EU Midday News Bulletin: May 5th, 2026
Catch up with the most important stories from around Europe and beyond this May 5th, 2026. Latest news on World, Business, Entertainment, Politics, Culture, Travel....
Orthodox Jews Celebrate Lag BaOmer Holiday in Jerusalem
Crowds gathered around bonfires in Jerusalem to celebrate the Orthodox Jewish holiday of Lag BaOmer....
Sweden forms new spy agency targeting overseas threats
Sweden's government said it would form a new spy agency called the Sweden's foreign intelligence service (UND) to target overseas threats, part of a wider reset prompted by Russia's war in Ukraine....
Italy’s PM Meloni Visits Baku to Reinforce Energy Links
Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni visited Azerbaijan's capital, Baku, to strengthen energy ties between Europe and Asia. She said Italy would serve as the 'privileged gateway' to the European market....
Iran Threatens European Military Bases Amid Hormuz Escalation
Iran has threatened that European military bases could become legitimate targets amid escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. The country has also warned US Navy ships and oil tankers not to cross....
Russian air attacks kill five at Ukraine’s Naftogaz gas facilities
Russian air attacks on Ukraine's Naftogaz gas facilities have killed three workers and two emergency service rescuers. The incident occurred in a previously undisclosed location, according to reports....
Coal mine explosion in Sutatausa, Colombia kills at least nine miners
Deutsche Welle reports that a blast at a coal mine north of Bogotá left at least nine workers dead in the town of Sutatausa. The incident prompted rescue operations and a national response from Colombian authorities. No ...
Explosion at fireworks factory in China kills at least 26
An explosion at a fireworks plant in a central Chinese province has killed at least 26 people and injured 61, prompting the halting of all firework manufacturing near the site. The blast occurred on Monday afternoon....
US dominates AI research but China uses technology more effectively
The US still dominates AI research and investment, but China is using the technology more effectively, with significant implications for the future of artificial intelligence....
Malawi's fuel shortage worsens, prompting sale of gold reserves to buy diesel
Deutsche Welle describes a deepening fuel crisis in Malawi, with the government forced to liquidate gold reserves to purchase fuel. The shortage impacts transport and the wider economy, and officials warn of severe reper...
Alan Jones Claims Police Impropriety in Sex Abuse Investigation
Broadcaster Alan Jones' lawyers claim that police should reveal which officers accessed or downloaded material from his phone. Jones has been accused of engaging in inappropriate behavior....
Mauritania's plan to phase out private schools sparks debate over discrimination and quality
Al Jazeera says Mauritanian officials propose eliminating private schools to tackle systemic discrimination, while the private sector warns the move could lower education standards. The article highlights divergent opini...
Jefferson Lewis Excused from Appearing in Court Over Murder Allegation
Jefferson Lewis, accused of murdering five-year-old Kumanjayi Little Baby, has been excused from appearing in court. The case is ongoing....
Hantavirus Outbreak on Cruise Ship Off Cabo Verde
A hantavirus outbreak has been reported on a cruise ship off the coast of Cabo Verde. The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified seven cases, including two confirmed infections, with three deaths among those link...
Celebrities Walk Met Gala Red Carpet
Stars including Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, and Serena Williams attended the 2026 Met Gala in New York, showcasing elaborate outfits under this year’s 'Fashion is Art' dress code....
Iran Warns US Amid Escalation in Strait of Hormuz
The Iranian parliament speaker has warned the US that they have not even begun to face consequences for their actions, amid an escalation in tensions over the strait of Hormuz. Reuters reports that Iran's new equation fo...
Traffic Lights to Be Installed on Historic Argyll Bridge
Plans to install traffic lights on Clachan Bridge in Scotland's Argyll coast have been approved, despite concerns that it will ruin the tourist attraction and endanger pedestrians....
Explosion at Fireworks Plant in China Kills at Least 26
An explosion occurred at a fireworks plant in central China, resulting in the deaths of at least 26 people. Authorities have launched search and rescue operations....
Mourners Lay Flowers and Candles for Victims of Car Rampage in Leipzig
People have gathered in Leipzig to pay their respects to the victims of a car rampage that killed two people and injured several others....
US President Trump Calls on South Korea to Join Mission in Strait of Hormuz
US President Donald Trump has called on South Korea to join a naval mission in the Strait of Hormuz following an explosion and fire on a South Korean cargo ship. Seoul has rejected this proposal....