France has suspended some EU border checks at the port of Dover due to heavy queues caused by the EU Entry-Exit System (EES). Passengers face long waits today, but processing times are improving as authorities relax checks during the bank holiday weekend amid record May temperatures.
The UK and France are positioned to lead an international effort to secure the Strait of Hormuz following Iran’s closure of the waterway amid broader Middle East hostilities. A peace deal with Iran is seen as a prerequisite for any deployment, with unmanned mine-hunting systems and autonomous vessels among the tools being prepared in Gibraltar.
Labour figures are highlighting measures to ease the cost‑of‑living squeeze while facing internal dissent after recent election setbacks. By‑election campaigns in Makerfield and policy proposals vie for influence as government rhetoric emphasises delivering on promised changes.
A heatwave has officially been declared across parts of southern England, with eight locations surpassing three consecutive hot days. Temperatures are climbing toward 33C in the south and east, while Scotland remains cooler. Amber heat-health alerts are in force, with authorities warning of significant health and social care impacts.
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.
Edinburgh City Council has paused its plan to demolish Westfield Court in Gorgie after Historic Environment Scotland indicated the 1950s block is likely to be listed for its architectural and historic interest. The council is reviewing property acquisitions in light of the potential listing, with demolition and redevelopment plans now in jeopardy.
Record May temperatures are forecast to push past 33C in parts of southern England and the Midlands. Yellow health warnings cover large swaths of England, with red alerts issued for risk to life for the over-75s and those with existing conditions. The Met Office says this could break the May and spring temperature records.
The Inside the Mind of a Young NEET report has gathered stories from over 400 youths and found around one million 16-24-year-olds are not in education, employment or training. The findings highlight mental health, loneliness, and digital culture as major barriers, while many remain eager to work despite systemic obstacles.
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.
Tulsi Gabbard has announced she will resign as US director of national intelligence effective June 30, saying she must care for her husband after his diagnosis with a rare form of bone cancer. The White House has said she is stepping aside; Reuters reports a source saying she was forced out. Aaron Lukas will serve as acting DNI.
A U.S. judge has dismissed a prohibition against vindictive prosecution in the Abrego Garcia case, ruling that the government’s actions were tainted by timing and public statements around deportation. The ruling follows a 2025 deportation to El Salvador and a 2026 criminal case that was later dropped while investigations cited potential vindictive motives.
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.
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.
Since the April 17 ceasefire, Israel has been carrying out air and drone strikes across southern and eastern Lebanon and near Beirut, while Hezbollah has been firing explosive drones and rockets at Israeli forces and border communities. Lebanese authorities have reported multiple recent civilian deaths, including children, as US-facilitated Israel–Lebanon talks proceed in Washington.
Ukrainian forces have been striking Russian oil infrastructure this month and have been credited with overnight attacks that sparked fires at several facilities, including a reported strike on the Sheskharis terminal near Novorossiysk and hits on refineries in Syzran and elsewhere. Russian officials have reported casualties and fires; Kyiv is not immediately commenting.
The Board of Peace has warned that the Gaza ceasefire’s second phase hinges on Hamas’s disarmament and a civilian transition, with Israel’s obligations and humanitarian access under scrutiny. Mladenov has urged action to prevent a permanently divided Gaza, while Hamas rebuffs accusations and calls for entry of a technocratic administration.
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.
Multiple outlets have reported that President Trump has said he 'doesn't think about' Americans' financial situation while negotiating with Iran, insisting preventing Tehran from a nuclear weapon is his sole focus. The comment has come as inflation has accelerated to 3.8% and gasoline has jumped above $4.50 a gallon since the war with Iran began.
France has banned Israel's national security minister Itamar Ben‑Gvir from entering its territory after he posted a video showing detained Global Sumud flotilla activists kneeling with hands bound while he taunted them. Around 430 activists have been intercepted in international waters, many are being deported, and several European and other governments have condemned Ben‑Gvir's conduct.
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.
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.
The EU Council has ended its temporary suspension of parts of the EU Visa Code for Ethiopian nationals, saying cooperation on readmission and return operations has improved. The repeal will take effect after formal notification to member states; Denmark and Ireland are not participating in the decision.
Cristian Mungiu has won the 2026 Palme d'Or at Cannes for Fjord, marking his second Palme. Andrey Zvyagintsev's Russia-set Minotaur has won the Grand Prix; Zvyagintsev, now in exile, has publicly pleaded to Vladimir Putin to "put an end to this carnage" over Russia's invasion of Ukraine (reporting 24 May 2026).
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.
Ukraine has warned of a potential combined strike on its territory, including Kyiv, after Russia ordered military options for retaliation following a drone attack on a dormitory in the Luhansk region. Multiple cities have reported strikes, with injuries and damage to buildings; U.S. and European partners are monitoring the situation.
Israel has targeted Izz al‑Din al‑Haddad, the leader of Hamas’ military wing in Gaza, in an airstrike in Gaza City that medics say has caused multiple casualties. The strike comes during a fragile ceasefire that has not stopped near‑daily Israeli operations and stalled talks on Hamas disarmament.
This month Nepal has seen a record single-day peak of climbers summiting Mount Everest from the south side while China has kept the northern route closed. An 18-year-old Australian has become the youngest Australian to reach the summit; veteran Sherpas have set new personal records. Several climbers have died this season and a dangerous serac and icefall conditions have delayed the route.
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.
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.
A bomb attack has hit a passenger shuttle carrying military personnel and families near Quetta, Balochistan, on 24 May 2026, killing at least two dozen people and wounding dozens more. The Balochistan Liberation Army has claimed responsibility; carriages have overturned, nearby buildings have been damaged and hospitals have declared emergencies.
Various White House and campaign sources say President Trump is weighing a ticket pairing Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio for 2028. Public rounds have seen Vance expand his foreign policy profile while Rubio engages in diplomacy and global travel. The discussion mirrors broader intra‑party debates about electability, experience, and coalition building.
Treasury yields have surged amid fears of inflation from elevated oil prices linked to the US-Iran conflict. Analysts say higher rates will weigh on equities, particularly growth stocks, as investors price in a higher discount rate and a slower path to rate cuts.
A gunman fired near the White House as President Trump is in the building negotiating with Iran. Secret Service has returned fire; a bystander has been wounded. The shooter was taken to a hospital and pronounced deceased. FBI is assisting, and security remains on high alert.
The Guardian, The Independent, Al Jazeera and The Japan Times report surging pump prices amid US-Israeli actions in Iran. Oil and gas companies are benefiting from a spike in global crude prices, while drivers face higher energy costs and economic strain at the pump.
Cristiano Ronaldo has helped Al-Nassr clinch the Saudi Pro League title with a 4-1 win over Damac, securing the club’s 11th league crown and Ronaldo’s first major trophy with the club. The victory follows closely after he was named in Portugal’s World Cup roster. Al-Hilal finished second, undefeated in 34 games.
Kevin Warsh has been sworn in as chair of the US Federal Reserve at a White House ceremony on May 22, 2026. President Trump has said Warsh will be "totally independent." Markets are repricing: higher bond yields and traders are increasingly expecting tighter policy as inflation has risen because of the US‑Israel war with Iran.
A man has died after a shark bite while spearfishing near Kennedy Shoal, about 45 km off Queensland’s northeast coast. He was taken ashore by boat and pronounced dead shortly after. The incident follows a separate fatal shark attack near Rottnest Island, Western Australia, on May 16. Authorities note that there are about 20 shark attacks in Australia each year, most not fatal.
The Bundibugyo strain Ebola outbreak in eastern DR Congo has prompted international concern with no approved vaccine or treatment. Tensions have spiked as residents clash with authorities over safe burial procedures, while authorities warn unsafe burials drive transmission. The outbreak has led to arson at treatment centers and mass protests amid disbelief about the virus.
The acting U.S. Navy secretary has said arms sales to Taiwan are paused to ensure the United States has sufficient munitions for its Iran operation, Epic Fury, with decisions on future sales to be made by the administration. Reports indicate arms packages could total about $14 billion, while Taipei seeks clarity on Washington’s stance.
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.
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.
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.
Pope Leo XIV has confirmed a European tour this year, including a visit to UNESCO in Paris and trips to Lourdes and Spain. The Vatican has framed the trip as a chance to engage with European Catholic communities amid rising secularism, with France hosting a ceremony at UNESCO and other destinations under consideration.
Campaigners and officials are pressuring the government to condition under-16 access to social media on safety standards, with a government consultation nearing its end. Proposals include banning or restricting high-risk features, vetting new apps, and potentially raising the age limit for some features.
Human Rights Watch warns of a new wave of xenophobic attacks in South Africa as anti-immigration groups intensify protests and vigilantism. Reports detail harassment, discrimination, and threats against foreign nationals, with calls for departures by a set date. Legal actions and court rulings are prompting scrutiny of state protection and enforcement gaps.
The government has dissolved all ministers after a long-running rift between President Faye and Prime Minister Sonko. The move coincides with unresolved IMF talks and mounting economic pressure, with the opposition Pastef-led parliament complicating reforms. As Sonko returns home amid mixed public reactions, questions loom about a successor and future policy direction.
Australia has begun relocating women and children linked to ISIS from al-Roj camp in Syria. A first group has left, with some already arriving in Australia and facing charges. Officials say a second group is departing, while Canberra maintains it will not provide government assistance for repatriation.
Sabrina Ionescu has been cleared to debut this season after an ankle issue, returning with a minutes restriction as the New York Liberty host the Dallas Wings. Several teammates are also rounding into form, with Sabally returning to action and Carrera and Fiebich nearing debuts.
The NY, Uganda and Berlin-related pieces show infrastructure stress and congestion responses. In New York, crumbling overpasses near the George Washington Bridge have prompted repair work after debris injuries; in Uganda, Katonga road works are nearing completion with temporary lane restrictions; in Berlin, traffic restrictions and car ownership debates are reshaping city planning.
Bangladesh has confirmed rising cases of measles, with hundreds of thousands suspected and thousands of infections reported since March. Hospitals are overwhelmed and vaccination campaigns are expanding as authorities warn that gaps in immunisation have worsened the outbreak.
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.
Negotiators at a UN review conference on the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty have failed to reach consensus on a final document, marking a third straight setback. A watered‑down text remains, with continued disputes over Iran, Russia, and other major powers affecting disarmament efforts. The conference chair says there will be no adoption this session.
Trump continues to push for a White House ballroom and related projects as debates over the Iran war and the economy persist; Republicans notice concerns among voters about vanity projects.
More than 600 cinema figures have warned that Vincent Bolloré’s dominance of French film production could push the industry toward a far-right-controlled model, threatening independence and diversity. Separately, French politicians are weighing the impact of potential state-aid cuts on Cannes-era film financing as the National Rally eyes reform.
Since their Beijing summit, Trump has voiced willingness to speak with Taiwan’s Lai while weighing new arms sales. Taiwan and Beijing warn against independence moves as Washington mends ties with Beijing.
The United States has not established direct presidential talks with Taiwan’s Lai Ching-te since 1979. Donald Trump has said he will speak with Lai, a move that could unsettle U.S.-China relations and Taiwan’s strategic position amid ongoing tensions in the Indo-Pacific.
Gisèle Pelicot has described finding trust again after the decade-long rape ordeal orchestrated by her ex-husband. Speaking at the Hay Festival in Wales, she has waived her right to anonymity and discusses her memoir, resilience, and optimism for a peaceful future for women and society.
Former Polish Justice Minister Zbigniew Ziobro faces 26 charges at home over alleged crime-victim fund misuses. Hungary has granted asylum; U.S. officials are reported to have facilitated a visa for Ziobro, allowing him to operate from abroad as Warsaw presses for extradition.
Reports indicate Iran maintains control over the Strait of Hormuz while refusing nuclear concessions. Analysts argue that despite U.S. military gains, Washington is struggling to frame a clear geopolitical win. The situation remains volatile as diplomacy and threats continue to evolve.
California Gov. Newsom has been pushing a narrative that branded gasoline costs more at the pump, citing state policies as a driver of high prices. He has urged travelers to consider unbranded gas, arguing it meets state standards. Chevron counters that most stations are independently owned and priced locally. The debate comes as California faces record gas prices ahead of the Memorial Day weekend.
The Enhanced Games have held a one-day event in Las Vegas allowing athletes to use banned drugs under medical supervision, drawing mixed reactions from anti-doping bodies, sports leaders and athletes. High-profile competitors include Fred Kerley, Ben Proud and James Magnussen. The World Anti-Doping Agency warns the concept could tempt more young people to use performance-enhancing drugs, while supporters call it a bold rethinking of sport.
The 82-year-old Alexandros Giotopoulos, convicted head of November 17, has been released on medical grounds after serving multiple life terms. A senior prosecutor is now reexamining the ruling amid renewed scrutiny and potential challenges from the Supreme Court.
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.
A shipyard on Staten Island’s Mariners Harbor has faced a deadly fire and a blast that injured more than 30 responders and a civilian. Investigators are on site, and the cause is under examination as emergency crews remain at the scene.
Police-linked 18-year-old Caleb Vazquez and 17-year-old Cain Clark to radicalization online; Vazquez and Clark attacked the Islamic Center of San Diego, then killed themselves. Authorities have used a 2014 California gun-confiscation law to remove 26 firearms from Vazquez’s home, with family statements alleging exposure to extremist online content.
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.
RALLIES have mobilized in Selma and Montgomery to defend the Voting Rights Act after a series of Supreme Court rulings has constrained how race can be considered in redistricting. Activists say Alabama maps are being redrawn under new constraints while civil rights veterans urge renewed resistance.
Spirit Airlines has ceased operations due to mounting losses and fuel-cost pressures, prompting consolidation in the U.S. budget-airline sector. Allegiant’s merger with Sun Country closes, expanding its network while maintaining separate brands for now. The industry faces higher jet-fuel costs, fuel-related fare hikes, and route reallocation as airlines recalibrate post-Spirit.
The New York mayor has sparked a rift with Jewish leaders after releasing a Nakba Day video that omits key historical context. Several Jewish leaders are skipping a Gracie Mansion event honoring Jewish heritage, while others attend, highlighting a split within the city’s Jewish community as the administration defends the piece.