Today's Headlines

On April 30, the United States and Ukraine signed a minerals deal in Washington, ending a two-month delay. The agreement is seen as a new form of commitment by the Trump administration to Kyiv, replacing military aid. Ukraine secured full sovereignty over its rare earths during negotiations. Initially, Trump demanded Ukraine's mineral wealth as compensation for US weapons. Ukraine eventually accepted the deal to attract long-term US investment. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated the agreement demonstrated both sides' commitment to lasting peace and prosperity in Ukraine. Prime Minister Denys Shmygal called the deal good, equal, and beneficial, announcing the establishment of a Reconstruction Investment Fund with Ukraine retaining full control over its natural resources. Economy Minister Yulia Svyrydenko said the deal would finance mineral, oil, and gas projects, as well as related infrastructure.

King Charles shared a personal message at a Buckingham Palace reception for cancer charities, discussing his own experience as a cancer patient and highlighting the compassion that can illuminate the darkest moments of illness. While not providing an update on his treatment, royal sources indicate positive progress. Diagnosed with cancer in February 2024, he continues to receive successful treatment. After a brief hospital stay in March due to side effects, he was well enough for a state visit to Italy in April. The King praised the 'community of care' supporting cancer patients and quoted the late broadcaster Dame Deborah James, urging hope and resilience.

One of Japan's busiest bullet train lines, the Tokaido Shinkansen, halted operations due to a snake entangled in a power line, causing a power outage. Services between Tokyo and Osaka were suspended around 17:25 local time on Wednesday and resumed at approximately 19:00, according to Central Japan Railway Company. This incident occurred during Japan's busy Golden Week holiday season and as Osaka hosts the World Expo, attracting millions of visitors. The snake incident took place between Gifu-Hashima and Maibara stations, affecting multiple train routes. Passengers gathered at stations and queued at ticket machines. A frequent traveler noted it was his first experience of such a disruption, while another expressed frustration with service issues. This is not the first time a snake has disrupted the shinkansen service, with a similar incident reported in April 2024.