https://www.theguardian.com/world Latest World news news, comment and analysis from the Guardian, the world's leading liberal voice en-gb Guardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. 2026 Thu, 21 May 2026 02:30:07 GMT 2026-05-21T02:30:07Z en-gb Guardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. 2026 https://assets.guim.co.uk/images/guardian-logo-rss.c45beb1bafa34b347ac333af2e6fe23f.png https://www.theguardian.com https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/may/20/ebola-outbreak-us-doctor-germany <p>Dr Peter Stafford’s wife and four children are also being monitored for symptoms amid Ebola outbreak in Congo</p><p>An American doctor who contracted Ebola in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has been flown to Germany for treatment, along with his wife and four children, as the World Health Organization warned of the “scale and speed” of the outbreak.</p><p>Authorities have reported at least 134 suspected deaths and more than 500 cases of the hemorrhagic Bundibugyo virus, which has no approved treatments or vaccines. The outbreak, which has spread into urban areas, has been declared a public health emergency requiring international response.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/may/20/ebola-outbreak-us-doctor-germany">Continue reading...</a> Ebola Germany World news Europe Africa Uganda Democratic Republic of the Congo Wed, 20 May 2026 12:28:43 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/may/20/ebola-outbreak-us-doctor-germany Photograph: Daniel Irungu/EPA Photograph: Daniel Irungu/EPA Photograph: Daniel Irungu/EPA Edward Helmore 2026-05-20T12:28:43Z https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/may/19/marco-rubio-who-ebola <p>US secretary of state says WHO was ‘a little late’ in identifying deadly Ebola outbreak in the DRC and Uganda</p><p>The US secretary of state, Marco Rubio, said on Tuesday that the World Health Organization (WHO) was “a little late” in identifying the deadly Ebola outbreak in the the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda.</p><p>On Tuesday, Rubio told reporters: “The lead is obviously going to be CDC [Centers for Disease Control] and the World Health Organization, which was a little late to identify this thing unfortunately.”</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/may/19/marco-rubio-who-ebola">Continue reading...</a> Marco Rubio World Health Organization US news Ebola Uganda Africa Health Trump administration US politics Tue, 19 May 2026 18:44:54 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/may/19/marco-rubio-who-ebola Photograph: Stefano Rellandini/AFP/Getty Images Photograph: Stefano Rellandini/AFP/Getty Images Photograph: Stefano Rellandini/AFP/Getty Images Maya Yang and agency 2026-05-19T18:44:54Z https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/may/19/ebola-outbreak-drc-who-tedros-adhanom-ghebreyesus-deeply-concerned <p>WHO chief said he was ‘deeply concerned’ after at least 500 suspected Ebola cases and 130 deaths reported in outbreak of Bundibugyo strain</p><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/may/18/ituri-eastern-drc-ebola-outbreak-panic-fear">‘It’s heartbreaking’: panic in eastern DRC over return of Ebola</a></p></li></ul><p>Global health leaders are considering whether vaccines or medicines still in development could be used to fight Ebola in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as the World Health Organization’s chief said he was deeply concerned by the outbreak’s speed and scale.</p><p>Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said there had been at least 500 suspected cases of Ebola and 130 suspected deaths in DRC since the new outbreak began – up from about 200 cases and 65 deaths <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2026/may/15/ebola-outbreak-drc-africa-deaths">when it was announced on Friday</a>.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/may/19/ebola-outbreak-drc-who-tedros-adhanom-ghebreyesus-deeply-concerned">Continue reading...</a> Ebola Democratic Republic of the Congo World Health Organization Global health Global development World news Uganda Africa Tue, 19 May 2026 16:06:56 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/may/19/ebola-outbreak-drc-who-tedros-adhanom-ghebreyesus-deeply-concerned Photograph: World Health Organization/Reuters Photograph: World Health Organization/Reuters Photograph: World Health Organization/Reuters Kat Lay in Geneva 2026-05-19T16:06:56Z https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/may/19/why-the-lessons-of-the-drcs-last-ebola-outbreak-are-being-tested-again <p>Conflict, mistrust and delayed detection could complicate response to emergency caused by Bundibugyo variant</p><p>To be around the centre of an Ebola outbreak is to become used to the smell of chlorine. At hospitals and government buildings, surfaces are sprayed with it and hands washed in a 0.05% solution that can kill the virus in 60 seconds.</p><p>Infrared handheld thermometers take temperatures at airports and border crossings. Any indication of a fever prevents passage. Contact-tracing teams crisscross the countryside.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/may/19/why-the-lessons-of-the-drcs-last-ebola-outbreak-are-being-tested-again">Continue reading...</a> Ebola Democratic Republic of the Congo Africa Global development World Health Organization Uganda World news Tue, 19 May 2026 12:51:20 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/may/19/why-the-lessons-of-the-drcs-last-ebola-outbreak-are-being-tested-again Photograph: Marie Jeanne Munyerenkana/EPA Photograph: Marie Jeanne Munyerenkana/EPA Photograph: Marie Jeanne Munyerenkana/EPA Peter Beaumont Senior international correspondent 2026-05-19T12:51:20Z https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/may/19/us-government-increase-white-south-africa-refugees <p>Trump has repeatedly made false claims that white Afrikaners facing genocide with costs of resettling them at $100m</p><p>The US government has said it will increase the number of white South Africans it admits as refugees this year from about 7,500 to 17,500, claiming that “unforeseen developments in South Africa created an emergency refugee situation.”</p><p>Since starting his second term in office last year, Donald Trump has repeatedly made false claims that white Afrikaners are racially targeted and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/21/trump-south-africa-president-meeting">face a “white genocide”</a>, which South Africa’s government has furiously rebutted.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/may/19/us-government-increase-white-south-africa-refugees">Continue reading...</a> US immigration Trump administration South Africa Donald Trump US politics US news Africa Tue, 19 May 2026 09:43:24 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/may/19/us-government-increase-white-south-africa-refugees Photograph: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images Photograph: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images Photograph: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images Rachel Savage in Johannesburg and agencies 2026-05-19T09:43:24Z https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/may/20/cuba-raul-castro-indictment <p>Charges filed in Miami against 94-year-old for allegedly shooting down exiles’ planes in 1996</p><p>The United States issued a federal criminal indictment against <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/raul-castro">Raúl Castro</a>, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/cuba">Cuba</a>’s former president, and five others on Wednesday in a significant escalation of the Trump administration’s campaign to oust the country’s six-decades-old communist regime.</p><p>The 94-year-old political figurehead was charged in Miami, Florida, with conspiracy to kill US nationals, four counts of murder and two counts of destruction of aircraft.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/may/20/cuba-raul-castro-indictment">Continue reading...</a> Raúl Castro US news Florida Cuba US foreign policy Americas Caribbean Wed, 20 May 2026 22:40:24 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/may/20/cuba-raul-castro-indictment Photograph: Ismael Francisco/AP Photograph: Ismael Francisco/AP Photograph: Ismael Francisco/AP Richard Luscombe in Miami 2026-05-20T22:40:24Z https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/may/20/bolivia-protests-coup-paz-pereira <p>Clashes between demonstrators and police in La Paz have entered second week, shaking centre-right president</p><p>Protests blocking roads across Bolivia and turning the centre of the capital, La Paz, into a battleground between demonstrators and police have entered a second week.</p><p>It is the most turbulent moment of the centre-right president Rodrigo Paz Pereira’s mere six months in office since he ended nearly two decades of rule by the leftwing Movimiento al Socialismo (Mas).</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/may/20/bolivia-protests-coup-paz-pereira">Continue reading...</a> Bolivia Protest Evo Morales Colombia World news Americas Wed, 20 May 2026 20:28:28 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/may/20/bolivia-protests-coup-paz-pereira Photograph: Juan Karita/AP Photograph: Juan Karita/AP Photograph: Juan Karita/AP Tiago Rogero South America correspondent 2026-05-20T20:28:28Z https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/may/20/canada-plasma-death <p>International student Rodiyat Alabede, 22, died due to a ‘perfect storm’ of lax safety protocols, advocates say</p><p>Patient advocates in Canada have called for a new investigation into the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/mar/12/two-plasma-donors-die-private-canada-clinics">death of a young woman</a> who was donating blood plasma, describing a “perfect storm” of lax safety protocols and poorly trained staff and warning of “systemic issues” at plasma donation sites across the country.</p><p>Rodiyat Alabede, an international student at the University of Winnipeg, died of cardiac arrest shortly after a plasma donation in October 2025 at a facility operated by the Spanish healthcare company Grifols. An initial investigation by Health Canada found no links between the plasma donation and her death.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/may/20/canada-plasma-death">Continue reading...</a> Canada World news Medicine Americas Wed, 20 May 2026 19:06:51 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/may/20/canada-plasma-death Photograph: gofundme Photograph: gofundme Photograph: gofundme Leyland Cecco in Toronto 2026-05-20T19:06:51Z https://www.theguardian.com/music/2026/may/20/toto-la-momposina-vocalist-and-colombian-music-legend-dies-aged-85 <p>The singer was one of her country’s most’s popular musical exports, and travelled the world with an evangelistic vision for spreading cumbia music</p><p>Totó la Momposina, one of the most celebrated musicians in Colombian history, has died aged 85.</p><p>Her three children announced her death from a heart attack on Instagram. “Totó was a woman who, with her voice and extraordinary dedication, carried the culture and memory of the Colombian people to the far corners of the world,” they added.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/music/2026/may/20/toto-la-momposina-vocalist-and-colombian-music-legend-dies-aged-85">Continue reading...</a> Folk music Pop and rock Music Culture Colombia Americas Wed, 20 May 2026 11:39:49 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/music/2026/may/20/toto-la-momposina-vocalist-and-colombian-music-legend-dies-aged-85 Photograph: Getty Images/Getty Images for Disney Photograph: Getty Images/Getty Images for Disney Photograph: Getty Images/Getty Images for Disney Ben Beaumont-Thomas 2026-05-20T11:39:49Z https://www.theguardian.com/news/audio/2026/may/20/did-trump-really-rescue-venezuela-podcast <p>Tom Phillips on life in the country four months after the US abduction of the former president Nicolás Maduro</p><p>“The last time I flew out of Venezuela was right at the start of August 2024, just after the disputed presidential election,” the Guardian’s Latin America correspondent, <strong>Tom Phillips</strong>, tells <strong>Annie Kelly</strong>.</p><p>“It was a moment of real turmoil. There was a huge wave of repression that was unfolding as Nicolás Maduro tried to silence any kind of dissent to his bogus claim to have won that election. Thousands were thrown in prison, many were going underground, and journalists were racing to get out of the country.”</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/news/audio/2026/may/20/did-trump-really-rescue-venezuela-podcast">Continue reading...</a> Venezuela US foreign policy Americas US news World news Nicolás Maduro Donald Trump Wed, 20 May 2026 02:00:19 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/news/audio/2026/may/20/did-trump-really-rescue-venezuela-podcast Photograph: Andrea Hernández Briceño/The Guardian Photograph: Andrea Hernández Briceño/The Guardian Photograph: Andrea Hernández Briceño/The Guardian Presented by Annie Kelly with Tom Phillips; additional reporting by María de los Ángeles Graterol; produced by Tom Glasser and Rudi Zygadlo; executive producers Homa Khaleeli and Elizabeth Cassin 2026-05-20T02:00:19Z https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/may/21/png-dead-fish-dying-new-ireland-province-fishing-warning-papua-new-guinea <p>Initial testing found evidence of metals in water samples, months after province’s residents began reporting unusual numbers of dead fish washing ashore</p><p>Papua New Guinea’s government has warned communities not to fish from parts of the New Ireland coastline as preliminary tests show evidence of metals in some water samples, after months of residents reporting dead marine life in the area.</p><p>On 7 May the fisheries minister, Jelta Wong, said initial testing conducted by an independent company detected various metals in water samples taken from affected areas around Kafkaf village and Larairu lagoon in New Ireland, an island in eastern PNG.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/may/21/png-dead-fish-dying-new-ireland-province-fishing-warning-papua-new-guinea">Continue reading...</a> Papua New Guinea Pacific islands Asia Pacific Thu, 21 May 2026 00:52:55 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/may/21/png-dead-fish-dying-new-ireland-province-fishing-warning-papua-new-guinea Photograph: Sebastian Velasquez Photograph: Sebastian Velasquez Photograph: Sebastian Velasquez Rebecca Bush in Port Moresby 2026-05-21T00:52:55Z https://www.theguardian.com/news/audio/2026/may/20/are-xi-and-putin-still-best-friends-the-latest <p>Xi Jinping welcomed Vladimir Putin to Beijing with pomp and pageantry, just days after hosting Donald Trump. But as Russia’s war in Ukraine makes Moscow increasingly dependent on China, and western leaders thaw relations with Beijing, what does the power imbalance mean for Xi and Putin’s relationship? Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian’s deputy head of international news, Devika Bhat</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/news/audio/2026/may/20/are-xi-and-putin-still-best-friends-the-latest">Continue reading...</a> China Xi Jinping World news Vladimir Putin Russia Asia Pacific Ukraine Europe Wed, 20 May 2026 16:17:15 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/news/audio/2026/may/20/are-xi-and-putin-still-best-friends-the-latest Photograph: Maxim Shemetov/Reuters Photograph: Maxim Shemetov/Reuters Photograph: Maxim Shemetov/Reuters Presented by Lucy Hough with Devika Bhat; produced by Bryony Moore; senior producer Ryan Ramgobin; lead producer Zoe Hitch 2026-05-20T16:17:15Z https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/may/21/indefensible-alleged-child-abuse-survivor-takes-on-albanese-government-over-25bn-nauru-deal <p>Lawyers of Hazara man who was allegedly sexually abused by carer launch bid to prevent imminent deportation to Pacific island</p><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/may/21/australia-news-live-penny-wong-israel-flotilla-budget-capital-gains-negative-gearing-anthony-albanese-jim-chalmers-ntwnfb">Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates</a></p></li><li><p>Get our <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/email-newsletters?CMP=cvau_sfl">breaking news email</a>, <a href="https://app.adjust.com/w4u7jx3">free app</a> or <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/series/full-story?CMP=cvau_sfl">daily news podcast</a></p></li></ul><p>The Albanese government’s $2.5bn deal with Nauru, under which hundreds of non-citizens will be sent to the tiny Pacific island, will face another legal challenge prompted by an alleged child abuse survivor.</p><p>Legal representatives for Abdul*, a Hazara man who was re-detained in immigration detention earlier this month, have launched a bid to prevent the 29-year-old’s imminent deportation to Nauru by challenging its compatibility with Australia’s constitution.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/may/21/indefensible-alleged-child-abuse-survivor-takes-on-albanese-government-over-25bn-nauru-deal">Continue reading...</a> Australian politics Nauru Australian immigration and asylum Pacific islands Asia Pacific Australia news Migration Anthony Albanese Wed, 20 May 2026 15:00:46 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/may/21/indefensible-alleged-child-abuse-survivor-takes-on-albanese-government-over-25bn-nauru-deal Composite: Victoria Hart/Getty images Composite: Victoria Hart/Getty images Composite: Victoria Hart/Getty images Sarah Basford Canales 2026-05-20T15:00:46Z https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/may/20/how-xi-jinping-china-welcomed-donald-trump-vladimir-putin <p>Choreography of back-to-back visits appeared deliberately mirrored but China made sure the differences were noticed</p><p>Days after Donald Trump was <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/may/13/trump-china-summit-xi-jinping-talks">greeted in Beijing</a> with a military band, an honour guard and dozens of youths waving American and Chinese flags, Vladimir Putin arrived in China to an <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/may/19/vladimir-putin-beijing-china-state-visit-xi-jinping-russia">almost identical spectacle</a>.</p><p>The choreography of the two welcomes appeared deliberately mirrored, designed to showcase Beijing’s ability to host leaders from Washington and Moscow with equal grandeur.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/may/20/how-xi-jinping-china-welcomed-donald-trump-vladimir-putin">Continue reading...</a> China Xi Jinping Donald Trump Vladimir Putin Russia US news Asia Pacific Europe World news Wed, 20 May 2026 13:44:56 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/may/20/how-xi-jinping-china-welcomed-donald-trump-vladimir-putin Composite: White House Press Office/Sputnik/Maxim Stulov Composite: White House Press Office/Sputnik/Maxim Stulov Composite: White House Press Office/Sputnik/Maxim Stulov Pjotr Sauer, and Amy Hawkins in Beijing 2026-05-20T13:44:56Z https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/may/20/wellington-sewage-spill-moa-point-update-six-month-wait <p>Millions of litres of sewage have been spilling into the capital city’s waters since February after the catastrophic failure of a Moa Point wastewater plant</p><p>A fix to stop millions of litres of sewage continuing to pour into the waters off the coast of New Zealand’s capital, Wellington will be in place by November, officials have said, with full repairs at the cost of NZ$53.5m by late next year.</p><p>More than 100 days since the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/feb/19/wellington-raw-sewage-leak-spill-water-new-zealand">catastrophic failure of the city’s wastewater treatment plant</a> on 4 February, a mix of raw and partially screened human effluent is still being flushed directly into the Pacific Ocean.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/may/20/wellington-sewage-spill-moa-point-update-six-month-wait">Continue reading...</a> New Zealand Asia Pacific Wed, 20 May 2026 03:44:43 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/may/20/wellington-sewage-spill-moa-point-update-six-month-wait Photograph: Hagen Hopkins Photograph: Hagen Hopkins Photograph: Hagen Hopkins Michelle Duff in Wellington 2026-05-20T03:44:43Z https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/may/21/australia-news-live-penny-wong-israel-flotilla-budget-capital-gains-negative-gearing-anthony-albanese-jim-chalmers-ntwnfb <p>Nicola Willis said New Zealand had a ‘very simple tax system’ with a ‘low rate’ of taxation. Follow today’s news live</p><ul><li><p>Get our <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/email-newsletters?CMP=cvau_sfl">breaking news email</a>, <a href="https://app.adjust.com/w4u7jx3">free app</a> or <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/series/full-story?CMP=cvau_sfl">daily news podcast</a></p></li></ul><p><strong>Albanese leaves door open to extending fuel excise cut</strong></p><p>The prime minister, <strong>Anthony Albanese</strong>, has not ruled out extending the temporary cut to the fuel excise as the Middle East conflict continues to disrupt the global oil market.</p><p>We’ll do an assessment closer to the day. It is very costly but it has made a difference. We’re doing pretty well, I’ve got to say, compared with what the expectations were, people have stopped asking me about it (fuel supplies).</p><p>We’ll make the assessment, like, it’s really volatile times. We don’t know when this war in the Middle East will end. We’ve got the ceasefire still going at the moment. We want it to end.</p><p>The domestic terminal at Melbourne Avalon Airport was evacuated this morning following the identification of a suspicious item during the screening process. Victoria police attended and an individual has been detained.</p><p>The matter is now being managed by police and any further enquiries should be directed to Victoria police.</p><p>At this stage, passengers are being advised that, due to safety precautions, delays are expected. Passengers are advised to contact Jetstar regarding their flights. We will provide further updates regarding any additional delays as more information becomes available.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/may/21/australia-news-live-penny-wong-israel-flotilla-budget-capital-gains-negative-gearing-anthony-albanese-jim-chalmers-ntwnfb">Continue reading...</a> Australia news Australian politics Penny Wong Australian foreign policy Australian economy Anthony Albanese Labor party Angus Taylor Health Australian immigration and asylum Housing Coalition Thu, 21 May 2026 02:22:42 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/may/21/australia-news-live-penny-wong-israel-flotilla-budget-capital-gains-negative-gearing-anthony-albanese-jim-chalmers-ntwnfb Photograph: Lucy Craymer/Reuters Photograph: Lucy Craymer/Reuters Photograph: Lucy Craymer/Reuters Nick Visser 2026-05-21T02:22:42Z https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/may/21/man-charged-with-stealing-camera-equipment-from-bondi-shooting-victim-in-aftermath-of-terror-attack-ntwnfb <p>Police allege man took camera equipment from 61 year-old shooting victim then pawned it</p><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/may/21/australia-news-live-penny-wong-israel-flotilla-budget-capital-gains-negative-gearing-anthony-albanese-jim-chalmers-ntwnfb">Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates</a></p></li><li><p>Get our <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/email-newsletters?CMP=cvau_sfl">breaking news email</a>, <a href="https://app.adjust.com/w4u7jx3">free app</a> or <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/series/full-story?CMP=cvau_sfl">daily news podcast</a></p></li></ul><p></p><p>New South Wales police have charged a man for allegedly stealing camera equipment from one of the victims of the Bondi beach terror attack in the aftermath of the shooting.</p><p>In a statement, police allege that the man had been at the Hanukah event before the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/bondi-beach-shooting-sydney-australia">shooting on 14 December</a>, in which 15 people were killed.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/may/21/man-charged-with-stealing-camera-equipment-from-bondi-shooting-victim-in-aftermath-of-terror-attack-ntwnfb">Continue reading...</a> New South Wales Bondi beach terror attack Sydney Australia news Wed, 20 May 2026 20:29:11 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/may/21/man-charged-with-stealing-camera-equipment-from-bondi-shooting-victim-in-aftermath-of-terror-attack-ntwnfb Photograph: Dean Lewins/EPA Photograph: Dean Lewins/EPA Photograph: Dean Lewins/EPA Guardian staff 2026-05-20T20:29:11Z https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/may/21/neo-nazi-group-told-by-aec-it-cant-become-a-political-party-while-it-hides-identities-of-members-ntwnfb <p>White Australia group says it does not want to ‘doxx’ members as it challenges designation as banned hate group</p><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/may/21/australia-news-live-penny-wong-israel-flotilla-budget-capital-gains-negative-gearing-anthony-albanese-jim-chalmers-ntwnfb">Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates</a></p></li><li><p>Get our <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/email-newsletters?CMP=cvau_sfl">breaking news email</a>, <a href="https://app.adjust.com/w4u7jx3">free app</a> or <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/series/full-story?CMP=cvau_sfl">daily news podcast</a></p></li></ul><p>A neo-Nazi group has been told it cannot become a political party if it continues to redact the names of its potential members, as it <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/law/2026/may/18/neo-nazi-group-national-socialist-network-white-australia-challenges-hate-ban-ntwnfb">launches a legal challenge</a> to being designated as a banned hate group.</p><p>The White Australia party, also known as the National Socialist Network, and its national president Thomas Sewell launched a constitutional challenge in the high court of Australia on Friday against the ban by the federal government.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/may/21/neo-nazi-group-told-by-aec-it-cant-become-a-political-party-while-it-hides-identities-of-members-ntwnfb">Continue reading...</a> Australian politics Australia news Australian law Wed, 20 May 2026 15:00:47 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/may/21/neo-nazi-group-told-by-aec-it-cant-become-a-political-party-while-it-hides-identities-of-members-ntwnfb Photograph: Rick Rycroft/AP Photograph: Rick Rycroft/AP Photograph: Rick Rycroft/AP Krishani Dhanji and Jordyn Beazley 2026-05-20T15:00:47Z https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/may/21/ato-australian-tax-office-fined-97-year-old-woman-late-tr-return-after-husband-death <p>Tax office apologises as ombudsman delivers stinging criticism, saying ‘ATO won’t learn unless people highlight the mistakes’</p><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/may/21/australia-news-live-penny-wong-israel-flotilla-budget-capital-gains-negative-gearing-anthony-albanese-jim-chalmers-ntwnfb">Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates</a></p></li><li><p>Get our <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/email-newsletters?CMP=cvau_sfl">breaking news email</a>, <a href="https://app.adjust.com/w4u7jx3">free app</a> or <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/series/full-story?CMP=cvau_sfl">daily news podcast</a></p></li></ul><p>The Australian Taxation Office fined a 97-year-old Brisbane woman $1,650 because she had not “prioritised her tax obligations”, despite the recent death of her husband who managed their financial affairs.</p><p>The decision was only overturned after her accountant posted details of the incident on LinkedIn – catching the attention of industry associations and the tax ombudsman, who issued a stinging rebuke direct to the ATO.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/may/21/ato-australian-tax-office-fined-97-year-old-woman-late-tr-return-after-husband-death">Continue reading...</a> Tax Australia news Wed, 20 May 2026 15:00:44 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/may/21/ato-australian-tax-office-fined-97-year-old-woman-late-tr-return-after-husband-death Photograph: Sneksy/Getty Images Photograph: Sneksy/Getty Images Photograph: Sneksy/Getty Images Jonathan Barrett Business editor 2026-05-20T15:00:44Z https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/may/20/one-nation-coalition-scapegoating-migrants-immigrants-says-race-discrimination-commissioner-ntwnfb <p><strong>Exclusive:</strong> Australia faces a ‘pronounced political fault line’, Giridharan Sivaraman tells Brisbane seminar on human rights </p><ul><li><p>Get our <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/email-newsletters?CMP=cvau_sfl">breaking news email</a>, <a href="https://app.adjust.com/w4u7jx3">free app</a> or <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/series/full-story?CMP=cvau_sfl">daily news podcast</a></p></li></ul><p>One Nation and the federal opposition are “dehumanising” and “scapegoating” immigrants while drawing on a “deep vein of racism”, Australia’s federal race discrimination commissioner says.</p><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/apr/19/labor-accused-ignoring-anti-racism-plan-documents-reveal-repeated-pleas-take-action-ntwnfb">Giridharan Sivaraman</a> made the comments as part of a <a href="https://humanrights.gov.au/about-us/media-centre/media-releases/rights-and-freedoms/brisbane-seminar-to-explore-how-human-rights-help-fix-critical-social-challenges">panel discussion at a Brisbane seminar on human rights</a>, hosted by the state’s human rights commission.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/may/20/one-nation-coalition-scapegoating-migrants-immigrants-says-race-discrimination-commissioner-ntwnfb">Continue reading...</a> Australian immigration and asylum Australia news Australian politics One Nation Queensland Pauline Hanson Angus Taylor Coalition Wed, 20 May 2026 08:41:49 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/may/20/one-nation-coalition-scapegoating-migrants-immigrants-says-race-discrimination-commissioner-ntwnfb Photograph: Darren England/AAP Photograph: Darren England/AAP Photograph: Darren England/AAP Andrew Messenger 2026-05-20T08:41:49Z https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/may/20/norwegian-court-blocks-extradition-greece-tommy-olsen-migrant-rights-activist <p>Case hailed as human rights victory as Tromsø court says Tommy Olsen’s actions are lawful and protected under international treaties</p><p>The decision of a Norwegian appeals court to dismiss the extradition of an activist accused of facilitating the illegal entry of people into Greece has been hailed as a rare victory for human rights.</p><p>In a judgment described as unprecedented by lawyers representing Tommy Olsen, the Norwegian founder of the NGO the <a href="https://aegeanboatreport.com/">Aegean Boat Report</a>, the court unanimously rejected the request saying his actions were not only lawful but protected under international treaties to which both countries adhered.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/may/20/norwegian-court-blocks-extradition-greece-tommy-olsen-migrant-rights-activist">Continue reading...</a> Migration Greece Norway Refugees Europe World news Human rights Law Wed, 20 May 2026 17:37:21 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/may/20/norwegian-court-blocks-extradition-greece-tommy-olsen-migrant-rights-activist Photograph: Yara Nardi/Reuters Photograph: Yara Nardi/Reuters Photograph: Yara Nardi/Reuters Helena Smith in Athens 2026-05-20T17:37:21Z https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026/may/20/russia-jet-near-collision-flying-near-raf-spy-plane <p>UK calls incident ‘unacceptable’ after Su-27 jet comes within six metres of unarmed RAF plane over Black Sea</p><p>A Russian jet flew within six metres of an RAF spy plane flying at 500mph over the Black Sea, one of two mid-air incidents last month described as “dangerous and unacceptable” by the defence secretary, John Healey.</p><p>An Su-27 jet conducted six passes in front of an unarmed RAF Rivet Joint flying close to its nose in mid April, risking a collision that could have caused a diplomatic crisis between the two countries.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026/may/20/russia-jet-near-collision-flying-near-raf-spy-plane">Continue reading...</a> Royal Air Force Military Russia John Healey Politics World news Europe Nato Ukraine UK news Wed, 20 May 2026 17:00:12 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026/may/20/russia-jet-near-collision-flying-near-raf-spy-plane Photograph: Mikhail Palinchak/AP Photograph: Mikhail Palinchak/AP Photograph: Mikhail Palinchak/AP Dan Sabbagh Defence and security editor 2026-05-20T17:00:12Z https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/may/20/british-council-staff-italy-strike-workforce-cut <p>Soft power institution faces funding crisis linked to Covid-era government loan due to be repaid by September</p><p>Staff at the British Council in Italy will go on strike over deep cuts that would slash about 80% of its workforce due to<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2025/jan/25/why-the-financial-crisis-at-the-british-council-matters-as-uk-pushes-soft-power"> a funding crisis facing the organisation</a>.</p><p>Out of 130 of its teaching staff across Rome, Milan and Naples, 108 are being targeted as teaching activities in Italy face the axe. The move would end 80 years of British Council English language teaching in Italy as part of the organisation’s global mission to promote British culture and education across the world, sources said.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/may/20/british-council-staff-italy-strike-workforce-cut">Continue reading...</a> Foreign policy Industrial action Culture Education Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Italy UK news Europe Politics Languages World news Wed, 20 May 2026 16:55:55 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/may/20/british-council-staff-italy-strike-workforce-cut Photograph: Marc Bruxelle/Alamy Photograph: Marc Bruxelle/Alamy Photograph: Marc Bruxelle/Alamy Caroline Davies 2026-05-20T16:55:55Z https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/may/20/brexit-may-be-back-but-britain-needs-to-know-what-it-wants <p>A decade after the referendum, EU leaders would welcome closer ties – once the UK has understood the ‘European deal’</p><p><strong>• </strong><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/mar/22/this-is-europe-sign-up-guardian-email-updates"><strong>Don’t get This Is Europe delivered to your inbox? Sign up here</strong></a></p><p>Brexit’s back. Well, sort of. If it ever really went away. At any rate, an awful lot of ink has been spilled – in Britain, at least – over last<strong> </strong><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/may/16/wes-streeting-launches-scathing-attack-keir-starmer-vision-leadership">weekend’s remarks by a would-be PM</a> that Brexit was “a catastrophic mistake” and the UK’s future lay “back in the EU”.</p><p>That reflects, first, just how deep the wounds of Brexit still run. A decade after the referendum unleashed an identity politics so powerful it <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/apr/09/ten-years-brexit-uk-divided-country">still dominates UK debate</a>, Britain’s voters remain divided into the two warring tribes of remain versus leave.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/may/20/brexit-may-be-back-but-britain-needs-to-know-what-it-wants">Continue reading...</a> World news Europe Brexit Politics Wed, 20 May 2026 14:20:25 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/may/20/brexit-may-be-back-but-britain-needs-to-know-what-it-wants Photograph: Jaimi Joy/PA Photograph: Jaimi Joy/PA Photograph: Jaimi Joy/PA Jon Henley Europe correspondent 2026-05-20T14:20:25Z https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2026/may/20/lithuania-ukraine-belarus-estonia-baltcis-drones-air-alert-europe-vladimir-putin-xi-jinping-china-eu-nato-latest-news-updates <p>This blog is now closed</p><p>In Brussels, <strong>Rutte</strong> begins by stressing the importance of Nato ministers meeting in Sweden, the alliance’s “newest ally” who joined in 2024.</p><p>“This <strong>says a great deal about how fundamentally our security environment has changed,</strong> especially when it comes to Europe. It is more dangerous, it is more contested and it makes it all the more important that Nato allies work together to safeguard our freedom and security,” he says.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2026/may/20/lithuania-ukraine-belarus-estonia-baltcis-drones-air-alert-europe-vladimir-putin-xi-jinping-china-eu-nato-latest-news-updates">Continue reading...</a> Europe Ukraine Russia Nato Lithuania Estonia Latvia Belarus World news Wed, 20 May 2026 14:11:03 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2026/may/20/lithuania-ukraine-belarus-estonia-baltcis-drones-air-alert-europe-vladimir-putin-xi-jinping-china-eu-nato-latest-news-updates Photograph: Ronald Wittek/EPA Photograph: Ronald Wittek/EPA Photograph: Ronald Wittek/EPA Jakub Krupa 2026-05-20T14:11:03Z https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/may/20/israeli-security-minister-itamar-ben-gvir-stirs-diplomatic-outrage-with-flotilla-activist-abuse-video <p>Far-right figure Itamar Ben-Gvir shares footage of himself taunting bound international detainees</p><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2026/may/20/us-iran-israel-lebanon-gaza-trump-oil-hormuz-latest-news-updates">Middle East crisis – live updates</a></p></li></ul><p>Israel’s far-right national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, has sparked a diplomatic crisis by publishing footage of Israeli security forces abusing international activists who were detained as they tried to sail to Gaza with aid.</p><p>Three activists were taken to hospital as result of Israeli violence, lawyers representing the group said. They were subsequently discharged. Dozens of others have suspected broken ribs, resulting in breathing problems.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/may/20/israeli-security-minister-itamar-ben-gvir-stirs-diplomatic-outrage-with-flotilla-activist-abuse-video">Continue reading...</a> Israel Palestine Gaza World news Middle East and north Africa Human rights Wed, 20 May 2026 23:45:10 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/may/20/israeli-security-minister-itamar-ben-gvir-stirs-diplomatic-outrage-with-flotilla-activist-abuse-video Photograph: Erik Marmor/Getty Images Photograph: Erik Marmor/Getty Images Photograph: Erik Marmor/Getty Images Emma Graham-Harrison in Jerusalem 2026-05-20T23:45:10Z https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/may/20/mahmoud-ahmadinejad-the-us-and-israels-unlikely-choice-to-lead-iran <p>Former Iranian president has a populist, headline-grabbing communication style but is an avowed anti-Zionist. How could Israel see him as a man to do business with?</p><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/may/20/us-and-israel-hoped-to-install-ahmadinejad-as-irans-leader">US and Israel hoped to install Ahmadinejad as Iran’s leader</a></p></li></ul><p>For all their outward differences, there always seemed to be things that linked Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and Donald Trump.</p><p>A visit to the then Iranian president’s <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2007/jan/28/iran.roberttait">rather humble Tehran neighbourhood</a> nearly 20 years ago highlighted cost of living problems that prefigured those facing Trump now.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/may/20/mahmoud-ahmadinejad-the-us-and-israels-unlikely-choice-to-lead-iran">Continue reading...</a> Iran Donald Trump Mahmoud Ahmadinejad US foreign policy US-Israel war on Iran Strait of Hormuz Israel Iran nuclear programme Middle East and north Africa US news Trump administration World news Wed, 20 May 2026 18:09:22 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/may/20/mahmoud-ahmadinejad-the-us-and-israels-unlikely-choice-to-lead-iran Composite: Reuters Composite: Reuters Composite: Reuters Robert Tait in Washington 2026-05-20T18:09:22Z https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/may/20/uk-trade-deal-six-gulf-states-keir-starmer <p>Keir Starmer describes the agreement, worth double original estimates, as a ‘huge win’ for British businesses</p><p>Keir Starmer has struck a trade deal with six Gulf states in what he described as a huge win for British business, ending four years of talks led by four different prime ministers.</p><p>The deal will offer £3.7bn worth of opportunities for exporters – double the original estimates – particularly in the food and luxury car sectors but also defence, aerospace, hospitality and other services, the government said.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/may/20/uk-trade-deal-six-gulf-states-keir-starmer">Continue reading...</a> International trade Middle East and north Africa Trade policy Human rights Politics Business UK news World news Wed, 20 May 2026 16:14:52 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/may/20/uk-trade-deal-six-gulf-states-keir-starmer Photograph: Alastair Grant/PA Photograph: Alastair Grant/PA Photograph: Alastair Grant/PA Lisa O’Carroll Senior correspondent 2026-05-20T16:14:52Z https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/may/20/us-and-israel-hoped-to-install-ahmadinejad-as-irans-leader <p>Airstrike at the start of the war was aimed at freeing populist ex-president from house arrest, US newspaper claims</p><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2026/may/20/us-iran-israel-lebanon-gaza-trump-oil-hormuz-latest-news-updates">Middle East crisis – live updates</a></p></li></ul><p>Fresh questions have been raised over the US and Israeli effort to depose the Iranian regime after it was claimed that Israel wanted to put the populist Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in power.</p><p>Ahmadinejad’s turbulent presidency, from 2005 to 2013, was marked by incendiary attacks on Israel but he recast himself as a critic of the regime and champion of the poor after falling out with the supreme leader Ali Khamenei.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/may/20/us-and-israel-hoped-to-install-ahmadinejad-as-irans-leader">Continue reading...</a> Iran US-Israel war on Iran Mahmoud Ahmadinejad Middle East and north Africa US foreign policy Benjamin Netanyahu World news Strait of Hormuz Iran nuclear programme Israel Wed, 20 May 2026 14:40:43 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/may/20/us-and-israel-hoped-to-install-ahmadinejad-as-irans-leader Photograph: Majid Asgaripour/Reuters Photograph: Majid Asgaripour/Reuters Photograph: Majid Asgaripour/Reuters Patrick Wintour Diplomatic editor 2026-05-20T14:40:43Z https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/may/20/us-palestinian-authority-united-nations-vice-presidency <p>Jerusalem embassy told to issue protest to Palestinian Authority leaders, warning ‘consequences will follow’ if they do not comply</p><p>The US has ordered its Jerusalem embassy to press the Palestinian leadership into dropping a bid for a senior position at the UN general assembly, anxious that the role could allow Palestinians to chair high-profile debates on the Middle East.</p><p>A 19 May state department cable seen by the Guardian instructed the US embassy in Jerusalem to issue a demarche (a formal protest) to the leaders of the Palestinian Authority. It put pressure on them to withdraw the bid for a role as vice-president of the general assembly by 22 May, warning that “consequences will follow” if they failed to comply.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/may/20/us-palestinian-authority-united-nations-vice-presidency">Continue reading...</a> United Nations US news Middle East and north Africa Palestine Donald Trump World news Israel Trump administration Wed, 20 May 2026 14:24:44 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/may/20/us-palestinian-authority-united-nations-vice-presidency Photograph: Xinhua/Shutterstock Photograph: Xinhua/Shutterstock Photograph: Xinhua/Shutterstock Joseph Gedeon in Washington and Julian Borger in London 2026-05-20T14:24:44Z https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/may/14/gautam-adani-billionaire-trump <p>Gautam Adani, richest man in Asia, was accused of conspiring to pay $250m in bribes to Indian government officials</p><p>The US Department of Justice is dropping its fraud charges against the Indian billionaire Gautam Adani, the richest man in Asia, after he hired a new legal team led by Donald Trump’s personal lawyer, according to new reports.</p><p>In an undisclosed April meeting at the justice department, Trump’s personal lawyer, Robert J Giuffra Jr, said that Adani would invest $10bn in the US economy and create 15,000 jobs if prosecutors dropped the charges against him, according to the New York Times and Bloomberg.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/may/14/gautam-adani-billionaire-trump">Continue reading...</a> Trump administration India Business US news US politics South and central Asia World news Thu, 14 May 2026 18:35:58 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/may/14/gautam-adani-billionaire-trump Photograph: Amir Cohen/Reuters Photograph: Amir Cohen/Reuters Photograph: Amir Cohen/Reuters Gaya Gupta 2026-05-14T18:35:58Z https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/may/08/trump-ally-roger-stone-condemned-for-providing-lobbying-services-to-myanmars-military-junta <p>Stone being paid $50,000 a month to ‘rebuild’ relations between Washington and Myanmar’s military-backed government</p><p>The US lobbyist Roger Stone, a longtime friend and ally of Donald Trump, has been condemned for accepting $50,000 a month to “rebuild” relations between Washington and Myanmar’s military-backed government.</p><p>Myanmar’s leaders have been internationally isolated since <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/sep/19/myanmar-coup-2021-explained-in-30-seconds">seizing power in a coup in 2021</a>, and have repeatedly been <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/feb/15/myanmar-military-atrocities-may-amount-to-war-crimes-says-rights-group">accused of atrocities that may amount to war crimes</a>. Activists say the military rulers, which recently held <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/dec/28/myanmar-elections-voting-begins-under-junta-stranglehold-with-aung-san-suu-kyi-banned">widely condemned “sham” elections</a>, are now trying to reassert themselves abroad.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/may/08/trump-ally-roger-stone-condemned-for-providing-lobbying-services-to-myanmars-military-junta">Continue reading...</a> Roger Stone Myanmar South and central Asia US news World news Fri, 08 May 2026 00:57:43 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/may/08/trump-ally-roger-stone-condemned-for-providing-lobbying-services-to-myanmars-military-junta Photograph: Eva Marie Uzcategui/Bloomberg via Getty Images Photograph: Eva Marie Uzcategui/Bloomberg via Getty Images Photograph: Eva Marie Uzcategui/Bloomberg via Getty Images Rebecca Ratcliffe 2026-05-08T00:57:43Z https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/may/07/tensions-high-west-bengal-bjp-aide-shot-dead-election-violence <p>Turmoil and violence rocks state after prime minister Narendra Modi’s party claimed victory in legislative election</p><p>Tensions have been high in the Indian state of West Bengal after a top political aide from Narendra Modi’s party was shot dead in the street and hundreds were arrested as violence broke out following elections this week.</p><p>The prime minister’s Bharatiya Janata party (BJP) <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/may/06/west-bengal-chief-minister-mamata-banerjee-refuses-to-resign-election-narendra-modi-india">claimed victory in the West Bengal elections on Monday</a>, defeating Trinamool Congress (TMC), which had ruled over the state legislature for 15 years.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/may/07/tensions-high-west-bengal-bjp-aide-shot-dead-election-violence">Continue reading...</a> India Narendra Modi South and central Asia World news Thu, 07 May 2026 15:02:03 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/may/07/tensions-high-west-bengal-bjp-aide-shot-dead-election-violence Photograph: Sahiba Chawdhary/Reuters Photograph: Sahiba Chawdhary/Reuters Photograph: Sahiba Chawdhary/Reuters Hannah Ellis-Petersen in Delhi 2026-05-07T15:02:03Z https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/may/06/west-bengal-chief-minister-mamata-banerjee-refuses-to-resign-election-narendra-modi-india <p>Mamata Banerjee says Narendra Modi’s party ‘forcefully captured’ election that ended her party’s 15 years in power</p><p>A political showdown is taking place in the Indian state of West Bengal as the chief minister, Mamata Banerjee, India’s most powerful female politician, has refused to resign after she lost elections to the prime minister’s party this week.</p><p>Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata party (BJP) won an <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/may/04/modis-bjp-party-win-election-west-bengal-first-time">overwhelming victory on Monday</a> in state elections in West Bengal, where Banerjee and her Trinamool Congress party (TMC) have been in power for 15 years.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/may/06/west-bengal-chief-minister-mamata-banerjee-refuses-to-resign-election-narendra-modi-india">Continue reading...</a> India Narendra Modi South and central Asia World news Wed, 06 May 2026 13:46:24 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/may/06/west-bengal-chief-minister-mamata-banerjee-refuses-to-resign-election-narendra-modi-india Photograph: Sahiba Chawdhary/Reuters Photograph: Sahiba Chawdhary/Reuters Photograph: Sahiba Chawdhary/Reuters Hannah Ellis-Petersen in Delhi 2026-05-06T13:46:24Z https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/may/04/modis-bjp-party-win-election-west-bengal-first-time <p>Result in key Indian state is set to have significant implications for the country’s political landscape</p><p>Narendra Modi’s party has won a resounding election victory in West Bengal, a state which had been a rare opposition stronghold, expanding his unrivalled consolidation of power across the country.</p><p>It is the first time that the Indian prime minister’s Bharatiya Janata party (BJP) has won assembly elections in West Bengal, a large and politically significant state in eastern India.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/may/04/modis-bjp-party-win-election-west-bengal-first-time">Continue reading...</a> India World news Narendra Modi South and central Asia Mon, 04 May 2026 17:34:24 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/may/04/modis-bjp-party-win-election-west-bengal-first-time Photograph: Sajjad Hussain/AFP/Getty Images Photograph: Sajjad Hussain/AFP/Getty Images Photograph: Sajjad Hussain/AFP/Getty Images Hannah Ellis-Petersen in Delhi 2026-05-04T17:34:24Z https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/may/21/manchester-centre-for-cities-deprivation-andy-burnham <p>City made outsized contribution to falling levels of deprivation between 2010 and 2025, thinktank finds </p><p>Manchester has recorded the biggest fall in inner-city deprivation in Britain, according to a report, as Andy Burnham stakes a claim that he could replicate the city’s revival nationwide.</p><p>As the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/andyburnham">frontrunner to replace Keir Starmer</a>, the Greater Manchester mayor has placed the city’s economic performance at the heart of his campaign, describing “Manchesterism” as a political philosophy for a more interventionist approach to the economy.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/may/21/manchester-centre-for-cities-deprivation-andy-burnham">Continue reading...</a> Economics Manchester Andy Burnham Business Greater Manchester Politics UK news Byelections Labour party leadership Labour Local politics Local government Society North of England Wed, 20 May 2026 23:01:54 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/may/21/manchester-centre-for-cities-deprivation-andy-burnham Photograph: Christopher Thomond/The Guardian Photograph: Christopher Thomond/The Guardian Photograph: Christopher Thomond/The Guardian Richard Partington Senior economics correspondent 2026-05-20T23:01:54Z https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/may/21/voters-across-parties-believe-uk-net-migration-is-rising-despite-sharp-drop <p>Study, published as latest migration figures are released, shows incorrect perceptions driving immigration debate</p><p>People mistakenly believe net migration is rising in Britain despite figures dropping to their lowest level in years, a leading thinktank has found.</p><p>New research from British Future, published ahead of latest government figures on migration, has revealed a chasm between reality and public perception of net migration, with a substantial portion of the public believing it has increased, despite figures showing a sharp fall.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/may/21/voters-across-parties-believe-uk-net-migration-is-rising-despite-sharp-drop">Continue reading...</a> Migration Immigration and asylum UK news Politics Labour Conservatives Reform UK Wed, 20 May 2026 23:01:54 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/may/21/voters-across-parties-believe-uk-net-migration-is-rising-despite-sharp-drop Photograph: Oli Scarff/Getty Images Photograph: Oli Scarff/Getty Images Photograph: Oli Scarff/Getty Images Geneva Abdul 2026-05-20T23:01:54Z https://www.theguardian.com/media/2026/may/20/incoming-ofcom-chair-vows-to-take-on-tech-bros <p>Ian Cheshire says media regulator must address perception it has been complacent and slow on online safety</p><p>Ofcom’s incoming chair has vowed to take on the “tech bros”, as he conceded there was now a perception the regulator had been complacent and slow over concerns about online safety.</p><p>Ian Cheshire, the former Channel 4 chair who has secured the job overseeing the technology and media regulator, also told MPs he had personal concerns about the impact of social media on under-16s.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/media/2026/may/20/incoming-ofcom-chair-vows-to-take-on-tech-bros">Continue reading...</a> Ofcom Social media Media Technology policy Television industry Digital media Technology UK news Wed, 20 May 2026 23:00:44 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/media/2026/may/20/incoming-ofcom-chair-vows-to-take-on-tech-bros Photograph: Photographer: Bjoern Steinz/Björn Steinz/Panos Pictures Photograph: Photographer: Bjoern Steinz/Björn Steinz/Panos Pictures Photograph: Photographer: Bjoern Steinz/Björn Steinz/Panos Pictures Michael Savage and Dan Milmo 2026-05-20T23:00:44Z https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/may/20/rachel-reeves-summer-bus-rides-food-tariffs-inflation-fuel-duty <p>Chancellor launches ‘Great British summer savings scheme’ after Keir Starmer postpones fuel duty increase</p><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/may/20/planned-fuel-duty-rise-to-be-scrapped-says-keir-starmer">Planned fuel duty rise to be scrapped, says Keir Starmer</a></p></li></ul><p>Rachel Reeves is to promise free summer bus rides for children and cut tariffs on some food imports, as part of a package of measures aimed at easing the costs of the Iran conflict.</p><p>The chancellor will give a statement in the House of Commons on Thursday, outlining her latest plans for cushioning the blow to consumers from an expected rise in inflation later this year.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/may/20/rachel-reeves-summer-bus-rides-food-tariffs-inflation-fuel-duty">Continue reading...</a> Economics UK cost of living crisis Business Fuel duty Rachel Reeves Politics UK news Motoring Money Wed, 20 May 2026 21:30:52 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/may/20/rachel-reeves-summer-bus-rides-food-tariffs-inflation-fuel-duty Photograph: Kirsty O’Connor/Treasury Photograph: Kirsty O’Connor/Treasury Photograph: Kirsty O’Connor/Treasury Heather Stewart, Peter Walker and Sarah Butler 2026-05-20T21:30:52Z https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026/may/20/murder-inquiry-fatal-assault-london-bus-driver <p>Police say 64-year-old was attacked after confrontation near Battersea Bridge</p><p>A murder investigation has been launched after a bus driver died after an assault on Battersea Bridge in London, police said.</p><p>Sergei Krajev, 64, died in hospital on Tuesday after the incident in the early hours of Monday morning.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026/may/20/murder-inquiry-fatal-assault-london-bus-driver">Continue reading...</a> London UK news Wed, 20 May 2026 20:16:37 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026/may/20/murder-inquiry-fatal-assault-london-bus-driver Photograph: Metropolitan Police Photograph: Metropolitan Police Photograph: Metropolitan Police Nadeem Badshah 2026-05-20T20:16:37Z https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/live/2026/may/20/donald-trump-republicans-midterms-primaries-kentucky-redistricting-raul-castro-latest-news-updates <p>Cuba’s government has also accused US of hypocrisy after acting US attorney general announced indictment of former Cuban president over downed planes</p><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/may/20/cuba-raul-castro-indictment">US indicts former Cuban president Raúl Castro as it seeks to oust regime</a></p></li><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/may/20/trump-news-at-a-glance-latest-updates-today">Trump news at a glance: US indicts Raúl Castro, ratcheting up Cuba tensions</a></p></li><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/news/2026/feb/17/sign-up-for-the-breaking-news-us-email-to-get-newsletter-alerts-direct-to-your-inbox?utm_medium=ACQUISITIONS_STANDFIRST&amp;utm_campaign=BN22326&amp;utm_content=signup&amp;utm_term=standfirst&amp;utm_source=GUARDIAN_WEB">Sign up for the Breaking News US email</a></p></li></ul><p>In response to a question on Wednesday morning about how long <strong>Benjamin Netanyahu</strong>, the prime minister of Israel, will hold on before re-starting strikes on Iran, Trump said: “He’s fine. He’ll do whatever I want him to do.”</p><p>Trump also cited a poll that gave him 99% approval in Israel. Guardian US has not yet verified this poll.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/live/2026/may/20/donald-trump-republicans-midterms-primaries-kentucky-redistricting-raul-castro-latest-news-updates">Continue reading...</a> Cuba Kentucky US news Donald Trump Republicans US midterm elections 2026 Thu, 21 May 2026 02:03:47 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/live/2026/may/20/donald-trump-republicans-midterms-primaries-kentucky-redistricting-raul-castro-latest-news-updates Photograph: Jacquelyn Martin/AP Photograph: Jacquelyn Martin/AP Photograph: Jacquelyn Martin/AP Robert Mackey, Maham Javaid, Lucy Campbell and Yohannes Lowe 2026-05-21T02:03:47Z https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/may/20/doj-prosecutor-jack-smith-trump-report-email <p>Carmen Mercedes Lineberger accused of hiding files related to Trump documents investigation as bundt cake recipe</p><p>A former Department of Justice prosecutor is facing felony charges after emailing herself a sealed Biden-era investigative report concerning Donald Trump and attempting to hide the documents as cake recipes, federal authorities <a href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl/pr/former-doj-attorney-indicted-concealment-theft-government-records">said</a> on Wednesday.</p><p>Carmen Mercedes Lineberger, who worked as a managing assistant US attorney in Florida, is facing two counts of theft of government money or property in addition to charges related to her alleged alteration of the documents, according to the indictment.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/may/20/doj-prosecutor-jack-smith-trump-report-email">Continue reading...</a> US politics Florida US news Trump administration World news Thu, 21 May 2026 01:58:18 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/may/20/doj-prosecutor-jack-smith-trump-report-email Photograph: Mark Schiefelbein/AP Photograph: Mark Schiefelbein/AP Photograph: Mark Schiefelbein/AP Uwa Ede-Osifo 2026-05-21T01:58:18Z https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2026/may/20/nvidia-revenue-ai-boom <p>Many analysts view company’s financial performance as a broader referendum on AI buildout</p><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/nvidia">Nvidia</a> continued its years-long streak of beating Wall Street’s expectations for growth on Wednesday, reassuring most investors that the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/artificialintelligenceai">AI</a> boom, particularly the global explosion of datacenters, will continue apace.</p><p>“The buildout of AI factories – the largest infrastructure expansion in human history – is accelerating at extraordinary speed,” said Nvidia’s CEO, Jensen Huang, in <a href="https://nvidianews.nvidia.com/news/nvidia-announces-financial-results-for-first-quarter-fiscal-2027">a statement</a>. “Agentic AI has arrived, doing productive work, generating real value, and scaling rapidly across companies and industries.”</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2026/may/20/nvidia-revenue-ai-boom">Continue reading...</a> Nvidia Quarterly results Technology Business China US news World news Wed, 20 May 2026 22:45:58 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2026/may/20/nvidia-revenue-ai-boom Photograph: Ritchie B Tongo/EPA Photograph: Ritchie B Tongo/EPA Photograph: Ritchie B Tongo/EPA Sanya Mansoor 2026-05-20T22:45:58Z https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/may/20/mississippi-voting-rights-rally <p>Demonstration, held at historic location where the ‘Mississippi Plan’ was enacted, comes as southern states race to dilute Black voting power</p><p>Thousands of Mississippians, along with allies from other southern states, gathered at the state’s War Memorial Building auditorium on Wednesday in support of <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/us-voting-rights">voting rights</a>. It was the latest in a series of actions protesting the supreme court’s recent decision gutting the provision of the Voting Rights Act preventing racial discrimination, and held on a site integral to the state’s history of Black disenfranchisement.</p><p>Section 2 “stopped states, counties, cities, from passing redistricting maps that discriminate against Black voters and it led to the biggest growth of Black political power since Reconstruction”, said Amir Badat, the southern states director at the voting rights group Fair Fight Action.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/may/20/mississippi-voting-rights-rally">Continue reading...</a> Mississippi US voting rights US midterm elections 2026 US news US supreme court Race Wed, 20 May 2026 21:36:37 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/may/20/mississippi-voting-rights-rally Photograph: Rogelio V Solis/AP Photograph: Rogelio V Solis/AP Photograph: Rogelio V Solis/AP Adria R Walker in Jackson, Mississippi 2026-05-20T21:36:37Z https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/may/20/trump-administration-climate-pollution-lawsuit <p>Suit says administration is impinging on rights to life and liberty by worsening planet-warming and toxic pollution</p><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/ng-interactive/2026/may/20/eva-lighthiser-trump-climate">Eva v Goliath: the 20-year-old climate activist taking on Trump and the fossil fuel industry</a></p></li></ul><p>Eighteen American youth are demanding that a court immediately halt the Trump administration’s repeal of the scientific finding underpinning virtually all US climate regulations.</p><p>The plaintiffs sued the Trump administration in February days after officials revoked <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/12/trump-epa-rollback-pollution-regulation-endangerment-finding">the 2009 endangerment finding</a>, which found that greenhouse gas pollution threatens public health and welfare. Filed in the Washington DC circuit court of appeals Venner v EPA alleges that the move infringes upon rights guaranteed by the US constitution, including to religious freedom, life and liberty.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/may/20/trump-administration-climate-pollution-lawsuit">Continue reading...</a> Trump administration Climate crisis US Environmental Protection Agency Environment US news US politics Wed, 20 May 2026 20:04:02 GMT https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/may/20/trump-administration-climate-pollution-lawsuit Photograph: Apu Gomes/Getty Images Photograph: Apu Gomes/Getty Images Photograph: Apu Gomes/Getty Images Dharna Noor 2026-05-20T20:04:02Z