Ends

Weinstein is voor andere misdrijven in de VS veroordeeld en bevindt zich al achter sloten en riegels, maar deze gang van zaken laat de verkrachtingsbeschuldiging in het midden.

• Nieuwe kaart hervormt het overwegend zwarte Memphis-district van afgevaardigde Steve Cohen en geeft Republikeinen een voordeel • De Democratische afgevaardigde Steve Cohen uit Tennessee kondigde vrijdag aan dat hij zijn poging tot herverkiezing staakt; zijn carrière werd ontregeld door de strijd over de herindeling van kiesdistricten die het land doorstrijkt na de uitspraak van het Hooggerechtshof vorige maand. • Republikeinen in Tennessee voerden deze maand een nieuwe kaart voor het Amerikaanse Huis van Afgevaardigden in die Cohens overwegend zwarte district versnippert enten hervormt in het voordeel van de GOP, als onderdeel van de strategie van Donald Trump om een krappe meerderheid vast te houden tijdens de tussentijdse verkiezingen in november.

Er was wind, er was vuur, en er was het opmerkelijke bereik in de hoge regionen van Goodrem – wat resulteerde in een verfrissend zelfverzekerde act vanuit Australië. ‘Gezongen door een zilveren robot uit 1984!’ De 11 grootste bangers in Eurovisie 2026. Staand voor een glinsterende halve maan en versierd met meer dan 7.000 Swarovski-kristallen, leverde de Australische Eurovisie-hoopvol van 2026, Delta Goodrem, een krachtige prestatie op de 70e verjaardag van het wereldwijde songfestival – en werd daarmee de eerste Australische act die zich sinds 2023 voor de grote finale heeft gekwalificeerd. Goodrem, die als vroege favoriet aan de competitie deelnam achter Eurovisie-zwaargewichten Denemarken en Finland, leverde een foutloze interpretatie van haar powerballad-entry, Eclipse. Het nummer is indrukwekkend, al is het wat clichématig – en van de 35 deelnemende landen worden er 15 vertegenwoordigd door solo vrouwelijke artiesten, waardoor Goodrem een manier moest vinden om op te vallen in een druk veld. Lees verder...

• De Straits Times Index van Singapore steeg op 7 mei met 0,3% naar 4.941,96, geleid door een stijging van 10,9% van Venture Corp naar $18,28, al daalde de index op 8 mei met 0,4% naar 4.921,90. • Deze beweging weerspiegelt selectieve kracht in de techsector te midden van bredere voorzichtigheid op de Aziatische markten. • De winst van Venture onderstreept het vertrouwen van beleggers in de veerkracht van de elektronische productie in Singapore.

• Het Amerikaanse Hooggerechtshof heeft vorige maand geoordeeld dat kiesdistricten onder de Voting Rights Act van 1965 niet langer op basis van रassenlijnen kunnen worden getrokken, waardoor de focus verschuift naar partijpolitieke overwegingen. • De wet, in 1965 ondertekend door president Lyndon B. Johnson, was oorspronkelijk bedoeld om barrières voor zwarte kiezers weg te nemen, maar de beslissing staat staten nu toe om kaarten te hertekenen op basis van politieke affiliaties. • De uitspraak heeft geleid tot snelle pogingen in verschillende staten om kiesdistricten te herconfigureren, wat de vertegenwoordiging in het congres voorafgaand aan toekomstige verkiezingen potentieel kan hervormen.

Agency says FBI director ‘followed all applicable ethical guidelines’ in giving out personalized bourbon bottlesThe FBI said that agency director Kash Patel “followed all applicable ethical guidelines” after a report in the Atlantic alleged that he distributed customized bourbon whiskey bottles as gifts.In an article published on Wednesday, the Atlantic described Patel as travelling with a stock of “personalized branded bourbon” that he allegedly hands out frequently to people around him. Continue reading...

• Congress MP Karti Chidambaram announced conditional support to TVK for government formation, emphasizing respect for the public's mandate for change. • Support is offered provided the administration remains secular and excludes communal elements or BJP-aligned parties like AIADMK. • Chidambaram defended the shift from DMK ally, noting no pre-poll alliance had majority and aiming to block BJP influence via proxies.

• A federal judge in New York dismissed Blake Lively's sexual harassment claims against Justin Baldoni over their roles in the film "It Ends With Us," while preserving a retaliation claim that remains active in the case. • The two sides reached a surprise settlement earlier this week, ending the long-running legal dispute between the actors and production team. • Justin Baldoni was spotted in Nashville this week appearing relaxed and smiling with his wife Emily Baldoni in his first public sighting since the settlement was announced.

• The Bharatiya Janata Party secured a landslide victory in West Bengal's 2026 assembly elections, leading in 200 of 293 seats, marking the party's first-ever government formation in the state and ending the All India Trinamool Congress's 15-year reign. • BJP's success represents a dramatic rise from zero seats in 2011 to a dominant position in 2026, with over 235,000 Central Armed Police personnel deployed to ensure intimidation-free voting across the state. • Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the victory as historic, stating it will be remembered forever and signaling the BJP's continued electoral momentum ahead of remaining state elections.

Settlement details were not revealed in the agreement that put an end to a highly anticipated trial before it beganSign up for the Breaking News US newsletter email Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni have settled their legal dispute from the acrimonious production of their 2024 film It Ends With Us, just weeks before a highly anticipated scheduled trial.In a joint statement on Monday, legal representatives of both parties said: “The end product – the movie It Ends With Us – is a source of pride to all of us who worked to bring it to life. Raising awareness, and making a meaningful impact in the lives of domestic violence survivors – and all survivors – is a goal that we stand behind.” Continue reading...

As the cost of the scheme blows out, the government has announced the full discount will be retained for another year, after which it will only apply to EVs costing less than $75,000Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastLabor has opted to retain its electric vehicle discount in full for another year, as Australians rush to buy EVs amid soaring fuel costs linked to the Iran war.But the budget next Tuesday will include a number of “sensible changes” that wind back the scale of support over the next three years, as the government acknowledges the need to deliver a “more financially sustainable” tax incentive for EVs amid ballooning costs of the scheme. Continue reading...

• Early trends from West Bengal assembly elections show BJP ahead of the Trinamool Congress (TMC), signaling a potential historic shift in the state's political landscape. • The early leads suggest competitive dynamics across constituencies, though final results remain uncertain as vote counting progresses and trends can shift significantly. • The election results could have implications for Indian politics at the national level and investor sentiment regarding governance and policy continuity in West Bengal's economy.

Bloc’s leaders to hold first summit with Armenia on Tuesday at it ramps up efforts to combat Kremlin’s influenceThe EU is sending a team of experts specialised in combating Russian propaganda and interference to Armenia, as it increases its support to the former Soviet republic in a tense political period.In a highly symbolic sequence of events, EU leaders will hold their first summit with Armenia on Tuesday, after a pan-European gathering of about 45 leaders at the European Political Community summit in Yerevan. Continue reading...

• Maine Governor Janet Mills announced she is suspending her bid for the US Senate in 2026, allowing Democrat Graham Platner to run unopposed in the primary. • Mills' decision consolidates Democratic efforts in the state and removes a potential divisive primary battle within the party. • The move signals party unity heading into the 2026 midterm elections, a critical cycle for Senate control.

• A bipartisan advisory panel convened under President Biden’s tech‑regulation agenda delivered a draft report recommending that Congress ban politically targeted digital ads that spread “clearly false or misleading information” about voting procedures, candidates, or ballot access. • The panel, whose members include former FEC commissioners and civil‑rights leaders, argues that such ads undermine trust in elections and disproportionately affect voters of color, urging platforms to adopt stricter labeling and ad‑library rules. • The proposal sparks backlash from free‑speech advocates, who warn that any government‑defined standard for political misinformation could chill legitimate debate and benefit incumbent parties.

• Maine Governor Janet Mills announced on Thursday that she will withdraw her planned Senate bid, removing herself from the Democratic primary and effectively clearing the way for state Senator Ben Chipman to enter an open contest. • Mills cited family considerations and the toll of a high‑profile Senate race as key reasons, saying that Maine “needs steady leadership” in the governor’s office as she continues her second term. • Her exit reshapes the state’s political map, likely sparing Democrats from a bruising intra‑party primary in a state that has recently trended purple in national elections.

Congress advances Homeland Security funding after Republicans used procedural tool to pass up to $75bn for ICE and border patrolSign up for the Breaking News US email to get newsletter alerts in your inboxA historically long 75-day partial government shutdown has ended after the House voted narrowly to advance funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) following a late-night Republican rally to boost a GOP budget blueprint.The tides turned on Wednesday evening when the House passed the Republican resolution following a last-minute deal over unrelated ethanol fuel provisions that flipped enough holdouts to push it over the line. Continue reading...

Susan Hutson accused of malfeasance and other crimes that enabled 2025 mass escape from Louisiana jailThe sheriff of New Orleans was hit on Wednesday with a sweeping 30-count indictment alleging malfeasance and payroll fraud amid an outside investigation into her office that was prompted by a massive jailbreak nearly a year earlier.The indictment against sheriff Susan Hutson, whose duties include operating the New Orleans jail, was brought by Louisiana state attorney general Liz Murrill. It came days before Hutson was set to leave office, bringing a sudden and sharp conclusion to a tenure that began in 2022 with promises of sweeping reform. Continue reading...

In January, Kim Keon Hee was sentenced to 20 months for accepting gifts from the Unification Church, which sought political favors. (Image credit: Ahn Young-joon)

Woman’s body found in Iwate prefecture last week, soon after a police officer was injured in bear attack nearbyRested but famished bears emerging from hibernation in Japan are already coming into contact with humans, with the pace of sightings outstripping that seen in 2025, a record year for bear attacks.According to media reports, the animals have been spotted with surprising frequency in urban areas in the country’s north-east, with authorities urging caution among people planning to spend the coming Golden Week public holidays in the countryside. Continue reading...

Darren Jones suggests cost of energy, food and flights will remain high after de-escalation and Hormuz strait reopensThe UK faces higher prices for food and fuel for at least eight months after the war in Iran ends, a minister has said. The closure of the strait of Hormuz, a key shipping lane that carried a fifth of global oil and gas, has sent oil prices soaring since the US and Israeli attacks on Iran began in February. Darren Jones, the chief secretary to the prime minister, said the conflict would probably continue to raise prices for energy, food and flights in the coming months as potential issues around energy supplies affect production, rather than lead to shortages on supermarket shelves. The UK government has urged motorists to fill up their cars as usual amid higher prices at the pumps and for air travellers not to change their plans over potential jet fuel shortages. Jones told the BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg programme: “You’re going to see prices go up a bit as a consequence of what Donald Trump has done in the Middle East. “That’s probably going to come online not just in the next few weeks, but the next few months. There’s going to be a long tail from this.” Asked how long higher prices might remain, Jones suggested it would be around eight months after the strait of Hormuz was unblocked and a de-escalation of the conflict had taken place. “I think our best guess is eight-plus months from the point of resolution that you’ll see economic impacts coming through the system,” he said. Donald Trump announced an indefinite extension of the US ceasefire with Iran last week that paused most of the fighting, but further efforts towards ending the conflict have been unsuccessful after the US president told his envoys not to travel to Pakistan for talks at the weekend. The UK government is stepping up planning for how to offset the impact, focusing on the live monitoring of stock levels and what plans are in place for addressing supply chain disruption. Jones said: “The government here in the UK, the work that I’m doing with the prime minister is looking at all of those things and saying, ‘What can we do within our power to help people to get through those difficult times?’” The government is also looking to secure stocks of carbon dioxide, which is used in the food industry and by breweries to make drinks fizzy, as well as for defence purposes and medical uses such as MRI scanning. Jones said he was seeking to ensure there was an adequate supply of beer for fans watching the men’s football World Cup which starts on 11 June. He said: “I raised this issue because if there is a problem with jet fuel on holidays and carbon dioxide on beer, the summer might be pretty depressing for people, but we’re doing everything we can to make sure that it’s not the case.” The Liberal Democrats have called for a bill to be included in the next king’s speech in May to put food security at the top of the government’s agenda. Continue reading...

• The United States has suspended a $150 million military aid package to the Philippines following tensions over Manila's softened stance on South China Sea disputes with China. • State Department officials cited the Philippines' decision to reduce joint naval operations in disputed waters as the reason for the suspension, marking a significant shift in regional alliance strategy. • The move reflects US frustration with shifting regional dynamics and concerns that strategic partners may be accommodating Beijing's territorial claims under economic pressure.

• Brazil has suspended a $4 billion Chinese investment in Amazon infrastructure projects following international pressure over deforestation and environmental protection commitments. • President Lula cited insufficient environmental safeguards and lack of transparency in project oversight as the primary reasons for the suspension announced Friday. • Environmental groups and US officials praised the decision, though economic analysts warn the suspension could strain Brazil-China relations and impact Latin American development patterns.

• President Trump's redistricting power grab in Texas concluded in a stalemate for parties, deemed a loss for the nation. • The effort warped minority and majority rights balance according to critics. • This outcome affects congressional representation and future elections in the state.

Roberts-Smith, who has denied five charges of war crime murder, says he was always going to attend: ‘I never thought about not coming’Booing has marred Anzac Day commemorations in Melbourne and Sydney, while on the Gold Coast, the Victoria Cross recipient Ben Roberts-Smith attended the dawn service at Currumbin Beach.One man was arrested at the Sydney dawn service at Martin Place, where there was a small but noisy interjection of booing during the Indigenous acknowledgement of country. Continue reading...

Wendy Duffy died at Pegasos clinic in Basel as assisted dying bill in England and Wales fails to passA grieving mother has ended her life at a clinic in Switzerland four years after the death of her only child.Wendy Duffy, 56, a physically healthy woman, died at the Pegasos clinic in Basel after struggling to cope with the death of her 23-year-old son, Marcus. Continue reading...

• President Trump is attending the White House Correspondents' Dinner, colliding politics and media in a highly charged event. • Flashback highlights include Stephen Colbert roasting George W. Bush and Axios reporter Alex Thompson calling out colleagues. • The dinner underscores ongoing media-political tensions, especially post-executive orders and impeachment talks.