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Russell Brand, turning 50, pleaded not guilty in London court to charges involving four women (1999-2005): raping one at a Bournemouth hotel during Labour Party conference, dragging another into a television station toilet, forcing oral sex on a third in a bar bathroom, and pushing a Big Brother-connected radio employee against a wall while grabbing her breasts and groping her buttocks. Trial: June 3, 2026.

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Flooding killed 111 people in Mokwa market town, Niger State, destroying thousands of homes after Wednesday's torrential rains, reported officials Husseini Isah and Ibrahim Audu Husseini. A dam collapse worsened conditions. Mohammed Tanko lost 15 relatives; fisherman Danjuma Shaba lost his house. Climate change intensifies Nigeria's drainage problems. September 2024 Maiduguri floods killed 30. In 2023, floods killed 1,200 and displaced 1.2 million across 31 states.

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Supreme Court allowed Trump to revoke immigration parole for 532,000 Venezuelan, Cuban, Haitian, and Nicaraguan migrants with U.S. sponsors, enabling expedited deportation despite pending asylum applications. Justice Action Center called this devastating. Biden's humanitarian program required security checks for two-year legal status. Justices Jackson and Sotomayor dissented. Plaintiffs face return to dangerous countries where many risk persecution or death. Trump promised largest deportation wave in decades despite challenges with expatriation agreements.

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Trump's administration will aggressively revoke visas for Chinese students with Communist Party ties or in critical fields, announced by Rubio. Visa criteria for China and Hong Kong applicants will be revised. This jeopardizes US higher education revenue and strains US-China relations. Previously, Trump targeted students in sensitive fields with military links. China's Mao Ning lodged protests. China sent 277,398 students in 2023-24, surpassed by India according to a State Department-backed report.

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Prosecutor Sarah Hammond charged 53-year-old Paul Doyle with intentionally causing grievous bodily harm after he rammed Liverpool fans celebrating their 20th title, injuring 80 people aged 9-78. Merseyside Police confirmed it wasn't terrorism-related. Doyle, facing maximum life imprisonment, appears at Liverpool Magistrates' Court Friday. He bypassed a roadblock following an ambulance. Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims addressed concerns as seven victims remain hospitalized in stable condition.

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Elon Musk exits Trump's DOGE after four months, saving 1/1000th of his $2 trillion goal. Dubbed "co-president," Musk's White House tech team eliminated departments, causing thousands of job losses. Trump's biggest donor made an apparent Nazi salute and clashed with Treasury Secretary Bessent and advisor Navarro. According to Kamarck, despite Musk's disappointment with Trump's spending bill, their relationship will likely continue as he refocuses on SpaceX and Tesla.

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Harvard, founded before the nation itself, celebrated graduation as Trump officials demanded leadership changes, faculty audits, and viewpoint diversity, claiming antisemitic activism. They canceled $2.6 billion in grants, $100 million in contracts, halted visa interviews, and sought reducing international enrollment from 25% to 15%. Harvard's $53 billion endowment funds its legal defense as a federal judge blocked restrictions while graduates navigated pandemic and Gaza protest challenges.

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Israel announced 22 new West Bank settlements, illegal under international law. Finance Minister Smotrich called it historic, preventing a Palestinian state. Hamas condemned it as Judaization; Jordan called it a violation. Israel has 100+ settlements housing 500,000 settlers while 3 million Palestinians live under military rule. Settlement expansion accelerated before October 7 attack. UN condemns settlements as obstacles to peace.

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E.l.f. Beauty acquired Hailey Bieber's rhode (founded 2022) for $1 billion—their largest acquisition, exceeding $355 million Naturium purchase. The deal: $800 million plus potential $200 million performance bonus, closing later this year. Generating $212 million in sales, rhode's frequently sold-out 10 products will expand to Sephora in North America and UK. Bieber remains chief creative officer, with fans waiting hours for pop-ups.

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A court ruled the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act doesn't authorize tariffs. A three-judge panel determined Trump exceeded authority, jolting global financial markets and frustrating trade partners. The Trump administration appealed, with White House response unclear. Double-digit tariff hikes remain paused for 90 days, but uncertainty over eventual outcomes has stymied businesses. Stephen Innes of SPI Asset Management called it "a brief respite before the next thunderclap."

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NOTUS found HHS Secretary Kennedy's 72-page MAHA report on childhood chronic diseases cited nonexistent studies among 500+ references regarding screen time and medication use. Despite claiming "radical transparency" and "gold-standard science," Kennedy withheld author details. Press Secretary Leavitt and Spokesman Nixon acknowledged formatting errors while maintaining White House confidence. The report blames poor diet, vaccines, and stress for health disorders. White House requested $500 million for Kennedy's initiative pending policy recommendations.

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New York's Court of International Trade ruled Trump's global reciprocal tariffs illegal, stating "Worldwide and Retaliatory Tariff Orders exceed authority granted by IEEPA." The court invalidated all tariffs since January, including those on Canada, Mexico and China regarding fentanyl and border security. Trump's April announcement claimed the 49-year, $1.2 trillion deficit justified emergency measures to return manufacturing jobs to America.

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Retired surgeon Joël Le Scouarnec (74) received 20 years for abusing 299 patients in French hospitals during 1989-2014. Despite mechanical apologies, prosecutors requested post-release treatment. Already serving 15 years, he admitted 111 rapes and 189 sexual assaults, mostly on children under 15 while anesthetized. He practiced until 2017 despite a 2005 child pornography conviction, documenting crimes and claiming responsibility for Mathis Vinet's suicide.

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Merseyside Police arrested a 53-year-old white British Liverpool man who rammed a car into crowds celebrating Liverpool FC's Premier League win. Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims ruled out terrorism. North West Ambulance Service reported 27 hospitalized, including four children, one seriously injured. Merseyside Fire and Rescue freed four trapped victims. Eyewitness Harry Rashid described the vehicle moving "extremely fast" during the bank holiday parade attended by one million. PM Starmer called scenes "appalling."

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Secretary Rubio ordered US State Department's suspension of student visa processing for expanded social media vetting via internal cable. Since January 20, Trump's administration canceled hundreds of visas and banned Harvard from admitting non-Americans. Spokesperson Tammy Bruce told AFP they ensure visitors have no criminal intent and will be contributors. Student activism appears targeted through an obscure law allowing removal of foreigners counter to US interests, despite official denials.

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Trump extended EU tariff threats until July 9 after speaking with von der Leyen, posting on Truth Social. Brussels and Washington negotiate to avoid trade war. Trump initially threatened 50% tariffs June 1, previously proposing 20% before reducing to 10%. Sefcovic seeks "mutual respect" while promising retaliation. Klingbeil discussed with Bessent, warning tariffs endanger both US and European economies. Trump imposed 25% tariffs on steel/aluminum and cars; 10% baseline tariff remains.

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Diego Maradona's medical team's homicide case was declared a mistrial after Judge Makintach resigned for being filmed in a documentary, breaching judicial rules. The 60-year-old died from heart failure after skull-brain surgery in 2020. He led Argentina to 1986 World Cup victory, scored the "Hand of God" goal, elevated Napoli to glory, and battled drug addiction. Seven medical professionals face 8-25 years for negligent homicide.

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53-year-old Joseph Kabila returned to M23 rebel-held Goma after two years in South Africa, following immunity removal. He succeeded father Laurent in 2001, ruling DR Congo for 18 years before transferring power to Tshisekedi in 2019. His PPRD party was banned after Rwanda-backed M23 rebels, fighting since 2012, captured mineral-rich eastern territory, displacing hundreds of thousands. Facing war crimes accusations, Kabila called the government a "dictatorship."

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Trump's administration is canceling Harvard's $100 million contracts by June 6. Previously, $2.6 billion research funding was suspended and international students banned. Trump threatened diverting $3 billion to trade schools and revoking tax-exempt status. Homeland Security Secretary Noem demanded student records. Harvard sued in April. Gruenbaum cited antisemitism concerns and Harvard Law Review's $65,000 fellowship to a protester. Garber called actions "perplexing."

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Emmanuel Macron delivered Friday's keynote at Singapore's annual Shangri-La defense conference, warning against revisionist countries creating coercion spheres from Europe to South China Sea. Following Indonesia-Vietnam tour positioning France as reliable defense partner, he advocated Europe-Asia alliance amid US-China tensions. Macron linked Ukraine support to Taiwan and Philippines scenarios. PM Wong agreed, endorsing win-win arrangements over zero-sum competition.

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US Envoy Witkoff proposed releasing 28 of 58 hostages (10 living, 18 deceased) in two rounds during a 60-day ceasefire. IDF would withdraw from recently captured areas with aid distribution returning to UN from Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. Hamas falsely claimed agreement to previous version. Netanyahu called cabinet meeting while Lapid urged acceptance despite Smotrich/Ben-Gvir opposition. Final day arrangements remain contentious.

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British-Americans Andrew (38) and Tristan Tate (36) will face 21 UK criminal charges after Romanian proceedings conclude. Bedfordshire Police secured a March 2024 warrant. CPS charged Andrew with rape, actual bodily harm, human trafficking, and controlling prostitution involving three victims. Tristan faces similar charges plus sex with a minor. Under travel restrictions since December 2022 arrest, they briefly visited Florida before returning March 2025, denying all 2012-2015 UK allegations.

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Palestinians stormed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation aid sites in Rafah. Israeli military fired warning shots as crowds tore down fences. The UN boycotted the foundation, citing politicization concerns. Over 54,000 Palestinians have died, including 3,901 since March, following Hamas' October 7 attack that killed 1,200 Israelis and took 251 hostages. Facial recognition technology at distribution points raised fears as 8,000 food boxes were distributed amid growing famine risk.

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Faizan Zaki won the 100th Scripps National Spelling Bee, earning over $50,000. The competition began in 1925, with Faizan becoming the 110th champion due to past ties including an eight-way tie in 2019 and several two-way ties. Nine students ages 11-14 who qualified through local and regional bees competed, narrowing to Sarv Dharavane, Sarvadnya Kadam, and Faizan, who won by spelling éclaircissement.

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French National Assembly approved assisted dying 305-199, backed by Macron, targeting 2027 implementation. Terminally ill patients with constant suffering can request death after 48-hour confirmation. France would become eighth EU country with this option. Patients can self-administer lethal doses or use medical assistants. Conservative critics, including Catholic Church and Prime Minister François Bayrou, opposed the measure. Blocking assisted dying carries two-year jail penalty. Companion palliative care bill addresses 48% patient shortage.

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Trump declared China violated its tariff agreement, posting "So much for being Mr. NICE GUY!" on Truth Social. Treasury Secretary Bessent told Fox News talks between world's two biggest economies are "stalled" requiring Trump and Xi's direct involvement. Two weeks after breakthrough negotiations produced a 90-day truce from triple-digit tariffs, triggering a stock rally, long-standing U.S. complaints about China's state-dominated, export-driven model remain for future talks.

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Chancellor Merz claimed Ukraine's allies lifted restrictions on Western weapons striking Russia, contradicted by Klingbeil. Scholz opposed donating 500-kilometer Taurus missiles. Putin understands German debates. Defense Minister Pistorius criticized dissent. Institute for the Study of War identified Russian targets within Storm Shadow and ATACMS missiles' range. Kremlin spokesman Peskov warned of danger. Atlantic Council noted Moscow's red lines were mocked when British missiles struck Crimea. Only 30% of Germans supported sending weapons.

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Kami Rita Sherpa, 55, achieved his 31st Mount Everest summit guiding Indian army officials. First summiting in 1994, he's scaled the 8,894m peak twice some years. Seven Summit Treks calls him "a global symbol." His competitor Pasang Dawa has 29 summits. Kenton Cool broke the non-sherpa record with 19 summits. Nepal issued 1,000+ permits amid overcrowding concerns, implementing a poo disposal rule. Over 500 climbers succeeded this season.

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King Charles and Queen Camilla visit Canada where he'll deliver the throne speech opening parliament's 45th session—first by a king. They'll meet Indigenous leaders before visiting Lansdowne Park and Rideau Hall. Charles will receive military honors including a 21-gun salute. Carney invited Charles amid US tensions with Trump imposing tariffs. The King has made symbolic gestures supporting Canadian sovereignty, including wearing Canadian medals and praising Canada's resilience.

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Per a Department of Homeland Security notice, the Trump administration gave Harvard University 30 days to contest its effort to end foreign student enrollment through the Student Exchange and Visitor Program. A federal judge is hearing arguments for a preliminary injunction in Massachusetts federal court. Foreign students must transfer or lose legal status as federal funding is targeted. President Garber told graduates they'll impact communities they serve.

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Gary Lineker, 64, BBC's £1.3 million presenter, exits all roles including Match of the Day and World Cup coverage after sharing a Palestine Lobby post titled 'Zionism explained in two minutes' with antisemitic rat imagery. BBC chief Tim Davie confirmed his departure following the controversy, despite Lineker's apology.

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Premier Wab Kinew declared emergency as 17,000 northern Manitobans fled 22 active wildfires, with 102 fires exceeding averages. Flin Flon's air tasted like ashtray as flames approached 500m from city. Evacuees photographed belongings before joining highway convoys. 125 firefighters battle blazes while poor visibility grounded water bombers. Multiple communities received evacuation orders, with Winnipeg establishing reception centers. The fire originated in Creighton, Saskatchewan, with evacuees uncertain when they can return.

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VP Vance urged cryptocurrency engagement at a Las Vegas bitcoin conference, warning the $3 trillion industry needs regulatory clarity. Trump's administration established a strategic bitcoin reserve, pardoned Ulbricht, and holds 60% stake in World Liberty Financial's stablecoin. Trump Media announced $2.5 billion bitcoin investment while Senate advanced stablecoin legislation. Vance credited Winklevoss twins for political influence and positioned crypto against regulators and Chinese opposition.

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Russia launched 355 drones at Ukraine, deploying 900 over three days after rejecting a 30-day ceasefire Ukraine accepted in March. Russia targets civilians while assembling for summer offensive. Trump criticized "absolutely crazy" Putin while expressing frustration with Zelenskyy. EU's Kallas called attacks "appalling" as both Trump and EU threatened sanctions. The nations swapped 1,000 POWs each in three exchanges—the only tangible outcome from Istanbul talks.

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Capricorn Clark testified Sean 'Diddy' Combs kidnapped her at gunpoint in 2011, forcing her to join a plot to kill Kid Cudi (Scott Mescudi) over his relationship with Cassie Ventura. Combs allegedly broke into Mescudi's home and orchestrated a Molotov attack on his Porsche. Facing possible life imprisonment for racketeering and sex trafficking, Combs threatened Clark repeatedly, yet she remained loyal, citing his breaking "the black ceiling" in business.

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ACEA data shows Tesla's European sales dropped 49% in April despite 25% BEV market growth and EU's 2035 zero-emission target. Model Y upgrade failed as Tesla's market share fell from 1.3% to 0.7%, while BYD overtook Tesla. SAIC and Mitsubishi grew 24.5% and 22.1%. Musk's Trump ties alienated Europeans. Chinese models like BYD's half-priced Qin L and feature-rich Xiaomi SU7 dominate. Manufacturers evade 45.3% tariffs by establishing European plants, including Chery in Spain and BYD in Hungary.

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Judge Allison Burroughs issued a temporary restraining order blocking the Trump administration's directive against Harvard University hours after their lawsuit was filed in Boston federal court. The Department of Homeland Security's order would cause "immediate and irreparable injury," preventing enrollment of international students—27% of Harvard's student body. President Donald Trump's actions against elite colleges allegedly exceed legal measures in addressing campus antisemitism, leaving thousands of foreign students in limbo.

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38 Palestinians died in Israeli airstrikes across Gaza, hitting Musa bin Nusayr School, Nuseirat camp, and Abu Samra home. Total Palestinian deaths reach 53,486. Israel ended 11-week blockade for basic aid. Hamas's October 7 attacks killed 1,200 Israelis, took 251 hostages; 58 remain, 23 believed alive. UN deems aid insufficient.

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Iranian dissident Jafar Panahi won Cannes' Palme d'Or for "It Was Just an Accident" presented by Cate Blanchett. After Evin Prison and a hunger strike, he plans returning to Tehran. Neon secured its sixth consecutive Palme. Wagner Moura won best actor, Nadia Melliti best actress, and Dardenne brothers best screenplay. "The President's Cake" won Camera d'Or. Robert De Niro called Trump "America's philistine president." Mohammad Rasoulof fled Iran last year.

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Ukraine-Russia exchanged 307 soldiers each Saturday after releasing 390 combatants Friday at Belarus border, fulfilling Istanbul-agreed 1,000-prisoner swap. Hours earlier, Russian strikes with 14 missiles and 250 Shahed drones wounded 15 across six Kyiv districts, prompting Mayor Klitschko's warnings. Three died in Odesa. President Zelensky expects more exchanges. EU ambassador Mathernová called attacks evidence Putin wants continued war. Ukrainian drones struck Tula's explosives plant making rocket fuel.

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Namibia commemorates on May 28 the German genocide that killed 60,000 Herero and 10,000 Nama people (1904-1908) after they rebelled against land and cattle seizure in German South West Africa. Germans beheaded victims for racial superiority experiments. Germany recognized the genocide only in 2021, pledging one billion euros over 30 years. After German departure in 1915, Namibia passed to South African rule until independence in 1990. The commemoration begins national healing.

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Gaza Humanitarian Foundation launches by May with UG Solutions and Safe Reach Solutions. No aid reached Palestinians since March 2, with Israel blocking deliveries until Hamas releases hostages from October 2023. Half million face starvation. Farhan Haq and Tom Fletcher criticized replacing UN with secure distribution sites in southern and northern Gaza. Jake Wood promised no personally identifiable information sharing with Israel. ICRC expressed concerns about politicizing aid.

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Court blocked Trump's April 2 "Liberation Day" tariffs, boosting markets despite appeal. Trump paused duties 90 days, secured Britain pact only. S&P 500 rose 3.8%, gold up 4%, dollar down 4%, Treasury yields hit 4.5%. Export-sensitive sectors led European gains; Wall Street futures rose 1.5%. Investors shifted to tactical trades with shorter horizons. Policy uncertainty delays business decisions, affecting growth. Asian markets, especially Korea and Japan, rallied. Central banks maintain cautious stance amid toxic trade uncertainty.

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Israeli strike killed nine children of Khan Younis pediatrician Alaa al-Najjar while she worked at Nasser Hospital. Her husband is severely wounded; only 11-year-old Adam survives critically. Hamas condemned Israel's targeting of medical personnel. The Israeli military claimed it struck fighters near evacuated areas. Gaza's Health Ministry reports 53,901 deaths since October 2023. UN rapporteur called it part of genocide.

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Warsaw Mayor Trzaskowski (30.8%) faces PiS's Nawrocki (29.1%) in Poland's June 1 presidential runoff. The NATO member bordering Ukraine chooses between Trzaskowski's pro-EU stance, supporting LGBTQ and abortion rights, and Nawrocki's conservative values. Prime Minister Tusk's judicial reforms, blocked by President Duda, await the winner's veto power, determining Poland's European versus Trump-aligned future.

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French President Emmanuel Macron dismissed Le Parisien headlines about wife Brigitte pushing hands on his face during their May 25, 2025 Hanoi arrival as playful squabbling. A uniformed man opened the plane door revealing the incident captured in a Reuters photo. Formerly Brigitte Auzière, she was his teacher before their 2007 marriage. They descended carpeted stairs side-by-side. Macron warned this exemplified social media disinformation, calling reactions a "geo-planetary catastrophe" during their Southeast Asia tour.

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First American Pope Leo XIV leads 1.4 billion Catholics after 24-hour May 8 conclave. The Chicago-born Augustinian addressed 200,000 at St. Peter's Square, advocating unity and peace. VP Vance attended as Leo embraced MAGA-supporting brother Louis Prevost. He highlighted Ukraine peace, Gaza suffering, traditional papal symbols while omitting Hamas's October 7 attack.

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Haribo recalls 1kg Happy Cola F!ZZ in Netherlands after cannabis traces were found. NVWA spokesperson Saida Ahyad confirmed to AFP cannabis was in the bottles. A Twente family fell ill, prompting police investigation that alerted NVWA. Three bags with code L341-4002307906, expiring January 2026, are affected. Haribo told CBS/BBC News they're working with authorities to investigate the contamination source.

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Russia bombarded Ukraine with 298 drones and 69 missiles, killing 12 people including three children across Kyiv, Zhytomyr, Mykolaiv, and Khmelnytskyi. Mayors Vitali Klitschko and Sergei Sobyanin reported attacks on their capitals. Following February 2022's invasion, both nations exchanged 1,000 prisoners each after Turkiye peace talks, with 390 already released. President Zelenskyy announced more exchanges coming as Moscow airports faced restrictions.

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Robert Kennedy Jr, Marty Makary, and Jay Bhattacharya halted routine COVID-19 vaccinations for pregnant women and healthy children, bypassing CDC's process. This contradicts studies showing vaccination safety during pregnancy and Biden's previous recommendations. Kennedy is reshaping health policy to align with Trump's goal. William Schaffner called this "pre-emptory" while Dorit Reiss warned about litigation risks. Cody Meissner supported the decision, claiming previous recommendations were politically motivated. Moderna and Pfizer didn't comment. Insurers are reviewing coverage policies.

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