Health news US to screen for Ebola at airports as ECDC deploys experts to region The latest development has raised questions about the Trump administration's decision to cut USAID and withdraw from the WHO. 19/05/2026
USA Three people killed as two teenagers open fire at a San Diego mosque Police say the two suspects had exhibited behaviour indicating a “generalised hate rhetoric” towards Muslims. The attack is one of the most major to target the Californian city’s large Muslim community. 19/05/2026
Japan Japan arrests Americans over stunt at baby monkey Punch's zoo The baby monkey became an internet star this year after the zoo posted photos of Punch clutching an IKEA plush orangutan for comfort after being rejected by his mother. 18/05/2026
Taiwan Taiwan defends US arms purchases that Trump called 'bargaining chip' Trump’s calling of arms sales to Taiwan a “bargaining chip” has raised concerns on the self-governing island of a potential change in US foreign policy towards the territory after the US president’s latest visit to China. 18/05/2026
Iran Iran has responded to latest US peace proposal, Tehran official says On Sunday, Iran's Fars news agency said Washington had presented a five-point list, which included a demand for Iran to keep only one nuclear site in operation and transfer its stockpile of highly enriched uranium to the US. 18/05/2026
Moments ‘Playcations’ emerge as the 'defining' summer travel trend in the US Short-haul playcations are shaping US summer travel, as adults flock to unexpected destinations built around active hobbies and hands-on experiences. 17/05/2026
Markets Stock trades reveal Trump made massive gains on Big Tech bets A newly released ethics filing has revealed that US President Donald Trump made over 3,600 stock trades during the first quarter of 2026 with a value of between $220 million (€188mn) and $750 million (€641mn). 15/05/2026
Cuba US seeks to indict Cuba's ex-president Raúl Castro, media report US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has renewed an offer of €85 million in aid on the condition that the assistance be distributed by the Catholic Church, bypassing the government. 15/05/2026
USA Israel and Lebanon meet for third round of direct talks in Washington Israel and Lebanon will meet for a second day in Washington to continue its third round of direct talks, as fighting between Israel and Hezbollah continues. 15/05/2026
China Trump and Xi wrap up summit claiming progress in stabilising ties The two leaders met on Friday at final talks of the superpower summit, which the US president said "settled a lot of different problems". Xi described Trump's visit as a "milestone visit". 15/05/2026
Economy US 30-year bond yield tops 5% for the first time since 2007 The US Treasury sold 30-year bonds at a yield above 5% for the first time since 2007 on Wednesday, highlighting mounting investor unease just as the Senate confirmed Kevin Warsh as the next chair of the Federal Reserve. 14/05/2026
Business World markets rise on Trump-Xi summit hopes Trump and Xi met at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, where both sides agreed the Strait of Hormuz must remain open, a key demand as the Iran war drags into its third month. 14/05/2026
Travel News US waives $15,000 visa bond fees for some World Cup fans The Trump administration is suspending controversial visa bond payments of up to $15,000 (€12,800) for some World Cup supporters travelling to the US after concerns the rules could damage attendance at the 2026 tournament. 14/05/2026
Cuba Rubio says Cuba's leaders must go as US dangles €85 million in aid Cuba lost the source for around half its fuel needs when US forces snatched Venezuela’s president in a stunning January raid, with his successor complying with US pressure not to aid the island. 14/05/2026
China China's progress compatible with making America great again, says Xi The two leaders attended a banquet following a behind closed doors meeting in which they discussed trade, the Iran war and Taiwan. 14/05/2026
China Trump arrives in Beijing for high-stakes summit with Xi This week's trip, the first since Trump visited Beijing in 2017, will involve highly anticipated talks with Xi on Thursday and Friday. 13/05/2026
Europe Today Watch: Inside the Trump-Xi visit that could leave Europe in the cold For the first time since 2017, Donald Trump visits China. Meeting Xi Jinping to discuss Iran, nuclear weapons, trade, and AI, the US President arrives with a weakened hand. What could this mean for Europe? 13/05/2026
USA US war in Iran has cost $29 billion so far, Pentagon says Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth came under intense questioning by Democratic and Republican lawmakers over the cost of war, Trump's end game and diminishing weapons stockpiles. 13/05/2026
Economy Iran war pushes US inflation to 3.8% as petrol prices surge US consumer prices rose 3.8% in April as the Iran war drove petrol costs up 28% in a year, with real wages falling for the first time in three years, according to government data. 12/05/2026
12 minutes with Partnership with EU ‘just getting started' - Canadian minister Canada’s foreign affairs minister points to the rise of middle powers in global diplomacy and says Ottawa's growing ties with the EU are “not just a policy response” to Donald Trump's tariff hammer. 12/05/2026