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The Sudanese army stated that they have cleared the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) out of Khartoum state. This announcement came two months after the army regained control of Khartoum city from the RSF.
Key Facts
The Sudanese army claims to have pushed the RSF out of Khartoum state.
The army recaptured Khartoum city, including the presidential palace, two months ago.
Fighting recently occurred in Omdurman, which is part of Khartoum state.
The army began a significant new offensive in Omdurman.
Port Sudan, previously safe, experienced attacks, and the army blamed the RSF.
Sudan accused the UAE of supporting the RSF, but the UAE denied these claims.
The civil war in Sudan has resulted in thousands of deaths and millions displaced.
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The European Union plans to introduce a €2 fee on small parcels delivered to homes, mostly affecting packages from companies like Shein and Temu in China. This fee will apply to parcels valued under €150 and aims to cover customs costs and contribute to the EU budget.
Key Facts
The EU proposes a €2 fee on small packages sent directly to homes.
This fee targets packages mostly from China.
Parcels worth less than €150 are currently customs-free but will be affected by this fee.
The fee aims to manage customs workload and maintain safety standards for goods.
The EU handled 4.6 billion small parcels last year, with over 90% from China.
Packages sent to warehouses will have a lower fee of €0.50.
The EU aims to generate revenue from the fee for the EU budget.
Shein and Temu have numerous users in the EU and may need to adjust to these changes.
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Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni supports the idea of the Vatican mediating peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, as suggested by former U.S. President Donald Trump. Although there's interest from both Italy and Ukraine in involving the Vatican, no firm plans have been set, and the situation remains uncertain.
Key Facts
Italy supports the Vatican as a possible mediator for peace talks in Ukraine.
Former President Trump suggested the Vatican's involvement in the mediation process.
Pope Leo expressed willingness for the Vatican to host and mediate the talks.
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky discussed potential venues for talks with Italy's Prime Minister.
Talks between Russia and Ukraine last occurred in Istanbul, with no significant progress made.
Russia demands recognition of its annexation of Ukrainian regions, complicating talks.
The Catholic Church has a history of mediating conflicts but currently lacks concrete involvement.
The Vatican maintains diplomatic relations with Russia despite the conflict.
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Joel Le Scouarnec, a former French surgeon, admitted in court to sexually abusing hundreds of patients, including many children. He also stated he feels responsible for the deaths of two victims who died by suicide.
Key Facts
Joel Le Scouarnec is a former surgeon in France.
He admitted to abusing 299 patients from 1989 to 2014, many under age 15.
Two victims of his abuse died by suicide, and Le Scouarnec feels responsible for their deaths.
Le Scouarnec kept detailed diaries of his assaults, helping police identify victims.
Many victims did not remember the abuse and were informed by police.
During the trial, Le Scouarnec apologized for his actions and acknowledged their impact.
An FBI alert in the early 2000s warned French authorities about Le Scouarnec, which some say was ignored.
The trial involved questioning of medical professionals from institutions where Le Scouarnec worked.
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A British surgeon working in Gaza at the Nassar Hospital in Khan Younis has shared experiences of operating under stress. Israeli authorities have asked Palestinians in the area to leave due to an anticipated military attack, leaving concerns about where patients in intensive care could be moved.
Key Facts
A British surgeon is currently working in Nassar Hospital in southern Gaza.
The hospital is located in Khan Younis, a region in the Gaza Strip.
Israel has issued an evacuation warning to Palestinians near Khan Younis.
An "unprecedented attack" has been predicted in the area by Israeli officials.
There are concerns about moving intensive care patients if the hospital is evacuated, as there are no alternative facilities available.
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Heavy rains and storms in southern France have led to floods, resulting in three deaths and significant damage. The affected areas include the seaside town of Le Lavandou and Vidauban, where roads and bridges are damaged, and some residents face power and water outages.
Key Facts
Three people died in the floods caused by heavy rain in southern France.
An elderly couple died in Le Lavandou, and another person died in a car in Vidauban.
Le Lavandou was hit by 256mm of rain in one hour, causing severe flooding.
Roads and bridges in Le Lavandou were damaged, and the town still has power and water outages.
Over 500 emergency calls were made in the Var region, and hundreds of rescuers are working there.
Some trains were halted due to damaged railway tracks.
More than 600 homes lost electricity due to the storms.
The Bordeaux-Toulouse railway line is affected, with some train cancellations.
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The UK has imposed sanctions on Daniella Weiss, an Israeli settler leader prominently involved in establishing settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. The UK also paused free trade talks with Israel due to its policies in these regions.
Key Facts
The UK sanctioned Daniella Weiss, known as the "godmother" of the Israeli settler movement.
Weiss leads an organization named Nachala, which is also sanctioned.
Most of the international community views these settlements as illegal under international law.
The UK also sanctioned two other settlers, two illegal outposts, and a construction company.
The UK has paused free trade talks with Israel over its policies in the West Bank and Gaza.
Israel plans to allow limited food supplies into Gaza, ending an 11-week blockade.
A UK, France, and Canada joint statement urged Israel to allow more humanitarian aid into Gaza.
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The Spanish government is asking Airbnb to remove nearly 66,000 rental listings that do not follow local rules for tourist accommodations. This move comes as protests against over-tourism occur, and a court already ordered the removal of nearly 5,000 properties. The properties in question lack proper licenses or owner details needed to show they meet legal standards.
Key Facts
The Spanish government wants 66,000 Airbnb listings removed for breaking accommodation rules.
Protests against over-tourism took place in the Canary Islands, attracting thousands.
A Madrid court ordered Airbnb to take down 4,984 properties immediately.
The properties are in six regions, including Madrid, Andalusia, and Catalonia.
Many listings lack a valid license number or proper owner information.
Housing has become a major concern in Spain due to rising rental costs.
Spain had 94 million tourists in 2024, making it the second most popular destination after France.
Airbnb plans to appeal the court decisions and argues that regulation does not solve housing issues.
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U.S. President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, which has spread to his bones. This has raised questions about his health during his time in office and whether the diagnosis was disclosed in a timely manner. The news has sparked debate about the transparency of Biden's health status, given his age and the upcoming election.
Key Facts
Joe Biden, aged 82, has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer.
The cancer has spread to his bones and was announced after Biden visited a doctor due to urinary symptoms.
Doctors noted that cancers can sometimes grow quickly and silently, especially in older individuals who might not be routinely screened.
Former President Donald Trump suggested that the cancer diagnosis might have been hidden from the public.
Some Republicans claim that Biden was not completely open about his health, questioning his ability to serve as president.
Biden once had a condition called benign enlargement of the prostate, but this was before he became president.
U.S. medical guidelines do not generally recommend routine blood screening for prostate cancer in men older than 70, due to slow cancer growth and potential risks of treatment.
A new book claims Biden faced significant health challenges during his presidency, including severe physical decline.
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French authorities have begun a nationwide search to find small Chinese-made phones in prisons. These phones are hidden easily and have been used by inmates to commit crimes from inside jail. The French supplier has been stopped, and authorities are looking to stop similar activities in other countries.
Key Facts
French police are searching for Chinese-made phones used in prisons.
The phones are very small, about the size of a cigarette lighter, making them hard to detect.
Police launched "Operation Prison Break" to search 500 cells in 66 prisons.
Inmates called the phones "suppositories" because they are easy to hide.
These phones were used for crimes like drug trafficking and attempted murder in prisons.
A company called Oportik in France sold around 5,000 of these phones.
France's Justice Minister aims to stop criminals from running operations from prison.
In 2024, authorities confiscated 40,000 mobile phones from prisons.
France shared information with Eurojust to help other countries tackle the issue.
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Russia of trying to delay peace talks to continue its war in Ukraine. Former US President Donald Trump claimed progress towards a ceasefire, but ongoing conflict and new sanctions against Russia have made the situation tense.
Key Facts
Zelensky accused Russia of stalling peace talks to buy time for its military actions.
Trump said truce talks between Ukraine and Russia would start immediately, but Russia did not commit to a ceasefire.
Russia's spokesperson stated there are no deadlines for the negotiations.
Zelensky is actively seeking support from Western allies to pressure Russia for peace.
The EU and UK have imposed new sanctions on Russia, specifically targeting oil tankers and military suppliers.
Heavy fighting continues in Ukraine, with numerous clashes reported.
Trump expressed opposition to new sanctions, fearing they might hinder peace progress.
Russia and Ukraine have been in conflict since Russia's invasion in February 2022.
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Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, expressed doubt that the ongoing nuclear talks with the US will yield a new agreement, citing "excessive" US demands on uranium enrichment. Despite ongoing negotiations, disagreements persist, particularly around Iran's uranium enrichment, which can serve both peaceful and military uses.
Key Facts
Iran's Supreme Leader doubts nuclear talks with the US will lead to agreement, saying the US has made excessive demands.
US President Donald Trump mentioned that Iran had "sort of" agreed to a deal, but disagreements remain.
Iran's chief negotiator rejected US demands to stop uranium enrichment, which is used in both nuclear reactors and weapons.
Trump has warned Iran of potential military action if the talks fail.
Iran claims its nuclear program is peaceful and has breached some nuclear deal terms due to US sanctions.
Iran's former president, Ebrahim Raisi, opposed direct talks with the US.
The 2015 nuclear deal limited Iran's uranium enrichment and allowed international inspections in exchange for lifting some sanctions.
The International Atomic Energy Agency reported Iran has enriched uranium close to weapons grade, which is concerning.
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Seven young people were shot dead at a Catholic Church event in San Bartolo de Berrios, Guanajuato, Mexico. Authorities suspect the Santa Rosa de Lima cartel may be responsible. The attack highlights the ongoing violence between rival cartels in the area.
Key Facts
Seven youths were killed in a shooting in San Bartolo de Berrios, Guanajuato.
The attack occurred after a church event in the village's central square.
Gunmen fired dozens of shots, reportedly at random, in the early morning.
Authorities have not confirmed a motive, but signs suggest the Santa Rosa de Lima cartel's involvement.
The Episcopal Conference of Mexico condemned the violence and expressed concern over community safety.
Guanajuato had the highest murder rate in Mexico in 2024, with 2,597 homicides.
Two major cartels, CJNG and Santa Rosa de Lima, are fighting for control in Guanajuato.
These cartels engage in illegal fuel theft, contributing to their revenue.
Witnesses described the shooting scene as a "bloodbath" with about 100 shots fired.
No arrests have been made following the attack.
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A United Nations humanitarian official warned that 14,000 babies in Gaza could die in the next 48 hours unless trucks carrying aid, including baby food, reach the area. Israel has accused Hamas of misusing aid, while Israel's prime minister noted the country wants to prevent hunger by allowing only basic aid through.
Key Facts
A UN official stated that 14,000 babies in Gaza are at risk of dying soon without aid.
Trucks filled with aid, including baby food, are ready to enter Gaza.
Israel accuses Hamas of stealing and misusing aid supplies.
Hamas denies the accusations made by Israel.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized avoiding a situation where people face hunger.
Israel plans to allow only minimal aid to prevent starvation.
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At least 38 Palestinians were reported killed in a short span of half an hour following Israeli airstrikes in the Gaza Strip, according to local medics. These airstrikes hit various locations, including a school and a refugee camp sheltered at a fuel station. The attacks occurred amid Israel's ongoing military campaign in response to earlier Hamas-led attacks.
Key Facts
At least 38 Palestinians were killed in Israeli airstrikes during a half-hour period.
The strikes targeted multiple locations, including a school and a shelter at a fuel station.
Rescue efforts faced challenges due to limited equipment and heavy bombardment.
Israel had ordered Gaza civilians to evacuate ahead of further military operations.
The airstrikes are believed to target Hamas's network of tunnels.
The UK, France, and Canada issued a statement opposing Israel's continued offensive.
Israeli attacks are part of a broader military response to Hamas-led attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023.
Over 53,486 Palestinians have died in the ongoing conflict, according to reports from Gaza.
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A new dinosaur sculpture called Boom Boom has been placed in Taupō Sculpture Park, New Zealand, sparking mixed reactions. The 7-meter-tall stainless steel statue has led to a debate about its cost and relevance to the area, but the artist and those who commissioned it believe it will eventually become part of the community's identity.
Key Facts
Boom Boom is a 7-meter-tall stainless steel sculpture of a dinosaur.
The sculpture is located in Taupō Sculpture Park in New Zealand.
The artist, Gregor Kregar, is originally from Slovenia.
The sculpture was commissioned by the Taupō Sculpture Trust.
Some community members are concerned about the $100,000 funding for the sculpture.
The funding was finalized in 2018, before recent increases in local taxes.
The rock under the dinosaur is inspired by the area's volcanic history.
Sauropods, the type of dinosaur depicted, lived in New Zealand but became extinct 66 million years ago.
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Heavy rains have flooded parts of Bengaluru, known as India's Silicon Valley. The city is on high alert for more rain, and authorities are working to address the flood situation. Three people died in rain-related incidents.
Key Facts
Bengaluru experienced heavy rains leading to major flooding.
The city received over 100 mm of rain, which is unusual in May.
Three people, including a child, died due to the rain.
Major tech companies have asked employees to work from home.
Flooding has caused traffic problems and property damage.
Authorities are identifying and working on 210 flood-prone areas.
Opposition parties criticized the local government for handling the situation poorly.
Experts say issues like poor urban planning and construction over wetlands contribute to the problem.
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Acclaimed Russian ballet choreographer Yuri Grigorovich has died at the age of 98. He was known for leading the Bolshoi Ballet and creating famous productions like "The Stone Flower," "Ivan the Terrible," and "Romeo and Juliet." Grigorovich played an important role in Russian ballet, both as a choreographer and through his leadership at the Bolshoi.
Key Facts
Yuri Grigorovich died at 98 years old.
He was the artistic director of the Bolshoi Ballet from 1964 to 1995.
Grigorovich's notable works include "The Stone Flower," "Ivan the Terrible," and "Romeo and Juliet."
He revitalized male roles in ballet, requiring dancers to show great strength and skill.
He joined the Kirov Ballet in Leningrad as a soloist before focusing on choreography.
His exit from the Bolshoi led to the first strike in the theater's history.
After the Soviet Union collapsed, he founded a ballet company in Krasnodar.
Grigorovich received honors including People's Artist of the USSR and Hero of Socialist Labour.
His wife, ballerina Natalia Bessmertnova, died in 2008.
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Some countries, including the UK, France, and Canada, have criticized Israel's military actions in Gaza and called for a ceasefire, stating concerns over humanitarian suffering. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu argues against their demands, claiming the military actions are necessary until hostages are returned and Hamas disarms.
Key Facts
Since March, Israeli attacks in Gaza have killed thousands after ending a ceasefire.
On October 7, 2023, Hamas attacked Israel, leading to Israeli retaliation.
The UK, France, and Canada are urging Israel to halt its military offensive in Gaza.
These countries have stated the level of suffering in Gaza is unbearable and called for a ceasefire.
Prime Minister Netanyahu says ending the conflict depends on Hamas' return of hostages and disarmament.
Only five aid trucks entered Gaza recently, which some leaders and countries find insufficient.
Israel’s limited aid decision is criticized by partners in Netanyahu's government.
International pressure is building on Israel regarding the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
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Vietnamese beauty queen Nguyen Thuc Thuy Tien was arrested for fraud related to promoting fake fibre gummies. Tests showed that the gummies contained much less fibre than advertised, leading to an investigation and arrests of several involved influencers and company officials.
Key Facts
Nguyen Thuc Thuy Tien is a former Miss Grand International winner and a known influencer in Vietnam.
She promoted Kera Supergreens Gummies, claiming they contained a high amount of fibre.
Lab tests showed the gummies had only 16mg of fibre, not 200mg as promoted.
The gummies' packaging did not accurately show the fibre content or mention a high level of sorbitol.
The Vietnamese authorities investigated and found the gummies used low-quality, low-fibre ingredients.
Over 100,000 boxes of the gummies were sold before the scandal stopped sales.
Tien and two other influencers, Pham Quang Linh and Hang Du Muc, were fined and arrested.
They were charged with creating fake products and misleading customers.
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