Stories for May 2025

Monday, May 19th 2025 - 10:47 UTC
ICC Chief Prosecutor on leave pending sexual misconduct probe

International Criminal Court Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan has temporarily stepped down pending a UN investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct, including coercing a female aide into a sexual relationship and non-consensual groping.
Monday, May 19th 2025 - 10:44 UTC
Falklands War, the QE2 finest hour when transporting 3,000 troops

A fascinating new book, “The QE2 in the Falklands War”, Troopship to the South Atlantic, reveals what is was like for crew and soldiers on QE2's epic voyage in 1982 to combat in the Falklands War has been published on the 43rd anniversary of the South Atlantic conflict.
Monday, May 19th 2025 - 10:40 UTC
Significant drop in Paraguayan unemployment reported

Paraguay has recorded significant improvements in its labor market, with formal employment rising and unemployment hitting its lowest level for a first quarter since 2017. The employed population grew to 2.91 million people in the first quarter of 2025, marking an increase from 2.87 million in the same period of 2024. The unemployment rate fell to 5.6%, down from 6.9% in early 2024, with 41,106 individuals moving out of joblessness.
Monday, May 19th 2025 - 10:30 UTC
Uruguay to assess avian flu outbreak for possible additional precautions

Uruguayan authorities will be convening Monday to decide which steps to take in the face of an avian flu outbreak in Brazil's Rio Grande do Sul. Montevideo has already issued an alert, urging producers to strengthen biosecurity measures.
Monday, May 19th 2025 - 09:18 UTC
Biden diagnosed with serious form of prostate cancer

Former President Joseph Biden, 82, has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer (Gleason score 9, Grade Group 5) that has spread to his bones, following the discovery of a prostate nodule and increased urinary symptoms. The malady was reported to be hormone-sensitive, allowing for effective treatment. Hence, Biden is evaluating options with his physicians.
Monday, May 19th 2025 - 09:07 UTC
Morales claims his arrest could spark further bloodshed in Bolivia

Former Bolivian President Evo Morales, who has been disqualified from running again for office due to a constitutional cap on mandates, has warned of a potential “armed struggle.” In this regard, he insisted he was resisting arrest to avoid further bloodshed as his supporters marched onto the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) in La Paz.
Monday, May 19th 2025 - 08:53 UTC
Falklands war MV Atlantic Conveyor at Cunard’s War Memorial in Liverpool

The Liverpool-registered MV Atlantic Conveyor, 43 years ago, during the Falklands War was hit by two Exocet missiles, and Cunard’s War Memorial in front of the Cunard Building will be updated with the addition of the numerals “1982” to commemorate the loss.
Monday, May 19th 2025 - 08:26 UTC
Moody’s lowers US credit rating; US budget deficit plus 6% of GDP

Moody’s Ratings decision last week to lower the US credit rating to Aa1 from Aaa, (the highest investment-grade position) triggered strong reactions and criticisms from President Donald Trump and his political advisor.
Monday, May 19th 2025 - 07:56 UTC
Leon XIV formally starts his papacy with mass at St Peter's Square

Pope Leo XIV was inaugurated Sunday in a mass attended by some 100,000 people in St. Peter's Square. The 69-year-old Robert Francis Prevost, formerly a cardinal and missionary in Peru, received the fisherman’s ring and pallium, symbolizing his role as a “fisher of men.” Prevost holds dual US and Peruvian citizenship. These countries were represented by Vice President JD Vance and President Dina Boluarte, respectively. Among the 150 countries sending dignitaries were Brazil and Paraguay.
Monday, May 19th 2025 - 07:33 UTC
UN Special Committee meets in Timor, ahead of the C24 in June in New York

The Special Committee on Decolonization is set to convene the Pacific Regional Seminar in Dili, Timor-Leste, from May 21 to 23, 2025. This event is part of the Fourth International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism, which spans from 2021 to 2030.