Author: Gulf News Week
As Argentina’s southernmost city, Ushuaia has long enjoyed its reputation as ‘The End of the World’ and as a gateway for trips both to Antarctica and for tourists to explore the dramatic, natural beauty of Patagonia.But in recent days it has been grappling with a different kind of fame, one that has cast a shadow over local businesses and officials: the suggestion it could be ground zero for the hantavirus outbreak on the Dutch vessel MV Hondius.The cruise ship is now anchored in Tenerife in Spain’s Canary Islands where passengers are being evacuated and flown home. It began its journey…
Workers have begun painting the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool blue as part of US President Donald Trump’s bid to beautify Washington DC ahead of the nation’s 250th birthday this summer. The historic pool, stretching 2,030ft (620m) between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument, has long been plagued by leaks, structural deterioration, faulty pipes, algae growth and bird droppings. Trump has said his project to restore and paint the monument would solve the leaking problem and make the pool more beautiful than ever.But it is unclear whether the repairs can specifically fix the underlying structural issues at the attraction, which…
These days and nights she stays at home in Tehran. Waiting. For the sound of aircraft. Bombs. For news or no news of friends in detention. Shirin – not her real name – is constantly anxious. She is showing signs of post-traumatic stress disorder. Her left hand is no longer fully functional.”Whenever I hear a disturbing sound, my body reacts involuntarily. The psychological pressure that entered my mind has numbed this part of my left hand. It doesn’t work. I still have anxiety that the war might start again, and that is a terrifying thing.”On the streets the regime stages…
A passenger of a cruise ship that was struck by an outbreak of hantavirus has shown symptoms of the disease while being repatriated to France, the country’s prime minister has said.Sebastian Lecornu said the French national developed symptoms while on a chartered flight from Tenerife to Paris, and so all five evacuated from the MV Hondius had been “immediately placed in strict isolation until further notice”.The French citizens are among more than 90 tourists to be ferried home from the Dutch vessel on Sunday, which anchored off the Canary Islands before dawn.Three passengers have died after travelling on the ship,…
How could extreme weather affect World Cup 2026?With almost a month to go until the start of the World Cup, Simon King looks ahead to the weather’s potential to disrupt the tournament this summer.16 hrs ago
It is often described as Africa’s biggest night in film and fashion.Celebrities, filmmakers and creators arrived at the 12th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) in Nigeria with dramatic trains, sculptural gowns, shimmering fabrics and heavily theatrical designs that once again transformed the event from an awards show into a spectacle of style.Held at the Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos, the annual ceremony celebrates achievements in African film, television and digital storytelling, while also serving as one of the continent’s biggest cultural showcases where celebrities compete for being best-dressed, as much as they do for awards.BBC/GIFT…
Angela Rayner has warned that Labour faces its “last chance” after heavy election losses this week, as she backed Andy Burnham to return to Westminster.In a statement following Labour’s disastrous performance at the polls, the former deputy prime minister said the party had been wrong to block the Greater Manchester mayor from standing as an MP earlier this year.Rayner, seen as a potential contender to replace Sir Keir, called on him to “meet the moment” with bolder action to make people feel better off.She did not launch a leadership challenge herself but her intervention will add to pressure on the…
The 2026 Eurovision Song Contest officially lands in Vienna on Sunday, with a “turquoise carpet” parade featuring competitors from all 35 nations.It’s the show’s 70th anniversary, but the celebrations have been overshadowed by a ferocious row over Israel’s participation.As the delegations gather in Austria, five competition regulars will be absent, with Iceland, Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Spain all boycotting the event.Israel’s presence has sparked controversy since its government began a massive military offensive in Gaza in October 2023.A ceasefire deal has been in effect since 10 October 2025.During the most recent Eurovision contests in Malmö (2024) and Basel (2025),…
How Britain’s political map has been torn upThe way votes fragmented across the country during regional elections suggests the UK is entering a new era of multi-party politics.
Iran has sent its response to US proposals to end the war via mediators in Pakistan, Iranian state media report.No details have been released. The US has not made details of its proposals public, either, but reports suggest they centre on a 14-point memorandum of understanding, which could lead to negotiations on Iran’s nuclear ambitions.A ceasefire meant to facilitate talks to end the war launched by the US and Israel in February has been largely observed, despite occasional exchanges of fire.However, Iran has continued to block the Strait of Hormuz – leading to a rise in world oil prices -…