China has denounced the United States following the federal indictment of 94-year-old former Cuban leader Raúl Castro, insisting that Washington cease "brandishing the judicial stick" and imposing coercive sanctions against Havana. The diplomatic conflict intensified after the U.S. Department of Justice revealed criminal murder and conspiracy charges against Castro. This case originates from the 1996 downing of two civilian aircraft operated by the Miami-based exile group Brothers to the Rescue, which led to four fatalities.   During a press briefing in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun articulated China's opposition to the legal and economic tactics:  China explicitly rejects what it terms the "abuse of judicial means" and the weaponization of domestic courts against foreign nations.  The ministry asserted that the U.S. must cease its "barbaric blockade" and unilateral economic sanctions, which lack authorization from the Unite...

  Aston Villa triumphed in the UEFA Europa League by defeating the German team SC Freiburg with a score of 3-0 in Istanbul. This historic win on Wednesday night concluded the club's 30-year wait for a major trophy, representing their first significant piece of silverware since they secured the League Cup in 1996. Additionally, it marked Aston Villa's first continental trophy since their renowned victory in the 1982 European Cup. The commanding performance took place at Beşiktaş Park in Istanbul, where three remarkable goals propelled the team to victory. Following his goal and exceptional performance, forward Morgan Rogers was honored as the UEFA Europa League Player of the Season. After the match, Rogers encapsulated the team's emotions by stating, "We’ll go down in history." This victory signifies a monumental accomplishment for manager Unai Emery, who has completely revitalized the club since his appointment in November 2022. With this win, Emery has further so...

  The United States Department of Justice has made public a federal grand jury indictment against 94-year-old former Cuban President Raúl Castro and five other individuals, charging them with authorizing the deadly shoot-down of two unarmed civilian planes operated by the exile group Brothers to the Rescue in 1996. On February 24, 1996, Cuban MiG fighter jets, commanded by the armed forces, intercepted and launched missiles at two civilian aircraft that were flying in international airspace. This assault resulted in the deaths of four individuals on board, three of whom were U.S. citizens: Carlos Costa, Armando Alejandre Jr., Mario de la Peña, and Pablo Morales.  Castro is facing the same charges as outlined, along with five co-defendants:  Conspiracy to kill U.S. nationals  Destruction of aircraft (two counts) Murder (four individual counts—one for each victim) Although the U.S. has successfully unsealed this superseding indictment, former leader Raúl Castro remains...

Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has received clearance to participate in the presidential primary of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in preparation for the 2027 general election. Chairman of the NDC National Screening Committee, Sam Egwu, officially announced Obi’s clearance in a video posted on the party’s official X account on Wednesday. The screening exercise conducted by the party took place in Abuja on Tuesday. Egwu stated that the committee was convinced that Obi fulfilled all constitutional and statutory criteria necessary to run for the presidency.  “This is to certify that, following the screening of His Excellency Peter Obi by the National Screening Committee of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, and having satisfied ourselves that he has complied with all the requirements of the constitution of the party, the Electoral Act, and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), dealing with eligibility to contest the president...

  For supporters of Arsenal, the wait to celebrate a Premier League victory has been exceedingly long. Therefore, they ensured that Tuesday night was memorable. Supporters congregated outside the Emirates Stadium and in nearby pubs while their rivals, Manchester City, faced Bournemouth, needing a victory to remain in contention for the title. Ultimately, Pep Guardiola's team could only manage a draw, thereby confirming Arsenal as champions for the first time in 22 years.  As the final whistle blew on the south coast, an eruption of joy resonated in pubs throughout north London as Arsenal fans rejoiced in a moment they had feared might never arrive after several near misses for the title. Celebrations also took place at the Gunners' training facility. This was where the Arsenal squad had assembled for the evening, and similar to the atmosphere in the pubs, the final whistle was met with exuberant celebrations.  Players and staff danced and embraced while chanting: "Campeon...

  The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has apprehended former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, who was recently found guilty and sentenced by the Federal High Court in Abuja for financial misappropriation during his tenure in that role. EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede confirmed that he was taken into custody at 3:30 am on Tuesday. He was arrested in Kaduna, alongside two individuals who were providing him protection. On May 13, 2026, Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja imposed a cumulative 75-year prison sentence on Mamman for his involvement in a ₦33.8 billion ($24.7 million) money laundering operation. Due to his absence at the time of sentencing, the court has formally instructed local security agencies and Interpol to find and detain him so that he may commence serving his sentence. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) successfully prosecuted Mamman on a 12-count indictment related to conspiracy and money laundering. Prosecutors d...

  Penobscot County, Maine is currently facing the most significant HIV outbreak in the history of the state, with 43 confirmed cases. This increase signifies a serious public health emergency for a region that typically sees only two new HIV cases annually.   Outbreak Overview Primary Hotspot: The outbreak is primarily located in the city of Bangor, which is part of Penobscot County. The Maine CDC has reported that nearly all individuals infected in this outbreak either engaged in injection drug use or faced homelessness within a year of their diagnosis. Almost all reported cases in Penobscot County have also tested positive for hepatitis C. Public health officials caution that the actual number of infections is likely significantly higher than the reported figures due to challenges in reaching unhoused populations. Additionally, a smaller cluster of five HIV cases among individuals who inject drugs has been identified in Cumberland County. According to the director of public ...