North Korea Closes Borders Amid Rising Global Tensions and Violence

North Korea halts new visa issuance following recent openness to Western influencers. Vice President JD Vance meets Pope Leo XIV in the Vatican, delivering a letter from Donald Trump. Israel faces escalating violence with hundreds reported dead, while a Mexican Navy ship collides with the Brooklyn Bridge. Other notable news includes investigations into femicides in Mexico and wildlife trafficking in Thailand.

In a surprising turn of events, North Korea has announced it will stop issuing new visas, just weeks after welcoming a group of Western social media influencers into the country. This abrupt closure of borders raises questions about the nation’s approach to foreign engagement. CNN’s Will Ripley reports on this development, which underscores the unpredictable nature of North Korean policies.

Meanwhile, on May 19, Vice President JD Vance was in the Vatican, where he met with Pope Leo XIV. Vance conveyed a significant message, presenting a letter from former President Donald Trump that extended an invitation to the Pope to visit the White House. This diplomatic move follows a series of high-profile interactions on the global stage.

In the Middle East, tensions are escalating, particularly in Israel. Recent air and ground operations have reportedly resulted in significant casualties, with health officials indicating hundreds have died. The conflict has also caused the closure of the last operating hospital in northern Gaza, as international mediators work tirelessly to achieve a ceasefire.

In New York, a dramatic incident unfolded as a Mexican Navy training ship inadvertently struck the Brooklyn Bridge on Saturday, reportedly while moving in the “wrong direction,” stated a senior city official. CNN’s Gloria Pazmino provided insights as evidence of damage was revealed along the East River.

In Pope Leo XIV’s first homily during his inauguration, he called for unity within the Church. The event saw a gathering of approximately 100,000 people in St. Peter’s Square for the Mass, marking a significant moment in his papacy.

As President Donald Trump wraps up a three-day Middle Eastern visit, CNN’s Betsy Klein reports on the various deals he is facilitating, indicating a busy diplomatic agenda. Meanwhile, in Costa Rica, guards at a prison made a surprising discovery: a cat was found carrying packages of marijuana and cocaine. The Ministry of Justice reported that the cat was secured and transferred for a health check.

In South Korea, CNN Travel’s Lilit Marcus explored the vibrant Noryangjin Fish Market in Seoul, famed for its vast selection of seafood vendors, showcasing the diverse culinary culture of the region.

On the geopolitical front, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin find themselves absent from peace talks in Istanbul, amidst a flux of mixed messages. In a meeting in Albania, Zelensky remarked that Putin is “afraid” to engage directly while the Russian delegation remains at a low-level status in negotiations.

Authorities in Thailand have arrested a man suspected of trafficking two infant orangutans, apprehended as he attempted to pass the animals to a customer at a Bangkok gas station. This underscores ongoing issues related to wildlife trafficking in the region.

In Mexico, authorities have launched an investigation into the murder of beauty influencer Valeria Márquez, who was fatally shot during a TikTok livestream at her salon in Zapopan. This tragic incident is being examined as a femicide case, following another shooting of a mayoral candidate just days prior, highlighting a worrying trend of violence against women.

In an interview with CNN’s Becky Anderson, Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani characterized the luxury jet given to President Trump as merely a “simple government to government dealing,” seeking to downplay its significance in political discourse.

Zelensky has announced he will travel to Turkey, signaling readiness for discussions with Putin regarding potential ceasefire agreements, yet he has established clear expectations for the meeting. CNN’s Nick Paton Walsh provided an analysis of the ongoing struggles as those efforts unfold.

In summary, North Korea’s abrupt visa restrictions follow their recent openness to Western visitors, reflecting ongoing unpredictability in their policies. Other global issues include intensified military action in Israel and rising violence against women in Mexico, as well as a notable diplomatic engagement between the U.S. and the Vatican. With major geopolitical stakes in Turkey, the next steps from Zelensky and Putin could shape future outcomes tremendously. Moreover, surprising incidents like the discovery of a drug-trafficking cat in Costa Rica show the bizarre and serious nature of crime. Amidst these diverse events, it is clear the landscape of international relations and domestic issues is as intricate and pressing as ever.

Original Source: www.cnn.com