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Return of Palestine Marathon attracts thousands of runners

Return of Palestine Marathon attracts thousands of runners

May 08, 2026 • BBC World

Summary

The Palestine Marathon and Half Marathon were held again in Bethlehem after a two-year break caused by the Gaza War. Thousands of runners and spectators from the West Bank and abroad took part, with the races happening alongside an event in Gaza during a fragile ceasefire in the Palestinian Territory.

Key Facts

  • The Palestine Marathon returned to Bethlehem in the West Bank after a two-year pause.
  • The break was due to restrictions linked to the Gaza War.
  • Thousands of runners and spectators attended from both the West Bank and other countries.
  • A related race took place at the same time in Gaza.
  • The event happened during a fragile ceasefire in the Palestinian Territory.
  • The marathon included both full and half marathon races.
  • The return of the event attracted international attention.
  • Bethlehem is a city in the West Bank, an area with ongoing political tensions.
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BBC World BBC Top Stories
Pope Leo's Favorability Rating, Major Moments as He Celebrates First Year

Pope Leo's Favorability Rating, Major Moments as He Celebrates First Year

May 08, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

A recent poll shows Pope Leo XIV, the first U.S.-born pope, has a much higher favorability rating among Americans than President Donald Trump. The pope is especially popular among Black, Hispanic, and older voters, and his positions on global issues like war and peace resonate with many people.

Key Facts

  • Pope Leo XIV was elected on May 8, 2025, as the first U.S.-born pope.
  • A poll conducted in April 2026 found 55% of Americans view Pope Leo favorably, compared to 40% for President Trump.
  • Pope Leo’s net favorability rating is +31 points, while President Trump’s is -16 points.
  • Black and Hispanic Americans support Pope Leo more strongly, with 60% and 62% favorability respectively.
  • Older Americans (45 and older) show higher favorability for Pope Leo than for President Trump.
  • The pope is favored by 87% of Kamala Harris voters but only 35% of Trump voters; Trump has 84% favorability among his voters and only 2% among Harris voters.
  • 31% of Americans say Pope Leo is too involved in politics, with 66% of Trump voters and 5% of Harris voters agreeing on this.
  • Nearly half of respondents approve of Pope Leo’s statements calling for peace during tensions with Iran, more than those who approve of Trump’s stance.
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Newsweek
Energy security vs climate crisis: Norway reopens three old gas fields

Energy security vs climate crisis: Norway reopens three old gas fields

May 08, 2026 • France24

Summary

Norway will reopen three old gas fields in the North Sea to increase Europe's energy supply. The government also plans to explore 70 new offshore oil and gas sites despite concerns about climate change.

Key Facts

  • Norway is already the biggest gas supplier to the European Union.
  • The country will restart production in three gas fields that were previously closed.
  • Oslo proposed exploring 70 new locations for offshore oil and gas drilling.
  • The move aims to boost Europe's energy security amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
  • Environmental groups criticize Norway for expanding fossil fuel drilling despite the climate crisis.
  • Conflicts like the wars in Ukraine and Iran have influenced Norway’s decision.
  • Offshore drilling means extracting oil and gas from under the sea.
  • The decision reflects the balance between energy needs and environmental concerns.
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France24
Families of IRA men shot dead reach settlements for damages

Families of IRA men shot dead reach settlements for damages

May 08, 2026 • BBC Top Stories

Summary

The families of two IRA men, Brian Campbell and Colm McGirr, who were shot dead by British soldiers in 1983, have reached confidential settlements in their legal claims against the UK Ministry of Defence and Police Service of Northern Ireland. The families had accused the authorities of a shoot-to-kill policy and poor investigations, and the settlements follow decades of legal and forensic efforts.

Key Facts

  • Brian Campbell (19) and Colm McGirr (23) were shot dead near Coalisland, County Tyrone, in December 1983 during a British military operation.
  • The families sued the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) for damages, claiming a shoot-to-kill policy and inadequate investigations.
  • The shootings occurred after British soldiers, part of the SAS, had been watching a weapons cache for three days and then opened fire.
  • An expert report in 2013 found that McGirr was likely shot while kneeling and Campbell was shot from behind, possibly while on the ground.
  • The families launched legal actions in 2016 based on this report.
  • The High Court announced confidential settlements have been reached after many years of negotiations.
  • The families plan to donate part of the settlement money to charity.
  • Family members have described the long struggle for justice and emphasized the importance of forensic evidence in understanding the deaths.
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BBC Top Stories
Worldwide race to trace passengers from hantavirus-hit cruise ship

Worldwide race to trace passengers from hantavirus-hit cruise ship

May 08, 2026 • BBC World

Summary

Health officials around the world are trying to find all passengers from a cruise ship where a hantavirus outbreak happened. Five cases and three deaths have been confirmed, and close contacts of these passengers are being monitored to prevent more infections.

Key Facts

  • The hantavirus outbreak occurred on the Dutch cruise ship MV Hondius.
  • Five cases of hantavirus have been confirmed, including three deaths.
  • The virus spreads through close, intimate contact, not like airborne viruses.
  • Around 150 passengers and crew from 28 countries were on the ship, which traveled from Argentina and aims to reach Spain’s Canary Islands.
  • Dozens of passengers disembarked on the island of St Helena on April 24.
  • Officials in at least 12 countries are monitoring people who were on the ship or had contact with passengers.
  • Some British and American passengers are being tracked; a few are in hospitals while others are isolating voluntarily.
  • The source of the outbreak might be linked to rodents in South America where the passengers traveled before boarding.
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BBC World BBC Top Stories
Russia forced to scale down its victory parade for the first time in almost 20 years

Russia forced to scale down its victory parade for the first time in almost 20 years

May 08, 2026 • France24

Summary

Russia had to reduce the size of its Victory Day parade in Moscow for the first time in nearly 20 years. This happened after a ceasefire announced by Russia broke down quickly, and both Russia and Ukraine launched major attacks against each other.

Key Facts

  • Russia holds an annual Victory Day parade to mark the end of World War II in Europe.
  • The 2026 parade was scaled down compared to recent years.
  • Russia declared a ceasefire before the Victory Day events, but it ended shortly after starting.
  • After the ceasefire ended, both Russian and Ukrainian forces launched significant attacks.
  • The parade included a flypast rehearsal with Russian Su-25 jets.
  • The Victory Day parade usually involves large public and military displays in Moscow’s center.
  • This year’s event marks the 81st anniversary of the WWII victory over Nazi Germany.
  • The reduction in the parade size is the first since about 2007.
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France24
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What scientists will be looking for as government UFO files are released

What scientists will be looking for as government UFO files are released

May 08, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

The Pentagon has started releasing government files about unidentified aerial phenomena, sometimes called UFOs, after President Trump asked for these documents to be made public. Officials say the files may not show evidence of alien life on Earth but hope scientists can analyze the information to provide clearer explanations of these events.

Key Facts

  • The Pentagon began posting declassified UFO-related documents on May 8.
  • President Trump called for the release of these files in February 2024.
  • The documents relate to sightings and reports of Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAPs), another term for UFOs.
  • More than 750 new UAP sightings were recorded between May 2023 and June 2024.
  • Sean Kirkpatrick, former head of the Pentagon’s UFO investigation office, found no proof of alien technology.
  • Kirkpatrick said many sightings were linked to military training or secret defense projects.
  • NASA scientist Federica Bianco said it is very unlikely humans are alone in the universe but found no evidence of aliens visiting Earth.
  • Experts hope the release of files will help scientists study and explain these unexplained sightings better.
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CBS News
Live updates: Trump insists ceasefire holds after fresh US-Iran strikes

Live updates: Trump insists ceasefire holds after fresh US-Iran strikes

May 08, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

President Trump said the temporary pause in fighting between the U.S. and Iran is still holding after U.S. forces attacked military sites in Iran. The strikes were in response to Iran attacking American missile destroyers near the Strait of Hormuz.

Key Facts

  • President Trump confirmed the ceasefire with Iran is still in effect.
  • The U.S. attacked military targets in Iran recently.
  • Iran had attacked American missile destroyers passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
  • The Strait of Hormuz is a key water passage for shipping and military movements.
  • The ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran is fragile and under pressure.
  • Iran is reviewing the terms of a one-page agreement related to the ceasefire.
  • This conflict involves military actions and diplomatic talks between Tehran and Washington.
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The Hill
The disaster unfolding on Russia’s Black Sea coast is of its own making

The disaster unfolding on Russia’s Black Sea coast is of its own making

May 08, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Summary

Southern Russia is facing a large environmental disaster after Ukrainian strikes damaged Russian oil facilities on the Black Sea coast, causing fires and oil spills. The disaster has led to pollution, wildlife deaths, and obstructed volunteer efforts, while Russian authorities have focused on limiting public discussion rather than addressing the damage openly.

Key Facts

  • In April, Ukrainian strikes hit oil infrastructure in Tuapse, Russia, causing large fires and oil spills near the Black Sea coast and Sochi.
  • The pollution spread in the air as "black rain," affecting residents and wildlife.
  • Wildlife is still dying, and beaches remain polluted weeks after the strikes.
  • Volunteers helping with the cleanup have faced interference and sometimes harassment.
  • Russian officials have limited public discussion and press coverage about the disaster.
  • Russia's environmental protections have weakened over time, especially since the war escalated.
  • The disaster reflects broader issues, including lack of regulation and transparency in Russia's war economy.
  • Public discussion about the disaster is happening mostly on banned social media platforms like Instagram using VPNs.
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Al Jazeera
Palestine Action activist says he ‘did the right thing’ over protest at arms firm site

Palestine Action activist says he ‘did the right thing’ over protest at arms firm site

May 08, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

A Palestine Action activist, Jordan Devlin, was acquitted of criminal damage after a protest at the Elbit Systems UK site, an Israeli arms factory near Bristol. Six others were convicted, but Devlin said they acted to protect Palestinian lives and believed their actions were right.

Key Facts

  • The protest took place on August 6, 2024, at Elbit Systems’ UK site.
  • Jordan Devlin and Zoe Rogers were cleared of criminal damage charges at Woolwich crown court.
  • Four others—Charlotte Head, Samuel Corner, Leona Kamio, and Fatema Rajwani—were convicted of criminal damage.
  • Devlin said they destroyed equipment like drones to stop what they see as harm caused by those weapons.
  • There was missing CCTV footage, which Devlin believes affected the prosecution’s case.
  • Samuel Corner was convicted of causing serious injury but cleared of more serious intent charges.
  • Police and union officials called the protest violent, contrasting with activists who said their actions were in protest against war crimes.
  • Devlin criticized the judge’s instructions to the jury to ignore emotions related to the Middle East conflict.
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Guardian World
Health officials track passengers tied to hantavirus-stricken cruise ship

Health officials track passengers tied to hantavirus-stricken cruise ship

May 08, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

Health officials are trying to locate passengers who left a cruise ship where hantavirus was found. Some of these passengers are Americans. President Donald Trump spoke publicly for the first time about how the government is handling this deadly virus outbreak.

Key Facts

  • Hantavirus was identified on a cruise ship.
  • Passengers who left the ship weeks ago are being tracked by health authorities.
  • Several Americans were among the passengers on the infected ship.
  • President Donald Trump addressed the response to the hantavirus outbreak for the first time on Thursday.
  • Experts like Dr. Celine Gounder provided information about the virus.
  • The virus outbreak is considered deadly, prompting a public health effort to control it.
  • Health officials are using tracking methods to find and monitor possible cases linked to the ship.
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CBS News
Iran claims to have seized ‘offending’ oil tanker in Gulf of Oman

Iran claims to have seized ‘offending’ oil tanker in Gulf of Oman

May 08, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Summary

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps says it captured an oil tanker called Ocean Koi in the Gulf of Oman, claiming the ship was trying to harm Iran’s oil exports. Iran announced new rules requiring ships to get permission, share information, and pay fees before passing through the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway for global oil transport.

Key Facts

  • The Iranian Revolutionary Guard captured the oil tanker Ocean Koi in the Gulf of Oman.
  • Iran says the tanker was trying to disrupt its oil exports and national interests.
  • Iranian forces directed the ship to Iran’s southern coast and detained it.
  • The Ocean Koi is registered in Barbados.
  • Iran has previously seized ships in the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway.
  • Iran plans to enforce a “new maritime regime” with stricter rules for ships passing the Strait of Hormuz.
  • Ships must now get clearance from Iran, send details about their cargo and route, and pay toll fees.
  • Iran says it is asserting control over the Strait of Hormuz to protect its national security and sovereignty.
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Al Jazeera
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Hantavirus outbreak risk to public is 'absolutely low', WHO says

Hantavirus outbreak risk to public is 'absolutely low', WHO says

May 08, 2026 • France24

Summary

The World Health Organization said the risk of a hantavirus outbreak spreading to the public is very low. Three passengers on the cruise ship MV Hondius died, and others got sick with hantavirus, which usually spreads through rodents. The ship is heading to Tenerife, Spain, where passengers will be sent home by special flights.

Key Facts

  • Three passengers on the MV Hondius have died from hantavirus.
  • The hantavirus involved can spread between people but does so very rarely.
  • Around 150 people are on board the MV Hondius.
  • The ship will arrive in Tenerife, Spain, on Sunday for passenger repatriation.
  • The World Health Organization says the virus is dangerous only to infected individuals and not easily spread to others.
  • Five cases of hantavirus are confirmed, with three more suspected.
  • Health workers evacuated sick passengers in protective gear in Cape Verde.
  • A KLM flight attendant exposed to an infected passenger tested negative for hantavirus.
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France24
Emily Flippen Exits 'Survivor' 50 With No Regrets (Almost)

Emily Flippen Exits 'Survivor' 50 With No Regrets (Almost)

May 08, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

Emily Flippen competed in the 50th season of the reality show Survivor. She played with a bold style, made some strong alliances, but was voted out on Day 21, the same day she left her previous season.

Key Facts

  • Emily Flippen returned to Survivor for its 50th season.
  • She joined a four-person alliance including Christian Hubicki and Rick Devens.
  • Flippen admired Cirie Fields for her strong social skills in the game.
  • She found it harder to play from a position of power and made mistakes by sharing too much information.
  • Flippen was voted out on Day 21 of the season.
  • She tried a last-minute plan to change the vote but failed because of an extra vote she did not know about.
  • Flippen is at peace with her exit and appreciates playing a full game.
  • She received a "vacation" at Ponderosa, the show's location for eliminated contestants.
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Newsweek
What we know about Iran’s response to the latest US ceasefire proposal

What we know about Iran’s response to the latest US ceasefire proposal

May 08, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Summary

Iran is reviewing a new peace plan from the United States aimed at ending their conflict, even as tensions and minor military clashes continue in the Strait of Hormuz. The US proposal would require Iran to stop nuclear activities and hand over enriched uranium, while the US would lift some sanctions and ease naval restrictions in return.

Key Facts

  • The US sent Iran a 14-point peace proposal requiring Iran to halt nuclear weapon development and uranium enrichment for 12 years.
  • Iran would need to give up about 440 kilograms (970 pounds) of uranium enriched to 60 percent.
  • In return, the US promised to gradually lift sanctions, release billions in frozen Iranian funds, and remove its naval blockade of Iranian ports.
  • Both countries would reopen the Strait of Hormuz within 30 days after signing the agreement.
  • Iran has not formally responded but described the proposal as unrealistic and criticized US claims of progress.
  • Recent clashes involved attacks on Iranian and US naval vessels and missile strikes, though the ceasefire has not officially ended.
  • Diplomatic talks continue with Pakistani mediation as both sides express some interest in negotiation.
  • Billions of dollars in Iranian assets remain frozen due to longstanding US sanctions reversed in 2018 by President Trump.
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Al Jazeera
Sexual violence against Palestinians in Israeli prisons is ‘systematic’

Sexual violence against Palestinians in Israeli prisons is ‘systematic’

May 08, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Summary

A human rights advocate says that sexual violence against Palestinians in Israeli prisons happens regularly, not just as one-time events. The abuse is carried out by Israeli soldiers and is described as a systematic problem.

Key Facts

  • Kifaya Khraim works at the Women’s Centre for Legal Aid and Counselling in Ramallah.
  • She manages the center’s Advocacy Unit.
  • Khraim states that sexual abuse against Palestinians by Israeli soldiers is widespread.
  • The violence is taking place inside Israeli prisons.
  • The abuse is described as systematic, meaning it happens as part of a regular pattern, not randomly.
  • The issue involves Palestinian prisoners.
  • The information comes from local human rights sources.
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Al Jazeera
Germans confront past with Nazi party membership lists available online

Germans confront past with Nazi party membership lists available online

May 08, 2026 • France24

Summary

Germans can now access online lists of Nazi party members, revealing family connections to the Nazi past. As older generations pass away, many descendants are exploring their ancestors' roles during the Third Reich to better understand this period in history.

Key Facts

  • Nazi party membership lists saved from destruction in 1945 have been made available online.
  • These lists allow millions of Germans to discover if their ancestors were members of the Nazi party.
  • The timing is significant as the generation that lived under Nazi rule is gradually dying out.
  • Many grandchildren and great-grandchildren are now asking questions about their relatives' involvement with the Nazis.
  • Only 3 percent of Germans surveyed in 2020 admitted their ancestors supported National Socialism, showing ongoing family silence on this issue.
  • Germany is known for remembering its history, but many families have yet to fully confront their Nazi connections.
  • The release of these lists is part of a wider effort to face and understand Germany’s Nazi past.
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France24
Spanish authorities prepare for arrival of hantavirus-stricken cruise ship

Spanish authorities prepare for arrival of hantavirus-stricken cruise ship

May 08, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

Spanish authorities are preparing to receive the cruise ship MV Hondius, which has hantavirus cases onboard. The ship will stay anchored near Tenerife, and passengers will be assessed and either quarantined or sent back to their home countries to prevent the virus from spreading.

Key Facts

  • The MV Hondius cruise ship has hantavirus cases among its 149 passengers and crew.
  • The ship is due to arrive near Tenerife in the Canary Islands but will not dock at the port.
  • Spanish health officials will check passengers on the ship before repatriating them or quarantining Spanish nationals in Madrid.
  • Hantavirus has killed three people aboard the ship so far.
  • Passengers without urgent symptoms will be sent back to their home countries with health workers.
  • The World Health Organization (WHO) says the virus spreads only through very close contact and poses minimal risk to the public.
  • Countries like the UK and US will send planes to help repatriate their citizens from Tenerife.
  • Health authorities are tracking passengers who left the ship before the virus was detected.
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Guardian World
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Why the Iran Peace Deal May Not Be Good for the US

Why the Iran Peace Deal May Not Be Good for the US

May 08, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

The U.S. is close to negotiating a new deal with Iran aimed at limiting Iran's nuclear program and easing tensions after years of conflict. However, experts say this deal may not give the U.S. a clear advantage and could mainly serve to reduce immediate problems like oil market instability and blocked shipping routes.

Key Facts

  • President Trump withdrew the U.S. from the 2015 Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA) in 2018, calling it disadvantageous.
  • A new U.S.-Iran agreement is reportedly close, focusing on limiting nuclear activity and easing sanctions.
  • The deal includes lifting restrictions on the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route Iran had blocked.
  • Iran would gain economic benefits such as unfrozen funds and resumed oil trade.
  • The U.S. hopes to reduce fuel prices and avoid further conflict through this agreement.
  • Negotiations are expected to begin soon, with a 30-day initial negotiation period planned.
  • Experts warn the deal might act more as a temporary pause or ceasefire rather than a true peace agreement.
  • If talks fail, the U.S. may restore blockades and increase military actions against Iran.
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Newsweek
First Thing: US-Iran ceasefire at risk after exchange of fire in strait of Hormuz

First Thing: US-Iran ceasefire at risk after exchange of fire in strait of Hormuz

May 08, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

The US and Iran exchanged fire in the Strait of Hormuz, challenging their month-long ceasefire. President Donald Trump said the ceasefire is still in place but was unclear about the chances of a negotiated peace deal soon.

Key Facts

  • The US and Iran both fired weapons in the Strait of Hormuz in late Thursday, threatening their ceasefire.
  • Iran accused the US of breaking the truce by attacking ships and civilian areas; the US said its strikes were in retaliation.
  • President Trump said the ceasefire remains intact but gave no clear timeline on peace negotiations.
  • There were reports that the US and Iran had shared a one-page agreement via Pakistan to stop the war.
  • The US cancelled its plan called “Project Freedom” to escort tankers through the strait because Saudi Arabia denied use of its bases and airspace.
  • The incident was described as the biggest test to the ceasefire so far, which had started about a month ago.
  • Further updates were expected through ongoing live coverage of the situation.
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