The Peninsula 1m

Brush fire near Los Angeles forces thousands to evacuate

Los Angeles, United States: A brush fire broke out Monday in the suburbs of Los Angeles, spreading rapidly and prompting authorities to issue evacuation orders for thousands of residents. Dubbed the Sandy Fire, the blaze broke out late Monday morning in Simi Valley, a city of around 125,000 residen»»»

thepeninsulaqatar.com
Al Awsat 3m

Argentine Scientists Lay First Traps in Hantavirus Hunt

Scientists attempting to determine whether or not hantavirus is present in Argentina's Ushuaia on Monday laid the very first traps to catch rodents potentially carrying the disease, AFP journalists observed. The MV Hondius cruise ship, where a hantavirus outbreak on board killed three people and tr»»»

english.aawsat.com
Al Awsat 3m

Taiwan ‘Cautiously Optimistic’ about US Arms Sales, Defense Minister Says

Taiwan Defense Minister Wellington Koo on Tuesday said he was "cautiously optimistic" about arms sales from the US, after President Donald Trump said he was still considering whether to go ahead with new sales to the Chinese-claimed island. Trump's meeting with China's Xi Jinping last week, where T»»»

english.aawsat.com
Arab News 4m

US military watchdog probes strikes on alleged drug boats: reports

WASHINGTON: The Pentagon’s independent watchdog is probing the legality of the US military’s widely criticized operation targeting alleged drug boats that has killed at least 192 people, US media reported on Monday.President Donald Trump’s administration began striking vessels in the Caribbean and »»»

arabnews.com
The Peninsula 13m

Qatar Foundation’s Lawh Wa Qalam: M.F. Husain Museum celebrates diversity through an artistic legacy

Doha, Qatar: On International Museum Day 2026, Qatar Foundation’s Lawh Wa Qalam: M. F. Husain Museum celebrates its role as an arts and culture landmark that embodies inclusivity and diversity, staying true to the vision of renowned modern art master Maqbool Fida Husain. Housed within Qatar Foundat»»»

thepeninsulaqatar.com
The Peninsula 13m

Russia announces three-day nuclear drills

Moscow, Russia: Russia's army on Tuesday began three days of nuclear weapons drills involving thousands of troops across the country, as Kyiv escalates its drone attacks and with President Vladimir Putin headed to China. Throughout its more than four-year offensive in Ukraine Moscow has flaunted it»»»

thepeninsulaqatar.com
Al Awsat 15m

Lights Out for Cuban Students as Blockade Bites

It's the middle of the night in Havana, but Alejandro Benitez is just getting down to work. The power is back on for the first time in 15 hours and Benitez, a fourth-year architecture student, needs to get his assignment in fast before the electricity cuts out again. Desperate times call for desper»»»

english.aawsat.com
Al Awsat 15m

Asian Markets Cautious, Oil Dips after Trump Holds Off on Iran Attack

Asian markets were mixed Tuesday as oil prices eased on hopes of a US-Iran deal, though elevated crude levels capped investor appetite for risk. Energy markets held center stage after US President Donald Trump signaled "serious negotiations" with Tehran and called off planned strikes, boosting opti»»»

english.aawsat.com
Gulf News 17m

Statute of limitations: Why a US jury dismissed Elon Musk's lawsuit against OpenAI

A California jury rejected Elon Musk's lawsuit against OpenAI and CEO Sam Altman on Monday (May 18, 2026), finding that his claims were barred by the statute of limitations. In a unanimous verdict following roughly two hours of deliberations, the jury determined that Musk had "waited too long to fi»»»

gulfnews.com
Actmedia 19m

Telecom. IT: Expert: Romania remains a destination for global projects, expertise and capacity in the IT sector

Romania remains a destination for global projects, expertise and capacity in the IT sector, the president of the Employers' Association of the Software and Services Industry (ANIS), Radu Postolache, said at a specialist event.'We must acknowledge that the IT sector, both locally and globally, is fa»»»

Actmedia 19m

Renovating old apartments brings more value to owners compared to new homes

General interior fit-out contractor Except Custom Solutions recorded a 30% increase in turnover in the first quarter of 2026 compared to the same period last year. The growth is underpinned by a reshaping of the project portfolio, directly influenced by market preferences. While the HoReCa segment »»»

Actmedia 19m

Real Estate: Leasing transactions for modern office spaces in Bucharest increase 14% in Q1 

Leasing transactions for modern office space in Bucharest increased 14% in the first quarter of 2026 compared with the same period last year, while new demand rose by 24%, according to data from Colliers.According to the source, new demand reached approximately 24,000 square metres in the first thr»»»

Actmedia 19m

Report: Romania has fewer tourists, but hotels are making more money

Romania’s hotel industry recorded a 16% increase in turnover in 2025, reaching €2.2 billion, according to Crosspoint’s estimates, but the drivers behind this growth signal a structural shift. The advance is driven primarily by rate increases and the upscale segment, while overall demand has shown t»»»

Actmedia 19m

Infrastructure: EU proposes 14.3 million euros to help Romania repair infrastructure damaged by floods in 2025

The European Commission on Monday proposed mobilising 144 million euros from the European Union Solidarity Fund (EUSF) to help Spain, Romania and Cyprus recover from the devastating disasters of 2025, according to a EU Executive release.The largest amount, more than 120 million euros, is set to be »»»

Actmedia 19m

Via Transilvania, Danube Delta slow tourism to get Norwegian grants

Very important projects to Romania, such as Via Transilvania and slow tourism in the Danube Delta, will be funded with Norwegian grants, the Minister of European Investment and Projects, Dragos Pislaru, said on Thursday, at the end of a government sitting."We have announced that the memorandum will»»»

Actmedia 19m

Tourism : Timisoara, designated "Destination of the Year 2026" in Romania

Timisoara was designated "Destination of the Year 2026" in Romania during a gala hosted on last Thursday evening at the Constanta Casino, where the country's most appreciated cities, spa resorts, authentic villages and natural attractions were awarded."Destination of the Year 2026, now in its sixth»»»

Actmedia 19m

All livestock populations increased in 2025 compared with 2024

All livestock and poultry numbers increased in 2025 compared with the previous year, with Romania maintaining in second place in the European Union for sheep and goats, according to the National Institute of Statistics (INS).According to data published on Friday by the INS, the total number of catt»»»

Actmedia 19m

Agriculture: Meat production, slaughtering of pigs, sheep, goats, poultry increased in March 2026; cattle figures declined

The number of animals slaughtered and meat production increased in March 2026 for pigs, sheep and goats, and poultry, while they decreased for cattle, both compared with February 2026 and with March 2025, according to data published on Monday by the National Institute of Statistics (INS).Thus, in M»»»

Actmedia 19m

Cars: Romania’s electric vehicle market accelerates in April 2026, with a 113% increase

LEKTRI.CO, one of the leading players in the electric mobility sector in Romania, has released data for April 2026 on the evolution of the electric vehicle market. During this period, 1,308 electric vehicles were registered, an increase of 113% compared to April 2025, a trend that confirms a resurg»»»

UPI 20m

On This Day, May 19: Thomas More, John Fisher canonized - UPI.com

On May 19, 1935, Pope Pius XI canonized Sir Thomas More and Cardinal John Fisher as saints of the Catholic Church. 1 of 3 | On May 19, 1935, Pope Pius XI canonized Sir Thomas More, pictured, and Cardinal John Fisher as saints of the Catholic Church. File Image by J.F. Gleeson/Library of Congress On»»»

upi.com
Arab News 25m

Oil falls 2% as Trump holds off scheduled attack on Iran

BENGALURU: Oil prices fell 2 percent on Tuesday in ​early Asian trade after US President Donald Trump said he had paused a planned attack on Iran to ‌allow for negotiations to end the war in the Middle East. Brent futures for July delivery fell $2.26, or 2 percent, to $109.84 a barrel at 06:52 a.m.»»»

arabnews.com
Al Awsat 27m

Govt's ‘Wheat Pricing’ Fuels Farmer Protests across Syrian Provinces

Hundreds of farmers staged protests for a second consecutive day across several Syrian provinces over the government’s wheat purchase price for the current harvest season, denouncing it as unfair and insufficient to cover production costs. Demonstrators warned the pricing policy would discourage wh»»»

english.aawsat.com
Gulf News 33m

12-year-old UAE student creates app to help classmates stay calm amid tensions

Dubai: An Abu Dhabi-based student has turned a moment of anxiety into an opportunity to help her classmates by developing a mobile application aimed to provide support during stressful situations. Nakshatra Prem, a Grade 7 student at Abu Dhabi Indian School, has created “Al Amal – The Hope,” an app»»»

gulfnews.com
Bulgarian News Agency 36m

Sofia Ready and Eager to Host Eurovision Song Contest 2027, Sofia Mayor Says

Sofia is ready to host the Eurovision Song Contest 2027, Sofia Mayor Vassil Terziev said on bTV’s morning programme. "I have great respect for my colleagues, and I know that they, too, would do a wonderful job with any event, but the scale of the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) requires it to be held»»»

bta.bg
The Peninsula 37m

Qatar CPI declines by 0.74 percent in April 2026

Doha, Qatar: Qatar’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) for April 2026 stood at 110.61 points, recording a decline of 0.74% compared to March 2026, while rising by 2.62% year-on-year compared to April 2025. The index, which measures inflation, comprises 12 main groups covering 737 goods and services. It is»»»

thepeninsulaqatar.com
Al Awsat 39m

Australia Secures Jet Fuel from China to Keep Flying in Energy Squeeze

Australia has secured three shipments of jet fuel from China totaling 600,000 barrels, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Tuesday, doubling the national supply. The Middle East conflict and closure of the Strait of Hormuz have caused fuel prices to soar and left many Asia-Pacific nations facing a»»»

english.aawsat.com
The Peninsula 46m

Winners of Reading Olympiad and Arab Reading Challenge honoured

Doha, Qatar: The Ministry of Education and Higher Education, represented by the Department of Curriculum and Learning Resources, celebrated the conclusion of the seventh edition of the Reading Olympiad project and the tenth season of the Arab Reading Challenge at the Marriott Marquis Hotel. The eve»»»

thepeninsulaqatar.com
24 News Agency 47m

Five Kyrgyzstan’s universities receive $19.5 million for development - | 24.KG

The Ministry of Science, Higher Education, and Innovation of the Kyrgyz Republic signed trilateral sub-loan agreements under the Quality and Innovation in Higher Education (QIHE) project with the Ministry of Finance of the Kyrgyz Republic and five state universities with special status. According t»»»

24.kg
The Peninsula 49m

Birla Public School, Doha shines at Alice Programming Competition 2026

Doha, Qatar: Birla Public School, Doha has made history at the Alice Programming Competition 2026, hosted by Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar under the guidance of the Hamad Bin Jassim Center for K 12 Computer Science Education. The school swept the Advanced Category with 1st and 2nd positions a»»»

thepeninsulaqatar.com
The Peninsula 49m

UDC wraps up successful second edition of Women’s Padel Tournament

Doha, Qatar: United Development Company (UDC), master developer of The Pearl and Gewan Islands, successfully concluded the second edition of its Women’s Padel Tournament 2026, bringing together residents in a vibrant celebration of sportsmanship, community spirit, and friendly competition. Held at »»»

thepeninsulaqatar.com
The Peninsula 49m

CCQ public administration programmes earn 10-year ACBSP international accreditation

Doha, Qatar: The Community College of Qatar (CCQ) has reached a new academic milestone, with its Public Administration programmes earning initial accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programmes (ACBSP) for a period of 10 years. The distinction makes them the only hi»»»

thepeninsulaqatar.com
Actmedia 51m

EPPO probes EUR 3.5 mln fraud involving 237 EU-funded agricultural projects

The European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) in Bucharest is leading an investigation into suspected procurement and subsidy fraud involving non-repayable EU funding to support small farms and young farmers.According to an EPPO press release, searches were carried out in Dambovita County on May 1»»»

Actmedia 51m

Senate: SIE - derogation for filling seasonal contractual positions, with Government approval

The Senate adopted, on Monday, the emergency ordinance that allows the filling of vacant positions of contractual personnel in the Ministry of National Defense, the Special Telecommunications Service and the justice system, also introducing the Foreign Intelligence Service (SIE) among the instituti»»»

Actmedia 51m

Military personnel from six states participate in OPEX unmanned autonomous systems exercise in Black Sea

Romanian Naval Forces personnel, alongside military structures and specialists from five allied and partner states, are taking part in OPEX 26, an exercise involving autonomous unmanned systems held in the Black Sea from May 18 to 29.The multinational operational experimentation exercise OPEX 26 is»»»

Actmedia 51m

CURS poll: Most Romanians consider early elections necessary

If parliamentary elections were held next Sunday, AUR would win 32% of the vote, according to a CURS poll conducted between May 1 and 14. PSD is estimated at 24%, while PNL stands at 20%. USR would obtain 10% and UDMR is at the 5% threshold. The survey also shows that PNRR, the party led by Cristia»»»

Actmedia 51m

Daianu: A government must be formed as soon as possible with a program that continues fiscal and budgetary consolidation and reforms

It is necessary to form as soon as poosible a government with a program to continue the fiscal-budgetary consolidation and the reforms, as well the absorption of the European money, says the chairman of the Fiscal Council, Daniel Daianu.'The political crisis (since it is more than just a government»»»

Al Awsat 52m

Mohammed Awda Emerges as New Qassam Brigades Chief after Killing of Al-Haddad

Multiple Hamas sources in the Gaza Strip revealed that the movement’s armed wing, the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, is now led by Mohammed Awda, succeeding Ezzedine al-Haddad, who was killed by Israel last Friday after decades of pursuit. Three Hamas sources in Gaza told Asharq Al-Awsat that Awda ha»»»

english.aawsat.com
Al Awsat 52m

African Ants at the Center of International Smuggling … Queen Sold for Over $1,000

Kenyan ant expert Dino Martins gushes over the red and black insects that have become the center of an international smuggling trade. Martins has been visiting the network of nests of these Giant African Harvester Ants outside Nairobi for 40 years. “They're big and bold... They're the tigers of the»»»

english.aawsat.com
Al Awsat 52m

Russia Attacks Ukraine’s Danube Port, Ukraine Launches Drones Towards Moscow

A Russian air attack damaged port infrastructure in Ukraine's Izmail city in the early hours of Tuesday, while Russian authorities said they had downed four drones launched by Ukraine that were headed towards Moscow. Izmail, in the southern Odesa region and home to the largest Ukrainian port on the»»»

english.aawsat.com
Sputnik 52m

Russia Begins Three-Day Nuclear Drills

The exercises on the readiness and deployment of Russian nuclear forces are to be held from May 19 to 21, Russian Ministry of Defense stated. Key details:Over 64,000 troops and more than 7,800 pieces of equipment will be involved in nuclear forces exercisesDuring the exercises, the Russian Armed Fo»»»

sputniknews.com
The Peninsula 58m

Kahramaa honours winners of ‘Irtiqa’ Award during its 2026 Annual Planning Forum

Doha, Qatar: Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation (Kahramaa) has organised the 2026 Annual Planning Forum under the theme “Continuity, Resilience, and Future Foresight,” to strengthen institutional integration and enhance the efficiency of strategic planning for the coming phase. Kahrama»»»

thepeninsulaqatar.com
Arab News 1h

Japanese prime minister travels to meet South Korea president for second leg of hometown summits

SEOUL: South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi were set to hold their fourth meeting in about six months on Tuesday, underscoring their push to deepen ties between the historical Asian rivals in the face of geopolitical challenges. Lee will host Takaichi in h»»»

arabnews.com
Arab News 1h

At least 2 dead, 4 injured in southern Spain shooting, El Pais reports

MADRID: At ​least two people died ‌and four ‌were ​injured ‌in ⁠a ​shooting in ⁠the southern Spanish ⁠city ‌of El ‌Ejido, ​El ‌Pais newspaper ‌reported on ‌Tuesday, adding that the shooter ⁠was ⁠still at large.»»»

arabnews.com
Arab News 1h

Indonesian government critics targeted by lies, violence: Amnesty

JAKARTA: Indonesia’s government is taking an “authoritarian” turn under President Prabowo Subianto, allowing disinformation to discredit critics and justify repression, Amnesty International said Tuesday. In a report titled “Building up Imaginary Enemies,” the rights watchdog highlighted a trend of»»»

arabnews.com
Al Awsat 1h

Hormuz Crisis Saddles Global Companies with $25 Billion Bill

The US-Israeli war with Iran has already cost companies around the world at least $25 billion - and the bill is climbing, according to a Reuters analysis. A review of corporate statements since the start of the conflict by companies listed in the United States, Europe and Asia offers a sobering loo»»»

english.aawsat.com
UPI 1h

DRC reports 118 suspected Ebola deaths as epidemic spreads - UPI.com

May 19 (UPI) -- At least 118 people in the Democratic Republic of Congo have died of suspected Ebola infections, according to Congolese health officials, who said the outbreak is spreading. The suspected death toll was announced by DRC government spokesman Patrick Muyaya on Monday, the official Con»»»

upi.com
Gulf News 1h

UAE strengthens lead as world’s most powerful passport in 2026

Montréal, Canada: New data released today by Arton Capital’s Passport Index shows that the United Arab Emirates has further strengthened its position as the holder of the world’s strongest passport, climbing to a total score of 182 — the highest ever recorded in the history of the index. The UAE ha»»»

gulfnews.com
The Peninsula 1h

‘Building sustainable cities a strategic necessity to ensure quality of life’

Doha, Qatar: Minister of Municipality H E Abdullah bin Hamad bin Abdullah Al Attiyah headed the State of Qatar’s delegation participating in the 13th World Urban Forum (WUF13), hosted by Baku, Republic of Azerbaijan from May 17 to 22, 2026, under the theme “Global Housing: Safe and Resilient Cities»»»

thepeninsulaqatar.com
24 News Agency 1h

Innovative Relax-Inn hotel to be built in Karakol under “project sandbox” regime - | 24.KG

Construction of an innovative international-level hotel complex Relax-Inn will begin in Karakol city. The project will be implemented under a public-private partnership (PPP) framework using a special legal mechanism known as a «project sandbox.» The decision was approved by Cabinet Chairman Adylbe»»»

24.kg
24 News Agency 1h

World Urban Forum: Kyrgyzstan presents models of tourism complexes - | 24.KG

The 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) took place in Baku, Azerbaijan, on May 18, bringing together more than 45,000 delegates from 182 countries. During the forum, President Sadyr Japarov delivered a speech emphasizing Kyrgyzstan’s focus on the sustainable development of mountain region»»»

24.kg