Consumer confidence in the U.S. rebounded significantly in May, ending a five-month decline. The Consumer Confidence Index rose to 98, driven by easing inflation, steady job growth, and subsiding the tariff concerns. This surge in optimism could boost consumer spending and overall economic activity, signaling a potential turnaround in the near-term economic outlook.
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Following a severe heatwave, Pakistan has been struck by intense storms, resulting in at least 32 fatalities and over 150 injuries in the past week. Northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa experienced five deaths on Thursday due to heavy rains and strong winds, with continued stormy weather expected in northern and central regions.
Two paintings by Frans Hals, possibly depicting his children, are returning to the Netherlands after a century abroad. The Frans Hals Museum and the Mauritshuis jointly purchased "Boy Playing the Violin" and "Girl Singing" for $7.8 million. The museums will share the works, displaying them in Haarlem and The Hague, highlighting their cultural significance.
President Zelenskyy is meeting Chancellor Merz in Berlin as Ukraine seeks more military aid amidst intensified Russian attacks. Germany, a key military supporter, has lifted range restrictions on weapons supplied to Ukraine. Recent heavy drone and missile attacks have targeted both Ukrainian and Russian regions, disrupting infrastructure and causing damage, highlighting the conflict's escalation.
Donald Trump seemingly rejected his envoy's proposal allowing Iran to retain low-level uranium enrichment for civilian purposes, insisting any deal requires complete dismantling of Iran's enrichment program. This stance contradicts envoy Steve Witkoff's reported offer of limited enrichment for uses like nuclear medicine in exchange for shutting down underground sites. Tehran has refused deals completely ending enrichment activities.
In Mexico's Michoacan state, a devastating explosion ripped through a military armored vehicle, resulting in the death of six soldiers and injuries to two others. The incident, attributed to an explosive device, occurred in a region plagued by drug cartel violence. President Claudia Sheinbaum condemned the attack, highlighting the ongoing challenges of criminal activity in the country.
In Cairo, Iranian, Egyptian, and UN leaders convened to address concerns over Iran's escalating uranium enrichment, as highlighted in a recent IAEA report. The report indicated Iran's increasing stockpile of uranium enriched to near weapons-grade levels, raising serious concerns. Discussions aimed to find a diplomatic solution, with Iran asserting its cooperation and denying intentions to develop nuclear weapons.
A minor earthquake, registering a magnitude of 2.4, struck Long Beach at 11.34 pm Pacific time on Sunday night. The US Geological Survey reported the quake originated at a depth of 7.6 miles, with its epicenter situated less than a mile from Los Angeles. The region typically experiences around 59 similar-sized earthquakes annually.
A massive landslide hit a village in the southern Switzerland. The incident occurred after the Birch glacier collapsed. A man is missing after the disaster. The landslide largely destroyed Blatten village. Authorities have launched a search operation. Climate change is likely the cause of the glacier collapse. Concerns are rising about the blocked Lonza River. Authorities are monitoring the situation.
