Four British pro-Palestinian activists have been convicted of criminal damage for the 2024 Elbit Systems UK raid in Bristol. One defendant was also convicted of inflicting grievous bodily harm on a police officer. Two others were acquitted; sentencing is set for June 12.
The UK has passed the Tobacco and Vapes Act, which has introduced a rolling age ban that will stop anyone born on or after 1 January 2009 from ever legally buying tobacco and has granted ministers wide powers to regulate vaping, flavours, packaging, display and where vaping is allowed.
UK new car registrations have risen 24% year-on-year in April to 149,247, with BEV sales up 59.1% and electrified vehicles taking 53.2% of the market. Despite the rebound, the BEV share remains below the mandated 32% target; industry urges a policy review as inflation and energy costs threaten demand.
Voters are shifting toward Reform UK in Scotland and Wales amid concerns about local economies and longstanding dissatisfaction with mainstream parties. The party is poised to become a major force in the Scottish and Welsh parliaments, while national polls show it leading opposition to Labour and the Conservatives.
A domestic incident in Bristol has resulted in a fatal explosion at a Sterncourt Road address. Jo Shaw, 35, and Ryan Kelly, 41, have died. Several others are injured; investigators say the explosion was deliberate but not terror-related. Police are conducting searches and will keep the public updated.
The Times of Israel, AP News and The Independent report that Keir Starmer’s centre-left Labour Party is expected to take a battering in local England elections and in Scotland and Wales, with leadership questions intensifying as parties on the right and Greens gain ground.
Sweden has boarded the 182-meter Jin Hui, which is suspected of sailing under a forged Syrian flag and linked to Russia’s shadow fleet, a network used to evade Western sanctions. The captain has been arrested and will be interrogated as investigations begin.
Wu Yize has defeated Shaun Murphy 18-17 in a deciding frame at the Crucible Theatre to become the youngest world snooker champion since Stephen Hendry, continuing China’s rise in the sport and following Zhao Xintong’s 2025 title.
The conflict in Iran has pushed up energy prices and fuel costs, with gas and oil contributing to higher household bills. The price cap review set for 1 July to 30 September 2026 is expected to show a rise, while a think tank identifies towns most vulnerable to energy-spending shocks.
Live updates show local and devolved elections shaping up as Lib Dem gains press Labour and Conservatives, with Greens and Reform UK rising in visibility. Across the capital, younger candidates are contesting predominately in Green and Reform UK camps amid concerns about tactical voting and shifting allegiances.
A wave of recent reports has intensified scrutiny of PFAS chemicals, plastic exposure, and food safety in the UK. MPs urge tighter PFAS restrictions and precautionary action on new substances, while studies link reduced plastic contact to lower chemical levels in participants. Documents reveal officials discussed potential import standards changes amid US trade talks.
UK authorities are coordinating with airlines and remaining refineries to safeguard jet fuel supply amid rising costs tied to the Iran war and disruption in Middle East shipping routes. Government and industry sources say airlines continue normal operations, but more flexibility and gear-up in stock management are under way as prices remain volatile.
The Met has announced a new community protection team to safeguard Jewish communities in London, amid a wave of antisemitic incidents following arsons and stabbings in recent weeks. Prosecutions are being fast-tracked as authorities label the trend deeply troubling.
Zayn Malik has cancelled the majority of dates on his KONNAKOL UK arena tour after a hospital admission for an unspecified illness. He has resumed at-home recovery and plans to perform a limited number of shows with remaining dates rescheduled or cancelled, prompting refunds for ticket buyers.
Prime Minister Mark Carney has appointed Louise Arbour, a former Supreme Court justice and wartime prosecutor, as Canada’s next governor general, succeeding Mary Simon. Arbour’s tenure will emphasize the importance of global institutions and stable, accountable governance.
Kenyan Sabastian Sawe has become the first man to run an officially sanctioned marathon under two hours, winning the London Marathon in 1:59:30 on 26 April 2026. Ethiopia's Yomif Kejelcha has finished second in 1:59:41 and Uganda's Jacob Kiplimo has taken third in 2:00:28. Tigst Assefa has defended her title and set a women-only world record (2:15:41).
The United States has announced "Project Freedom" to help stranded commercial ships exit the Strait of Hormuz, saying CENTCOM will support the effort with warships, aircraft, drones and 15,000 personnel. Iran has warned any foreign armed forces entering the strait will be attacked and state media have reported clashes and disputed claims of vessels being hit.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has pushed a rapid reorientation of Japan's postwar posture: her Cabinet has eased lethal-weapons export rules, the ruling party has called for discussions to revise the pacifist constitution, and Tokyo has moved to expand defence ties and arms sales with partners including Australia and the Philippines.
The United Arab Emirates has announced it has withdrawn from OPEC and OPEC+ effective May 1. The government has said the move follows a review of its production policy and expanded domestic capacity, and that the UAE will bring additional oil to market "in a gradual and measured manner" once conditions allow.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has met Chinese officials in Beijing amid efforts to press for a comprehensive ceasefire and renewed diplomacy to end the war. Beijing describes the region as at a turning point and calls for direct dialogue, while Iran stresses its readiness to defend its rights in negotiations. Trump’s planned Beijing visit looms as the Strait of Hormuz remains a flashpoint.
A drone strike has damaged a 54-storey Mosfilmovskaya tower in Moscow as authorities tighten security ahead of the Victory Day parade. Russia has canceled heavy military displays for the event, while Kyiv has warned drones may target the capital.
Both Russia and Ukraine have announced ceasefires for May 5-6 or May 8-9 around Victory Day celebrations, prompting questions about timing, coordination and enforcement amid ongoing fighting.
The EU has deepened its relationship with Armenia at a Yerevan summit, with Ursula von der Leyen and Antonio Costa pledging investment and a connectivity partnership as Armenia pivots toward Europe amid Moscow's dwindling influence. The talks come as Armenia seeks to diversify away from Russia and strengthen ties with Brussels.
During his state visit to Armenia, President Macron has participated in a musical event at the Armenian presidential residence. He has played La Bohème and Les Feuilles Mortes on piano, with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on drums and Vahagn Hayrapetyan on piano. The gathering coincides with a European summit and a regional push toward Europe.
Ukraine has proposed an open-ended ceasefire starting tonight, while Russia demands a limited truce for Victory Day. Both sides report ongoing strikes and drone attacks, with civilians affected and Moscow highlighting an intent to parade amid security concerns.
Gyula Balasy has offered to hand over his government-contracting media firms to the Hungarian state and said several company accounts have been frozen; police have opened investigations into suspected misappropriation, money laundering and overpriced contracts tied to his events-and-media group as Peter Magyar prepares to take office on May 9.
The United States has paused its ship-escort operation through the Strait of Hormuz to pursue a possible peace agreement with Iran. The pause follows Iranian talks in Beijing and remarks from Iran’s foreign minister about the need for a fair, comprehensive deal. The broader blockade of Iranian ports remains in effect as negotiations continue.
Iranian Foreign Minister has held talks in Beijing with China’s top diplomat as Beijing urges a full ceasefire and renewed diplomacy in the ongoing crisis surrounding the Strait of Hormuz and wider war dynamics. China describes the move as a critical moment for regional stability.
Today, Iran has launched missiles, cruise missiles, drones and fast boats that have struck vessels and an oil facility in the UAE's Fujairah and the Strait of Hormuz. The US military has said it has fired on Iranian forces while escorting merchant ships through the strait and President Trump has warned Iran it will be "blown off the face of the earth" if it hits US ships.
Since late April 2026, armed groups have carried out a string of deadly attacks and mass kidnappings across Nigeria: an assault in Guyaku, Adamawa has left about 29 people dead and an IS-affiliated group has claimed responsibility; gunmen have abducted 23 pupils from an unregistered orphanage in Kogi, with security forces rescuing 15 so far; bandit raids and assaults on military posts continue in northern states.
Romania's pro‑European coalition has collapsed after the Social Democrats (PSD) joined the far‑right AUR to pass a no‑confidence motion that has removed Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan. The motion has received 281 votes in the 464‑seat parliament; PNL, USR and UDMR deputies have abstained from voting.
Canada’s prime minister has joined the European Political Community summit in Yerevan, signaling closer European ties amid tensions with the United States. Leaders discuss rebuilding a multilateral order centered in Europe as Washington shifts focus to other crises.
FIFA has invited Iran’s football federation to its Zurich headquarters for talks ahead of the World Cup, with Iran set to play in the United States. Infantino has reiterated Iran’s participation and calendar for games in the US, Canada and Mexico, despite regional tensions and visa issues that have affected Iranian officials in Canada.
A blast at the Carbonera Los Pinos coal mine in Sutatausa, north of Bogote1, has left miners trapped with several rescued. Officials say six have survived and were taken to hospital, while rescue teams continue operations and investigations focus on gas buildup and safety lapses.
The Board of Peace has pressed Hamas to finalize a Gaza demilitarization agreement by week’s end as Arab mediators urge acceptance of a US-backed plan. Israel remains cautious about further withdrawals in an election year, while efforts continue to stabilize governance in Gaza and enable reconstruction.
Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi has deepened engagement with Vietnam and Australia, pledging energy and security cooperation as China’s influence and regional tensions rise. The visit outlines measures to bolster oil supply, critical minerals, infrastructure, and space cooperation, while reaffirming peaceful dispute resolution in the South China Sea.
Uganda’s Protection of Sovereignty Bill has moved through Parliament with amendments and is awaiting presidential signature. Officials say the measure aims to guard decision-making autonomy and protect private enterprise, while critics warn it could criminalise civil society, journalism and foreign funding, harming the economy and freedoms.
Democrats are debating how to present policy versus anti-Trump rhetoric ahead of midterms, with a push to offer a cohesive agenda while acknowledging Trump-era factors. Republicans are exploring a positive, forward-looking theme to counterheadwinds from Iran, inflation, and public polling.
The man accused of starting the Palisades fire in Los Angeles has pleaded not guilty. Prosecutors say Jonathan Rinderknecht sparked a January 2025 blaze that killed 12 and destroyed thousands of homes; a June trial date has been set after a pre-trial memo outlines the defendant’s alleged state of mind and motives.
The California Energy Commission has issued an administrative subpoena to Golden State Wind amid disclosures of a payout after an offshore wind lease buyout. The move, along with similar deals affecting other developers and renewed congressional scrutiny, marks a new phase in how the federal government is handling offshore wind projects and fossil-fuel investments.
Piracy incidents near Somalia's Puntland coast have intensified, with several vessels hijacked or attacked in late April and early May 2026. UKMTO has raised threat levels, and vessels are advised to transit with extreme caution as security patrols respond to renewed PAG activity and shifting routes around the Horn of Africa.
Since early May 2026, drone strikes have increased across Khartoum, Kordofan, Blue Nile and Darfur, killing and wounding civilians, damaging aid convoys and markets, and disrupting Khartoum airport. Sudan's army has alleged some drones originated from Ethiopia and were supplied by the UAE; the UAE has denied the accusation. Humanitarians are warning of worsening displacement and shelter shortages.
Voters head to the polls next Thursday as Labour faces a challenging local election in St Helens. The council has been Labour-controlled since 2010, but regeneration plans and concerns about town centre vitality are shaping the campaign. Residents describe a town in transition, with empty high streets and a push for investment.
Australia is preparing for the return of 13 women and children connected to IS from Syria’s al-Roj camp. Some will be arrested on arrival and others placed under investigation; authorities warn crimes will be met with the full force of the law. Children will receive reintegration and support services.
Paris Saint-Germain has beaten Bayern Munich 5-4 in a high-octane Champions League semi-final first leg. Harry Kane leads a late fightback, while the tie remains open ahead of the return leg at the Allianz Arena.
Three siblings—Maureen Okirie, 35, and minors Salia Karikari, 15, and Jubril Karikari, 12—are accused of killing their brother, Stanley Okirie, in Akute, Ogun State. Police say a clandestine burial was uncovered after a tip-off, with a wooden pestle found as a suspected weapon. The case highlights domestic violence and security concerns in the community.
The SEC has secured a settlement requiring the Elon Musk Revocable Trust to pay a $1.5 million civil penalty for late disclosure of a 2022 Twitter stake. The trust would be permanently restrained from violating Section 13(d), and Musk’s personal claims are dismissed. The judge has not yet approved the agreement.
Naveed Akram has been charged with 19 additional offenses after an inquiry into Australia’s deadliest mass shooting in 29 years. The charges include shooting with intent to murder and discharging a firearm with intent to resist arrest; he has yet to enter a plea.
A new memoir by Rachel Goldberg-Polin recounts the two-year aftermath of her son Hersh Goldberg-Polin’s abduction and death after the Oct. 7, 2023 attack. The book details her family’s search for information, the grief of losing Hersh, and their ongoing advocacy amid a protracted conflict.
Pope Leo XIV has been navigating a widening diplomatic cycle as US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to meet the pontiff and Vatican officials in Rome. The meetings come amid Donald Trump’s public rebuke of Leo over the Iran war and a push to repair ties between Washington, the Vatican, and Rome.
European finance ministers and lawmakers are pressing for windfall taxes on oil and gas profits spurred by the Iran conflict and Gulf tensions. BP and TotalEnergies have reported strong Q1 earnings, renewing calls to redirect excess profits to consumers and energy transition efforts. The debate echoes past attempts and faces questions about revenue performance and corporate behavior.
The United Nations Security Council is considering a US- and Gulf-backed draft resolution that would require Iran to halt attacks on shipping and to cooperate with a humanitarian corridor through the Strait of Hormuz. The measure, drafted under Chapter VII, could impose sanctions and potentially enable force if Tehran fails to comply. Talks are underway at the UN as a four-week truce strains amid renewed tensions.
The ceasefire brokered by China is under strain as Afghan officials allege Pakistani strikes have damaged civilian sites in Kunar province, including a university, mosques and a health center. Pakistan denies targeting civilians. Cross-border clashes persist despite talks in Urumqi and a March ceasefire.
John Sterling, the longtime Yankees radio voice, has died at age 87. He has called more than 5,000 regular-season games and 211 postseason games, building a storied legacy with the Yankees from 1989 to 2024 and returning briefly for the 2024 postseason.
Secret Service agents have shot a suspect near the Washington Monument on Monday afternoon after approaching a person who appeared to be carrying a firearm; the suspect fired at agents, who returned fire and wounded him. A juvenile bystander has been grazed and treated; the suspect has been hospitalized and no agents were injured.
Lebanon’s president has urged full ceasefire implementation before any direct talks with Israel as hostilities persist in the south. The United States is pushing for ambassador-level engagement to move toward a framework that could see Israel withdraw from Lebanon and Hezbollah disarmed, while Lebanon seeks sovereignty guarantees amid ongoing Israeli strikes and evacuations.
Iraqi PM-designate Ali al-Zaidi is navigating joint internal bloc negotiations and US pressure as he moves to form a cabinet within 30 days, amid stakes tied to Iran-aligned factions and wider regional security concerns.
A chorus of leading players has criticised prize money at the French Open, arguing they deserve a larger share of tournament revenue and greater input on governance. While prize money has risen modestly, players say the share remains a concern and warn of possible boycotts if talks do not progress. Wider FIFA World Cup funding discussions add context to the push for better player welfare and representation.
Protests at Cornell involving Students for a Democratic Cornell have led to a confrontation with President Michael Kotlikoff. University says video shows harassment and intimidation; students allege the president’s car was struck. The incident follows a debate series on Israel-Palestine and broader campus tensions.
North Korea has updated its constitution to include a territorial claim that borders China, Russia and the Republic of Korea, while reaffirming Kim Jong Un as head of state and placing authority over nuclear forces in his hands. Analysts view the move as signaling a firmer stance toward the South without specifying border lines.
Senior PKK figures have said the peace initiative is effectively frozen as Turkey presses for legal and political reforms and a defined role for jailed PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan. Erdogan’s allies and Kurdish parties are pushing for progress, but disarmament verification and legal steps remain in dispute.
The California Department of Insurance has found widespread violations in State Farm’s handling of wildfire claims tied to the 2025 Eaton and Palisades fires, potentially triggering penalties and a licensing review. The investigation covers hundreds of claims and has drawn scrutiny from state leadership amid broader insurer concerns in California.
Dean DelleChiaie, 35, of Nashua, has been charged with interstate communication of a threat against the president after sending a personal-email message on April 21 stating he intended to neutralize/kill the president. The case follows earlier FAA computer searches and a suspension, with investigators noting his remorse during a February interview.
Thailand has cancelled the MOU 44 framework for joint offshore exploration with Cambodia, while vowing to pursue maritime boundary issues under UNCLOS. Cambodia regrets the move but remains committed to a peaceful, legal resolution as clashes last year underscore volatile border dynamics.
Across multiple fronts, stories show how people are being drawn into or coerced into military roles tied to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, with international recruits, conscription schemes, and battlefield deployments shaping the conflict.
Alberta separatists have delivered more than 300,000 signatures for a referendum, while a linked group has exposed nearly 3 million residents’ personal data. Courts and investigations are underway as First Nations challenge secession on treaty grounds and officials scramble to verify signatures ahead of an October vote.
Japan is discussing the potential transfer of used Abukuma-class destroyers to the Philippines as part of expanding security cooperation, with talks following Japan's policy shift on arms exports. The Balikatan exercises in the Philippines involve Japanese, American and other allied forces.
Israel has sustained drone attacks using tethered fiber-optic drones, a technology that shields operation from electronic jamming, raising tensions along the Lebanon border and prompting improvised defenses. Multiple casualties have occurred amid ongoing hostilities, with authorities warning the threat is spreading and defenses lag.
Bob Skinner, a 12-season Major League Baseball veteran who helped the Pittsburgh Pirates win the 1960 World Series, the 1979 World Series as a coach, and later coached for several teams, has died in San Diego at age 94. He is remembered for his contributions as a player and as a respected coach and scout.
Mali’s junta has appointed Assimi Goita as defence minister, adding the role to his presidency after the death of Defence Minister Sadio Camara in a suicide bombing. The move follows large-scale attacks by JNIM and Tuareg rebels that have disrupted several towns, including Kidal, and heightened civilian casualties.
Pope Leo XIV has named Evelio Menjivar-Ayala, who fled El Salvador as a teen and later became a U.S. citizen, to lead the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, West Virginia. The move follows tension with Donald Trump and comes as the pope’s broader stance on immigration and dialogue with political leaders continues.
Primary results in Indiana show multiple Trump-endorsed challengers defeating incumbents who opposed his redistricting plan, signaling enduring influence within the Republican Party even as tensions rise ahead of the midterms.
A vehicle packed with propane tanks and pipe bombs has destroyed the Multnomah Athletic Club in Portland after crashing into the lobby before dawn. The driver has died in the incident. Authorities say the club is closed and conducting a joint investigation with local and federal agencies; no members or staff have been injured.
Authorities say the 69-year-old suspect knew the victims. The shooting at K Towne Plaza in Koreatown, Carrollton, is not believed to be random. The suspect was arrested after a brief foot chase at a grocery store about four miles from the mall.
A statewide and national political conversation is intensifying around potential presidential bids, gubernatorial prospects, and party strategy. Key figures and donors are weighing paths forward while media coverage highlights internal caution and strategic moves ahead of primary contests.
Wildfires across the Southeast and the West are expanding containment efforts amid drought and gusty winds. Reports show two large fires in Georgia remain active with thousands of acres burned, while Arizona and California are maintaining large aerial fleets and monitoring fuel costs that threaten firefighting effectiveness.
Mohamed Sabry Soliman has pleaded not guilty in the federal case; prosecutors may seek the death penalty in the state case. A related plea could see life without parole for the June 1 Boulder attack that injured multiple people and led to an elderly woman's death.
The U.S. Department of Justice has moved to block Minnesota's climate lawsuit, arguing federal regulation of greenhouse gases overrides state efforts. Minnesota’s attorney general has dismissed the action as meritless, while a parallel state case over consumer protection remains pending.
Doris Fishers has died aged 94. Alongside her husband, she co-founded Gap in 1969 after a failed jeans-and-record shopping trip. The brand grew into a global retailer with brands including Gap, Banana Republic and Old Navy, and annual sales around $15 billion. Doris helped shape Gap’s culture with emphasis on simple design and fair pay.