May 18, 2025
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US
18.05.2025
Sunday
98 days ago
Two unrelated tragedies dominated news coverage. An explosion at a Palm Springs fertility clinic initially described as terrorism was later attributed to Guy Edward Bartkus, an "anti-natalist" who opposed people being born "without their consent." FBI investigation revealed Bartkus likely died in his own attack.

Concurrently, a Mexican Navy training ship crashed into the Brooklyn Bridge, killing two sailors and injuring 19 others. Reports indicated the vessel lost power before impact.

Pope Leo XIV celebrated his inaugural mass, calling for unity, with Vice President Vance in attendance. Conflicting reports emerged about their interaction, some suggesting a snub.

By evening, focus dramatically shifted when former President Biden was diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer that has metastasized to his bones, generating bipartisan expressions of support. This news came amid ongoing Trump administration efforts to revitalize their "big, beautiful bill" containing $900B in spending cuts.
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Israel
18.05.2025
Sunday
98 days ago
Yuval Raphael secured second place at Eurovision, winning the popular vote while facing protest attempts. During her celebration, air raid sirens sounded as a Houthi missile was intercepted over central Israel.

Major developments followed with Saudi reports claiming Mohammed Sinwar's body was found in a Khan Younis tunnel alongside Hamas commanders, though IDF did not officially confirm.

By midday, Netanyahu's office made a significant announcement: Israel is considering deals that could end the war entirely. Simultaneously, the IDF launched "Operation Gideon's Chariots" with ground forces moving into multiple Gaza areas.

Under American pressure, Netanyahu approved resuming humanitarian aid to Gaza without allowing cabinet vote, angering right-wing ministers.

In separate developments, Israel announced recovering spy Eli Cohen's personal archives from Syria in a covert operation, and security services arrested an 18-year-old Israeli recruited by Iran to spy on former PM Bennett.
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Germany
18.05.2025
Sunday
98 days ago
Austria's JJ won Eurovision with "Wasted Love," while Israel secured second place despite protests and attempted stage disruptions. Germany finished 15th.

Pope Leo XIV was inaugurated before 250,000 people in Rome, with emotional moments when he shed tears during the ritual. Reports suggested he delivered subtle criticism of Trump.

Russia conducted its largest drone attack on Ukraine since the war began, while Putin made new statements about ending the conflict that analysts viewed skeptically.

Two violent incidents dominated domestic news: in Bielefeld, police classified an attack injuring five as terrorism and launched a manhunt for suspect Mahmoud Mhemed (35). Later, a man stabbed a 12-year-old girl and injured two others in Halle.

Former US President Biden announced his prostate cancer diagnosis, while Poland's presidential election will go to a runoff after liberal candidate Trzaskowski secured a narrow lead.
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France
18.05.2025
Sunday
98 days ago
Pope Leo XIV celebrated his inaugural mass with international leaders including JD Vance and Zelensky, calling for peace in "martyred Ukraine." Meanwhile, France's parliament approved a key article establishing a right to assisted dying, continuing the legislative process that began last week.

Israel launched a major ground operation in Gaza called "Chariots of Gideon" despite Netanyahu expressing openness to a ceasefire agreement, raising concerns from hostage families. At least 100 people were killed in overnight bombardments.

Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau was elected president of Les Républicains with a decisive 74.3% victory over Laurent Wauquiez, positioning him as a potential 2027 presidential candidate. The election concludes three months of campaigning and strengthens his position within the party.

Technical issues at Orly Airport caused 130 flight cancellations, while pro-European candidate Nicusor Dan won Romania's presidential election against nationalist George Simion.
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Lebanon
18.05.2025
Sunday
98 days ago
The third phase of Lebanese municipal elections took place across Beirut, Bekaa, and Baalbek-Hermel provinces. Early morning reports showed weak turnout, especially in Beirut, while Zahle and Baalbek consistently led in participation throughout the day. LADE monitoring organization documented security issues, pressure on voters, and violations of electoral silence.

Former President Aoun attended Pope Leon XIV's installation ceremony in Rome, where the Pope pledged to work for peace in Lebanon. The Lebanese presidency denied knowledge of Sheikh Mowafak Tarif after Israeli media circulated a controversial photo.

By midday, Interior Minister Hajjar declared the elections were proceeding smoothly, reaffirming the state's commitment to constitutional processes. Prime Minister Salam urged Beirut residents to participate amid persistently low turnout.

As polls closed, preliminary results showed the Lebanese Forces-backed "Heart of Zahle" list leading in Zahle, while "Beirut Unites Us" list gained ground in the capital.
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Ukraine
18.05.2025
Sunday
98 days ago
Russia launched a record 273 drones against Kyiv overnight, killing one woman and injuring three, including a child. Defense forces intercepted 88 drones while 128 were lost to tracking.

Pope Leo XIV was officially enthroned at the Vatican, with Zelensky attending alongside US officials. The Ukrainian president later held meetings with Vice President Vance and Senator Rubio, describing the conversations as "good" while discussing Russia's "unrealistic conditions" at the Istanbul talks. Zelensky also sent Trump a letter with new cooperation proposals ahead of Monday's scheduled call.

Ukraine's intelligence warned of Russia planning an "instructional-combat" launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile overnight. Military reports indicated 130-167 combat clashes along the frontline.

International politics showed pro-EU candidates leading in both Romanian and Polish elections, despite pro-Russian claims to the contrary in Romania.
Flag of palestine
Palestine
18.05.2025
Sunday
98 days ago
Israeli forces launched operation "Gideon's Chariots" across Gaza with five military divisions, targeting displaced people's tents in Khan Younis, reportedly killing 59 Palestinians overnight and 97 by morning. Reports described people "burned in their tents."

The Indonesian Hospital and all northern Gaza hospitals were taken out of service as Israeli forces besieged medical facilities. The death toll since October 2023 reached 53,339 with over 121,034 injured.

In Doha, negotiations continued with Netanyahu's office stating they were "exhausting all possibilities" to reach an agreement, discussing both Wennesland's proposal and a comprehensive war-ending plan.

By evening, Netanyahu approved immediate humanitarian aid to Gaza after 78 days of restrictions, responding to American pressure. Gaza's private sector announced its refusal to work with the American company designated to distribute aid.
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UK
18.05.2025
Sunday
98 days ago
A Mexican Navy training vessel crashed into Brooklyn Bridge early morning, killing two and injuring at least 17 people. As the day progressed, news outlets provided updates on casualties and damage.

The IVF clinic bombing from yesterday revealed to be perpetrated by a 25-year-old "pro-mortalist" who was the only fatality in the incident, with the FBI identifying his nihilistic motivation.

Israel's military operation in Gaza intensified, with Palestinian health officials reporting over 100 deaths from airstrikes. By evening, Israel announced it would allow "basic food" into Gaza after a 10-week blockade, while Hamas offered truce terms.

Anti-tourism protests disrupted holidays in Spain, with protesters storming beaches and tourists reportedly hiding in hotels.

The day concluded with news that former US President Biden has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer that has metastasized to his bones, prompting a statement from Trump.
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Iran
18.05.2025
Sunday
98 days ago
The Tehran Dialogue Forum opened with President Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Araghchi doubling down on Iran's nuclear position, firmly rejecting US envoy Witkaf's demand for zero enrichment. "Enrichment will continue whether an agreement is reached or not," Araghchi declared, calling American expectations "unrealistic." This direct confrontation follows days of contradictory claims about nuclear talks.

Yemen's reported missile strikes on Israel's Ben Gurion Airport received substantial coverage, presented as part of the "resistance axis" against Israel's Gaza operations. Media highlighted this as occurring shortly after Supreme Leader Khamenei's speech from the previous day.

Reports initially claimed Hamas leader Sinwar's brothers were killed in Israeli operations, but later indicated some survived.

By afternoon, economic news emerged with the coin price retreating to 70 million tomans, while officials announced that bread pricing authority would be transferred to provincial governors.
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Russia
18.05.2025
Sunday
98 days ago
Following the Istanbul negotiations, Putin defined Russia's desired outcome for the "special operation" as creating conditions for "long-term peace," with multiple state media outlets amplifying this message throughout the day. Russian forces claimed control of Bogatyr village in Donetsk, described as dealing a "serious blow" to Ukrainian defenses.

Russia appears to be preparing formal ceasefire demands, with Rubio noting "positive moments" in Istanbul talks while warning about potential sanctions if negotiations stall. Reports indicated Trump and Putin will speak by phone on May 19, with Whitcoff suggesting this could "clear the logjam" on Ukraine.

In parallel news, Telegram founder Durov claimed a Western European country requested censorship of Romanian conservatives during their presidential elections, which Russian Foreign Ministry portrayed as absurd interference allegations. By evening, Russian media reported Biden's cancer diagnosis while Romania's pro-EU Bucharest mayor led in presidential voting.
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Italy
18.05.2025
Sunday
98 days ago
Pope Leone XIV's installation Mass dominated morning headlines, with over 150,000 faithful gathering in St. Peter's Square. The pontiff received the Fisherman's Ring, appearing visibly moved while expressing humility as someone "chosen without merit." His calls for a "united Church" working toward "a reconciled world" were followed by appeals regarding Gaza children "reduced to hunger."

The Vatican's diplomatic maneuvers drew attention when Pope Leone prioritized meeting Ukrainian President Zelensky over US Vice President Vance, while Prime Minister Meloni held a trilateral meeting with Vance and von der Leyen, expressing hope for "a new beginning" in US-EU relations.

In sports, Jasmine Paolini completed a remarkable weekend by adding the doubles title with Sara Errani after yesterday's singles triumph. However, Jannik Sinner's bid for the men's title ended with Carlos Alcaraz winning in straight sets 7-6, 6-1.
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Japan
18.05.2025
Sunday
98 days ago
Morning reports revealed that 81% of Japanese feel "uneasy" about Trump's second presidency as he declared intentions to speak with Putin about ending the Ukraine conflict. Nissan's restructuring plans expanded beyond the previous day's considerations, now explicitly soliciting early retirements while eyeing plant closures in Japan, continuing the automotive industry's struggle amid economic headwinds.

Tokyo's office vacancy crisis intensified, with empty buildings increasing twelvefold over three years, particularly in waterfront areas, despite some post-COVID return to offices. By midday, the political situation deteriorated as Prime Minister Ishiba's approval rating hit a record low of 27.4%, reflecting growing domestic discontent.

International tensions escalated when China imposed anti-dumping tariffs against Japan, US, Taiwan and Europe, potentially part of a strategic "protracted war" using rare earth materials. Late afternoon reports indicated Israel launched a large-scale ground invasion of Gaza despite earlier news of resumed Hamas negotiations.
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Netherlands
18.05.2025
Sunday
98 days ago
Pope Leo XIV's inauguration dominated morning coverage, with Queen Máxima among hundreds of thousands attending as the pontiff declared he "doesn't want to be an autocrat." Simultaneously, tens of thousands formed a "red line" protest at the Malieveld in The Hague, described as the largest demonstration in twenty years with over 100,000 participants protesting the government's Israel policy.

In sports, the Eredivisie championship unfolded dramatically. PSV Eindhoven secured their 26th title after defeating Sparta Rotterdam, despite Ajax's parallel victory against FC Twente. Celebrations turned violent at the Philips Stadium with police being pelted and photographers beaten.

An Amber Alert was issued for two missing children, with police later releasing the father's name and photo. Meanwhile, Israel's new Gaza offensive continued with reports of a "comprehensive invasion" while maintaining food and medicine blockades, though later announcing limited humanitarian aid access.
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India
18.05.2025
Sunday
98 days ago
ISRO's 101st satellite mission failed when the PSLV-C61 rocket lost the EOS-09 Earth observation satellite during its third stage. Initially reported as a successful launch, subsequent headlines revealed the technical malfunction.

A devastating fire near Hyderabad's Charminar killed 17 people including 8 children, with details emerging throughout the day about the victims belonging to a single family.

Pakistan-related stories dominated coverage, with reports of Lashkar-e-Taiba commander Saifullah Khalid being killed by unknown assailants in Pakistan's Sindh province. He was implicated in several attacks in India.

The IMF imposed 11 new conditions on Pakistan's bailout package after India raised concerns about terrorism financing.

In political developments, BSP leader Mayawati reinstated her nephew Akash Anand as National Coordinator, while controversy continued over the diplomatic delegations being sent abroad to brief countries about Pakistan's terrorism connections.
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Poland
18.05.2025
Sunday
98 days ago
Presidential voting proceeded smoothly with 50.69% turnout by 17:00, exceeding 2020 rates despite two tragic deaths in polling stations. The National Electoral Commission reported over 200 electoral silence violations.

Simultaneously, Pope Leon XIV's inauguration ceremony at St. Peter's Square attracted global leaders including President Duda and JD Vance.

Evening exit polls revealed Trzaskowski narrowly leading (30.8%) over Nawrocki (29.1%), both advancing to a runoff. The result showcased unexpected strength from far-right candidates, with Mentzen reaching 15% and Braun performing strongly. This prompted analyst warnings about rising extremism.

Immediate political maneuvering followed, with Nawrocki announcing a "march for Poland" on May 25, reaching out to Mentzen supporters with claims of "saving Poland," while Kaczyński described the results as "better than planned." Hołownia endorsed Trzaskowski after his disappointing performance below Zandberg.
Flag of spain
Spain
18.05.2025
Sunday
98 days ago
Pope Leon XIV's inaugural Mass dominated morning coverage, with world leaders including Zelensky, Vance, and Spanish royalty in attendance. The pontiff called for Church unity against prejudice and "fear of the different" before 200,000 faithful, later meeting separately with Zelensky in what media framed as an impromptu Ukraine summit.

Eurovision controversy escalated as RTVE requested an audit of Spanish televoting after Israel received overwhelming support, questioning whether conflicts influence voting patterns. This follows Spain's defiant pro-Palestine broadcast message the previous night.

Evening coverage shifted to European elections. In Portugal, Montenegro's conservatives won without majority while far-right Chega made significant gains, potentially becoming the second-largest party. In Romania, pro-European Dan defeated nationalist Simion despite the latter's premature victory claims and fraud allegations.
Flag of turkey
Turkey
18.05.2025
Sunday
98 days ago
The DEM Party delegation's visit to İmralı prison dominated news, delivering PKK leader Öcalan's message calling for "a new contract within brotherhood law." MHP leader Bahçeli responded by characterizing the PKK's dissolution announcement as entering "a sensitive, fragile phase requiring patience" and called for establishing a parliamentary commission to oversee the process.

The political response to PKK's dissolution declaration continued to unfold with İmamoğlu stating "peace should flourish under parliament's roof." Minister of Education Tekin and other officials made "Terror-free Turkey" statements, continuing the narrative from previous days.

A NATO military exercise near Turkey's border raised concerns, with 12,000 troops reportedly participating. Newspapers noted the Youth Union of Turkey (TGB) organized protests against it.

In sports news, Galatasaray secured its 25th Super League championship, with President Erdoğan offering congratulations in the evening.
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China
18.05.2025
Sunday
98 days ago
State media orchestrated comprehensive coverage of International Museum Day, with synchronized reporting across outlets describing museums as "big schools" and repositories of "yesterday, today and tomorrow." This narrative continued Xi's recent cultural preservation messaging, highlighted by the announcement that ancient silk texts would return from the US for Beijing display in July.

Military developments emerged with SCMP revealing China's dual approach of incentives and penalties to boost recruitment amid demographic challenges. Hong Kong media detailed six new offenses and "prohibited places" under Article 23 security law implementation, continuing the security tightening trend from previous days.

Economic reporting showed China pivoting to Public-Private Partnerships for African infrastructure funding. DW Chinese noted cautious optimism among Chinese exporters during the 90-day US tariff truce, while SCMP reported Chinese e-commerce companies intensifying European market efforts - both direct responses to the recent US-China trade adjustments.
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