Since voting began on 7 May, Labour has suffered heavy losses across English councils and in Scottish and Welsh devolved parliaments, with Reform UK and the Greens making major gains. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has said he will stay in office, taken responsibility for the results and faced renewed calls from some Labour MPs to set out a timetable to leave.
Gilt yields have surged on leadership speculation and fiscal uncertainty as Keir Starmer contemplates his position amid mounting calls for him to go. Markets are pricing higher long-term borrowing costs, with 30-year yields near multi-decade highs and the pound softening.
Multiple UK energy sector deals have updated the landscape: E.ON is pursuing a merger with Ovo to create a leading UK supplier, while Centrica expands gas capacity with the Severn plant and United Utilities outlines a major investment plan. Regulators are reviewing the transactions.
Labour’s future leadership is being debated as MPs weigh a trigger for a contest. Potential contenders include Andy Burnham, Wes Streeting, and Angela Rayner, though each faces hurdles and timing questions amid a fallout from recent elections.
The SNP has secured a fifth consecutive Holyrood term, while Labour ties for second with Reform UK. Greens win constituencies in Edinburgh Central and Glasgow, and Lib Dems win Orkney. The anti-independence vote is split, shaping a potentially new balance of power in Scotland as counting continues.
Four Palestinian Action activists have been convicted of criminal damage for the 2024 Elbit Systems UK raid in Bristol; one defendant is also convicted of inflicting grievous bodily harm on a police officer. Sentencing is set for June 12 as debates over terror-link and proscription continue.
France and England meet in Bordeaux for the Women’s Six Nations grand slam decider. Ruby Tui has travelled from New Zealand to assess the match, with both teams aiming to seal a historic title, while the RFU investment behind England is under scrutiny for its impact on the global game.
The first Eurovision 2026 semi-final has begun in Vienna, with 15 countries competing for 10 spots in the final. Italy and Germany are already finalists as part of the Big 4, while the UK awaits semi-final 2 voting will be possible only from participating countries.
The Middle East crisis has continued to affect travel plans in Europe. Heathrow reports a drop in April passengers due to war-related uncertainty, while transfer traffic is rising as travelers reroute through London. Airlines warn of higher fuel costs and potential price increases, and some travelers are choosing trains or overland itineraries.
Vodafone Group has completed a deal to take full ownership of VodafoneThree in the UK, valuing the unit at around 13.85bn including debt. The move follows a merger with Three UK last year and aims to accelerate synergies, expand 5G coverage, and simplify structure. Regulatory approvals are still required and the deal is expected to close in the second half of 2026.
Arctic air has moved into the UK, bringing below-average temperatures and a mix of showers. Forecasters expect a cool spell to continue midweek, with some frost in rural areas and a return to near-normal conditions by the weekend.
More than a dozen shots have been fired inside the Philippine Senate on Wed 13 May 2026 as law enforcement moved to arrest Senator Ronald dela Rosa, who has been sheltering in the chamber after an ICC arrest warrant was unsealed. Dela Rosa has been under Senate protective custody and has vowed to fight transfer to The Hague.
Uganda has sworn in President Yoweri Museveni for a seventh term after winning the January vote with about 72%. The ceremony at Kololo Independence Grounds signals continuity in leadership, but observers say the election was marred by tensions, internet blackouts, and crackdowns on opposition. Analysts expect ongoing influence over Uganda’s political future and potential questions about succession.
US envoy and Israeli officials have confirmed that Israel has sent Iron Dome batteries and personnel to the UAE to help defend against Iranian missile and drone attacks. UAE banking officials have said there is no dollar shortage or widespread capital flight, while Abu Dhabi is discussing a US currency swap line to stabilise trade flows.
Ukraine’s anti-corruption bodies have named Andriy Yermak as a suspect in a 460-million-hryvnia money-laundering scheme tied to a Kyiv housing development. The investigation continues, and Yermak has resigned. Zelenskyy’s government faces intensified scrutiny as the probe unfolds.
Kouri Richins faces decades to life in prison after being convicted of aggravated murder for lacing her husband’s cocktail with fentanyl. Prosecutors say she sought to inherit more than $4 million and opened life policies on him; the case has also highlighted her earlier alleged attempt to poison him and a controversial public book about grief.
Iran has executed a man in his early 30s accused of spying for Israel. Rights groups say confessions were coerced, and that the man had warned cyber sites rather than spy, with several similar executions in the wake of heightened tensions amid the broader Iran-Israel conflict.
The Japan Rugby Football Union has suspended Eddie Jones, citing ethics violations during a Japan Under-23 tour in Australia. Jones has accepted the sanctions, including a six-week ban and a salary reduction, which bars him from several upcoming matches, including Japan’s Nations Championship opener against Italy on July 4.
President Donald Trump has travelled to Beijing for face-to-face talks with President Xi Jinping on May 14–15, and has said he will raise US arms sales to Taiwan and discuss Iran. China has hosted Iran's foreign minister and urged a full ceasefire; Washington has alternated between a naval blockade, escorts and threats while sanctioning entities tied to Iranian oil sales to China.
The UAE has not publicly acknowledged strikes linked to Iran that reportedly included a refinery attack on Lavan Island, with Reuters and the Wall Street Journal citing UAE involvement. The reports come as the ceasefire holds but tensions rise among Gulf monarchies and Iran, with Kuwait reporting IRGC activity near Bubiyan Island.
Displacement, confinement and injuries linked to Colombia’s six-decade conflict have surged in 2025, with hundreds of thousands forced from homes as armed groups clash and civilian protection declines, according to ICRC and other agencies. The situation has intensified despite peace talks and ceasefires, as attackers and rebels target civilians and health workers.
Russia has targeted Ukraine with a large daytime drone assault, focusing on railway and civilian infrastructure. Zelenskyy says the war is being escalated, while Trump and Putin have hinted at possible peace, though details remain unclear. A ceasefire has expired with both sides continuing operations, and Western diplomacy has yet to yield a concrete settlement.
Uganda has inaugurated President Yoweri Museveni for a seventh term amid security in Kampala. Museveni has urged citizens to focus on wealth creation and productivity, while opposition leader Bobi Wine cites ballot-stuffing claims. The ceremony follows a January election marked by violence and internet restrictions.
The 70th Eurovision has opened in Vienna with 35 countries competing while five broadcasters — Spain, Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Iceland — have withdrawn in protest over Israel's participation. Organisers have tightened voting rules, issued a formal warning to Israel's broadcaster over a "vote 10 times" video, and are running an enhanced security operation as pro‑Palestine demonstrations are taking place.
Péter Magyar has been sworn in as Hungary’s prime minister after his Tisza party won a historic two‑thirds majority on April 12. His new 16‑ministry cabinet has been formed; he has pledged to recover allegedly misused state assets, restore democratic checks and rejoin EU mechanisms to unblock about €17bn in frozen funds.
President Trump has travelled to Beijing on May 13–14, 2026, for a two‑day summit with Xi Jinping focused on keeping a trade truce, clinching targeted U.S. sales of planes and farm goods, and enlisting China to pressure Iran to end the war that has disrupted energy markets. Legal limits on tariffs and domestic political strains have narrowed U.S. negotiating aims.
The US president has arrived ahead of a 36-hour Washington-Beijing summit, with talks focusing on trade, Taiwan and Iran’s oil ties as Washington seeks leverage amid Tehran’s war and scarce energy supplies.
Local elections across England, Scotland and Wales have delivered a punitive verdict for Labour, with Reform UK making significant inroads and Nigel Farage’s party winning multiple councils. The Guardian and The Mirror report Labour’s leadership is under pressure as local results prompt party rethink; while The Independent highlights Reform’s surge and internal frictions. A developing narrative centers on Starmer’s leadership challenge and the potential for a shift in British politics.
Journalists reporting on protests and torture allegations in Somalia have faced arrests, beatings and intimidation as the end of the president’s mandate approaches, prompting condemnations from media groups. Authorities cite security and public order concerns amid a crackdown on dissent.
Trump has said the economic cost of the Iran conflict has not motivated him to pursue a peace deal, insisting that preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon is his sole focus. Inflation and energy prices have climbed as the war continues, with analysts warning of broader economic effects.
South Africa's Constitutional Court has ruled that Parliament's 2022 vote to block an inquiry into President Cyril Ramaphosa over foreign cash found at his Phala Phala farm was unconstitutional, and Parliament has announced that its speaker will set up a multi-party impeachment committee to investigate the 2020 theft and whether Ramaphosa committed misconduct.
A cluster of tremors has struck eastern Tehran province, near major fault lines including the Mosha fault. Authorities and seismologists warn that Tehran’s vulnerability stems from active faults, dense urban development and limited preparedness. One quake has been reported at magnitude 4.6 with no casualties so far; experts say the situation may signal future seismic risk for the capital.
President Trump has said he will suspend the 18.4¢ federal gasoline tax "till it's appropriate" and has endorsed legislation from Sen. Josh Hawley to do so. The move would require congressional approval and would cut about 18 cents per gallon from pump prices while reducing Highway Trust Fund revenue.
The ceasefire has expired as Russia has launched more than 200 drones overnight, hitting energy facilities and civilian targets in multiple Ukrainian regions. Ukrainian officials report several deaths and injuries, including a drone attack in Kryvyi Rih that killed two and injured four, among them a baby. Zelenskyy asserts Ukraine’s long-range operations and allied talks on missile defence.
Arcadia's former mayor has pleaded guilty to acting as an illegal agent for the Chinese government, accusing officials of directing propaganda through a local news site. The plea relates to activity between late 2020 and 2022, ahead of her 2022 city election. A co-defendant has been sentenced to four years. Prosecutors say the case underscores Beijing’s efforts to influence overseas communities.
The Justice Department has been interviewing CIA officials about former CIA director John Brennan’s role in an intelligence assessment on Russian interference in the 2016 election. The interviews are part of an ongoing probe that could see Brennan charged with making a false statement to Congress. Prosecutors have signaled a broad investigation spanning the Obama era.
Updated assessments show 7.8 million South Sudan residents, 1.24 million in Lebanon, and rising numbers in DRC, Yemen, and Gaza facing high to extreme hunger. Conflict, climate shocks, displacement, and funding shortfalls are driving a widening global food-security crisis with famine feared in several areas.
Trump is meeting Xi in Beijing for a two-day summit. Talks are centring on Taiwan, trade, AI and regional security, with both sides pressing for strategic advantage amid ongoing tensions from the war on Iran and technology competition.
Tashiev has been charged in Kyrgyzstan in a move that could destabilize the country’s power-sharing arrangement with Japarov. The charges carry up to 20 years in prison and the trial is to be held behind closed doors with reporting banned.
LIV Golf has announced a transition plan away from Saudi funding after the PIF ends its backing at the close of the 2026 season. A new independent board is leading a move to secure long‑term capital through diversified partners, while the tour maintains its schedule amid ongoing discussions with potential investors.
Microsoft has announced the departure of its Israel general manager, Alon Haimovich, and other senior staff following an internal inquiry into the Israeli subsidiary's dealings with the Ministry of Defence and the use of Azure cloud services for surveillance links to Palestinian data. The leadership shake-up comes after a review of the unit’s conduct and broader European regulatory considerations.
The United States has paused its ship escort operation through the Strait of Hormuz as it pursues a peace deal with Iran. Officials say the blockade of Iranian ports remains in place while Washington tests an agreement, with Iran insisting on a fair, comprehensive settlement.
Climbers are proceeding with Everest ascents as a fragile serac in the Khumbu Icefall remains a key hazard. Icefall doctors opened the route late, while Nepal’s tourism officials note sustained interest from climbers, including many from Asia, despite higher travel costs and regional conflicts.
Inflation in food at home and for prepared meals has accelerated in April, reaching 2.9% year over year for groceries and 3.2% for total food. Energy costs and supply disruptions are shaping prices, with experts warning that the full impact may appear in coming months.
The New York Yankees have promoted top prospect Jazz Jones to the majors after Jasson Domínguez sustains an AC joint injury. Jones will debut as the designated hitter and may see outfield action as he joins a powerful lineup led by Aaron Judge.
As jet fuel costs surge amid the Middle East conflict, airlines are cancelling, consolidating, or delaying flights. Passengers are changing plans, booking earlier, or shifting to rail, with governments offering contingency measures to protect summer travel.
UN Security Council talks are examining a US-backed draft resolution with Gulf partners that could sanction Iran and authorise force if Tehran does not halt attacks and threats to the Strait of Hormuz, amid a broader push to restore safe navigation and humanitarian corridors.
EU foreign ministers are weighing direct talks with Russia over Ukraine, insisting any broker must be credible and independent of Moscow. Putin has floated former German Chancellor Schröder as a potential EU envoy, prompting caution from Brussels. European leaders are debating how far to engage while continuing pressure on Moscow.
The president has been asking aides to compare Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio for a potential joint presidential run in 2028, reflecting ongoing interest in a two-front ticket among conservatives. Multiple outlets have reported on the discussions, though sources say the idea is a talking point rather than a formal plan.
Producer and consumer prices have risen amid the Iran war, with April producer prices up 1.4% and 12-month consumer inflation at 3.8% in April, driven by energy costs. Economists warn higher costs are increasingly likely to be passed to shoppers, complicating Fed policy as the election cycle looms.
Several wildfires are burning across Georgia and the Southeast, with containment improving in Brantley County while others persist; authorities warn the battles will extend for days as drought and wind drive spread.
The Pentagon has updated the cost of the war to $29 billion, up from $25 billion, citing refined repair and replacement costs and operational expenses. The update comes as a fragile ceasefire and shifting economic pressures shape public and political response.
The Brazilian government has begun demarcating the 410,000-hectare Pardo River Kawahiva Indigenous territory in the Amazon, protecting a vulnerable uncontacted community amid legal challenges and a tense political backdrop ahead of the October presidential election.
Anthropic is nearing a financing deal that would value the San Francisco AI startup at roughly $380 billion previously; if closed, the valuation would rise to about 2.5 times its late-MQ1 value, positioning Anthropic ahead of OpenAI. Mythos, a security-focused AI model, has sparked international interest after limited release.
Hezbollah has declared that its weapons are an internal Lebanese matter and not part of upcoming talks with Israel, even as two days of Washington-hosted negotiations aim to address the latest fighting and broader relations between the two states. The group says it will turn the battlefield into hell for Israeli forces if hostilities continue, while signaling willingness to cooperate with the Lebanese government on five core demands. Talks in Washington are set to resume this week, with indirect and direct formats debated amid continuing clashes.
Johnny Cardoso will undergo surgery on his right ankle after training injury, ruling him out of the US World Cup squad. His injury compounds midfield concerns as Tanner Tessmann and others face limited availability ahead of the tournament co-hosted by the US, Mexico and Canada. Mauricio Pochettino is set to name the 26-man roster on May 26.
A collection of travel essays surveys alpine festivals, Icelandic coastlines, Madagascar’s Isalo National Park, and Colorado’s mountain towns. The pieces offer vivid scenery and practical tips for readers planning seasonal trips, from climbing courses to scenic drives.
Denver International Airport has reported a pedestrian fatality after a person gained access to the tarmac and was struck by a Frontier Airlines flight engine, causing an engine fire. 12 passengers sustained minor injuries during the evacuation, and investigations are underway by local authorities and the NTSB.
Turkish authorities have yet to enact key reforms and insist on full PKK disarmament, while PKK leaders say progress is frozen and call for a defined role for jailed founder Abdullah Ocalan. Talks launched last year have seen limited movement, with both sides warning of stalling and delays.
The IDMC and NRC have reported 82.2 million people were internally displaced at the end of 2025, a new record driven largely by conflict (32.3 million) and increasingly by climate disasters (29.9 million). Iran and DR Congo account for two‑fifths of conflict‑driven displacements, while Sudan remains the country with the most IDPs. Displacements linked to conflict have surged by 60% year over year.
Kelvin Evans has pleaded guilty in Atlanta to entering an automobile and criminal trespass, with a two-year prison sentence. The theft involved hard drives containing unreleased Beyonce9 music and tour plans, captured by surveillance cameras and linked to a July 2025 break-in just before Beyonce9’s Cowboy Carter tour kickoff in Atlanta.
Pollution from the Tijuana River is flowing into U.S. waters, contaminating Southern California beaches, with millions of gallons of sewage-tainted water daily. U.S. and Mexican officials have signed agreements to accelerate cleanup, while concerns extend to Gibraltar’s lack of wastewater treatment.
Kylian Mbappé has voiced concerns about Marine Le Pen’s National Rally winning France’s next election, in comments reported by Vanity Fair. RN leader Jordan Bardella has fired back, while Mbappé’s remarks are shaping debate about the far-right’s rising political influence.
Altus Property Group has parted ways with the Trump Organization over a proposed US-branded tower in Surfers Paradise, with leadership citing the Iran war as a factor in the brand being too toxic for Australian partners; the Trump Organization counters that Altus failed to meet financial obligations and that negotiations have ended without a project.
Several countries are tracing the Andes strain of hantavirus aboard the cruise ship MV Hondius, with eight confirmed cases and three deaths linked to the outbreak. Health authorities are testing passengers and crew, quarantining arrivals, and investigating origins—particularly connections to Argentina and Ushuaia. Repatriation and continued sequencing are under way as WHO assesses risks.
A man has been charged with arson after a fire at the former East London Central Synagogue in Nelson Street, Whitechapel. The building, now being sold to a Muslim organization for a mosque and community centre, has been the focus of a series of arson attacks on Jewish sites. A 52-year-old woman linked to the investigation has been bailed until August.
A U.S.-brokered ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia is under strain as both sides report clashes and continued attacks across front-line regions. Drones and missiles have struck Kyiv, Odesa, Kherson, Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia and other areas, with casualties reported on both sides. Officials warn that Russia’s campaign to overload air defences continues, and that further strikes could follow.
Protests linked to real-estate events promoting Israeli and West Bank settlements have flared outside Manhattan synagogues, drawing counter-protests. Police have kept groups apart amid reports of scuffles and arrests in some demonstrations led by Pal-Awda NY/NJ and related groups.
UN figures show Israeli forces and settlers have killed or injured Palestinian children at escalating rates in the West Bank since January 2025, with 347 children in detention and thousands displaced in 2026. UNICEF is calling for urgent actions to protect children’s rights and halt violence.
Intelligence assessments have found that Iran has regained operational access to about 30 of its 33 missile sites along the Strait of Hormuz, with three remaining inaccessible. Mobilized launchers and large underground facilities are now largely functional, challenging public assurances that Iran’s military was decimated.
France 24 reports that US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has denied any use of kamikaze dolphins by Iran. AI-generated images circulated online, but analysts note the lack of credible evidence and point to existing Navy marine-mammal programs. The debate centers on whether the myth has traction in the Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing regional tensions.
World Rugby’s investigation has handed long bans to six Georgian players and a medical official, with more sanctions for the Georgian Rugby Union as part of what it calls the sport’s most extensive anti-doping probe. No evidence has surfaced of urine substitution to mask PED use, but there are credible findings of cannabis and tramadol concealment.
Authorities have declared a national disaster amid heavy rainfall, floods, high winds and snowfall across multiple provinces since May 4. Cape Town among hardest hit; schools have closed and tens of thousands of structures damaged as officials warn of continuing severe weather.
Iraqi officials have stated that the United States has supported and protected a covert Israeli military base in western Iraq, used to back air operations against Iran. The Wall Street Journal has reported the base housed special forces and search-and-rescue units. Iraqi authorities say the site was temporary and operated under US cover, with clashes occurring near Najaf in March.
The Princess of Wales has announced a two-day international trip to Reggio Emilia, Italy, to observe the city’s early-childhood education model rooted in the Reggio Emilia approach. The visit, taking place May 13–14, follows her September 2025 remission from cancer and signals a renewed push for global engagement through the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood.
At the Nairobi Africa Forward summit, France has presented a package of €23 billion in investments, split between French and African sources, aimed at energy transition, digital and AI, and agriculture. Macron has framed the partnership as equal, highlighting governance improvements and a push to return looted art. The announcements include €14 billion from French entities and €9 billion from African investors, with a projected 250,000 direct jobs.
Saudi Arabia has launched unpublicised strikes on Iranian soil, marking the kingdom’s first direct military action inside Iran. Western officials describe the late-March operations as tit-for-tat retaliation amid the broader Gulf conflict; Iran and the UAE are said to have retaliated in kind, with de-escalation talks reportedly underway.
The TikTok-driven “Scientology speed run” has extended from Los Angeles to the United Kingdom, with dozens of teenagers entering London and Edinburgh centers. Police have intervened, some arrests are reported, and Scientology officials condemn the stunts as trespass and disruption while warning of safety risks.
The Florida state-run detention center known as Alligator Alcatraz is closing. Officials say detainees will be moved by early June and the facility will be broken down in the coming weeks. The closure follows mounting cost concerns and criticism of conditions, with federal and state officials weighing next steps.
The Southeast is facing unprecedented wildfire activity as drought grips Georgia and much of Florida. Authorities report large blazes burning tens of thousands of acres, prompting evacuations and challenging containment efforts. No reliable reports of serious injuries so far, though a firefighter has died in Florida. The fires are spreading in dry conditions affecting timberlands and communities.
A mix of stories shows how rising costs, housing options, and family dynamics are shaping decisions—from Australians delaying parenthood to Dutch divorcees seeking affordable tiny homes, and East Jerusalem eviction cases.
A Flint man has been ordered to serve 30 to 45 years for second-degree murder after striking his groomsman with an SUV following a wedding celebration. The driver has also been sentenced for related offenses, with the court noting the act was deliberate though the defendant expresses remorse.
The Department of Justice has indicted former FBI Director James Comey for allegedly transmitting threats against President Trump via a May 2025 Instagram post showing seashells arranged as “86 47.” Comey contends the post reflected a political message and has deleted it. The case marks a renewed clash over DOJ independence and political rivalry as prosecutors confront its implications for speech and threat standards.
A mid‑May winter storm has delivered heavy, wet snow across Colorado’s Front Range and mountains, easing drought concerns but leaving a longer‑term water outlook unchanged as utilities prep for outages and airports report delays. Forecasts show temperatures rebounding later this week.
Modella Capital is restructuring its TG Jones chain, with eight stores closing and rent holidays and deep rent cuts proposed to landlords. The plan, which aims to stabilise the business after rebranding from WH Smith, could see further closures if creditors do not approve. The group may face court proceedings to sanction the restructuring.
California has reached a civil settlement with General Motors over the sale of driver data collected via OnStar, with GM to pay $12.75 million and restrictions on data use. The case, announced by Attorney General Rob Bonta, centers on the sale of location and driving data to data brokers between 2020 and 2024. Court approval is required for the payout and accompanying limits.
A 28-year-old woman has enrolled at a Bronx high school under a false identity, claiming to be 16; she has been charged with endangering the welfare of a child, trespassing and criminal impersonation. Authorities say the case involves a fake name and birth year to obtain public assistance. She has pleaded not guilty and awaits further court dates.
The Department of Homeland Security has named David Venturella to succeed Todd Lyons as head of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Venturella, who has returned to ICE after private-sector roles, is taking the helm as Lyons exits. The announcement follows a turbulent year for ICE and DHS, including protests and high-profile operations.
The Michigan Democratic primary is shaping up as a contest over dark money and Israel, with Haley Stevens benefiting from a multi-million-dollar, allegedly linked-to-AIPAC ad push. Opponents accuse the effort of laundering influence as Democrats weigh the party’s direction ahead of the open Senate seat.
Marie-Therese Ross-Mahé, an 85-year-old French widow who married a US veteran, has spoken after her detention and release following a visa-overstay arrest in the US. Her case highlights concerns over the Trump-era crackdown and the treatment of detainees, including families, and has triggered international responses.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has imposed a six-month moratorium on new hospice and home health providers enrolling in Medicare. The action targets fraud risks identified by a Trump-era anti-fraud task force and is paired with ongoing audits and investigations into state-level Medicaid payments. Existing providers will continue operating as usual, while CMS expands data analytics to speed up removal of fraudulent actors.
National data through 2025 show reading declines in most districts since 2015, while math has improved in many districts; Modesto stands out for sustained local gains amid broader national declines in reading.
A Romania court of appeal has hosted a tense press conference after a documentary alleged systemic corruption in the country’s justice system. Judge Raluca Moroșanu has publicly spoken of intimidation and a toxic atmosphere, signaling tensions within the judiciary.