About this Episode
The World Health Organization has declared the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda a public health emergency of international concern. Around 80 deaths, eight confirmed cases and nearly 250 suspected infections have been reported in eastern Congo. Cases linked to travel from Congo were also confirmed in Uganda. The WHO warned of possible cross-border spread but said the outbreak does not currently meet the criteria for a pandemic. No approved vaccines or treatments exist for the Bundibugyo strain involved in the outbreak.
Meanwhile, a drone strike caused a fire at the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in the United Arab Emirates, according to Emirati authorities. Officials said the attack hit an electrical generator. No injuries or radiation leaks were reported, while emergency generators continue supplying power to one reactor unit. The incident comes as negotiations linked to the Iran conflict and shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remain stalled.
In Russia, at least three people were killed in the Moscow region during one of Ukraine’s largest drone attacks since the beginning of the war, according to Russian authorities. Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the operation and said Ukrainian long-range drones had reached the Moscow region. Russia claimed its air defences intercepted more than 550 drones overnight across the country. The attack followed a major Russian strike on Kyiv last week that killed at least 24 people.
The Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Vienna was meanwhile overshadowed by protests and boycotts linked to Israel’s participation during the war in Gaza. Spain, Ireland, the Netherlands, Iceland and Slovenia boycotted the event, while demonstrations and pro-Palestinian concerts took place across the Austrian capital. In Luxembourg, the collective Megaphone organised a Eurovision Counter Party in protest. Organisers also changed voting rules after criticism over alleged political influence and televoting manipulation during last year’s competition. Bulgaria won the contest with singer Dara and the song “Bangaranga”, while Israel finished second.
