AP News in Brief at 12:09 a.m. EDT | Nation/World

• A suspect is dead after approaching a White House checkpoint while armed, according to the Secret Service. • Separately, the Trump administration is purging news releases regarding criminal charges and convictions related to the January 6 Capitol assault.

• A nine-story building under construction in a city north of the Philippine capital collapsed, resulting in the death of one Malaysian tourist and leaving 21 workers trapped. • In the U.S., Donald Trump cautioned against rushing a potential deal with Iran as new details regarding the agreement emerge.

• The UK government is facing a leadership crisis as internal pressure mounts for the current Prime Minister to resign following significant electoral losses. • Recent regional elections saw the party lose approximately 1,500 local council seats and lose control of the government in Wales.

• A suspect is dead after opening fire near a security checkpoint at the White House, according to the Secret Service. • In the arts world, director Cristian Mungiu has won the prestigious Palme d’Or for his new drama "Fjord," which explores political polarization in Norway.

• A Los Angeles Times report published May 24, 2026 says federal judges, lawyers and law professors are alarmed by President Donald Trump’s pressure on the legal system and by a broader breakdown in respect for court authority. • The article cites repeated clashes over deportation flights, 48-hour notice requirements, and Justice Department conduct, including allegations that administration lawyers have misled judges and targeted firms that opposed Trump.

• Following the 2024 General Elections where the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won 240 seats—falling 32 short of a majority—the party has regained momentum in regional politics. • The BJP has secured resounding majorities in several subsequent Assembly elections, either independently or through alliances, across states including Haryana and Maharashtra.

• President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has declared that the "time is right" for Ukraine to officially begin the process of joining the European Union. • This diplomatic push follows the recent removal of former Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban from power via parliamentary elections last month.

• A radio journalist was shot and killed by an unidentified assassin in Malidegao, Cotabato, on May 21, 2026. • The attack occurred shortly after the Philippines observed World Press Freedom Day on May 3, 2026.

• The Swiss Federal Audit Office (SFAO) is facing scrutiny over its mandate to oversee and publish political financing and campaign spending transparency. • A study commissioned by the SFAO itself has called into question the effectiveness and validity of the current oversight process.

• Airspace over western Iran has been closed as the ongoing conflict between the U.S., Israel, and Iran continues to destabilize the region. • The conflict has triggered significant disruptions in global energy markets, resulting in rising fuel prices and strained international supply chains.

• The "Cockroach Janta Party" has recently gained significant traction and visibility across Indian social media platforms. • The trend is characterized as a joke intended for lighthearted amusement rather than a serious political movement.