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Russian paramilitary forces carried out air strikes near Mali’s capital, Bamako, after rebel groups launched a large attack across the country. The fighting included the killing of Mali’s Defence Minister and the withdrawal of Russian-backed forces from a key northern town.
Key Facts
Russian paramilitary forces launched air strikes against rebels near Bamako, Mali.
Rebel groups involved included jihadists and Tuareg separatists who attacked multiple areas.
Mali’s Defence Minister, Sadio Camara, was killed during a rebel attack on his home.
Russia’s Africa Corps, supporting Mali’s military, posted videos showing these strikes.
Despite counterattacks, Russian-backed forces withdrew from Kidal, a strategic northern town.
Mali has faced conflict with various rebel groups for over ten years.
The military took control of Mali in 2020, blaming the civilian government for poor security.
The recent rebel offensive represents a major increase in fighting, now targeting cities as well as rural areas.
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A new report finds that press freedom is declining in the European Union. Media ownership is becoming more concentrated, information sources are less transparent, and trust in the media is falling, which affects democracy and political accountability.
Key Facts
The report covers 22 EU member countries.
Press freedom decline is linked to weaker democratic institutions and the rule of law.
Media ownership concentration means fewer companies control more news sources.
Less transparency makes it harder for people to know who owns the media they consume.
A lack of diverse information sources can harm democracy.
The study highlights the importance of a free press for government accountability.
The report was discussed by Eva Simon, Head of Tech & Rights Program at Liberties.
The findings suggest that problems in media freedom are part of a broader decline in EU democracy.
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The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced it will leave the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and its expanded group OPEC+ by May 2026. This decision reflects deeper political and strategic disagreements with Saudi Arabia and signals a breakdown in Gulf Cooperation on oil policy and regional order.
Key Facts
The UAE will exit OPEC and OPEC+ on May 1, 2026.
OPEC has long been a way for Gulf countries to work together on oil production and influence global markets.
The UAE’s departure shows a serious regional split, especially between Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
In late 2025, Saudi Arabia bombed a UAE weapons convoy in Yemen, worsening tensions.
Saudi Arabia wants to keep Arab states united and stable, while the UAE supports using local groups in other countries to gain influence.
Staying in OPEC would mean the UAE accepted Saudi dominance over oil policy, which it no longer wants.
The UAE is OPEC’s third-largest oil producer, making this exit very significant.
OPEC faces a legitimacy crisis, partly due to perceptions in Washington that it supports Russian interests through oil price control.
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A man was arrested after stabbing two people in Golders Green, a neighborhood in North London with a large Jewish community. Local Jewish security groups detain the suspect and emergency volunteers treated the victims before police arrived.
Key Facts
A man was seen running with a knife in Golders Green, trying to stab Jewish people.
Shomrim, a Jewish volunteer security group, quickly detained the suspect.
The suspect was handed over to the police, who used a taser at the scene.
Two people were injured and treated by Hatzola, a Jewish emergency volunteer group.
Police had not released a detailed statement about the incident immediately.
This attack follows several recent attacks targeting Jewish communities in North London.
One previous attack involved an arson that destroyed several ambulances used by Hatzola.
The Community Security Trust confirmed the stabbing and thanked those who responded quickly.
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Two people were stabbed in Golders Green, north-west London. A man carrying a knife was arrested after being detained by a local Jewish neighborhood watch group and then by police using a stun gun.
Key Facts
The stabbing occurred in Golders Green, an area with a significant Jewish community.
The suspect was seen trying to stab Jewish members of the public.
Members of the Jewish group Shomrim detained the man before police arrived.
Police used a stun gun to arrest the suspect.
Two people injured in the attack were treated by Hatzola, a Jewish volunteer ambulance service.
The incident follows recent arson attacks on Jewish sites in north London.
Jewish community groups and police are working together on the investigation.
Political leaders expressed concern and support for the investigation into the attack.
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Rashid Khalidi, a historian who studies the Palestinian people, says there is still hope for peace between Israelis and Palestinians. He explains that millions of Palestinians are determined to stay on their land, which means both sides will need to find a way to live together.
Key Facts
Rashid Khalidi is a leading historian focused on the Palestinian people and their history.
He has written many books about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, including stories from his own family.
Khalidi believes millions of Palestinians will not leave their land despite the conflict.
This determination offers a basis for peace talks between Israelis and Palestinians.
Khalidi spoke about these views during appearances in Paris, including at the Arab World Institute.
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict remains a major issue in the Middle East.
Public opinion in the United States on Palestine has changed significantly in recent years, according to Khalidi.
The article appeared as part of a series discussing the future and history of the region.
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Sydney Sweeney’s recent performance in the TV show "Euphoria" received praise online for showing natural facial expressions without Botox. Viewers noted her moving forehead during a wedding scene, contrasting it with other actors whose faces appeared less expressive. This moment sparked conversations about the impact of Botox on actors’ performances.
Key Facts
Sydney Sweeney played Cassie Howard in a wedding episode of "Euphoria."
In a key scene, Sweeney’s forehead moved naturally as she showed confusion.
Many social media users praised her for not having Botox and showing real expressions.
Botox use has increased by nearly 460% in the U.S. between 2000 and 2020.
In 2024, over 9 million Botox-like treatments were given in the U.S.
Sweeney stated in 2025 she has never had plastic surgery or body work done.
The scene went viral, with millions viewing posts praising her acting.
Social media compared Sweeney’s expressive face to other actors whose foreheads appeared still due to fillers.
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Global military spending reached $2.88 trillion in 2025, increasing by 2.9% from the previous year. The US leads in military spending, followed by China, Russia, Germany, and India, with a few countries showing rapid military spending growth in recent years.
Key Facts
Total global military spending in 2025 was $2.88 trillion, about $350 per person worldwide.
The top five military spenders in 2025 were the US ($954 billion), China ($336 billion), Russia ($190 billion), Germany ($114 billion), and India ($92 billion).
The US has been the world’s biggest military spender since World War II and has spent over $53.5 trillion on its military since 1949.
Global military spending rose sharply during wars such as the Korean War, Vietnam War, and after 9/11, and fell in peaceful times like after the Cold War.
Military spending in Europe doubled since 2016, with Eastern Europe increasing by 173%, influenced by tensions like Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea.
Qatar, Israel, Norway, and Ukraine show the highest per capita increases in military spending, with Ukraine’s rise linked to its conflict with Russia.
The US also dominates global arms exports, selling $115 billion worth of weapons between 2016-2025, which is 39% of the world’s total arms sales.
The world’s total military spending has grown 41% from $1.69 trillion in 2016 to $2.88 trillion in 2025.
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The article says that while the situation in Iran is important, the United States should not lose focus on its interests in the West Pacific region. It emphasizes the need for strong alliances to support U.S. military, economic, and technology goals in both areas.
Key Facts
The conflict in Iran is significant but should not distract the U.S. from its priorities in the West Pacific.
The U.S. experience in the Middle East shows how important allies are for success.
Allies help the U.S. in military, economic, and technological ways.
The West Pacific is a key area for U.S. strategic interests.
Maintaining focus on multiple global regions is necessary for U.S. grand strategy.
Partnerships are important to strengthen the U.S. position internationally.
The article suggests balancing attention between Iran and Taiwan-related issues.
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France has told its citizens to leave Mali quickly after attacks by rebel groups and Islamist militants in several cities, including the capital, Bamako. The UK has also warned its citizens to leave Mali and avoid travel there due to unsafe security conditions.
Key Facts
Rebel and militant attacks occurred across Mali, including Bamako, Kati, Gao, Kidal, Sévaré, and Mopti over the weekend.
Sadio Camara, Mali’s defense leader, was killed in a suicide bombing in Kati.
The separatist Azawad Liberation Front took control of Kidal, a northern city.
Mali’s military leader, Gen Assimi Goïta, said the army had responded strongly and that security was under control.
France advised its citizens to stay home, limit movement, and leave Mali as soon as possible by commercial flights.
The UK government similarly advised against all travel to Mali and told British citizens to leave immediately if it was safe.
Mali is governed by a military junta led by Goïta, who came to power in a 2020 coup promising to improve security.
Russia has provided mercenaries to help Mali’s military, but conflict with armed groups continues in the north and east.
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A drone attack by Ukraine reportedly set an oil facility on fire in Russia’s Perm region, more than 1,500 kilometers from Ukraine. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy said this shows Ukraine is increasing the range of its drone strikes to reduce Russia’s oil income used for war.
Key Facts
A drone hit an industrial facility in Russia’s Perm region, causing a fire.
The location is in the Ural mountains, about 900 miles from Ukraine’s border.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy shared a video showing black smoke from a distant drone strike.
Ukraine says it is improving long-range drone attacks to limit Russia’s oil revenue for war funding.
Just a day earlier, Ukraine attacked the Tuapse oil refinery on Russia’s Black Sea coast for the third time in two weeks.
Russian air defenses reportedly intercepted 98 Ukrainian drones overnight in multiple regions.
The Institute for the Study of War says Ukraine is using Russia’s large size and stretched defenses to launch strikes deep inside Russia.
Ukraine is producing extra drones and is beginning military cooperation with countries in the Middle East, Gulf, Europe, and Caucasus.
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Sussex University won a legal battle to overturn a £585,000 fine imposed by the Office for Students (OfS) for alleged free speech violations related to protests about a former professor’s views on transgender rights. The high court ruled against the OfS, saying the university did not breach free speech laws, rejecting the regulator’s investigation and the large fine.
Key Facts
Sussex University was fined £585,000 by the Office for Students in March 2023 for claims of breaching free speech rules.
The fine was the largest ever given by the OfS, England’s higher education watchdog.
The case involved protests against former professor Kathleen Stock over her views on transgender rights.
The high court ruled the OfS had no legal authority to issue the fine and criticized its investigation.
Sussex argued that the policies the OfS targeted were not core university documents and thus outside the regulator’s reach.
Professor Stock resigned in October 2021 after protests and police advising her to stay away from campus.
The OfS’s first director for free speech, Arif Ahmed, led the investigation.
The OfS said it will review the ruling before deciding on further action.
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During a West End performance of Dracula starring Cynthia Erivo, the show was briefly stopped after Erivo noticed someone filming in the audience. Theatres are increasingly concerned about illegal recordings and often remind audiences that filming is not allowed.
Key Facts
Cynthia Erivo plays all 23 roles in the West End production of Dracula at the Noël Coward Theatre.
The show was paused when Erivo spotted an audience member filming about an hour into the performance.
Theatres often remind audiences that recording or filming during the show is forbidden.
Some theatres give stickers to cover phone cameras to prevent unauthorized recordings.
The issue of filming in theatres has become more common, with some actors publicly criticizing the behavior.
Delfont Mackintosh Theatres, which owns the Noël Coward Theatre, prohibits all recording devices and requires phones to be turned off.
The production Dracula uses advanced onstage camera techniques as part of the show.
Dracula runs until 30 May and is directed by Kip Williams, who also directed The Picture of Dorian Gray.
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Police in Sri Lanka arrested 22 trainee Buddhist monks at Colombo airport after finding 110 kg of cannabis in their luggage. This is the biggest drugs seizure ever recorded at the airport. The monks were returning from a holiday in Bangkok.
Key Facts
22 Buddhist monks-in-training were arrested at Colombo airport, Sri Lanka.
Police found 110 kilograms (about 243 pounds) of cannabis in their luggage.
This is the largest drug bust ever at Colombo airport.
The monks had just returned from a five-day trip to Bangkok, Thailand.
The seized cannabis was being carried by junior monks who are still in training.
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Russia will hold a smaller Victory Day parade in Moscow on May 9 without showing military vehicles for the first time in almost 20 years. This change is due to fears of drone attacks by Ukraine targeting military equipment before or during the event.
Key Facts
No armored vehicles or missile systems will be displayed in this year’s Victory Day parade.
Military cadets and youth military groups will not participate in the parade.
The Kremlin blamed “Ukrainian terrorist activity” for the changes to the parade.
Russian analysts believe drones could attack military equipment during parade rehearsals outside Moscow.
Ukraine has been using long-range drones to hit Russian military and industrial targets almost daily.
Recent drone strikes caused large fires and toxic smoke in Russian oil refineries, including in Tuapse and Perm.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy highlighted Ukraine’s ability to strike targets over 1,500 km away.
Despite attacks, high global oil prices have kept Russia's energy earnings high.
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A German tourist died after a cobra bit him on the leg during a snake-charming show in Hurghada, Egypt. He was bitten when the snake crawled into his pants, showed signs of poisoning, and later died in the hospital. Investigations are ongoing, and authorities await toxicology test results.
Key Facts
The victim was a 57-year-old German man from Bavaria, on vacation with relatives.
The incident happened in early April at a hotel in Hurghada, a popular Red Sea tourist spot in Egypt.
Two cobras were used in the snake-charming show and were placed on audience members.
The cobra crawled into the man's trousers and bit his leg, causing poisoning symptoms.
The man was resuscitated and taken to a hospital but died later.
German police and prosecutors are investigating, waiting for toxicology test results.
Egyptian authorities said they were unaware of the incident when asked.
Worldwide, about 5.4 million people are bitten by snakes each year, with up to 138,000 deaths mainly in India.
In recent months, at least three people died from rattlesnake bites in Southern California.
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Houses on Hatteras Island, North Carolina, are being moved on wheels or raised to escape rapidly eroding coastlines caused by rising sea levels. Since 2020, more than 30 homes have fallen into the ocean due to strong waves and land loss, prompting urgent actions to protect remaining buildings.
Key Facts
Since September, 19 homes have fallen into the Atlantic Ocean on Hatteras Island due to coastal erosion.
Barry Crum, a local house mover, is lifting homes onto wheels to move them away from danger.
The Outer Banks, including Hatteras Island, is losing more than 10 feet of land yearly to the sea.
On one day in September, five homes collapsed into the ocean within 45 minutes.
The Cape Hatteras lighthouse was moved in 1999 to avoid erosion threats.
Experts describe the Outer Banks situation as a warning sign for other east coast communities facing rising sea levels.
Rising sea levels and natural shifting sands make it very hard to stop erosion or protect homes long-term.
The climate crisis is causing faster sea level rise, worsening coastal land loss in many US areas.
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A protected nature site in Leicestershire called Cave's Inn Pits was found covered with about 30,000 tonnes of shredded waste hidden under soil. The Environment Agency and Natural England are investigating the illegal dumping, working to protect the wildlife, and monitoring the air and water quality.
Key Facts
Cave's Inn Pits is a protected site important for marsh, grassland, and bird habitats.
About 30,000 tonnes of shredded waste were dumped and covered with soil to hide it.
The waste dump covers an area roughly the size of a football pitch.
The Environment Agency and Natural England began their investigation after local reports of bad smells.
Air and water quality at the site are being checked to assess environmental impact.
A criminal investigation is underway to find and punish those responsible.
Illegal waste dumping has been increasing in the UK, affecting many protected areas.
The UK government has introduced a "zero-tolerance" plan to fight illegal waste crimes.
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President Trump warned Iran to end the conflict and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route for oil. In response, a top Iranian lawmaker threatened to have allied forces block another important waterway, the Bab el-Mandeb strait, if the U.S. continues to block Iranian ships.
Key Facts
President Trump called on Iran to "get smart soon" and make a deal to stop the war.
Iran controls the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global energy shipments.
Iran has blocked most traffic through the Strait of Hormuz and charges high fees for passage.
The U.S. has responded by blocking Iranian ports and ships linked to Iran.
An Iranian official warned Iran might use its allies in Yemen to block the Bab el-Mandeb strait if the U.S. continues its blockade.
Iran has intercepted commercial ships accused of breaking its rules near the Strait of Hormuz.
Iranian lawmakers say they still have many missiles and can sustain a long conflict.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faced questions from lawmakers about the military actions against Iran.
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European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has urged for diplomatic efforts to stop the war involving Iran. She warned that the conflict's effects could continue for many years.
Key Facts
Ursula von der Leyen is the President of the European Commission.
She called for diplomacy to end the war related to Iran.
She highlighted the long-lasting impact the conflict could have.
The statement focuses on peaceful solutions instead of military actions.
The European Commission represents the European Union’s executive branch.
No specific details about the war or involved parties were given in the article.
The call emphasizes the importance of dialogue to solve international conflicts.
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