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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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Researchers have used DNA testing to identify the remains of sailors who died on the HMS Erebus expedition in the Arctic during the 1840s. They have contacted living relatives and will display newly found artifacts from the ship at a heritage center in Pembroke Dock, Wales.
Key Facts
HMS Erebus was built in 1826 and lost in the Arctic while searching for the Northwest Passage in 1845.
The ship became stuck in ice in 1846, and all crew members died after surviving harsh conditions and a long struggle.
The wreck of HMS Erebus was found in 2014 in northern Canadian waters.
DNA from the remains has identified three sailors from Erebus and one from HMS Terror.
Researchers contacted 130 families in seven countries to find living descendants.
Some skeletons showed evidence of cannibalism, but the identified sailors did not.
Forensic artists created a facial image of one sailor, David Young, from the DNA and skeletal data.
Artifacts from the ship, including a bowl and an officer’s boot, will be displayed at Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre.
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Australian police have arrested two men linked to Dezi Freeman, a gunman who killed two officers and was later shot dead by police after hiding for seven months. Freeman fled after the killings in August, leading to a large manhunt that ended with his death in March on a remote farm.
Key Facts
Dezi Freeman, also known as Desmond Filby, killed two police officers in August in rural Victoria.
The officers were serving a search warrant related to historical sex offences.
Freeman escaped and was found seven months later on a remote farm about 150 km away.
Police believe Freeman had help to escape but have not released full details.
Two men aged 48 and 35 were arrested and are being questioned about Freeman’s case.
Freeman was shot dead by police after a three-hour standoff when he appeared armed.
Freeman identified as a "sovereign citizen," a person who rejects government authority and laws.
The investigation is ongoing, so police have not shared more information yet.
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Jazz musician Sonny Rollins, known as the "saxophone colossus," died at age 95 at his home in Woodstock, New York. He had a long career starting in the 1940s and worked with many famous jazz artists, releasing over 60 albums and winning two Grammy awards.
Key Facts
Sonny Rollins died at age 95 in Woodstock, New York.
He began his music career in the late 1940s.
Rollins played with famous musicians like Miles Davis, Charlie Parker, and John Coltrane.
He released more than 60 albums as a band leader.
Rollins won two Grammy awards during his career.
He retired in 2014 due to respiratory illness.
His sixth album, Saxophone Colossus (1956), is one of his best-known works.
He practiced on New York’s Williamsburg Bridge, inspiring the 1962 album The Bridge.
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A stretch of the River Lugg in Herefordshire has been badly damaged by a local farmer who illegally removed gravel and cut down trees. Experts say it could take 20 to 30 years for the river and its wildlife to recover. The farmer was jailed and ordered to pay fines and fix the damage.
Key Facts
John Price illegally removed gravel from the riverbed to build on his property and cut down 71 trees.
He was jailed in 2023 and fined £600,000, with orders to restore the river environment.
The River Lugg is home to six protected and endangered species, including otters and salmon.
The river was protected as a Site of Special Scientific Interest in 1995.
Experts describe the damage as "ecological vandalism on an industrial scale."
Restoration efforts include replanting trees and improving the riverbed and banks.
It currently shows few signs of wildlife, with little insect or fish activity visible.
Agencies monitoring the site report some improvement, including the presence of trout and kingfishers.
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British security services helped create the Legacy Act, a law that gave some soldiers and paramilitary members immunity from prosecution over killings during the Northern Ireland Troubles. This involvement has upset victims’ groups who oppose the law, which was designed to handle legacy cases but faced wide political criticism.
Key Facts
The Legacy Act offered conditional immunity to soldiers and paramilitaries related to Troubles killings.
MI5, the British security service, was involved in many of these killings.
A secret group with police and security officials helped develop the Legacy Act.
The law replaced older investigation methods that were criticized for failures.
The act resulted in stopping hundreds of cases under previous legacy investigations.
Many victims' groups and political parties in Northern Ireland opposed the act.
The new Independent Commission for Reconciliation has not completed any cases after two years.
Documents about the group’s meetings were released after a long campaign by a Belfast NGO.
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The US military has carried out new air strikes in southern Iran. These strikes targeted Iranian missile sites and boats that the US says were trying to lay mines in the area.
Key Facts
The US military conducted air strikes in southern Iran.
The targets included Iranian missile sites and boats.
The boats were reportedly trying to place underwater mines. Mines are explosive devices placed underwater to damage ships.
Iran has not yet responded to the latest US strikes.
The effects of these strikes on any peace efforts between the US and Iran are not clear.
The strikes were described by the US as actions taken in self-defense.
This is part of ongoing tensions between the US and Iran in the region.
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England experienced record-breaking May heat with temperatures reaching up to 34.8°C in London, and forecasters warn it could get even hotter, possibly 35°C in some areas. The heatwave is caused by high pressure bringing warm air, and several health warnings and event cancellations have occurred because of the extreme heat.
Key Facts
On Monday, London’s Kew Gardens recorded 34.8°C, the highest temperature ever in May for the UK.
Temperatures as high as 35°C could happen in parts of south-east England on Tuesday.
Wales also had its hottest May day with 32.2°C recorded at Hawarden Airport.
Scotland and Northern Ireland reached their highest 2026 temperatures so far at 25.5°C and 25.8°C, respectively.
The UK Health Security Agency issued amber and yellow heat alerts covering much of England, lasting until Wednesday afternoon.
The heatwave has caused water shortages in Sussex and Kent due to increased demand.
Many public events, including a donkey derby, were cancelled or modified to protect people and animals from the heat.
Experts say climate change has contributed to these unusually high May temperatures.
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US military forces attacked missile sites and boats in southern Iran to defend their troops from threats. This happened while Iranian leaders met in Qatar to discuss peace talks aimed at ending the conflict, and President Donald Trump said negotiations were going well but warned of new attacks if talks failed.
Key Facts
US Central Command said the strikes targeted missile launch sites and boats placing mines in southern Iran.
The attacks risk weakening a ceasefire that started on April 8.
Iran’s top negotiators and foreign minister were in Doha, Qatar, for peace talks with Qatar’s prime minister.
President Trump said on social media that the talks were progressing but threatened more attacks if no agreement is reached.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the Strait of Hormuz must be opened and called the current situation unacceptable.
Trump suggested Iran’s enriched uranium could be destroyed inside Iran under international supervision, which experts see as a major concession.
Trump wants regional countries like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt, Jordan, Turkey, and Pakistan to join the Abraham accords as part of any peace deal.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promised to defeat Hezbollah, a group backed by Iran, which complicates peace efforts.
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Protests have started in India after an Italian chemical factory known for pollution was bought by an Indian company and reopened. The factory makes PFAS, chemicals linked to cancer and other health problems, and people are worried about pollution and lack of regulation in India.
Key Facts
The Italian factory, formerly called Miteni, was closed in 2018 after causing serious pollution in Italy's drinking water.
Miteni’s executives were convicted in June 2025 for the contamination that affected over 350,000 people.
The factory’s equipment was moved to India and rebuilt by Laxmi Organic Industries, which started operating in early 2025.
PFAS chemicals are called “forever chemicals” because they do not break down easily and can harm health.
Laxmi Organic Industries denies polluting the environment.
Protests began in January 2026 outside the Indian factory and the issue reached the Indian parliament in February.
India has no specific rules banning PFAS production or pollution related to these chemicals.
European and Indian activists have held talks about possible bans on PFAS and the relocation of polluting industries.
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The trial of Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, former leader of Northern Ireland’s Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), for alleged sex offences will begin in Newry crown court. He faces charges including rape and indecent assault, while his wife, Eleanor Donaldson, is charged with helping him but is considered unfit to stand trial.
Key Facts
Jeffrey Donaldson, 63, is charged with rape, gross indecency, and other sexual offences spanning 21 years.
His wife, Eleanor Donaldson, 60, is charged with aiding and abetting rape and indecent assault but will only face a trial of facts due to mental health issues.
The trial is expected to last at least four weeks and will take place in Newry crown court with heavy security and media coverage.
Donaldson resigned as an MP and DUP leader after his arrest in March 2024 and was suspended from the party.
The charges involve two alleged victims and include offences dating from 1985 to 2006, including an alleged act of gross indecency towards a child.
The trial of facts is a hearing that tests evidence but does not lead to a criminal conviction and will run alongside Donaldson’s trial.
Northern Ireland’s attorney general warned people not to post information on social media that could affect the trial or violate victims’ anonymity.
The DUP lost Donaldson’s former seat in a byelection and has appointed Gavin Robinson as the new party leader.
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Almost 90 drones fell into Sydney’s Darling Harbour during a light show at the Vivid Sydney festival because of a technical problem. The drone company said a change in radio signals caused the drones to land in the water, and upcoming shows have been cancelled while safety checks are done.
Key Facts
About 90 drones crashed into Sydney’s Darling Harbour during the Vivid Sydney light festival.
The incident happened on the evening of May 25 near the popular Cockle Bay area.
The UK-based company Skymagic, which runs the show, said a radio frequency change caused the problem.
The drones followed safety rules and did not fall outside the planned area.
Two upcoming drone shows were cancelled as a safety measure.
Vivid Sydney started drone shows in 2024, using up to 1,000 drones for each display.
The festival runs for three weeks and features many light installations around Sydney Harbour.
Vivid Sydney is known as the Southern Hemisphere’s largest festival of light, music, and ideas.
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Sonny Rollins, a famous jazz saxophone player known for his strong style and creativity, died at age 95 at his home in Woodstock, New York. He helped shape jazz music for over 50 years with his unique sound and continued to perform and innovate until health issues forced his retirement.
Key Facts
Sonny Rollins was a tenor saxophonist and a key figure in jazz music for more than 50 years.
He died at age 95 at home in Woodstock, New York, with no specific cause of death mentioned.
Rollins was known for constantly changing and experimenting with his music style.
He was one of the last great players from the bebop jazz era alongside John Coltrane and Charlie Parker.
His saxophone can be heard on the Rolling Stones’ 1981 album "Tattoo You."
He stopped playing music in 2014 due to pulmonary fibrosis, a lung disease.
Rollins won two Grammy awards for jazz music, including one for a live performance after the September 11 attacks.
He was born in Harlem in 1930 into a musical family and knew from childhood he wanted to be a musician.
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The US launched strikes on missile sites and mine-laying boats in southern Iran during a seven-week ceasefire, calling the attacks defensive. Negotiators from Iran and the US are holding talks in Qatar to reach a peace deal focused on reopening the Strait of Hormuz and possibly releasing frozen Iranian assets.
Key Facts
US forces targeted missile launch sites and boats laying mines in southern Iran during the ceasefire.
US Central Command said the strikes were defensive and did not end the ceasefire.
Iran reported deaths of four Revolutionary Guard troops during the US strikes.
Iranian negotiators, including Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, are meeting with US representatives in Qatar.
Talks may include unfreezing Iranian assets held abroad, including in Qatar.
President Trump aims to stop Iran from developing nuclear weapons and may allow Iran to destroy enriched uranium under international supervision.
The deal would reopen Iran’s shipping through the Strait of Hormuz but would delay nuclear program talks for 30 to 60 days after.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said talks continue and the strait will open one way or another.
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promised to use strong military action against Hezbollah after a drone attack killed an Israeli soldier in Northern Israel. Since March, 23 Israeli soldiers have died in conflicts with Hezbollah fighters.
Key Facts
A drone attack by Hezbollah killed an Israeli soldier in Northern Israel.
Since March, 23 Israeli soldiers have been killed by Hezbollah fighters.
Prime Minister Netanyahu said Israel will respond with "overwhelming" force against Hezbollah.
Hezbollah is a militant group based in Lebanon.
Netanyahu’s statement signals a tough military approach to the conflict.
The situation reflects ongoing tensions between Israel and Hezbollah.
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John Bolton, a former U.S. national security adviser, said that the talks aimed at ending the war in Iran are a mistake. He expressed his wish that the negotiations would fail.
Key Facts
John Bolton previously served as the White House national security adviser.
He criticized the negotiations to end the conflict involving Iran.
Bolton called the ceasefire in the conflict a mistake.
He spoke about these views in an interview with CNN’s Pamela Brown.
Bolton hopes the peace talks will not succeed.
He has been vocal about disagreeing with President Trump’s approach to the Iran conflict.
The article focuses on ongoing discussions to resolve the war in Iran.
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Sonny Rollins, a leading jazz saxophonist known as the "Saxophone Colossus," died at the age of 95 at his home in New York. He was known for his creative music style that influenced jazz for decades and expressed social and spiritual ideas.
Key Facts
Sonny Rollins was a famous tenor saxophone player with a career spanning many decades.
He earned the nickname "Saxophone Colossus" after his 1956 album of the same name.
Rollins used jazz music to comment on social issues like civil rights and events like 9/11.
He lived in Woodstock, New York, and died at his home there.
Rollins practiced yoga and credited it for helping him stay healthy and creative.
His music style was intense and powerful, defining a style called hard bop.
He took long breaks to practice publicly, including on the Williamsburg Bridge in New York.
Rollins worked with other jazz legends like Miles Davis and Thelonious Monk and influenced artists outside jazz.
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Istanbul’s Bilgi University reopened after students protested a government decision to close it in the middle of the school year. The protests happened for several days before the closure order was reversed.
Key Facts
Bilgi University is located in Istanbul, Turkey.
The government had ordered the university to close in the middle of the school year.
Students protested against this closure decree for several days.
Police had taken action against these protests before the university reopened.
After the protests, the university was allowed to reopen.
The reopening was seen as a victory by the students who protested.
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