Launch Joint

• The Africa CDC and World Health Organization (WHO) have launched a joint continental response plan to combat an Ebola outbreak. • Running from June to November 2026, the initiative seeks to raise US$ 518 million to fund rapid detection, clinical care, and emergency coordination. • The "One Response" approach integrates governments and partners to strengthen disease surveillance, laboratory testing, and community engagement across affected regions.

Bosses believe having single booking process will drive up ticket sales for all festivals to offset funding squeezeThe Edinburgh festivals hope to launch a single box office for all the city’s 11 festivals to make it simpler to buy tickets and profit from the “lake” of customer data they hold.Festival directors hope a universal box office will allow them to increase ticket sales and attract a wealthy corporate sponsor, such as Mastercard, to offset deep cuts in public funding they expect to see in coming years. Continue reading...

• British and French intelligence agencies announced a coordinated investigation Friday into suspected Russian interference in upcoming European elections, citing evidence of coordinated disinformation campaigns targeting NATO members. • Intelligence officials briefed parliament and the European Commission on Russian operatives' attempts to manipulate social media narratives, exploit internal political divisions, and sow discord regarding Ukraine support policies. • The investigation focuses on a Russian intelligence network allegedly operating from St. Petersburg that has infiltrated European political parties, media outlets, and online forums with false narratives about NATO expansion and Ukraine aid.

• Canada and Mexico initiated formal trilateral negotiations with the United States on Thursday to revise specific provisions of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), focusing on energy sector regulations, labor standards enforcement, and digital trade frameworks. • The negotiations emerged following months of diplomatic pressure from the Trump administration over concerns regarding Chinese investment in Mexican manufacturing sectors and alleged labor standard enforcement gaps affecting North American supply chains. • Trade analysts estimate the negotiations could result in amendments affecting approximately $1.3 trillion in annual trilateral trade flows, with particular implications for automotive, agricultural, and energy sectors across the region.

• The FBI and IRS are initiating a joint investigation into nonprofits over possible ties to domestic terrorism, targeting groups promoting extreme views on immigration, gender ideology, and anti-American sentiment. • The probe follows a memo from Attorney General Pam Bondi last year ordering lists of such organizations. • This initiative raises concerns about free speech and government overreach amid heightened security focus.