**Summary:** The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern following a surge in cases and deaths linked to the rare Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda.

**Key points:**
- The outbreak has resulted in at least 131 deaths and over 500 suspected cases since early May 2026.
- The virus has reached the densely populated capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kinshasa.
- Health authorities are evaluating existing vaccines, such as Ervebo, for potential efficacy against the Bundibugyo variant.
- A US citizen infected with the virus is being transported to Germany for medical treatment.

**Why it matters:** The declaration of a global health emergency highlights the high regional risk posed by the rapid spread of a rare Ebola strain for which no specific vaccine or treatment is currently approved.

tagesschau.de - Weltgesundheitsorganisation "sehr besorgt" über Ebola-Ausbreitung in DR Kongo

france24.com - At least 131 dead in DR Congo Ebola outbreak

faz.net - Kongo: Sorge wegen rasch steigender Ebola-Todesfälle

premiumtimesng.com - WHO declares Ebola outbreak in DRC, Uganda global health emergency

WHO Declares Ebola Outbreak in DR Congo and Uganda a Global Health Emergency

**Summary:** The Spanish National Court has formally opened an investigation into former Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero regarding his alleged involvement in the 'Plus Ultra' case, citing potential crimes of influence peddling and money laundering.

**Key points:**
- Judge José Luis Calama has summoned the former Prime Minister to appear for testimony on June 2, 2026.
- The PSOE (Spanish Socialist Workers' Party) has publicly rejected the court's decision, with party officials labeling the move as a political attack.
- Juanma Moreno, President of the Junta of Andalusia, described the judicial action as an unprecedented and serious development.
- The investigation centers on allegations of financial irregularities and connections involving Venezuela.

**Why it matters:** The legal action against a former head of government represents a significant development in Spanish politics, potentially impacting the stability of the current administration and its political allies.

andaluciainformacion.es - El PSOE responde a la imputación de Zapatero por el caso Plus Ultra : No pararán

europapress.es - Moreno afirma que la imputación de Zapatero es algo insólito y recuerda su presencia en la campaña andaluza del 17M

Spanish National Court Imputes Former Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero

**Summary:** A cargo ship carrying 1,700 tons of food and hygiene supplies from Mexico and Uruguay arrived in Havana on May 18, 2026, to support vulnerable populations in Cuba amid ongoing economic challenges.

**Key points:**
- The shipment included 20 tons of powdered milk and beans, prioritized for distribution to children and the elderly.
- This delivery marks the fifth humanitarian aid shipment from Mexico to Cuba since January 2026.
- The aid was transported via the merchant vessel Asian Katra, departing from previous reliance on Mexican Navy ships.
- Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum coordinated the initiative, citing opposition to the long-standing United States blockade.

**Why it matters:** The aid highlights regional solidarity efforts to mitigate the humanitarian impact of intensified economic sanctions and energy shortages in Cuba.

elpopular.uy - Presidente de Cuba agradeció a México y Uruguay la ayuda humanitaria

brasildefato.com.br - Novo carregamento de ajuda humanitária do México chega a Cuba em meio ao endurecimento do bloqueio dos EUA

Mexico and Uruguay Deliver Humanitarian Aid to Cuba

**Summary:** Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to visit China on May 19–20, 2026, for official talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. The visit marks the 25th anniversary of the Treaty of Good-Neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation.

**Key points:**
- President Vladimir Putin stated that bilateral trade between Russia and China has long exceeded $200 billion.
- The leaders plan to sign a joint statement and various intergovernmental agreements during the visit.
- The visit includes the opening ceremony of the 2026–2027 Years of Education between Russia and China.
- President Vladimir Putin emphasized that the strategic partnership between the two nations plays a stabilizing role on the global stage.

**Why it matters:** The visit underscores the deepening strategic and economic alignment between Russia and China, focusing on long-term cooperation and the promotion of a multipolar world order.

news.mail.ru - Россия и КНР не дружат против кого - либо , заявил Путин

ria.ru - Отношения России и Китая достигли беспрецедентного уровня , заявил Путин

ria.ru - Товарооборот России и Китая давно превысил $200 миллионов , отметил Путин

ria.ru - Путин отметил роль связки России и Китая на мировой арене

ria.ru - Путин назвал особым характер отношений Россия и Китая

iz.ru - Визит Путина в Китай : президент РФ указал на продолжение роста товарооборота с КНР

iz.ru - Визит Путина в Китай : президент указал на беспрецедентный уровень отношений с КНР

Russian President Vladimir Putin to Visit China for Strategic Talks

**Summary:** Protests have broken out across Kenya as citizens express widespread discontent over the significant increase in fuel prices. The demonstrations reflect growing public frustration with the rising cost of living in the country.

**Key points:**
- The unrest is occurring on a nationwide scale throughout Kenya.
- The primary driver of the public demonstrations is the surge in fuel costs.

**Why it matters:** The protests highlight the economic strain on Kenyan citizens and the potential for civil unrest resulting from inflationary pressures on essential goods.

france24.com - Nationwide protests erupt in Kenya over soaring fuel prices

google.com - Eye on Africa - Nationwide protests erupt in Kenya over soaring fuel prices

Nationwide Protests Erupt in Kenya Over Rising Fuel Prices

**Summary:** Police in San Diego, California, have neutralized a threat following a shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego on May 18, 2026. Authorities confirmed that the scene is contained, though the investigation into the incident remains active.

**Key points:**
- San Diego Police Department reported that multiple people were shot during the incident.
- The shooting occurred at the Islamic Center of San Diego, which includes a mosque and a school.
- Imam Taha Hassane confirmed that children, staff, and teachers were safely evacuated from the facility.
- A reunification center for those affected was established at 4125 Hathaway Street.
- Mayor Todd Gloria confirmed the occurrence of the shooting at the center.

**Why it matters:** The attack on a religious institution raises significant concerns regarding public safety and the targeting of faith-based communities.

globalnews.ca - San Diego mosque shooting, an ‘active’ situation, local police say

theage.com.au - Active shooter declared at San Diego mosque

sudouest.fr - San Diego : la police indique avoir « neutralisé » une « menace » après l’intrusion d’un tireur dans une mosquée

Active Shooter Incident at Islamic Center of San Diego

**Summary:** On May 18, 2026, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva hosted an official reception at the Gulustan Palace in Baku for heads of state and delegations attending the 13th World Urban Forum (WUF13).

**Key points:**
- The event was held in honor of international leaders and representatives participating in the 13th session of the World Urban Forum.
- The forum serves as a global platform for discussing urban development, sustainability, and infrastructure challenges.
- The reception took place at the historic Gulustan Palace in the capital city of Baku.

**Why it matters:** The reception highlights Azerbaijan's role as a host for major international diplomatic and urban development dialogues, emphasizing the country's efforts to position Baku as a global hub for policy and innovation.

day.az - От имени Президента Ильхама Алиева и Первой леди Мехрибан Алиевой дан официальный прием в честь глав государств и делегаций, принимающих участие в WUF13

Trend.az - President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva host official reception in honor of heads of state and delegations participating in WUF13 (PHOTO)

President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva Host Official Reception for WUF13 Delegates

**Summary:** President Donald Trump announced the cancellation of a scheduled military strike against Iran, citing requests from the leaders of Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates to allow for ongoing diplomatic negotiations.

**Key points:**
- President Donald Trump stated that the strike was postponed to facilitate serious negotiations aimed at preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
- The request to hold off on the attack came from Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and United Arab Emirates President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
- The U.S. military has been instructed to remain prepared for a large-scale assault if an acceptable agreement is not reached.
- The U.S. and Iran remain in a military and economic stalemate, particularly regarding control of the Strait of Hormuz.

**Why it matters:** The decision marks a significant, albeit temporary, de-escalation in the ongoing military conflict between the United States and Iran, highlighting the influence of regional powers in the negotiation process.

cnbc.com - Trump says he's postponing 'scheduled attack of Iran tomorrow' at Middle East leaders' request

reforma.com - Ordena Trump frenar ataque a Irn para alcanzar acuerdo

latercera.com - Trump afirma que pospone el “ataque programado contra Irán para mañana” a petición de los líderes de Medio Oriente

Trump Postpones Planned Military Strike on Iran Following Requests from Middle East Leaders