Thailand revives Clean Air Act to fight seasonal smog
Thailand's parliament has revived long-delayed legislation to recognize clean air as a protected public right, a major step in a country where seasonal smog has become an annual health emergency.
World
Drone strike in Russian-held Luhansk kills at least 10
Authorities in the Russia-occupied Luhansk region of Ukraine said on Saturday that at least 10 people had died after a Ukrainian military drone strike hit a university complex and dorm area. Russia's state-run news agency RIA reported on Saturday that 12 people have been confirmed dead, citing the emergency ministry.
Germany marks Constitution Day with calls for civic engagement
Skip next section We are pausing our coverage May 23, 2026 We are pausing our coverage Thanks for following our coverage today. We will have more from Germany in our blog on Sunday.
South Africa's struggle with xenophobia and state response
As attacks on migrants resurface in parts of South Africa, critics are questioning whether the government's response to xenophobia is working. South Africa has faced repeated outbreaks of violence targeting migrants from Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Somalia, Ethiopia, Malawi, Mozambique, Ghana and Zambia.
Record naturalizations in Germany in 2025
At least 309,852 people obtained a German passport in 2025, beating the 291,955 naturalizations the previous year, the weekly Welt am Sonntag has reported.
Rubio's India visit to mend ties and strengthen the Quad
Skip next section We are pausing our coverage May 23, 2026 We are pausing our coverage Thanks for following our coverage today. We will have more from India in our blog on Sunday.
Germany's fast militarization threatens fundamental rights
In an era of populism and authoritarian regimes worldwide, fundamental rights are coming under increasing pressure in Germany, a country governed by the rule of law.
Germany Courts Gulf States Amid Iran Conflict
Are we living in an era where traditional diplomacy has little influence? Is the world moving toward a time when individual states increasingly use military force to assert their interests? If so, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul made a conscious effort this week to set a different tone. The German chief diplomat was unusually busy.
What's Next for Trump and Iran?
A banner of President Donald Trump hangs over Iranian Americans and their supporters as they march from the U.S. Capitol to the World War II Memorial during a rally Saturday, May 16, 2026, in Washington.
Tennessee Desi: A Pakistani‑American Blends Country and Qawwali
Singer-songwriter Mo Sabri loves country music — and Pakistani devotional music. His new music reflects both genres. Mo Sabri hide caption toggle caption Mo Sabri When the singer-songwriter Mo Sabri was growing up in East Tennessee, his Pakistani immigrant parents loved playing the swirling, rhythmic sounds of qawwali, Sufi Muslim devotional music.
Kast's Trench Strategy on Chile's Northern Border
On Chile's northernmost border with Peru, military excavators carve a deep trench across the windswept pampa, part of a hardline effort to tighten control of migration and cross-border crime under President José Antonio Kast.
New Middle East Alignments: Who Will Hold the Upper Hand?
To all appearances, it really looks as if the United Arab Emirates has picked a side as a result of the US and Israel's war with Iran, a side that could isolate it from much of the rest of the Arab world.