Kenneth Law has pleaded guilty in Ontario to 14 counts of aiding suicide for Canadian victims; prosecutors have said the Canadian court will recognise his role in 79 deaths in Britain and consider those deaths at sentencing, and British authorities have confirmed they will not bring separate UK prosecutions.
Arsenal has been crowned Premier League champions for the first time since 2004 and is preparing to face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final on Saturday in Budapest. Manager Mikel Arteta has said the team is hungry for more trophies, key players are fit, and confidence has been boosted by their title-winning form and set-piece strength.
The European Union has sanctioned seven Israeli settlers and organisations, and 10 Hamas representatives, under its Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime for violence, forcible displacement and illegal settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank. Measures include travel bans, asset freezes and bans on EU funds to listed individuals and groups.
The Guardian and The Scotsman compile previews as Canada, Mexico and Czechia enter the World Cup with high expectations and tactical plans. Mexico’s Aguirre emphasizes pragmatic, flexible setups; Canada seeks first-ever group-stage win; Czechia aims to surprise as an underdog.
Barcelona has reached an agreement in principle to sign 25-year-old winger Gordon from Newcastle for €70 million, with a medical imminent. The transfer adds depth to an attack reshaped by Lewandowski’s departure and could see Gordon compete with Raphinha and Lamine Yamal.
The Scotsman reports several Scottish companies have posted stronger profits or upbeat outlooks despite revenue declines. John Heaney Electrical has exceeded £1m in annual profit for 2025, Calnex Solutions has grown revenue to £21.9m with rising profitability, and SSE remains focused on its £33bn investment plan to bolster energy infrastructure.
The government has announced a raft of mini measures to ease the cost of living, including VAT cuts on days out and free summer bus travel for under‑16s, while energy bills are set to rise by around 13% following Ofgem’s update. The chancellor is under pressure as the public faces higher bills this autumn.
Scottish policy tools for datacentres are under scrutiny as APRS warns that a working definition of ‘green datacentres’ is missing and the climate impact of hyperscale facilities may be overlooked, with planning decisions already challenged.
A quartet of recent reviews highlights enduring artistry across rock, folk and jazz. Richard Thompson's Edinburgh show revisits seven decades of work with intimate, instrument-forward performance; Paul McCartney's latest Boys of Dungeon Lane explores early life and friendships with a mix of nostalgia and newer textures; Shinedown's EI8HT showcases a broad, genre-bending approach; and Sugar, led by Bob Mould, returns with a fierce retro edge.
Scotland’s coastline is highlighted in recent guides, with Harris’s Luskentyre Bay and Edinburgh’s Portobello Beach rated among the country’s best. Travel writers from The Scotsman and The Guardian note the popularity of both remote and city beaches as heatwaves affect travel choices.
The Home Office is rolling out facial-age estimation technology to assist age assessments for arriving migrants, starting with asylum seekers at the Western Jet Foil reception centre. Officials say it will support, not replace, existing age checks, while charities warn of bias and safeguarding risks. Data published show thousands faced initial age assessments in 2025–26, with a substantial share found to be adults.
Hitachi Energy has opened an engineering centre of excellence in Glasgow, creating about 100 specialised roles to modernise the UK electricity grid and support Scotland’s clean energy goals. The site occupies the top floor of 110 Queen Street on a ten-year lease, joining Deloitte, NatWest and others in the building. The expansion is part of Hitachi Energy’s UK and Ireland growth plan following a doubling of its workforce and planned further expansion as electrification accelerates.
The UN has added Israeli entities and security forces to a list of parties credibly suspected of conflict‑related sexual violence in its 2026 report covering 2025, prompting Israel to sever ties with UN Secretary‑General António Guterres and to suspend contact with his office while he remains in post.
Former first lady Jill Biden has said she was "frightened" watching Joe Bidens June 2024 debate performance and thought he might be having a stroke. Her comments are excerpted from her memoir View From the East Wing and will appear in a CBS News interview and other outlets this weekend (May 29May 31, 2026).
U.S. officials have signalled large cuts to the military capabilities they make available to NATO — fewer strategic bombers, fighters, destroyers and no submarines — while Secretary of State Marco Rubio has been conducting a four-day visit to India to repair frayed ties over tariffs, energy and trade and to attend a Quad foreign ministers meeting in New Delhi (as of 30 May 2026).
Italian financial police have seized assets worth more than $230 million linked to the money-laundering operations of mafia boss Matteo Messina Denaro. The investigation spans multiple countries and led to the arrest of three people, highlighting an international network built from decades of drug trafficking profits.
Health agencies have identified 13 hantavirus cases tied to the MV Hondius outbreak, including three deaths. Passengers, crew and contacts are being quarantined and monitored across multiple countries; more than 600 contacts in about 30 countries are under follow-up. WHO and national authorities are continuing testing and isolation as cases and monitoring evolve (30 May 2026).
Min Aung Hlaing has travelled to India for talks with Prime Minister Modi and other officials, marking a thaw in regional ties five years after the coup and amid efforts to diversify Myanmar’s international relations and access rare earths.
多份报道显示，健康意识与家庭预算紧缩正在推动全球酒精饮品需求放缓。IWSR数据显示2019-2025间全球酒精饮品以份量计的消费呈现年均约2%的下降，各类别均受影响。行业应对包括降本、调整领导层、推出低酒精产品等，以适应新常态。
The Justice Department has reached a settlement that has barred the IRS from pursuing existing audits of President Trump, his family and affiliates and has created a $1.8 billion "anti-weaponization" fund; legal experts, lawmakers and multiple outlets have criticised the scope, optics and potential legal problems of the agreement (30 May 2026).
Colombia has been voting on May 31 in a presidential race dominated by security and a worsening six‑decade conflict. The ICRC has reported 2025 displacement has doubled to about 235,000, explosive injuries have jumped, and candidates are sharply divided: some pledge to continue Petro's "Total Peace" talks while others promise a hard security crackdown.
War-driven destitution has spurred a rise in early marriages in Gaza, with parents saying they marry off daughters aged 13–16 for protection and aid. AP findings cite multiple girls reporting rape and abuse; 2024–25 data show under-18 marriages rising despite earlier declines.
The UN General Assembly has endorsed the ICJ's advisory opinion on climate obligations, urging a transition away from fossil fuels and emphasizing implementation through the Paris Agreement. 141 member states vote in favor; eight vote against, 28 abstain. The resolution reinforces climate justice and calls for states to comply with existing obligations, with major emitters among the opponents.
Surveys and industry reports have found hotel bookings in many 2026 World Cup host cities are running below expectations. Operators in Kansas City, Boston, San Francisco, Vancouver and others have reported occupancy behind typical seasonal demand, while short-term rentals and a few big markets such as Mexico City, Monterrey and Dallas are showing pockets of strength.
EU legislators and national capitals have reached a compromise this week to enact the Turnberry trade accord with the United States, which has pledged to cap many tariffs on European goods at 15% while the EU will scrap tariffs on U.S. industrial and some farm products. The deal has been contentious across EU institutions and member states and is being timed to meet a July deadline set by Washington.
A dormitory fire at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, Nakuru County, has killed at least 15–16 students and injured dozens. Police and rescue teams have been searching the burned dormitory, investigators have opened a probe and authorities have said eight students are persons of interest in a suspected arson plot.
The U.S. has paused a congressionally approved $14bn arms package for Taiwan while officials review munitions stocks for Operation Epic Fury in Iran. Acting Navy secretary Hung Cao has said foreign military sales will resume when the administration deems necessary; analysts warn any approved deliveries will take years to arrive.
A cargo truck carrying Afghan refugees returning from Pakistan has overturned in Laghman province, killing 18 people including 10 children and injuring dozens. The incident underscores dangerous transport conditions and the strain on displacement routes as the Taliban-led government offers condolences and emergency aid.
A two-alarm fire on a Amtrak work car in a Hudson River tunnel has injured five rail workers and disrupted Amtrak, NJ Transit and LIRR service into and out of Penn Station. Officials say overhead wires were damaged and service is expected to be heavily delayed through the morning rush.
The Bank of England has kept rates at 3.75% amid uncertainty from the Iran war and weak UK growth. Governor Andrew Bailey has signalled a tolerance for inflation running above target in the near term to support the real economy, provided there are no clear second‑round effects.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has told the Israeli military to expand control of the Gaza Strip to 70 percent, saying Israel already controls about 60 percent. The move has prompted international concern that Israel is widening its occupied zone beyond the October ceasefire 'Yellow Line' and is worsening Gaza's humanitarian crisis.
Ukrainian drone strikes and falling drone debris have caused fires at multiple Russian oil facilities this month, including an oil terminal in Novorossiysk that has wounded two people and reported damage at Taganrog and Armavir. Kyiv has been carrying out long-range strikes to disrupt Russian oil exports and revenues.
The United States and Iran have reached a framework to extend the ceasefire for 60 days and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, pending President Trump’s approval. Negotiators are hashing final details on Iran’s nuclear stockpile and enrichment, with language points still under discussion. Washington is lifting some sanctions while Iran agrees to unrestricted shipping through Hormuz and removal of mines within 30 days.
Andrey Zvyagintsev has used his Cannes Grand Prix acceptance for Minotaur to appeal directly to Vladimir Putin to end the war in Ukraine, saying millions on both sides "dream" of an end. The director has sent the message to the Kremlin through official channels; the Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has refused to relay it.
Arsenal and PSG have reached the Champions League Final in Budapest, with PSG aiming to defend their crown after a 5-0 win in 2023; Arsenal seek their first European crown in 140 years. PSG enters as favorites, having defeated Liverpool and Bayern Munich en route to the final.
Campaigns protest rising energy costs as Shell and other oil majors report rising profits; governments are weighing measures to curb profiteering while households confront higher energy and food prices amid global tensions.
Poland’s Chapter of the Order of the White Eagle plans a June 8 meeting to discuss revoking President Zelensky’s 2023 Order of the White Eagle after he named a Ukrainian special-forces unit “Heroes of the UPA.” The move has triggered criticism in Kyiv and is prompting Polish leaders to reassess sensitivities around wartime memory.
A 31-year-old Swiss man has been arrested after a daytime knife attack at Winterthur station, injuring three people. Investigators are assessing a possible jihadist motive, with ties to earlier ISIS propaganda and a history of psychiatric concerns. Police say the suspect is in custody and the motive remains under review.
As Eid al-Adha begins, displaced Gazans, Iranians facing inflation, and West Bank families coping with displacement and violence are contending with high meat and goods prices, driving hardship and altered celebrations amid ongoing conflicts and sanctions.
Since mid May the U.S. has unsealed a federal indictment charging former Cuban leader Raúl Castro over the 1996 shootdown of civilian planes; President Trump has said he "looks like I’ll be the one" to take action against Cuba and Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said diplomacy "is not high." The U.S. has tightened sanctions, deployed the USS Nimitz to the Caribbean and Cuba has warned any attack will produce a "bloodbath."
Public health authorities are expanding screening and travel restrictions as the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola spreads in the DRC and Uganda. The U.N. WHO has declared an international concern, and countries including the United States, Canada, and Caribbean nations have implemented entry bans or quarantines for travelers from affected regions. A U.S. facility in Kenya is slated to aid Americans exposed to the virus, while border controls tighten worldwide.
Jet fuel costs have surged amid the Iran war, pressuring airlines and travel plans across Europe and the US. Airlines have hedged and retooled schedules, with consumer demand divergent by region. Travelers face higher fares, potential cancellations, and evolving rights around refunds and rebooking.
The Park Slope Food Coop in Brooklyn has voted to ban Israeli products and those from Israeli settlements, in a move that has intensified debates over Palestine solidarity and the Gaza war. The measure passed 67% in a live or hybrid meeting, following a rule change lowering the threshold for boycott measures. Shelves have begun removing affected items; the outcome has drawn national attention and sparked security concerns inside the co-op.
Guatemala has formally requested US cooperation—including access to equipment, training and personnel—to assist Guatemalan security forces in countering drug trafficking. The government says no foreign military operations on Guatemalan soil are authorized, and any action would occur within existing bilateral agreements. Officials have said the agreement would expand on a 2024 strategy, while the president emphasized that Congress must authorize any on-ground operations.
A coalition of Europe’s largest economies has urged the European Commission to expand and sharpen EU trade defenses. The signatories want more frequent use of safeguard investigations, quicker WTO referrals, and a new resilience tool to protect strategic sectors and value chains. They also advocate allowing anti-subsidy duties to be applied directly to companies.
Health workers in Congo's Ituri province are contending with an Ebola outbreak amid supply shortages, civil unrest and attacks on treatment centers. The World Health Organization has declared it a public health emergency of international concern, while aid deliveries from the EU and U.S. are expanding to Bunia and surrounding areas. Authorities report thousands of suspected cases and hundreds of deaths, with efforts hampered by security threats and logistical hurdles.
Former Yemeni president Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi has died in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, at the age of 80. State media confirm three days of mourning and the transition of power in Yemen’s internationally recognized government continues from exile.
The presidential race in Colombia is unfolding as violence persists in the wake of a fractured peace process, with dissident FARC factions clashing in Guaviare and security forces deployed to safeguard polling ahead of Sunday’s vote.
Bangladesh is facing a steep measles surge with thousands of confirmed infections and hundreds of deaths since March. Health facilities are overwhelmed, vaccination drives are expanding, and UNICEF warns that immunisation gaps persist after social disruptions.
Zelenskiy has warned of a potential combined strike on Ukrainian territory, including Kyiv, as Russia prepares retaliation options following a Ukrainian drone attack on Starobilsk. Multiple cities report strikes and international actors are monitoring the situation amid renewed calls for increased defense and deterrence.
Detainees at Delaney Hall, Newark, and supporters have reported hunger strikes, alleged mistreatment, and protests outside the privately run facility. Officials and lawmakers are facing intensified scrutiny as access is repeatedly denied and demonstrations turn violent.
Waymo has issued a software recall affecting thousands of robotaxis after discovering a bug that could let cars drive into standing flood water. The action follows recent suspensions and flooded-road incidents across multiple markets as Waymo works to harden its software and improve weather safeguards.
Canada is expanding its trade partnerships and strengthening strategic autonomy as U.S. tariffs press domestic industries. Leaders highlight collaboration with partners and a pivot to non‑U.S. markets in response to the global trade rupture.
The 82-year-old Alexandros Giotopoulos has been released on medical grounds after serving multiple life terms for leading the November 17 group. Greece’s Supreme Court review is under way, with prosecutors weighing potential challenges to the decision as questions linger about the group’s activities over decades.
UK fans will not paywall the Champions League final for the first time since 1992 as TNT Sports charges a monthly HBO Max subscription of £4.99 for access to the final and two other UEFA finals. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has pressed TNT to reconsider, citing fans’ access and affordability.
Christian Castro, a 52-year-old ICE agent, has been arrested in Texas on four counts of second‑degree assault and one count of falsely reporting a crime over the Jan. 14 shooting in Minneapolis during Operation Metro Surge. Prosecutors say he fired through a front door, injuring a resident in the leg and hitting a wall near a child’s room. The arrest follows a broader review of federal agents’ conduct during the operation.
The Mexican Senate has passed a constitutional amendment adding foreign interference to the grounds to annul election results. The measure, proposed by President Claudia Sheinbaum, defines foreign interference as illicit financing, propaganda, disinformation, digital manipulation, and foreign intervention. Critics warn the broad wording could let authorities annul outcomes based on unrelated foreign statements or media reports. The bill now heads to the Senate for approval before it can take effect.
Ghana has moved to enact a law that imposes prison terms for LGBTQ acts and for promoting or supporting LGBTQ activities, while allowing exemptions for legal, media and healthcare professionals. The bill has bipartisan support and follows prior attempts; Mahama is expected to sign. Protests and international condemnation are likely to continue.
Shrey Parikh, 14, from Rancho Cucamonga, has won the National Spelling Bee after a 32-word spell-off against Ishaan Gupta, setting a record for a 90-second round. The victory concludes a six-year run in competitive spelling and follows a prior miss in 2024. Parikh’s win includes a $50,000 prize and a Scripps Cup.
The latest reporting shows ongoing antagonism in the Middle East, with Hamas casualties and suspected Israeli strikes in Gaza City, while Lebanon reports fatalities from Israeli strikes in the south. The UAE has confirmed drone attacks originating from Iraq and a fire at its nuclear facility has been attributed to such actions. US diplomatic and military positioning indicates a fragile ceasefire amid ongoing negotiations with Iran.
Sen. Jinggoy Estrada has been indicted for plunder in a corruption scheme tied to flood-control projects, and the Sandiganbayan is expected to issue warrants for additional arrests as prosecutors publicly press charges.
Iran and the United States have reached conclusions on many points in a potential 14-point memorandum of understanding. Officials say progress has been made toward halting the war within a 60-day window, but no final deal is in place. Discussions remain indirect and centered on ending the conflict and enabling safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, with the rest of the nuclear file to be negotiated later.
A fire at Utumishi Girls Academy Senior School in Gilgil, Kenya, has killed 16 students and injured 79 others. Eight girls are in custody as suspects tied to planning the arson, while investigations and CCTV reviews continue. Authorities have disbanded the school board and are pursuing disciplinary action against staff.
Sudan’s leadership has announced a comprehensive, internal political dialogue to pave the way for a civilian transition, while warning against foreign-imposed solutions. The plan follows AU, UN, EU, and regional talks planned for June. RSF leaders push for a “new Sudan” with governance and development reforms, as clashes and humanitarian concerns persist.
The United States has proposed increasing the required regional content for North American-built vehicles in the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement negotiations in Mexico City. Canada is not part of the talks. The proposed thresholds would raise the bar on what qualifies for preferential tariffs, potentially reshaping supply chains in North America.
Israeli forces have crossed the Litani River and are operating across southern Lebanon, including Beirut and the Beqaa Valley, in a widening campaign against Hezbollah. Airstrikes continue in Lebanon amid evacuation warnings for southern towns. The conflict has killed thousands and displaced hundreds of thousands, with U.S.-brokered talks in Washington seeking ceasefire progress.
Public-order concerns have led Italian authorities to cancel concerts by Kanye West (Ye) and Travis Scott at the Pulse of Gaia festival near Reggio Emilia. The cancellations follow a wave of Ye show bans across Europe and recent safety worries linked to Astroworld-era incidents. The two performances were scheduled within 24 hours at the 103,000-seat venue.
Syria has mobilised emergency response as rising Euphrates water levels have disabled water stations and submerged thousands of hectares of farmland in Deir ez-Zor and Raqqa. President al-Sharaa has toured affected areas, and authorities are coordinating across ministries to monitor dams, support livelihoods, and begin rebuilding infrastructure.
Canal+ chief executive Maxime Saada has said the group will no longer work with hundreds of cinema figures who signed a petition accusing Vincent Bolloré of steering French cinema toward a far-right influence. The move follows Cannes open letters and widening industry backlash to Bolloré's media empire.
Messi has been diagnosed with muscle fatigue in his left hamstring after Inter Miami’s 6-4 MLS win. Inter Miami says return will depend on clinical progress. Argentina’s World Cup start is set for June 16, with friendlies planned ahead of the tournament.
Ethiopia’s upcoming elections are being held in a climate of fragmentation and restrictions, with the Prosperity Party dominating nationally while opposition groups face bans, arrests, and restricted campaigning. Voting in Tigray is canceled and several regions face insecurity, casting doubt on the credibility and inclusivity of the process.
France has asked its prosecutors to assess criminal charges related to alleged sexual violence, cold exposure, beatings and humiliation of French nationals during the Gaza flotilla detention. The move follows a Franco-Israeli incident during the Global Sumud flotilla and a government ban on Israel’s far-right minister Itamar Ben-Gvir entering France.
A Russian drone entering Romanian airspace has struck a 10th-floor apartment in Galati, injuring two civilians and prompting NATO and Bucharest to coordinate a response. The incident follows a pattern of drone incursions and raises concerns about escalation and regional security, with officials urging faster access to air-defense capabilities.
Protests and roadblockades across Bolivia have disrupted supply chains in La Paz and El Alto as protesters demand higher wages and reversal of austerity measures. President Paz has offered dialogue while signalling possible cabinet reshuffles and wage cuts; authorities warn of legal and security options to restore transit for fuel, food and medicine.
Peter Thiel has reportedly shifted his backing toward Argentina as a potential Plan B amid concerns about U.S. policy and global risks. He has met with Argentina’s Milei, purchased a Buenos Aires mansion, and relocated part of his family, with Argentina weighing citizenship options for him. The move comes as California’s tax politics and rising geopolitical tensions drive elites to seek alternatives.
The phenomenon known as Manhattanhenge has reappeared this week, with the setting sun aligning with Manhattan’s east–west streets as crowds gather to watch from iconic viewing spots. The event is not tied to the solstice but occurs about three weeks before and after it, offering dramatic views of sunlit skyscrapers along the city’s grid.
Pro-Palestinian protests have disrupted Ireland’s friendly with Qatar in Dublin as tennis balls branded with Palestinian flags were thrown onto the pitch, delaying play twice. The events come as Irish officials face pressure over Nations League games against Israel, with calls to boycott the fixtures. Ireland’s players and management are navigating protests while the Football Association of Ireland maintains the matches will go ahead.
The International Atomic Energy Agency has met Kazakhstan’s president amid talks over a 440 kilogram stockpile of 60% enriched uranium. Reports describe varying positions on how a deal with the United States and Iran would address Iran’s stockpile and future enrichment, with no full text released yet.
Ukraine has broadened its use of mid‑range drones to hit Russian warehouses, vehicles, and command posts at roughly 20 to 300 kilometers from the front. Kyiv says these strikes disrupt logistics and air defenses, shifting battlefield dynamics and pressuring Moscow’s rear areas.
Four climbers from a seven-member team have fallen near Denali Pass at 18,200 feet. Three survivors have returned to High Camp while rescuers await a weather window to reach the others. The National Park Service confirms weather conditions are improving and helicopter operations will proceed when safe.
Trump has warned that Cuba is “next” after U.S. forces captured Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro in a January raid. The administration has since tightened sanctions, kept warships in the Caribbean, and indicted a former Cuban leader. U.S. officials say meetings with Cuban officials have not yielded substantive breakthroughs, as a new unit replaces the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit and the Guantánamo Bay base remains in operation.
China has reiterated its claim that Taiwan is part of its territory as military activity around the island intensifies. Taiwan says Beijing’s forces are conducting joint combat-readiness patrols, with ships and aircraft repeatedly visible near the first island chain.
The Justice Department has opened a criminal inquiry into whether E. Jean Carroll committed perjury during depositions in her civil suits against Donald Trump. The probe is focusing on Carroll's 2022 testimony about who paid her legal fees, including later-disclosed support from Reid Hoffman’s nonprofit; prosecutors in Chicago are leading the review.
GCHQ chief Anne Keast-Butler has said that Russia’s casualties in Ukraine have reached what Western intelligence calls a near half‑million figure, with Moscow’s losses overwhelming Kyiv’s and the war continuing into its fourth year. She warns Russia is targeting Europe’s critical infrastructure and that cyber and hybrid threats are intensifying.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer is stating she will not be a candidate in 2028. She has previously signaled openness but now emphasises a robust field will run for president while she remains focused on governance. The Mackinac policy conference has spotlighted the debate amid broader speculation about a White House bid.
The Third Circuit has stayed its ruling to allow Khalil’s case to proceed to the Supreme Court while he appeals. Khalil, a lawful permanent resident, has challenged his detention and deportation linked to pro-Palestinian activism. Separate immigration court proceedings continue, with an appeal to the 5th Circuit also looming.
An overnight rainstorm has complicated rescue efforts for five villagers who were trapped inside a cave after entering to search for minerals. Rescue teams from Laos and Thailand have located and are expediting the five men to safety, while one other person escaped and two remain missing.
Protests outside the Delaney Hall detention center in Newark have intensified as detainees begin (and allies claim) a hunger strike and labor actions to press for better conditions. Governors and federal agencies have exchanged statements, with state police designating protest zones and ICE facing ongoing clashes with protesters.
An explosion and fire at a two-story Dallas apartment complex in Oak Cliff has killed a child and two others, with at least five injured. Fire crews are continuing primary searches of the rubble as investigators probe gas-leak causes and a pipeline incident.
The Justice Department has created an almost $1.8 billion Anti-Weaponization Fund to resolve a personal-capacity lawsuit against the IRS. Four commissioners appointed by the attorney general will administer it, with Trump retaining influence over the process. Critics warn of conflicts of interest and potential pay-outs to allies, while some lawmakers call the arrangement corrupt.
The 98th Scripps National Spelling Bee has returned to DAR Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C. Finals are tonight at 8 p.m. ET, with nearly 250 competitors from the U.S. and beyond. Spellers compete for $50,000 and the Scripps Cup; Mina Kimes will host the broadcast.
A coalition of states and the federal government are clashing over anti-ICE measures and undercover enforcement rules. New York’s budget package tightens cooperation with federal immigration authorities, while other states and the DOJ have filed lawsuits or threatened legal action to defend or contest these policies.
New York City has launched the Commission on Government Efficiency (COGE) to make city government faster, smarter and more accountable. Ann Cheng will be executive director. Hearings will be held in all five boroughs as the administration seeks to balance the budget and improve access to affordable services.
The Securities and Exchange Commission has moved to rescind the climate‑related disclosure rule, which had been paused amid litigation. The agency says the rule exceeds its statutory authority and imposes costs not justified by benefits, as environmental groups warn that investors will lose critical climate risk information.
Wix has confirmed cuts of up to 1,000 roles (about 20% of its workforce) as it faces a strong shekel and the rapid evolution of AI. The company is restructuring to become faster and AI-native, with most staff based in Israel. Rapyd also says it is restructuring around AI, while layoffs are unfolding across the tech sector.
Newsom has announced plans to levy a 100% state tax on payouts from Trump’s $1.776 billion “anti-weaponisation” fund, asserting the move can be enacted through legislation or a ballot measure. The fund is part of a settlement related to a lawsuit against the IRS. Bessent and Newsom have a history of public sparring.
Bruce Springsteen has used a recent Washington show to critique U.S. immigration detention practices, calling out for-profit centers and urging action from the audience. He has performed politically charged songs and rallied the crowd around ICE and detention issues, with a forthcoming charity festival expanding the activism angle.
United Airlines Flight 2005, from Chicago to Minneapolis, has been diverted to Madison, Wisconsin, after an unruly passenger attempted to breach the cockpit. The plane has landed safely, and passengers resumed their journey to Minneapolis with no injuries reported. Federal and local authorities are leading the investigation.
Hawaiian lawmakers have capped the solar energy tax credit at $40 million per year through 2030, retroactive to 2026, threatening projects already under way and potentially slowing a broader shift to renewables. Governors and industry groups are calling for a special session to fix the retroactive provision.
The governor has paused new offers for data-center tax incentives as lawmakers study their impact. Opposition is mounting across cities, with residents pushing for a ballot referendum to ban hyperscale centers. A review committee is examining the program, while the industry cites billions in investment.
Los Angeles Unified has adopted a sweeping screen-time policy, eliminating devices for the youngest students and imposing limits for older students. The district will audit tech contracts and seeks to curb distractions as it shifts away from school-issued devices.
A viral trend of teen takeovers has captured attention nationwide as large groups of youths gather in public spaces, triggering fights, robberies and injuries. Chicago police have reported multiple incidents including a driver striking officers during a takeover, with several teens arrested on serious charges. Other cities have seen similar disruptions.