A war involving Iran has disrupted global fertilizer supplies, causing prices to rise sharply in Asia. This shortage threatens rice farmers in countries like Thailand and Vietnam, who now face tough decisions about planting their crops, risking food security in the region.
Key Facts
The war started on 28 February with attacks by the US and Israel on Iran, closing the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for fertilizer shipments.
About one-third of the world’s seaborne fertilizer trade passes through the Strait of Hormuz.
The price of urea fertilizer increased by over 40% shortly after the Strait closed.
China, the largest fertilizer producer and exporter, banned exports of several important fertilizers in March to protect its own supply.
China accounts for 25% of global fertilizer production and exports more than $13 billion worth annually.
Between 50% and 80% of China’s fertilizer exports are now restricted.
Many farmers in Southeast Asia report fertilizer shortages and higher costs, forcing some to consider not planting crops this season.
China’s move to restrict exports is linked to its domestic policy aimed at ensuring self-sufficiency in grain production.
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Jihadist fighters in Mali have called for a united uprising against the country’s military leaders and have started a blockade on roads into the capital, Bamako. This follows recent joint attacks on the military junta and raises concerns about growing instability in Mali.
Key Facts
Jihadist group JNIM, allied with Al-Qaeda, urged all groups in Mali to unite to remove the military junta.
The military junta has been in power since 2020.
JNIM and Tuareg separatists recently attacked the junta's positions.
JNIM started blocking key roads to Bamako, stopping many vehicles from entering.
People already inside Bamako are allowed to leave the city.
Mali’s defense minister, Sadio Camara, was killed in the recent attacks; a tribute was held under tight security.
Blockades have caused long vehicle lines at border points important for Mali’s economy.
Reports mention violent incidents on roads and possible deaths of some drivers, though these claims are not confirmed.
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Sir John Major, former UK Prime Minister, warned that frequently changing prime ministers harms the country and said politicians focus too much on media and their careers instead of solving long-term problems like healthcare, pensions, and climate change. He stressed the importance of leaders making tough decisions to leave a better future for the next generation.
Key Facts
Sir John Major served as UK Prime Minister from 1990 to 1997.
He criticized politicians for treating politics like a "game show" and avoiding difficult issues.
Major suggested having a fixed term for leaders, similar to the US system of two presidential terms.
He highlighted long-term challenges such as an ageing population, healthcare costs, pensions, and climate change.
Major warned that current leaders are passing difficult problems onto future generations.
He said politicians are too focused on winning votes and fear saying “no” to public demands.
Major noted that modern politicians, both Labour and Conservative, are often less connected to ordinary people and their communities than in the past.
He emphasized that politics should be about serving the public and addressing real problems, not personal career advancement.
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Police are investigating a burglary and fraud case involving the late NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, who died in a plane crash along with his family. Authorities suspect that the crime may have been committed by someone close to Biffle.
Key Facts
Greg Biffle, a Hall of Fame NASCAR driver, died in a plane crash with his wife and children.
Soon after the crash, someone attempted to access Biffle’s financial accounts to steal money.
Police believe the burglary and fraud may have been done by an insider, someone close to Biffle.
The incident is under investigation by law enforcement.
CBS News reported on the case with details from police sources.
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The entire jury of the Venice Biennale art event resigned nine days before the opening because they refused to consider prizes for countries whose leaders face war crime charges, including Russia and Israel. The event is controversial due to Russia's return after its invasion of Ukraine, with some governments condemning its participation and the European Union pulling funding.
Key Facts
The Venice Biennale jury resigned shortly before the event’s start over conflicts about Russia and Israel’s participation.
The jury decided not to award prizes to countries whose leaders are accused of crimes against humanity, targeting Russia and Israel.
Russia returned to the Biennale for the first time since its 2022 invasion of Ukraine; it gave its pavilion space to Bolivia.
Italy’s Prime Minister disagreed with allowing Russia to participate but said the Biennale operates independently.
The European Union withdrew a 2 million Euro grant in protest of Russia’s involvement.
The International Criminal Court has arrest warrants for Russian President Putin and Israeli leaders over alleged war crimes, which both countries reject.
The Biennale originally planned a jury prize announcement, but it was canceled, and visitors will instead vote on favorite pavilions.
Italy’s culture ministry is investigating if Russia’s participation breaks any sanctions.
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Oil and gas prices remain high as the Strait of Hormuz stays inactive due to tensions. President Donald Trump said prices will go down after the war with Iran ends, but currently, prices are similar to those seen early in the Ukraine war.
Key Facts
The Strait of Hormuz is currently not active, affecting oil and gas supply.
Oil and gas prices are high and have not decreased yet.
Prices now are similar to levels at the start of the Ukraine war.
President Donald Trump said prices will fall once the conflict with Iran ends.
The report compares current prices during President Biden’s time with earlier periods of conflict.
The situation impacts global energy markets.
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The New York Times reports that Jeffrey Epstein may have left a suicide note after an earlier suicide attempt about three weeks before he died. This note has been kept private in a court case for nearly seven years and has not been shared with the public.
Key Facts
Jeffrey Epstein was a convicted sex offender.
Epstein reportedly left a suicide note after a previous suicide attempt weeks before his death.
The note is connected to a legal case that has kept it sealed.
The note has remained hidden from public access for almost seven years.
The information about the note is based on a report by The New York Times.
CBS News also covered the story, including a report by Meg Oliver.
The note relates to events shortly before Epstein’s death.
Authorities have not released details from the note publicly.
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The UK government raised the national terrorism threat level to "severe" following a recent knife attack in Golders Green, making further attacks likely in the next six months. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer promised strong action against hatred and antisemitism, while police urged the public to stay alert but calm.
Key Facts
A knife attack occurred in Golders Green on Wednesday, increasing security concerns.
The UK threat level was raised from "substantial" to "severe" by the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre.
A "severe" threat means a terrorist attack is considered highly likely within six months.
The suspect, Essa Suleiman, was previously referred to the government’s Prevent programme for extremist views.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has pledged to combat hatred and antisemitism in the community.
Police commissioner Mark Rowley warned a political leader about comments that may inflame tensions.
The last time the terrorism threat was at this level was over four years ago after serious attacks in the UK.
Protests have taken place demanding more government action against antisemitism.
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A psychologist testified in the trial over football star Diego Maradona’s death, saying Maradona had bipolar disorder, narcissistic personality traits, and addiction problems. The trial is about alleged medical negligence by his care team in 2020, with the defendants arguing he died from natural causes.
Key Facts
Diego Maradona died in November 2020 at age 60 after brain surgery recovery.
A psychologist involved in the trial said Maradona had bipolar disorder, narcissistic personality traits, and addiction issues like alcohol and cocaine.
These mental health diagnoses had not been publicly revealed before this testimony.
The trial focuses on whether Maradona’s medical team was negligent in his care, possibly causing his death.
Seven medical workers, including a neurosurgeon and psychiatrist, face prison if convicted of homicide with possible intent.
The defense claims Maradona died due to natural causes, not medical negligence.
The first trial was annulled due to a judge’s conflict of interest, and a new trial started recently.
Maradona was regarded as one of the greatest soccer players in history and struggled with substance use linked to his career pressures.
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A German Shepherd named Artemis survived the Eaton fire and has now found a permanent home. Artemis was the last animal rescued from the fire to still be in a shelter.
Key Facts
Artemis is a German Shepherd dog.
The dog survived the Eaton fire.
Artemis was the last animal in a shelter from that fire.
Artemis has recently been adopted into a forever home.
The news is related to recovery after a disaster event.
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Netflix is offering several new shows, movies, and live events in May 2026. Highlights include a comedy roast of Kevin Hart and a mixed martial arts fight featuring Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano. New series and movies across genres like drama, sci-fi, and sports documentaries will also be available throughout the month.
Key Facts
“The Roast of Kevin Hart” will air live on May 10, featuring comedians and celebrities roasting Kevin Hart.
A live MMA fight, “Rousey vs. Carano,” will take place on May 16 and includes other fighters like Francis Ngannou and Nate Diaz.
Netflix continues to focus on live sports events, following previous fights with Tyson Fury and Jake Paul.
New series premiering include “Remarkably Bright Creatures,” a story about a woman and a giant octopus, and “The Boroughs,” a sci-fi show from the creators of "Stranger Things."
Comedy series “Ladies First” starring Sacha Baron Cohen will debut in May.
Multiple movies and existing TV series are available starting from May 1, including classics like “The Breakfast Club” and “Green Book.”
Several live sports events related to Formula 1 racing in Canada will be streamed on Netflix later in the month.
May also features various documentary series about historical figures like Abraham Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt.
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Birdwatching has become one of the fastest-growing hobbies among young people in Britain, especially among generation Z (ages 16 to 29). Research shows that nearly 750,000 gen Z individuals watch birds regularly, with participation increasing across all age groups in recent years.
Key Facts
Birdwatching is the second fastest-growing hobby for generation Z in Britain after jewellery making.
About 750,000 gen Zers (16 to 29 years old) watch birds regularly, a large increase since 2018.
Overall, birdwatching rose by 47% among all generations in the past eight years.
Millennial participation has increased by 216%, and generation X birdwatching has grown by 66%.
Social media helps young people share knowledge and passion for birdwatching.
The RSPB encourages people to enjoy the dawn chorus in early May, when birds sing loudly at sunrise.
Listening to birdsong can improve mood due to increased serotonin, a brain chemical linked to happiness.
Studies suggest birdwatching might slow down memory and brain function decline related to aging.
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This news article shares a historic radio broadcast from 1938 that reports Austria being taken over by Nazi Germany. It highlights the significance of this event, which led to major changes in Europe before World War II.
Key Facts
CBS News Radio's "World News Roundup" started in 1938 and is the longest-running network radio news program.
The article features a clip from the very first broadcast of this show.
The broadcast reports on Austria falling under Nazi Germany’s control in 1938.
This event is known as the "Anschluss," which was Nazi Germany annexing Austria.
The takeover was an important moment that affected European history leading up to World War II.
Major Garrett, a CBS News correspondent, introduces the historical clip.
The article encourages viewers to watch the clip through the CBS News app or website.
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FIFA will review its ticket pricing approach for the 2030 World Cup after fans criticized the high prices for the 2026 tournament in North America. FIFA officials said the 2026 prices reflect market demand but recognized fans’ frustrations and said they will consider feedback for future tournaments.
Key Facts
FIFA faced backlash over the high ticket prices for the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
Mattias Grafstrom, FIFA Deputy Secretary General, said ticket prices reflect market conditions in North America.
FIFA offers a range of ticket prices, from cheaper to more expensive options.
The fan group Football Supporters Europe sued FIFA over what they called excessive ticket prices.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino explained that “dynamic pricing” causes prices to change based on demand.
Tickets for the 2026 World Cup final have appeared in resale markets for up to $2 million each.
FIFA expects World Cup revenues to reach about $13 billion, which will be invested back into football development programs.
FIFA plans to review and possibly adjust its ticketing strategy for the 2030 World Cup based on fan feedback.
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A man named Jefferson Lewis was arrested in Alice Springs, Australia, suspected of killing a five-year-old Aboriginal girl named Kumanjayi Little Baby. After his arrest, violence broke out outside the hospital where he was treated, involving a large crowd and police using tear gas.
Key Facts
Kumanjayi Little Baby was last seen alive on the Saturday before her body was found on Thursday.
Jefferson Lewis was arrested late Thursday night after being attacked by some community members.
About 400 Aboriginal people gathered outside the hospital, some throwing objects at police and chanting for traditional punishment called "payback."
Police used tear gas to control the crowd, and several emergency workers were hurt during the unrest.
Lewis was unconscious when found and later moved to police custody in Darwin.
Lewis had been released from prison only six days before the girl disappeared.
Police are conducting forensic tests to confirm the girl’s identity and cause of death.
The girl’s family and local officials expressed grief and thanked those who helped search for her.
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Ross Davidson, a former singer for Spandau Ballet, has been sentenced to 14 years in prison for multiple rapes and sexual assaults against six women. He was found guilty after two trials of crimes committed between 2013 and 2019, including filming some of the assaults.
Key Facts
Ross Davidson, aged 38, was convicted of rape, attempted rape, sexual assaults, and voyeurism.
The crimes happened between August 2013 and December 2019.
Davidson used the stage name Ross William Wild and was lead singer for Spandau Ballet in 2018.
He claimed all encounters were consensual but was found guilty on all charges.
Some offences involved him filming assaults on sleeping women.
Six victims testified during the trials describing abuse of their trust.
The judge said Davidson showed a disrespectful attitude towards women who sometimes cared for him.
Davidson’s defense mentioned undiagnosed ADHD and substance use linked to his music career.
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Germany’s top military officer says that despite President Trump’s threats to pull the U.S. out of NATO, military ties between Germany and America remain strong. However, Germany is working quickly to build up its own military because of the threat from Russia.
Key Facts
President Trump has threatened to withdraw the U.S. from NATO several times.
Germany’s highest military official says relations with U.S. military leaders are still strong.
The threat from Russia is seen as a serious concern by Germany.
Germany is increasing its military forces to be better prepared.
This military buildup is considered a race against time due to current dangers.
The report was provided by special correspondent Malcolm Brabant.
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Fifa president Gianni Infantino tried to get Palestinian and Israeli football officials to shake hands at a congress event, but the Palestinian leader refused. Infantino also announced he will run for a third term as Fifa president next year, with no expected opponents.
Key Facts
Gianni Infantino is the president of Fifa and plans to run for a third full term next year.
Infantino called Palestinian and Israeli football officials to the stage to shake hands during the 76th Fifa congress.
Palestinian Football Federation president Jibril Rajoub refused to shake hands with Israel’s vice-president Basim Sheikh Suliman.
The handshake attempt was seen as an effort to create a peace gesture and a photo opportunity before Infantino’s re-election announcement.
Infantino first became Fifa president in 2016 and rules changed to count only full terms toward his term limit.
The election will take place at the Fifa congress in Rabat, Morocco, and Infantino is expected to win easily.
Palestinian officials said they cannot shake hands because they see the Israeli official as representing ongoing suffering.
Infantino called for cooperation despite the rejection and mentioned the complex nature of the conflict.
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Two surfers near Santa Barbara, California, were followed for several minutes by a large shark while foil boarding, a surfing style using a board with a wing-like fin beneath. They recorded the encounter, which experts later identified as likely a great white shark, and shared the video, which went viral online.
Key Facts
Ron Takeda and Tavis Boise were foil boarding off Santa Barbara when they noticed a large shark behind them.
The shark, about 13 feet long, chased Takeda for around five minutes at about 10 mph.
Boise filmed the chase and shouted warnings to Takeda to stay upright and not fall.
Experts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration confirmed the animal was most likely a great white shark.
The surfers believe the shark was curious and not aggressive since it never touched them.
The foil on the board may have looked like a stingray to the shark, possibly triggering the chase.
The video was shared on social media and received over a million views.
The surfers remained excited by the encounter and plan to continue foil boarding, saying they now know how to respond if it happens again.
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A direct commercial flight from the United States to Venezuela landed in Caracas for the first time in seven years. This flight resumed after the U.S. suspended flights due to security concerns and followed recent efforts to restore diplomatic ties between the two countries.
Key Facts
The flight was the first nonstop commercial U.S.-Venezuela flight in seven years.
The U.S. stopped direct flights due to security concerns in 2017.
In early January, U.S. forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in a raid.
The U.S. recently reopened its embassy in Caracas.
The U.S. and Venezuela restored full diplomatic relations.
This development may impact future business and travel between the two countries.
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