The number of confirmed Ebola cases in eastern Congo has risen to 782, with 181 deaths reported. The outbreak is caused by a rare type of Ebola virus that has no approved vaccine or treatment and is mainly affecting the Ituri province.
Key Facts
There are 782 confirmed Ebola cases in Congo and 181 deaths.
The outbreak started before it was officially confirmed on May 15, so real cases may be higher.
Contact tracing, which means tracking who has been exposed, is at 56%, down from previous weeks.
This Ebola outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo virus, which has no approved vaccine or treatment.
More than 90% of cases are in Ituri province; cases also appear in North Kivu, South Kivu, and neighboring Uganda.
Nearly one million people have been displaced by conflict in Ituri, making disease control harder.
Attacks on health workers, local mistrust, and ongoing armed conflict slow efforts to control the outbreak.
The U.S. planned a quarantine center in Kenya for exposed Americans, but protests halted the plan.
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The United States and Iran have reached a preliminary agreement to extend a fragile ceasefire and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, an important route for oil and gas shipments. However, Israel has refused to withdraw from land it seized in Lebanon during its conflict with the Iranian-backed Hezbollah militia, complicating the peace efforts.
Key Facts
The U.S. and Iran agreed early Monday on a tentative deal to extend their ceasefire.
The deal includes plans to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway for global energy supplies.
A formal signing of the agreement is expected on Friday in Switzerland, according to Pakistan, the mediator.
Israel continues to control land in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza, refusing to withdraw from these areas.
Israel’s Defense Minister warned that Israel will respond with strong force if Iran attacks over Israeli military actions in Lebanon.
The conflict started on February 28 when the U.S. and Israel launched military actions against Iran and Hezbollah.
The deal allows 60 days to resolve issues about Iran’s nuclear program and uranium stockpile.
President Donald Trump authorized lifting the U.S. naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz once the deal is finalized.
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China expressed cautious optimism about the recent agreement between the United States and Iran to end hostilities after months of conflict. President Donald Trump announced the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and removal of the U.S. naval blockade, while talks continue ahead of an official signing planned in Switzerland.
Key Facts
China welcomed the U.S. and Iran's initial memorandum of understanding to cease fighting.
President Trump authorized opening the Strait of Hormuz and removing the U.S. naval blockade.
The agreement includes plans for unfreezing Iranian assets and joint Iranian-Omani management of the strait.
Pakistan helped mediate the ceasefire and continues to facilitate dialogue between the U.S. and Iran.
China praised Pakistan's efforts and expressed readiness to help restore peace in the Middle East.
About 40% of China’s oil and one-third of its liquefied natural gas come from the Middle East.
Nearly 600 commercial ships remain trapped in the Persian Gulf, affecting global energy prices.
Israel’s military actions against Hezbollah in Lebanon remain a key concern for lasting peace.
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El-Geneina in Sudan is experiencing severe hardship due to ongoing fighting between two armed groups, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF). Many people have been displaced from their homes and are now living in makeshift shelters with little access to food, medical care, or support.
Key Facts
The RSF controls El-Geneina, the capital of West Darfur, while the SAF controls Khartoum, Sudan’s capital.
Fighting between the RSF and SAF has been ongoing since April 2023, causing widespread destruction and displacement.
The UN has reported extreme violence in El-Geneina, including attacks targeting the Masalit tribe, calling it possible crimes against humanity.
More than 50,000 people have reportedly died in this conflict.
Many displaced people, like Zainab and her children, live in university buildings or small huts with limited help and resources.
Injuries from the fighting remain untreated because medical care is too expensive for most displaced families.
Some residents, despite losing homes and jobs, choose to stay because they believe displacement causes even more suffering.
Humanitarian aid is limited and not consistently available to those affected in El-Geneina.
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Leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) countries will meet in France to discuss major global issues including the war in Ukraine, tensions with Iran, and worldwide economic challenges. United States President Donald Trump and other world leaders, including guests from non-G7 countries, will attend the summit.
Key Facts
The G7 meeting will take place in Evian-les-Bains, France.
The agenda includes the Ukraine war, Iran-US conflicts, and global economic issues.
President Donald Trump announced a tentative deal with Iran to end the war.
French President Emmanuel Macron invited leaders from India, Ukraine, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Australia, Brazil, Kenya, and South Korea.
South Africa was initially invited but later disinvited due to strained relations with the US.
AI company executives from Anthropic, OpenAI, Google, and Mistral AI are expected to attend.
European leaders want to discuss tougher sanctions on Russia and more support for Ukraine.
The US aims to end the Ukraine war quickly and push for negotiations between Russia and Ukraine.
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Marius Borg Hoiby, the stepson of Norway’s Crown Prince Haakon, has been sentenced to four years in prison for rape, domestic violence, and drug offenses. The court found him guilty of two rapes and other crimes but acquitted him on two other rape charges due to lack of proof.
Key Facts
Marius Borg Hoiby is 29 years old and became part of Norway’s royal family in 2001 through his mother’s marriage to Crown Prince Haakon.
He was sentenced to four years in prison for two counts of rape, domestic violence, and drug offenses.
Hoiby was acquitted on two other rape charges because the court did not find enough proof they were nonconsensual.
One rape conviction involved an incident in the basement of the Crown Prince's official residence.
Hoiby denied the rape charges but admitted to domestic abuse and transporting marijuana in 2020.
His seven-week trial included evidence like self-recorded videos and over 800 electronic messages.
Hoiby has struggled with drug addiction and said he sought recognition through drugs, sex, and alcohol.
Crown Prince Haakon stated that Hoiby is not officially part of the royal house and must follow Norwegian law like any citizen.
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A heatwave caused by hot air from the Sahara Desert is expected to bring high temperatures to many parts of Europe this week, with some places reaching the mid-30s Celsius. The UK will also see warmer weather, while parts of Australia are experiencing a mild winter due to similar climate conditions linked to El Niño.
Key Facts
Hot air from the Sahara has moved over the Iberian Peninsula and southern and western France, raising temperatures into the low- and mid-30s Celsius.
The heatwave will spread northeast across Europe, affecting countries like Germany, Italy, and Czechia by Friday.
Temperatures in these areas will be 9-13 degrees Celsius above the climate average from 1991-2020.
Southern and eastern England may see temperatures in the mid- to high-20s Celsius on Thursday and Friday.
The heatwave is expected to last up to five days in some places before cooling down early next week.
Australia is experiencing warmer-than-usual winter temperatures, especially in Melbourne, with highs 3-4 degrees Celsius above average.
The Australian weather pattern is linked to developing El Niño conditions, which usually cause warmer temperatures.
A slow-moving low-pressure system in South Australia is bringing warm air and gusty winds to the eastern part of the country.
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Russia launched a large attack on Kyiv using drones and missiles, killing several people and damaging the historic Kyiv Pechersk Lavra cathedral. Ukraine's air force said most of the incoming missiles and drones were shot down, but some caused damage and casualties in Kyiv and other cities.
Key Facts
Russia used more than 60 missiles and hundreds of drones in the attack on Kyiv.
At least five people died and 28 were injured in Kyiv from the strikes.
The Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, an 11th-century cathedral and UNESCO heritage site, caught fire but emergency teams extinguished it.
Ukraine's air force reported shooting down about 50 missiles and 582 drones during the attacks.
Other cities hit by Russian strikes include Kharkiv, Dnipro, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, Sumy, and Mykolaiv.
Ukrainian leaders called the attack a crime against Christian culture and urged international response, especially from G7 countries.
Russia said it targeted military and defense industry sites, claiming a "massive strike" with high-precision weapons.
Russia also reported shooting down over 120 Ukrainian drones overnight and imposed temporary flight restrictions at several Russian airports.
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The United States and Iran are about to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on Friday. Some Republican lawmakers in the U.S. have expressed worries that the two countries may understand the agreement differently. President Donald Trump supports the MOU despite these concerns.
Key Facts
The U.S. and Iran plan to sign a memorandum of understanding on Friday.
A memorandum of understanding is an agreement outlining terms between two parties.
Some Republican lawmakers in the U.S. have concerns about how the two sides interpret the MOU.
These concerns focus on possible differences in the meaning or execution of the agreement.
President Donald Trump has expressed support for the MOU despite these doubts.
The MOU could affect future relations between the U.S. and Iran.
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Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz said Israel will keep its troops indefinitely in lands it holds in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza. This statement comes just after the US and Iran announced an agreement aimed at ending the Middle East war and opening the Strait of Hormuz, but Israel’s position complicates the peace effort.
Key Facts
Israel says it will not withdraw from territories seized in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza.
The US and Iran reached a memorandum of understanding to stop fighting and open the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway.
Iran linked the deal to Israel stopping attacks on Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed group in Lebanon.
Israeli strikes in Lebanon’s Beirut suburbs recently escalated tensions.
Israel has controlled about 1,000 square kilometers (around 386 square miles) of territory in these areas over the past 2.5 years.
President Donald Trump authorized lifting the US naval blockade on the Strait of Hormuz as part of the deal.
Implementation of the deal depends on a formal signing scheduled for Friday in Switzerland.
Pakistan and Qatar are helping mediate talks between the involved parties.
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The United States and Iran say they have agreed to stop fighting and to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route. Both countries say they have won, but important details still need to be worked out in future talks.
Key Facts
The US and Iran have announced a deal to end fighting between them.
They agreed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, an important passage for ships.
Both countries claim the deal is a success for themselves.
There are still difficult negotiations left to settle the specific terms of the agreement.
The Strait of Hormuz is a strategic waterway used for transporting oil and goods.
The announcement comes amid ongoing tensions in the region.
Finalizing the agreement will require further talks and compromises from both sides.
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The United States and Iran have reached an agreement to end military operations, including in Lebanon, according to Iranian officials and President Donald Trump. The deal includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz and lifting the U.S. naval blockade on Iran, but Israel says it will not withdraw troops from Lebanon or follow parts of the deal related to Lebanon.
Key Facts
Iran and the U.S. agreed to stop military actions on all fronts, including Lebanon.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told President Trump Israel will keep troops in Lebanon and will continue actions against Hezbollah.
President Trump announced the Strait of Hormuz will reopen Friday and the naval blockade on Iran will end.
Oil prices dropped after the agreement was announced.
President Trump is heading to the G7 Summit in France with the deal finalized.
Qatari mediators helped negotiate the agreement and left Tehran after 17 hours of talks.
Separate meetings are planned in Doha before an official signing in Switzerland.
Leaders in the U.K. and France expressed support for the deal and urged quick implementation and reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
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Chinese authorities detained two leaders of the Early Rain Covenant Church during a police raid on a Sunday service in Jiangyou city. More than 30 church members, including children and elderly, were taken for questioning, while others were temporarily locked in a ballroom and released later.
Key Facts
The Early Rain Covenant Church is a Protestant church founded in 2008 in Chengdu, China.
Police stormed the church service on Sunday with about 50 officers present, including SWAT members.
Two leaders, Yan Hong and Wu Wuqing, were detained; the reasons for their detention are not clear.
Over 30 church members were taken to a detention center for interrogation and later released.
Congregants were asked to sign affidavits to gain release but refused to do so.
The church’s founding pastor, Wang Yi, was arrested in 2018 and is serving a 9-year prison sentence.
The Chinese government only allows state-approved churches and closely monitors underground "house churches."
Similar police actions have happened before, including a raid on Zion Church in 2023 where leaders were arrested.
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President Donald Trump and Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi announced they reached an initial deal to end the war and reopen shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. The United States and Iran will sign a formal agreement in Switzerland soon, with plans to stop hostilities immediately and release frozen Iranian assets.
Key Facts
The deal aims to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within 30 days, allowing toll-free shipping.
The Strait has been mostly closed since a US and Israeli attack on Iran started on December 28.
The US agreed to release $12 billion in frozen Iranian assets before talks begin.
The agreement includes an immediate halt to fighting on all fronts, including Lebanon.
President Trump mentioned ongoing talks about Iran suspending uranium enrichment for 15 to 20 years.
Israel has not made any official statement about the deal.
The deal was mediated by Pakistan and will be signed in Switzerland.
Western leaders, including the UK, France, and the EU, have praised the agreement.
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The United States and Iran have agreed on a plan to stop the war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Israel has not confirmed if it will follow the part of the agreement that asks it to leave Lebanon.
Key Facts
The US and Iran announced a memorandum of understanding to end the war.
The agreement includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway for oil transport.
Israel is involved in the situation because the deal requires it to withdraw from Lebanon.
Israel has not yet confirmed if it will follow this part of the agreement.
The memorandum aims to reduce conflict and improve regional stability.
The Strait of Hormuz is important for global energy supplies and commerce.
The announcement was made publicly by both the US and Iran.
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The UK government, led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, will ban social media use for children under 16 to protect their mental health and safety. The law is expected to pass by the end of the year and take effect next spring, applying to major social media platforms and some online games.
Key Facts
The UK plans to ban social media access for users under 16 years old.
The ban will include big social platforms and gaming apps that allow chatting with strangers.
The law aims to reduce bullying, abuse, and harm to children’s mental health.
Prime Minister Starmer said the ban is based on values and the need to protect children, similar to age restrictions on alcohol.
Legislation is expected to pass by the end of the year and start next spring.
The government consulted widely and studied similar laws in Australia.
About 90% of parents in the UK support setting the social media age limit at 16.
Starmer emphasized that supporting this ban does not mean opposing technology or artificial intelligence.
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President Donald Trump announced that the U.S. and Iran have reached a peace deal that will be signed on Friday, ending military actions and reopening the Strait of Hormuz for oil flow. Despite the agreement, Israeli officials said Israel will not withdraw troops from Lebanon or other occupied areas, maintaining a strong military presence.
Key Facts
President Trump declared "major combat operations" against Iran started in February 2026 with U.S.-Israeli strikes.
A two-week ceasefire began but initial peace talks in Pakistan failed, leading to an open-ended ceasefire extension and continued U.S. blockade.
On Sunday, Trump announced a "great deal" with Iran, scheduled for signing on Friday.
The deal includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz, allowing oil to flow once mines are cleared.
Iran confirmed the agreement would be signed in Switzerland and includes all key points from both sides.
Israel’s National Security Minister and Defense Minister said Israel will not pull troops from Lebanon, Syria, or Gaza despite the U.S.-Iran deal.
Israeli officials stated they will clear security zones of terrorists and may destroy houses used as terrorist bases.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister confirmed the peace deal involves an immediate and permanent stop to military operations.
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EU and G7 leaders are meeting in France and Luxembourg to discuss urgent issues like Ukraine, Gaza, and Iran. The talks come after a deadly Russian strike on Kyiv, which damaged a historic monastery and killed at least nine people.
Key Facts
G7 leaders, including President Donald Trump, are gathering in Évian-les-Bains, France.
Ukraine, Gaza, and Iran are the main topics on the G7 agenda.
President Trump will update leaders on a new Iran peace deal made overnight.
Russia launched a heavy attack on Kyiv, killing nine and injuring more than 20.
The Russian strike hit the Unesco-listed Kyiv Pechersk Lavra monastery, a significant religious and cultural site.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called the attack a serious crime against Christian culture.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot compared the monastery attack to bombing Notre Dame, showing the strong condemnation from France.
France's President Emmanuel Macron urged for a ceasefire and renewed efforts for peace at the summit.
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Russian missile and drone attacks killed at least nine people in Ukraine, damaged many buildings, and caused a large fire at Kyiv’s historic Dormition Cathedral. The strikes hit several cities, including Kyiv and Kharkiv, damaging cultural sites and civilian areas.
Key Facts
The attacks used missiles and kamikaze drones, striking multiple cities in Ukraine.
Around 140,000 households lost electricity due to the assault.
A drone hit the roof of the 11th-century Dormition Cathedral in Kyiv, causing a large fire.
Monks and rescue workers saved religious icons and relics from the burning cathedral.
The nearby Oleksandr Dovzhenko National Film Studios lost its main costume collection of about 100,000 items.
At least 20 people were wounded in Kyiv, including a child and a pregnant woman.
In Kharkiv, five emergency rescuers died in a double attack while fighting fires from earlier strikes.
Presidents Zelenskyy, Putin, and Trump spoke separately by phone about efforts to find peace in Ukraine.
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A 35-year-old woman named Leah Stewart was attacked by a great white shark while swimming at Coogee beach in Sydney. She lost one arm due to the attack and is in critical condition at St Vincent’s hospital, with her family asking for privacy as she recovers.
Key Facts
Leah Stewart was attacked by a 3.5-metre great white shark around 11 a.m. on Saturday.
She was swimming between the flags, which is generally considered a safe area.
Stewart suffered multiple bite wounds, broken bones, and heavy blood loss.
Her left arm was amputated due to the severity of the injuries.
A paddle boarder and rescue teams helped save her life immediately after the attack.
The NSW government allowed drone surveillance over Coogee beach to monitor sharks.
Former Prime Minister Tony Abbott called for a shark cull, but experts and NSW leaders rejected this idea.
Great white sharks are a protected species in New South Wales.
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