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President Donald Trump said the U.S. is working to open the Strait of Hormuz to allow hundreds of trapped commercial ships to pass through during a fragile ceasefire with Iran. The ceasefire is at risk as attacks occurred near the United Arab Emirates, and the U.S. military reported sinking Iranian boats that threatened civilian vessels.
Key Facts
The Strait of Hormuz is a vital waterway where hundreds of commercial ships and their crews are stuck due to the conflict.
The U.S. started "Project Freedom" to guide ships safely through the strait, but few ships have taken part so far.
President Trump described the situation as a "skirmish" and said the U.S. has full control.
The United Arab Emirates was attacked for the first time since the ceasefire began in early April.
Two cargo ships near the UAE were reported to be on fire.
The U.S. military said it sank six small Iranian boats aimed at civilian ships.
Iran launched missiles and drones targeting ships protected by the U.S.
The ceasefire is fragile and may be at risk of breaking down.
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Scientists observed a tiny icy object beyond Pluto called (612533) 2002 XV93 and found signs of a very thin atmosphere around it. This discovery challenges the usual idea that only bigger planets and moons have atmospheres and gives new information about small objects in the distant Kuiper Belt region of our solar system.
Key Facts
The object, about 300 miles (500 kilometers) wide, is the smallest known in the solar system with a global atmosphere.
It orbits the sun farther away than Pluto, in a region called the Kuiper Belt.
Researchers detected the atmosphere by watching the object block a distant star’s light and noticing a gradual dimming and brightening.
The atmosphere is extremely thin—5 to 10 million times thinner than Earth’s atmosphere and 50 to 100 times thinner than Pluto’s.
Possible gases in the atmosphere include methane, nitrogen, or carbon monoxide.
The atmosphere might come from volcanic activity or a recent comet impact.
Scientists want to confirm this with future observations, especially using NASA’s Webb Space Telescope.
Understanding this object helps improve knowledge about small, cold bodies at the edge of our solar system.
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The head of the World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, told people in Tenerife that a cruise ship with a Hantavirus outbreak is unlikely to cause a pandemic like COVID-19. He aimed to ease concerns about a new widespread disease outbreak.
Key Facts
WHO director-general is Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
There is a Hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship.
The cruise ship is docked in Tenerife.
WHO says this outbreak does not have the same pandemic risk as COVID-19.
Hantavirus and COVID-19 are different diseases.
The WHO aims to prevent panic around this situation.
The announcement was made directly to Tenerife residents.
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Indian model Bhavitha Mandava made her first appearance at the Met Gala wearing a simple-looking outfit that was actually made from silk designed to look like denim. Her understated look sparked a debate about how Indian culture and representation are shown at big global fashion events.
Key Facts
Bhavitha Mandava is a 26-year-old model from Hyderabad, India.
She was discovered in a New York subway station in 2024 while studying architecture at New York University.
Mandava’s Met Gala outfit was a Chanel-designed sheer jacket with silk muslin made to look like denim.
Her style is known for being simple and quiet, rather than flashy.
She was the first Indian model to open Chanel’s Métiers d’Art show in New York.
Mandava’s look stirred mixed reactions in India and on social media about cultural representation.
Her rise from student to top fashion runways happened quickly in less than two years.
Her story highlights a blend of everyday life and high-fashion success, showing culture evolving on the global stage.
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Religious and community leaders in the UK have published an open letter condemning recent antisemitic attacks and calling for everyone to help stop this problem. The letter highlights several violent incidents against Jewish people and urges unity and protection for the Jewish community.
Key Facts
The open letter was signed by leaders from Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Sikh, Zoroastrian communities, and figures from business, sport, and media.
Recent antisemitic attacks in the UK include stabbings, arson of charity ambulances, and attacks on synagogues.
Two Jewish men were stabbed in Golders Green, London, with a man charged for these attempted murders.
In Manchester last year, two Jewish people were killed and three seriously injured in an attack outside a synagogue.
The letter states the attacks feel like "a nightmare from another time" and calls on all society members to help fix the problem.
Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis praised the letter as a strong response against hate and called for others to follow this example.
The Together Coalition organized the letter and emphasized that extremists want to divide communities by religion or race.
Muslim leader Julie Siddiqi noted that shared experiences of hate could unite British Jews and Muslims against extremism.
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The Bafta TV Awards will be held Sunday night to celebrate the best in British television. The Netflix drama Adolescence leads with seven nominations, followed by sitcom Amandaland with four. Other nominees include stars from The Celebrity Traitors, Last One Laughing, and more.
Key Facts
Adolescence received seven Bafta TV Award nominations and has won two Bafta Craft Awards.
Amandaland is nominated for best scripted comedy with three actresses up for best comedy actress.
Erin Doherty and Aimee Lou Wood both have two acting nominations for different shows.
The Celebrity Traitors is nominated for best reality show and best entertainment performance for its host, Claudia Winkleman.
Alan Carr, Bob Mortimer, and Romesh Ranganathan each have multiple nominations in the entertainment performance category.
Dame Mary Berry will receive Bafta’s highest honor, the Bafta Fellowship.
Martin Lewis will be given a Special Award by Bafta.
Comedian Greg Davies will host the ceremony for the first time, which will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Sunday evening.
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The 2026 Eurovision Song Contest is being held in Vienna with 35 countries participating, but several countries including Iceland, Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia, and Spain are boycotting due to controversy around Israel's involvement. This controversy stems from Israel’s military actions in Gaza following attacks by Hamas, which have led to protests and political tensions affecting the contest and its fan community.
Key Facts
Eurovision 2026 takes place in Vienna with 35 competing countries.
Five usual participants (Iceland, Ireland, Netherlands, Slovenia, Spain) are boycotting because of Israel's involvement.
Israel’s participation is controversial due to its military offensive in Gaza that began in October 2023.
The conflict started after Hamas attacks killed about 1,200 Israelis and took 251 hostages.
Israel’s military actions have resulted in over 72,000 deaths in Gaza, according to sources aligned with Hamas.
A ceasefire has been in place since October 10, 2025.
Anti-Israel protests have occurred at recent Eurovision events, and Israel’s performers have sometimes needed armed guards.
Some countries attempted to vote out Israel from the contest but failed, leading to boycotts by some participants and financial supporters.
Eurovision fans are divided, with some suspending coverage while others seek ways to continue supporting the event despite conflict-related issues.
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The UK Labour Party is facing internal challenges after poor local election results. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer is bringing back former Prime Minister Gordon Brown as a global finance envoy to help rebuild support, while some MPs threaten to challenge his leadership.
Key Facts
Labour MP Catherine West warned she would act if serious leadership candidates did not intervene soon.
Gordon Brown has been appointed as a global finance envoy to support the Labour government.
Some media describe the partnership between Starmer, Chancellor Rachel Reeves, and Brown as uneasy.
Sir Keir Starmer plans to cut fuel and energy bills to address the cost of living.
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham could challenge Starmer for Labour leadership if he becomes an MP.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage claims his party now speaks for working people after local election gains.
A crypto billionaire named Christopher Harborne funded Nigel Farage and Reform UK with £5 million.
The UK government dropped plans to ban animal trophy hunting, causing public anger.
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Canada is experiencing its largest increase in military recruitment in 30 years. This growth follows new government funding, global conflicts like Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and rising nationalism partly linked to comments by US President Donald Trump about Canada.
Key Facts
Canada's military recruitment is at its highest level in three decades.
The increase began around 2022, influenced by global conflicts and the war in Ukraine.
Canada recently met NATO’s target by spending 2% of its GDP on defense for the first time since the 1980s.
Prime Minister Mark Carney's government has increased military salaries and funding for new equipment and infrastructure.
Canada's military can currently deploy only a few thousand troops, which is low compared to allies like the UK.
Analysts say it will take 5 to 10 years for the increased funding and recruitment to significantly improve Canada's military capabilities.
Canada has historically depended on the US for defense, leading to criticism that it spends too little on its own military.
US political leaders, including President Donald Trump and Speaker Mike Johnson, have pressured Canada to increase defense spending.
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Sussan Ley resigned as the member for Farrer after losing the seat to One Nation, breaking a decades-long hold by the Liberal and National parties. Treasurer Jim Chalmers called the result a “bloodbath” for the Coalition and announced an extra $2 billion for infrastructure to support housing projects in the upcoming federal budget. Meanwhile, Australian consular officials are assisting citizens on a ship in Spain during a hantavirus outbreak.
Key Facts
Sussan Ley served as the Farrer representative for 25 years before losing the seat to One Nation.
Farrer had been continuously held by the Liberal and National parties since 1949 until this recent election.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers described the election loss as a major defeat for the Coalition.
The Albanese government is adding $2 billion over four years to fund infrastructure like roads and water to support up to 65,000 new homes.
$500 million of the new funding is reserved specifically for regional Australia.
The total infrastructure investment for housing projects has reached $6.3 billion since Labor took office.
Australian officials are assisting citizens on the MV Hondius ship amid a hantavirus outbreak near the Canary Islands.
No symptoms of hantavirus have been reported among the Australian travellers so far.
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Russian President Vladimir Putin led a smaller Victory Day parade in Moscow without heavy weapons for the first time in nearly 20 years. The event had tight security and took place during a temporary ceasefire in the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, brokered at the request of U.S. President Donald Trump.
Key Facts
The parade in Moscow marked the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II but had no tanks or missiles on display.
Putin praised Russian troops fighting in Ukraine and criticized NATO for supporting Ukraine.
Heavy weapons were kept off the parade route due to the ongoing war and security concerns.
The parade featured troops from North Korea, which supports Russia militarily.
Russia declared a two-day unilateral ceasefire, and Ukraine announced a truce starting later, but fighting continued until the U.S. brokered a ceasefire for three days.
President Trump helped negotiate the ceasefire and a prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine.
Mobile internet and text messaging were restricted in Moscow during the parade for security reasons.
Putin warned of possible missile strikes on Kyiv if Ukraine tried to disrupt the Victory Day celebrations.
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Dr. Stephen Kornfeld, an American cancer doctor onboard the cruise ship M/V Hondius, became the lead medical helper after the ship’s doctor got sick with hantavirus. Several people onboard tested positive for the virus, with some hospitalized and two passengers dying. The ship is scheduled to arrive soon in the Canary Islands, where passengers will disembark and return home.
Key Facts
The cruise ship M/V Hondius faced a hantavirus outbreak, affecting at least six people on board.
The ship’s original doctor became ill with hantavirus, prompting Dr. Stephen Kornfeld to step in as the main medical responder.
Two passengers with hantavirus died: a Dutch woman in South Africa and a German woman.
Some infected passengers are isolated in the Netherlands, South Africa, and Switzerland.
None of the 17 Americans on board have tested positive for the virus as of the latest report.
All passengers will disembark at the Canary Islands and be flown back to their home countries.
The CDC will fly American passengers to Nebraska for evaluation but no mandatory quarantine is required.
Dr. Kornfeld described the passengers and crew working together as a team during the medical crisis.
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A review of 14 studies found that people who maintain weight loss tend to walk about 8,500 steps daily. This level of daily activity may help keep off weight after dieting, but it is not clear if walking more causes better weight control or if it shows people following other healthy habits.
Key Facts
Most people regain weight after dieting when they return to normal routines.
The review studied daily step counts during weight loss and weight maintenance phases.
Participants increased their steps from about 7,200 to around 8,400-8,500 during weight loss.
Those who kept weight off maintained walking about 8,500 steps per day.
Lower daily steps were linked to regaining weight after dieting.
The study’s results are preliminary and do not prove that walking more directly causes weight maintenance.
Hormonal and metabolic changes make long-term weight loss hard to keep.
Physical activity might help by preserving muscle and metabolism, but other healthy behaviors also matter.
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A top Brazilian judge has stopped a new law that could reduce former President Jair Bolsonaro’s 27-year prison sentence for a 2022 coup plot. The judge paused the law’s use until the Supreme Court can hold a full review to decide if the law is constitutional.
Key Facts
Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes blocked a law that would reduce Bolsonaro’s prison sentence.
Bolsonaro was sentenced to 27 years for involvement in a coup attempt after losing the 2022 election.
The new law was passed by Brazil’s Congress to allow sentence reductions for Bolsonaro and others convicted.
President Lula vetoed the law in January, but Congress later overrode the veto.
The Supreme Court will now review whether the law breaks Brazil’s constitution.
Bolsonaro’s lawyers filed an appeal asking the court to overturn the conviction.
The ruling pauses any sentence reduction requests while the court reviews the law.
Bolsonaro’s case has caused political debate, dividing supporters and opponents in Brazil.
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A Palestinian man was killed and others injured in an Israeli drone strike near a refugee camp in northern Gaza, despite a ceasefire agreed in October. Meanwhile, Turkey's Foreign Minister met with a senior Hamas official to discuss peace efforts and humanitarian aid for Gaza.
Key Facts
Eyad al-Motawwaq, a Palestinian man, died from an Israeli drone strike on a motorcycle west of Jabalia refugee camp.
Several others were injured in the strike near the camp, an area outside Israeli military zones under the ceasefire.
Israeli attacks have killed at least 850 Palestinians since the October ceasefire, with over 2,400 injured.
Gaza’s Health Ministry reported at least four people killed and 15 injured in the past 48 hours.
Israel currently controls about 60% of Gaza’s territory, marked by a buffer zone.
Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met Hamas official Muhammad Darwish in Ankara to discuss peace and humanitarian aid.
Fidan criticized Israel’s expanding presence in Gaza and obstruction of aid, calling it unacceptable.
Turkey opposes any attempts to force Palestinians to leave Gaza as a result of the conflict.
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Russian President Vladimir Putin said for the first time that he would be willing to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in a country other than Russia. He said this meeting could happen once both sides agree on a lasting deal.
Key Facts
Vladimir Putin stated he is open to meeting Volodymyr Zelensky outside Russia.
This is the first time Putin has said he would meet Zelensky in a third country.
The meeting would happen after a lasting agreement is reached.
Putin previously insisted on meetings only within Russia.
The change in tone suggests a possible shift in negotiation plans.
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Despite the ongoing conflict and humanitarian problems in the Gaza Strip, a few Palestinian surfers continue to find moments of happiness by surfing in the Mediterranean Sea. Restrictions and dangers limit sea access, but these surfers risk it to enjoy their sport during difficult times.
Key Facts
Only three or four Palestinian men still surf in Gaza due to a lack of surfboards and repair materials.
Surfboards and other sports equipment have been banned from entering Gaza by Israel since 2007.
After the war began, Israel restricted sea activities, making fishing, swimming, and surfing dangerous or forbidden in Gaza waters.
Israeli military patrols make entering the sea risky, especially in northern and southern Gaza, but also in central areas like Gaza City.
Despite the risks and ongoing conflict, some surfers continue to surf during ceasefires and even during bombings.
The conflict started on October 7, 2023, after Hamas attacked southern Israel, killing around 1,200 people and taking hostages.
Israeli military actions have caused over 72,000 Palestinian deaths and injured over 172,000 as of recent reports.
Many Gaza residents face shortages of food, water, medical care, and shelter because of the war’s destruction.
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U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and White House envoy Steve Witkoff met in Miami with Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani to help negotiate a deal to end the war involving Iran. Qatar and other countries are acting as mediators to encourage talks and reduce tensions between the U.S. and Iran.
Key Facts
The U.S. and Iran are negotiating a one-page memo to end the war and create a framework for future talks.
Qatar is playing a key role as a mediator between the U.S. and Iran.
Pakistan has been the official mediator since the war began, but Qatar is working behind the scenes.
Qatari Prime Minister al-Thani met U.S. Vice President Vance in Washington before traveling to Miami.
While in Miami, al-Thani contacted the Saudi foreign minister to discuss the mediation efforts.
Qatar, Pakistan, Egypt, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia are cooperating to push for an agreement.
Mediators are encouraging both the U.S. and Iran to reduce tensions and focus on reaching a deal.
The U.S. was still awaiting Iran’s latest response as of Saturday afternoon.
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A car bomb exploded near a police post in Bannu, northwest Pakistan, killing at least three police officers and injuring two civilians. The attack involved a suicide bomber, gunfire, and drones, and police are still fighting the attackers.
Key Facts
The attack happened late Saturday in Bannu, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, near the Afghanistan border.
A suicide bomber drove a vehicle full of explosives into a police post, causing it to collapse.
After the bombing, attackers ambushed police officers coming to help.
Two civilians were injured, and nearby areas were also damaged.
Police say the attackers used drones during the attack.
Emergency services responded quickly, and hospitals in the area declared a state of emergency.
No group has claimed responsibility yet.
The attack could increase tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan along their border.
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