Support for Alberta becoming independent from Canada is going down, even as the province gets closer to having a vote on the issue. A recent poll shows only about 2 in 10 Albertans want a referendum, and fewer would vote to leave Canada.
Key Facts
Only 19% of Albertans support holding a binding referendum on independence.
Just 18% would vote to leave Canada if there was a referendum, down 10 points since January.
72% of Albertans oppose holding a referendum.
Opposition to independence is more certain, with 90% of those against separatism firm in their views.
Support is lowest in Calgary (14% for referendum, 12% for independence), higher in Edmonton and other areas.
Younger people under 35 are more likely to support independence (22%) than older groups.
Political views influence opinions: New Democratic Party supporters mostly oppose separation, United Conservative Party supporters are split.
More separatists now say they support independence because they believe Alberta’s future would be better outside Canada.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A rare gold Roman ring from about 279 AD was found in Somerset, England, by a hobby metal detectorist named Kevin Minto. The ring, showing the Roman goddess Victoria, was bought by the South West Heritage Trust for around $105,000 and will be displayed in the Museum of Somerset.
Key Facts
The ring is from Roman Britain and dates to around 279 AD.
It features an engraved gemstone showing Victoria, the goddess of victory, riding a chariot.
The ring weighs 48 grams and is larger and heavier than most rings today.
It was found in 2018 near the town of Ilminster in Somerset, England.
The South West Heritage Trust purchased the ring for about £78,000 (roughly $105,000).
The ring was part of a hoard that included coins, lead, and pottery from the same period.
Somerset is known for finding important ancient Roman treasures, including large hoards of coins.
The Ilminster Ring will be displayed at the Museum of Somerset alongside other famous local finds.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Scientists used yeast taken from the 5,000-year-old mummy known as Ötzi the Iceman to bake sourdough bread. They plan to explore using the same yeast to make beer.
Key Facts
Yeast was extracted from Ötzi the Iceman, a mummy preserved in ice from about 5,000 years ago.
Ötzi was found in 1991 near the Italy-Austria border and has been studied extensively.
The extracted yeast helped make dough that rose within 24 hours, similar to regular yeast.
Researchers want to involve food experts to try making beer using this ancient yeast.
The yeast only survives in cold conditions and likely entered Ötzi’s body soon after he died.
Ötzi has the oldest known tattoos and was likely killed by an arrow about 5,300 years ago.
The ongoing research focuses on microorganisms preserved on Ötzi’s remains.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
European Union leaders said the EU must show it can and wants to accept new member countries, especially from the western Balkans and Ukraine. They want to speed up the membership process and consider new ways to let candidate countries join parts of the EU before full membership.
Key Facts
EU leaders met with leaders from six western Balkan countries seeking EU membership.
No new member has joined the EU in 13 years, which leaders see as a problem.
Countries hoping to join include Albania, Bosnia, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Ukraine, and Moldova.
The process to join the EU is long and requires approval from all 27 EU countries.
France and Germany proposed a gradual integration plan allowing candidate countries limited participation before full membership.
The idea includes giving new members access to some EU meetings but without voting rights initially.
Some Balkan countries, like Serbia, have seen public support for joining the EU fall below 50%.
EU leaders see enlargement as important for Europe’s security, energy independence, and reducing influence from Russia.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Two FRANCE 24 journalists were forced to sign a non-disclosure agreement after asking about an open letter criticizing billionaire Vincent Bolloré’s influence in French cinema. The letter, signed by hundreds of industry workers, led Canal+ Group’s president to stop working with those who signed it. FRANCE 24 condemned the incident as a serious attack on press freedom.
Key Facts
Two FRANCE 24 journalists, Nina Masson and Yong Chim, were pressured after questioning an actor about an open letter against Vincent Bolloré.
The open letter was signed by around 600 industry professionals concerned about Bolloré’s growing control over French cinema.
Vincent Bolloré is a far-right billionaire who owns a large share of the Canal+ Group and the UGC cinema chain.
The Canal+ Group’s president, Maxime Saada, announced they would no longer cooperate with those who signed the letter.
After the interview, a press officer blocked the journalists and demanded the recording memory card, which they refused to give.
The journalists were eventually made to sign an agreement not to show the part of the interview about the letter.
FRANCE 24’s management called these actions archaic and a violation of press freedom.
The incident highlights a tense and fearful atmosphere in the French film industry regarding Bolloré’s influence.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Pope Leo XIV is visiting Spain while the musician Bad Bunny is also expected to be in the country at the same time. There is attention on the possibility that they might meet during their visits.
Key Facts
Pope Leo XIV is currently visiting Spain.
Musician Bad Bunny is expected to be in Spain at the same time.
There is interest in whether the pope and Bad Bunny will meet.
The information was reported by CBS News journalist Chris Livesay.
No confirmed meeting between Pope Leo XIV and Bad Bunny has been announced.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Three men were sentenced to nearly four years in prison for stealing ancient Romanian gold relics from a museum in the Netherlands. Most of the stolen items, including a historic gold helmet and two bracelets, were recovered and returned to Romania, although one bracelet remains missing.
Key Facts
Three men received 47-month prison sentences for stealing gold artifacts.
The theft happened at the Drents Museum in the Netherlands in January last year.
The stolen items included a 2,500-year-old gold helmet and three gold bracelets from Romania.
The thieves used explosives and a crowbar to break into the museum.
Two of the thieves helped recover the helmet and two bracelets, leading to lighter sentences.
One gold bracelet is still missing.
The artifacts are national treasures of Romania and were insured for about $6.6 million.
The recovered items were returned to Romania in good condition, with only minor damage to the helmet.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The World Health Organization and Africa CDC have launched a $518 million plan to fight the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda from June to November. The outbreak has infected hundreds and caused deaths, spreading a rare Ebola strain, while nearby Kenya has seen protests over a planned US quarantine center.
Key Facts
WHO and Africa CDC created a $518 million plan to combat Ebola in DRC and Uganda.
The plan runs from June to November and focuses on emergency response, testing, treatment, and community work.
The Ebola outbreak began in DRC on May 15, infecting at least 381 people with 64 deaths.
Uganda has recorded 19 cases and 2 deaths from the same outbreak.
The outbreak involves the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, which is not covered by any approved vaccine yet.
Three vaccines for this strain are being studied and may be fast-tracked for testing.
Kenya has protests against a US Ebola quarantine center planned there, despite no Ebola cases in Kenya.
The protests turned violent, resulting in at least two deaths and one injury.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
NASA has told astronauts on the International Space Station (ISS) to stay inside their spacecraft and get ready to leave if needed due to a growing air leak in the Russian part of the station. The leak has worsened recently, causing safety concerns, while Russian space experts work to fix the problem.
Key Facts
There is an air leak in the Russian Zvezda module on the ISS.
The leak increased from about 1 pound of air lost per day to 2 pounds recently.
NASA ordered astronauts to enter their Crew Dragon spacecraft and put on spacesuits as a precaution.
The astronauts preparing to evacuate include two Americans, one French astronaut, and one Russian cosmonaut.
NASA and Russia’s space agency Roscosmos have been discussing the leaks for months.
The ISS is a large orbiting laboratory roughly the size of a football field.
The situation remains under close watch while repair efforts continue.
The alert was given early Monday morning Eastern Time.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Weston Higginbotham, an American, went missing while on a family trip in Japan. His parents have spoken publicly about his disappearance as authorities continue searching for him.
Key Facts
Weston Higginbotham is an American citizen.
He disappeared during a family visit to Japan.
His parents have made a public statement about the situation.
Japanese authorities are involved in the search.
CBS News covered the story with reports from correspondent Anna Coren.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has suggested having direct talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin to try to stop the war between their countries. This proposal aims to find a peaceful solution to the conflict.
Key Facts
President Zelenskyy wants to meet directly with President Putin.
The goal is to end the war between Ukraine and Russia.
The war has caused ongoing fighting and tension.
Direct talks mean leaders speak face-to-face without intermediaries.
This proposal was reported by CBS News correspondent Ramy Inocencio.
Both presidents currently lead countries involved in an active conflict.
Peace talks have been considered important for resolving the conflict.
Zelenskyy's suggestion reflects a desire for a diplomatic solution.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
France has started an official investigation into claims that Israel mistreated activists from a Gaza-bound flotilla. The probe will look into whether Israel committed acts such as torture or war crimes during the activists’ detention.
Key Facts
The investigation was requested by the French government and is conducted by French prosecutors.
The activists were part of the Global Sumud Flotilla traveling to Gaza.
Reports accuse Israeli forces of violent treatment and abuse during the activists’ detention.
The probe could lead to criminal charges if evidence supports the claims.
French activists returned to Paris and described their detention as violent.
The issue involves allegations of torture and possible war crimes under international law.
The investigation is part of France’s legal response to protect its nationals and enforce human rights.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The ongoing conflict involving the U.S. and Israel against Iran is affecting countries in the Gulf region and their economies. Reporters are discussing how this war influences the Gulf States' political and economic situations.
Key Facts
The U.S. and Israel are involved in a war against Iran.
Gulf States are feeling the effects of this conflict.
The war has an impact on the economies of Gulf countries.
Experts are analyzing the influence of the conflict on the Gulf region.
The situation creates challenges for Gulf States' political decisions.
Economic changes in the Gulf are linked to the Iran war.
The report provides insights into how Gulf States respond to this regional conflict.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A drone used in the war in Ukraine exploded at the port of Constanta in Romania without causing any injuries. Romanian authorities secured the area and evacuated people to keep them safe.
Key Facts
The explosion happened on a maritime drone at a Black Sea port in Constanta, Romania.
The drone was involved in the war in nearby Ukraine.
The drone self-detonated around 10:30 a.m. on Friday.
No people were hurt in the explosion.
Romanian Intelligence Service, coast guard, and Defense Ministry secured and isolated the area.
The drone did not belong to the Romanian army and was not part of their recent drills.
Authorities evacuated the area as a safety measure.
The incident occurred amid ongoing conflict in the region.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The United Nations’ World Food Programme (WFP) says that the conflict involving the US and Israel against Iran could cause up to 45 million people to face severe hunger. Rising fuel prices and reduced funding are making food shortages worse, especially in poor and unstable countries.
Key Facts
The conflict between the US and Israel and Iran is ongoing.
The UN’s World Food Programme warns of a severe hunger crisis caused by this war.
Up to 45 million people might face serious food shortages.
Fuel prices are rising sharply, affecting food supply and costs.
Funding cuts to aid programs make it harder to help vulnerable populations.
Poor and unstable countries are the most affected by these problems.
The warning focuses on the humanitarian impact beyond the immediate conflict area.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
NASA told astronauts on the International Space Station (ISS) to prepare for possible evacuation because of air leaks. A Russian crew is working on fixing cracks in a part of the station while the safety of NASA astronauts in the SpaceX spacecraft is increased during the repair.
Key Facts
NASA ordered astronauts on the ISS to get ready for possible evacuation due to worsening air leaks.
The leaks are in the Zvezda service module tunnel, part of the Russian section of the ISS.
Roscosmos, the Russian space agency, is leading the repair work.
Four astronauts from NASA’s Crew-12 mission, including two Americans, one French, and one Russian, were told to stay ready in the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft.
The ISS began operations in 1998 and is managed by agencies from the US, Russia, Europe, Japan, and Canada.
As of the report, seven astronauts were living and working on the ISS.
NASA is coordinating daily operations and closely monitoring the repair efforts.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
NASA ordered astronauts on the International Space Station (ISS) to stay inside their spacecraft after an air leak in the Russian part of the station got worse. Russian engineers are trying to fix the leak, and astronauts are preparing to leave the station if needed.
Key Facts
The air leak is in the Russian segment of the ISS, specifically in the Zvezda service module’s transfer tunnel.
Five astronauts, including four from the SpaceX Crew-12 team and one long-term NASA crew member, are sheltering in their spacecraft.
NASA and Russia’s space agency, Roscosmos, are working together to fix the leak and understand its cause.
Russian engineers planned a more extensive repair on June 5, which could make the situation less stable temporarily.
Astronaut Chris Williams has been on the ISS for 190 days with two Russian cosmonauts.
Crew-12 members arrived in February and are conducting research to help future Moon and Mars missions.
NASA ordered the sheltering as a safety precaution because of the new leaks.
The situation is ongoing, and updates are expected.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The United States and Iran remain in a tense situation, exchanging peace proposals but also threatening force. Recent attacks in the Gulf region have increased fears of a new war, even as talks continue toward a possible peace deal.
Key Facts
The US and Iran agreed on a temporary ceasefire in April, mediated by Pakistan.
Despite the ceasefire, attacks have occurred on US and Iranian targets in the Gulf region.
Iran fired warning missiles and drones at US warships in the Gulf of Oman, accusing the US Navy of harassment.
Iranian missiles and drones struck Kuwait’s international airport, injuring civilians and causing damage.
US officials claim many Iranian missiles were intercepted and did not reach their targets.
The US has conducted strikes on Iranian radar sites and drone bases in response to attacks on civilian ships.
US leaders have suggested a peace deal might be near if Iran agrees to give up its nuclear activities.
Iran’s supreme leader has reportedly been involved in negotiations but has not appeared publicly since a US-Israeli strike.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Each summary links back to the original reporting, so you can check the work. Support that, and get the daily digest every morning. Most choose $3.99/month.
CBS News recently fired Scott Pelley, a longtime reporter for the news program "60 Minutes." This decision has caused many journalists to question CBS’s approach, especially since "60 Minutes" has been a top-rated show for many years.
Key Facts
Scott Pelley, a longtime correspondent for "60 Minutes," was recently fired by CBS News.
"60 Minutes" has led TV ratings for many years, making its future uncertain after this change.
CBS News leaders are defending their decision to remove Pelley.
Many journalists and media critics are worried about the network’s overall strategy.
The news comes during ongoing changes and turmoil within CBS News.
The discussion about the firing took place on a show called "Scoop" on FRANCE 24.
The situation is seen as unusual since major staff changes usually happen at shows that are doing poorly.
Susie Banikarim, a Columbia Journalism Review columnist, spoke about this issue on "Scoop."
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, saying developing countries have become more important in the global economy while Western countries' share has decreased. He criticized Western sanctions on Russia, claiming they hurt the global economy and trust in currencies like the dollar and euro.
Key Facts
Putin said Western sanctions on Russia damage the global financial system.
He claimed freezing Russian assets abroad lowers trust in the dollar and euro.
Putin mentioned increasing debt in Western countries harms global trust in their institutions.
He described a shift from a world led by a few countries to a more complex, multipolar global order.
The St. Petersburg Forum is Russia’s version of the World Economic Forum, used to highlight Russia’s economy and attract investment.
Western leaders and business people mostly stayed away due to Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Leaders from countries like Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan, Tanzania, and China attended the forum.
Putin said Russia has taken steps to control inflation and avoid economic collapse despite sanctions.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
