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Taiwan is increasing its production and use of military drones to strengthen its defense against potential attacks from China. The Taiwanese government plans to spend $6.6 billion over six years to buy locally made drones and is exporting drones and drone parts to the US military and other countries.
Key Facts
Taiwan proposes a $6.6 billion budget from 2026 to 2031 to buy over 208,000 coastal attack drones and thousands of reconnaissance drones and uncrewed vessels.
Taiwan currently has about 5,000 US-made attack drones plus domestically produced models.
Taiwanese soldiers have tested drones that strike offshore targets during military exercises in 2026.
Taiwanese companies, including Thunder Tiger, are partnering internationally and selling drones to the US military and European buyers.
Taiwan exported $115 million worth of fully assembled drones in the first three months of 2026, surpassing the total for 2025.
Thunder Tiger’s drones are certified for US military use and range from small FPV drones costing $3,000-$5,000 to larger kamikaze-style drones priced from $30,000.
Taiwanese drone parts are supplied to the US Department of Defense’s $1 billion Drone Dominance Program and to companies supporting Ukraine.
Czechia and Poland import tens of thousands of Taiwanese drones, some of which may be sent to Ukraine.
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A Myanmar military airstrike hit the town of Kyauktaw in Rakhine state, killing at least seven civilians, including a five-year-old child. The military uses airstrikes to fight pro-democracy fighters, but human rights groups say these attacks often harm civilians.
Key Facts
The airstrike occurred in Kyauktaw, a town in Myanmar's Rakhine state.
At least seven civilians died in the attack.
Among the dead was a five-year-old child.
Myanmar's military air force targets pro-democracy guerrilla fighters.
Rights groups accuse the military of using airstrikes without careful targeting.
Such airstrikes often result in harm to civilians.
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Brazilian federal police have carried out 18 search-and-seizure operations as part of a corruption investigation involving financial crimes linked to the failed Banco Master. One key target was Senator Jaques Wagner, an ally of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who is suspected of benefiting from illegal deals connected to the bank. The investigation also touches politicians from both major parties and could influence Brazil's upcoming presidential election.
Key Facts
Brazilian police executed 18 search-and-seizure warrants in Brasilia, Bahia, and Sao Paulo.
Senator Jaques Wagner, 75, close to President Lula, is suspected of receiving illegal benefits from Banco Master.
Banco Master was liquidated last year amid accusations of fraud and money laundering against its owner, Daniel Vorcaro.
The Supreme Court authorized the raids to investigate a possible illegal relationship between Wagner and the bank.
Wagner allegedly received compensation including access to private planes, money, and an apartment.
Wagner denies wrongdoing and says his property is clean; President Lula expressed confidence in him.
The scandal also involves other politicians, including Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, who denies any illegal ties to Banco Master.
The corruption probe might impact the 2024 presidential race between President Lula and Senator Bolsonaro.
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A recent conflict between the U.S. and Iran lasted nearly four months and involved military strikes by the U.S. alongside Israel. Experts say Iran’s government survived and even gained some advantages, while the U.S. succeeded in some military goals but did not fully achieve its political aims.
Key Facts
The U.S. and Israel launched strikes against Iran starting February 28, aiming to reduce Iran’s military threat.
The U.S. weakened Iran’s conventional military forces but did not eliminate Iran’s nuclear threat or completely stop its support for proxy groups.
Thirteen U.S. service members died during the conflict, and the U.S. spent billions of dollars.
Iran’s regime remains in power and has benefited politically from the conflict.
The war worsened economic problems in Iran and strengthened hardliners within the Iranian government.
Iran maintained strong relationships with allies like Russia and China.
Experts do not agree clearly on who “won,” but many say Iran’s survival gave it a strategic advantage.
The U.S. faced tensions with allies such as Israel and saw its ability to use military power for political gains weakened.
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Filipino conjoined twins Olivia and Gianna were separated successfully in a six-hour surgery in Saudi Arabia. The operation had six stages and involved 22 specialized medical staff.
Key Facts
The twins are Filipinos named Olivia and Gianna.
They were joined together as conjoined twins.
The separation surgery lasted six hours.
The surgery was done in Saudi Arabia.
The operation was completed in six stages.
A team of 22 specialized medical workers took part.
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Polls have closed in three UK by-elections, including Makerfield, where Andy Burnham is running to become a Member of Parliament. The result in Makerfield is seen as important for the future of UK politics, with Burnham aiming to challenge the current Labour leader and possibly become prime minister.
Key Facts
Andy Burnham quit as mayor of Greater Manchester to run for the Makerfield parliamentary seat.
Makerfield is in north-west England and has about 70,000 voters.
The previous MP, Josh Simons, stepped down to allow Burnham to run.
The main competition is between Burnham (Labour) and Robert Kenyon (Reform Party).
Reform Party has gained support in recent elections but faced challenges including controversial social media posts by Kenyon.
Local polls showed Burnham leading by 3-12 percentage points before voting.
Labour leader Keir Starmer is willing to offer Burnham a significant government role, but Burnham’s team says he prefers not to join the current government.
Other by-elections are happening in Aberdeen South and Arbroath and Broughty Ferry, with energy policy and party control as key issues.
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Vice President JD Vance warned Israel to follow the terms of an initial deal between the U.S. and Iran. Meanwhile, the Obama Presidential Center held a grand opening event with many notable guests.
Key Facts
Vice President JD Vance spoke about Israel needing to respect an early agreement between the U.S. and Iran.
The initial U.S.-Iran deal is an important diplomatic agreement involving nuclear and security issues.
The Obama Presidential Center opened with a large ceremony attended by famous people.
The event celebrates former President Barack Obama’s legacy and contributions.
The news was covered by CBS News on June 18, 2024.
The information comes from a segment called "The Takeout with Major Garrett."
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Residents are returning to southern Lebanon's coastal city of Tyre after recent Israeli airstrikes targeting Hezbollah. The returns come shortly after a U.S.-Iran agreement aimed at ending conflicts in the Middle East, but the future remains uncertain as fighting continues and key issues like Israeli withdrawal are unresolved.
Key Facts
Tyre in southern Lebanon was hit by Israeli airstrikes aimed at Hezbollah.
Israel had warned its citizens to evacuate before the strikes.
Many homes and businesses in Tyre were damaged or destroyed.
The U.S. and Iran reached a deal to end wars in the Middle East, including Lebanon.
The deal does not include direct participation by Israel or Hezbollah.
Iran demands Israeli withdrawal from parts of southern Lebanon; the deal only guarantees Lebanon’s territorial integrity.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu said Israel will maintain a security presence in southern Lebanon as needed.
Hezbollah said it will respect a ceasefire if Israel fully complies.
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President Donald Trump unexpectedly signed a memorandum of understanding with Iran during a state dinner at the Palace of Versailles hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron. The signing surprised officials and guests who had expected the ceremony to happen later in Switzerland.
Key Facts
The signing took place on June 18, 2026, at a dinner in Versailles, France.
President Trump announced the deal during a speech at the dinner.
The agreement is an initial or interim deal between the U.S. and Iran.
The event was part of diplomatic talks around the G7 summit.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio briefly left the dinner to get the memorandum for Trump to sign.
The document was presented in both English and Farsi.
French officials, including Finance Minister Roland Lescure, were surprised by the signing’s timing.
After signing, Trump told reporters, “We signed in Versailles” as he left the palace.
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The Ebola outbreak in Congo has caused over 200 deaths in its first month. The number of cases has increased by nearly 40 percent in just one week, spreading across 32 areas.
Key Facts
More than 200 people have died from Ebola in Congo since the outbreak began.
The outbreak is considered the worst of its kind at this early stage.
Ebola cases have risen by 38 percent compared to the previous week.
The disease has spread to 32 different locations.
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention reported these figures.
The outbreak is affecting parts of Africa beyond Congo.
Efforts to control the spread are ongoing but the situation remains serious.
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Australia has announced an additional $100 million in aid to support Ukraine in its conflict with Russia, bringing total support to over $1.8 billion. In other news, former Australian Football League (AFL) player Tony Modra was seriously injured in a truck accident on his property in South Australia.
Key Facts
Australia will provide $100 million more to help Ukraine with military equipment and defense capabilities.
The new aid includes two $50 million payments to support Ukraine’s prioritized needs.
Australia's total assistance to Ukraine now exceeds $1.8 billion.
AFL star Tony Modra was seriously injured in a truck crash on his South Australian cattle farm.
Modra was driving the truck when it hit a tree on Range Road, Back Valley.
Emergency services took Modra to a hospital for treatment of his serious injuries.
Modra played in the AFL from 1992 to 2001 and is known for scoring many goals.
Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers defended tax changes that exclude most small businesses and rejected plans for a new gas export tax.
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Iranian singer Parastoo Ahmadi and eight others were reportedly sentenced to 74 lashes, along with travel and activity bans, for performing a concert livestream without wearing a hijab. The court accused them of offending public decency and spreading immoral content online, highlighting ongoing cultural repression in Iran.
Key Facts
Parastoo Ahmadi and eight other artists were sentenced to 74 lashes.
They also received two-year bans on leaving Iran and on artistic activities.
The court accused them of offending public decency via online content.
Ahmadi performed a patriotic song without a hijab in a 2024 livestream.
She and other musicians were briefly detained but later released.
Human rights groups say flogging is considered torture and illegal under international law.
Critics say singing and performing music by women is not a crime under Iranian law.
The ruling reflects ongoing repression against artists and cultural dissent in Iran.
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A 3-year-old boy was seriously injured after ending up in a crocodile enclosure at a zoo in eastern England. A 30-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, and police are investigating the incident.
Key Facts
The incident happened at Johnsons of Old Hurst, a zoo and farm shop about 20 miles northwest of Cambridge.
The toddler is in a critical but stable condition at Addenbrooke's Hospital.
Police have not confirmed if the injuries were caused by a crocodile.
A 30-year-old man from Norfolk was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.
Police believe the arrested man and the child do not know each other.
Specially trained officers are supporting the boy’s family.
More than 100 animals, including crocodiles, live at Johnsons of Old Hurst.
Detectives are interviewing people who were present to understand what happened.
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday that Israel's military will stay in its security zone in southern Lebanon. This decision goes against a recent agreement made between the United States and Iran.
Key Facts
Prime Minister Netanyahu announced Israel will not pull its troops out of southern Lebanon.
The area is considered a security zone for Israel.
This statement conflicts with a memorandum of understanding between the U.S. and Iran.
The agreement aims to ease tensions involving Iran's influence in the region.
Israel's presence in southern Lebanon relates to concerns about Iranian-backed groups there.
CBS News reported the announcement with their White House correspondent Weijia Jiang providing updates.
The development could affect ongoing diplomatic efforts in the Middle East.
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Tropical Storm Arthur formed on Wednesday near the Gulf Coast of Texas, bringing heavy rain to parts of Texas and Louisiana. The storm caused flooding as it strengthened in the region.
Key Facts
Tropical Storm Arthur is the first named storm of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season.
The storm developed off the Gulf Coast of Texas.
Parts of Texas experienced heavy rainfall from Arthur.
Louisiana also saw flooding due to the storm.
The storm strengthened while moving near Texas and Louisiana.
Authorities are monitoring the storm and its effects on local areas.
The storm marks the start of the hurricane season for the Atlantic region.
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized the importance of keeping a strong relationship between Israel and the United States. This comes after U.S. Vice President JD Vance criticized Israel's actions in Lebanon and rebuked some Israeli officials for their remarks about President Donald Trump's deal.
Key Facts
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wants to preserve Israel’s relationship with the U.S.
U.S. Vice President JD Vance criticized Israel’s actions in Lebanon.
Vance also scolded some members of the Israeli cabinet for their criticism of President Trump’s deal.
The comments from Vance and Netanyahu show tensions but also a desire to maintain close ties.
The issue involves diplomatic relations between Israel and the United States.
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The United States is seeing a shift in some Republican leaders' attitudes toward Iran, as President Donald Trump agrees to a ceasefire deal with Iran aimed at ending the ongoing conflict. While some pro-Israel groups and politicians criticize the agreement, many Republicans avoid opposing President Trump openly, showing more tolerance than they did for the 2015 nuclear deal.
Key Facts
Senator Roger Marshall said Iran has a right to defend itself, a rare statement for a Republican.
President Trump agreed to a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Iran intended to cease hostilities.
The ceasefire includes stopping fighting in Iran and Lebanon and reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
Pro-Israel groups and hawkish politicians are unhappy with the deal but are cautious about opposing Trump.
Republicans generally support the new ceasefire agreement more than the 2015 nuclear deal signed by President Obama.
The US and Israel began bombing Iran on February 28, starting the current conflict.
Public opinion in the US is largely against the war, influenced by economic problems like inflation caused by the conflict.
The ceasefire aims to lift the US siege on Iran and stabilize the region.
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Leaders from Africa and the Caribbean met in Ghana for a conference focused on reparatory justice, which means seeking official compensation for historical slavery. The meeting aimed to push for clear, concrete actions regarding slavery reparations.
Key Facts
The conference took place in Ghana and included leaders from Africa and the Caribbean.
The main topic was reparatory justice, which refers to compensation or repair for the harms caused by slavery.
Participants want concrete steps to be made toward slavery reparations, not just discussions.
Reparations involve compensating descendants of enslaved people for historical injustices.
The conference is considered a landmark event in the global movement for reparations.
Alongside this event, Taiwan accused Kenya of sidelining its officials under Chinese pressure at a related forum.
Refugees in Burundi expressed support for their national football team competing in the World Cup.
The article connects the reparations meeting to wider international and African current affairs.
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Iran’s supreme leader approved a memorandum of understanding signed with the United States, despite initially disagreeing with it, after Iranian officials assured that the country’s interests would be protected. The deal aims to ease tensions and includes a 60-day negotiation period to address issues like sanctions and Iran’s nuclear program.
Key Facts
Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei initially disagreed but approved the U.S.-Iran deal after assurances from Iranian leadership.
The memorandum was electronically signed by President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.
The agreement followed a ceasefire meant to end conflict triggered by U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran starting February 28.
Negotiations are scheduled to begin soon, focusing on sanctions relief and security concerns, including Israel, Hezbollah, and southern Lebanon.
The U.S. lifted its naval blockade of Iranian ports as part of the agreement.
Iran reopened the Strait of Hormuz for commercial shipping without passage fees for 60 days, with certain controls.
The International Atomic Energy Agency offered help to verify Iran’s nuclear activities under the deal.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected withdrawing Israeli troops from southern Lebanon despite the ceasefire talks.
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