Top News — Sun, May 17, 1:04 PM UTC

WHO declares Ebola outbreak in DRC, Uganda a global health emergency

The World Health Organization has declared an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda a global health emergency. The rare Bundibugyo strain has caused dozens of deaths, with over 80 suspected fatalities reported.

Parliamentarian blocks $1B Trump ballroom funding with 60-vote rule

A Republican proposal to allocate $1 billion in federal funding for President Trump's planned White House ballroom has hit a procedural roadblock in the Senate. The Senate parliamentarian ruled the funding is subject to a 60-vote threshold.

Car rams into crowds in Italy, injuring at least 8 in Modena

A car rammed into a crowd in Modena, Italy, injuring at least eight people, with four in serious condition. Passers-by chased and stopped the driver, who was reportedly receiving treatment for psychiatric disorders.

Trump-Xi summit concludes with mixed signals on trade and global order

President Trump's summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing focused on trade, Taiwan, and energy prices. While Trump claimed 'fantastic' deals, markets tumbled due to a lack of specific details, and some analysts see the meeting as proof of a new Cold War.

UK Labour leadership contenders debate Brexit and fuel tax

Leading Labour leadership contenders are debating the party's stance on Brexit, with some calling for Britain to rejoin the EU, which the culture secretary called 'odd.' Separately, Chancellor Rachel Reeves is reportedly set to abandon a planned hike in fuel tax, which analysis showed would make millions of UK drivers the most-taxed in Europe.'

Juvenile driver plows into Oakland crowd, killing 3, injuring 5

Three people were killed and five seriously injured in Oakland after a juvenile driver plowed into a crowd and multiple cars. Officials pronounced three dead at the scene, with two others hospitalized in critical condition.

Alex Saab Extradited to US; Key Maduro Ally Faces Charges

Alex Saab, a key ally of Nicolás Maduro, has been extradited to the US to face judicial proceedings, less than three years after being pardoned by President Trump. His deportation is part of a purge of powerful figures who supported the deposed president, and comes amidst a political thaw in Venezuela.

Trump-backed candidates defeat Sen. Bill Cassidy in Louisiana primary

Senator Bill Cassidy, a Republican who voted to convict President Trump in 2021, lost his bid for re-election in Louisiana's GOP primary, finishing third. Trump-backed Rep. Julia Letlow and state Treasurer John Fleming will advance to a runoff.

North Korea women's team arrives in South Korea for rare tournament

A North Korean women's football club, Naegohyang FC, arrived in South Korea for an Asian Women's Champions League semi-final match. This marks the first visit by North Korean athletes to the South in eight years.

UAE nuclear power plant targeted by drone strike, radiation levels normal

A drone strike targeted the United Arab Emirates' Barakah nuclear power plant, causing a fire at an electrical generator outside the inner perimeter. Authorities confirmed no injuries and normal radiological safety levels, but the incident strained the Iran war ceasefire.

Trump admin urges UAE to seize Iran's Lavan Island, increase war role

A former senior Trump security official stated that the Trump administration is urging the UAE to seize Iran's Lavan Island and take a greater role in the war. The official noted that using UAE forces would avoid putting US troops in the line of fire.

Cruise Ship Hantavirus Outbreak: Canadian Tests Positive; Passengers Self-Isolate

A hantavirus outbreak on the MV Hondius cruise ship has led to a Canadian passenger testing positive and dozens of Britons self-isolating. Experts warn that slashed funding and misinformation are hindering pandemic preparedness, despite the virus being unlikely to cause a pandemic.

Bulgaria's Dara wins 70th Eurovision; Israel's Bettan second amid boycotts

Bulgaria's Dara won the 70th Eurovision Song Contest with her song 'Bangaranga,' marking the country's first victory. Israel's Noam Bettan placed second, amidst boycotts and protests over the Gaza war from several European nations.'

Massive explosion near Beit Shemesh was coordinated defense test

A late-night blast and fireball near Beit Shemesh, which rattled residents, was confirmed by officials to be a coordinated test with a defense company. Reports had circulated theories that the explosion may have destroyed a stockpile of Arrow-3 surface-to-air missiles.

Israeli strikes kill six in southern Lebanon hours after ceasefire extension

Israel carried out airstrikes in southern Lebanon, killing six people, including three paramedics, hours after a ceasefire extension was announced. Separately, Hamas's Gaza military chief, Izz ad-Din al-Haddad, was killed in a Gaza strike after exposing patterns that helped Israeli intelligence.

Last updated: 5/17/2026, 1:04:02 PM