which President Trump has tightened in his second term.
  • The embargo includes a fuel blockade that cuts off Cuba from cheap oil supplied mainly by Venezuela.
  • Cuban government critics say the state-run economy is stagnant and burdened by corruption and mismanagement.
  • About 10,000 private businesses have started in Cuba recently due to some economic reforms.
  • Some Cubans want U.S. intervention if it would improve their living conditions.
  • The Cuban government argues the embargo has blocked economic progress despite good education and healthcare.
  • President Trump has threatened a possible U.S. takeover of Cuba during his current term.
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At least 15 killed in car bomb attack on northwest Pakistan checkpoint

At least 15 killed in car bomb attack on northwest Pakistan checkpoint

Summary

Militants attacked a police checkpoint in northwest Pakistan by detonating a car bomb and then shooting at officers, killing at least 15 people and injuring three. The attackers also used small drones during the assault.

Key Facts

  • The attack happened at a police checkpoint in northwest Pakistan.
  • Militants first exploded a car bomb at the checkpoint.
  • After the explosion, gunmen opened fire on the police.
  • At least 15 people were killed and three were wounded.
  • The attackers used small drones as part of the attack.
  • Officials confirmed the events on Sunday.
  • The incident involved coordinated use of explosives, firearms, and drones.
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Week in pictures: Met Gala, Russia's Victory Day parade and the far right makes gains in the UK

Week in pictures: Met Gala, Russia's Victory Day parade and the far right makes gains in the UK

Summary

This article shows important pictures from recent events around the world, including the Met Gala fashion event in the United States, a smaller Victory Day parade in Moscow, and local election gains by the Reform UK party in England. It also features other international moments such as visits by world leaders and cultural happenings.

Key Facts

  • The Met Gala in the U.S. had a theme called "fashion is art," attracting many famous celebrities.
  • Moscow held a modest Victory Day parade on May 9, 2026, with no heavy weapons shown for the first time in nearly 20 years.
  • The Reform UK party, known for opposing immigration, made significant gains in England’s local elections.
  • President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump met King Charles III and Queen Camilla of Britain at the White House.
  • Other images include a dog event in Germany, ship movements near the Strait of Hormuz, and political changes in Hungary.
  • The 79th Cannes Film Festival poster was displayed in France, highlighting films with famous actors.
  • Photos include a cruise ship in Cape Verde and a banner of Iran’s late supreme leader near a damaged building in Lebanon.
  • Swiss Guards were pictured before a private audience with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican.
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Russian President Putin accuses West of arming Ukraine on Victory Day

Russian President Putin accuses West of arming Ukraine on Victory Day

Summary

Russian President Vladimir Putin said the conflict in Ukraine is nearing its end during a military parade on Victory Day, which marked the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II. He accused Western countries of supplying weapons to Ukraine to harm Russia.

Key Facts

  • Putin spoke on Victory Day, May 9, 2026, during a parade in Moscow’s Red Square.
  • For the first time in almost 20 years, the parade did not show heavy weapons.
  • Putin said Western "globalist elites" are arming Ukraine.
  • He claimed these actions are meant to defeat and break up Russia.
  • Putin expressed his belief that the conflict is coming to an end.
  • Victory Day marks the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II, a major holiday in Russia.
  • The remarks were made while reporters were present after the parade.
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Hantavirus-hit cruise ship arrives at Tenerife in Spain's Canary Islands

Hantavirus-hit cruise ship arrives at Tenerife in Spain's Canary Islands

Summary

A cruise ship with a hantavirus outbreak arrived near Tenerife in Spain's Canary Islands. More than 140 people are on board, with no symptoms currently reported, but several passengers who left the ship have been infected, and three people have died from the virus.

Key Facts

  • The cruise ship is named MV Hondius.
  • The ship has a hantavirus outbreak.
  • Over 140 people are on board, including passengers and crew.
  • No one on the ship is currently showing symptoms of hantavirus.
  • Three people have died due to the outbreak.
  • Five passengers who left the ship have been infected.
  • The ship will stay anchored off Tenerife and will not dock.
  • Passengers and some crew will start disembarking on Sunday.
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Syria sees first government reshuffle since al-Assad’s ouster: State media

Syria sees first government reshuffle since al-Assad’s ouster: State media

Summary

Interim Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa announced a reshuffle in the government, replacing several officials including his brother as head of the presidential office. This is the first government change since President Bashar al-Assad was ousted and comes amid economic problems and calls for better governance.

Key Facts

  • Ahmed al-Sharaa is the interim president of Syria and announced government changes.
  • Al-Sharaa replaced his brother Maher as head of the presidential office with Abdul Rahman Badreddine al-Aama.
  • The reshuffle included new ministers for information, agriculture, and foreign affairs.
  • Governors of Homs, Quneitra, and Deir Az Zor provinces were also replaced.
  • The changes are the first since President Bashar al-Assad's removal from power.
  • Protests and social media campaigns have risen due to worsening economic conditions and poor governance.
  • Trials began for former Assad-era officials accused of crimes, including Atef Najib, linked to violent crackdowns during the 2011 uprising.
  • Al-Assad and his brother Maher face charges in absentia for crimes like killings, torture, and drug trafficking.
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Army parachutes onto remote island to help Briton with suspected hantavirus

Army parachutes onto remote island to help Briton with suspected hantavirus

Summary

British Army medics parachuted onto the remote island of Tristan de Cunha to assist a British man suspected of having hantavirus. This virus outbreak occurred on the cruise ship MV Hondius, which recently arrived in Tenerife after several cases and deaths linked to the virus.

Key Facts

  • A British man with suspected hantavirus lives on Tristan de Cunha, an island with 221 people and no airport.
  • British Army medics parachuted onto the island to provide medical help and dropped oxygen and supplies by plane.
  • The hantavirus outbreak began on the cruise ship MV Hondius, with six confirmed cases and three deaths.
  • The Andes strain of hantavirus can spread between people, unlike most hantaviruses.
  • The man on Tristan de Cunha showed symptoms two weeks after leaving the cruise ship and is currently stable in isolation.
  • The MV Hondius reached Tenerife where over 100 passengers will be helped to return home.
  • Other British nationals with hantavirus are being treated in the Netherlands and South Africa.
  • Remaining British passengers from the ship will isolate in a UK hospital for 45 days under health monitoring.
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Thousands Advised To Stay Inside in Arizona, California Due To Air Quality

Thousands Advised To Stay Inside in Arizona, California Due To Air Quality

Summary

Millions of people in Southern California and Arizona are advised to stay indoors this weekend due to unhealthy ozone pollution levels. Hot weather and still air are causing smog to build up near the ground, especially in areas like Phoenix and the Imperial Valley.

Key Facts

  • The National Weather Service issued air quality alerts for parts of Phoenix metro area, Maricopa County, and California’s Imperial Valley.
  • The alerts are in effect from Saturday through Sunday night.
  • Ozone pollution forms when vehicle and industrial emissions mix with sunlight and heat.
  • Warm temperatures and stagnant air trap pollution close to the ground, raising smog levels.
  • Children, older adults, pregnant people, and people with lung or heart conditions are most at risk.
  • High ozone levels can cause breathing problems, coughing, and worsen asthma.
  • Residents are advised to limit outdoor activities and keep windows closed during peak pollution times.
  • Using public transport and avoiding gasoline-powered equipment can help reduce pollution.
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