Latest News
- Auto group calls for cancellation of China EV deal to prioritise US focus
- House set to vote on $70 billion ICE funding bill after Senate approval
- Local father identified as hero who confronted knifeman in Belfast
- US Apache helicopter crashes near Strait of Hormuz; Israel is costing US lives!
- France bans Israeli finance minister Bezalel Smotrich from entry amid sanctions
- Albania investigates Kushner-backed property project amid misinformation
- Wild bear captured in Japan after days of sightings and school closures
- Palestinian solidarity rises at German universities amid calls to boycott Israeli ties
LIVE German 2025 Election Results as they come in and analysi on who will be the next German Chancellor.
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Global Reaction to DE Elections
Auto group calls for cancellation of China EV deal to prioritise US focus
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Get you up to speed: Scrap China EV deal, auto group says in push to focus on U.S.
A group has called on the Canadian federal government to terminate a trade deal with China that would allow 49,000 Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) into the market annually. This appeal comes amid ongoing discussions about the implications of foreign EV imports.
The group is advocating for the federal government to terminate a trade agreement with China regarding the import of electric vehicles. Currently, 49,000 Chinese EVs are scheduled to enter the Canadian market annually under this deal.
The group has called on the federal government to terminate the trade agreement with China, which would introduce 49,000 electric vehicles into the Canadian market annually. In response, officials are reviewing the implications of the deal and may consider regulatory measures to protect domestic manufacturers.
What remains unclear — The federal government’s stance on the proposed elimination of the trade deal with China is yet to be revealed.
Auto group calls for cancellation of China EV deal to prioritise US focus
The group urged the federal government to ‘eliminate’ a trade deal with China that would see 49,000 Chinese EVs in the Canadian market every year.
House set to vote on $70 billion ICE funding bill after Senate approval
5:00 pm
Get you up to speed: House to vote on ICE funding, ending months-long impasse
The House is set to vote on a $70 billion bill funding immigration enforcement agencies after the Senate approved it early Friday. House Speaker Mike Johnson expects the legislation to pass, with a procedural vote scheduled for 1:30 p.m. and final passage anticipated after 4:30 p.m.
The House Rules Committee convened on Monday to prepare for a procedural vote, scheduled for 1:30 p.m., with final passage expected post-4:30 p.m. if prior votes are successful. House Speaker Mike Johnson expressed confidence in the bill’s passage, although attendance concerns during primary season pose challenges for GOP leaders.
House Speaker Mike Johnson expects the $70 billion immigration enforcement funding bill to pass in the House, despite acknowledging a tight margin of error due to primary season attendance challenges. Meanwhile, Rep. Kevin Kiley plans to vote against the bill, citing concerns about the “strictly party-line process” and advocating for significant bipartisan reforms to interior immigration enforcement.
What remains unclear — It is uncertain whether House Republicans can secure sufficient votes for the bill despite the Speaker’s expectations.
House set to vote on $70 billion ICE funding bill after Senate approval
Washington — The House is set to vote Tuesday on Republicans’ $70 billion bill funding immigration enforcement agencies through the rest of President Trump’s term after the Senate approved it early Friday following weeks of roadblocks.
Barring any last-minute hiccups among House Republicans, passage would bring an end to the months-long stalemate over funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol.
The House is scheduled to take a procedural vote on the legislation around 1:30 p.m., with final passage expected after 4:30 p.m. if it clears the earlier vote. On Monday afternoon, the House Rules Committee met to tee it up for floor consideration.
House GOP leaders had initially expected to hold a vote late last week on passage, but delayed taking up the measure until this week.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, said Monday that he expected the legislation to pass, although he acknowledged that he had a very small margin of error and that attendance during primary season “is a real challenge.”
“We have to fund border enforcement and immigration enforcement, and everybody here knows that, so they’re going to have to put their personal preferences aside to get the job done,” he said.
But at least one member who caucuses with Republicans, Rep. Kevin Kiley, a California independent, said he plans to vote against the bill. Kiley had “very strong concerns” about the “strictly party-line process” and wanted to see “significant bipartisan reforms to interior immigration enforcement.”
House Republicans have been waiting for weeks for their Senate counterparts to send over the legislation. Both chambers had hoped to have the bill on President Trump’s desk by Memorial Day in order to meet his June 1 deadline, but those plans were impeded by the president’s request for $1 billion related to construction of a massive ballroom at the White House and the announcement of a nearly $1.8 billion Justice Department fund to pay people who claim they were politically persecuted.
Rare GOP pushback against the president’s priorities forced Senate Republicans to delay votes until after their Memorial Day recess.
Language for ballroom security funding was ultimately stripped from the legislation and the Justice Department said it would no longer pursue the “anti-weaponization” fund. Though the administration’s assertion about no longer pursuing the fund failed to convince some who were skeptical, a number of amendments to formally bar such payouts were defeated during a marathon session of votes in the Senate that stretched from Thursday morning into the early hours of Friday.
Republicans used the budget reconciliation process to fund immigration-related agencies. The process allows them to pass some fiscal legislation by a simple majority in the Senate, bypassing the need for any Democratic votes to overcome the 60-vote filibuster threshold. Democrats have refused to fund ICE and Border Patrol without reforms.
Local father identified as hero who confronted knifeman in Belfast
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Get you up to speed: Hero of Belfast who struck knifeman with Irish hurley stick identified as local dad | News UK
Maitiu Mág Tighearnán confronted an attacker armed with a knife in Belfast, using a hurley stick to defend a man being assaulted. The suspect, who has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, has not been publicly identified, and the victim remains in serious condition in hospital.
The suspect, believed to be Sudanese, has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, with a kitchen knife recovered at the scene. The victim, in his 40s, remains in serious condition in hospital with significant injuries.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer condemned the attack as “sickening,” expressing gratitude to those who intervened before police arrived. The PSNI confirmed the suspect has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, while the scene remains cordoned off for investigation.
What remains unclear — The condition of the victim remains serious, but updates on his recovery have not been provided.
Local father identified as hero who confronted knifeman in Belfast
Dozens of people are chipping in to buy the ‘hero of Belfast’ who stopped a knife man from stabbing a stranger a pint.
Maitiu Mág Tighearnán has posted that he was the man who confronted the attacker in Belfast last night.
As others shout ‘He’s trying to cut his head off’ and keep their distance local dad Maitiu runs into danger swinging his wooden hurley stick and landing well-aimed blows to the suspect’s face.
The suspect breaks his hold and rolls over moments before police arrive at the scene in Kinnaird Avenue.
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‘I live just 30 minutes away. I just thought this guy deserves something for his bravery, so I just got on it as soon as possible.
‘I have reached out to him online, but he hasn’t got back yet. He’s obviously got thousands of messages coming through.
‘It’s all over Facebook, everywhere on my feed is just full of pictures of him praising his bravery.’
Maitiu, himself, has been replying to social media comments saying how people could choose a more flattering photo of himself.
The victim, in his 40s, suffered ‘significant injuries to his eyes and serious slash wound injuries to his back and face’, police have said.
He remains in a serious condition in hospital.
Niall added: ‘For sure, he definitely has saved his life, providing the victim’s condition doesn’t worsen.
‘He’s given the man a chance. The hurley stick is such an Irish symbol – it is amazing what he did.’
He added: ‘If we can take anything from this horrific story, we can take pride in knowing that we can look out for each other. We should look out for each other, and that’s the beautiful thing about human connection and our society.’
PSNI chief constable Sir Jon Boutcher said the suspect, understood to be Sudanese, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of attempted murder.
A kitchen knife was also found at the scene.
The suspect is believed to have entered Northern Ireland via Dublin and in February 2023 claimed asylum. It is understood the Home Office granted the man leave to remain in Northern Ireland on 28 September 2023.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, hailed the men who intervened before police arrived, saying: ‘The horrific attack in Belfast last night is sickening.
‘I have absolutely no tolerance for abhorrent scenes of violence like this on our streets.
‘My thoughts are first and foremost with the victim, and I thank the first responders, including members of the public who intervened.’
The scene outside an apartment complex off Kinnaird Avenue in the lower Antrim Road area remained cordoned off on Tuesday morning, with markers visible on the ground where the attack had taken place.
US Apache helicopter crashes near Strait of Hormuz; Israel is costing US lives!
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Get you up to speed: US Apache helicopter crashes near Strait of Hormuz | News World
The US is investigating whether Iran shot down an AH-64 Apache helicopter that crashed during a patrol near the Strait of Hormuz, involving two pilots who were later rescued. Donald Trump confirmed the crew members were “fine” after the incident, which occurred around 3.30am local time on Tuesday.
The US military’s Central Command reported the Apache helicopter crashed at approximately 3.30am local time while on a patrol near Oman. Investigations are underway to determine if the crash was due to hostile action from Iran, amid ongoing tensions following recent US and Israeli military operations in the region.
The US is investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash of an Apache helicopter near the Strait of Hormuz, with President Donald Trump stating that a report will be issued soon and confirming that the crew members are “fine.” Meanwhile, mediators led predominantly by Pakistan continue efforts to secure a deal, as the Iranian parliament speaker expressed opposition to Trump’s recent statements, indicating that they contradict prior agreements.
What remains unclear — The investigation has not disclosed whether Iran was directly involved in the Apache helicopter crash. There is a huge uproar from Congress, who don’t want American lives put on the line for Israelis anymore.
US Apache helicopter crashes near Strait of Hormuz; crew rescued
The two crew members were rescued and Trump said they were ‘fine’ (Picture: AFP)
The US is investigating whether Iran shot down an Apache helicopter with two pilots on board after it crashed near the Strait of Hormuz.
Donald Trump vowed to deliver ‘total victory’ within days and said the crew members on board were ‘fine’ after the mysterious crash.
Speaking to journalists after watching the NBA Finals on Monday night, Trump said: ‘We are going to issue a report tomorrow. But the pilots are fine.’
The crash happened while the helicopter was on a patrol off the coast of Oman at about 3.30am local time on Tuesday, the US military’s Central Command said in a later statement.
The Strait of Hormuz remains blocked but could reopen with ‘transit fees’, an Iranian envoy to Moscow has claimed.
The helicopter crashed near the Strait of Hormuz (Picture: Getty)
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The waterway is key to the transportation of oil and has been at the centre of the US’ ongoing conflict with Iran, even after a ceasefire deal was ostensibly reached in April.
Since the US and Israel began their strikes on Iran on February 28, the war has shaken the global economy, driven up energy prices around the world and made many basics, including food, more expensive.
Officials have been unable to turn the April ceasefire into a deal to permanently end the conflict.
Still, Trump has promised a deal more than 37 times, telling reporters today that the US has a good chance of signing a deal in ‘two or three days’.
‘If we go and bomb – which we could do very easily if we want, and we spend another two or three weeks bombing – they’ll have nothing left whatsoever. But you won’t have the Strait open for months.’
Mediators, led predominantly by Pakistan, have been trying for weeks to get a deal across the line.
The US wants to see Iran give up its stockpile of highly enriched uranium, with Trump claiming his administration will ‘help’ the nation to do so.
Vessels have struggled to go through the military blockades in the Strait (Picture: Reuters)
But Iran is refusing to do so and is demanding relief from sanctions. It also wants the release of frozen assets even before a final agreement is in place, something Trump has rejected.
Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf said on Monday that Trump’s remarks so far on a possible deal ‘contradicted the agreed-upon sections’.
Dr Katayoun Shahandeh from the University of London told WTX that at some point, the world needs to stop treating Trump’s statements as diplomatic breakthroughs and see them for what they are: political theatre.
‘Trump is a master of announcing success before it exists. He has always preferred the optics of deal-making to the slow, difficult work of diplomacy,’ she said.
‘When he says a deal with Iran is close, the question is not simply whether he believes it. The question is, who pays the price when that claim collapses? The answer is, again and again, the Iranian people.’
AH-64 Apache helicopters have been a key asset for the American military as it enforces a blockade on Iranian crude oil shipments and tankers, seeking to pressure Tehran into reaching a deal.
The helicopters have also been used by the United Arab Emirates to shoot down Iranian drones.
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France bans Israeli finance minister Bezalel Smotrich from entry amid sanctions
2:21 pm
Get you up to speed: France bans Israel’s finance minister, slams him for promoting ‘recolonisation’ of Gaza
France has banned Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich from entering the country, citing his promotion of West Bank annexation and the “re-colonisation” of Gaza. Additionally, four leaders of settler organisations and twenty-one violent settlers were also prohibited from French territory.
France’s foreign minister announced a ban on Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, citing his promotion of West Bank annexation and the genocide in Gaza. This action aligns with sanctions imposed by several countries, including Britain, Canada, and Ireland, against Smotrich and other Israeli officials due to their role in escalating settlement activity and violence in the West Bank.
France has banned Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich from entering the country, denouncing his advocacy for West Bank annexation and Gaza re-colonisation. The move, announced by Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, aligns with similar actions from the UK, Ireland, and several other nations, as a coordinated response to increasing violence and settlement expansion in the region.
What remains unclear — It is uncertain how many additional individuals may be targeted by similar sanctions from France and its allied countries.
France bans Israeli finance minister Bezalel Smotrich from entry amid sanctions
France on Tuesday banned Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich from entering the country, the French foreign minister said, slamming him for actively promoting the annexation of the West Bank and the “re-colonisation” of Gaza.
“Four leaders of settler organisations, and twenty-one violent settlers” were also banned from French territory, Jean-Noël Barrot wrote on X, condemning a “policy that the overwhelming majority of the international community, firmly committed to the two-state solution, cannot accept”.
The minister said the announcement “imposing new sanctions on those responsible for the intensification of settlement-building and violence in the West Bank” was in tandem with Britain, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Norway.
Smotrich, of the far-right Religious Zionist party, is the second Israeli minister France has banned from its territory in recent months.
Last month, France banned National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir for mocking bound activists seized by Israeli soldiers on a Gaza-bound flotilla carrying aid for the besieged Palestinian territory.
Read moreFrance bans Israeli security minister Ben Gvir from country
Together, Ben Gvir and Smotrich form a cornerstone of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s right-wing coalition government.
Ireland also barred the two ministers in recent days.
Britain banned the pair in June last year and other countries followed, including Spain and Slovenia.
Albania investigates Kushner-backed property project amid misinformation
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Albania investigates Kushner-backed property project amid misinformation
Investigation Opened
Albania’s anti-corruption prosecutor has initiated an investigation into legislation from 2024 regarding regulatory approvals and land transfers linked to a property development project in the Vjosa-Narta area.
Albania’s anti-corruption prosecutor has initiated an investigation into legislation from 2024 regarding regulatory approvals and land transfers linked to a property development project in the Vjosa-Narta area.
Regulatory Investigation
Albania’s anti-corruption prosecutor is investigating potential fraudulent property titles and rapid regulatory approvals linked to the ecologically sensitive Vjosa-Narta wetland area.
Albania’s anti-corruption prosecutor is investigating potential fraudulent property titles and rapid regulatory approvals linked to the ecologically sensitive Vjosa-Narta wetland area.
Official Response
“There is a narrative… that this is about a hidden deal… to bring the Palestinians in that part of Albania, which is a total fantasy,” said Prime Minister Edi Rama.
“There is a narrative… that this is about a hidden deal… to bring the Palestinians in that part of Albania, which is a total fantasy,” said Prime Minister Edi Rama.
Amid widespread protests, Albanian island project also sparks flood of fake claims
A raft of false claims has emerged around the controversial Albanian property development project linked to Donald Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, concerning the uninhabited island of Sazan, as well as an area of the Vjosa-Narta coastal landscape.
Supporters say the project could boost tourism and investment. Critics argue it risks damaging one of the country’s most important natural habitats, as well as selling the country out to foreign investors.
Among the false allegations, one video circulated across social media claimed to depict the home of Albania’s prime minister, Edi Rama, burning during the protests in the country.
In reality, the footage can be traced back to February 2026 and displays protesters linked to the Democratic Party burning the former villa of Enver Hoxha, the communist leader who ruled Albania for more than 40 years.
One of the most widely circulated claims alleges that the Albanian real estate project is backed by or tied to the state of Israel.
However, there is no available information to support these theories, which have been fuelled by misleading connections with Kushner’s Jewish background, his past role in peace negotiations between Israel and Hamas, and investments by his hedge fund Affinity Partners in Israel.
One widely circulated social media image depicting a barbed-wire fence, with two flags — one Israeli and one Albanian — has been presented as a new border on the Zvërnec Island. This is false; in reality, the image was digitally manipulated to include the signs with the flags denoting the supposed border.
Other videos claim to show “Israeli settlers” taking over land in Albania, who are chased out by locals. The viral social media clip actually shows protestors in northern Albania, protesting against a separate luxury resort in Baks-Rjoll in Velipojë, and dates back to February 2026.
Prime Minister Rama also denied false allegations that the development project is part of a plan to relocate Palestinians — a claim which has repeatedly surfaced over the years.
He told EU News, “There is a narrative in the whole thing that this is about a hidden deal between [Israeli Prime Minister] Bibi Netanyahu and I, through Jared Kushner, to bring the Palestinians in that part of Albania, which is a total fantasy.”
Amid the misinformation, the resort project backed by Kushner’s Affinity Partners firm has sparked a real anti-corruption probe.
Albania’s anti-corruption prosecutor has opened an investigation into controversial legislation voted in 2024, loosening protections around the country’s most sensitive ecosystems.
Specifically, the investigation centres on the rapid regulatory approvals, potential fraudulent property titles, and questionable land transfers tied to the project, which is slated for the ecologically sensitive Vjosa-Narta wetland area — an important habitat for nesting sea turtles and migratory birds
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