Labour has suffered the worst local elections losses for a governing party in more than three decades. Several MPs are calling for Prime Minister Keir Starmer to step down, with a leadership contest discussed among party members if a path to replacement is not found by Monday. Starmer insists he will stay on and continues to frame the moment as a long-term project.
Labour MPs and former leaders are pressuring Sir Keir Starmer to set a timetable for departure as election losses fuel growing calls for leadership change. Catherine West has floated a cabinet-led reshuffle, while Angela Rayner and Wes Streeting emerge as potential contenders. Gordon Brown and Harriet Harman have been brought back into government to shore up the party.
Holyrood results have produced a reshaped Scottish Parliament, with the SNP retaining leadership while Labour ties for second with Reform UK. Greens gain constituencies, Conservatives fall back, and Lib Dems win a historic seat in Orkney. Greens and Reform UK appear to be shaping the new balance of power as counting continues.
Energy firms are accelerating investments in generation and infrastructure to bolster reliability and affordability amid the UK energy transition. Centrica has completed Severn gas-turbine plant acquisition, while E.On-backed Ovo deal signals growing focus on flexible, customer-centric solutions.
Labour has lost control of several councils across England while Reform UK and the Greens gain ground; the results signal a reshaping of the political landscape ahead of any general election, with the SNP and Plaid Cymru also indicating shifts in power in Scotland and Wales.
The Guardian reports that Wales and Scotland are shifting toward nationalist administration, while Labour’s grip weakens. SNP and Plaid Cymru are set to govern in Edinburgh and Cardiff, with potential impacts on North Ireland, and a more combative stance toward Whitehall is anticipated.
Two dual-national officials have been found guilty of assisting a foreign intelligence service by spying on Hong Kong pro-democracy figures and other targets in Britain; sentencing will follow. The case marks the first such convictions in British history.
The England men’s and women’s rugby teams are under scrutiny after a mixed Six Nations. The women have extended a winning run and face Ireland next, while the men’s setup is undergoing a formal review with no coaching changes announced yet.
Heathrow has reported 6.7 million passengers in April, a 5% drop from a year earlier, as unrest in the Middle East weighs on international travel. Transfer passengers are up 10% year over year, reflecting rerouting to Asia and Oceania via London. Officials say demand remains strong and will update forecasts in June.
Concert documentaries are expanding beyond big-budget packaging. The Guardian, The Independent, and The Times of Israel examine how artists like Billie Eilish and Michael Jackson are shaping the genre through direct-artist collaboration, new technologies, and fan-driven campaigns, while smaller films find audiences with grassroots release strategies.
A cold Arctic air mass has moved in this week, bringing a northerly wind, frost in rural areas, and below-average temperatures across much of the UK. Showers are developing, with some wintry over high ground, while sunnier spells may briefly boost daytime temperatures before more unsettled, cooler conditions return.
England’s women face New Zealand in a three-ODI and three-T20 series ahead of the home World Cup, with Charlie Dean captaining the side and Nat Sciver-Brunt managing a calf injury as the team prepares for the tournament starting on June 12.
A No10 source told The Mirror that forcing the Prime Minister to 'reapply for his job' would be a huge distraction as families struggle with the cost of living
Compass has published six-month results showing revenue up 9% at constant currencies, reaching $25 billion, with operating profit rising 12%. The group highlights new contracts worth $4.1 billion and says AI-enabled services are driving client demand for outsourced catering amid regulatory and data-driven needs.
The Item Club has warned that the UK faces a year of job losses driven by higher energy costs and supply disruptions linked to the Iran war, with South Wales and the Humber hardest hit. London, Birmingham, Leeds and Glasgow are also expected to shed thousands of posts as discretionary spending contracts.
A 481-meter tsunami at Tracy Arm fjord in August 2025 has been confirmed as the second-tallest in modern records. Scientists link the event to a large landslide and glacier retreat, warning that climate-driven changes are increasing the risk of similar, high-energy waves in fjord coastal settings.
The British cruise passengers will be allowed home if they test negative for the virus which has killed three
Former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra has been released on parole from Klong Prem Central Prison this morning, 11 May 2026, after serving about two-thirds of a one-year sentence. Hundreds of supporters greeted him; he will remain on probation, wear an electronic ankle monitor and report to officials for four months.
Atlanta Hall of Fame manager Bobby Cox has died at 84. Cox led the Braves to 14 straight division titles, a 1995 World Series title, and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2014. The Braves have issued a statement mourning his loss.
Syria’s interim leadership has announced a cabinet reshuffle, replacing the presidential secretary-general and several ministers. Abdul Rahman Badreddine al-Aama has been appointed secretary-general, with Khaled Zaarour named information minister and Bassel Sweidan taking agriculture. Governors of Homs, Latakia, Deir Ezzor and Quneitra have also been replaced; the changes come about a year and a half into the five-year transitional period.
Saudi Aramco has reported a $32.5 billion profit for Q1 2026, driven by higher volumes and a full-capacity East-West Pipeline that is helping mitigate global energy shocks despite continuing disruption in the Strait of Hormuz. The company notes ongoing headwinds from Hormuz while maintaining its dividend and investing in growth.
Diplomatic talks between the United States and Iran have stalled after Tehran has delivered a written response to a U.S. peace proposal and Washington has rejected the terms. President Trump has called Iran’s reply "totally unacceptable," regional drone attacks have been reported, and oil prices have risen as the Strait of Hormuz has remained effectively closed. (11 May 2026)
Australia's Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion has opened public hearings in May 2026 that have heard dozens of Jewish Australians describe a sharp rise in antisemitic abuse since October 2023 and trauma after the December 2025 Bondi Beach Hanukkah massacre that killed 15. The commission has received thousands of submissions and has recommended security, counterterrorism and gun reforms.
Péter Magyar has been sworn in as Hungary's prime minister after his centre‑right Tisza party won a historic two‑thirds majority on April 12. He has pledged to restore democratic checks, unlock about €17bn of EU funds and recover alleged state assets while supporters are celebrating and investigations into Orban‑era contractors are opening.
Magnier has claimed Stage 2 of the Giro d'Italia in a sprint finish in Veliko Tarnovo after a crash-framed drag to the line, while Diego Silva has taken the pink jersey. Stage 3 heads from Burgas to Veliko Tarnovo? (This will be corrected in final).
Iran's football federation has said it will participate in the 2026 World Cup but has presented 10 conditions for attending, including guaranteed visas, respect for its flag and anthem, and higher security. FIFA has reaffirmed Iran will play its group matches in the United States; visa and border disputes have caused recent friction.
China has hosted Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi in Beijing, where officials have called for a full ceasefire and renewed diplomacy to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The US is pausing a naval escort operation and preparing a reciprocal state visit by President Trump to China on May 14–15, where Iran, oil flows and trade will be discussed.
Lebanese authorities have reported that Israeli air and drone strikes have killed at least 17 people across southern Lebanon and areas south of Beirut on 9 May 2026, including children; Lebanese hospitals are treating numerous wounded. The Israeli military says Hezbollah has fired explosive drones and rockets that wounded Israeli soldiers and struck near Israeli territory, and both sides have continued daily attacks despite a ceasefire that began 17 April.
The Victory Day parade in Moscow has been scaled down and held under heavy security amid fears of Ukrainian strikes and public fatigue with the war. Putin has reinforced the narrative of victory while highlighting NATO’s role, with North Korea taking part for the first time. A three-day ceasefire brokered by the US spares the event from disruption, while Ukraine and Russia exchange accusations over truces.
A Union Pacific worker has found six dead bodies in a train yard near the U.S.-Mexico border. Police say the cause of death is still under investigation and there were no survivors. Past border-area incidents involving migrants have raised concerns about human trafficking and dangerous travel conditions.
LIV Golf has announced a shift to a diversified, multi‑partner funding model after the Saudi PIF ends its backing at the close of the 2026 season. An independent board is overseeing the transition, with leaders Gene Davis and Jon Zinman guiding efforts to secure long‑term capital while LIV maintains its 2026 schedule and explores new investor partnerships.
Palestinian and Israeli sources report intensified settler violence across the West Bank, including beatings, arson, and gunfire in Jalud, Deir Dibwan, al-Mughayyir and Beit Imrin. Israeli forces dispersing gatherings with few arrests; rights groups warn of a surge since the Iran war began.
The Vatican has hosted US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Rome for talks with Pope Leo XIV and senior officials, as tensions with Washington persist after Trump’s criticism of the pontiff. The discussions cover topics of mutual interest in the Western Hemisphere and broader world issues, with potential efforts to thaw relations between the US, the Vatican, and Italy.
A suicide car bombing and a gunfight at a police checkpoint in Bannu, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, has killed multiple police officers. Militants used drones and seized weapons as heavy clashes unfold, raising tensions along the Pakistan border with Afghanistan.
Eurovision organizers have warned that Israel’s entrant faced a formal reprimand after videos urging fans to vote multiple times were circulated. The incident follows tightened rules aimed at preventing third‑party government campaigns from swaying televote results. Officials say the videos did not alter the final outcome, but it has renewed debate about the contest’s neutrality in light of Israel’s participation.
Nobel Peace Prize winner Narges Mohammadi has been transferred from Zanjan to Tehran Pars Hospital, where she is receiving treatment by her own medical team. Her foundation says she has been granted a sentence suspension on heavy bail, but advocates warn permanent, specialized care is needed to avoid prison conditions.
UK and global airlines are adjusting schedules and offering contingency measures to curb jet-fuel use and reduce disruption this summer amid the Middle East conflict. Authorities are relaxing take-off/landing slot rules to allow early cancellations or consolidations, while passengers are urged to check notices, refunds, and rerouting options.
Iran’s new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei has been directing negotiations from behind the scenes after surviving a strike on Tehran. State media says he is in good health and overseeing talks, while officials acknowledge injuries but deny incapacitation. Officials say decisions are being centralised through senior IRGC leadership and a small medical circle.
Middle powers are increasingly hedging in response to Iran-related energy disruption and a looming Trump–Xi meeting. Countries are signing deals to secure oil, gas and technology, while global trust in the U.S. and China appears eroded.
Putin has said the Ukraine conflict is coming to an end and is open to European security talks, while a reduced Victory Day parade in Moscow is held. He names Gerhard Schröder as a preferred intermediary, and Zelenskyy frames Europe as united in supporting Ukraine amid ongoing fighting and ceasefire talks.
The Strait of Hormuz remains tense as US forces carry out retaliatory strikes against Iranian targets and Iran warns of further actions. Washington says it is guiding stranded vessels through the strait, while Tehran accuses the US of escalating the conflict. Regional actors report ongoing missiles, drones, and naval movements.
EU foreign ministers are set to discuss direct talks with Moscow in Cyprus, amid calls for concessions from Russia and a coordinated European approach. Kyiv has signaled support for EU leadership, while Putin has suggested he prefers a non-aligned mediator. Multiple European capitals warn against premature optimism as discussions unfold.
France and Kenya have signed a defense cooperation agreement and are hosting the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, marking a shift toward more equal partnerships as Paris redefines its Africa policy amid waning influence in Francophone Africa.
Plaid Cymru has secured the most seats in the Welsh Parliament, with Rhun ap Iorwerth poised to become Wales’ first minister. Labour has lost control for the first time since devolution, while Reform UK sits in a strong second place. Plaid signals a cooperative approach, seeking cross-party support to implement its programme.
The King has asked Troels Lund Poulsen to form a government without the Social Democrats and Moderates after Frederiksen’s governing coalition failed to secure a majority in March’s election. Poulsen faces a fragile, weeks-long process to assemble a right-leaning coalition as parties recalibrate amid a fragmented parliament.
New York City’s AI-in-classroom plan has drawn more than 6,000 public comments during a 45-day feedback period. Critics warn the guidelines favor big tech and lack concrete rules for student use, while advocates highlight teacher supports and partnerships with Kaplan and Microsoft. Debate centers on how AI should be integrated, and whether safeguards protect learning from overreliance.
Five countries have pulled out of Eurovision 2026 in Vienna over Israel’s participation. Organizers have implemented voting reforms in response to concerns about fairness, while Israel’s entrant Noor Bettan is focusing on his performance amid protests. Security is tight and protests are anticipated around Nakba Day.
The House has voted to impeach Vice President Sara Duterte, sending the matter to the Senate for trial. If convicted, she faces removal from office and a possible ban from holding government positions. The move follows a committee ruling that found probable cause and the filing of articles accusing her of misusing funds, concealing wealth, and threats against top officials.
Japan is discussing the potential transfer of used Abukuma-class destroyers to the Philippines as part of expanding security cooperation, with talks following Japan's policy shift on arms exports. The Balikatan exercises in the Philippines involve Japanese, American and other allied forces.
Public pressure grows over possible constitutional revision in the DRC as President Tshisekedi signals that any change would require a referendum. He warns that eastern conflict could delay the 2028 elections, while allies push for revisions to the charter and governance balance. U.S. sanctions and regional dynamics add to the volatility.
A U.S.-brokered ceasefire in Ukraine and Russia has begun for a three-day period, with both sides reporting casualties and repeated accusations of violations as fighting continues along the front lines.
Indonesian police have arrested 321 foreigners, mostly Vietnamese and Chinese, in a raid linked to an online-gambling hub near Jakarta’s Chinatown. The operation targets customers overseas and involved multi-country links; authorities are tracing organizers and backers as similar raids widen across Surabaya, Bali and Batam.
Europe’s jet-fuel inventories have fallen sharply, risking a June shortage threshold. Airlines face higher costs and disruptions while industry attention shifts to sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) as a long-term solution. The Independent reports a potential 23-day shortage under IEA projections, with UK seen as most at risk, while SAF production remains a tiny share of kerosene use.
Poland's former justice minister Zbigniew Ziobro has confirmed he is in the United States after fleeing Hungary, where he had been granted asylum. He faces charges in Poland related to abuse of power, leading an organised crime enterprise, and misuse of funds; Poland is seeking extradition even as Hungary signals a policy shift under the new government.
Ukraine has regained €35 million, $40 million and 9 kilograms of gold from state-owned Oschadbank after Hungary seized the assets in March. Kyiv calls the return a constructive step as Hungary shifts post-election, and Brussels funds remain under discussion.
The Hillsborough State Attorney’s Office has filed notice to seek the death penalty for 26-year-old Hisham Saleh Abugharbieh, indicted on two counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of Zamil Limon and Nahida Bristy, USF students from Bangladesh. Investigations show Limon’s body was found with stab wounds and bound; Bristy’s body was recovered in a Tampa waterway. An earlier roommate dispute and Abugharbieh’s alleged use of ChatGPT for disposal advice are part of the case.
Senior Iraqi officials have claimed the United States facilitated a covert Israeli military base in southern Iraq to support operations against Iran, behind reports of a hidden outpost near Najaf. The Wall Street Journal reported the base served as a logistic hub and housed special forces; Baghdad has summoned security heads to explain the incident.
Iran’s football federation has said visas for all players and staff, including those with Revolutionary Guard ties, should be granted without problems; the comments come as Iran seeks assurances on participation amid a fragile regional ceasefire and ongoing visa scrutiny surrounding the World Cup.
Heavy rains have worsened flooding and landslides across Kenya, affecting tens of thousands of households and prompting widespread evacuations, with authorities warning of continuing rainfall into May.
A Florida hiker has died during a hike on Mt. Brown Trail in Glacier National Park. Authorities say injuries are consistent with a bear encounter; remains were found about 2.5 miles up the trail. The park is evaluating bear activity as investigations continue.
A United Airlines Boeing 767-400 from Venice to Newark has landed safely after a light-pole contact on final approach. A tractor-trailer driver sustained minor injuries and is hospitalized; investigators are reviewing flight data and cockpit records. The NTSB has opened an investigation. No passengers or crew were injured.
The World Meteorological Organization has signalled the likely development of El Niño later this year, with subsurface Pacific heat rising and forecasts suggesting stronger heat waves, droughts in some regions, and altered hurricane activity. Experts caution models in spring remain uncertain, while the outcome could prompt notable shifts in rainfall and temperatures worldwide.
Vance is leading a high-profile vice-presidential role with mixed reception as he campaigns in Iowa and attends events in Oklahoma and Des Moines. Polls show a competitive environment for Republicans amid economic concerns and foreign-policy tensions as party figures weigh the 2028 horizon.
Across SBS and Business Insider UK reports, rising living costs are shaping Australians’ and Europeans’ decisions on family planning and housing. In Australia, couples cite groceries, childcare and rent as factors delaying parenthood; in the Netherlands, divorced individuals are driving demand for affordable tiny-home living through Minitopia sites.
California has launched Golden State Start, a statewide program with Baby2Baby to provide 400 free diapers to newborns at participating hospitals. The initiative, funded by the state, targets low‑income families and will begin in 65‑75 hospitals this summer, expanding over time. Officials say the goal is to ease an ongoing cost burden for new parents.
California regulators have found hundreds of violations in State Farm’s handling of wildfire claims tied to 2025 fires, with possible penalties and a licensing review under way. The department’s market conduct exam reviewed 220 claims, identifying 398 violations in 114 cases. State Farm says the findings mischaracterize its response and argues the market is dysfunctional.
Public-held US debt has reached about 100.2% of GDP at $31.27 trillion, with annual interest costs exceeding $1 trillion. The trajectory remains bipartisan and the growth in debt outpaces the economy, prompting warnings from analysts and policymakers about potential fiscal crises.
Teenagers have extended a TikTok-driven trend of speed running Scientology buildings from Los Angeles to the UK, with rallies in London and Edinburgh and police involvement after several incidents. The Church condemns the activity as trespass and disruption.
Retailers are increasing store investments to refresh layouts and services as online sales rise. Target is remodeling more stores; Walmart is upgrading aisles and driver efficiency; Burlington is opening 110 stores nationwide, including in California; IKEA opened a Culver City location with a city-focused layout; Walmart is adding beauty experts in hundreds of stores.
AP reports UCLA’s Foundations and Futures multimedia textbook aims to broaden representation of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities in classrooms nationwide, amid ongoing debates over DEI in education. The project has a $12 million backing and involves 100 contributors; it will roll out online with ongoing updates.
A wave of data-center projects powering AI infrastructure has intensified local pushback in Utah and other states. Proponents cite jobs and efficiency; opponents warn of water use, energy demand and quality of life. The debate spans corporate transparency, environmental safeguards and community benefits as regulators consider new approvals and standards.
The Department of Justice is backing a request related to James Comey’s indictment over a social-media post featuring seashells that read “86 47.” Comey has argued the image reflected a political message and was removed after it drew threats, while prosecutors say the post demonstrates intent to threaten the president.
The NBA draft lottery has delivered a fifth pick to the Clippers through a deal that sent Indiana’s top-4 pick and Myles Turner away; Indiana now misses the No. 5 selection it hoped for and must regroup with Ivica Zubac joining the Clippers, while Tyrese Haliburton is set to return from injury.
Trump has backed challengers to several Republican incumbents in Indiana, Louisiana and Kentucky as part of a broader effort to reshape the party’s redistricting strategy and defend his influence ahead of midterms.
A May funeral service at Summer Grove Baptist Church has honored seven siblings and their cousin killed in a father’s April shooting in Shreveport. Seven children aged 3 to 11 were remembered with tributes, photos, and a call for unity against violence. Officials have ordered flags to be flown at half-staff.
Khamzat Chimaev has claimed the middleweight title by defeating Sean Strickland on a split decision at UFC 328 in Newark, with security tightened amid volatile pre-fight exchanges; Strickland had threatened violence while Chimaev has ties to Chechnya.
An elderly crossing guard, Jean Schultz, has died after pushing two children out of the path of a vehicle in Woodland Park, New Jersey. The incident occurred near an intersection where Schultz and two schoolchildren were crossing; the children are in stable condition and Schultz has died from her injuries.
A new PEN America report finds that the number of banned non-fiction titles in US schools doubled in the 2024-2025 year, with activism and social movements as the leading themes. The crackdown also targets sex education, LGBTQ+ and people of color representations, and death-and-grief topics, while classic novels face renewed scrutiny.