Scott Hastings, Scotland rugby league legend, has died aged 61 after battling cancer. A key member of Scotland’s 1990 Grand Slam side and a Lions tourist, Hastings later became a broadcaster and charity advocate. Tributes have flowed from former teammates, clubs and political figures.
The government has set out a 2026 price range for HS2 of £87.7bn to £102.7bn, with first London–Birmingham services now expected between 2036 and 2039 and full completion possibly by 2043. Top speeds are being lowered from 360km/h to ~320km/h to cut costs, and automatic train operation may be dropped.
Two-day Paris summit remains focused on stabilizing energy and supply chains amid the Iran-related conflict. Leaders emphasize swift transit through Hormuz and a lasting resolution, while discussing sanctions, Ukraine support, and critical mineral supply chains. A separate UK conference highlights new development models and climate investments.
The Royal Pop collection, a pocket-watch collaboration between Swatch and Audemars Piguet, has drawn huge crowds and safety concerns at stores worldwide. Lines have formed for days, with some locations closing due to crowding. Watches are priced around $400 and resale values have surged in some markets.
Official data show the UK jobless rate has increased to 5% in the three months to March, with a 100,000 drop in payrolls in April—the largest monthly fall since May 2020. Vacancies have fallen to 705,000 in the April-quarter, while wage growth remains weak at 3.4%. Retail and hospitality are hardest hit as hiring slows amid economic and geopolitical uncertainty.
Pay growth has cooled in early 2026 as inflation pressures from energy prices persist. BoE watchers note slower wage deals, while housebuilders warn profits will fall amid higher costs driven by the Middle East conflict. Retail, travel, and housing sectors are all feeling the pinch as uncertainty lingers.
The government has launched a National Crime Agency cell to coordinate raids on high‑street fronts for crime networks, backed by £20m and 75 new officers. The plan targets vape bars, mini-marts and other outlets linked to money laundering, tax evasion and illegal activity, with a broader push to clean up shopping streets.
Labour’s Greater Manchester mayor, Andy Burnham, has sought Labour NEC approval to stand in Makerfield after MP Josh Simons steps down. Reform UK is mounting a strong challenge in a seat Labour has held since 1983, helped by local council gains and a surge in Reform support. The Greens have indicated a campaign, complicating Labour’s path to Westminster.
A spate of antisemitic violence has intensified in London’s Golders Green and broader security concerns are rising after a planned U.S. plot against Jewish sites was disrupted and a string of stabbing incidents prompted high-level visits and a terrorism threat elevation.
England have won the Women’s Six Nations, extending their winning streak and showcasing depth as injuries and retirements force a reshaped squad. Ellie Kildunne and Jess Breach starred as England overwhelmed France to seal yet another Grand Slam and fuel confidence ahead of the 2029 World Cup.
Senior UK politicians are debating rejoining the EU in the future. Former negotiators say any re-entry would come on standard terms rather than the bespoke deal Britain enjoyed before Brexit. Labour figures and their rivals are testing positions as talks with Brussels continue.
The president has summoned reporters to a White House site tour to showcase renderings of a proposed 90,000-square-foot ballroom and underground complex, claiming personal financing and a “gift to the United States.” The event is timed to counter a Senate hearing on the $1.7 billion security fund and comes as questions are raised about the project’s funding and security claims.
The latest global index shows the UK performing well overall in protecting children, though gaps remain in victim support and prevention. Separate studies highlight online grooming and a surge in pornography exposure among teens, prompting calls for tighter cross‑agency collaboration and youth‑focused interventions.
The Commons has voted to throw out a Tory amendment backing drilling at Rosebank and Jackdaw as Labour presses ahead with an Energy Independence Bill that would block new licences for fossil-fuel exploration while accelerating renewables and grid upgrades.
The revived Pensions Commission has published an interim report calling for measures to reduce the gender gap in private pension savings, which current data show is substantially larger for women than men. The commission warns that without action, pensioner poverty and higher costs for government finances could follow.
A set of global weather updates show heat surges in parts of the US, UK, and Australia, with warm spells expected to ease into periods of rain or cooler days. Forecasts indicate temperatures will rise in the near term before shifting again in coming days.
A fourth case of meningococcal disease has been confirmed in Reading, Berkshire, linked to a wider social network associated with two deaths in Kent. The pupil at Westwood Farm Junior School is recovering; three cases in Reading and Henley College have prompted precautionary antibiotics for close contacts. Public risk to the wider community remains low.
Fatah has held its eighth General Conference and has re-elected Mahmoud Abbas as movement chair while voters have elected a new Central Committee. Marwan Barghouti has topped the vote, Majed Faraj and Jibril Rajoub have won seats, and Yasser Abbas has secured a place on the Central Committee.
Greenland’s prime minister has met U.S. special envoy Jeff Landry in Nuuk and has said the Greenlandic people "are not for sale". The meeting has been described as respectful; Greenland has reiterated that self-determination is non-negotiable while a U.S.-Greenland-Denmark working group has continued confidential talks.
Spain's National Court has widened a probe into the 2021 €53m Plus Ultra bailout and has searched former prime minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero's Madrid office; Zapatero has been summoned to testify on June 2 and has denied receiving any payments related to the rescue as investigators examine possible kickbacks and improper lobbying.
Brazil has announced a 26-man squad for the World Cup, with Neymar included after fitness improvements. Joao Pedro is omitted, drawing reaction from fans and Chelsea and Santos alike as the tournament in North America approaches.
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has said he was informed of an ICC arrest-warrant request and has ordered the immediate evacuation of the Palestinian Bedouin community Khan al-Ahmar. The ICC has not confirmed any new warrants; Israeli security bodies and courts will determine if and when the order takes effect.
The Senate has advanced a war‑powers resolution that would end U.S. military action against Iran unless the president obtains congressional authorization. The procedural motion passed 50–47 after a handful of Republicans joined Democrats; the measure still faces major hurdles in the House and an expected presidential veto.
Health authorities have confirmed 11 hantavirus cases linked to the MV Hondius cruise ship, including three deaths. Nine cases have been confirmed as the Andes strain, which can spread between people in close contact. Passengers are being evacuated, tested and placed under up to 42 days of quarantine in specialised facilities or at home.
Cuban president Miguel Díaz‑Canel has said Cuba "poses no threat" after US reports — citing classified intelligence — that Havana has obtained more than 300 military drones from Russia and Iran and discussed strikes on US assets including Guantánamo Bay. Cuba has denied the claims and warned a US attack would "trigger a bloodbath."
Reports have documented a continuing surge of violent attacks by Israeli settlers across the occupied West Bank this spring: arson, beatings, shootings and property destruction. Israeli forces are regularly present during incidents, with limited arrests reported; Palestinian authorities say bodies have been withheld after some killings, preventing burial and mourning.
Since the April 17 ceasefire, Israel has been continuing air and drone strikes across southern Lebanon and near Beirut while Hezbollah has been launching explosive drones and rockets at Israeli forces and communities. Lebanese authorities have reported dozens of civilian deaths and injuries in recent days as US-brokered Israel–Lebanon talks proceed in Washington (19 May 2026).
President Donald Trump has said he was "an hour away" from ordering strikes on Iran but halted action after Tehran, via Pakistan, sent a new peace proposal. Trump has warned a limited US attack will happen in days unless Tehran concedes on nuclear limits, while Iran is holding to demands including lifting sanctions and release of frozen funds.
NextEra Energy has agreed to combine with Dominion Energy in an all-stock deal that values Dominion at about $67bn and would create the world’s largest regulated electric utility, serving roughly 10 million customer accounts across Florida and the Southeast. The transaction is expected to close in 12–18 months, subject to shareholder and regulatory approvals.
The State Duma has endorsed Yana Lantratova, 37, as ombudswoman for human rights. She succeeds Tatiana Moskalkova and has been nominated by A Just Russia with backing from United Russia. Rights groups describe her as a different figure, shaped by the current political system, with past ties to the transfer of Ukrainian children amid the war. The ICC has accused Putin and Maria Lvova-Belova of war crimes.
Israel has approved new legislation to try Oct. 7 attackers in a special military court, with a livestreamed tribunal, three-judge panels, and possible death sentences for genocide or related crimes. The law expands to include others charged with crimes against the Jewish people, war crimes and crimes against humanity, and bars prisoner exchanges for those convicted. Trials will be public, with remotely participating defendants and an appeals process.
The latest updates show South Korea and Japan continuing high-level engagement, with leaders visiting each other’s hometowns and planning talks on economic, energy and regional security cooperation as they navigate geopolitical strains.
Multiple outlets have reported that Israel has established covert military sites in Iraq's western desert to support air operations against Iran. Reports say the installations have hosted special forces, logistics and search-and-rescue teams; Iraqi patrols investigating were struck in early March, killing one soldier and injuring others.
Israel's governing coalition has submitted a bill to dissolve the Knesset and is rushing contentious legislation through committees this week. Ultra‑Orthodox pressure over a yeshiva draft exemption has pushed the government toward elections to be held at least 90 days after passage; preliminary votes and committee fights over media and attorney‑general reforms are intensifying.
The International Criminal Court is holding pretrial hearings for Khaled Mohamed Ali El Hishri, a Libyan former militia commander accused of 17 counts of crimes against humanity and war crimes at Mitiga prison in Tripoli between 2015 and 2020. Proceedings began in The Hague, with judges weighing whether to move to a full trial within 60 days.
The M23 rebels and allied forces are facing ongoing conflict in eastern Congo as U.S.-brokered peace efforts falter. President Tshisekedi faces renewed calls to revise the constitution while fighting persists, threatening elections and stability in the region.
A drone has struck an electrical generator outside the Barakah nuclear power plant in Abu Dhabi after Emirati air defences have intercepted two other drones. The Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation has said the plant has remained safe, with no radiological release or injuries, while the IAEA is following the situation closely.
EU foreign ministers are weighing direct talks with Russia over Ukraine, with Zelenskiy urging Europe to have a strong voice. Schroeder’s name has been floated as a potential EU envoy, but Brussels remains wary of impartiality. Kyiv says coordination with Europe could apply more pressure on Moscow amid ongoing attacks.
The Bundibugyo-strain Ebola outbreak has spread to Ituri and North Kivu, with cases reported in Bunia, Goma and neighboring Uganda. WHO has declared a public health emergency of international concern; diagnostics and surveillance face delays, while aid groups warn that conflict and weak infrastructure hinder containment.
Multiple outlets report that President Trump has said Americans’ finances are not motivating his approach to diplomacy with Iran, while inflation and fuel prices have risen amid the ongoing war. Analysts note the economic strain is shaping voter concerns ahead of midterms.
Several current and former Sinaloa officials, including Sinaloa Governor Ruben Rocha Moya and ex-security chiefs, have been charged in Manhattan with conspiring with the Sinaloa Cartel to import narcotics into the United States. Two former top officials have surrendered in the United States, intensifying pressure on President Claudia Sheinbaum's government.
The U.S. Treasury has renewed a 30-day general license to allow temporary access to Russian oil and petroleum products stranded on tankers, extending the previous waiver that had lapsed. The extension targets poorer nations unable to secure Gulf oil shipments amid geopolitical tensions and sanctions, while acknowledging risks that the move could finance Russia’s war efforts.
Protests across Bolivia have intensified with miners, farmers and teachers demanding labor reforms, fuel subsidies and Paz resignation. Security forces are clearing roadblocks in La Paz while shortages of fuel, food and medicine worsen international aid is arriving to alleviate crises.
The Trump administration has been engaging with China on tariffs, Iran, and Taiwan during a high‑profile Beijing visit. Xi Jinping is presenting a stable, constructive path while warning against missteps on Taiwan; Washington is pressing for economic reciprocity and deeper cooperation on Iran, with the Straits of Hormuz and tech supply chains in focus.
Police are responding to an active shooter incident at the Islamic Center of San Diego in Clairemont. Authorities say people have been shot; the situation is ongoing and authorities are on scene.
Iran’s World Cup participation continues to face visa and access concerns amid tensions with the U.S. and Canada. FIFA has held constructive talks with Iran’s football authorities, stressing the need for assurances on entry, visas, and security for the squad and delegation ahead of the tournament in the United States. Iran has set conditions and expects respectful treatment for its team, flag, and anthem.
Israel has recognised Somaliland since December, and Somaliland’s embassy in Jerusalem is set to open soon. Israel’s foreign minister calls the move a significant step in boosting ties; Somaliland’s ambassador confirms the arrangement while acknowledging regional sensitivities and the broader international reaction.
Kylian Mbappé has voiced concerns about a potential National Rally win in France’s next election, prompting sharp responses from RN leaders. The exchange highlights the party’s challenge in balancing far-right aims with broader public appeal as the campaign debate intensifies.
The administration has rejected Iran’s latest counterproposal and warns the ceasefire is on life support. Tehran and Washington are locked in a regional standoff that has disrupted oil flows and heightened global tensions, with talks on ending the war failing to progress.
Detective Mark Fuhrman, a central figure in the 1994 O.J. Simpson case, has died at 72. He is known for discovering a bloody glove and later for perjury charges after a leaked recording showed racial slurs. Coroners confirm death occurred May 12; cause not released. He later worked in media and authored books about the case.
Protests over recent fuel-price hikes have intensified, with multiple cities experiencing unrest as transport operators strike. Authorities report arrests and disruptions to daily life, while officials attribute the rises to global oil market volatility and domestic tax measures.
Luxury labels are expanding flagship stores in key markets, while Burberry reports a turnaround led by scarves and new Cotswolds lines. The fashion industry is prioritising heritage pieces and limited-price tiers to drive growth amid mixed demand.
Protests over fuel-price hikes have continued in Kenya, with transport operators halting services and commuters facing disruption. Authorities report casualties and arrests as talks with government and fuel stakeholders stall amid arguments over price reductions and anti-adulteration measures. Negotiations remain ongoing with a one-week pause requested by officials.
The Bahamas’ Progressive Liberal Party has secured more than 30 of 41 parliamentary seats in a snap election called to head off hurricane season. Prime Minister Philip Davis has led the PLP to a second consecutive term, the first time this has occurred since 1997. The opposition FNM has conceded.
Amnesty International has confirmed 2,707 executions worldwide in 2025, with Iran accounting for 2,159 of them—an all-time high in Iran and the largest share globally since 1981. Rights groups say the rise follows political repression, protests, and regional conflict, while data from China remains excluded due to state secrecy.
A judge has ruled that a notebook and a gun found in Luigi Mangione’s backpack can be used as evidence in the Manhattan murder case against UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, while other items from the backpack are suppressed. Mangione faces state murder charges and a separate federal case; the trial timeline remains intact.
The United States has halted its involvement in the Permanent Joint Board on Defense with Canada to reassess the forum’s benefits, amid strains over defense spending and a broader push by the Trump administration for allies to shoulder more burden. The pause follows statements from US Undersecretary Elbridge Colby and mirrors tensions across North American security and trade.
Belarusian and Russian forces are conducting a joint exercise to test the movement and deployment of nuclear weapons from unplanned launch sites. Officials say the drills are routine and not aimed at any third party, but Kyiv and Western partners warn of escalated nuclear risk amid Belarus’ proximity to NATO borders.
The White House has reportedly instructed military planners to be ready for a large-scale assault on Iran if a deal is not reached as Gulf leaders urge restraint. Biden-era tensions again center on the Strait of Hormuz and Iran’s nuclear posture, with Tehran warning of renewed action if attacked.
Nobel Peace Prize winner Narges Mohammadi has been released on heavy bail after health concerns intensified in prison. She has been transferred to Tehran for medical care, with doctors warning of further deterioration. Supporters say she must not return to prison conditions.
As Cannes opens, Iranian director Asghar Farhadi has described civilian deaths in Iran as extremely cruel and tragic, saying cinema can condemn violence while supporting censorship-free work abroad. His Paris-set Parallel Tales is in competition.
France's Canal+ chief executive has said he will no longer work with hundreds of cinema figures who signed a petition accusing Vincent Bolloré of steering a far-right “civilisational project.” The move follows open letters published around Cannes, highlighting concerns over Bolloré’s influence on French cinema and media.
A 47-year-old man has been charged with three counts of murder after the bodies of his wife and two children were found at a Campbelltown home. Police say the incident is part of a broader domestic-violence crackdown, with NSW officers reporting nearly 1,000 arrests across a four-day operation.
A Belgian former diplomat, Étienne Davignon, has died at 93 moments after being ordered to stand trial for involvement in the 1961 murder of Patrice Lumumba, a pivotal decolonisation figure. The Brussels court had moved to pursue charges in March, but Davignon has died before trial. The Lumumba family says the pursuit of legal redress is not complete. The Lumumba case had already shaped Belgium’s colonial accountability debate for decades.
Croatia has not granted consent for the proposed Israeli ambassador, with President Zoran Milanović saying the nominee has not received his approval amid tensions over Israel’s Gaza campaign. The Israeli government will move the ambassador-designate to serve as charge d’affaires until Zagreb grants consent, a stance that reflects a broader diplomatic rift.
A trio of high-end properties are hitting the market or closing deals: a record-breaking 65-million loft in Manhattan’s Meatpacking District, a $21.9-million desert retreat near Las Vegas, and prime Rivage oceanfront penthouses with multi-million-dollar contracts signaling continued appetite for oversized, design-forward homes.
England has named Janse van Rensburg in its extended training squad after World Rugby has ruled his five-year residency qualifies him to represent England from July 8. He will miss England’s July 4 opener against South Africa but could feature later against Fiji and Argentina, alongside new and developing players.
Nigeria and Africa face a push to mobilize private capital and support industrial growth. The AfDB-backed facilities target infrastructure, manufacturing, SMEs including women-led and youth-led firms, with grants to strengthen capacity and climate resilience.
Uganda's President Museveni has been sworn in for a seventh term amid heavy security in Kampala. He has urged citizens to pursue wealth creation and productivity, while opponents allege irregularities in the vote. The inauguration follows a January election that Museveni has won with over 70% of the vote, with the term lasting until 2031.
Bond markets have extended a sell-off, pushing government borrowing costs higher across major economies including the US, UK and Japan. Analysts say inflation risks from the Iran war and potential energy shortages are driving expectations that central banks will keep or raise rates, pressuring governments and economies.
Taiwan Travelogue by Yang Shuang-zi, translated by Lin King, has won The International Booker Prize 2026. It is the first Mandarin-origin book and first by a Taiwanese author to win the prize, with the authors sharing £25,000 each. The novel blends romance with postcolonial inquiry, set around 1938 Taiwan under Japanese rule.
Updates on fertility and parental leave policy discussions across outlets, highlighting ongoing concerns about US birth rates, paid leave access, and rural health. The perspectives range from advocacy for extended paid leave to critiques of current federal provisions.
Estonian defense officials say a related drone entering Estonian airspace was shot down by a Baltic Air Policing fighter jet; Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia have seen multiple stray Ukrainian drones since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Kyiv says these drones target Russia but are hampered by interference, while Baltic leaders stress airspace won't be used for attacks on Russia.
Alex Saab has been deported to the United States and has appeared in court. He faces a single count of money laundering tied to a long-running bribery scheme connected to Maduro-era contracts. Prosecutors say he helped channel oil revenues and secure contracts, with ongoing investigations into the CLAP program and related corruption.
Rashee Rice has been ordered to serve 30 days in jail after testing positive for THC, in addition to existing probation terms linked to a 2024 Dallas highway crash. He is set for release on June 16 and will miss team activities during the jail term and upcoming minicamps.
Trump has instructed the U.S. military to be prepared for a full, large-scale assault on Iran on short notice if an acceptable deal is not reached, after threatening renewed conflict amid a fragile ceasefire and ongoing negotiations.
The Defence Ministry has announced a three-day drill involving 64,000 troops, 200+ missile launchers, 140+ aircraft, 73 surface ships, and 13 submarines to practice the preparation and use of nuclear forces under the threat of aggression. Belarus cooperation is included amid rising Ukrainian drone strikes.
An independent Civil Commission has concluded that sexual and gender-based violence was systematic, widespread, and integral to Hamas's October 7 attacks and hostages’ captivity, constituting war crimes and crimes against humanity. The report draws on 430 interviews and 10,000 pieces of visual evidence, including videos and photographs.
Lebanese President Aoun has urged reaching an end to the Lebanon-Israel war, saying he is prepared to "do the impossible" to stop the fighting. Health authorities report the death toll in Lebanon has neared 3,000, with ongoing Israeli strikes, evacuations, and Hezbollah operations continuing in south Lebanon and northern Israel amid a 45‑day ceasefire extension.
Hungary’s new center-right government has summoned the Russian ambassador over a large drone attack on Ukraine near Hungary’s border. The move marks a sharp shift from the previous administration’s stance, with Budapest pressing for clarity on when Moscow plans to end the war. Zelenskyy has welcomed the stance as a signal of renewed neighborly cooperation.
G7 finance ministers and central bank governors have been meeting in Paris to coordinate responses to economic risks tied to the Middle East conflict, energy and food supply chains, and volatility in bond markets. The final communiqué reaffirms commitment to multilateral cooperation and outlines plans to monitor markets and diversify critical minerals away from China. The Evian summit in June remains a focal point, with talks inviting non-member nations.
In Damascus’s Bab Sharqi district, soldiers have dismantled a bomb when a car exploded nearby, killing a service member and wounding others. State media says 18 are injured; authorities have not claimed responsibility, though IS has previously conducted similar attacks as the Assad era continues.
Ukraine has been targeting Russian air defences and logistics dozens of kilometres behind front lines, expanding the reach of long‑range attacks on oil facilities and military sites. Officials describe a growing focus on “middle strikes” ranging 30–180 km behind the front, supported by drones and improved coordination.
France and Algeria have stepped toward a diplomatic thaw, with senior envoys returning and talks on security, migration and judicial cooperation under way. The focus remains on Christophe Gleizes, a French sports journalist jailed in Algeria on terrorism charges, who has withdrawn his appeal in hopes of a presidential pardon. The trajectory of relations hinges on a potential pardon and ongoing dialogue.
A refinery attack has left an oil slick around Shidvar Island in the Persian Gulf, a Ramsar-designated wetland, with oil rain reported in Tehran. Satellite images show the fire on Lavan refinery continuing two days after the strike; footage from Iranian citizen Ehsan Jalali documents wildlife suffering as oil spills spread.
Voters are casting primary ballots as Alabama implements a new map after a Supreme Court ruling, with four districts facing special primaries in August to align with redrawn boundaries that affect minority representation and party control of the U.S. House.
Louisiana Republicans are headed to a runoff after former senator Bill Cassidy is ousted in a campaign framed by President Trump’s interference, with Julia Letlow leading the field and John Fleming close behind. The outcome signals the continuing influence of Trump-style loyalty tests within the party as Indiana and Kentucky contests unfold.
A 56-year-old woman has died after stepping out of her Mercedes on Fifth Avenue in Midtown Manhattan and falling into an uncovered maintenance hole. Con Edison is investigating why the cover was left off as the victim, identified by family as Donike Gocaj, dies at a local hospital. City records show hundreds of missing manhole covers have been reported this year.
Meta has reorganized to push AI-native structures, moving more than 7,000 employees to AI initiatives while laying off about 8,000 in a three-wave cut that begins at 4 a.m. local time. The company is flattening management and pushing remote work as it bets on AI, with severance and support offered to departing staff.
California regulators have found hundreds of violations in State Farm’s handling of wildfire claims tied to the 2025 Eaton and Palisades fires. The investigation reviewed 220 claims and identified 398 state-law violations in 114 cases. Authorities seek penalties and potential license actions as part of broader reforms to post-disaster claims processing.
New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani has posted a Nakba Day video featuring a survivor’s testimony, arguing the displacement of Palestinians began in 1947–49 and continues today. The one‑sided framing has drawn swift pushback from Jewish groups and lawmakers who say the post ignores counter‑facts and risks inflaming antisemitism.
Public art in Dallas is being overwritten to make way for World Cup-themed artwork. Wyland’s two-wall mural, “Whaling Wall 82,” has been painted over; a new piece will be revealed, while some of the original work is to be preserved as a tribute.
A California jury has unanimously found that Elon Musk’s 2024 lawsuit against OpenAI, Sam Altman and Greg Brockman has been filed too late, sparing OpenAI and its leadership from liability. The court accepts the jury’s verdict and signals an appeal may proceed. The case had centered on Musk’s claim that OpenAI shifted from nonprofit to for-profit and diverted charitable funds.
A fast-moving brush fire in Simi Valley, Ventura County, has expanded rapidly since it started just after 10 a.m., forcing mandatory evacuations and threatening homes in Thousand Oaks. Authorities report the fire has grown to several hundred acres with ongoing suppression efforts and weather conditions under monitoring.
Recent reports outline multiple cases where migrants and crime victims face detention or deportation despite cooperation with authorities. Developments include a Mexican father awaiting possible deportation after aiding a homicide investigation, a Florida case involving a deported mother and a child’s death in her brother-in-law’s care, and a DACA recipient deportation followed by return. The broader pattern shows tighter ICE enforcement under the current administration.
Xavier Becerra has vaulted into the lead in California’s gubernatorial race as the June 2 primary nears, benefiting from the exit of Eric Swalwell and endorsements from labor groups. Polls show a crowded field with Becerra at the top among Democrats and steady competition from Steve Hilton, Tom Steyer, and others.
A late-morning shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego has killed three men outside the mosque and left students inside nearby Bright Horizon Academy shaken. Two teenage suspects later killed themselves after the attack; a security guard is credited with preventing greater bloodshed.
Tom Steyer is under renewed pressure over his position on a moratorium for new data centers as voters weigh affordability and climate policy ahead of the June 2 primary. Greenpeace has disputed his current stance after his comments in a campaign survey.
Broadway productions and new releases are reporting recouped capitalization costs across multiple shows, including a Rogers-influenced revival and a Darin-led musical. Box office trends show strong performance for the latest revivals and upcoming wide releases, with touring plans for next year.
AP/NFL say Nashville will host Super Bowl LXIV in February 2030 at a new $2.1B stadium across from Nissan Stadium, with construction on schedule and three years to prep.
The South Carolina House is debating a redistricting plan urged by President Trump that would reshape the state’s only Democratic-held U.S. House district and could yield a Republican advantage in the midterms. A special August primary would select candidates as maps are updated, with some absentee votes already cast potentially being discarded.
ICE has been arresting people in immigration courthouses; a judge has ordered a halt to the practice and called for correcting an error to prevent injustice. Civil liberties groups say the ruling protects removal hearings and asylum claims from abrupt arrests.
A medical transport plane crashed early Thursday en route from Roswell to Sierra Blanca, killing four aboard. The crash, now under FAA/NTSB investigation, coincides with a rapidly expanding wildfire that has burned dozens of acres in steep terrain as firefighters battle to control it.
The FBI has arrested former Brooklyn judge Edward H. King and Yechiel “Sam” Sprei after prosecutors allege they duped investors out of $6.5 million through fictitious real estate opportunities and misused attorney escrow accounts. The pair face wire fraud charges and potential 20-year prison terms; King resigned last year amid a judicial ethics probe.