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Comprehensive coverage of international news and global events

What to expect from the 2026 Met Gala

What to expect from the 2026 Met Gala

May 04, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

The 2026 Met Gala, a major fashion event, will happen on a Monday night in New York City’s Upper East Side. A fashion expert, Lauren Sherman, shares information about what to expect at the event.

Key Facts

  • The Met Gala is known as fashion’s biggest night.
  • The 2026 event will be held on a Monday night.
  • The location is New York City’s Upper East Side.
  • Lauren Sherman is a fashion correspondent and contributor to CBS News.
  • She provides insights into the event’s style and significance.
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CBS News
Spain seizes record amount of cocaine in Atlantic Ocean, authorities say

Spain seizes record amount of cocaine in Atlantic Ocean, authorities say

May 04, 2026 • BBC World

Summary

Spanish police seized between 30,000 and 45,000 kilograms (33 to 50 tonnes) of cocaine from a freighter in the Atlantic Ocean near the Canary Islands. Around 20 people were arrested, and the ship was traveling from Sierra Leone to Libya when intercepted in international waters.

Key Facts

  • The seizure is believed to be a record amount of cocaine for Spain.
  • The freighter was stopped by Spain's Civil Guard on Friday near the Canary Islands.
  • The ship had traveled from Sierra Leone and was heading to Libya.
  • About 20 people were arrested in connection with the drug seizure.
  • The cocaine was found in the ship’s cargo hold.
  • Officials stated the ship was likely going to transfer drugs to smaller boats for distribution in Europe.
  • This is one of the largest cocaine seizures nationally and internationally, according to Spain’s Interior Minister.
  • Spanish authorities made a previous large cocaine seizure of nearly 10 tonnes in January.
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BBC World
Car-ramming incident kills at least two people in Germany

Car-ramming incident kills at least two people in Germany

May 04, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Summary

A car drove into people in Leipzig, Germany, killing at least two and injuring many others. Police arrested the driver and said the person is no longer a threat, but gave no further details.

Key Facts

  • The car-ramming happened in Leipzig, a large city in eastern Germany.
  • At least two people died and about 20 were affected or injured.
  • The driver was arrested and is not currently a danger.
  • Emergency teams declared a mass casualty incident.
  • Witnesses saw a damaged Volkswagen SUV speeding in a pedestrian area.
  • There were reports of a stabbing victim at the scene alongside the car attack.
  • German cities have seen several similar attacks recently, some with political, religious, or mental health causes.
  • Past attacks in Germany also involved car-ramming and stabbings with multiple victims.
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Al Jazeera
Mali junta leader names himself defence minister after predecessor killed

Mali junta leader names himself defence minister after predecessor killed

May 04, 2026 • BBC World

Summary

Mali’s military leader, General Assimi Goïta, has appointed himself as the country’s new defence minister after the previous minister, Sadio Camara, died in a suicide truck bombing. The attack happened during a major offensive by jihadist and separatist rebels, who continue to control large parts of Mali and neighboring countries.

Key Facts

  • Defence Minister Sadio Camara was killed in a suicide truck bombing near Mali’s capital, Bamako.
  • General Assimi Goïta, the head of Mali’s military government, has taken over the role of defence minister.
  • The attack was part of a large coordinated offensive by two groups: the separatist Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) and the al-Qaeda-linked group JNIM.
  • The offensive caused Malian and allied Russian forces to withdraw from the northern city of Kidal.
  • Authorities arrested some soldiers suspected of helping plan the attacks, including former and current military members.
  • Mali is working with Niger and Burkina Faso to conduct air strikes against the rebel groups.
  • The three countries form the Alliance of Sahel States and have replaced French troops with Russian forces for military help.
  • Despite efforts, large areas in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso remain outside government control due to ongoing attacks.
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BBC World
U.S. sinks 6 small Iranian boats in Strait of Hormuz, CENTCOM says

U.S. sinks 6 small Iranian boats in Strait of Hormuz, CENTCOM says

May 04, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

The U.S. military destroyed six small Iranian boats in the Strait of Hormuz, according to U.S. Central Command. This action took place amid ongoing tensions in the area.

Key Facts

  • The U.S. Central Command announced the destruction of six small Iranian boats.
  • The incident occurred in the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway.
  • The boats were identified as Iranian.
  • Central Command is responsible for U.S. military operations in the Middle East.
  • The Strait of Hormuz is a key route for global oil shipments.
  • The event reflects ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Iran.
  • CBS News reported statements from military and government officials about the incident.
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CBS News
Iran opened fire on US warships; 6 small boats destroyed in retaliation: Centcom

Iran opened fire on US warships; 6 small boats destroyed in retaliation: Centcom

May 04, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Iran fired on U.S. warships in the Middle East, and the U.S. military responded by destroying six small Iranian boats. The U.S. also intercepted Iranian cruise missiles and drones during the incident near the Strait of Hormuz.

Key Facts

  • Iran opened fire on U.S. warships on Monday.
  • The U.S. destroyed six small Iranian boats in retaliation.
  • The U.S. military intercepted Iranian cruise missiles and drones.
  • The incident happened near the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route.
  • U.S. Central Command leader is Adm. Brad Cooper.
  • The situation took place during the Trump administration’s efforts to secure safe passage for ships.
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The Guardian view on Trump, Merz and Europe’s security: EU countries cannot go it alone | Editorial

The Guardian view on Trump, Merz and Europe’s security: EU countries cannot go it alone | Editorial

May 04, 2026 • Guardian US

Summary

Tensions between the US and several European countries have increased during President Donald Trump’s second term, partly due to disagreements over the conflict in the Middle East. Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz faces pressure as the US plans to withdraw troops and limit military support, prompting discussions about Europe strengthening its own defense cooperation.

Key Facts

  • President Trump’s second term has seen falling poll numbers and a controversial war in the Middle East.
  • European leaders, including Spain, Italy’s Giorgia Meloni, and Germany’s Friedrich Merz, have faced criticism or threats from the US.
  • The US announced plans to withdraw 5,000 troops from bases in Germany and to withhold long-range weapons.
  • Trump threatened to impose a 25% tariff on European car manufacturers, which would mainly impact Germany.
  • Germany increased defense spending after Russia's invasion of Ukraine but debates continue over European military cooperation.
  • France proposed sharing its nuclear deterrent across Europe as part of stronger defense ties.
  • The EU has made €150 billion in cheap loans available for security spending to support joint efforts.
  • Chancellor Merz opposes increased EU debt to fund defense but supports higher national defense spending.
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Guardian US
Deadly hantavirus outbreak reported on cruise ship, officials say

Deadly hantavirus outbreak reported on cruise ship, officials say

May 04, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

Several people on a cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean have died or gotten sick from a rare disease called hantavirus. Officials are investigating the outbreak to understand how it spread on the ship.

Key Facts

  • The outbreak happened on a cruise ship traveling in the Atlantic Ocean.
  • Multiple deaths and illnesses have been linked to hantavirus.
  • Hantavirus is a rare infection usually spread by contact with rodent droppings or urine.
  • Health officials are looking into the cause and scope of the outbreak.
  • The incident is unusual because hantavirus outbreaks rarely occur on ships.
  • The cruise line and health authorities are working to manage the situation.
  • Passengers and crew may have been exposed to the virus during the voyage.
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CBS News
Arrests in massive human trafficking sting connected to Trump, Jan. 6

Arrests in massive human trafficking sting connected to Trump, Jan. 6

May 04, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

A large operation targeting human trafficking led to numerous arrests. Some of the people involved have connections to political events linked with President Donald Trump and the January 6 incident.

Key Facts

  • Authorities carried out a major sting operation against human trafficking.
  • Multiple suspects were arrested during the operation.
  • The investigation uncovered ties between traffickers and political groups.
  • Some links relate to supporters of President Donald Trump.
  • Connections also involved individuals associated with January 6 events.
  • This operation is part of wider efforts to combat human trafficking.
  • Human trafficking refers to illegal trading of people for exploitation.
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The Hill
Demi Moore, Chloé Zhao, Stellan Skarsgård among Cannes Film Festival jurors

Demi Moore, Chloé Zhao, Stellan Skarsgård among Cannes Film Festival jurors

May 04, 2026 • France24

Summary

The Cannes Film Festival announced nine jurors for its 79th edition, including American actor Demi Moore, filmmaker Chloé Zhao, and actor Stellan Skarsgård. The jury, led by South Korean director Park Chan-wook, will choose the winner of the Palme d'Or during the festival from May 12 to 23, 2026.

Key Facts

  • The 79th Cannes Film Festival will take place from May 12 to 23, 2026, in France.
  • The jury that will decide the Palme d’Or has nine members.
  • Park Chan-wook, a South Korean filmmaker, is the president of the jury.
  • Jurors include American actor Demi Moore, filmmaker Chloé Zhao, and Swedish actor Stellan Skarsgård.
  • Demi Moore and Stellan Skarsgård have starred in films shown at Cannes that led to Oscar nominations.
  • Other jurors are Ruth Negga, Laura Wandel, Diego Céspedes, Isaach De Bankolé, and Paul Laverty.
  • The Palme d’Or is the top prize awarded at the Cannes Film Festival.
  • Demi Moore’s recent film “The Substance” was featured at Cannes in 2024.
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France24
Two U.S. merchant vessels successfully transit Strait of Hormuz, CENTCOM says

Two U.S. merchant vessels successfully transit Strait of Hormuz, CENTCOM says

May 04, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

Two U.S. merchant ships passed safely through the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow and important waterway. This happened after President Donald Trump introduced "Project Freedom," a plan for the U.S. to help guide ships through this busy route.

Key Facts

  • The Strait of Hormuz is a key passage for global shipping, especially oil transport.
  • Two U.S. merchant vessels recently traveled through this strait without problems.
  • The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed the successful transit.
  • President Donald Trump announced "Project Freedom," aiming to escort and protect ships in the strait.
  • The project is meant to ensure safe passage for ships in this strategic area.
  • This effort responds to tensions in the region that could threaten shipping.
  • The news was reported by CBS News contributors Aaron MacLean and Nancy Cordes.
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CBS News
Narendra Modi’s BJP win election in West Bengal for first time

Narendra Modi’s BJP win election in West Bengal for first time

May 04, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won assembly elections in West Bengal for the first time, taking over from the Trinamool Congress (TMC) that had ruled for 15 years. The BJP secured a large majority, expanding its control across eastern India and increasing its power in 20 out of 28 states.

Key Facts

  • BJP won more than 205 out of 294 seats in West Bengal’s state assembly.
  • West Bengal had been led by TMC and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, a strong critic of Modi.
  • BJP’s victory marks its first assembly election win in West Bengal.
  • BJP was also re-elected in Assam, another eastern state.
  • The BJP now governs in 20 of India’s 28 states.
  • Before the election, over 2.7 million voters were removed from West Bengal’s electoral roll in a government exercise called Special Intensive Revision (SIR).
  • Analysis showed minorities, especially Muslims who typically oppose BJP, were disproportionately removed from the voter list.
  • Critics claimed the voter removal was an attempt to influence election results, but the government denied this.
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Guardian World
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Page of Theodore Roosevelt speech hit by bullet in 1912 assassination attempt uncovered

Page of Theodore Roosevelt speech hit by bullet in 1912 assassination attempt uncovered

May 04, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

A page from Theodore Roosevelt’s speech manuscript, which stopped a bullet during a 1912 assassination attempt, was found by a historian in Pennsylvania. The page shows bullet holes and has Roosevelt’s handwriting, making it a rare and important historical item.

Key Facts

  • The page belonged to a speech Roosevelt was giving when he was shot in Milwaukee in 1912.
  • The bullet passed through the manuscript before hitting Roosevelt’s metal glasses case.
  • Roosevelt was injured but still delivered his speech before seeking medical help.
  • The manuscript page is the only known copy with Roosevelt’s own handwriting, including an inscription about the bullet holes.
  • It was discovered by historian Nathan Raab, who values it around $150,000.
  • Roosevelt ran as a third-party candidate in 1912 but lost to Woodrow Wilson less than a month after being shot.
  • The shooter was John Schrank, who had mental health issues, and the bullet remained in Roosevelt’s body until his death in 1919.
  • Raab has found other important presidential artifacts in the past, highlighting the significance of this discovery.
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Guardian World
Police probe over 'antisemitic' post of Jewish actress with devil horns

Police probe over 'antisemitic' post of Jewish actress with devil horns

May 04, 2026 • BBC Top Stories

Summary

Police in Scotland are investigating a social media post by a pro-Palestinian group that showed Jewish actress Maureen Lipman with devil horns. The post was part of a campaign to cancel her theatre performance and has been called antisemitic by a charity. The situation occurs amid rising concerns about antisemitism in the UK.

Key Facts

  • Police Scotland is looking into a post by the Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign showing Maureen Lipman with devil horns and a pitchfork.
  • The post called for the cancellation of Lipman’s play "Allegra" in Aberdeen.
  • The Campaign Against Antisemitism described the image as a common antisemitic symbol.
  • Maureen Lipman has criticized those who defend Hamas or do not condemn its attacks.
  • Lipman recently compared UK antisemitism levels to those in Nazi Germany in 1933.
  • Police are working with the Jewish community and treating the post as a report under assessment.
  • Aberdeen Performing Arts said it does not support any political views of performers and aims to be welcoming to everyone.
  • The concerns come after two Jewish men were stabbed in London, an incident labeled as terrorism.
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BBC Top Stories
Three Russian diplomats expelled from Austria over spying accusations

Three Russian diplomats expelled from Austria over spying accusations

May 04, 2026 • BBC World

Summary

Austria expelled three Russian diplomats, accusing them of spying using many antennas on the roofs of Russian diplomatic buildings in Vienna. The Russian embassy called the expulsions unfair and said Russia would respond strongly. Austria says spying is a serious security problem and insists diplomatic immunity should not protect spying activities.

Key Facts

  • Austria removed three Russian diplomats for spying.
  • The diplomats used many antennas on embassy roofs to collect information.
  • The antennas helped intercept satellite internet data from international organizations.
  • Austria’s Foreign Minister said spying threatens national security.
  • Russia criticized Austria’s actions and promised a strong response.
  • The incident follows other spying accusations involving Russia in Austria and Germany.
  • Vienna has a history as a spying center due to its location and international organizations’ presence.
  • Austria reports it is one of the last European centers for Russian signals intelligence.
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BBC World
Nepal lodges protest against India over long-running border dispute

Nepal lodges protest against India over long-running border dispute

May 04, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Summary

Nepal protested against India for restarting a religious pilgrimage through a disputed border area called Lipulekh Pass. Nepal says this pass and nearby territories belong to it, while India disagrees and says the pilgrimage route has been used for many years.

Key Facts

  • Nepal and India have a border dispute over the Lipulekh Pass area near Tibet.
  • Nepal’s border claim is based on the 1816 Treaty of Sugauli signed during British rule.
  • Nepal’s Foreign Ministry officially protested India’s decision to resume the pilgrimage.
  • India says the pilgrimage to Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar has been going on since 1954.
  • India called Nepal’s territorial claims "unjustified" and not based on historical facts.
  • The pilgrimage was stopped in 2020 due to COVID-19 and recently restarted.
  • About 500 Hindu pilgrims will cross through India’s Uttarakhand state to reach Tibet via Lipulekh Pass.
  • Another group of pilgrims will use a different route through India’s Sikkim state.
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Al Jazeera
2 dead after driver plows into people in Leipzig, Germany

2 dead after driver plows into people in Leipzig, Germany

May 04, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

A driver in Leipzig, Germany, hit a group of people in the city center, killing two and seriously injuring two others. The driver was stopped by police and does not pose a danger, but the motive is unknown.

Key Facts

  • The incident occurred on Grimmaische Strasse, near Leipzig’s main shopping area.
  • Two people died and two were seriously hurt and taken to hospitals.
  • About 20 more people were affected, though details are unclear.
  • Police have detained the driver and confirmed there is no ongoing threat.
  • The city’s mayor said the situation is under control and that the suspect has been caught.
  • Leipzig is a large city in eastern Germany, with over 630,000 residents.
  • Authorities have not identified a motive for the crash.
  • Police plan to provide more information as the investigation continues.
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CBS News
‘Project Freedom’ marks a classic Trump flip from warmonger to humanitarian

‘Project Freedom’ marks a classic Trump flip from warmonger to humanitarian

May 04, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

President Donald Trump recently shifted from a tough stance on Iran to proposing a humanitarian effort called "Project Freedom" to help free ships and crews stuck in the Gulf. This change came after days of strong anti-Iran rhetoric and debate over how to handle the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route.

Key Facts

  • President Trump spoke strongly against Iran and suggested war might be necessary because of nuclear concerns.
  • A few days later, Trump announced "Project Freedom," aiming to free ships trapped by conflict near Iran.
  • The US and Iran reportedly held positive talks about this effort, surprising many.
  • The announcement temporarily lowered oil prices, affecting global markets.
  • The US has increased military presence in the region, including three aircraft carriers.
  • One possible military action considered was forcibly reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
  • "Project Freedom" is mostly a new name for an existing operation guiding ships safely through the strait.
  • Iran’s Revolutionary Guards oppose outside control of the Strait, making cooperation difficult.
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Guardian World
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Pedestrians Killed, Dozens Injured as Vehicle Plows Into Crowd in Germany

Pedestrians Killed, Dozens Injured as Vehicle Plows Into Crowd in Germany

May 04, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

At least two people died and 25 were injured after a Volkswagen SUV drove into a crowd in a busy pedestrian area in Leipzig, Germany. The driver and vehicle were stopped, and authorities said they no longer posed a threat.

Key Facts

  • The incident happened on Grimmaische Strasse, a popular pedestrian street in central Leipzig.
  • At least two people were killed, and 25 others were injured, including some with serious injuries.
  • The vehicle involved was identified as a Volkswagen SUV.
  • The SUV was seen driving fast in an area meant for pedestrians only.
  • Authorities confirmed the driver and car were stopped, removing the danger to others.
  • Leipzig is one of eastern Germany’s largest cities, with over 630,000 residents.
  • Witnesses reported that several victims were covered with sheets at the scene.
  • The event is currently under investigation, and updates are expected.
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Newsweek
If Kim Jong Un can have nukes, why can’t Iran?

If Kim Jong Un can have nukes, why can’t Iran?

May 04, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

The article discusses the issue of North Korea having nuclear weapons while Iran does not. It points out the difficulty in understanding why North Korea is allowed to have these weapons, but Iran is prevented from getting them.

Key Facts

  • North Korea has nuclear weapons.
  • Iran is not allowed to have nuclear weapons.
  • The situation raises questions about fairness and international policy on nuclear arms.
  • The history of both countries' nuclear programs highlights this inconsistency.
  • The topic involves global security and international agreements on nuclear weapons.
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