Here are the latest news and big news stories to follow today - The Hindu

• Relatives of at least 34 missing "sabungeros" (cockfighting enthusiasts) have denied reports that they are seeking a financial settlement to drop legal cases. • It was revealed that a separate group of relatives allegedly sought P1 billion in exchange for clearing gambling tycoon Charlie “Atong” Ang of implication in the disappearances.

• EU officials are proposing new sanctions against Russia, specifically targeting the Moscow-based League for Assistance to Defense Enterprises and various military companies. • The measures focus on restricting components used for drones in the Ukraine war, including CNC machines, lasers, and lighting equipment used for reconnaissance and kamikaze missions.

• Rustem Umerov, a top negotiator for President Zelenskyy, has traveled to Berlin to hold high-level meetings with national security advisers from Germany, France, and the U.K. (the E3 group). • The discussions occur during a period of escalating Russian threats against Kyiv and ongoing diplomatic tensions regarding Ukraine's bid to join the European Union.

• Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar has announced plans to establish special committees to investigate alleged misconduct by Viktor Orbán's previous administration. • The probe aims to uncover systemic irregularities and potential abuses of power that occurred during Orbán's tenure.

• President Donald Trump said a peace deal with Iran is close, even as U.S. military strikes and renewed fighting kept diplomacy on edge on Tuesday. • Iran denounced the U.S. strikes as evidence of “bad faith and unreliability,” while Iran also demanded any deal address hostilities in Lebanon and Gaza.

• SCOTUSblog reported that Supreme Court oral argument sessions are getting longer, raising questions about how the justices manage time and case presentation. • The trend has drawn attention because expanded arguments can change how much each justice can probe the lawyers and how many cases the Court can hear efficiently.

• Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has urged the United States to evacuate its diplomatic staff from the embassy in Kyiv. • This demand comes as President Vladimir Putin threatens "revenge strikes" against Ukraine, escalating tensions between the two nations.

• Filipino radio anchor and commentator Nestor Micator was shot dead by two unidentified assailants on May 21 in the Malidegao locality of Cotabato. • Micator served as a prominent news anchor for D’Empire Radio in the southern Philippines.

• Filipino journalist and Fort Pikit village council member Nestor Micator was shot dead in Cotabato, sparking urgent demands for justice from press groups. • According to the PEC, Micator is the third journalist killed in the Philippines and the 32nd media victim globally since January 1, 2026.

• India and the United States are reportedly nearing a strategic pact to secure the supply of critical minerals, aiming to reduce dependencies on volatile global markets. • In a separate legal development on Tuesday, a special PMLA court in Mumbai ordered the remand of self-styled godman Ashok Kharat.

• Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is scheduled to meet with the Congress central leadership on the morning of May 26. • The primary focus of the meeting is to discuss strategy for the upcoming elections to the Rajya Sabha and the Legislative Council.