Undisclosed (Ukraine) (AFP) – Clutching pets and belongings, evacuees from the northern part of Ukraine’s Kharkiv region arrive at a collection point as a new Russian offensive rumbles audibly in the background. On 12 May, authorities said that more than 4,000 people had been evacuated in the region, which has experienced a recent increase in shelling.
Malmö (Sweden) (AFP) – “Maybe Eurovision needs a little bit of fixing” says Nemo, the 24-year-old Swiss singer who won the 2024 Song Contest. They are the first artist identifying as non-binary to claim victory in the competition, which was this year held amid controversy over Israel’s participation, with the war in Gaza raging on. “This whole experience was really intense and not just pleasant all the way” says Nemo.
Wildwood (United States) (AFP) – Hurling barbs at a range of foes, former US president Donald Trump comes out swinging at his latest political rally, calling President Joe Biden “the worst president ever” and “a fool”. The Republican presidential candidate is facing a potentially damaging week in court, with his former lawyer Michael Cohen set to testify. Despite Trump facing four criminal charges and a possible jail sentence, his support base isn’t fazed. “It’s only galvanized the base” says Lisa Lombardo, one of those gathered at the rally in Wildwood, New Jersey.
Malmö (Sweden) (AFP) – Eurovision fans criticise the booing that could be heard as Israel’s entry performed in Saturday night’s event. “We didn’t need the politics” says David, a head teacher from Ireland. This year’s Song Contest was held amid tension over Israel’s participation, with protesters gathering in Malmo to demonstrate against the ongoing war in Gaza, which began in October last year following a deadly attack by the militant group Hamas.
Madrid (AFP) – Real Madrid players and fans celebrate the football club’s 36th La Liga title in the Spanish capital. ‘Los Blancos’ sealed the championship last week with four games of the season to play and also have the chance to win their 15th Champions League when they face German club Borussia Dortmund in the final on 1 June.
Seoul (AFP) – Crowds gather on the streets of Seoul to celebrate the Lotus Lantern Festival, held ahead of Buddha’s birthday on 15 May, as ornate lanterns are paraded past by monks and participants.
Poissy (France) (AFP) – Fans of Paris Saint-Germain gather outside the club’s training campus in the French capital, hoping to catch a glimpse of Kylian Mbappe who on Friday announced his summer departure. “I’m a bit sad, because he’s my favourite player” says Sara, one of those waiting, “but I’m happy for him”. The France captain has been at hometown club PSG for seven years since a 2017 move from Monaco made him the second most expensive transfer in football history.
Muçum (Brazil) (AFP) – Entire neighborhoods remain underwater after severe flooding in southern Brazil, which has killed at least 126 people and left another 756 injured. In the devastated town of Eldorado do Sul, boats pass through the streets distributing food to people trapped in their homes by the murky water and fears over looting. Experts have linked days of heavy rain to climate change and the impact of the El Nino weather phenomenon.
Steinbach-Hallenberg (Germany) (AFP) – The Northern Lights illuminate the skies above Germany and the United Kingdom as the most powerful solar storm in more than two decades strikes Earth. The spectacular displays were visible overnight from Tasmania to the UK, with the storm threatening possible disruptions to satellites and power grids into the weekend.
Cancún (Mexico) (AFP) – Just a few miles from the white sand and turquoise Caribbean Sea that has made Cancun a popular destination for tourists from around the world, many Mexicans live a very different reality. Airport worker Rosalina Gomez and schoolteacher Yazmin Teran are among those who can’t afford to enjoy the beaches the destination is known for.
