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Jury sworn in at trial of Jeffrey Donaldson for alleged sex offences

Jury sworn in at trial of Jeffrey Donaldson for alleged sex offences

Summary

A jury has been sworn in at the trial of Jeffrey Donaldson, a former Northern Ireland MP and leader of the Democratic Unionist Party, who faces multiple sexual offence charges covering 21 years. His wife, Eleanor Donaldson, is also charged with helping him but will have a separate trial of facts due to mental health issues.

Key Facts

  • Jeffrey Donaldson, 63, is charged with rape, gross indecency, and indecent assault from 1985 to 2006 involving two alleged victims.
  • His wife, Eleanor Donaldson, 60, faces charges of aiding and abetting rape and indecent assault but is unfit for a normal trial due to mental health.
  • Donaldson resigned as MP and leader of the DUP after being arrested in March 2024.
  • The trial is held at Newry Crown Court and is expected to last about four weeks.
  • The wife’s trial of facts will run at the same time but cannot lead to a criminal conviction.
  • Donaldson was a key figure in Northern Irish politics and helped negotiate the post-Brexit Windsor framework.
  • The DUP replaced Donaldson with Gavin Robinson to continue party leadership and work on the Windsor framework.
  • Northern Ireland’s attorney general warned against social media posts that might reveal victims’ identities or influence the jury.
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Why US support for Ukraine must continue

Why US support for Ukraine must continue

Summary

The article discusses four important principles that justify ongoing U.S. support for Ukraine. It argues that these principles create a strong reason for the United States to continue helping Ukraine.

Key Facts

  • The article identifies four key principles to consider in supporting Ukraine.
  • These principles are used to explain why support should continue.
  • The discussion is focused on U.S. involvement and aid to Ukraine.
  • The article aims to make a clear case for sustained assistance.
  • No detailed policy actions or specific types of support are mentioned in the excerpt.
  • The context is related to international relations and global stability.
  • The focus is on the importance of the U.S. role in supporting Ukraine.
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Video Interview: 'What's The Story, Wishbone?' Director Joey Stewart

Video Interview: 'What's The Story, Wishbone?' Director Joey Stewart

Summary

The TV show "Wishbone," featuring a dog who imagines classic stories, was popular in the 1990s and ended in 1998. A new documentary called "What's the Story, Wishbone?" directed by Joey Stewart, tells the story of the show’s creation, production, and cancellation. The documentary will air on public TV starting May 27 and will be available online June 10, 2026.

Key Facts

  • "Wishbone" was a PBS TV series with 50 episodes and a final movie released in 1998.
  • The show starred a Jack Russell Terrier named Wishbone who imagined himself in famous literary stories.
  • "Wishbone" was well-liked by children and adults for making classic literature fun and accessible.
  • The series was canceled during the filming of its final movie, "Wishbone's Dog Days of the West."
  • Joey Stewart, who started as assistant director on "Wishbone," directed the new documentary about the show.
  • The documentary is called "What's the Story, Wishbone?" and covers the show's history and impact.
  • It will first air on Public Television Stations on May 27, 2026.
  • The documentary will be available on digital platforms on June 10, 2026.
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Josh Johnson on storytelling in comedy, his new special and rise to fame

Josh Johnson on storytelling in comedy, his new special and rise to fame

Summary

Comedian Josh Johnson spoke with CBS News about how he uses everyday experiences to create humor. He discussed the importance of storytelling in his comedy and shared details about his first HBO special, called "Symphony."

Key Facts

  • Josh Johnson is a comedian known for using storytelling in his jokes.
  • He finds humor in daily life situations.
  • "Symphony" is the title of his first comedy special on HBO.
  • He appeared on CBS Mornings to talk about his comedy style and career.
  • The conversation was featured on CBS News and its app.
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Starbucks faces South Korean backlash following campaign echoing 1987 massacre

Starbucks faces South Korean backlash following campaign echoing 1987 massacre

Summary

Starbucks South Korea faced strong public anger after a promotion called "Tank Day" was launched. Many people saw the name as a reference to a 1980 military crackdown where many pro-democracy protesters were killed. Starbucks quickly canceled the campaign, but criticism continued, leading the local chairman to apologize twice.

Key Facts

  • Starbucks South Korea created a promotion named "Tank Day."
  • The campaign was linked by many to a deadly 1980 military crackdown on protesters.
  • The crackdown resulted in hundreds of deaths during a push for democracy.
  • Public reaction in South Korea was very negative and angry.
  • Starbucks stopped the promotion soon after the backlash.
  • The chairman of Starbucks South Korea’s local majority owner apologized twice.
  • The controversy continues despite the campaign's cancellation.
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BTS and K-pop win big at the American Music Awards

BTS and K-pop win big at the American Music Awards

Summary

The 2026 American Music Awards celebrated the growing impact of K-pop music. The popular K-pop group BTS won several awards during the event.

Key Facts

  • The American Music Awards took place in 2026.
  • The ceremony highlighted the influence of K-pop music worldwide.
  • BTS, a famous K-pop group, won multiple awards.
  • The event was covered by CBS News.
  • Pop music journalist Brittany Spanos discussed the significance of K-pop’s success at the awards.
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What are ‘Wrench Attacks?’ Nancy Guthrie Theory Emerges

What are ‘Wrench Attacks?’ Nancy Guthrie Theory Emerges

Summary

Nancy Guthrie, 84, disappeared from her home in Arizona on February 1. A former FBI agent suggested her disappearance might be related to a type of crime called a "wrench attack," where criminals use force to get access to cryptocurrencies.

Key Facts

  • Nancy Guthrie went missing near Tucson, Arizona, in early February 2026.
  • Authorities think she was taken against her will but have not named suspects or made arrests.
  • "Wrench attacks" involve using physical violence or threats to make victims hand over crypto access.
  • These attacks have been increasing globally, with 34 incidents in the first four months of 2026, causing losses around $101 million.
  • A related home invasion happened in Scottsdale, Arizona, 90 minutes north of Guthrie’s home, tied to attempts to steal cryptocurrency.
  • Criminals target people who have crypto wealth or who are connected to someone with it, especially those who show off their wealth publicly.
  • Past wrench attacks include kidnappings and torture to force victims to give up crypto passwords.
  • Officials believe these crimes are rising because cryptocurrency transactions are harder to trace than traditional money.
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Internet starts coming back in Iran after months-long blackout

Internet starts coming back in Iran after months-long blackout

Summary

Internet service has begun returning in Iran after nearly three months of being cut off. The government stopped internet access following US and Israeli attacks on February 28, aiming to prevent spying and cyber attacks.

Key Facts

  • Iran’s internet was shut down for almost three months starting February 28.
  • The shutdown happened after US and Israeli military actions targeting Iran.
  • Iran’s first vice-president said the internet return is a step toward controlled internet access.
  • Internet monitoring groups reported partial restoration around 13:00 GMT.
  • Most internet networks in Iran remain offline despite partial restoration.
  • This shutdown is one of the longest national internet blackouts recorded globally.
  • Past internet restorations in Iran have been slow and unpredictable.
  • In January, there was also an internet shutdown during a crackdown on protests.
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'Europe grieves with Belgium' following fatal crash between train and school bus

'Europe grieves with Belgium' following fatal crash between train and school bus

Summary

Four people, including two children, died in northern Belgium when a train hit a school minibus on May 26, 2026. The level crossing barriers were down and closed at the time. An investigation is ongoing to find out how the bus ended up on the tracks.

Key Facts

  • The accident happened in northern Belgium on May 26, 2026.
  • A train collided with a school minibus carrying children.
  • Four people died, including two children.
  • The level crossing barriers were lowered, indicating the crossing was closed.
  • Camera footage shows the barriers were down when the crash occurred.
  • Authorities are investigating how the bus entered the closed crossing.
  • European leaders, including Ursula von der Leyen, expressed condolences.
  • The accident prompted mourning across Europe.
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Iran: New US strike violated ceasefire

Iran: New US strike violated ceasefire

Summary

Iran said that the United States broke a ceasefire agreement on April 8 after recent U.S. military attacks. The U.S. described these military actions as defensive. Iran’s accusation raises the possibility of more Iranian attacks on U.S. bases and regional allies.

Key Facts

  • Iran accused the U.S. of violating a ceasefire set on April 8.
  • The U.S. military carried out new strikes they called defensive actions.
  • Iran warned this could lead to more Iranian attacks on U.S. military bases.
  • Iranian attacks could also target U.S. allies in the region.
  • The situation increases tensions between the U.S. and Iran in the region.
  • The exact details of the strikes or their locations were not given in the summary.
  • The ceasefire was intended to reduce conflict before these recent events.
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Sonny Rollins, saxophonist and restless genius of jazz, dead at 95

Sonny Rollins, saxophonist and restless genius of jazz, dead at 95

Summary

Sonny Rollins, a famous jazz saxophonist known for his unique style and long career, died at age 95 at his home in Woodstock, New York. He was admired for his skill in improvisation and influence on jazz music for over 50 years.

Key Facts

  • Sonny Rollins was a tenor saxophonist and important figure in jazz music.
  • He died at age 95, living at home in Woodstock, New York.
  • Rollins was known for his bold tone and constant experimentation in jazz styles.
  • He was one of the last great musicians from the bebop era, alongside John Coltrane and Charlie Parker.
  • Rollins won Grammy awards for jazz instrumental albums in 2001 and 2006.
  • He stopped performing in 2014 due to lung disease called pulmonary fibrosis.
  • Early in his career, he struggled with heroin addiction and spent time in jail.
  • Rollins began playing with famous jazz musicians like Thelonious Monk and Miles Davis while still a teenager.
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Kyiv braces for renewed attack, European allies condemn Moscow's call to abandon embassies

Kyiv braces for renewed attack, European allies condemn Moscow's call to abandon embassies

Summary

Russia launched over 100 drones and two ballistic missiles at Ukraine between May 25 and 26, targeting Kyiv among other locations. Moscow warned foreign citizens, including diplomats, to leave Kyiv and advised residents to avoid military and government buildings, while European countries condemned Russia’s calls to abandon embassies.

Key Facts

  • Russia attacked Ukraine with more than 100 drones and two ballistic missiles on May 25-26, 2026.
  • Kyiv’s foreign ministry said the threat of heavy air strikes from Moscow was not new.
  • Russia urged foreign citizens and diplomats to leave Kyiv.
  • Residents in Kyiv were told to stay away from military and government sites.
  • European allies criticized Russia’s order for embassy staff to leave Kyiv.
  • The attacks and warnings increased tensions amid the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
  • The news report included comments from a correspondent reporting from the Ukrainian city of Dnipro.
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'Saxophone Colossus' Sonny Rollins dies at 95

'Saxophone Colossus' Sonny Rollins dies at 95

Summary

Sonny Rollins, a famous jazz saxophone player known as the "Saxophone Colossus," died at the age of 95. He passed away at his home in upstate New York and left a lasting impact on modern jazz music.

Key Facts

  • Sonny Rollins was a tenor saxophonist.
  • He was nicknamed the "Saxophone Colossus."
  • His career lasted several decades.
  • Rollins helped define modern jazz music.
  • He died at age 95.
  • He passed away at his home in upstate New York.
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U.S.-Iran peace deal progress may be in jeopardy after American "self-defense" strikes

U.S.-Iran peace deal progress may be in jeopardy after American "self-defense" strikes

Summary

The United States carried out strikes against Iran, stating they were acts of self-defense. These strikes may threaten the progress of ongoing talks aimed at reaching a peace agreement between the two countries.

Key Facts

  • The U.S. launched military strikes against Iran.
  • The U.S. described these strikes as actions of self-defense.
  • There have been ongoing talks between the U.S. and Iran to reach a peace deal.
  • The recent strikes could disrupt or end the progress made in these talks.
  • The news was reported by CBS News correspondent Imtiaz Tyab.
  • The situation affects diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Iran.
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Iran condemns US strikes as 'gross violation' of ceasefire

Iran condemns US strikes as 'gross violation' of ceasefire

Summary

Iran criticized recent US air strikes near the Strait of Hormuz, calling them a serious breach of a ceasefire agreement that began in April. The US said the strikes targeted Iranian missile sites and boats placing mines, and the situation could affect ongoing peace talks.

Key Facts

  • Iran says US strikes near the Strait of Hormuz violated the ceasefire established in April.
  • US Central Command said the strikes were defensive actions against Iranian missile sites and boats.
  • The strikes took place in southern Iran, near the Hormozgan region along the Strait of Hormuz.
  • Iran warned it would respond and defend itself if attacked again.
  • US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said peace talks are still possible but might take a few days.
  • Talks focus on issues like Iran’s frozen funds abroad and its uranium stockpile.
  • The Strait of Hormuz is a key shipping route for about 20% of the world’s oil.
  • Iran has blocked the strait since a conflict began on February 28, started by the US and Israel.
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Europe swelters under unusually early heatwave

Europe swelters under unusually early heatwave

Summary

Western Europe is experiencing a very early and intense heatwave caused by a weather pattern called a "heat dome." Countries like France and the UK have set new temperature records for May, and the heat has led to at least seven deaths, including two people involved in sports.

Key Facts

  • A heatwave is hitting Western Europe unusually early in the spring.
  • The heatwave is caused by a "heat dome," which traps hot air over the region.
  • France and the UK have recorded their highest May temperatures ever.
  • At least seven people have died due to the heat, some while doing sports.
  • The heatwave is much hotter than normal for this time of year.
  • Officials are concerned about the effects of the extreme heat on health and safety.
  • This weather event is happening across multiple countries in Western Europe.
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Dig begins for remains of Troubles victim 50 years after disappearance

Dig begins for remains of Troubles victim 50 years after disappearance

Summary

A team of experts has started digging on farmland in County Antrim to find the remains of Seamus Maguire, who disappeared during Northern Ireland’s Troubles 50 years ago. The search aims to locate his body so his family can give him a proper burial.

Key Facts

  • Seamus Maguire was abducted and killed in 1976 in Northern Ireland during the Troubles.
  • Republican paramilitaries are believed to have secretly buried his body in Derryclone townland farmland.
  • The Independent Commission for the Location of Victims’ Remains (ICLVR) is leading the search based on credible evidence.
  • The commission has found 13 of the 17 “disappeared” victims but four, including Maguire, remain missing.
  • Maguire’s family hopes to bury him in St Patrick’s graveyard near his home in Aghagallon.
  • The commission was established as part of the 1998 Good Friday Agreement to help find missing persons from the conflict.
  • The Northern Ireland Secretary thanked the commission and encouraged anyone with information to come forward confidentially.
  • The search will continue until the remains are found or the team decides the body is not at the site.
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UK may be ‘tipped into a general election’ if Burnham replaces Starmer, says Harman

UK may be ‘tipped into a general election’ if Burnham replaces Starmer, says Harman

Summary

Harriet Harman, a former Labour deputy leader, said the UK could face a general election if Andy Burnham replaces Keir Starmer as prime minister. She explained that Burnham might want to seek a public vote to legitimize his leadership, especially since political opponents could call him a "usurper."

Key Facts

  • Harriet Harman said a leadership change to Andy Burnham might lead to a general election.
  • Burnham might want a new public vote to confirm his position as prime minister.
  • Nigel Farage could challenge Burnham’s legitimacy by calling him a "usurper."
  • Burnham is expected to run in the Makerfield byelection on June 18.
  • Harman supports Burnham winning the seat but does not want a leadership challenge or another general election.
  • Stability in government is seen as important to allow people to focus on daily life and business.
  • Harman referred to previous leader Gordon Brown, who did not call an election after becoming prime minister, which she suggests hurt his position.
  • Harman served under previous Labour leaders and is a long-serving female MP.
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Details on the response to the Ebola outbreak and whether it's expected to spread further

Details on the response to the Ebola outbreak and whether it's expected to spread further

Summary

At least 220 people have likely died from an Ebola outbreak in central Africa. The World Health Organization (WHO) leader is scheduled to visit the area to coordinate the response and review measures like travel restrictions.

Key Facts

  • At least 220 people are suspected to have died from Ebola in central Africa.
  • The outbreak is ongoing and poses a risk of further spread.
  • The head of the World Health Organization will travel to the affected region on Tuesday.
  • Health experts are assessing travel restrictions to control the virus’s movement.
  • Efforts are focused on managing the outbreak and preventing more infections.
  • Ebola is a serious disease caused by a virus that can spread through direct contact with bodily fluids.
  • The WHO plays a key role in coordinating international health responses during outbreaks.
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Al Jazeera speaks to Hajj pilgrims about their journey to Mecca

Al Jazeera speaks to Hajj pilgrims about their journey to Mecca

Summary

Pilgrims gather in Mecca for the Day of Arafah, the most important day of the Hajj pilgrimage. They remember the final sermon of Prophet Muhammad while facing hot weather and reflect on their faith and the meaning of equality.

Key Facts

  • The Day of Arafah is the main spiritual day of the Hajj pilgrimage.
  • Pilgrims come together to follow the steps of Prophet Muhammad’s last sermon.
  • The event takes place in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
  • Worshippers experience intense heat during this day.
  • Pilgrims speak about their personal faith and sense of equality during the journey.
  • Hajj is an annual Islamic pilgrimage and a key religious duty for Muslims.
  • Al Jazeera journalist Ahmed Idris interviewed some of the pilgrims about their experience.
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