Hot weather behind rise in UK retail sales in May

• The text reflects on the historical significance of a 1924 resolution and its relevance to modern geopolitical conflicts. • Dr. Lin emphasizes that policymakers must learn from the limitations of the 1924 precedent to avoid repeating cycles of tension and inefficiency.

• Pete Hegseth has launched a series of attacks against NATO allies, questioning the current nature of the alliance. • As part of this shift, Hegseth announced a formal review of U.S. military forces stationed across Europe.

• The ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran persists as one of the most significant and enduring security challenges in the Middle East. • Beyond military confrontation, the struggle has evolved into a multidimensional crisis involving nuclear concerns, energy security, technology, and international governance.

• US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian have electronically signed a memorandum of understanding to end a nearly four-month conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran. • The 14-point plan mandates an immediate cessation of military operations on all fronts and the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to global shipping.

• The U.S. and Iran are negotiating a deal aimed at easing tensions and managing regional conflicts, with both nations seeking strategic stability. • Key details involve potential sanctions relief for Iran in exchange for limits on its nuclear program and a reduction in regional proxy activities.

• On June 19, 2026, President Trump signed a new peace deal between the United States and Iran to stabilize international relations. • Tehran responded to the agreement by warning that the cost of violating the deal will be significantly higher now than in previous iterations.

• An Israeli newspaper has condemned the U.S. deal with Iran as a "catastrophic capitulation," contradicting President Trump's claim that the United States is the primary winner. • Critics argue that the agreement fails to address Iran's strategic "chokehold" on the Strait of Hormuz, leaving the U.S. and Israel vulnerable.

• President Trump has met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, signaling a potential strategic reset in U.S.-India relations. • The meeting occurs as India seeks to regain diplomatic momentum while attempting to isolate Pakistan on the global stage.

Marine veteran James Brown rescued a driver with a piece of metal lodged in his legA US military veteran and trucker recently used his battlefield medical training to save the life of a fellow truck driver whose leg was impaled by a piece of metal after a crash, earning him official recognition as an “angel” of the nation’s highways.As the organization honoring him tells it, James Brown was driving for Tulsa, Oklahoma-based Melton Truck Lines through torrential rain – as well as low visibility – on 22 May when he saw another trucker lose control, leave the roadway and overturn about 40 miles east of Little Rock, Arkansas. Continue reading...

From public ownership, to devolution and the cost of living, the policies of the potential Labour leadership challenger will face intense scrutinyUK politics live – latest updatesAndy Burnham’s victory in Makerfield sets up a battle for Downing Street. Allies of the outgoing Greater Manchester mayor want him to be installed as prime minister as quickly and painlessly as possible, while those close to Keir Starmer want the Labour leader to fight on.If he does become prime minister, Burnham will be expected to deliver on the “change” he promised after his win on Thursday night. But what would that look like, and what policies would his government be likely to pursue? Continue reading...

Thangam Debbonaire and Sarah Pochin argue in Sky News interview at Makerfield byelection countUK politics live – latest updatesThe Labour peer Thangam Debbonaire has clashed with Reform UK’s Sarah Pochin at the Makerfield byelection count, asking the MP: “You don’t like being on television with brown people, do you Sarah?”The row erupted during a testy interview on Sky News that included an exchange about the £5m personal gift that Nigel Farage accepted from Thailand-based crypto billionaire Christopher Harborne in the months before he stood as an MP in the 2024 general election. The gift, first revealed by the Guardian, is now under investigation by the parliamentary standards commissioner, which will examine whether or not it ought to have been declared. Continue reading...

Prime minister suggests he will not ‘walk away’ despite Burnham’s comfortable victory in Makerfield byelectionUK politics – live updatesHow quickly could Burnham become PM?Keir Starmer has said he will stand in a Labour leadership contest should one be triggered after Andy Burnham’s decisive victory in the Makerfield byelection, adding he will not “walk away”.The prime minister’s comments follow Burnham’s victory with 55% of the vote in Makerfield. In his victory speech, Burnham said the result “could be a turning point” and that people had “voted for change, they have voted for more power for the north and everywhere forgotten by Westminster”. Continue reading...