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France's far-right leaders Marine Le Pen and Jordan Bardella have recently met with ambassadors from Germany, Israel, and the United States as they prepare for next year's presidential election. Le Pen may run for president again, but if a court blocks her from public office, Bardella is expected to be the party's candidate.
Key Facts
Marine Le Pen and Jordan Bardella represent France’s far-right National Rally (RN) party.
Le Pen has run for president three times and plans to run again in 2027.
A court will decide in July if Le Pen can hold public office due to a legal case.
Bardella met Germany’s ambassador and Le Pen met Israel’s ambassador recently.
Both also met the US ambassador in Paris last year.
France has the largest Jewish population in western Europe, about 500,000 people.
Le Pen’s party has tried to change its image, moving away from antisemitic associations linked to her father.
Discussions with Germany focused on budget discipline, meaning careful control of public spending.
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The war involving Iran is causing problems across Asia, such as fuel shortages, power outages, and more people working from home. Asian governments are taking steps like rationing fuel and limiting exports to protect their economies from rising costs linked to energy and trade disruptions.
Key Facts
Fuel queues and blackouts are occurring in parts of Asia due to the Iran conflict.
Governments are trying to protect their economies by rationing fuel and giving subsidies.
Some countries have limited exports to manage shortages.
The Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route, is disrupted, worsening supply problems.
Higher oil prices raise the cost of imports like fuel, food, and fertilizer.
Falling remittances (money sent home by workers abroad) and weaker local currencies add economic pressure.
Countries are using their financial reserves, borrowing more money, or cutting spending to cope.
Vulnerable economies are affected most by these issues.
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President Donald Trump’s harsh criticism of NATO and conflicts over military support are causing European leaders to plan new ways to protect their security without relying on the US. Some European countries are increasing their own military strength and exploring nuclear cooperation as they face uncertainty about American support against Russia.
Key Facts
President Trump has criticized NATO, calling it ineffective and accusing European allies of not supporting US actions.
Trump announced a partial withdrawal of US troops from Germany and threatened further military cuts and sanctions on European countries that limit US base use.
European leaders worry about the US might suddenly pull back key military support, leaving them vulnerable to Russian attacks.
Germany plans to build the strongest conventional army in Europe by 2039.
France is discussing extending its nuclear deterrent to cover other European countries.
The UK and France deepened their nuclear cooperation last year.
Some European countries that rely on US nuclear protection are seeking new ways to deter Russia.
EU ambassadors held a military exercise to practice mutual defense procedures, which is unusual and controversial.
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The war on Iran, starting in late February, has caused oil prices to rise sharply, affecting many African countries. Oil-rich African countries have gained financially, while countries like Kenya, which import most of their fuel, face higher costs and economic difficulties.
Key Facts
The conflict began on February 28 and has driven up global oil prices.
Kenya imports over 70% of its refined fuel and has seen diesel prices rise about 24%, now costing around $1.60 per liter.
Kenyan motorcycle taxi drivers, like Eric Wainaina, have seen their income drop by half due to higher fuel costs and fewer customers.
Oil-producing African countries benefit from high prices, while others face growing deficits and subsidy costs.
Kenya might seek a $600 million loan from the World Bank to manage the economic impact.
The International Energy Agency calls this the worst oil supply shock ever, with a 14.5 million barrel per day drop in global oil production, about 57%.
Africa produces about 12% of the world’s oil reserves but still imports most of its refined fuel because it lacks enough refining capacity.
Experts warn Africa could face a large fuel shortage by 2040 if refining capacity doesn’t improve.
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Jake Hall, known for appearing on the reality TV show The Only Way Is Essex, has died at the age of 35 while in Spain. He was found with head injuries at a holiday home in Majorca, and authorities are investigating the circumstances.
Key Facts
Jake Hall was 35 years old at the time of his death.
He became famous through the TV show The Only Way Is Essex, appearing from seasons 14 to 17.
Hall was found with head injuries at a holiday villa in Majorca, Spain.
The UK Foreign Office said they are helping his family and working with Spanish authorities.
Hall had posted family photos and updates on Instagram shortly before his death.
He was previously a professional football player for Boston United.
After leaving the show in 2024, he focused on his fashion brands called By Jake Hall and Prévu Studio.
He was also an artist and showed his first sculpture in Majorca last month.
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The European Union says airlines must pay compensation to passengers if flights are canceled due to fuel shortages or high fuel prices, as these are not considered extraordinary reasons. Some airlines, like Ryanair, are not cutting flights because they secured fuel at lower prices, while others have canceled flights due to rising fuel costs linked to the conflict in the Middle East.
Key Facts
EU law requires airlines to compensate passengers if flights are canceled without extraordinary reasons; high jet fuel prices or shortages do not count as extraordinary.
The UK has eased penalties for airlines canceling flights because of jet fuel shortages, but EU rules still apply in Europe.
Ryanair said it won’t cancel summer flights because it hedged fuel prices before the Iran conflict raised costs.
Airlines such as Lufthansa and Aer Lingus have canceled flights due to jet fuel issues.
The price of jet fuel has nearly tripled since late February because of a conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran, which disrupted oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.
UK officials say there is no current shortage of jet fuel in the country and are working to prevent flight disruptions.
AirAsia’s CEO stated the fuel crisis is worse than the COVID-19 pandemic for airlines.
AirAsia made a $19 billion deal to buy 150 new Airbus jets from 2028, supporting jobs in Northern Ireland where some parts are made.
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China's military court sentenced two former defence ministers, Wei Fenghe and Li Shangfu, to death with a two-year delay. Their sentences will change to life in prison without parole, after they were found guilty of bribery and had their assets taken away.
Key Facts
Wei Fenghe was defence minister from 2018 to 2023.
Li Shangfu served as defence minister from March to October 2023.
Both were convicted of bribery charges by a military court.
They received suspended death sentences, meaning their sentences turn into life imprisonment after two years.
Their personal belongings were confiscated by the government.
Li Shangfu disappeared from public view before being dismissed in October 2023.
The sentences are part of a broad anti-corruption campaign in China’s military.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has supported these anti-corruption efforts, calling them important for reforming the military.
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A passenger from a cruise ship with a Hantavirus outbreak spoke to Al Jazeera while isolated. Three passengers died from breathing problems on the ship MV Hondius, which was traveling from Argentina to West Africa.
Key Facts
The cruise ship involved is called MV Hondius.
The ship was traveling from Argentina to West Africa.
Three passengers died from respiratory illness linked to Hantavirus.
A passenger communicated from isolation to share their experience.
Hantavirus is a virus that can cause serious lung disease.
The outbreak occurred while the ship was at sea, affecting people on board.
Authorities are monitoring the situation to prevent further spread.
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The article discusses a situation involving President Trump and Iran, where both sides believe they can wait longer for the other to make a move. This tactic of using time as a strategy aims to outlast the opponent without direct confrontation.
Key Facts
The conflict involves President Trump and Iran.
Both sides are using time as a strategic tool.
Each side believes it can wait longer than the other.
The goal is to avoid direct conflict and make the other side give in first.
This situation is described as an "Abilene paradox," a term for a group making decisions that no one actually supports.
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A new episode of the show "48 Hours" will feature Beverly Hills detectives investigating the death of a widow found dead below a staircase in her mansion. The episode will air on CBS and be available for streaming on Paramount+.
Key Facts
The show is called "48 Hours."
The episode focuses on a murder investigation in Beverly Hills.
Detectives are trying to understand how the widow died.
The widow was found dead below a staircase.
The investigation takes place in her mansion.
The episode airs on Saturday, May 9 at 10/9c on CBS.
It will also be available to watch on the Paramount+ streaming service.
Erin Moriarty is the correspondent reporting the story.
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People voting in elections across Wales, Scotland, and parts of England brought their dogs with them to polling stations. Many photos show dogs waiting patiently outside while their owners vote.
Key Facts
Elections took place in Wales, Scotland, and large parts of England.
Voters often bring their dogs to polling stations.
Taking pictures of dogs at polling places is a growing tradition.
Dogs were seen waiting patiently with their owners in various locations.
The events covered include local elections and parliamentary elections in 2026.
The BBC shared several photos of dogs at polling stations in places like Edinburgh, Glasgow, and East Sussex.
This is the biggest round of elections in the UK in two years.
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A judge in Alaska has allowed wildlife agents to continue killing black and brown bears, including from helicopters, to protect the Mulchatna caribou herd. The decision comes as the herd, which has greatly declined in number, is expected to begin calving soon.
Key Facts
Alaska wildlife agents can shoot bears from the air to help the caribou herd recover.
The Mulchatna caribou herd once had about 190,000 animals but dropped to around 16,280 recently.
Hunting of this caribou herd has been banned since 2021 due to low population numbers.
Conservation groups filed a lawsuit to stop the bear-killing program, but a judge ruled the state acted reasonably.
The state killed 180 bears between 2023 and 2024, including many brown bears and some cubs.
Officials say the bear removal has helped the caribou herd begin to recover since 2023.
Conservation groups argue there is not enough scientific data to justify killing bears in this way.
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game and state attorneys support the program based on existing scientific records.
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The United States has proposed a plan to end the conflict with Iran, which includes Iran stopping its nuclear weapon development for 12 years, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and lifting U.S. sanctions. Iran is reviewing the proposal but has not agreed yet, while President Donald Trump expressed optimism about making a deal.
Key Facts
The U.S. and Iran are discussing a 14-point agreement to end the war and ease tensions.
Iran would stop developing nuclear weapons and halt uranium enrichment for at least 12 years under the proposal.
The U.S. would lift sanctions on Iran and release billions of dollars in frozen Iranian assets.
Both sides would reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway for global oil and gas shipments, within 30 days after signing.
The proposal does not initially require Iran to stop its missile program or support for armed groups, which are points of past U.S. demands.
Iran denies wanting nuclear weapons and says its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes.
President Donald Trump said the talks have been good and a deal might happen soon.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu insists that all enriched uranium must be removed from Iran to prevent nuclear weapons development.
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Iran claims it now controls the Strait of Hormuz by creating an authority that manages ship traffic and tolls. President Donald Trump says the war with Iran could end soon if Iran accepts the U.S. peace proposal but warns of stronger military attacks if they refuse.
Key Facts
Iran created a new Persian Gulf Strait Authority to control ship movements and collect tolls in the Strait of Hormuz.
The Strait of Hormuz has been effectively closed since early March, blocking a fifth of the world's oil supply.
Shipping experts report no ships have passed through the strait since May 4.
President Trump says peace talks with Iran are going well and a deal might be reached soon.
Trump warns that if Iran rejects the offer, the U.S. will increase military attacks.
Oil prices fell below $100 per barrel due to hopes of peace and reopening of the strait.
French President Emmanuel Macron called the recent strikes on the UAE unjustified and urged lifting the blockade.
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A report using research from a senior pollster says many progressive voters are turning away from Labour because they think Keir Starmer lacks clear values and vision. The research suggests voters want stronger stands on issues like opposing former President Donald Trump and protecting the environment.
Key Facts
The report is based on research by pollster Stan Greenberg, known for advising Tony Blair and Bill Clinton.
Labour faces poor election results that might lead to a leadership challenge against Keir Starmer.
Voters feel Starmer shows discomfort with progressive values and often uses technical explanations instead of clear value statements.
The report highlights the importance of uniting voters from both left and right by showing strong core values.
Some progressive voters wanted Starmer to take a clearer stance on issues like the Iran war and closer EU ties, combined with radical policies on public services and climate.
Starmer’s public image is negative with three-quarters of voters, similar to Jeremy Corbyn’s levels.
Andy Burnham, mayor of Greater Manchester, has better voter ratings than Starmer.
Most progressive voters think Starmer has not done enough to challenge former President Trump, even though such a position is popular.
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Hundreds of people across Australia held vigils to mourn the death of Kumanjayi Little Baby, a five-year-old Warlpiri girl found dead after a five-day search. The national body representing First Nations children asked that her death not be politicized and emphasized support and healing for her family.
Key Facts
Kumanjayi Little Baby, aged five, was last seen on April 25 in Alice Springs at a town camp.
She was reported missing by her mother early the next morning.
A large search involving volunteers and police took place for five days.
Her body was found about 5 kilometers from where she was last seen.
Jefferson Lewis, 47, was arrested and charged with her murder and other offenses.
Vigils honoring her were held in multiple cities, including Melbourne, Sydney, and Canberra.
People at the vigils wore pink and held candles, with traditional ceremonies performed.
The national First Nations children’s body called for the situation not to be used for political purposes.
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The World Health Organization (WHO) warned that more cases of hantavirus may appear following an outbreak aboard the cruise ship MV Hondius, where three passengers died. The virus, which can spread between people in rare cases, is expected to cause a limited outbreak if proper health measures are followed.
Key Facts
Five hantavirus cases are confirmed, with three passengers dead and three more suspected cases.
The outbreak began on the cruise ship MV Hondius, which sailed from Ushuaia, Argentina.
The hantavirus strain involved can be spread from person to person, unlike most hantaviruses.
Symptoms can take up to six weeks to appear after exposure to the virus.
Those infected are being treated or isolated in several countries, including the UK, Germany, and South Africa.
Health officials say the risk of a wider epidemic or pandemic is low.
Hantavirus is spread primarily by rodents and causes serious breathing and bleeding problems, with no cure or vaccine available.
The ship is continuing its voyage with no currently symptomatic people onboard, and public health agencies are tracking passengers and crew.
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The World Health Organization (WHO) reported a hantavirus outbreak linked to a cruise ship, with five confirmed cases and three deaths. Countries are tracking passengers and contacts to prevent further spread, and WHO expects the outbreak to remain limited if health measures are followed.
Key Facts
The outbreak occurred on the MV Hondius cruise ship, with three passengers (two Dutch, one German) dying.
There are five confirmed hantavirus cases and three more suspected cases.
Hantavirus is usually spread by rodents but this rare strain can spread between people.
The virus was likely contracted by one passenger in Argentina before boarding.
The ship is sailing toward Tenerife, with no symptomatic passengers currently on board.
Patients or contacts are isolating or receiving treatment in several countries, including Britain, Germany, and the Netherlands.
WHO officials stated this is not expected to become a large epidemic or pandemic like COVID-19.
Hantavirus causes respiratory and heart problems, has no vaccine or cure, and treatment focuses on easing symptoms.
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The president of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Felix Tshisekedi, suggested he might try to stay in power beyond the two-term limit set by the country’s constitution. He also said the presidential election, scheduled in two years, could be delayed because of ongoing conflict in the eastern part of the country.
Key Facts
Felix Tshisekedi has been president of the DRC since 2019.
The DRC constitution limits presidents to two five-year terms.
Tshisekedi’s second term ends in 2028.
He hinted at the possibility of seeking a third term.
There is ongoing unrest and conflict in eastern DRC.
Tshisekedi suggested the 2028 presidential election might be postponed due to this turmoil.
The DRC is facing security challenges linked to violence in its eastern regions.
The comments were reported by France 24 on May 7, 2026.
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France has restarted a long-running investigation into Agathe Habyarimana, the widow of Rwanda’s former president, over her alleged role in the 1994 genocide. The case was initially dropped due to lack of evidence, but French courts have decided the investigation should continue.
Key Facts
The investigation began in France in 2007.
Agathe Habyarimana is the widow of Juvenal Habyarimana, Rwanda’s former president.
The probe focuses on her possible involvement in the 1994 Rwandan genocide.
Last year, the case was dismissed because of insufficient evidence.
French judiciary reversed that dismissal and ordered the investigation to resume.
The genocide in Rwanda occurred in 1994 and led to the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people.
The investigation concerns accusations of complicity in genocide and crimes against humanity.
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