🌏 World News

May 14th, 2026

Today's top 5 stories, curated by Daily Direct.

Straits Times

Part of Somalia at risk of famine for first time since 2022

Parts of southern Somalia have reached famine-risk levels for the first time in three years, according to a new UN-sponsored report. The warning signals a severe deterioration in food security in one of the world's most vulnerable regions. Without urgent intervention, the crisis could escalate into a full-scale famine affecting thousands of lives.

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Al Jazeera English

Kyiv building collapses after Russian strike, reportedly trapping residents

A Russian drone and missile barrage struck Kyiv, causing at least one residential building to collapse and trapping residents inside. The attack is part of Russia's continued aerial campaign targeting Ukrainian civilian infrastructure. Emergency crews rushed to the scene as rescue operations got underway.

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BBC World

Former Nigerian minister sentenced to 75 years in rare corruption verdict

Former Nigerian Power Minister Saleh Mamman has been sentenced to 75 years in prison following a corruption conviction, marking a rare decisive verdict in a country where high-profile prosecutions often stall or collapse. The ruling signals a potentially bolder stance from Nigerian authorities on elite corruption. The case carries a significant caveat, however: officials have no idea where Mamman actually is.

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Al Jazeera English

Two killed as Israel ramps up southern Lebanon attacks ahead of US talks

Israel has intensified its military operations in southern Lebanon, killing at least two people as pressure mounts ahead of diplomatic talks in Washington. Lebanon and Israel are set to negotiate an extension of their ceasefire agreement with U.S. involvement. The timing underscores the fragile nature of the truce and raises questions about each side's leverage going into the discussions.

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Al Jazeera English

Xi Jinping welcomes Donald Trump with ceremony ahead of high-stakes meeting

Beijing rolled out the ceremonial welcome mat as Xi Jinping received Donald Trump for what may be the most consequential bilateral meeting in years. Trade tariffs, economic competition, and geopolitical tensions are expected to dominate an agenda with significant implications for global markets. The optics of cordiality belie the hard bargaining that lies ahead.

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