Harry Maguire has been left out of Thomas Tuchel's 26-man England World Cup squad announced for the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The 33‑year‑old centre back has said he is "shocked and gutted"; Tuchel has defended selections and emphasised team cohesion.
The Guardian notes the England squad reveal has descended into farce as the FA app crashes at launch, while Harry Maguire’s mum dominates the chatter and Tuchel’s squad is defended as sensible.
Labour’s Andy Burnham is seeking the Labour nomination to contest Makerfield after MP Josh Simons steps down; Reform UK leads locally amid a challenging electoral environment for Labour following recent local elections. The by-election is set for 18 June, with Greens campaigning and Nigel Farage’s Reform UK pressing their challenge.
The rugby world mourns Scott Hastings, 61, a key figure in Scotland’s 1990 Grand Slam. Hastings has died after a battle with cancer. Tributes from teammates, clubs and public figures highlight his on-field prowess and charitable work.
Shopper sentiment in Britain has worsened as households report rising living costs and concerns over energy prices amid ongoing inflation pressures. Fresh surveys show the public expects interest rates to stay high, with spending slowed across major purchases.
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.
European leaders have urged Israel to halt settlement expansion in the West Bank and to lift financial restrictions on the Palestinian Authority. The joint statements warn that actions like the E1 plan threaten stability and a two-state solution, amid unprecedented settler violence and a sharp rise in housing approvals in 2025.
The Makerfield by-election is shaping as a potential platform for Andy Burnham to return to Westminster while Sir Keir Starmer faces leadership doubts after dismal local election results. The Independent reports Burnham is poised to launch a campaign, with Starmer and Reeves aiming to press ahead on cost-of-living measures amid market jitters.
AP News reports that the 33,000-seat ballpark update shows substantial progress, with lower-suite work nearly complete, upper deck rising, and phased parking. A plaza, financing questions with Bally’s, and a 2028 first pitch frame the development around a broader 1.19 billion mixed-use project.
Three sisters from London have been identified after their bodies were recovered from the sea near Brighton on 13 May. Police say there is no evidence of third‑party involvement and are investigating how the women came to be in the water. A family tragedy dating back to 2010 is also referenced in inquests and tributes.
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.
Currys has reported solid trading with Nordics growth and a return toward pre‑cyber attack levels, while its chief executive is set to move to Boots later this year. The group notes operational resilience amid a cautious consumer backdrop and ongoing cost pressures.
The Manchester-set romcom Finding Emily has sparked debate for its meta take on dating, social media and the psychology thesis trope, with critics noting its gentle charm and biting satire amid a flood of contemporary romance fare.
Through two weeks, home teams have won about 29% of games, the worst start in 30 years. New York is the only team with a winning record at home. Attendance is up 6%, and scheduling may be a factor. Chicago has started 3-1 on the road, defying the trend.
A busy bank holiday and Memorial Day weekend are driving record travel demand. UK and US transport bodies warn of heavy traffic, with millions on the roads, rail and air. High fuel prices persist, and border checks at Dover and long border queues are expected due to EES implementation and airport uncertainty.
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.
The DNC has released a 192‑page post‑2024 autopsy it had withheld; chair Ken Martin has apologised and said the document "does not meet my standards". The draft is incomplete, annotated as unverified in places, omits Gaza/Israel, and is prompting calls from some Democrats for Martin to resign as internal criticism is rising ahead of November.
An Ankara appeals court has annulled the CHP's November 2023 congress and has reinstated former leader Kemal Kılıçdaroglu, suspending Özgür Özel and his executive board. The CHP has appealed, called the ruling a "judicial coup," and markets have reacted with a sharp selloff and central bank interventions.
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.
Carlo Petrini, the journalist who founded Slow Food in response to Italy’s first McDonald’s, has died in Bra, Piedmont. He led Slow Food as president until 2022 and founded the University of Gastronomic Sciences. Tributes have highlighted his advocacy for sustainable, local food and global outreach.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has scheduled an Oct. 19 vote asking whether the province should stay in Canada or take legal steps to hold a binding referendum on leaving. Prime Minister Mark Carney has defended cooperation with Alberta and emphasised federal work on a Pacific oil pipeline to address provincial concerns.
House Republican leaders have canceled a planned late-May vote on a Democratic war-powers resolution that would force President Trump to seek Congress's authorization to continue military action against Iran. The Senate has already advanced a similar measure 50–47; Republican defections and absences are narrowing GOP support for the president's campaign.
The Trump administration has targeted Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia graduate, for deportation over pro-Palestinian activism. His lawyers have secured a path to appeal a 3rd Circuit ruling to the Supreme Court after a six-to-five vote declined to rehear the case. Khalil has sought release from detention since his March 2025 detainment, arguing First Amendment protections and due process concerns.
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.
Today, Oval Office remarks by President Trump and comments by Secretary of State Marco Rubio have raised the prospect of US intervention in Cuba. Justice Department indictments against Raúl Castro, fresh sanctions on GAESA, and the arrival of the USS Nimitz strike group have increased tensions between Washington and Havana.
Israel has instructed legal advisers to consider defamation action against The New York Times and columnist Nicholas Kristof after a May 11 opinion piece alleged widespread sexual abuse of Palestinians by Israeli forces. The Times has defended its fact‑checking and sourcing; Israeli officials and the Israel Prison Service have rejected the claims as "blood libel."
The United States has expanded its consulate in Nuuk and held high-level meetings in Greenland as confidential U.S.-Greenland-Denmark talks have been continuing about a larger American role on the island. Greenlandic leaders have said the people "are not for sale," hundreds have protested in Nuuk, and officials have criticised a US doctor who visited with the delegation.
France has banned Israel's national security minister Itamar Ben‑Gvir from entering its territory after he posted footage of detained Global Sumud flotilla activists kneeling with hands bound while he taunted them. Around 430 activists have been intercepted in international waters, deported or are being processed; multiple countries and some Israeli officials have condemned Ben‑Gvir's conduct.
Germany has named Manuel Neuer in its 26-man World Cup squad, marking a return from international retirement for the 40-year-old goalkeeper. Nagelsmann has named a trio of keepers, with Neuer as No. 1, while Bayern Munich aims for a domestic double with the Cup final against Stuttgart imminent.
Falling drone debris has sparked fires at major Russian oil terminals, injuring several and prompting renewed warnings as Kyiv presses long-range strikes to disrupt Moscow’s energy outputs. Reports also detail casualties from Ukrainian drone strikes on a college dormitory in Starobilsk amid ongoing fighting.
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.
President Trump has led a 36‑hour state visit to China accompanied by a delegation of US business leaders that has included Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, Elon Musk and Tim Cook. Talks have focused on trade, AI export controls and Iran. China has not approved any purchases of Nvidia’s H200 chips and is continuing to push domestic chipmaking.
A gas explosion at the Liushenyu coal mine in Qinyuan, Shanxi province, has left at least 90 people dead and 123 injured after 247 workers were underground Friday evening. Rescue teams have been bringing miners to the surface, authorities have detained company executives, and President Xi Jinping has ordered investigations and medical and rescue efforts.
The US Treasury has removed Francesca Albanese from its sanctions list after a federal judge issued a preliminary injunction that blocked the measures. The State Department has said the government has appealed that order and intends to restore her designation if the DC Circuit stays or overturns the injunction.
A Taliban decree regulating divorce in Afghanistan has sparked international condemnation over alleged endorsement of child marriage and reduced pathways for women to obtain divorce. Activists warn the measure could entrench discrimination, while the Taliban defend it as aligned with Islamic law.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has visited Beijing for a two-day summit with President Xi Jinping timed to the 25th anniversary of their 2001 treaty. The leaders have extended their strategic partnership, signed a joint declaration and a string of cooperation agreements while signalling closer political and energy cooperation as tensions with the United States continue.
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.
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.
The White House has paused an executive order creating a voluntary framework for AI developers to engage with the U.S. government before releasing advanced models. The delay follows pressure from tech leaders and internal concerns about safety and speed, with lawmakers and industry players weighing safety guardrails against innovation.
Host cities across the United States, Canada and Mexico are expanding security and transit infrastructure for the 2026 World Cup, as hotel bookings lag in several markets. Kansas City, Boston, New York and others face hiccups from visa delays, high costs and shifting traveler patterns, while cities push temporary transit options and traffic plans to handle visitors.
France has seen multiple developments reshaping the 2027 presidential contest: Edouard Philippe has had a judicial inquiry opened over a 2020 Le Havre digital-hub contract; Reuters has reported a suspected disinformation campaign tied to a shadowy firm called BlackCore; and public rows between Kylian Mbappé and National Rally figures are intensifying the political debate.
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.
Representatives say New Jersey Rep. Tom Kean has been absent for weeks due to a personal medical issue, with no timeline for return. Officials expect him back “in the next couple of weeks,” while the White House and party aides emphasize transparency and continuity ahead of the upcoming reelection primary.
Burberry has reported a turnaround with profits returning and sales stabilising, driven by scarves and the new Cotswolds handbag line. The brand is expanding silk scarves and renewing focus on British heritage while facing mixed performance in Europe and the Middle East.
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.
Russia has accused Ukraine of a drone strike on a student dorm in Starobilsk, Putin has ordered the military to prepare retaliation options. Ukraine denies responsibility and says it has struck an elite drone command unit. The incident follows prior Oreshnik missile attacks and echoes broader tensions around Ukraine's eastern front.
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.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has embarked on a four-day visit to India, visiting Kolkata, Agra, Jaipur and New Delhi. The trip aims to mend trade frictions, discuss energy security, and advance defence and technology cooperation, with a Quad meeting in Delhi on the agenda.
The ICRC has reported the worst humanitarian consequences of Colombia’s six-decade conflict in 2025, with displacement rising sharply and civilians bearing the brunt of clashes among guerrilla factions, cartels and state forces. Ahead of the May 31 presidential vote, candidates face threats and deadly attacks, underscoring security as a central issue.
The Ebola outbreak in eastern DR Congo has prompted the WHO to declare a public health emergency of international concern. The 48-team World Cup, co-hosted by the U.S., Canada and Mexico, is underway from June 11 to July 19. DR Congo’s preparations have been disrupted, with staff departures and event cancellations as U.S. travel restrictions and enhanced screening are introduced. DR Congo opens against Portugal in Houston, with subsequent games in Mexico and the U.S.
Nepal’s Everest climbing season is under way with hundreds of climbers and guides assembled at base camps. Authorities have issued around 492 permits for the April–May window, and rope-fixing is progressing to open routes. Several climbers have reached the summit, while fatalities and serac hazards persist amid high demand.
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.
The nationwide transport strike has been suspended for a week as talks with the government continue after four people were killed and more than 30 injured amid sharp diesel and petrol-price hikes. Authorities have pledged to review diesel pricing and seek measures to curb fuel costs, while transport operators demand deeper reductions and changes to the regulatory framework.
The European Union and the United States have advanced the landmark tariff agreement reached last summer at Turnberry, Scotland. Negotiators have reached a compromise on eliminating most tariffs for industrial goods while capping others, as Parliament and member states move to ratify ahead of President Trump’s July deadline. The deal faces intense domestic scrutiny in both blocs, with lawmakers weighing strategic benefits against political risks.
The African Development Bank has approved a CFA112.8 billion facility to back Nigerian small and medium-sized enterprises across infrastructure, transport, agro-food processing, health, pharmaceuticals and green industries. At least 30% of the finance is earmarked for women-owned and youth-led businesses, with a $650,000 technical assistance grant to boost capacity and climate-smart initiatives.
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.
Five Italian divers have died during a deep-water cave dive in Vaavu Atoll, Maldives. A sixth diver died during the rescue, and a Finnish team has joined Maldivian authorities to recover remaining bodies. Investigations are examining whether the dive exceeded depth limits and permits.
The Guardian and other outlets report that Israeli detention facilities are under scrutiny as footage of abuse of Palestinian detainees surfaces. Officials have faced international condemnation following a high-profile video showing detainees in distress, prompting comment from leaders and human-rights bodies.
Prime Minister-designate has secured a five-party, centre-right coalition, as Slovenia moves toward a right-leaning government after March elections failed to produce a majority. The coalition outlines priorities including tax relief, support for startups, pension funding, reduced red tape, and local-government empowerment.
Outbreak-related tensions in Ituri Province have escalated as mourners clash with authorities over safe burials for Ebola victims, prompting lockdowns, arrests, and containment measures amid a Bundibugyo-strain outbreak with no approved vaccine or treatment.
Cape Town’s mayoral committee has approved redeveloping a CBD parking lot into a mixed-use project with affordable housing, aiming to unlock R1.5 billion in private investment and create up to 3,500 jobs. Activists push for more land for social housing while authorities tackle Eskom debt disputes and illegal-work penalties.
UK debate on safeguarding online spaces continues ahead of a government consultation close. Campaigners argue platforms must prove safety before children can access accounts; ministers weigh a range of options from safety standards to targeted bans, with cross-party pressure to act quickly.
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.
Pratt has surged in early opinion indicators as he campaigns on homelessness, crime and city dysfunction, buoyed by viral videos and a standout debate performance. With early voting underway for the June 2 primary, analysts say a runoff remains likely if no candidate clears 50%.
NATO’s ARRC-led exercise, Arcade Strike, has been staged in a secret London bunker and in Estonia to rehearse a Baltic defence if Russia invades. The drill uses drones, AI and electronic warfare to identify and strike targets, testing how alliance forces could coordinate up to 100,000 troops.
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.
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.
Thailand is reducing visa-free stays for tourists from more than 90 countries from up to 60 days to mostly 30 days, with some nations receiving 15 days. The move aims to curb crime and unlawful activities linked to foreign visitors, while allowing a single renewal. Authorities say the policy targets offenders, not nationalities, and follows broader border-security measures.
The United States has announced it will deploy an additional 5,000 troops to Poland, following earlier delays in rotating forces from Germany to Poland. Polish officials describe the move as strengthening the Polish‑U.S. alliance amid regional security concerns, while NATO and U.S. officials say troop presence will be managed as a rotation or permanent deployment as discussions continue.
The summit in Beijing has yielded a partial Boeing order, with U.S. and Chinese officials reporting about 200 jets and a potential up to 750 more if performance meets expectations. Beijing has signaled it will purchase thousands of U.S. agricultural products and is reviewing tariff actions as talks continue. The precise models and delivery timelines remain unclear.
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.
The government has announced a temporary VAT reduction from 20% to 5% on tickets for family-friendly attractions this summer, spanning England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland from 25 June to 1 September. The measure, part of the Great British Summer Savings scheme, also includes free August bus travel for five-to-15-year-olds and other targeted support to ease the cost of living.
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.
Waymo has temporarily paused freeway taxi operations across six U.S. cities after identifying a software bug that could drive autonomous taxis into standing water. The recall covers fifth- and sixth-generation ADS vehicles, following a San Antonio incident and multiple flood-related pauses in Austin, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, Nashville and Atlanta.
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.
Yves Sakila has died after being restrained by security guards on Dublin’s Henry Street on May 15. Video shows multiple guards pinning him to the ground for about five minutes. Police are investigating all circumstances; Prime Minister Micheál Martin has called for a thorough inquiry and the Congolese community mourns an unintended outcome of a purported theft investigation.
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.
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.
Meta has settled with Breathitt County School District in Kentucky over claims that its platforms fuel addictive behavior harming students. Terms are undisclosed; the suit sought more than $60 million for a 15-year mental health program. Settlements with TikTok, Snap and YouTube precede this accord, while other bellwether trials are scheduled.
Multiple explosions at a Staten Island shipyard have injured 36 people, including two firefighters and a civilian fatally. Response has included hundreds of responders and HazMat and city agencies are investigating the cause.
A rare albino buffalo raised near Dhaka has been nicknamed “Donald Trump” because a pale hair tuft on its forehead resembles the former U.S. president’s hairstyle. The 700-kg animal has drawn large crowds to a Narayanganj farm ahead of Eid al-Adha, with the owner saying it is calm and well cared for as buyers rush to include it in Eid sacrifices.
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.
A NYT/Siena poll shows 74% of Democratic voters oppose additional US military and economic aid to Israel, with sympathy leaning toward Palestinians. The results highlight a changing public posture toward Israel amid the Gaza war, Iran tensions, and domestic focus.
A monthlong, open‑air art festival in The Hague features 24 inflatable works, including a 7‑meter pan near the Mauritshuis, with returning pieces from earlier editions and new additions for the 2026 jubilee.
At Cannes, industry figures have voiced concerns over Vincent Bolloré’s control of Canal+ and related media assets, warning this could push French cinema toward a far-right ideological project. The open letter, signed by more than 600 figures, has intensified debate about independence in the French film industry.
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.
Spain’s migration regularisation programme is under heavy scrutiny after a strong early demand. The Socialist government says it will help address aging population and fund social security, while critics warn of potential risks in the informal economy. Officials report over 200,000 applications in the first month, with plans to couple permits with job-matching and inspections.
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.
Multiple Ukrainian drone strikes have targeted a starobilsk dormitory and college, killing several teenagers and injuring dozens. Russian authorities describe the incident as a ‘monstrous crime’ and have opened a terrorism investigation. Ukraine has not commented on the strike.
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.
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 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 Communications and Multimedia Commission has announced new safeguards for online platforms, including age-verification and stricter content governance, with a grace period for implementation. The move follows concerns about harmful content, scams and child protection online.
The president has endorsed Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton for the Senate runoff, positioning Paxton against Sen. John Cornyn as the May 26 runoff nears. The endorsement follows a bruising primary, with Paxton leveraging MAGA support amid ongoing scrutiny over his past scandals.
Traders’ profits and banker bonuses have hit new highs as deal activity accelerates. The Trump-era push to loosen banking rules is empowering lenders to expand and take more risks, while private equity and private credit firms face fundraising headwinds. Meanwhile, some banks are outpacing peers as AI investment reshapes the market.
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.
The South Carolina governor has signaled a special session on redistricting as Republicans push to redraw maps. Key issues include potentially eliminating Rep. Jim Clyburn’s Democratic seat and concerns about a “dummymander” that could dilute Black representation. The move follows pressure from Trump allies and intra-party splits among Republicans.
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.
A late-morning shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego has killed three men outside the mosque and left students at nearby Bright Horizon Academy shaken. A security guard is credited with preventing greater bloodshed; two teenage suspects have taken their own lives. Police say all students and staff are accounted for and safe.
Rising fuel prices and travel costs have prompted Americans to favor nearby getaways over long international trips. Domestic leisure travel is growing modestly while households face cost pressures, with some opting for local beaches, rail journeys, and budget-conscious experiences.
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 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.
NFL owners have awarded Nashville the 2030 Super Bowl LXIV to be played at the new $2.1 billion enclosed stadium across from Nissan Stadium. The decision comes after widespread bids and a growing slate of major events planned around the stadium project. Planning will involve local leaders and high-profile figures from the area.
Rashee Rice has been ordered to serve a 30-day jail sentence after testing positive for THC, extending his probation terms tied to the 2024 Dallas highway crash. He is set to be released on June 16 and will miss upcoming team activities.
A coalition of states argues that new borrowing caps in a Trump-era spending package are unlawful and will threaten healthcare access. Democratic-led states have filed lawsuits, and lawmakers are pushing to include advanced nursing programs within the professional-degree framework. The debate centers on whether caps will limit graduates’ access to federal loans while addressing rising costs.
Shakira and Burna Boy have released Dai Dai, the FIFA World Cup 2026 official song. Royalties will support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund. The World Cup, hosted by the U.S., Canada and Mexico, will run from June 11 to July 19, with a star-studded final halftime show announced.
Cornelius Smith Jr. has pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in Young Dolph's 2021 killing in Memphis. He has received a 20-year prison sentence as part of a plea deal, while Justin Johnson remains sentenced to life for first-degree murder. The case centers on Makeda’s Homemade Cookies in Memphis and connections to Paper Route Empire and rival labels.