Author: News Desk

King Charles will address Congress today as Britain’s relationship with Washington sits under unusual strain. At home, Westminster turns back to the Mandelson affair, with Philip Barton and Morgan McSweeney facing MPs and a vote expected on whether Keir Starmer should be referred to the privileges committee. Rachel Reeves is weighing a one-year rent freeze, Robert Jenrick faces a Met investigation, and the assisted political backdrop is already sharpening before local elections. Globally, Iran’s Hormuz proposal, turmoil in Mali and North Korea’s Russia ties add a heavier edge to the week.

UK MORNING BRIEFING

A long-lost gravesite of 15 orphans has been uncovered in Bradford this morning. The children, who resided at a former Barnardo’s home between 1898 and 1911, were buried in a cemetery that had been forgotten for over a century.

Elon Musk and Sam Altman are set to face off in a trial beginning Monday, focusing on allegations of betrayal over OpenAI’s shift from a nonprofit to a lucrative venture. The outcome could significantly impact the AI landscape and Musk’s personal and financial future.

Bahrain has revoked the citizenship of 69 individuals, accusing them of supporting Iranian attacks against the country. The Ministry of Interior claims the individuals displayed disloyalty and colluded with foreign entities. Rights groups have condemned this action as a serious abuse of power and a violation of international law.

Italy has extradited 34-year-old Xu Zewei, a Chinese hacker, to the United States, where he faces allegations of stealing COVID-19 vaccine research. Xu was arrested in Milan for reportedly targeting universities as part of a state-sponsored cyber-espionage campaign, facing multiple criminal charges.

At least 20 people were killed and 36 injured in a bombing on the Pan-American Highway in southwestern Colombia, according to the governor of Cauca. President Gustavo Petro attributed the attack to a “narco-terrorist group” led by former FARC fighter Nestor Vera, known as Ivan Mordisco.

UK MORNING BRIEFING

This morning, a lorry carrying 20 tonnes of Prosecco collided with another vehicle on the M4, causing significant disruption. The westbound lanes were closed for seven hours while debris was cleared and one person was treated for minor injuries.

Israel has issued evacuation orders for seven towns in southern Lebanon, urging residents to relocate amid escalating tensions with Hezbollah, which it accuses of breaching a US-brokered ceasefire. Contrary to these claims, Hezbollah says its actions are justified responses to continuous Israeli violations.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has departed Islamabad for Moscow, as confirmed by the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He is scheduled to meet with senior officials to discuss ongoing diplomatic efforts, amidst uncertainty regarding the resumption of direct talks with the United States.

US and Israeli military actions against Iran, framed as efforts to eliminate its nuclear programme, are undermining global confidence in the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). These attacks risk further destabilising international nuclear non-proliferation initiatives.