Asia Philippines A persistent infestation of soft scale insects continues to threaten Philippines’s sugar industry, damaging crops and reducing yields in key producing provinces; Authorities are expanding monitoring and pest-control measures to contain the outbreak
America Grenada Brandon Hall Dam was deliberately tampered with, resulting in the complete release and loss of water reserve; National Water and Sewerage Authority Nawasa, informs the public that the incident didn't affect water quality or contaminate the system
Asia Israel The ruling coalition has submitted a proposal to dissolve parliament to pave the way for early elections as PM Netanyahu came under mounting pressure from ultra-Orthodox parties; the move was initiated by his own rightwing Likud party
Africa Democratic Republic of the Congo Central Bank says about $8,5 billion out of 10 billion in cash imported into DRC in 2025 disappeared from the formal banking system, raising concerns over money laundering and illicit financial flows; authorities are planning tighter rules for 2027
Europe Denmark Copenhagen gets prepared for marathon weekend, the most participated sport event of the year, with major traffic disruptions and thousands of people gathering; it also coincides with a major neighborhood festival with electronic music and street dancing
Europe Moldova Singer Satoshi has qualified for the grand final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 with the song Viva, Moldova! and will take participate in the final taking place on 16 May in Vienna, Austria
Asia Japan The company making "Monster Wolf" - an animatronic scarecrow with flashing eyes that howls and growls to scare away wild animals - is submersed by orders of the ferocious-looking robot after record numbers of fatal bear attacks on humans last summer
Europe Ireland Reuse of vacant buildings could meet 40% of Dublin’s housing targets according to a report commissioned by City Council; refurbishment instead of demolition will make meet climate and housing objectives, with around €2,86 billion required
Africa Morocco 3,4 tons of cannabis resin have been intercepted by Moroccan police in a rural area near Casablanca; the driver fled the scene, abandoning the vehicle with 86 packages of hashish
Africa Malawi Social media activist Urunji Mezuwa publicly called on the Malawi Broadcasting Corporation to ban its debated radio program Nkhani Za Mu Boma, saying it spreads unverified info promoting irrational thinking and dangerous beliefs among rural listeners
Oceania Papua New Guinea On the sidelines of the Melanesian Oceans Summit held in Port Moresby on 11 May, PNG and Timor-Leste have agreed to open embassies in each other's capitals
Asia East Timor As the Presidents called for stronger worker's protection, Timor-Leste workers' union KSTL said that proposed raise in the monthly minimum wage is not enough to afford cost of living and urged authorities to set it above $200
Europe Croatia The Week of Croats Abroad will be held from May 25 to 31 in Zagreb and Zagreb County, aiming to increasing the visibility of Croats living outside Croatia and raising awareness of their contribution to the country’s creation and development
Asia Afghanistan Over 11.500 Afghans returned to the country between 3 and 9 May, the majority from Pakistan and some hundreds from Iran, Tajikistan and other countries; IOM photos show hugging and smiling as families reunite