Dispatches

May 3

Dozens of refugees fleeing from Libya likely drowned after a large rubber boat packed with migrants burst from the heat of the sun while crossing the Mediterranean Sea. Survivors reported that some of the people fell out of the deflating dinghy and couldn’t swim. A container vessel came to the aid of the sinking boat and transported survivors to safety. Rescue efforts in the Mediterranean have spiked as smugglers take advantage of warmer weather and calm seas. Over a three-day period, the coast guard said rescue vessels retrieved nearly 7,000 persons and transported them to Italy, where the government is struggling to find space for the continual flood of migrants.

Deadly derailment

May 12

A passenger train en route to New York City crashed in the Port Richmond neighborhood of Philadelphia, killing at least six persons. More than 200 persons were on board when several of the Amtrak train’s cars derailed, tossing passengers around and injuring dozens. Authorities had not yet determined the cause of the accident but said there were no indications it was an act of terrorism. Train service for thousands of riders was disrupted as Amtrak canceled transport between New York and Philadelphia and modified other routes.

No horsing around

May 2

Odds-favorite American Pharoah surged into first place to win the 141st Kentucky Derby with a time of 2:03.02 at the historic Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. The close race, in front of a record 170,000 spectators, featured 17 other horses that together made up the most talented field in decades. American Pharoah finished one length ahead of runner-up Firing Line. “Today, finally I let him run,” said American Pharoah jockey Victor Espinoza, who won the Derby last year aboard California Chrome.

Never forget

May 8

Hundreds of veterans marked the 70th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day by gathering in Washington, D.C., to watch vintage military aircraft fly over the National Mall. During the “Arsenal Of Democracy Flyover,” dozens of aircraft flew in formations to represent major World War II battles—the only time in history all of the aircraft have been together in the same location. Other countries also observed the anniversary with celebrations, including in Britain where commemorations featured the ringing of church and cathedral bells, the lighting of beacons across the nation, and the laying of wreaths at memorials.

Humanitarian halt

May 10

Yemen’s Houthi rebels agreed to a five-day cease-fire proposed by Saudi Arabia to allow humanitarian aid to reach civilians suffering from a six-week offensive in the Arab nation. More than 1,400 persons, mostly civilians, have died in the conflict since March. Before the agreement took effect, the Saudi coalition bombed former Yemeni president and Houthi ally Ali Abdullah Saleh’s residence in Sanaa, the Yemen capital now under Houthi control. Both sides have warned that any breach of the truce will bring a military response.

Surprise win

May 8

Polls indicated a close race going into the United Kingdom’s national election, but Prime Minister David Cameron and his Conservative Party easily emerged victorious. The surprise win may be a nod to Cameron’s leadership record, under which the United Kingdom recovered from a recession, saw the fastest growth of any major developed economy last year, and watched unemployment fall. The markets immediately responded to Cameron’s victory with a jump in early trading. Cameron’s party will now face the difficult task of steering the nation through two brewing issues: a decision on whether to leave the European Union, and continued pressure from Scottish nationalists who wish to break from the United Kingdom.

It’s a Girl!

May 2

Britain’s Prince William and his wife Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, welcomed their second child, a daughter they have named Princess Charlotte Elizabeth Diana. Royal “superfans” and media personnel spent days camped out in front of London’s St. Mary’s Hospital in anticipation of the baby’s birth. Just 10 hours after she was born, the couple awarded onlookers with the first peek of their little girl, who is fourth in line to the throne.