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The Green Party has chosen Sarah Wakefield as their candidate for the Makerfield by-election after their first candidate, Chris Kennedy, withdrew. The election will take place on June 18, following the resignation of Labour MP Josh Simons.
Key Facts
Sarah Wakefield is a Manchester City Council councillor.
She is the Green Party’s new candidate for the Makerfield by-election.
The original Green candidate, Chris Kennedy, dropped out of the race.
The by-election is scheduled for June 18.
Labour MP Josh Simons stepped down, which triggered the by-election.
Other candidates include Jake Austin (Liberal Democrats), Andy Burnham (Labour), Dan Clarke (Libertarian), and Michael Winstanley (Conservative), among others.
Wakefield emphasized the importance of giving voters a choice in the election.
The Official Monster Raving Loony Party and other smaller parties also have candidates in the race.
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U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the Strait of Hormuz will be open "one way or another." He called restrictions on this important waterway unacceptable and illegal during his visit to India.
Key Facts
Marco Rubio is the U.S. Secretary of State.
He spoke while traveling from Jaipur to New Delhi, India.
His visit to India lasted four days.
Rubio called the restrictions on the Strait of Hormuz unacceptable.
He also said these restrictions are illegal.
The Strait of Hormuz is a key waterway for global oil shipments.
Rubio stated the strait will be open regardless of the restrictions.
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The UK set a new record for the highest minimum temperature in May, with temperatures staying above 21.3°C overnight in London. Several places in England and Wales experienced heatwave conditions with highs reaching around 35°C, and the warm weather is linked to climate change.
Key Facts
The UK broke the record for the highest daily minimum temperature in May for two days in a row.
On Monday night, temperatures did not drop below 21.3°C at Kenley airfield in south London, classifying it as a “tropical night.”
On Monday, Kew Gardens recorded 34.8°C, the hottest May temperature since records began.
At least 12 locations broke temperature records on Monday, and 97 monitoring sites reached or exceeded 30°C.
A heatwave is defined as temperatures reaching or passing 28°C for three days in a row in parts of the UK, which was met in several areas by Sunday.
More hot weather with highs near 35–36°C was expected on Tuesday in southern England, Wales, and other regions.
Firefighters worked overnight to control a fire in Holyrood Park, Edinburgh, caused by the high temperatures and dry conditions.
Scientists link the increasing heat and extreme weather to climate change and carbon pollution, which are making heatwaves more frequent and severe.
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The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) alliance, made up of the US, India, Japan, and Australia, is losing influence as the US shifts focus away from Asia during President Donald Trump’s second term starting in 2025. Relations between the US and China are improving, which has caused doubts about the future of the Quad and whether it can effectively counter China’s rise.
Key Facts
The Quad is an alliance formed to balance China’s growing power in the Asia Pacific region.
US President Donald Trump’s second term will begin in January 2025.
The US has moved its military focus from Asia Pacific to the Middle East, especially against Iran.
US operations against Iran have used up more than half of important munitions needed for defense.
Trump’s upcoming visit to China will be the first by a US president in almost ten years.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi invited Trump to a Quad summit, but Trump has not yet visited or set a date.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited India to try to strengthen the Quad before a future summit.
Experts say the Quad is struggling to stay relevant as the US-China relationship improves and US priorities change.
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A major medical entrance exam in India called NEET was canceled after reports of a question paper leak. This caused protests and distress among millions of students, including some suicides, as they lost the chance to get into medical schools. One student, Pradeep Kumar, who was confident of passing, tragically took his own life after the exam was canceled.
Key Facts
NEET is an important exam for admission to medical colleges in India and abroad, with about 2.3 million test-takers competing for fewer than 130,000 seats.
The exam held on May 3 was canceled by the Indian government on May 12 due to a paper leak.
Many students protested the cancellation, expressing anger and frustration over the decision.
Four students, including Pradeep Kumar, died by suicide following the exam cancellation.
Pradeep had prepared for years and was confident he had scored enough to be admitted to a top government medical college.
His family spent significant money on coaching, selling land and savings to support his dream of becoming a doctor.
The National Testing Agency (NTA), which organizes the exam, is responsible for securing the test papers.
The cancellation has raised concerns about fairness and access in education, especially for poorer students relying on public medical colleges.
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An Israeli airstrike hit a village in eastern Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley, killing 12 people. The strike happened after Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu said more attacks on Hezbollah targets in Lebanon would continue.
Key Facts
The airstrike took place late Monday in eastern Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley.
12 people were reported killed in the strike, according to Lebanon’s state news agency.
Israel said it targets Hezbollah infrastructure in eastern Lebanon but did not comment on this specific strike.
Hezbollah militants are attacking Israeli troops and towns in northern Israel.
Israel plans more intense strikes against Hezbollah, as announced by Prime Minister Netanyahu.
Lebanese and Israeli military officials are scheduled to meet in Washington for talks in three days.
Hezbollah opposes the talks and promises to keep fighting until Israel stops airstrikes and withdraws troops.
Over 1 million people in Lebanon have been displaced by the conflict, which began after Hezbollah fired rockets into northern Israel on March 2.
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Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz announced he would cut his own salary and those of his ministers by half to try to end ongoing protests. Despite this, protesters in La Paz continued blocking roads and clashing with police, demanding the president’s resignation.
Key Facts
President Paz will reduce his salary and those of cabinet ministers by 50 percent.
Protests have blocked roads into La Paz for nearly a month, causing shortages of food, fuel, and medicine.
Demonstrations began with trade unions asking for salary increases and better economic management.
Police used tear gas after protesters tried to break through police lines near parliament.
Thousands of miners, farmers, and factory workers have joined marches demanding Paz’s resignation.
Brazilian President Lula offered support to the Bolivian government and called for dialogue.
The U.S. and Argentina have provided help for the shortages caused by the protests.
Inflation in Bolivia reached 14 percent in April, adding economic pressure.
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Australia has reported its first diphtheria death since 2018 amid the worst outbreak of the disease in decades. Most cases are in remote Indigenous communities in the Northern Territory and Western Australia, where health officials are increasing vaccination efforts to control the spread.
Key Facts
Australia is experiencing its largest diphtheria outbreak since 1991, with 245 cases this year.
The first death from diphtheria since 2018 occurred in April in the Northern Territory.
The outbreak mainly affects remote Indigenous communities in Northern Territory, Western Australia, South Australia, and Queensland.
Around 60% of cases are in the Northern Territory and 36% in Western Australia.
Both respiratory and cutaneous forms of diphtheria have been reported; both can be prevented by vaccines.
The Northern Territory has delivered over 10,000 vaccinations since March to help control the outbreak.
Health authorities have set up pop-up clinics to encourage vaccinations, especially booster shots for teenagers and adults.
The Australian government has allocated AU$7.2 million to increase vaccination and health resources in affected areas.
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Inspection reports have revealed millions of salmon deaths at Scottish fish farms due to poisoning, suffocation, and poor conditions. The UK Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) was required by a ruling to release these reports, which show large fish kills with little enforcement action taken.
Key Facts
Millions of salmon died at Scottish farms from suffocation, poisoning, and disease buildup.
The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) had initially refused to share inspection reports, citing harm to companies.
The UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) ruled APHA must release the reports for public transparency.
One farm operated by Mowi lost over 100,000 fish to suffocation and more than 1 million to hydrogen sulphide poisoning in 2021.
Another farm run by Bakkafrost experienced deaths of over 600,000 fish from hydrogen sulphide, which repeated later affecting over 1.5 million fish.
APHA did not take enforcement action after these massive fish deaths.
Reports also show fish farms hiding deaths, with one site not reporting 70,000 dead fish in 2023.
Animal rights group Animal Equality UK criticized APHA for secrecy and pushed for better oversight.
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U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said a deal to end the conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran could be reached in a few days amid ongoing talks in Qatar. At the same time, U.S. forces attacked Iranian missile sites and boats near the Strait of Hormuz, increasing tensions during the fragile ceasefire.
Key Facts
Rubio said talks on a deal are happening in Qatar and it may take a few days to finalize specific language.
The U.S. President wants to make a good deal or no deal at all.
The U.S. military struck Iranian missile launch sites and boats trying to lay mines in southern Iran, near Bandar Abbas.
The attacks were described as self-defense actions to protect U.S. troops from Iranian threats.
Iran has neither confirmed nor denied the U.S. military action reports.
Talks in Qatar focus on keeping the Strait of Hormuz open and Iran’s uranium stockpile.
Iran’s foreign ministry says nuclear talks will happen only after a framework agreement is reached.
President Trump aims to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons using highly enriched uranium.
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North Korea fired a short-range ballistic missile and other weapons into the sea as part of ongoing weapons tests. South Korea’s military, in partnership with the U.S., remains prepared to respond to such actions and has increased surveillance efforts.
Key Facts
North Korea launched a ballistic missile from Jongju, which flew about 80 kilometers (50 miles) over the sea.
Other unidentified projectiles were also fired, but details were not given.
This was the first such weapons launch by North Korea since April 19, when they tested multiple short-range missiles with cluster bomb warheads.
North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong Un, has been expanding his country’s nuclear and missile programs since talks with President Donald Trump ended in 2019.
President Trump has expressed a desire to restart negotiations with North Korea, but Pyongyang demands the U.S. stop requiring nuclear disarmament first.
South Korea’s military is increasing its readiness and surveillance to counter potential North Korean threats.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung supports boosting military strength, including artificial intelligence, drones, and possibly a nuclear-powered submarine.
South Korea aims to show it can protect its own security while maintaining a strong alliance with the United States.
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Europe is experiencing a heatwave caused by a "heat dome" of warm air trapped over western Europe, leading to record high temperatures in several countries. France recorded its hottest May day ever, and the heat is expected to continue throughout the week, causing health warnings and restrictions on outdoor work.
Key Facts
France recorded its hottest May day on record on Monday, with even higher temperatures expected.
A "heat dome" of warm air from northern Africa is causing unusually high temperatures across western Europe.
The United Kingdom also saw its hottest May day at 34.8°C (94.6°F), breaking previous temperature records.
Parts of Italy have imposed restrictions on outdoor work due to the heat.
Beaches in southwest France became busy earlier than usual because of the warm weather.
Temperatures in Spain are expected to reach 38°C (100.4°F) later in the week.
Scientists link the increase in extreme heatwaves to human-caused climate change, saying Europe is warming faster than the global average.
The heatwave is prompting health warnings and concerns about adapting infrastructure to a warmer climate.
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North Korea fired several short-range missiles into the sea near its west coast, according to South Korea's military. This is part of ongoing weapons tests by North Korea, which has been increasing its missile and nuclear programs since talks with President Trump ended in 2019.
Key Facts
North Korea launched multiple short-range ballistic missiles toward the Yellow Sea (also called the West Sea).
The missiles were fired from Jongju city on North Korea’s west coast.
South Korea’s military is monitoring the situation closely and sharing information with the U.S. and Japan.
This missile launch is North Korea’s first since April 19, when it tested missiles with cluster bomb warheads.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has been building up nuclear and missile weapons since nuclear talks with President Trump stopped in 2019.
President Trump has expressed interest in restarting talks, but North Korea has refused unless the U.S. drops demands for nuclear disarmament first.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung recently called for stronger military efforts, including focusing on artificial intelligence, drones, and possibly acquiring a nuclear-powered submarine.
President Lee said South Korea should take responsibility for its own security while maintaining a strong alliance with the United States.
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North Korea launched several short-range ballistic missiles over the sea from its west coast, according to South Korea’s military. This comes amid ongoing tensions after North Korea halted nuclear talks with the United States and increased its missile tests.
Key Facts
North Korea fired multiple close-range ballistic missiles toward the sea.
The missiles were launched from Jongju city on North Korea’s west coast.
South Korea increased military surveillance and is sharing information with the U.S. and Japan.
This missile launch was the first since North Korea fired short-range missiles on April 19, 2026.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has focused on building nuclear and missile weapons since talks with President Trump ended in 2019.
President Trump has tried to restart talks, but North Korea demands the U.S. drop nuclear disarmament conditions first.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung emphasized strengthening South Korea’s military, including AI, drones, and possibly a nuclear-powered submarine.
Lee stressed South Korea must take responsibility for its own security while also supporting its alliance with the U.S.
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United States forces conducted attacks in southern Iran near the strategic Strait of Hormuz, which they described as self-defense. Meanwhile, top Iranian officials are in Qatar for talks aimed at ending the war with Iran, but no agreement is yet certain.
Key Facts
US forces attacked missile sites and mine-laying vessels near Bandar Abbas, a key Iranian port close to the Strait of Hormuz.
The Strait of Hormuz is important because about 20% of the world's oil and gas passes through it.
Iran’s internet blackout of over 87 days was lifted by an order from Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian.
Iranian officials said progress is being made in talks in Qatar, but a final deal is not expected soon.
Qatar denied media reports claiming Iran was offered money to end the war, calling such claims false.
US President Donald Trump indicated flexibility on where Iran could destroy enriched uranium, a key issue in the talks.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed talks are continuing despite recent US attacks, emphasizing the Strait of Hormuz will remain open.
Iranian authorities reported most damage from recent attacks in Tehran has been repaired and the situation in Bandar Abbas is under control.
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Jewish Australians who gave evidence at a royal commission on antisemitism have faced a large increase in online harassment. One case of this harassment was reported to the Australian federal police. The commission is investigating antisemitism and heard about a violent attack at a Hanukah event in Bondi Beach in December 2025.
Key Facts
Jewish community members experienced more online hate after testifying at the royal commission on antisemitism.
At least one harassment report was sent to the Australian federal police for investigation.
The royal commission is focusing on the real experiences of antisemitism in Australia.
In December 2025, two gunmen attacked a Hanukah celebration at Bondi Beach, killing 15 people.
The attackers were Sajid Akram, who was killed by police, and his son Naveed, who was arrested and charged with murder and terrorism.
Police stated that no specific warnings existed about the attack, and they have since increased security at community events.
Police rejected claims they underestimated the threat to the Jewish community during the Hanukah event.
The commission is tracking hate speech on social media related to antisemitism.
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A rare medieval manuscript about King Arthur and the Holy Grail, created around 1290 to 1310, will be sold at auction for an estimated £1.5m to £2m. This richly illustrated book has been privately owned for over 700 years and has never been fully studied or shown to the public before.
Key Facts
The manuscript includes early stories from the Old French Lancelot-Grail cycle about King Arthur, Merlin, and the Holy Grail.
It features 126 detailed miniature illustrations, some decorated with shiny gold leaf.
One illustration shows Merlin transformed into a talking stag, a rare image.
The book was made by the Master of the Liège Apocalypse, a famous medieval artist known for expensive, high-quality works.
The manuscript was owned by historical figures such as a 15th-century knight and a collector named Sir Thomas Phillipps.
Jean Lebaudy, a French industrialist and war hero, owned it in the 20th century; the manuscript is named after him.
Experts say the manuscript is important for understanding medieval literature and art but has been hard to study because it remained in private collections.
The manuscript will be auctioned by Christie’s on July 8, giving public collections a chance to buy it and make it accessible to scholars and the public.
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Police in the UK raided the headquarters of a religious sect called the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light (AROPL) as part of an investigation involving serious crimes. Lisa Wiese, a woman who disappeared in India in 2019 and was connected to this group, remains missing, and her family hopes the raid will help find answers about her disappearance.
Key Facts
Lisa Wiese disappeared in March 2019 while in Kerala, India.
She was part of AROPL, an Islamic sect with headquarters in Crewe, England.
In April, 500 police officers raided the AROPL UK headquarters.
Twelve people were arrested on suspicion of crimes such as slavery, human trafficking, forced marriage, and rape.
The police operation, called Operation Decker, focuses on allegations from another woman and is not directly about Wiese’s disappearance.
German and Indian police have tried to investigate Wiese’s case, seeking to question an AROPL member.
Wiese’s ex-husband wants UK police to expand their inquiry to include her disappearance.
AROPL combines religious beliefs with conspiracy theories and has a close community with distinct customs.
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Iran says confusion in U.S. positions and interference from Israel are slowing down talks for a deal. Iranian officials say key issues are still unresolved, including conditions for shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and lifting U.S. port blockades.
Key Facts
Iran’s spokesperson said many issues are agreed on, but a deal is not close yet.
Iran wants a ceasefire in Lebanon to be part of the agreement before allowing shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran and Oman must agree on how to manage the Strait of Hormuz and any fees for ships.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said negotiations continue and a deal is still possible.
President Donald Trump said the deal will be “great and meaningful” or there will be no deal.
The U.S. has carried out strikes on Iranian missile sites and mine-laying vessels recently.
Mexico agreed to host the Iranian national soccer team during the World Cup after the U.S. declined.
Protests and emergencies unrelated to Iran deal talks happened in the U.S., including a chemical tank fire in California and a demonstration at a migrant detention center in New Jersey.
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Russian President Vladimir Putin’s support is declining as the war in Ukraine continues into 2026. The Russian economy is struggling, people’s happiness is low, and some elites and public voices are showing signs of dissatisfaction.
Key Facts
Putin’s invasion of Ukraine began in 2022 and is still ongoing in 2026.
Putin expected a quick victory but the conflict has lasted much longer.
Russia’s economy is slow-growing and may already be in recession.
Public approval of Putin rose sharply after the invasion but has since fallen back to pre-war levels.
A recent state poll showed Russia’s happiness index at its lowest in 15 years.
Some pro-Putin bloggers and elites have begun openly criticizing problems in Russia.
Higher taxes and inflation have increased costs for everyday Russians.
Security services have taken strong, strict actions that contribute to growing unease.
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