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Southeast Asian leaders met in the Philippines to coordinate a response to the effects of the war involving Iran, which has caused energy prices to rise in the region. At the ASEAN summit, members discussed ways to secure stable energy supplies, improve cooperation, and called for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a key passage for oil and gas.
Key Facts
The ASEAN summit took place in the Philippines with leaders from 11 Southeast Asian countries.
The US-Israeli war on Iran has increased energy costs and threatened livelihoods in the region.
Iran’s shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz blocked much of Southeast Asia’s oil and natural gas supply.
ASEAN plans to issue a statement calling for the strait to be reopened and for better crisis communication.
The Philippines wants ASEAN countries to adopt an energy-sharing agreement and create a regional power grid by 2045.
Several countries in the region have introduced energy-saving measures like price caps and work-from-home policies.
Petrochemical companies in Indonesia, Thailand, and Singapore declared force majeure because of supply disruptions.
The joint statement is expected to emphasize international law, national sovereignty, and freedom of navigation, also addressing concerns about China’s claims in the South China Sea.
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Barrie Drewitt-Barlow and his husband Scott, owners of the Maldon and Tiptree football club, have been charged with crimes including rape, sexual assault, and human trafficking for sexual exploitation. Police searched their football stadium, homes, and a pub they own while collecting evidence; the couple are scheduled to appear in court.
Key Facts
Barrie Drewitt-Barlow (57) and Scott Drewitt-Barlow (32) were arrested by Essex Police.
They face charges of rape, sexual assault, and modern slavery trafficking for sexual exploitation.
Police searched Maldon and Tiptree FC’s stadium, their home, and The Swan pub in Braintree.
A Rolls Royce owned by Barrie was seized as evidence during the investigation.
The couple took over Maldon and Tiptree FC in 2025 and helped the team rise in the English football league system.
Barrie Drewitt-Barlow is a property developer and was Britain’s first gay father via surrogacy in 1999.
He renamed the club’s stadium after himself and increased matchday attendance from 70 to 800 people.
The couple have brought in well-known former football players and managers to the club.
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A woman in Ethiopia’s Harari region gave birth to quintuplets—four boys and one girl—after trying to have a baby for 12 years. The babies and mother are healthy and remain under hospital care.
Key Facts
Bedriya Adem, 35, gave birth to five healthy babies naturally, without fertility treatment.
The birth took place at Hiwot Fana Specialised Hospital by Caesarean section.
Each baby weighed between 1.3 and 1.4 kg (around 3 pounds).
The chance of naturally conceiving quintuplets is about one in 55 million.
Bedriya and her husband had been hoping for a child for 12 years before this birth.
The mother had proper medical care during her pregnancy and was informed she was carrying multiple babies.
Bedriya is a subsistence farmer and hopes for community and government support to care for her children.
The quintuplets are named Naif, Ammar, Munzir, Nazira, and Ansar.
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Governments met in New York to review progress on the Global Compact for Migration, an agreement made in 2018 to make migration safer. While fewer people arrived in some European migration routes in 2025, the risks and number of deaths for migrants increased, especially in the Mediterranean. Conflicts like the one in Sudan have increased displacement, pushing more people towards risky migration paths.
Key Facts
The Global Compact for Migration was adopted in 2018 to improve safety and cooperation in migration.
In 2025, about 66,500 migrants arrived to Italy and Malta via the Central Mediterranean Route, similar to 2024.
Arrivals to Greece, Cyprus, and Bulgaria dropped by 30% on the Eastern Mediterranean Route, with a small rise on the Western Mediterranean Route.
Deaths nearly doubled on the Eastern Mediterranean Route despite fewer arrivals.
The Western African Atlantic Route saw a 62% drop in arrivals but deaths did not decline much, increasing the chance of dying at sea.
Over 1,300 people died on the Central Mediterranean Route in 2025, making it one of the deadliest migration routes.
The conflict in Sudan caused over 11.5 million people to be displaced internally, increasing migration from Sudan on Mediterranean routes.
Youth unemployment over 20% and climate shocks in the Middle East and North Africa add pressure for people to move.
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Rebel Wilson is involved in a defamation lawsuit filed by Australian actress Charlotte MacInnes. MacInnes claims Wilson damaged her reputation with Instagram posts that included allegations tied to a bath incident involving a film producer, which both sides describe differently. The court is reviewing conflicting stories about the incident and its aftermath, with the judge expected to make a decision soon.
Key Facts
Charlotte MacInnes sued Rebel Wilson for defamation over Instagram posts in 2024 and 2025.
The posts accused MacInnes of retracting a sexual harassment complaint in exchange for career favors, which MacInnes denies.
The event at the center happened in September 2023 after MacInnes and producer Amanda Ghost went swimming and later took a bath together wearing swimsuits.
Amanda Ghost had a medical reaction to cold water, needing to warm up at her apartment.
Wilson raised concerns about the bath incident, but texts showed MacInnes said it was "a bizarre situation" and she was not personally uncomfortable.
MacInnes’s lawyers say Wilson’s claims are false and used to gain money during contract talks.
Wilson faces other legal cases related to the same film, The Deb.
The judge has not yet decided the outcome of this defamation case.
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Tensions between the United States and Iran increased near the Strait of Hormuz with both sides accusing each other of attacks on ships and military forces. While President Trump mentioned progress in talks with Iran, both countries reported military clashes, and Iran warned of strong responses to any further aggression.
Key Facts
Iran accused the US of breaking a ceasefire by attacking two ships and civilian areas near the southern coast.
US Central Command said its forces intercepted Iranian attacks and responded in self-defense.
Explosions were reported on Iran’s Qeshm Island, a strategic location near the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran denied involvement in damage to a South Korean ship near the Strait of Hormuz.
President Trump said US Navy destroyers passed under fire in the Strait but claimed Iranian boats were destroyed.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke about the conflict with the pope amid rising tensions.
France condemned attacks on civilian targets near the Strait of Hormuz.
Lebanon and Israel are set to hold peace talks in Washington despite ongoing conflict.
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Rebel Wilson is being sued for defamation by Charlotte MacInnes, who says Wilson made false claims about her in social media posts. The court heard arguments that Wilson lied about events involving MacInnes and other people during the making of the film The Deb.
Key Facts
Charlotte MacInnes, lead actor in The Deb, sued Rebel Wilson for defamation over social media posts.
Wilson allegedly claimed MacInnes made and retracted a sexual misconduct complaint about co-producer Amanda Ghost.
MacInnes denies making or retracting any such complaint and says she was not uncomfortable during a shared bath incident.
A lawyer for MacInnes called Wilson a “fantastical liar” and said Wilson’s version of events was inconsistent and contradicted by others.
Wilson reportedly tried to create conflict between MacInnes and Amanda Ghost by lying about receiving a complaint.
The incident in question happened after a medical episode; witnesses say no inappropriate behavior occurred.
MacInnes' lawyer said the posts harmed her client’s career and wellbeing, causing distress and lost job opportunities.
Wilson argued MacInnes has not suffered damage, citing her lead role and a record deal as evidence of her success.
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Three British people are suspected or confirmed to have hantavirus infections linked to the cruise ship MV Hondius. The ship stopped at remote Atlantic islands before cases were identified, and passengers are being traced and asked to isolate to prevent further spread.
Key Facts
Three British passengers on the MV Hondius cruise ship have suspected or confirmed hantavirus infections.
One patient is on Tristan da Cunha island, another is in stable condition in the Netherlands, and a third is in intensive care in South Africa.
Five hantavirus cases have been confirmed on the ship, including one passenger who died.
The MV Hondius will dock in the Canary Islands, where British passengers and crew will be flown back to the UK.
Remaining Britons on the ship and those who disembarked without symptoms will be asked to self-isolate for 45 days.
Contact tracing is ongoing in several countries as passengers left the ship before the outbreak was detected.
The World Health Organization called the incident serious but said the risk to the public is low and it is different from a pandemic like COVID-19.
The source of the virus outbreak is still unknown, and health officials are monitoring the situation closely.
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The United States and Iran had a recent exchange of fire in the Strait of Hormuz. Both countries said the other side started the attack, but President Donald Trump said the ceasefire between the US and Iran is still in effect.
Key Facts
The exchange of fire happened in the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway for global shipping.
The US and Iran disagree on who fired first during the incident.
President Donald Trump maintained that the ceasefire agreement with Iran remains active.
The event was reported by France 24 with a correspondent from Tehran.
The incident occurred on May 8, 2026.
This exchange adds tension between the US and Iran despite ongoing diplomatic efforts.
The report did not mention any casualties or damage from the exchange.
Both nations are closely watching each other’s military actions in the region.
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A severe heatwave is hitting South Asia, causing extremely high temperatures above normal for this time of year. Countries like India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh are facing dangerous heat that is affecting daily life and causing deaths. Experts link this heatwave to climate change and specific weather patterns like El Niño.
Key Facts
Temperatures in parts of South Asia have reached between 45 and 50 degrees Celsius (113-122 °F).
At least 10 people have died in Pakistan due to heat-related problems, and heat deaths have also been reported in India.
Heatwaves happen regularly before the monsoon season but this one is unusually intense and widespread.
Scientists say the heatwave is caused by high-pressure systems trapping hot air near the ground.
Weak pre-monsoon rains and an El Niño-like weather pattern are making the heatwave worse.
El Niño is a climate event where parts of the Pacific Ocean get unusually warm, affecting global weather.
The World Meteorological Organization expects El Niño to develop between May and July 2026.
The India Meteorological Department warns of more frequent heatwaves this month in various regions of India.
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The 2026 Eurovision Song Contest marks its 70th anniversary but faces its lowest number of participants in 20 years. Five countries, including Spain and Ireland, are boycotting the event due to Israel’s participation amid ongoing conflicts in Gaza.
Key Facts
Eurovision 2026 is the contest’s 70th anniversary.
Five countries— Icel and, Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia, and Spain — are not participating.
These countries are boycotting in protest of Israel’s inclusion in the contest.
Spain’s broadcaster said neutrality is impossible because of the Israel controversy.
Israel’s military actions in Gaza and surrounding areas are the main cause of the boycott.
The European Broadcasting Union, which runs Eurovision, is not allowed to take political sides.
Israel will compete with the song "Michelle" performed by Noam Bettan.
The boycott is the biggest in Eurovision history.
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Nicola Bannon and Lynne Darcy, along with four other women, helped bring their former history teacher, William Lloyd-Lavery, to justice for sexual abuse committed in the 1970s. Lloyd-Lavery was found guilty of six counts of indecent assault against girls aged 13 and 14 and sentenced to two years in prison.
Key Facts
William Lloyd-Lavery, a former teacher at Richmond Lodge school in Belfast, was found guilty in January 2026 of six counts of indecent assault.
The assaults took place between 1974 and 1979 and involved girls aged 13 and 14.
Nicola Bannon was the first to report Lloyd-Lavery to the police after seeing a news report about a previous acquittal involving him.
After contacting the police, Nicola reached out on a Facebook group, which led to six women coming forward with accusations.
Lynne Darcy was one of the survivors and testified about being assaulted in the same storeroom as Nicola.
Both Nicola and Lynne spoke publicly after court proceedings and described the guilty verdict as a positive outcome.
A character reference was given in court by David Campbell, noting concern about Lloyd-Lavery’s health if he received a prison sentence.
Lloyd-Lavery showed no remorse during the trial and denied guilt.
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David Farley, the One Nation candidate for the Farrer election, previously engaged with the independent Voices movement. He discussed campaign ideas and preferences with the group before they endorsed a different candidate, Michelle Milthorpe.
Key Facts
David Farley is running as One Nation’s candidate in the Farrer byelection.
Farley communicated with the Voices of Farrer group in 2023 and 2024 about election strategies.
He bought a ticket and made a donation to a Voices event but could not attend.
Voices endorsed Michelle Milthorpe, who was also supported by Farley previously.
Farley has a political history that includes contacting the Labor party in 2022.
The Farrer byelection followed the resignation of former Liberal leader Sussan Ley.
Ley held the seat with a reduced margin after the 2024 election.
Voices is a grassroots movement that supports local independent candidates across Australia.
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A farmer in North Yorkshire was surprised when a sheep gave birth to seven healthy lambs, which is very rare. This is one lamb less than the UK and world record of eight lambs born at one time.
Key Facts
A ewe (female sheep) in Newby near Stokesley, North Yorkshire, gave birth to seven lambs.
Seven lambs born at once are rare, as usually sheep have twins or triplets.
The UK record for most lambs born at one time is eight, set by a ewe in Scotland in 2021.
Guinness World Records shows the record of eight lambs born at once was first set in New Zealand in 1991.
The farmer, Ben Frankland, helped care for the lambs, with five being bottle-fed and two staying with their mother.
The ewe was very tired after the birth but is now doing well.
The National Sheep Association called the birth "incredibly rare" and praised that all lambs were healthy.
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An Irish language rap group called Kneecap, singer Melanie C, and Michael Jackson are competing for the number one album spot in the UK charts this week. Kneecap currently leads in midweek chart updates, with the final result to be announced on Friday.
Key Facts
Kneecap is an Irish language rap group consisting of Mo Chara, Móglaí Bap, and DJ Próvaí.
Their album "Fenian" was released earlier this month and is currently leading the UK album chart midweek update.
Melanie C, also known as Sporty Spice from the Spice Girls, is competing with her ninth solo album "Sweat," which could be her first UK solo number one album.
Michael Jackson has previously had nine UK number one albums during his life and one posthumous chart-topper in 2009.
Michael Jackson’s album re-entered the charts, helped by the success of a new biopic film about him starring his nephew.
Less than 3,000 album sales separate Michael Jackson in third place from Kneecap in first place midweek.
Kneecap has claimed their album might be the first Irish language album to top the UK charts, but this is not yet verified.
The official UK Number One Album for the week will be announced at 5:45 pm BST on Friday.
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President Donald Trump said the ceasefire between the United States and Iran is still ongoing, even though both sides exchanged fire in the Strait of Hormuz. He also warned Iran to quickly agree to the truce or face consequences.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump confirmed the ceasefire with Iran remains in effect.
American and Iranian forces exchanged fire in the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday.
The Strait of Hormuz is a key waterway for global oil shipments.
President Trump warned Iran to sign the truce soon.
He said there would be negative consequences for Iran if they delay.
The incident did not end the ceasefire but raised tensions between the two countries.
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Millions of football fans in China and India may not be able to watch the 2026 World Cup on TV yet because broadcasters in those countries have not agreed on rights deals with FIFA. Discussions about the cost of the broadcast rights are still happening, with FIFA lowering its price offer to China, but a deal has not been reached.
Key Facts
The 2026 World Cup will start in a few weeks, but China and India have not finalized TV broadcast deals yet.
FIFA usually completes broadcast agreements months or years before such big events.
Broadcast rights deals for 180 territories have been completed, but not for China and India.
China Central Television (CCTV) was offered the rights to the World Cup for $120-$150 million, down from $300 million.
CCTV’s budget for the event is less than half the price FIFA now asks.
China did not qualify for the 2026 World Cup, possibly reducing local interest in the games.
The time difference will mean many key games happen very early in the morning in China.
India is close to announcing a deal to show the World Cup but has not done so yet.
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A new research project has uncovered information about a young enslaved boy named Jersey, who appears in a 1748 portrait by artist Sir Joshua Reynolds. Records reveal details about Jersey's identity, baptism, role in the Royal Navy, and suggest he may have eventually gained freedom.
Key Facts
The painting shows naval officer Paul Henry Ourry with an enslaved boy known as Jersey, believed to be Reynolds’ earliest depiction of a person of colour.
Jersey was about 11 years old when painted, and his real name may have been George Walker after a baptism in 1752.
Researchers found Jersey listed as “Boston Jersey” in naval records, possibly reflecting a connection to Boston, Massachusetts, and the island of Jersey.
Evidence suggests Jersey may have served as a crew member on naval ships, rather than only as a servant.
He appears on Navy pay lists, which could mean he earned wages or that pay was given to Ourry.
Jersey disappears from records after 1753, leading to theories he was either sold or freed.
The project was run by the National Trust, National Gallery, and Royal Museums Greenwich to restore voices lost from history.
Historian David Olusoga highlighted the importance of recognizing people left out of historical stories.
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Reform UK has gained seats in local council elections across Scotland, Wales, and parts of England, especially in areas traditionally held by Labour and the Conservatives. The full results will be clearer as more councils announce their votes later, with key contests still to come in London and southern England.
Key Facts
Council elections are happening in Scotland, Wales, and 136 English councils, the biggest since the 2024 general election.
Reform UK has made notable gains in northern and midlands areas like Wigan, Bolton, and Salford.
Labour lost control in councils such as Hartlepool, Tameside, Redditch, and Tamworth.
The Conservative Party lost seats in some places but held onto councils like Harlow in Essex.
Liberal Democrats had mixed results, winning some councils but losing control of Hull to Reform UK.
The Green Party won seats in areas like Salford and Exeter and is targeting London councils for future gains.
Some key council results, including important ones in London and the south of England, are still pending.
In Wales, Labour faces challenges to its historic dominance, with competition from Reform UK and Plaid Cymru.
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New South Wales (NSW) is close to restarting water flows to its dry wetlands after passing new laws to protect the water agency from legal claims. The water stoppage earlier this year caused harm to wildlife and plants, and the state is facing drought risks with low rainfall in April.
Key Facts
NSW's parliament passed laws to resume water flows to the Gwydir wetlands.
The water was stopped in March to avoid flooding private lands.
Wildlife such as turtles, birds, frogs, and fish suffered due to drying wetlands.
The new laws protect WaterNSW from lawsuits when delivering environmental water.
April 2024 was the second driest on record for NSW.
Scientists and environmental groups called the situation an environmental crisis.
The Greens and some crossbench MPs supported the bill; the Coalition opposed it.
The bill will be voted on in the Legislative Assembly next week and could allow water flows to restart soon.
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