WHO declares an Ebola public health emergency in the DRC

The World Health Organization has declared a new Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo a public health emergency of international concern, marking the 17th such outbreak in the country. With over 330 confirmed cases and 87 deaths, the strain—linked to a high-fatality variant previously seen in Uganda and 2012—has spread rapidly, particularly in Mongualu, where traditional beliefs and distrust of modern medicine have hindered containment. Medical teams are deploying emergency response units and PPE, but delays in setting up treatment centers and widespread reliance on spiritual healers have exacerbated the crisis. Meanwhile, in Italy, a 31-year-old man of Moroccan origin drove a car into pedestrians in Modena, injuring eight, before being subdued by bystanders after brandishing a knife. Authorities suspect mental health issues but have found no evidence of extremism or substance use. In the Maldives, five Italian scuba divers died in a cave exploration accident, with a Maldivian military diver later dying during the recovery effort—prompting criticism that the rescue was rushed and poorly coordinated. The incident highlighted violations of diving regulations, including exceeding depth limits and using unsuitable gear. In a contrasting story, Bulgaria won the Eurovision Song Contest with Dara’s dance anthem Bangaranga, a surprise victory that defied pre-event odds and sparked celebration amid ongoing political tensions over Israel’s participation. In Nigeria, over 50 toddlers were abducted from schools in Borno state, marking a disturbing escalation in violence by unknown militant groups. The UK saw a stark confrontation between two opposing protests in London—one led by far-right activist Tommy Robinson, calling for national unity and opposing immigration, and another commemorating Nakba Day, demanding justice for Palestinians and condemning rising racism. The day ended with 43 arrests and a tense standoff between police and demonstrators. Manchester City claimed the FA Cup with a stunning 72nd-minute goal by Antoine Semenyo, while Celtic secured their fifth consecutive Scottish title in a dramatic finale that denied Hearts their first since 1960.