Turkey surpasses 5 million cases of COVID-19, becoming the fifth country to do so after the United States, India, Brazil, and France. (Bianet)
Colonial Pipeline cyberattack Some gas stations in the U.S. states of Alabama, Florida, and North Carolina begin to run out of fuel as the Colonial Pipeline shutdown enters its fourth day after a cyberattack on May 7. (Bloomberg)
Some gas stations in the U.S. states of Alabama, Florida, and North Carolina begin to run out of fuel as the Colonial Pipeline shutdown enters its fourth day after a cyberattack on May 7. (Bloomberg)
2020–21 Primeira Liga Sporting CP win the Primeira Liga, the top tier of the Portuguese football league system, for the first time since the 2001–02 season. They become the first team other than Porto or Benfica to win the title in 19 years. (The Washington Post)
Palestinian actress Maisa Abd Elhadi is injured after being shot by Israel Police in Haifa. (The Independent)
Pope Francis formally institutes the office of catechist as a ministry within the Church. With an apostolic letter entitled Antiquum Ministerium, released on May 11, the Pope establishes the lay ministry, and announces that the Vatican would soon publish a ritual for the commissioning of catechists. (Catholic World News) (Holy See Press Office)
Protests break out in London, New York City, and other cities across the world expressing solidarity with Palestine. In Manhattan, pro-Palestinian protesters gather at the Israeli consulate on East 42nd Street. Additionally, U.S. Reps Rashida Tlaib and André Carson participate in a protest at the State Department in Washington, D.C. (Arab News) (Gothamist) (Newsweek)
Sporting CP win the Primeira Liga, the top tier of the Portuguese football league system, for the first time since the 2001–02 season. They become the first team other than Porto or Benfica to win the title in 19 years. (The Washington Post)
Afghan officials confirm that Nirkh District, in Maidan Wardak Province, was captured by the Taliban yesterday as the group seized the district building and set it on fire after days of intense siege. Attacks by the group have significantly increased as United States troops have started to withdraw from the country before the final deadline of September 11. (DW)
Protesters gather in Paris, France, in support of Palestine following attacks on the Al-Aqsa Mosque and Gaza Strip. During the protest, police dispersed crowds. (Anadolu Agency)
Protests against the 2021 Israel–Palestine crisis Protesters gather in Paris, France, in support of Palestine following attacks on the Al-Aqsa Mosque and Gaza Strip. During the protest, police dispersed crowds. (Anadolu Agency) Protests break out in Chicago, Illinois, at the Chicago Loop in opposition to Israel's occupation. (Voice of America) In Milwaukee, protesters gather near The Calling sculpture in opposition to Israel's occupation. (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
United States House Republicans vote to remove Wyoming representative Liz Cheney as Chair of the House of Representatives Republican Conference, following her critical statements about former President Donald Trump. (BBC News)
Amazon wins a legal dispute against a European Union order to pay back taxes of €250 million ($303 million). The setback renewed calls from EU lawmakers for a global corporate tax deal and for several to voice their support for the Biden administration's proposed 21% minimum tax rate on multinationals. (Reuters)
COVID-19 pandemic in Cuba, Deployment of COVID-19 vaccines Cuba initiates its mass vaccination campaign for around 1.7 million people, using its locally-developed SOBERANA 02 and ABDALA vaccines, both of which have yet to complete its Phase III clinical trials. (The New York Times)
COVID-19 pandemic in North America COVID-19 pandemic in Cuba, Deployment of COVID-19 vaccines Cuba initiates its mass vaccination campaign for around 1.7 million people, using its locally-developed SOBERANA 02 and ABDALA vaccines, both of which have yet to complete its Phase III clinical trials. (The New York Times) COVID-19 pandemic in the United States, COVID-19 vaccination in the United States The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention advisory panel votes to recommend the use of Pfizer–BioNTech vaccine for children aged 12 to 15 years. (The New York Times)
COVID-19 pandemic in the United States, COVID-19 vaccination in the United States The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention advisory panel votes to recommend the use of Pfizer–BioNTech vaccine for children aged 12 to 15 years. (The New York Times)
Cuba initiates its mass vaccination campaign for around 1.7 million people, using its locally-developed SOBERANA 02 and ABDALA vaccines, both of which have yet to complete its Phase III clinical trials. (The New York Times)
Protests break out in Chicago, Illinois, at the Chicago Loop in opposition to Israel's occupation. (Voice of America)
The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention advisory panel votes to recommend the use of Pfizer–BioNTech vaccine for children aged 12 to 15 years. (The New York Times)
The Israel Defense Forces says that it has deployed two infantry units and an armoured unit to the border on the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip, and that a ground operation inside Gaza will be submitted to military chiefs later today, ahead of a potential approval by the Israeli government. (The Daily Telegraph)
2021 Armenia–Azerbaijan border crisis Acting Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan accuses Azerbaijan of moving its army more than 3 kilometres (1.9 mi) across Armenia's southern border to try to capture Lake Sev, and convenes an emergency meeting with his security council. (Al Jazeera)
Acting Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan accuses Azerbaijan of moving its army more than 3 kilometres (1.9 mi) across Armenia's southern border to try to capture Lake Sev, and convenes an emergency meeting with his security council. (Al Jazeera)
After compromising the Washington, D.C., police department's computers in April, the Babuk group releases thousands of the department's sensitive documents on the dark web. Hundreds of police officer disciplinary files dating back to 2004 are found, as well as intelligence reports that include feeds from other agencies, including the FBI and the Secret Service. The group reportedly asked for $4 million in ransom and were offered $100,000 at which point negotiations stopped. (WMC-TV) (Al Jazeera)
Aftermath of the 2021 storming of the United States Capitol An active-duty major with the U.S. Marine Corps is arrested and charged for assault and obstruction in relation to the storming of the United States Capitol, thereby making him the first known active-duty service member to be charged in relation to the events of January 6. (USA Today)
An active-duty major with the U.S. Marine Corps is arrested and charged for assault and obstruction in relation to the storming of the United States Capitol, thereby making him the first known active-duty service member to be charged in relation to the events of January 6. (USA Today)
COVID-19 pandemic in Hawaii Hawaiian Governor David Ige says that the state will keep its mask mandate despite the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention saying that fully vaccinated Americans can go to places without wearing a mask. (Hawaii Tribune-Herald)
COVID-19 pandemic in the United States COVID-19 pandemic in Hawaii Hawaiian Governor David Ige says that the state will keep its mask mandate despite the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention saying that fully vaccinated Americans can go to places without wearing a mask. (Hawaii Tribune-Herald) The CDC announces that all fully vaccinated individuals are no longer required to wear masks or practice social distancing, unless the person is immunodeficient or still displaying symptoms of the virus. (CNN)
Gun violence in the United States Nine people are wounded, three of them critically, in a shootout between groups at a residence in Providence, Rhode Island. It is believed to be the largest shooting in Providence's memory. (AP)
Hawaiian Governor David Ige says that the state will keep its mask mandate despite the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention saying that fully vaccinated Americans can go to places without wearing a mask. (Hawaii Tribune-Herald)
Kenya Police fire tear gas at a group of crowds protesting the Israeli bombing of the Gaza Strip in Nairobi. (Reuters)
Protests against the 2021 Israel–Palestine crisis Kenya Police fire tear gas at a group of crowds protesting the Israeli bombing of the Gaza Strip in Nairobi. (Reuters)
The CDC announces that all fully vaccinated individuals are no longer required to wear masks or practice social distancing, unless the person is immunodeficient or still displaying symptoms of the virus. (CNN)
Health Service Executive cyberattack The Irish Health Service Executive shuts down its IT systems nationwide after a cyberattack involving ransomware. (RTÉ)
The Irish Health Service Executive shuts down its IT systems nationwide after a cyberattack involving ransomware. (RTÉ)
Two men are arrested and charged with the theft of U.S. government property after allegedly obtaining and selling 1,875 stolen technical orders, including documents detailing the operations, maintenance, and schematics of equipment, from the United States Air Force between 2015 and 2020 in exchange for at least $132,280. The seller worked for Summit Aerospace, while the buyer operated a private company, LTC Products, listed only for aircraft rental services, and they were discovered because of sales to a third company, Newport Aeronautical Sales. (Military.com)
COVID-19 pandemic in Greece, impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on tourism Greece officially reopens its borders to all visitors who present a proof of vaccination, a negative PCR test result, or a document certifying a recent recovery from the COVID-19 as tourism season begins, hoping to revive the sector badly affected by the pandemic. (Balkan Insight)
Greece officially reopens its borders to all visitors who present a proof of vaccination, a negative PCR test result, or a document certifying a recent recovery from the COVID-19 as tourism season begins, hoping to revive the sector badly affected by the pandemic. (Balkan Insight)
Jordan police disperse protesters who are trying to reach the Allenby Bridge near the border with Israel. Additionally, protesters from Lebanon also reach the Israeli border. (Al Arabiya) (Times of Israel)
Protests against the 2021 Israel–Palestine crisis Jordan police disperse protesters who are trying to reach the Allenby Bridge near the border with Israel. Additionally, protesters from Lebanon also reach the Israeli border. (Al Arabiya) (Times of Israel) Pro-Palestinian protesters storm the Queensway tunnel in the United Kingdom, disrupting traffic. (Birmingham Mail) A court in France bans pro-Palestinian protests planned in Paris. However, activists say that protests will go as planned. (France 24)
COVID-19 pandemic in Taiwan The Taiwanese government raises the alert level for Taipei and New Taipei City to level 3 for the next two weeks, urging citizens to limit gatherings to five people indoors and 10 people outdoors, avoid non-essential travel, and continue wearing masks outside homes. This comes after a record 180 new COVID-19 cases were reported in the past 24 hours. (The Washington Post)
The Taiwanese government raises the alert level for Taipei and New Taipei City to level 3 for the next two weeks, urging citizens to limit gatherings to five people indoors and 10 people outdoors, avoid non-essential travel, and continue wearing masks outside homes. This comes after a record 180 new COVID-19 cases were reported in the past 24 hours. (The Washington Post)
COVID-19 pandemic in Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Keith Rowley declares a state of emergency in Trinidad and Tobago from midnight and imposes a curfew from 9:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. due to a surging number of COVID-19 cases. (U.S. News and World Report)
In the United States, protests are held in Atlanta, Boston, Louisville, Los Angeles, New York City, Philadelphia, and other cities to demand an end to Israeli airstrikes in the Gaza Strip. (ABC News) (The Courier-Journal)
Police in Paris, France, use tear gas and water cannons against pro-Palestinian protesters. This comes a day after a French court banned protests in support of Palestine. (UrduPoint)
Prime Minister Keith Rowley declares a state of emergency in Trinidad and Tobago from midnight and imposes a curfew from 9:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. due to a surging number of COVID-19 cases. (U.S. News and World Report)
The Jammu and Kashmir Police arrest 21 people in Kashmir, India, for organizing protests in support of Palestine. (ThePrint)
The Israeli Air Force destroys the office and home of Yahya Sinwar, the most senior Hamas official in Gaza. (Al Jazeera)
Algeria announces that it will reopen air and land borders on June 1, but only five flights a day from and to Algerian airports will be allowed as precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19. (Reuters)
COVID-19 pandemic in Algeria, Travel restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic Algeria announces that it will reopen air and land borders on June 1, but only five flights a day from and to Algerian airports will be allowed as precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19. (Reuters)
COVID-19 pandemic in the United States COVID-19 pandemic in Maine, Lineage B.1.617 Maine reports its first case of the Lineage B.1.617 variant that originated in India. (Bangor Daily News)
In Hollywood, Florida, United States, Andrea Meza of Mexico is crowned Miss Universe. (GMA News Online)
Miss Universe 2020 In Hollywood, Florida, United States, Andrea Meza of Mexico is crowned Miss Universe. (GMA News Online)
Montreal Police deploy tear gas to disperse a protest in downtown Montreal, which saw pro-Israeli protesters clash with pro-Palestinian protesters. (CBC)
The Supreme Court of Samoa clears the way for Naomi Mata'afa to form a new government and thereby become the first female Prime Minister of Samoa, ending a political deadlock. This would end a long tenure by current Prime Minister Tuilaepa Aiono Sailele Malielegaoi, who has held power since November 1998. (Reuters)
COVID-19 pandemic in South Africa, COVID-19 vaccination in South Africa South Africa begins the second phase of its vaccination campaign against COVID-19 for people aged 60 or older as the government has set a goal to vaccinate five million people by the end of June. (The New York Times)
European migrant crisis, Morocco–Spain relations More than 5,000 migrants cross the border into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta in an unprecedented influx. The Spanish government in Ceuta says 50 additional Guardia Civil agents and 150 national police officers will be deployed to maintain security in the city. The crossings come amid tensions between Spain and Morocco over Polisario Front leader Brahim Ghali's hospital treatment in Spain for COVID-19. (The Guardian)
International protests over the 2021 Israel–Palestine crisis Protesters gather in Sanaa, Yemen, to protest Israel's attacks on the Gaza Strip. During the protest, demonstrators are seen calling for a boycott of Israeli and American goods, as well as chanting "Death to America" and "Death to Israel". (Al-Ahram)
More than 5,000 migrants cross the border into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta in an unprecedented influx. The Spanish government in Ceuta says 50 additional Guardia Civil agents and 150 national police officers will be deployed to maintain security in the city. The crossings come amid tensions between Spain and Morocco over Polisario Front leader Brahim Ghali's hospital treatment in Spain for COVID-19. (The Guardian)
Protesters gather in Sanaa, Yemen, to protest Israel's attacks on the Gaza Strip. During the protest, demonstrators are seen calling for a boycott of Israeli and American goods, as well as chanting "Death to America" and "Death to Israel". (Al-Ahram)
South Africa begins the second phase of its vaccination campaign against COVID-19 for people aged 60 or older as the government has set a goal to vaccinate five million people by the end of June. (The New York Times)
The Biden administration approves a $735-million weapons sale to Israel. (The Washington Post)
The United States approves the release of Saifullah Paracha, a 73-year-old Pakistani man who is currently the oldest prisoner held in the Guantanamo Bay detention camp. He is expected to be formally released in the next few months. (Dawn)
Arab Americans in Dearborn, Michigan, stage a protest across the city during a visit by U.S. President Joe Biden to the Ford River Rouge Complex over the United States' support of Israel's response to attacks from Gaza. (Detroit Free Press)
International protests over the 2021 Israel–Palestine crisis Arab Americans in Dearborn, Michigan, stage a protest across the city during a visit by U.S. President Joe Biden to the Ford River Rouge Complex over the United States' support of Israel's response to attacks from Gaza. (Detroit Free Press) Indonesians gather at the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta to stand in solidarity with Palestine and demand an end to Israeli airstrikes in Gaza. (AP)
Xenophobia and racism related to the COVID-19 pandemic The U.S. House of Representatives votes 364–62 to pass the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act. The bill, which would expedite anti-Asian hate crime reviews to the U.S. Justice Department, will head to U.S. President Joe Biden for his signature. (ABC News)
2021 Kyrgyzstan–Tajikistan conflict Officials in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan announce that they have agreed to joint security controls following clashes between the two countries at the border. (RFERL)
Five Abu Sayyaf militants are killed during a shootout with police in Beaufort, Sabah, Malaysia. All of those killed are Filipinos. (Al Jazeera)
Indonesians gather at the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta to stand in solidarity with Palestine and demand an end to Israeli airstrikes in Gaza. (AP)
Israeli police fire stun grenades, rubber bullets, and spray skunk water at protesters gathered at the Damascus Gate in Jerusalem's Old City. (Sky News)
Officials in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan announce that they have agreed to joint security controls following clashes between the two countries at the border. (RFERL)
Spain deploys the Army in Ceuta to control the border with Morocco while immigrants continue to arrive in the face of the permissiveness of the Moroccan police. At least one migrant is reported dead while trying to cross the border in Melilla. (El País in English)
Spillover of the Moro conflict Five Abu Sayyaf militants are killed during a shootout with police in Beaufort, Sabah, Malaysia. All of those killed are Filipinos. (Al Jazeera)
The French Rugby Federation allows trans women players to feature in top-level women's rugby union in the country starting next season, overturning World Rugby's advice against this. (CNN)
Transgender people in sports The French Rugby Federation allows trans women players to feature in top-level women's rugby union in the country starting next season, overturning World Rugby's advice against this. (CNN)
2021 Israel–Palestine crisis Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian officials say that fighting between Israel and Palestine will continue while working toward a ceasefire. (Reuters) The United States rejects a United Nations Security Council resolution that calls for a ceasefire in the conflict between Israel and Gaza. (The Washington Post) (Yahoo! News)
