Author: News Desk

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that Tom Barrack will step down as the Special Envoy for Syria following the expiration of his formal mandate. Barrack will continue to influence US policy in Syria and Iraq, maintaining his role without a designated successor amid ongoing diplomatic efforts.

Travel to Heathrow Airport is disrupted due to a burst water main flooding the signalling system, suspending all rail and Tube services. Passengers currently rely on buses, with major disruption expected until at least 11am. Heathrow urges travellers to allow extra time for journeys.

Louisiana lawmakers have approved a congressional map favouring Republicans, removing one majority-Black district following a Supreme Court ruling that deemed the previous map an illegal racial gerrymander. The new boundaries aim to increase Republican representation in the state’s congressional delegation. Legislative approval was secured with a 28-to-10 Senate vote.

Yurii Muzyka, 34, has been sentenced to at least 30 years for murdering his ex-girlfriend Halyna Hoisan in Greenwich. He stabbed her six times in front of their young daughter while violating a non-molestation order. The attack followed a history of stalking and harassment.

An Australian court has scheduled an appeal hearing for Erin Patterson, convicted of murdering three family members with toxic mushrooms, to take place on 19-20 August. Patterson’s lawyers claim a “substantial miscarriage of justice” occurred during her trial. Prosecutors are also appealing her life sentence, citing its inadequacy.

The English Riviera Airshow is set for May 29 and 30 in Torbay, followed by the Midlands Air Festival on the same dates. June events include the Isle of Man TT Races on June 4 and HM The King’s Official Birthday Flypast in London on June 13.

Mexico’s lower house has passed a constitutional amendment enabling the nullification of election results on grounds of foreign interference, with a vote tally of 307 in favour and 128 against. Critics warn the measure could undermine electoral integrity, while proponents view it as a safeguard for democracy. The amendment requires Senate approval and defines foreign interference broadly, including illicit financing and propaganda.

The United States plans to designate the Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC) and Comando Vermelho as “terrorist” organisations. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated this decision aims to disrupt drug trafficking and enhance US national security. The designation takes effect on June 5, blocking access to US assets.

The US Treasury has issued a stark warning to Oman regarding potential sanctions if the nation aids Iran in establishing a toll system in the Strait of Hormuz. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent emphasised that all countries must reject Iranian attempts to disrupt maritime commerce, asserting Washington’s commitment to free passage in the vital waterway.

Emergency services retrieved the body of a 14-year-old boy from the River Thames near Donnington Bridge, Oxford, on Wednesday. His death, treated as ‘unexplained but not suspicious’ by Thames Valley Police, marks the 11th water-related fatality during the UK’s recent heatwave.