UK MORNING BRIEFING

Peter Kay’s performance in Birmingham was interrupted yesterday evening due to a bomb scare involving a suspicious bag. A 19-year-old man is now in custody as police search the arena.

An arson attack on a Skopje synagogue on 12 April has been linked to the Islamic State, North Macedonia’s intelligence service reported. Seven arrests followed, including charges against two men for terrorism-related offences. The local Jewish community noted only minor damages occurred.

British woman Rachel Kerr, 31, has been found safe in Agadir, Morocco, after her disappearance following a night out. Kerr, from Maddiston, Falkirk, had not been seen for several days before police located her. She is now reunited with her brother.

US President Donald Trump announced on Friday his intention to increase tariffs on cars and trucks from the European Union to 25% next week, citing non-compliance with a trade deal. The move exacerbates tensions amid ongoing negotiations regarding EU-US trade relations.

The EU’s trade deal with South America’s Mercosur bloc has begun provisional implementation after 25 years of negotiations. This agreement forms one of the world’s largest free trade areas, encompassing 720 million consumers and aiming to reduce tariffs on over 90% of bilateral trade.

Rebel groups, including Jamaat Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin, have established checkpoints around Mali’s capital, Bamako, and captured the northern town of Tessalit. This surge follows recent attacks that killed Defence Minister Sadio Camara, raising concerns over Mali’s military response to escalating violence.

A 36-year-old man has been arrested in Jerusalem for violently assaulting a nun, resulting in injuries to her head and face. This attack, described as an “act of sectarian violence” by Olivier Poquillon of the French School of Biblical and Archaeological Research, has raised alarms over rising attacks on Christians. The investigation continues.

France and Germany have deployed firefighting units to the Netherlands to combat woodland blazes that began earlier this week. Dutch authorities, overwhelmed by the fires impacting military training grounds, requested assistance via the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, prompting this international response.

What’s happening?
U.S. officials are currently engaged in extensive discussions regarding the War Powers Act as it pertains to military operations in Iran, following the termination of hostilities. The debate centers on whether Congress’s approval is necessary given the recent escalation of conflict in the region.

In contrasting headlines, “Trump tells Congress hostilities in Iran ‘have terminated’ as War Powers deadline hits” (CNBC) emphasizes the procedural aspect of military authorization and the timing of Congressional involvement. Conversely, “Trump administration says its war in Iran has been ‘terminated’ before 60-day deadline” (Yahoo) presents the narrative of conflict resolution, highlighting the cessation of military actions. This difference reflects varying focuses on either the legal frameworks governing military action or the implications of halting military engagement.

Coverage analyzed: CNBC | Yahoo | AP News | NBC News

Investigators confirm the Bayesian superyacht sinking was not due to a storm, finding it manageable weather. British billionaire Mike Lynch and his daughter Hannah were among the seven victims. Prosecutors may charge the captain and crew; further inquiries are ongoing.