Peter Murrell has pleaded guilty in Edinburgh to embezzling about £400,310 from the SNP, amid a long-running police probe into the party’s finances. He has been remanded in custody ahead of sentencing on 23 June.
Negotiations between the United States and Iran have been reported to be moving toward a deal that would reopen the Strait of Hormuz, include a 60-day truce, some sanctions relief and renewed nuclear talks. The disruption of Hormuz has already reduced oil and fertiliser flows, pushed up energy and food prices and is threatening severe economic pain for vulnerable developing countries.
The Strait of Hormuz remains blocked as the Iran conflict continues. Britain, backed by France, is preparing a multinational operation to clear mines and establish a transit lane for commercial shipping; the plan hinges on a peace agreement and ongoing hostilities’ end. A UK Navy amphibious ship with mine-hunting drones is at Gibraltar, with potential deployment through the Suez Canal to the Persian Gulf.
Kigali has expanded dedicated bus lanes and introduced a pilot airport shuttle to improve reliability and cut travel times. The reforms, delivered by Ecofleet Solutions, include fixed schedules, longer bus corridors, new routes and planned electric buses. Early data show higher ridership and shorter journeys, with ongoing route adjustments and a focus on preventing buses from leaving terminals until full.
Leaders from several European powers have urged Israel to halt settlement expansion in the West Bank and lift financial restrictions on the Palestinian Authority. The call follows a period of rising violence and a surge in settlement activity in 2025, with international bodies labeling certain plans as violations of international law.
Labour figures have been urged to focus on governing as internal talk about leadership intensifies after local election losses. Keir Starmer has faced calls to quit from some MPs, while Andy Burnham and Wes Streeting are positioning for potential leadership contests as the party seeks a clear path forward.
Record and near‑record May temperatures have been reported across multiple regions this week: parts of the eastern US hit low‑90s, Moscow has recorded 30.6°C, and the UK and western Europe are moving from a cold snap toward warmer bank‑holiday conditions. Forecasts show short heat spikes before cold fronts or rain return; Australia is facing a warmer, drier winter as El Niño signals strengthen.
Scotland has secured its return to the World Cup after 28 years, with captain Andy Robertson describing the squad's journey as a collective transformation since Steve Clarke's tenure began in 2019. The team will open against Haiti in Foxborough, aiming to advance from Group C alongside Morocco and Brazil. Robertson reflects on the emotional Denmark victory that sealed qualification, signaling a new era of fan support and national pride.
Eight locations in southeast England have met heatwave criteria for three consecutive days, with 30C-plus readings. Met Office forecasts suggest further rises into the mid-30s in the days ahead, potentially breaking the May temperature record of 32.8C as warnings warn of health impacts.
Labour has kept a tight hold on the political narrative amid debates over leadership, migration and fiscal policy. The Makerfield by-election stands as a potential hinge moment, with Andy Burnham, Wes Streeting and Keir Starmer weighing cross-party signals while Reform UK and Greens shape the vote. Markets watch the political mood as the contest unfolds.
Doja Cat has delivered a high-octane Glasgow performance, moving between pop-rap and rock-inflected material with command. The artist fronted a 10-piece band, delivered choreographed set-pieces and an on-stage persona that blends Playful glam with wild theatrics, signaling a star-making moment on this tour.
Labour figures have been facing internal pressure after local election losses, with leadership questions intensifying as Makerfield prepares for a by-election on June 18. Andy Burnham is contesting the seat, while Wes Streeting signals a shift in policy, including a wealth tax proposal.
Suzuki has died at age 93 from heart failure at his Tokyo home, according to Seven-Eleven operator Seven & i Holdings. He helped bring 7-Eleven to Japan and led 7-Eleven Japan for four decades, overseeing a shift from a single store to tens of thousands of locations and pioneering in-store banking and other services.
President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has dissolved the government and dismissed Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko after months of tension over policy and governance. Parliament’s moves to reinstate Sonko and appoint a new speaker follow Sonko’s earlier removal, with Pastef controlling a large parliamentary majority. IMF talks are at risk as debt concerns deepen.
The White House has pursued a high-profile ballroom project while facing pressure over the Iran war and rising fuel costs. Trump has repeatedly highlighted the ballroom, drawing criticism from Republicans who say it diverts attention from the economy.
China has launched the Shenzhou-23 mission from Jiuquan, carrying three astronauts to the Tiangong space station. The crew includes Li Jiaying from Hong Kong, Zhu Yangzhu and Zhang Zhiyuan. One member will undertake a full-year stay in orbit to study long-duration spaceflight, as China advances its lunar and deep-space program.
Since mid-April's US-brokered ceasefire, Israel has continued air and drone strikes across southern and eastern Lebanon and near Beirut while Hezbollah has been firing explosive drones and rockets at Israeli forces. Lebanese authorities have reported rising civilian casualties and infrastructure damage as US-facilitated Israel–Lebanon talks proceed in Washington (25 May 2026).
A gas explosion has struck the Liushenyu coal mine in Qinyuan county, Shanxi, where 247 workers were underground on Friday evening. Authorities have reported dozens hospitalised, two missing and an initial death toll that was revised downward after officials said the company's early figures were inaccurate. President Xi has ordered investigations and accountability.
The Democratic National Committee has released a 192‑page autopsy of the 2024 election that it had kept secret. Chair Ken Martin has said the report "does not meet my standards" and has apologised for withholding it; the draft is incomplete, annotated as unverified in places, omits Gaza/Israel, and is prompting internal criticism and calls for his resignation.
Pilgrims have arrived in Mecca for the Hajj as security concerns and regional conflict persist. Reports show over 1.5 million pilgrims from abroad have entered Saudi Arabia, with the pilgrimage continuing despite airspace disruptions and logistical challenges linked to the broader Middle East crisis.
An Ankara appeals court has annulled the CHP's November 2023 leadership congress, suspended Özgür Özel and has provisionally reinstated former chairman Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu. Özel has said he will fight the decision, is remaining at the party's Ankara headquarters and lawmakers have elected him as head of the parliamentary group. Markets have fallen and the central bank has sold foreign currency to stabilise markets.
Labour leader Keir Starmer has written to TNT Sports urging that next weekend’s Champions League final be free to view in the UK. The move follows the government’s VAT cut on entry to some attractions and comes as Starmer argues matches should be accessible to all fans, regardless of team allegiance.
Mexico's president Claudia Sheinbaum has said her government has agreed to let Iran's national football team stay in Mexico during the World Cup after the United States declined to host the squad for the tournament. FIFA has held constructive talks with Iran's football chief and Iran has outlined conditions on visas, security and respectful treatment.
President has said negotiations with Iran are proceeding nicely and that any settlement should include expanded participation in the Abraham Accords, with several Muslim and Arab states joining Israel-normalisation efforts.
The governing coalition has passed a preliminary Knesset vote to dissolve parliament and has sent the bill to committee; if the law clears final readings it will force elections at least 90 days later. Ultra‑Orthodox parties are pressuring Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over a draft‑exemption for yeshiva students while the coalition is rushing controversial judicial and media reforms through committees.
As of 25 May 2026, hotel bookings in many 2026 World Cup host cities have been running below expectations. Surveys and industry reports have found weaker-than-forecast occupancy in Kansas City, Boston, San Francisco, Vancouver and others, while short-term rentals and a few major markets are showing pockets of strength.
A suicide car bomb has detonated on a train carrying military personnel and families in Quetta, Balochistan, killing at least 24 people and injuring more than 50. The outlawed Balochistan Liberation Army has claimed responsibility. The blast has derailed carriages, caused fires and prompted emergency orders at local hospitals.
Cristian Mungiu has won the 2026 Palme d'Or at Cannes for Fjord, his second top prize, while Andrey Zvyagintsev's Minotaur has taken the Grand Prix. Juries have awarded multiple joint acting and directing prizes; the festival has been quieter than previous years with fewer Hollywood entries and a more European, political slate.
Philip Davis has secured a second consecutive term as Bahamas prime minister after the Progressive Liberal Party has won more than 30 of 41 House of Assembly seats in a snap election called to avoid hurricane season. The opposition Free National Movement has conceded; high-profile challengers, including Rick Fox, have lost their races.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has begun a four-day visit to India, touring Kolkata, Agra, Jaipur and New Delhi to discuss energy, trade and defense. He has met senior Indian officials, overseen a new U.S. embassy wing opening, and will join Quad foreign ministers in Delhi while pressing India on diversifying energy supplies and deepening technology and defence cooperation.
Naegohyang Women’s FC has beaten Tokyo Verdy Beleza 1-0 in the Asian Women’s Champions League final in Suwon after captain Kim Kyong Yong scored just before halftime. The North Korean club has been the first DPRK team to visit South Korea in eight years and will qualify for next year’s FIFA Women’s Champions Cup.
Spain has announced its 26-man World Cup squad for 2026, including Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams, while Real Madrid players have been omitted for the first time since 1950 due to injuries and selection choices. Yamal is a doubt for the opening games due to a hamstring issue. The squad features a heavy Barcelona presence and Arsenal and Manchester City players in midfield and defense.
EU foreign ministers are discussing the idea of engaging directly with Russia to end the Ukraine war, with Kyiv urging Europe to take a strong role. Names floated for a potential EU envoy include Angela Merkel, Mario Draghi, and Sauli Niinistö, though Brussels remains cautious about impartiality amid stalled US-led negotiations.
The United States has signaled it is pursuing a diplomacy-first path with Iran, while keeping the Strait of Hormuz blockade in place until a deal is reached. Multiple sources report that negotiators are exploring a framework to reopen the Strait and address Iran’s nuclear program, with officials indicating progress but unresolved disputes remain. Market reactions have been volatile as oil prices swing on expectations of a potential peace agreement.
Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters has announced that the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) commander Abubakar Mainok has been killed in a joint air-land operation with U.S. Africa Command in the Lake Chad region. The operation targeted senior ISWAP figures and logistics hubs, with authorities reporting multiple fatalities among militants.
The emerging MoU on Iran opens Hormuz; Tehran and Washington say “meaningful progress” is being made. Pakistan says the next talks are “very soon,” while Israel warns of security implications amid fresh strikes and a Gaza ceasefire strain.
Several development finance institutions have approved a CFA112.8 billion facility to back Nigeria’s industrialisation. The package targets infrastructure, transport, agro-food processing, health, pharmaceuticals and green industrialisation, with at least 30% directed to SMEs, including women-owned and youth-led firms. A $650,000 technical assistance grant will strengthen SME capacity and climate-smart initiatives. The package aims to deepen local manufacturing, reduce imports, and spur job creation and export growth.
South Africa is grappling with widespread flooding, wind and infrastructure damage across multiple provinces. Authorities have declared a national disaster, enabling emergency funding and coordinated relief. Cape Town and surrounding areas are experiencing power outages, water disruptions and school closures, with government agencies and NGOs distributing aid as recovery operations continue.
Waymo has issued a recall affecting thousands of robotaxi vehicles after software could allow cars to drive into standing flood water. The recall follows incidents in San Antonio and multiple service pauses across Austin, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, Nashville and Atlanta; Waymo is continuing software fixes and weather safeguards while operations are temporarily paused in some markets.
A collage of spring recipes from Guardian and sister outlets highlights miso, herbs, greens, and flexible methods. From a speedy cauliflower‑based risotto to slow‑cooker dips and a lamb shoulder with peas, the stories center on accessible, fresh ingredients and time‑saving techniques for weeknights and gatherings.
The national average for gasoline remains elevated as tensions in the Hormuz Strait keep supply pressures in play. Prices have hovered around multi-month highs, with Western states reporting new peaks and travelers planning for higher fuel costs this summer.
President Trump has said he "looks like I’ll be the one" to take action against Cuba, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said diplomacy "is not high" while casting Cuba as a national security threat. The Justice Department has unsealed an indictment against Raúl Castro and US forces have deployed the USS Nimitz strike group to the Caribbean.
The United States has placed a pause on a planned $14 billion arms sale to Taiwan while authorities assess munitions stocks for the Iran operation Epic Fury. Officials say future foreign military sales will continue when the administration deems necessary, amid ongoing dialogue with Taipei and Beijing.
Explosions have shaken Kyiv as authorities report a mass attack using drones, missiles and ballistic missiles. Officials say several districts are damaged, with fires and casualties in the capital and surrounding regions; officials warned residents to stay in shelters.
A 39-year-old man has died after a shark bite while spearfishing near Kennedy Shoal, 28 miles off northeast Australia. He was rushed to shore but could not be revived. Several sources note a recent fatality near Rottnest Island and ongoing shark activity in eastern Australia.
Italian Slow Food founder Carlo Petrini has died at 76 in Bra, Piedmont, after a battle with prostate cancer. Petrini led Slow Food from 1989 to 2022 and helped launch Terra Madre and the University of Gastronomic Sciences. The movement now operates in more than 160 countries.
Jet-fuel shortages and higher prices are pressuring airline schedules and traveler plans as tensions in the Middle East propel costs. Airlines are hedging and adjusting schedules, with mixed demand for summer travel and ongoing disruption risks.
The war surrounding Iran has seen indirect talks facilitated by Pakistan. Tehran and Washington remain far apart on core issues, including Iran's nuclear program and the Strait of Hormuz, with regional mediation intensifying and new high-level visits continuing.
A global shift in drinking patterns is under way as health concerns and tighter budgets spur reduced alcohol consumption. IWSR’s analysis shows servings have fallen 2% annually from 2019–2025 across 21 countries, with per-capita trends and pandemic blips shaping the market. Industries are cutting costs, changing leadership, and launching lower-alcohol products to adapt.
Syria has completed the electoral process in the northeast, with Hasakah, Qamishli and Ain al-Arab backstopped by officials as the People Assembly moves toward its first session after Eid al-Adha. Winners have been declared for most seats in Hasakah and Ain al-Arab, while Suweida remains outside the process.
The US military has said it is tracking multiple drone threats and is testing counter-UAS systems along the southern border, while New York City officials have authorized drone mitigation training and equipment ahead of large events.
A Russian-installed official says a Ukrainian drone strike hit a student dormitory in Starobilsk, killing multiple people and injuring dozens. Ukraine has not commented; Russia says it targeted a civilian facility where students and teachers were sleeping. Rescue efforts are continuing as investigations begin.
Emma Raducanu has crashed to a first-round defeat at Roland Garros, failing to win a game in the opening set against Solana Sierra before fighting back to force a tiebreak. She ultimately loses 6-0 7-6 (4). Frontrunner Fran Jones has celebrated her French Open debut win after injuries but Raducanu’s struggles dominate the day’s British stories.
The reported framework for a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and curb Tehran’s nuclear activity has drawn a chorus of Republican criticism in the United States, with several lawmakers warning the terms could undermine regional security and U.S. leverage. Officials say final details remain under negotiation as diplomacy intensifies.
The Enhanced Games, a one‑day event in Las Vegas featuring track, swimming and weightlifting, is allowing performance‑enhancing drugs (PEDs). World anti-doping bodies and several sports leaders warn of risks and potential normalization of PED use, while promoters tout its focus on athlete safety, pay, and innovation.
Public hearings in Australia’s Royal Commission are examining antisemitism and security at the Bondi Beach attack site. ASIO has tied Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to two antisemitic attacks, prompting the expulsion of Iran’s ambassador in August 2025. The inquiry focuses on police security at the Hanukkah event and the broader spike in antisemitism since 2023.
Divers have joined villagers in central Laos to search a flooded cave where seven people have been trapped for five days after heavy rain blocked the exit. Rescuers are pumping out water and navigating narrow passages as the situation remains critical.
The ICJ has issued an advisory opinion finding that the right to strike is protected under ILO Convention 87, in a 10-4 ruling. The opinion is narrow and not a ruling on the exact content or scope of the right; it is non-binding but influential.
The draft 60-day ceasefire would keep the Strait of Hormuz open with no tolls; Iran would clear mines and the US would lift some sanctions and allow oil sales. Iran commits to discussions on its nuclear program, while the final deal will be negotiated during the period. Israel-Hizbollah conflict also featured in talks.
Texas Republicans are in a runoff with Ken Paxton challenging incumbent John Cornyn for the U.S. Senate after a late endorsement from Donald Trump. The race has featured a clash over loyalty to Trump and Paxton’s impeachment-era baggage, with polls tightening as the May 26 runoff approaches. Democrats have nominated James Talarico for the general election.
Eswatini has been hosting up to 160 migrants deported from the United States under third‑country deals, with 19 detained in a Mbabane prison and others abroad. Detainees report crowded conditions; legal challenges argue the agreement bypasses parliament and violates rights. Sierra Leone and other West African nations have also agreed to accept deportees.
South Carolina lawmakers have begun a full debate on mid-decade redistricting, considering a map that could yield a Republican sweep in the U.S. House. The move follows pressure from President Trump and aims to move primaries and adjust districts, with debates centering on a seat long held by Democrat Jim Clyburn.
As Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday in May, Americans are urged to pause at 3 p.m. for a moment of silence and reflect on those who died serving in the U.S. military. The holiday’s origins lie in Civil War observances, with national adoption in 1868-71 and ongoing debates about its meaning.
Over a two-day span in Austin, shootings have injured multiple people as suspects in stolen vehicles fire at fire stations, homes and other targets. A shelter-in-place order has been issued and several teens have been detained as police pursue leads and assess motive.