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In Malta, rights campaigners have placed locked boxes with abortion pills around the country to help women access abortions despite strict local laws. Malta allows abortion only when the mother's life is at risk, making it one of the most restrictive countries in Europe.
Key Facts
The campaign features 15 locked boxes containing abortion pills in Malta.
Women less than nine weeks pregnant can email to get the location and code to access the pills.
Maltese law permits abortion only if the mother’s life is in danger, agreed by three doctors, and other treatments are tried first.
Abortion remains illegal for cases like rape, incest, or severe fetal abnormalities.
The campaign organized by Women on Waves has helped connect with 16 women in the first 8 days.
In 2025, abortion pill shipments to Malta increased by nearly 12%, with 667 packages delivered.
Women sometimes travel abroad and spend large sums to get abortions legally.
A woman recently received a suspended prison sentence for inducing her own abortion, showing ongoing legal risks.
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Teatro La Fenice, the famous Venice opera house, fired Beatrice Venezi, who was set to be its first female music director, after she said the opera house’s hiring was based on nepotism, meaning jobs were passed down within families. The opera house said her public comments harmed its reputation and professionalism.
Key Facts
Beatrice Venezi was chosen to be the first female music director of Teatro La Fenice in Venice.
Venezi claimed the opera house’s orchestra jobs were passed down from father to son and that the organization feared change.
La Fenice canceled all future work with Venezi due to her public statements about the opera house.
Orchestra musicians and staff opposed Venezi’s appointment, citing her lack of experience and political links.
Venezi’s father was part of a far-right political group, and she works as a music adviser at Italy’s culture ministry.
Audience members protested her appointment by throwing leaflets during performances.
Italy’s culture minister said the opera house made the decision independently to avoid further conflicts.
The opera house’s foundation and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni supported the decision to fire Venezi.
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Twenty-two monks were arrested at a Sri Lankan airport after officials found 110 kilograms of cannabis hidden in their luggage. The monks were returning from a holiday in Thailand and reportedly did not know they were carrying the drugs. A 23rd monk, believed to have arranged the trip, was also arrested.
Key Facts
Sri Lankan customs found 110kg (242lbs) of cannabis hidden in luggage at Colombo airport.
The cannabis was concealed in fake walls inside the monks' bags.
Each monk carried about 5kg of a strong type of cannabis called Kush.
The monks had just returned from a paid four-day trip to Thailand.
A 23rd monk, who organized the trip but did not travel, was arrested later nearby.
Police believe the monks thought the packages were donations and did not know they held drugs.
Pictures on the monks’ phones showed them enjoying casual holidays.
This is the first known case of monks arrested for drug smuggling at a Sri Lankan airport.
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Russian forces working with Mali's military government have withdrawn from the northern city of Kidal after attacks by separatist fighters. The Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) separatists claimed control of the city following the withdrawal. Fighting and attacks also occurred in other parts of Mali, including the capital, Bamako.
Key Facts
Russian Africa Corps and Malian troops left the city of Kidal after agreeing with the FLA separatists.
The FLA declared Kidal "free" and under their control after the withdrawal.
Mali has ongoing conflicts involving separatists, al-Qaeda, and Islamic State-linked groups.
Coordinated attacks took place across Mali in several cities, including Bamako, Sevare, Mopti, Gao, and Kidal.
Malian Defence Minister Sadio Camara was killed in a suicide truck bombing near the capital.
The Russian Africa Corps says it will continue operations elsewhere in Mali.
The Africa Corps evolved from the Wagner mercenary group after the death of its leader in 2023.
Russia’s military support in Mali often leads to access to natural resources and has faced accusations of abuses.
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Wolves on Isle Royale, a remote island in Lake Superior, have grown in number to the highest level since the 1970s, while the island’s moose population has dropped sharply. Researchers conducted a winter survey and found about 30–37 wolves but observed a big decline in moose, with no young moose seen for the first time in nearly 70 years.
Key Facts
Isle Royale is a national park on a remote island in Lake Superior between Minnesota and Canada.
Scientists have studied wolves and moose there since 1958, usually in winter when the island is closed to visitors.
The wolf population was estimated at 37 in 2024, the highest since the late 1970s.
The moose population fell by 75% from 2,000 in 2019 to 524 in 2024.
Wolves killed nearly a quarter of the moose in the past year according to researchers.
For the first time in nearly 70 years, no moose calves were seen during the winter survey.
Researchers faced challenges conducting surveys due to warm weather making ice unsafe for planes and other interruptions like medical issues.
Scientists plan to continue studying the ecosystem in the summer to understand how wolves and moose balance each other on the island.
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Iran has proposed to the United States a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, an important route for oil shipping, without linking it to nuclear negotiations. Iran said it would stop restricting the strait if the U.S. ends its blockade and stops hostile actions against Iran.
Key Facts
Iran controls the Strait of Hormuz, a vital passage for global oil shipments.
Iran has been restricting access to the strait amid tensions with the U.S.
Iran offered to lift restrictions without requiring a deal on its nuclear program.
Iran asked the U.S. to stop the blockade affecting the strait.
Iran wants the U.S. to end conflicts or hostile activities against it as part of the deal.
The U.S. has imposed sanctions and maintains a military presence near Iran.
The Strait of Hormuz is a strategic chokepoint, with about one-fifth of the world’s oil passing through it daily.
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At least 42 people died in eastern Chad after a fight between two families over water access turned into revenge attacks. The army stepped in to stop the violence, and the government is working to find those responsible and prevent more conflicts.
Key Facts
The violence began in the village of Igote, near the Sudan border, on Saturday.
Ten people were injured and taken to a hospital for treatment.
The clashes spread over a wide area with ongoing retaliations.
The military's quick action helped control the situation.
Officials started a traditional mediation and legal actions to find who is responsible.
Conflicts over land and water are common in Chad and have caused deaths before.
Eastern Chad is under stress due to many refugees fleeing the war in Sudan.
Chad closed its border with Sudan in February to prevent the conflict from spreading.
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Jihadist and separatist groups in Mali launched coordinated attacks that seized several towns and military bases, killing Mali’s defence minister and military intelligence chief. The attacks involved car bombs and drones and affected key locations near the capital and in northern and central Mali.
Key Facts
The defence minister, Sadio Camara, was killed in an attack using a suicide car bomb at his home in Kati.
The military intelligence chief, Modibo Koné, was also reportedly killed.
The attackers included the al-Qaida-linked group JNIM and the separatist Azawad Liberation Front (FLA), who were once enemies.
The violence took place in Kati, Gao, Mopti, Sévaré, and Kidal, with heavy gunfire near the main airport and military base.
Videos showed militants inside the governor’s residence in Kidal, a key northern town.
Mali’s military government led by Assimi Goïta has not yet made a public statement on the attacks.
Africa Corps, a private military group that replaced Russia’s Wagner mercenaries, reportedly withdrew peacefully from Kidal before the attack.
Mali has struggled for years with Islamist militants and separatists, shifting alliances including turning away from Western partners and working with Russian-linked forces.
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Colombia's Defence Minister Pedro Sánchez has offered a record $1.4 million reward for information leading to the capture of a rebel leader called "Marlon," who is blamed for a deadly bomb attack that killed 20 people. The attack happened near the Pan-American Highway in south-western Colombia, and it is one of the deadliest recent attacks on civilians in the country.
Key Facts
The bomb attack occurred on a motorway between the cities of Cali and Popayán.
20 people died in the explosion, including 15 women and 5 men.
The reward offered for "Marlon" is 5 billion Colombian pesos, about $1.4 million, the highest ever in Colombia.
"Marlon" (Iván Jacob Idrobo Arredondo) is linked to a rebel group led by Iván Mordisco, a dissident from the former FARC rebel group.
Iván Mordisco’s group is involved in illegal activities like mining, extortion, and drug trafficking.
The attack damaged several buses and vehicles and created a large crater on the highway.
Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro called the attackers "terrorists" and sent extra troops to the region.
Presidential elections are scheduled for May 31, with tensions rising due to ongoing violence and the candidates’ differing views on how to handle rebel groups.
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The article compares two events of gunfire near the Washington Hilton Hotel, highlighting that President Ronald Reagan was shot outside this hotel. It refers to the brief moment Reagan was exposed before an attempted assassination.
Key Facts
President Ronald Reagan was shot outside the Washington Hilton Hotel.
The shooting happened as Reagan left the hotel and headed to his limousine.
Reagan was exposed for only a few seconds before the shooting.
The article compares current gunfire incidents to Reagan’s shooting.
The events occurred near the same location, the Washington Hilton Hotel.
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Large wildfires continue to burn in southeastern Georgia, with two major fires spreading quickly due to dry weather and wind. The fires have caused evacuations and destroyed many homes, and firefighters are working to contain them despite challenging conditions.
Key Facts
The Highway 82 fire in Brantley County doubled in size overnight and has burned about 20,933 acres.
The Pineland Road fire in Clinch and Echols counties has burned roughly 32,003 acres and is only 10% contained.
The Pineland Road fire started from a welding spark that ignited dry plants.
The Highway 82 fire began when a foil balloon hit a power line, causing a fire.
Nearly 90 homes were destroyed in Brantley County, with about 4,000 homes evacuated.
Around 140 residents were evacuated from Echols County due to the fires.
Firefighters are using equipment and creating firebreaks to protect homes and slow the spread.
No injuries or deaths have been reported so far during these wildfires.
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This article discusses the growing debate in Scotland about whether to stay part of the United Kingdom or become independent. The 2016 Brexit vote, where Scotland voted to remain in the European Union but was taken out due to the overall UK vote to leave, has boosted support for Scottish independence, especially among young people.
Key Facts
Scotland has a long history of debating whether to stay in the UK or become independent.
In the 2014 Scottish independence referendum, most Scots voted to stay in the UK.
Scotland voted strongly to remain in the EU during the 2016 Brexit referendum, but the UK overall voted to leave.
Brexit has increased support for Scottish independence, with recent polls showing about 51% support.
Among young people aged 18 to 24, support for independence is higher, around 59%.
Some people oppose independence due to concerns about political and economic stability.
Others would support independence if it meant Scotland could join the EU again.
The Scottish independence debate reflects issues of identity, culture, and political values.
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A bombing on a highway in southwestern Colombia killed at least 20 people and injured 36, occurring ahead of presidential elections next month. Authorities said the attack was carried out by a criminal group linked to a former rebel faction, prompting increased security in the region.
Key Facts
The bomb exploded on the Pan-American Highway in Cauca department, destroying buses and cars.
15 women and 5 men died; among the injured, three are in intensive care and five children were hurt but are safe.
Attackers stopped traffic by blocking the road with a bus and another vehicle before detonating the bomb.
President Gustavo Petro called the attackers terrorists and blamed Iván Mordisco, leader of a dissident rebel faction.
The rebel faction is connected to the former Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), which split after a 2016 peace deal.
A series of attacks, including one on a military base in Cali, followed the bombing, with 26 attacks recorded over two days.
Security forces have increased their presence in the area to respond to the violence.
The violence is intensifying as Colombia prepares for presidential elections on May 31, a time when armed groups have historically tried to influence outcomes.
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Senior Labour politicians disagree about starting a new investigation into whether Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer was honest about how Lord Mandelson was approved as the UK’s ambassador to the US. Some Conservative leaders say the prime minister misled Parliament, while key Labour members say a new inquiry is unnecessary or a waste of time.
Key Facts
The issue concerns how Lord Mandelson was vetted before becoming UK ambassador to the US.
Conservatives accuse Sir Keir Starmer of misleading Parliament about the appointment process.
Labour MP Dame Emily Thornberry said there is no urgency for another inquiry and some want to score political points.
Former Labour ministers Lord Blunkett and Alan Johnson called an inquiry a waste of money.
The Privileges Committee can investigate whether MPs broke parliamentary rules.
Sir Keir Starmer apologized for Mandelson’s appointment but denies rushing the process.
Mandelson was removed from his ambassador role seven months later over connections to Jeffrey Epstein.
A vote on whether to begin a Privileges Committee inquiry could happen soon, but Labour MPs oppose it or are hesitant.
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The Archbishop of Canterbury met Pope Leo at the Vatican and praised him for speaking out against war and injustice. They expressed hope for peace and justice in the world, and the Archbishop invited the Pope to visit the United Kingdom.
Key Facts
The Archbishop of Canterbury is Dame Sarah Mullally, the first woman to lead the Church of England.
Pope Leo recently spoke out against war and called out tyrants harming the world.
The Pope warned about the high cost of war during a visit to Cameroon.
President Donald Trump criticized the Pope for his comments on foreign policy and crime.
The Pope opposed President Trump's threat towards Iran about the Strait of Hormuz, which was resolved by a ceasefire.
King Charles III and the Pope prayed together publicly for the first time since the Reformation.
The Archbishop said the Pope’s recent trip to Africa was full of life and joy.
The Archbishop offered the Pope a warm welcome if he visits the United Kingdom.
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Iran has offered to reopen the Strait of Hormuz for commercial shipping if the U.S. lifts its military blockade of Iranian ports and vessels. President Donald Trump has rejected the offer because it does not include an end to Iran’s nuclear program. Meanwhile, peace talks between the U.S. and Iran have stalled, and oil prices have risen due to continued tensions.
Key Facts
Iran wants the U.S. to stop blocking Iranian ports and ships to allow passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran’s offer does not include any changes to its nuclear program, which President Trump demands to end.
President Trump canceled planned talks with Iran after saying his administration has "all the cards."
Oil prices rose almost 3% as hopes for a U.S.-Iran peace deal faded and shipping remained limited.
Brent Crude oil price reached about $108.36 per barrel, the highest in three weeks.
Hezbollah’s leader rejected U.S.-brokered talks between Israel and Lebanon, threatening the fragile ceasefire.
Iran’s foreign minister met with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss the conflict and diplomacy.
Pakistan was acting as a peace talks mediator, but negotiations are now uncertain after the U.S. pulled back.
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The article discusses how news outlets report on child abduction cases in relation to gender identity topics. It suggests that the media often do not provide full information or clear explanations on these issues.
Key Facts
The article focuses on child abduction cases linked to discussions about gender identity.
It claims that news coverage can be difficult to understand or incomplete.
The term "gender identity" refers to a person's understanding of their own gender.
The article implies that important details related to these cases are sometimes not fully reported.
It points to challenges in how the media explain complex social topics today.
The overall topic connects media practices with sensitive social issues involving children.
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Somalia is facing a worsening hunger crisis caused by severe drought, which has displaced over 500,000 people this year. Many families have lost their homes, livestock, and food sources while humanitarian aid has significantly decreased, leaving displaced people at high risk of starvation.
Key Facts
More than 500,000 people in Somalia have been forced to leave their homes this year, mostly due to drought.
This adds to the 3.3 million people already displaced in the country.
The recent Deyr rains failed to bring relief, worsening the drought and destroying crops and livestock.
Many displaced families arrive at camps exhausted, malnourished, and without supplies.
Only 14 percent of requested humanitarian aid funds for Somalia have been received this year.
Somalia was excluded from a $2 billion global humanitarian aid pledge by the U.S., due to concerns about corruption and aid theft.
The April-June rainy season has started but is not enough to restore lost farms and herds.
Immediate help is needed to prevent starvation for displaced families.
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Amsterdam has become the first capital city in the world to pass a law banning advertisements for fossil fuels. This move is part of a larger effort by cities globally to reduce pollution and fight climate change. Dutch activists hope the ban will expand to the entire country.
Key Facts
Amsterdam passed a legal ban on ads promoting fossil fuels like petrol cars, flights, and cruise ships.
It is the first capital city worldwide to implement such a ban.
Other cities around the world are also removing fossil fuel advertisements to help reduce global warming.
The ban aims to discourage using fossil fuels by limiting public promotion.
Dutch activists want similar restrictions to be adopted across the Netherlands.
The law addresses advertising on public billboards and displays.
The move aligns with global efforts to combat climate change by reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
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Researchers have found that wolves on Isle Royale, a remote island in Lake Superior, are growing in number while their main food source, moose, is sharply declining. The wolf population increased to 37 in 2026, the highest in decades, while the moose population dropped by 75% since 2019.
Key Facts
Isle Royale is a large, isolated national park in Lake Superior used to study wolves and moose.
Researchers have tracked the island’s wolf and moose populations since 1958.
The wolf population was estimated at 37 in 2026, up from just two wolves about ten years ago.
The moose population dropped from around 2,000 in 2019 to 524 in 2026.
Wolves likely killed about 25% of the moose over the past year.
Researchers saw no moose calves for the first time in almost 70 years during the 2026 winter survey.
The island’s isolation requires researchers to land planes on frozen lake ice to conduct surveys.
Scientists plan summer research to understand how wolves and the ecosystem might balance in the future.
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