The Guardian

Chinese dissident says he was berated by ‘pro-regime’ interpreter for UK police

Hong Qi, who orchestrated protest against Communist government, claims interpreter on 101 call launched political tiradeA Chinese dissident who orchestrated an anti-government protest in China after fleeing to the UK has claimed that a “pro-regime” interpreter used by a British police force berated him when he sought help.Hong Qi, who made headlines last year after using a mobile phone while in the UK to remotely project anti-regime slogans on to a building in his home city, Chongqing, contacted

general  May 30, 2026

The Guardian

Ministers urge City of London to act over swimmers in Hampstead Heath wildlife ponds

Exclusive: Local authority asked what steps it is taking after hordes of splashing revellers seen disturbing nesting birdsMinisters have written to the City of London demanding it stop people from swimming in a protected pond on Hampstead Heath, after disturbing scenes of cygnets and eggs being disrupted went viral on social media.Swans and their 12-day-old cygnets were disturbed by hordes of splashing revellers in the north London park on Monday as temperatures reached a record 35C in the capit

general  May 30, 2026

The Guardian

‘That’s why we work in finance – so one day we can afford air-con’: Britain’s unequal heatwave

While some found this week’s heat a breeze, many in poorer areas face health risks in furnace-like homesTravelling from his air-conditioned flat to the air-conditioned Elizabeth line to his air-conditioned office, 27-year-old banker Aykhan found this week’s heatwave a breeze.Smiling while grabbing lunch in the shopping centre under the gleaming One Canada Square skyscraper in Canary Wharf, he said he’d been sleeping very well over the last few days. “It’s a new flat, the air-con is great, my bed

general  May 30, 2026

The Guardian

Colombia prepares to go to polls in election shadowed by resurgence of political violence

Sunday’s presidential vote is contest between left and right – and between contradictory proposals for dealing with the decades-long armed conflictMateo Pérez Rueda was one internship away from completing a degree in political science. The 24-year-old also worked as a bicycle delivery rider and sold fruit salads and juice to finance his passion: the Colombian independent digital magazine El Confidente.On 4 May he travelled to Briceño, in the western province of Antioquia, to report on the long-r

general  May 30, 2026

NY Times World

The World Capital of French Fries Has a Problem: Too Many Potatoes

Belgium’s potato harvest set a record, just as tariffs hit U.S. demand for frozen fries and as competition from suppliers in Asia intensified.

general  May 30, 2026

Washington Post World

Cats could help scientists better understand human cancer, study says

A study of nearly 500 domestic cats uncovered similarities between cancer gene mutations in felines and humans.

general  May 30, 2026

Washington Post World

Some Iranians abroad say they’d fight for the regime. Others want to topple it.

Members of the diaspora in Iraq, from Sunni Muslim Kurds in the north to Shiite Persians in the south, are as divided over the war as Iranians back home.

general  May 30, 2026

The Guardian

Moana Pasifika sign off from Super Rugby with a win and emotionally charged hymn

Undermanned side upsets finals-bound ACT Brumbies 21-19Players come together to mark victory and club’s expected demiseAn undermanned Moana Pasifika have capped off their potential final match with a stirring victory, upsetting the finals-bound ACT Brumbies 21-19.But there were mixed feelings as players celebrated a rare win before coming together with staff to mark the occasion of the club’s farewell game and expected demise with an emotionally charged hymn. Continue reading...

general  May 30, 2026

The Guardian

On-street EV charging in UK is postcode lottery as drivers face council objections

Despite government pledges, more than 20 authorities will not allow gullies, citing safety, legal and parking concernsThe energy secretary, Ed Miliband, has said charger gullies to connect electric cars parked on streets will help cut costs for drivers, yet millions of UK households may be unable to use the simple technology because their local councils will still not allow charging cables to cross the pavement.Despite government promises to “slash red tape” and make it easier to put in gullies,

general  May 30, 2026

The Guardian

Manchester cafe owner says police tried to recruit him to spy on Palestine Action

Exclusive: Shams Sadiq says officers offered financial inducements and to turn a ‘blind eye’ to certain offencesA cafe owner claims police offered him financial benefits and to turn a “blind eye” to certain low-level offences if he informed on Palestine Action.Shams (his nickname) Sadiq, who owns two Manchester cafes, said the inducements were offered when he went to collect electronic devices that police had confiscated during his arrest last year in connection with alleged offences relating to

general  May 30, 2026

The Guardian

Eighteen people killed in Afghanistan truck crash, including 10 children

Truck was carrying Afghan families returning Pakistan when it overturned, official saysA truck overturned in eastern Afghanistan on Saturday, killing 18 people on board including 10 children, a provincial official told Agence France-Presse.Deadly traffic crashes are common in Afghanistan, due in part to poor roads after decades of conflict, dangerous driving and a lack of regulation. Continue reading...

general  May 30, 2026

The Guardian

Resident group’s objections to bar and restaurant licences ‘destroying Soho’s reputation’

Soho Society, funded by Westminster council, is ferociously opposing all new proposals, venue owners sayA society of residents funded by the council could “destroy Soho’s reputation on the international stage” as London’s entertainment district by ferociously objecting to all new bar and restaurant licences, operators in the area have said.The Soho Society, a group of residents established in 1972 aimed at “preserving the character of Soho”, voted in its AGM on Thursday for a new licensing manda

general  May 30, 2026

The Guardian

Gluten-free basics ‘now a luxury’ as price of a small branded loaf nears £4

People with coeliac disease say inflation and shrinking ranges are making food staples unaffordableGluten-free versions of everyday staples such as bread and biscuits are becoming a luxury, with shoppers complaining that a “decent” small loaf now costs nearly £4.Consumers have always paid a premium for these specialist foods, making any price increases a source of concern, particularly for people who follow a gluten-free diet for medical reasons. Continue reading...

general  May 30, 2026

BBC World

US not 'turning back' on Asia allies, but expects them to boost defence - Hegseth

The US defense secretary is questioned about US commitment, including further arms deals, at an Asian security summit in Singapore.

general  May 30, 2026

The Guardian

A broken economy and an emboldened regime: Iranians abandoned to endure fallout from war

Some Iranians hoped foreign intervention would unseat the regime but instead the US-Israel war has damaged livelihoods and strengthened those in powerAs Donald Trump swung this week between threats of new military action against Iran and predictions that a lasting ceasefire deal was imminent, many Iranians were left exhausted and gripped by uncertainty.Despite the partial lifting of an internet shutdown that began when the war started on 28 February, fears of worsening repression at home have al

general  May 30, 2026

The Guardian

US ‘more than capable’ of resuming war against Iran, Pete Hegseth says

Pentagon chief also tells Singapore defence summit of ‘alarm’ at China’s military buildup but says US does not seek ‘needless confrontation’The US has more than sufficient stockpiles of weapons and is “more than capable” of resuming the war with Iran, Pete Hegseth told a defence summit hours after a meeting in Washington failed to produce a deal to end the conflict.“Our ability to recommence if necessary is we are more than capable,” the US defence secretary told the Shangri-La Dialogue, a defen

general  May 30, 2026

WSJ World News

Hegseth Says U.S. Needs More From Asian Allies to Secure Balance Against China

The defense secretary adopted a softer tone on Beijing in a speech to partners concerned about the U.S.’s security commitment.

general  May 30, 2026

NY Times World

How Curry Shops Got Caught in Japan’s Immigration Crackdown

Under Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, new visa rules are forcing some foreign business owners, who have put down roots in Japan, to leave.

general  May 30, 2026

NY Times World

Lithuania, Once Occupied by Germany, Is Glad German Troops Are Back

Berlin has deployed forces to protect the Baltic country amid fears of increased Russian aggression in Europe. This time, the soldiers were welcomed.

general  May 30, 2026

NY Times World

Who’s the Vegas Retiree With the Big Offer for Greenland?

Clifford E. Stanley, a retired broker, explains his unusual mission, which caught a lot of people by surprise.

general  May 30, 2026