England manager Thomas Tuchel has named a 26-player World Cup squad for the United States, Canada and Mexico that has omitted Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, Phil Foden and Cole Palmer. Maguire has said he is "shocked and gutted"; Tuchel has said he is selecting players who will commit to a team-first approach. Ivan Toney and Kobbie Mainoo have been included.
The UK government has published 11 documents about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s appointment as trade envoy (2001–2011) after Liberal Democrats push for transparency. The papers show the Queen’s wish for him to take a prominent role, but indicate no formal vetting or due diligence was undertaken. Mountbatten-Windsor has denied wrongdoing amid Epstein-related allegations.
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 IMF has upgraded the UK’s 2026 GDP growth to 1.0% from 0.8%, citing pre-war momentum while warning the Iran war could dampen activity later in the year. The update follows recent data showing stronger-than-expected Q1 growth, with the IMF cautioning that higher energy prices and political uncertainty could weigh on the outlook.
James Roscoe has left his role as deputy head of mission at the British embassy in Washington, D.C., the Foreign Office has said. No official reason has been given. UK media have reported he is facing questioning in an investigation into a leak from a National Security Council meeting; the probe is ongoing and details remain unconfirmed.
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.
Airlines face higher jet fuel costs amid the Iran war, with easyJet warning summer bookings are behind last year while Ryanair and Heathrow report mixed demand. Airlines hedge fuel and adjust fares, while passengers shift to later bookings and longer rail trips.
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.
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.
The government has disclosed a new price range for HS2 at up to £102.7bn (2026 prices) and confirms first services will be delayed to 2036–2039, with full completion possibly by 2043. Top speeds are being reduced and automatic operation may be dropped to cut costs; Lovegrove’s critical report is among the influencing reviews.
Record and near‑record May temperatures have been reported across multiple regions this week: parts of the eastern US have hit low‑90s, Moscow has recorded 30.6°C, and the UK and western Europe are moving from a cold snap toward warmer conditions ahead of the bank holiday. Forecasts show brief heat in some areas before cold fronts or rain return, while Australia faces a warmer, drier winter as El Niño signs strengthen.
British Land has reported strong annual results with underlying profit at £294 million, driven by demand from AI and technology firms for London office space and robust occupancy at its retail parks. The company maintained its earnings forecast for 2027 amid higher leasing activity and rising rents.
A Guardian feature recounts a spring yomp through the Yorkshire Dales, navigating limestone pavements, summits of the Three Peaks, and open access terrain en route to Settle for a pub lunch. The piece highlights terrain, navigation, and seasonal wildlife.
As of today, multiple Scottish developments are advancing: an 8.5-acre Hillcrest site in Kilmarnock is changing hands for 79 homes; The New Village at Edinburgh Park has kicked off with 146 private homes; and Edinburgh masterplan adds 184 new homes, amid a wave of affordable housing projects across West Lothian and Edinburgh.
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.
The DNC has published an incomplete, annotated 192-page autopsy of the 2024 campaign that it has been withholding. Chair Ken Martin has said the document "does not meet my standards" but released it because withholding it was creating a larger distraction. The report omits Gaza and Israel and is riddled with unverified claims and gaps.
An Ankara appeals court has annulled the CHP's 2023 leadership congress and has ordered the reinstatement of former chair Kemal K31l3107daro lu in place of current leader d6zgfcr d6zel. The ruling has prompted CHP vows to appeal, sparked protests, and has sent markets tumbling and the lira to new lows.
The Paris Court of Appeal has ruled both Airbus and Air France are solely responsible for the AF447 crash, imposing the maximum corporate manslaughter fines of €225,000 per passenger. The eight‑week trial has concluded two years after a 2023 acquittal, with prosecutors and families noting landmark but symbolic penalties.
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 intercepted the Global Sumud flotilla in international waters, detained about 430 activists and has been deporting them after footage posted by National Security Minister Itamar Ben‑Gvir showed detained activists kneeling and being taunted. Western governments and some Israeli officials have condemned Ben‑Gvir; Netanyahu has ordered rapid deportations.
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.
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.
Germany’s federal prosecutors have filed an indictment at Hamburg’s state court against a Danish national, Ali S., and an Afghan national, Tawab M., tied to alleged Iran Revolutionary Guard activity. The pair are charged with murder and arson conspiracy and related espionage, after scouting Berlin targets for possible attacks on Jewish and Israeli targets.
The Gaza ceasefire roadmap remains stalled as the Board of Peace emphasizes Hamas’s obligation to disarm and enable civilian governance. Mladenov warns the status quo risks becoming permanent unless both sides fulfill commitments, with new violence and restrictions on humanitarian aid continuing to shape the humanitarian crisis.
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.
Ayatollah Khamenei’s directive has tightened the stance on Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium, complicating U.S.-Israel efforts to end the war with Iran. Israeli officials say Trump has pledged to move uranium out of Iran, while Tehran insists the stockpile will not leave the country. Negotiations remain unsettled amid mutual distrust and ongoing ceasefire tensions.
Spain's National Court has widened its probe into the 2021 €53m Plus Ultra bailout and has searched former prime minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero's Madrid office. Zapatero has been summoned to testify on June 2 and has denied receiving payments as investigators examine alleged kickbacks and improper lobbying tied to the airline's rescue.
Tulsi Gabbard has stepped down as director of national intelligence to stand by her husband, who has been diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer. The resignation takes effect on June 30, and Aaron Lukas will serve as acting DNI.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has announced an Oct. 19 vote on whether Alberta should stay in Canada or pursue a binding referendum on separation, while stressing she supports remaining in Canada. The move follows a court ruling on a citizen-initiated referendum and a caucus push for a vote, with federal discussions on an oil pipeline to the Pacific coast continuing in parallel.
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."
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Mexican president Claudia Sheinbaum has privately warned Morena officials that any members credibly tied to corruption or cartel links must resign and face consequences, Reuters reports. The warning follows a U.S. indictment that has charged Sinaloa governor Rubén Rocha and other officials and has prompted arrests and sanctions tied to the Sinaloa cartel.
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.
The Treasury has sparked debate by discussing voluntary price caps on essentials, with M&S and other retailers pushing back. Ministers deny plans for mandatory caps while signaling potential measures to ease costs, amid ongoing inflation and competition in grocery markets.
The U.S. is pausing a planned arms package to Taiwan as the administration weighs its broader strategy with Beijing and Iran. Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao says the sale will resume once officials deem it necessary, while Taiwan says there has been no formal notification of any policy shift.
Presidents Trump and Putin have discussed the Ukraine war amid ongoing frontline fighting. Reuters reports a potential end to the conflict per Kremlin and U.S. posture exists alongside renewed drone activity from Ukraine and Russian strikes. The Guardian notes Ukraine’s drone and missile actions continue to shape the front, while Zelenskiy stresses against Russian aggression.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Intelligence assessments indicate Iran has regained substantial access to its missile sites and underground storage along the Strait of Hormuz, with about 30 of 33 sites potentially usable. Officials warn the ability to project power endures, despite public assurances that Iran’s military has been decimated. The cost of the conflict has climbed, and diplomacy remains unsettled.
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 World Health Organization has urged countries to monitor passengers from the MV Hondius after a Dutch crew member has tested positive for Andes hantavirus, raising the total linked cases to 12 with three deaths. More than 600 contacts in 30 countries are being followed; authorities are continuing quarantines and weekly testing of evacuees.
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.
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.
China has responded to a wave of U.S. sanctions and probes aimed at its tech sector, while the United States signals continued pressure over Iran-linked activities. The two powers are moving in parallel as Beijing warns of consequences and Washington assembles new measures to curb technology transfers and alleged illicit behavior.
Four people were found unresponsive in a Mountainair home; three have died and a fourth is hospitalized. Eighteen responders were exposed to an unidentified substance, with hazmat teams and FBI involvement aiding the investigation.
Allied foreign ministers meet in Helsingborg amid tensions over U.S. troop withdrawals and Trump-era rhetoric on NATO. Rubio has traveled for talks on defense investment and burden-sharing, while Europe seeks to bolster European defence without fracturing the alliance. The talks precede the Ankara summit and focus on Ukraine aid and Arctic security.
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.
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.
The India-Africa Forum Summit has been postponed due to the evolving Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Health authorities in DR Congo have confirmed cases and deaths, prompting officials to delay the event to ensure African leaders’ full participation in a safe setting.
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 International Court of Justice has issued a 10-4 advisory opinion finding that the right to strike is protected under ILO Convention 87, while stressing the opinion is narrow and not a ruling on content or scope. The decision is non-binding but influential for countries that have not recognised workers’ right to strike.
The UN General Assembly has backed a non-binding ICJ opinion urging states to address climate commitments. The vote, at 141 in favour with 8 against and 28 abstentions, aligns with calls from Pacific island states led by Vanuatu. The resolution is designed to help implement the ICJ’s advisory ruling on climate responsibility and to spur action beyond negotiations.
A pregnant woman gave birth on a Brooklyn courtroom bench after being arrested on charges of drug possession and trespassing. Advocates say she lacked adequate medical care and privacy; prosecutors dispute the accounts. The case has sparked renewed scrutiny of custody practices amid New York City's carceral system.
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.
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.
Ukrainian drones have targeted multiple Russian oil facilities, including refineries in Syzran and other sites, as part of Kyiv’s wider campaign against Russia’s oil infrastructure. Moscow says refining capacity has been affected but remains vigilant, while Russia and allied media report casualties from strikes near the front.
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.
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.
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.
Giovanni Galizia, longtime cover of the so-called sexy priest calendar, has not taken holy orders. The Calendar Romano shoots feature men in clerical attire; La Repubblica has raised questions about its authenticity, while the Vatican has not commented. The calendar is produced independently and sells mainly around Rome.
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%.
The United States has designated sitting Lebanese security officials and key Hezbollah-aligned figures for obstructing Lebanon’s path to disarmament as Israeli-Lebanese tensions persist. The sanctions accompany ongoing talks in Washington on disarming the militant group amid renewed cross-border clashes.
Federal prosecutors have described Feeding Our Future as the centerpiece of a sprawling pandemic-era fraud scheme. Aimee Bock has been sentenced after Conviction on conspiracy, wire fraud and bribery, with dozens charged in related cases. The broader network has drawn scrutiny for misusing relief funds and sparking political backlash over immigration policy.
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.
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.
Drought and heat have deepened losses for U.S. wheat farmers as irrigation and drought conditions worsen. Growers report sharply lower yields and higher input costs, with USDA data forecasting a historically small crop and insurance considerations shaping farmer decisions.
Police say a 47-year-old man has been charged with three counts of murder after the bodies of his wife and two children were found at a home in Campbelltown, Sydney. The incident is linked to concerns about domestic violence and comes amid NSW police operations targeting offenders.
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.
Ukraine has intensified long-range drone attacks on Russia, with several drones straying into the airspace of Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia. Baltic states have reported incidents, with some drones being shot down or diverted by NATO air defenses. Latvia’s government has fallen amid controversy over drone incursions, while Estonia and Lithuania have seen similar disturbances, prompting calls for tighter controls and better coordination with Kyiv.
European leaders are weighing a novel path for Ukraine’s EU ambitions, after German Chancellor Merz has proposed an “associate member” status that would let Ukraine participate in EU meetings without voting rights, complemented by a safeguards mechanism. The idea aims to support peace talks while preserving the bloc’s merit-based accession framework.
Two teenagers have attacked the Islamic Center of San Diego, killing three worshippers before taking their own lives. Authorities have recovered a 74-page manifesto, praise for past mass killers, and a cache of weapons. Officials say the incident is linked to broader online extremism and rising anti-Muslim rhetoric.
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.
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.
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.
Two men have been charged under the Take It Down Act for creating AI-generated nude content. The defendants face up to two years in prison as prosecutors push to enforce the law that prohibits non-consensual deepfake pornography and similar material.
Israeli defense firms have pivoted from film sets to military drone components, driving sales toward a record near $15 billion in 2024 and expanding international orders despite criticism of Israel’s wars. Massivit’s 3D-printed drone parts illustrate a broader shift in defense manufacturing amid global demand for missiles, rockets and air-defense systems.
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.
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.
Trump has announced via Truth Social that the United States will send 5,000 additional troops to Poland, citing his relationship with Poland’s nationalist president Karol Nawrocki. The move follows delayed deployment reports and ongoing questions about Europe’s NATO burden and defense commitments.
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.
Donald Trump has publicly targeted Republican dissent in primaries across several states, backing candidates who align with his agenda while opposing incumbents who opposed him. The moves include Louisiana’s Cassidy defeat, Indiana redistricting votes being punished, and Kentucky’s Massie challenge, signaling a concerted effort to shape party loyalty ahead of the midterms.
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.
Mayor Mamdani has announced a lottery to distribute 1,000 $50 tickets for seven World Cup matches at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, with free round-trip bus vouchers. The scheme targets New York City residents and prohibits transfer to curb resale, as part of broader efforts to curb high ticket prices.
The U.S. Treasury has removed sanctions on UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese, following a federal judge’s injunction blocking measures tied to her criticisms of Israel’s Gaza war. The action affects Albaneze and related designations, and comes after parallel court rulings that protect free speech related to her UN work.
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.
Colorado Gov. Polis has commuted Tina Peters’s nine-year prison sentence after an appeals court ordered a resentencing. Peters, a former Mesa County clerk, could be paroled within weeks. The censure of Polis by the Colorado Democratic Party follows pressure from activists and party leaders who argue the commutation undermines election integrity and accountability.
A string of recent Guardian reviews examines contemporary relationships in fiction and TV, from Jem Calder’s I Want You to Be Happy to Virginia Evans’s The Correspondent and Jack Thorne’s Falling. Critics highlight how age gaps, digital culture, and media framings shape intimate lives, while epistolary form and love narratives remain central.
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.
Multiple debris incidents have damaged vehicles on the George Washington Bridge adjacent Trans-Manhattan Expressway. The Port Authority reports ongoing inspections and netting installation as parts of a broader plan to overhaul aging infrastructure; no injuries are confirmed, but authorities are investigating the causes amid ongoing repairs.
Multiple retailers are pursuing aggressive restructurings as closures and rent cuts are demanded to stabilise finances. TG Jones, formerly WH Smith, could shutter up to 150 stores; Poundstretcher is considering administration without a plan; Carter’s is closing 150 locations as profits slip. These moves reflect a tougher high-street environment.
Texas Children’s Hospital has agreed to a $10 million settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice and Texas authorities over Medicaid billing for gender-affirming care, firing five doctors and setting up a detransition clinic for five years. The deal comes amid a broader push by states to restrict or ban gender-related treatments for minors and accompanies a court-ordered review of practices.
President has been speaking to reporters before a Coast Guard event, praising a GOP candidate while reiterating unproven claims of a ‘rigged’ California vote. He has tied mail-in ballots to perceived dishonesty and has urged the Coast Guard to reflect on its service. Legal challenges over a March executive order remain unresolved.
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.
California’s high gasoline costs are under renewed scrutiny as Governor Newsom cites unbranded fuel as cheaper alternatives; Chevron counters that most stations are independently operated. Memorial Day travel is set against an ongoing energy-policy debate and refinery constraints.
The Supreme Court has left in place lower-court rulings in favor of Joseph Clifton Smith, who has spent roughly half his life on death row after a 1997 murder conviction. The Court has not issued a decision on how to handle multiple IQ scores near the 70 threshold in intellectual disability determinations.
Higher fuel prices and other travel costs have prompted families to favor nearby beaches, bike trails and hikes over long trips, shaping this summer’s travel patterns as Americans seek value. Officials expect domestic leisure travel to grow modestly while some households cut back.
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.
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.