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The Ebola Outbreak in DRC At least 80 deaths have been reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo's (DRC) new Ebola disease outbreak, authorities said, as health workers race to intensify screening and contact tracing to contain the disease. The Strain and Its Implications “The Bundibugyo strain has no vaccine, no specific treatment,” DRC’s Health Minister Samuel-Roger Kamba said on Saturday. “This strain has a very high lethality rate, which can reach 50 percent.” The Outbreak Details The outbreak, the country’s seventeenth, was confirmed on Friday in the northeastern province of Ituri, which borders Uganda and South Sudan. At the time, 65 suspected deaths had been confirmed; the toll was raised to 80 on Saturday. According to Kamba, the suspected patient zero was a nurse who reported to a health facility in the provincial capital, Bunia, on April 24, with symptoms suggesting Ebola. The disease has so far been confirmed in three health zones in Ituri, including Bunia, and the areas of Rwampara and Mongwalu, where the outbreak is concentrated. The International Response Medical aid groups, including Doctors Without Borders, known by its French acronym MSF, and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), are responding to the outbreak. “The number of cases and deaths we are seeing in such a short timeframe, combined with the spread across several health zones and now across the border, is extremely concerning,” said Trish Newport, MSF emergency programme manager. Jagan Chapagain, secretary-general of the IFRC, said, “The evolving epidemiological situation, and the risk of cross‑border spread, underscore the need for timely, coordinated and sustained action. Engaging with communities and building trust is essential to ensure people seek care early and help stop the epidemic in its tracks.” The Global Context Ebola was first identified in 1976. Three strains of the disease are responsible for the majority of outbreaks in Africa, although a vaccine exists only for the Zaire strain. Without treatment, up to 90 percent of cases can be fatal. The Bundibugyo strain, which is responsible for the current outbreak, was not identified until 2006.

The Rise of Diaspora-Driven Investment Zimbabwe's real estate and farming sectors are seeing a surge in diaspora-driven investment, with two young content creators quietly emerging as unexpected influencers shaping the trend. Kundai Chitima, 31, and Kelvin Birioti, 20, each running their own social media channel, have built followings that seem to influence a growing number of Zimbabweans abroad considering return or investment. The Power of Social Media Influencers On YouTube and Instagram, they share short videos and posts highlighting opportunities in Zimbabwe. Their popular content ranges from property tours and agricultural tips to market trend analysis. For some in the diaspora, decisions about returning or investing increasingly appear to be shaped less by official narratives and more by social media content offering on-the-ground perspectives of life in Zimbabwe. A Shift in Investment Patterns One of those influenced is Catherine Mutisi, who spent 17 years living in the United Kingdom working as an accountant. During that time, she had already begun investing in Zimbabwe, building two houses, buying a small plot and starting a business. She said her thinking shifted after coming across Birioti's content during construction. Economic Pressure and Unemployment The Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (Zimstat) reported a 21.8 percent unemployment rate in the third quarter of 2024, based on strict International Labour Organization definitions. Between 76 percent and 80 percent of workers are in the informal sector, relying on subsistence or unregulated employment. Youth unemployment is particularly acute: a 2025 World Bank report estimates it at 76.8 percent. Emigration Pressures Remain Strong Against that backdrop, migration still features heavily in the decisions of young Zimbabweans. Sibanda said she now considers that 'leaving Zimbabwe is in my best interest'. Keeping Ties Alive from Abroad The economic link between Zimbabwe and its diaspora remains strong. According to real estate agents, diaspora buyers now account for a significant share of high-end residential properties sold. In some regions, land prices have risen by 20-30 percent year-on-year, a surge partly attributed to diaspora buyers. Remittances reached $1.7bn in 2023 and continue to rise. In 2025, Zimbabweans abroad sent $2.45bn home, with the UK and South Africa the largest sources, according to government data.

Lead: Spurs Seal Series in Dominant FashionVictor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs eliminated the Minnesota Timberwolves 139‑109 in Game 6, advancing to the Western Conference finals for the first time in nine years. The win capped a six‑game series in which the Spurs never trailed by double digits and set a postseason record for three‑point shooting.Spurs Secure Series Victory with Dominant Game 6 PerformanceThe Spurs built an early lead and never looked back, outscoring the Wolves by 30 points in the fourth quarter. Key contributors included Stephon Castle (32 points, 11 rebounds), De’Aaron Fox (21 points, 9 assists) and rookie Dylan Harper (15 off the bench). Wembanyama, after a Game 4 ejection, posted 19 points, six rebounds and three assists in 27 minutes, anchoring the defense and fueling transition opportunities.Statistical Breakdown: 139‑109 Blowout and Record Three‑Point ShootingFinal score: Spurs 139, Timberwolves 109Spurs’ three‑point shooting: 18/38 (47.4%) – franchise postseason bestWembanyama’s line: 19 pts, 6 reb, 3 astCastle’s line: 32 pts, 11 rebSeries margin: Spurs outscored Wolves by 97 points overallImplications for the Western Conference LandscapeThe victory propels the Spurs into a first‑round matchup with defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder, who swept their first two series. San Antonio’s blend of size, shooting, and switch‑heavy defense forces opponents to adapt, potentially reshaping the tactical approach of Western Conference contenders. Minnesota’s inability to contain Wembanyama’s rim protection highlighted a lingering defensive gap that may affect their future roster moves.What to Expect in the Conference Finals Against Oklahoma CityBoth teams boast elite playmakers: the Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander and Josh Giddey versus the Spurs’ emerging core led by Wembanyama. Expect the Spurs to lean on their record three‑point shooting and defensive versatility, while the Thunder will look to exploit transition opportunities. If Wembanyama can replicate his statement‑making performance, San Antonio could challenge Oklahoma City’s bid for a third consecutive title.

The LeadIsrael has launched another series of air strikes on southern Lebanon, a day after the two countries agreed to extend a ceasefire deal for a further 45 days following talks in Washington. Despite the diplomatic progress, the ceasefire has never been observed in practice, with continued military actions and forced displacements reported in the region.Continued Military Actions Despite Diplomatic ProgressLebanon's state-run National News Agency reported strikes on at least five villages in the south on Saturday, while the Israeli army issued new forced displacement orders for nine villages in southern Lebanon near Sidon and Nabatieh, including Qaaqaaiyet, al-Snoubar, Kaouthariyet al-Saiyad, al-Marwaniyah, al-Ghassaniyah and more.On Saturday morning, Israeli warplanes also launched air attacks on the town of Yohmor al-Shaqif in southern Lebanon. The towns of Kfar Tebnit, Arnoun, as well as the Arnoun-Kfar Tebnit road, have also come under heavy artillery bombardment, as the Israeli military claimed to have struck "Hezbollah infrastructure sites in several areas in southern Lebanon".Human Cost of the ConflictIsraeli attacks have killed more than 2,900 people in Lebanon since the start of the war, including more than 500 since the truce took effect, according to Lebanese authorities. The continued military actions have created a humanitarian crisis in southern Lebanon, with thousands of displaced civilians facing uncertain conditions.Regional Implications of the Fragile TruceThis situation occurs after envoys from Israel and Lebanon held negotiations in Washington following the first direct talks in decades between the two countries, which do not have diplomatic relations. Hezbollah opposes the negotiations, especially as Israeli forces continue to bomb southern Lebanon and occupy parts of it since the ceasefire, in theory, took effect on April 17.Lebanon's negotiating delegation in Washington welcomed the 45-day extension of the truce with Israel, as the Lebanese presidency stated: "The extension of the ceasefire and the establishment of a US-facilitated security track provide critical breathing space for our citizens, reinforce state institutions, and advance a political pathway toward lasting stability."Future Outlook for the ConflictAl Jazeera's Obaida Hitto, reporting from Tyre, southern Lebanon, noted: "Today, there have been artillery strikes in the eastern part of the country, in Yohmor and Kherbet Qanafar. This is an indication that the ceasefire is a ceasefire in name only." He added that people in southern Lebanon remain concerned about further escalation, particularly given that Israel used the previous phase of the ceasefire to escalate and increase its attacks.The disconnect between diplomatic agreements and on-the-ground realities suggests that the path to lasting peace remains uncertain, with potential for further violence despite diplomatic efforts.

The Lead: Scotland's World Cup AnthemThe lyrics came to Stuart Murdoch in the hazy aftermath of Scotland's dramatic qualification for the World Cup. The Belle and Sebastian frontman had watched his side's playoff victory over Denmark through his fingers before deciding to write his own anthem to a team he has followed for more than 50 years. "Most people recognised instantly the next day that they'd witnessed the most important Scottish game ever," says Murdoch. "That was our magic moment."The Anthem Creation: It Only Takes One Lion"It Only Takes One Lion" starts by hinting at the travails of the team ("You gave us hope, you gave us despair"), turns into a bombastic four-on-the-floor singalong with self-deprecating lyrics ("This is Scotland, where everybody knows you start with nothing"), and nods to the Tartan Army ("you can join an army that's for peace"). The song's danceable beat was inspired by the team's current anthem, Baccara's 1977 hit, Yes Sir, I Can Boogie, which has been blasted out at Hampden Park after recent Scotland victories. "I like the thought that they just might play It Only Takes One Lion after a game, that's what I fantasise about," Murdoch says.Historical Significance: Scotland's Football JourneyFootball has been a life pursuit for Murdoch, who is an Ayr United fan, and Belle and Sebastian have broached the topic of football before, notably in the tale of Sunday league woes, Another Sunny Day. It is fair to say Scotland and Murdoch have got a bit of previous with the World Cup. The singer's earliest memories of the team at the tournament are of the 1974 edition where Scotland – despite not losing a game and only conceding one goal – were knocked out in the first round. There was more heartbreak in 1978 when a formidable Scotland team featuring Joe Jordan, Graeme Souness and Kenny Dalglish came back early from Argentina – despite a legendary Archie Gemmill goal.Cultural Impact: Music Meets Football PassionThe song, which the band debuted as part of an encore at an April gig at the Royal Albert Hall and is out on 2 June, coincides with Scotland preparing to play in their first World Cup tournament since 1998. Scotland will face Brazil and Morocco in the group stage, with Haiti the final team making up a tough draw. But Murdoch remains optimistic about the team avoiding any unnecessary drama. He concedes It Only Takes One Lion is a not-too-subtle dig at the auld enemy and England's anthem, Three Lions, Baddiel and Skinner's track, which celebrates its 30th birthday this summer. "It was done in a nice way," says Murdoch, who says he will support England if Scotland get knocked out early.Future Outlook: World Cup Dreams and Musical LegacyThe band's US tour finishes on the same night Scotland play Haiti in their first game, but Murdoch may try to watch a later group game, despite the eye-watering prices Fifa is charging for tickets. "We're going to play it by ear," he says. "I'm hoping the song does well and we'll get invited to a game." As Scotland prepares to make their return to the World Cup stage, "It Only Takes One Lion" stands as both a tribute to decades of football passion and a potential new soundtrack for Scottish sporting history.

Gunmen Storm Mussa School, Seizing Dozens of PupilsAt about 9 am (08:00 GMT) on Friday, suspected insurgents on motorcycles entered Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School in the Askira-Uba Local Government Area of Borno State. Ubaidallah Hasaan, a nearby resident, reported that the attackers moved swiftly while classes were in session and carried away a large number of students.Scale of Recent Kidnappings Across NigeriaCurrent incident: "dozens" of students taken (exact number not disclosed).Earlier this month: 23 children abducted from an orphanage in Lokoja, Kogi State.Recent parallel raid: students seized from Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Oyo State.These events follow a pattern of mass abductions that have become a revenue stream for armed groups, echoing the infamous 2014 Chibok schoolgirl kidnapping.Why the Northeast Is Becoming a Security Black HoleThe community of Mussa lies adjacent to the Sambisa Forest, a long‑standing insurgent stronghold. Despite ongoing military operations, repeated attacks on schools highlight persistent gaps in state presence, especially in rural zones where government services are minimal.Analysts, including writer Gimba Kakanda, note that insurgencies thrive not only on ideology but also on terrain, supply routes, and local economies that operate beyond state control.Future Outlook: Anticipated Rise in Rural AttacksSecurity experts warn that attacks could increase throughout 2026, driven by weakened government reach and the profitability of kidnappings. Policymakers face pressure to bolster protection for schools, improve intelligence sharing, and address underlying socioeconomic drivers such as chronic poverty and educational exclusion.

The Relegation Battle Fury. Grief. Embarrassment. Horror. Resignation. The emotions run hot for supporters of West Ham and Tottenham right now as the two grand old clubs stare at potential relegation from the Premier League. The Impact of Mismanagement With their spiritual homes demolished at the altar of progress and profit, first Upton Park in 2016 and then White Hart Lane in 2017, both clubs had visions of glory days ahead. Instead they have been consumed by greed, mismanagement and false promises. Key perpetrators such as Karren Brady at West Ham and Daniel Levy at Spurs have exited the scene, but David O’Sullivan is still the Hammers chairman and the damage remains. The Current State of Affairs The London Stadium – which West Ham now rent for a knock-down price – is universally panned as stale and unsuited to football, while the sparkling Tottenham Hotspur Stadium looks like a monument to hubris. One of these 60,000 seater stadiums will be hosting Championship football in August. The Fans' Perspective Defeats on the pitch this season have been calamitous and bruising (they’ve endured 34 league losses between them); protests have been loud and fuming. Two points separate the teams, with two games remaining. The equation now is very simple: it’s either them or us. The Future Outlook As the Tottenham Supporters Trust put it on their website: “The arithmetic is stark, the stakes unmistakable. This is no longer a conversation about style or long-term trajectory; it is a question of survival.”

The Target: A Senior Architect of Iran’s Proxy NetworkThe United States Department of Justice has taken a decisive step in dismantling Iran’s global terror infrastructure by arresting and charging Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood al-Saadi, a 32-year-old Iraqi national identified as a senior commander of the Iran-backed group Kataib Hezbollah. The operation, executed with precision by the FBI and international partners, marks a significant blow to the group's operational capabilities.Federal prosecutors allege that al-Saadi has been an active member of the group since at least 2017, working closely with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to advance its regional operations. Investigators revealed that al-Saadi maintained personal relationships with top-tier military leaders, including the late IRGC-Quds Force commander Qassem Soleimani. The suspect reportedly used social media platforms like Snapchat and Telegram to promote agendas and celebrate bombings, effectively serving as a digital recruiter and strategist.Global Footprint: 18+ Attacks Across Three ContinentsThe scope of al-Saadi’s alleged activities reveals a sophisticated network designed to pressure the US and Israel. According to the criminal complaint unsealed in Manhattan federal court, the suspect is accused of involvement in at least 18 attacks and attempted attacks spanning the US, Canada, and Europe.European Targets: The complaint details a firebombing of a Bank of New York Mellon building in Amsterdam and a thwarted attack on a Bank of America office in Paris, where French police discovered a homemade petrol and firework bomb containing 0.65kg of explosives.North American Targets: Al-Saadi allegedly coordinated a shooting at the US consulate in Toronto and a stabbing in London that wounded an American citizen.Domestic Threats: The plot extended to US soil, where al-Saadi allegedly offered $10,000 in cryptocurrency to launch simultaneous attacks on a New York City synagogue and Jewish centers in California and Arizona.FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that al-Saadi was arrested overseas and brought to the US, describing him as “another high-value target responsible for mass global terrorism.” Patel praised the operation as a “righteous mission executed brilliantly,” crediting US Ambassador Tom Barrack in Turkiye for leading the joint operation.Strategic Implications for US-Iran RelationsThe arrest underscores the persistent and evolving threat posed by the Iranian regime and its proxies. New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch noted that the case “puts into stark relief the global threats posed by the Iranian regime and its proxies.”The timing of the arrest is particularly sensitive, occurring amidst heightened military conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran. Prosecutors allege that al-Saadi became a central figure in coordinating international retaliation through a front group, frequently utilizing teenage suspects to execute attacks, thereby complicating intelligence and law enforcement efforts.Legal Battle and Future EscalationAl-Saadi appeared in court on Friday, facing a six-count criminal complaint that includes conspiracy to provide material support to foreign terrorist organisations and conspiracy to bomb a place of public use. If convicted on the terrorism and explosives counts, he faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison.Despite the serious charges, al-Saadi’s defense team has argued that he is a “political prisoner” and a “prisoner of war,” claiming persecution solely due to his ties to Soleimani. His lawyer also highlighted that al-Saadi has been kept in solitary confinement since arriving at a federal jail in Brooklyn, a condition the defense describes as “unusual.” As the legal proceedings unfold, this case is likely to serve as a precedent for future prosecutions of Iranian-backed operatives.

Spurs clinch Western Conference Finals berthSan Antonio Spurs delivered a dominant 139‑109 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 6, securing a 3‑2 series lead and a spot in the Western Conference Finals against the top‑seeded Oklahoma City Thunder.Pistons force Game 7 against CavaliersIn the East, the Detroit Pistons survived a must‑win situation, beating the Cleveland Cavaliers 115‑94 to extend the series to a decisive Game 7 on Detroit’s home floor.Statistical highlights from the semifinalsSpurs shot 56% from the field and led by Stephon Castle with 32 points and 11 rebounds.Victor Wembanyama added 21 points and 19 rebounds for San Antonio.Timberwolves were limited to 109 points despite Anthony Edwards leading early scoring.Pistons recorded a 21‑point win, highlighted by Cade Cunningham’s 21 points (five 3‑pointers) and Jalen Duren’s 11 rebounds, three blocks.Cavaliers top scorer was James Harden with 23 points; Donovan Mitchell was held to 18.Impact on the NBA postseason landscapeThe Spurs’ return to the conference finals – their first since 2017 – signals a resurgence driven by Wembanyama’s growth and a balanced roster. Their 4‑1 regular‑season record against the Thunder suggests a competitive series, though Oklahoma City remains the favorite.Detroit’s resilience keeps the Eastern bracket wide open. By forcing a Game 7, the Pistons have demonstrated depth and defensive tenacity, positioning themselves as a dark‑horse contender if they can capitalize on home‑court advantage.Looking ahead: what to expect in the final roundAll eyes will turn to the Western final where the Spurs must navigate a Thunder team that boasts the league’s best record and a potent offense. Expect the Spurs to lean on Wembanyama’s interior dominance and Castle’s scoring versatility.In the East, Game 7 will likely be a low‑scoring, defense‑driven battle. The Pistons’ ability to execute their system and contain Cleveland’s backcourt will determine whether they can upset the higher‑seeded Cavaliers and advance to the NBA Finals.