Peter Murrell has pleaded guilty to embezzling more than 0,000 from the SNP, triggering remand in custody and a June sentencing date. The case centres on money raised for a Scottish independence campaign.
Alberta's premier has announced an October vote on whether the province should remain in Canada or pursue a binding referendum on independence. Carney, the former Bank of England governor, has warned that Brexit-era voting lessons show pushing a referendum can backfire. The vote is non-binding for now and is seen as politically divisive as Ottawa seeks to retain provincial cohesion.
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.
A heat dome is driving unprecedented May temperatures across western Europe, with the UK posting a May high of 34.8C at Kew Gardens and France recording its hottest day in May since records began. Spain and Italy are facing 36-38C forecasts as governments urge adaptation and caution during scorching conditions.
The Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed by Iran, disrupting global shipping and raising energy prices. UK and French-led efforts to prepare an international operation to clear mines are under discussion, with a peace agreement regarded as a prerequisite for deployment. New mine-detection tech and autonomous vessels are being tested in Gibraltar as allied planning continues.
In Makerfield, Wes Streeting has argued Britain’s future lies with Europe and one day rejoining the EU, prompting mixed reactions as Labour contenders navigate Leave-voter constituencies and Reform UK opposition. The by-election is shaping a broader debate on the UK’s EU relationship amid ongoing Labour leadership positioning.
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.
A Scotsman letter condemns Police Scotland’s funding choices and cancellation of a taxi-outing for children with additional needs, while separate reports detail a GMP firearm incident in Whitefield and a Aberdeen traffic stop leading to youth disorder. No injuries reported in the latter, investigations ongoing.
Andy Burnham has sought advice from Sue Gray on how to manage a potential transition into Downing Street if he returns to Westminster. The Makerfield by-election is seen as pivotal for Labour and could influence leadership dynamics within the party amid ongoing internal jockeying.
As heatwaves persist across France, the UK and beyond, authorities report multiple heat-related deaths and warnings to protect the vulnerable as temperatures push into the 30s and 40s Celsius.
UK consumer confidence has weakened with higher living costs, a dimmer view of the economy and expectations that interest rates will rise. Surveys show households cutting back on spending as prices stay stubbornly high amid the Iran-war energy shock.
Record‑level and near‑record May temperatures have been reported across multiple regions this week — parts of England and Russia have hit unusually high temps while the eastern US has recorded low‑90s — even as eastern Australia is facing a major rain band. Forecasts show brief, intense heat will give way to fronts or rain in most places; Australia is also seeing El Niño odds rise for winter.
The jury has been sworn for Jeffrey Donaldson’s rape and indecent-offence trial in Newry crown court. The former DUP leader faces 18 alleged offences across 21 years, with his wife Eleanor facing a separate trial-of-facts for aiding and abetting rape and indecent assault. Prosecution opening is due to begin shortly.
A new photo book, Sex, Clubs, Dissent: Visualising Queer Nightlife, edited by Amelia Abraham, surveys decades of queer nightlife photography from the 1960s to today, highlighting its political and community roles and the diversity of scenes and identities.
Scotland has strengthened its position ahead of the World Cup, with captain Andy Robertson highlighting the team’s growth under Steve Clarke, who remains central as discussions on his contract continue amid hopes of qualification from Group C.
The mayor of Greater Manchester has entered the Makerfield by-election campaign in June, with Labour framing the race as a test for leadership ambitions and regional renewal amid national political tensions.
Ofgem has forecast a rise in the energy price cap for July to September, with Cornwall Insight predicting a 13% increase to 1,850 pounds a year for a typical dual-fuel household. The move comes amid volatile wholesale prices linked to Middle East tensions and infrastructure disruption, prompting calls for targeted support for the vulnerable as autumn demand looms.
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.
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.
Gunfire near the White House has prompted a security lockdown as responders have engaged a suspect. A bystander has been wounded and the suspect has been killed by law enforcement. President Trump has not been reported harmed and remains at the White House. Journalists on scene have described a chaotic scene and accounts indicate multiple gunshots.
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.
Pope Leo XIV has published a 42,000-word encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas, calling for AI to be "disarmed," warning against concentration of data and power in private hands, and declaring that lethal decisions must not be entrusted to algorithms. He has urged legal frameworks, independent oversight and political action to protect workers, children and the common good.
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.
Cambodian lawmakers have approved a new conscription law expanding compulsory military service to men 18-25 for two years, with women allowed to serve voluntarily. The law, signed by Senate president Hun Sen in his acting capacity, follows border clashes with Thailand and replaces a 2006 statute. Penalties for evasion vary by peacetime and wartime conditions, with exemptions for certain groups.
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.
U.S. Central Command has said it has conducted self‑defence strikes in southern Iran on 26 May 2026 to protect U.S. forces. Targets have included missile launch sites and Iranian boats attempting to emplace mines near the Strait of Hormuz and Bandar Abbas, CENTCOM said; further operational details have not been released.
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.
More than 1.5 million Muslims have arrived for the annual Hajj in Mecca, with pilgrims circling the Kaaba in intense heat. The pilgrimage unfolds against a backdrop of fragile ceasefires in the Iran war and broader regional tensions, while Saudi authorities prepare for launches to Mina and Mount Arafat.
Moscow has warned it plans systematic strikes against Kyiv, targeting decision-making centers and drone facilities. Foreigners, including diplomatic staff, are urged to leave the capital as Russia accuses Ukraine of a campus drone attack. Kyiv and international partners monitor the threats amid ongoing fighting across eastern and southern Ukraine.
The Israeli military has been striking Hezbollah sites across southern and eastern Lebanon, with evacuations ordered for Nabatieh. Hezbollah has conducted drone and rocket attacks as direct talks with Lebanon and Israel resume in Washington amid ongoing ceasefire efforts. At least 11 people have been killed in the Bekaa Valley amid renewed hostilities.
Iran has moved to restore limited access to the global internet after an 88-day shutdown. Officials say a phased reintroduction is underway, while authorities continue to control and monitor online access. Independent monitors report ongoing restrictions and a tiered system remains in place for selected groups.
Israel has intercepted the Global Sumud flotilla in international waters and detained about 430 activists. National security minister Itamar Ben‑Gvir has posted footage showing bound activists kneeling while he taunts them; the video has provoked condemnation from multiple governments, Israeli ministers and rights groups, and rapid deportations of the detainees.
Sources have told Spiegel and Reuters that U.S. officials have informed NATO in Brussels the United States will shrink the pool of capabilities it makes available during an alliance crisis — halving strategic bombers, cutting deployed fighters by a third, reducing destroyer commitments and no longer offering submarines or many reconnaissance and armed drones. Details will be given at a force-generation conference in early June.
President Trump has said negotiations with Iran are "proceeding nicely" and has tied any agreement to a requirement that Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt and Jordan sign onto the Abraham Accords, while allowing "one or two" exceptions; commentators note this adds diplomatic complications and faces regional resistance.
As of 26 May 2026, hotel bookings in many World Cup host cities have been running below forecasts. Surveys and industry reports have found occupancy behind typical seasonal demand in Kansas City, Boston, San Francisco, Vancouver and others, while short-term rentals and a few major markets such as Mexico City, Monterrey, Dallas and San Francisco are showing pockets of strength.
Pope Leo XIV has confirmed a Europe-focused itinerary this year, including a visit to UNESCO in Paris and planned stops in Spain and Lourdes. The Vatican says the trip is part of efforts to engage European Catholic communities amid rising secularism.
Since the October 2025 ceasefire, Israel has been sustaining near‑daily strikes in Gaza. In the past week multiple Israeli strikes and drone attacks have hit police posts, homes and displaced‑persons tents across Gaza, killing civilians — including children — and wounding dozens while talks over Hamas disarmament remain deadlocked.
Over 1.5 million Muslims have begun the hajj in Mecca, with pilgrims arriving from around the world amid geopolitical tensions stemming from US-Israel strikes on Iran. Saudi authorities report strong international participation despite security concerns and hot weather.
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.
A school minibus has been struck by a train at a level crossing in Buggenhout, Belgium, this morning, killing four people — the driver, a chaperone and two pupils — and injuring five children. Authorities have said barriers were closed and the red light was on; investigators are examining footage and questioning witnesses.
Iran and the United States are advancing a framework to halt the war within 60 days, with discussions focusing on ending the conflict and safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. Talks are proceeding indirectly and have not produced a final deal; key sticking points include Iran's nuclear programme, missile capabilities, sanctions relief, and asset repatriation.
The government has been dissolved and the prime minister has been dismissed as tensions between President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Ousmane Sonko escalate. Parliament is set to vote on reinstating Sonko as a lawmaker and electing a new speaker, amid IMF debt concerns and ongoing talks.
A group of seven women and 12 children linked to suspected Islamic State fighters have returned to Australia from the Roj camp in northeast Syria. Officials say none have been charged on arrival, while investigations continue. A previous group has already faced charges, and security agencies are monitoring ongoing cases.
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.
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.
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.
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.
North Korea has launched a missile from Jongju, marking the first test since April 19. Seoul says the North is boosting its missile program as regional tensions rise, with South Korea strengthening surveillance and reviewing its military readiness alongside the United States and Japan.
The Bundibugyo-strain Ebola outbreak has spread from DRC’s Ituri and North Kivu provinces into Uganda, with cases confirmed in Kampala. WHO has declared a public health emergency of international concern as health authorities warn that testing delays and weak surveillance hinder containment amid conflict and displacement.
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.
Gas prices have stayed high amid ongoing tensions in the Hormuz Strait and the Iran conflict. Analyses suggest a slow rebound in prices, with travel costs and fuel affecting consumer budgets for the coming months.
Mahmoud Khalil’s detention and deportation challenge has reached the Supreme Court path after a Third Circuit decision refused to rehear the case. Khalil, a Columbia University activist, has argued his First Amendment rights and due process have been violated, while the Trump administration contends his case underscores national security and immigration policy. The latest ruling leaves open the possibility of Supreme Court review.
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.
Rescue teams have joined forces to reach seven people trapped inside a flooded cave in Laos’ Xaisomboun province after heavy rain triggered a landslide and blocked the entrance. Divers are navigating flooded passages while authorities work to pump water and explore air shafts for access, with operations ongoing and conditions challenging.
A Dominican court has ruled that Wander Franco has been a victim of extortion and blackmail by the minor’s mother, who was sentenced to 10 years for sexually trafficking her daughter. Franco has been exempted from punishment under judicial pardon; full sentencing is set for June 16. MLB says it will review the ruling.
The United States has told reporters diplomacy is giving every chance to succeed before considering alternatives with Iran. Doha-hosted talks among Iran, the U.S. and allied mediators focus on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, with discussions also touching on Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium and potential release of frozen funds as part of a final deal.
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.
Repositioning cruises are one-way journeys that move ships between seasonal routes, often at discounted rates and with longer days at sea. They can be cheaper per day than traditional cruises but come with fewer ports. Popular itineraries include Atlantic crossings and moves between the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and Asia-Pacific.
Ireland is moving to pass a law limiting goods from Israeli-occupied West Bank settlements to a goods-only ban by mid-July, in line with government aims. The measure has faced opposition from business lobbyists and some politicians who prefer expanding the ban to services. Prime Minister Micheál Martin has signalled that widening to services would be unworkable, keeping the focus on goods.
Developments in AI policy have prompted cautious trading across markets. Investors are weighing new regulatory moves against potential innovation gains, while companies accelerate disclosures on AI deployments and compliance steps.
A 36-year-old freelance worker has been charged in Paris with sexual assault of preschoolers and harassment of colleagues. Dozens of non-teaching staff are under investigation as Paris’ new mayor pledges to stamp out violence in schools and has suspended dozens of staff since early 2026.
Nicholas Kristof’s opinion piece alleging sexual violence by Israeli forces has elicited strong responses from Israeli officials and readers. The Times defends the column, while critics question sourcing and timing ahead of a forthcoming Israeli report on Hamas sexual violence.
The Supreme Court is weighing original lawsuits between states over CDL issuance and immigration, with Florida challenging state authority while other courts block tighter CDL rules for non-citizens; separate deportation issues in France and entrapment defenses highlight ongoing immigration legal battles.
Bishop Hilarion (Grigory Alfeyev) has been detained in Karlovy Vary after four containers of a white substance were found in his car. Czech authorities have not charged him, but forensic tests are underway. Russia claims a provocation, while Hilarion’s team says he is being framed.
Prime Minister has vowed to act "very, very quickly" after a 12-week consultation on protections for young users closes. Bereaved families call for action, urging a ban for under-16s or tighter safeguards, following cases linked to online challenges. MPs and medical bodies have pressed for rapid, decisive measures, including age restrictions and feature controls.
Ukraine has intensified long‑range strikes into Russia, including operations near the Moscow region, while Russia responds with renewed drone and missile attacks on Ukraine. Diplomatic efforts continue as the war moves deeper into foreign territory.
Human rights groups warn of a new wave of xenophobic violence as anti-immigration movements organise protests across major cities, with vigilante actions and calls for foreigners to leave by a set date. Attacks have been reported against migrants and foreign-owned businesses, prompting court actions and concerns about state protection.
Ukraine has intensified defense and drone capabilities while Russia faces mounting casualties and logistical pressure. Western assessments indicate Ukraine is regaining initiative; Moscow is pressing for peace terms Kyiv will not concede. Developments come amid stalled peace talks and broader war fatigue in Russia.
Protests outside the Delaney Hall detention center in Newark have intensified amid a hunger and work strike by detainees. Gov. Mikie Sherrill has sought access but is being blocked, while demonstrators report food, medical care, and detainee conditions as key grievances. The incident has drawn statements from DHS and lawmakers.
Severe rainfall has triggered floods and resettlement across southern and central China. Authorities warn of more downpours as rescue efforts continue and emergency responses are under way in Hunan, Hubei, Guangxi and other provinces.
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.
Al Jazeera reports that host cities have faced rising costs for fan transportation, with regional variations. New Jersey and Massachusetts face higher-than-typical rail fees, while other cities offer free or subsidised options. Scattered reactions call for FIFA involvement, as officials defend cost-sharing against taxpayers bearing security and service expenses.
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.
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.
A flotilla bringing aid to Gaza has been intercepted, with activists detained and later deported. In Bilbao, returning activists clashed with Basque police, who are under investigation after footage showed officers using batons and pinning protesters to the ground. Spanish and Israeli authorities face calls for accountability as witnesses describe injuries and alleged sexual assaults.
European authorities have filed indictments against two men—Ali S., a Danish national, and Tawab M., an Afghan national—for alleged Iran Revolutionary Guards ties and plans to target Jewish and Israeli figures in Germany. The cases reflect intensified Iranian intelligence activity amid ongoing conflict, with prosecutors in Hamburg stating the suspects plotted murder and arson in Berlin.
The Texas Senate runoff is shaping up as a high-stakes test of loyalty to Donald Trump, who has endorsed Attorney General Ken Paxton. Paxton faces incumbent Sen. John Cornyn in a tight GOP runoff, with the winner advancing to the November general election against Democrat James Talarico. The endorsement is fueling Paxton’s bid amid a bruising primary race.
The May 2026 San Diego mosque attack has been linked to a broader rise in anti-Muslim hatred and far-right extremism online, with investigators identifying writings connected to past mass shootings and a cache of weapons. Community leaders urge resilience and call for action against Islamophobia.
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.
A teen driver has been charged after hitting five officers during a chaotic Memorial Day weekend takeover on Chicago’s South Loomis Street. Five officers have been hospitalized; a gun was recovered. Authorities say the incidents are part of a nationwide pattern of teen-led disturbances.