Author: News Desk

An explosion on the Pan-American Highway in Cauca, Colombia, has killed at least seven people and injured 20, according to local authorities. Governor Octavio Guzman condemned the incident as an “indiscriminate attack” and called for decisive government action against escalating violence linked to dissident FARC groups.

UK MORNING BRIEFING

The Prince of Wales features on the cover of Tatler’s June edition, showcasing a new portrait by Oluwole Omofemi, highlighting him with a fuller head of hair this morning. The artwork is part of a Commonwealth portrait series.

UK MORNING BRIEFING

Southern Co-op may merge with the Co-operative Group to avoid insolvency, following three years of significant losses. Members are urged to vote on the matter in a special meeting next month.

There is a strange rhythm to this week’s news. Companies are spending billions on artificial intelligence while cutting jobs to protect margins. Ministers are defending the Falklands after a reported US memo raised questions over Britain’s claim. The assisted dying bill is running out of parliamentary road before the King’s Speech, while Keir Starmer remains under pressure over Peter Mandelson’s vetting. The weather is kinder than the politics: London and Cardiff look mild, Edinburgh cooler but brighter, and Belfast mostly settled. Elsewhere, gene therapy has brought something genuinely hopeful.

UK MORNING BRIEFING

This morning, Londoners can expect lasting Tube strike disruptions, despite strikes concluding at midday. Cycling has surged, leading to an increase in road incidents this week, highlighting the changing commuting landscape in the UK.

UK MORNING BRIEFING

This morning, footage emerged showing an Albanian gang in balaclavas raiding a cannabis grow house. The gang used infrared scanners to locate their target, posting the incident on TikTok with violent themes.

The ongoing US-Israeli conflict in Iran could force more than 30 million people back into poverty, according to the United Nations. Disruptions from the closure of the Strait of Hormuz are impacting fuel and fertiliser supplies, leading to decreased agricultural productivity and heightened global food insecurity.

Real Madrid aims to narrow the La Liga gap to six points behind Barcelona when they face Real Betis on Friday at 9pm GMT, amidst injury concerns. Notably, Eder Militao and Arda Guler will miss the remainder of the season due to thigh injuries.

Meta is laying off 8,000 workers, about 10 per cent of its workforce, to enhance efficiency and focus on artificial intelligence investments. Concurrently, Microsoft is offering voluntary buyouts to approximately 8,750 employees, marking a significant shift for the company amid industry-wide cost adjustments.

Oil prices surged above $106 per barrel amid escalating US-Iran tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, following reciprocal vessel seizures. The increase represents a nearly 5% rise since late Wednesday, reflecting concerns over shipping disruptions in a key global energy transit route.