This roundup summarises the most important news stories around the world in the last month (May 2026).

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Some concerns grew over the potential threat of hantavirus, a rat-borne infection, after a viral outbreak abroad a cruise ship. However, the World Health Organisation (WHO) predicted a “limited” spread of the virus. Instead, an Ebola outbreak was reported in DR Congo – and declared by the WHO to be an “extraordinary event” – with thousands of suspected cases and hundreds of deaths. Health workers are struggling to contain the virus, and deep mistrust among some in the population has hampered response efforts. Uganda has also been affected.

Political wins and losses

In India, prime minister Narendra Modi and his party won big in national elections, including in opposition strongholds, thereby expanding their support base beyond its traditional states.

In the United Kingdom, the Labour Party, led by the country’s prime minister, suffered big losses in local elections, while the right-wing Reform U.K. party made significant gains. The health secretary then resigned, saying that he had lost confidence in the prime minister, and potentially paving the way for a leadership challenge within the Labour Party. And in the Solomon Islands, the prime minister was ousted from power after losing a vote of no confidence in parliament.

In other political news, in the Philippines, the senate went into lockdown after gunfire was heard. This happened as a senator – who served as police chief under the Duterte administration, overseeing a war on drugs – was holed up in the senate building to evade an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court. And in Spain, tens of thousands marched through Madrid to demand the prime minister’s resignation after a series of corruption scandals.

Geopolitical developments

In Austria, the countries of Iceland, Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia, and Spain withdrew from the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest over Israel’s participation, given the ongoing war in Gaza. It has also been alleged that Israel previously sought to influence voting. Bulgaria won the contest.

In China, United States (US) president Donald Trump’s state visit was the first by an American president since 2017. Less than a week later, Russian president Vladimir Putin also arrived for a state visit.

And in other news, unfortunately involving human tragedy:

• China: At least 82 people were killed after a coal mine explosion.
• Indonesia: The eruption of the volcano Mount Dukono killed at least three people, two of whom were Singaporeans.
• Nigeria: A military airstrike on a crowded market left over 100 civilians dead. This was the second airstrike in a month to kill scores of people at such venues.
• US: Ultra-low-fare Spirit Airlines, citing soaring jet fuel prices, shut down and ceased operations.