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First Hong Kong astronaut launches into space onboard Chinese mission

First Hong Kong astronaut launches into space onboard Chinese mission

May 25, 2026 • BBC Top Stories

Summary

Li Jiaying, a 43-year-old police officer from Hong Kong, became the first astronaut from Hong Kong to go to space. She and two other Chinese astronauts launched aboard Shenzhou-23 and docked at China’s Tiangong space station, where one crew member will spend a year in orbit studying the effects of microgravity on the human body.

Key Facts

  • Li Jiaying is Hong Kong’s first astronaut in space and serves as the payload scientist on the mission.
  • The crew includes two other astronauts: Zhu Yangzhu, a space engineer, and Zhang Zhiyuan, a former air force pilot.
  • The Shenzhou-23 launched from the Gobi desert and docked at the Tiangong space station in China.
  • One crew member will stay in space for a full year to help study how the body reacts to long stays in microgravity.
  • China aims to send humans to the moon by 2030 and is competing with the US, which plans a crewed moon landing by 2028.
  • China has been conducting six-month space station stays since 2021 and is expanding its expertise for longer missions.
  • China’s recent space activities include the Chang’e-6 mission that brought back moon rock samples and plans for future moon missions with the Mengzhou spacecraft.
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BBC Top Stories BBC World
Rubio says 'solid' Iran deal may come on Monday

Rubio says 'solid' Iran deal may come on Monday

May 25, 2026 • BBC World

Summary

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said negotiators have a strong draft deal with Iran that might be finalized on Monday. The deal may include a 60-day ceasefire, reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and future talks on Iran’s nuclear program.

Key Facts

  • Rubio called the deal "pretty solid" but said talks are still ongoing.
  • President Donald Trump told negotiators not to rush into a deal.
  • The proposed agreement involves extending the ceasefire by 60 days and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for global oil trade.
  • US intelligence reports Iran’s supreme leader is hiding, complicating communication.
  • The deal leaves key issues unresolved, like sanctions relief and nuclear restrictions.
  • Some US Republican leaders criticize the deal as too soft on Iran.
  • Trump stated any deal with Iran would be "good and proper" and highlighted that Iran must not gain nuclear weapons.
  • The conflict began after US and Israeli strikes on Iran, leading to fighting and closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which raised oil prices worldwide.
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BBC World BBC Top Stories BBC US
Nacc chief Paul Brereton resigns as head of anti-corruption body

Nacc chief Paul Brereton resigns as head of anti-corruption body

May 25, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

Paul Brereton, Australia’s first national anti-corruption commissioner, will resign in July 2024. He said criticism about conflicts of interest is distracting the agency from its main goals, and he believes the commission is ready for new leadership.

Key Facts

  • Paul Brereton has been the national anti-corruption commissioner since July 2023.
  • He will step down on July 6, 2024.
  • Brereton faced criticism for doing consulting work related to his former role while leading the anti-corruption body.
  • The work was connected to an inquiry on alleged war crimes involving Australian soldiers in Afghanistan.
  • The anti-corruption commission initially chose not to investigate six people referred by the robodebt royal commission but changed that decision later.
  • An internal review found Brereton showed “apprehended bias” by not stepping aside when a possible conflict of interest arose.
  • The report did not find any intentional wrongdoing by Brereton.
  • Public trust in the anti-corruption body has been affected due to concerns about conflicts of interest and transparency.
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Guardian World
Venezuela inmates occupy prison roof and set fire to mattresses to protest alleged abuses

Venezuela inmates occupy prison roof and set fire to mattresses to protest alleged abuses

May 25, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

Inmates at a prison in Barinas, Venezuela, protested on the roof by setting mattresses on fire and demanding the removal of the prison director. They accused guards of shooting unarmed prisoners and reported limited access to clothing and visits. Clashes occurred outside between inmates’ families and the National Guard.

Key Facts

  • The protest took place at a prison in Barinas, about 500 km from Caracas.
  • Prisoners accused the prison director of allowing guards to shoot at unarmed inmates.
  • Inmates set fire to mattresses and sheets on the roof as part of the protest.
  • They called for an end to torture and the removal of the prison director.
  • Families of inmates clashed with National Guard officers outside the prison.
  • Around 1,200 male and more than 100 female inmates joined the protest.
  • Prisoners said their clothes were taken away and visits were banned.
  • The Venezuelan Observatory of Prisons is documenting the situation and reporting it to human rights groups.
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Guardian World
Middle East crisis live: Rubio says US-Iran agreement ‘pretty solid’ as oil price falls amid optimism for deal

Middle East crisis live: Rubio says US-Iran agreement ‘pretty solid’ as oil price falls amid optimism for deal

May 25, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said a deal with Iran to end the war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz could happen soon, as oil prices dropped and Asian stock markets rose on hopes for an agreement. President Donald Trump said negotiations are moving well but urged patience, keeping the US blockade on Iranian ships until a deal is fully approved.

Key Facts

  • Marco Rubio said a deal with Iran might be reached "today" to end the war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
  • Oil prices fell to a two-week low, with Brent crude down 4.5% to $98.83 a barrel.
  • President Trump advised negotiators "not to rush" and said the US blockade on Iranian ships would stay until a deal is signed.
  • The possible agreement is seen as close to the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, which Trump withdrew from during his first term.
  • Critics argue the deal may only return to the situation before the war began, rather than improving it.
  • Israeli strikes continued in southern and eastern Lebanon despite a ceasefire, with casualties rising.
  • Hezbollah leader expressed hope for the Iran-US deal to include a full stop to fighting in Lebanon.
  • An Israeli soldier was killed in southern Lebanon, increasing Israeli military deaths to 23 in the conflict.
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Guardian World
Rubio’s visit to India focuses on US trade tensions, the Quad alliance and sightseeing

Rubio’s visit to India focuses on US trade tensions, the Quad alliance and sightseeing

May 25, 2026 • AP News

Summary

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited India to improve relations between the two countries amid recent trade disagreements. During his visit, he met with Indian leaders to discuss cooperation on trade, defense, energy, and the Quad alliance focused on regional security.

Key Facts

  • Marco Rubio’s visit aims to strengthen U.S.-India ties after trade tensions caused by U.S. tariffs on Indian goods.
  • The tariffs were related to India’s continued purchase of Russian oil, which upset U.S. officials.
  • An interim trade deal eased some tariffs and increased Indian purchases of U.S. products like energy.
  • Talks for a broader trade deal between India and the U.S. are still ongoing.
  • Rubio met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar.
  • Rubio called India a key strategic partner and expressed hope for finalizing a trade agreement soon.
  • President Donald Trump invited Prime Minister Modi to visit Washington later in 2026.
  • Rubio planned meetings with Quad alliance members—India, Australia, and Japan—to discuss maritime security and countering China’s influence in the Indo-Pacific.
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Anti-Semitism was 'left unchecked’ in Australia after Gaza war, spy chief says

Anti-Semitism was 'left unchecked’ in Australia after Gaza war, spy chief says

May 25, 2026 • France24

Summary

Australia’s spy chief, Mike Burgess, told an inquiry that anti-Semitism in Australia increased and was left unchecked after the 2023 Gaza war. This rise in hostility against Jewish people contributed to a higher national terrorism threat level and preceded the deadly Bondi Beach attack in December 2025.

Key Facts

  • Anti-Semitism grew in Australia after the Gaza conflict began in October 2023.
  • The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) raised the terrorism threat level to “probable” in August 2024 because of increasing anti-Semitic actions.
  • Before the December 2025 Bondi Beach attack, anti-Semitic acts escalated from intimidation to direct attacks on individuals, businesses, and places of worship.
  • The Bondi Beach attack killed 15 people attending a Jewish Hanukkah event.
  • ASIO linked Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to two anti-Semitic attacks on a kosher restaurant in Sydney and a synagogue in Melbourne.
  • Iran’s ambassador was expelled from Australia in August 2024 due to these findings.
  • Iran likely played a role in other attacks, but ASIO could not confirm full responsibility.
  • The inquiry, or Royal Commission, is examining the rise of anti-Semitism and the events leading up to the Bondi attack.
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France24
Iran live updates: Peace deal a 'work in progress,' Rubio says

Iran live updates: Peace deal a 'work in progress,' Rubio says

May 25, 2026 • ABC News

Summary

The United States and Iran are working on a peace deal after months of conflict involving U.S.-Israeli strikes and a blockade. Talks are ongoing, aiming at reopening the Strait of Hormuz and addressing Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium, but no final agreement has been reached yet.

Key Facts

  • President Donald Trump announced major military operations against Iran on February 28, 2026.
  • U.S. and Israeli forces targeted military and government sites in Iran.
  • A two-week ceasefire was announced but initial peace talks in Pakistan failed.
  • The ceasefire was extended indefinitely while negotiations continue.
  • Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the peace deal is still "a work in progress."
  • The U.S. wants Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route, and is discussing lifting a naval blockade.
  • The talks include Iran agreeing to dispose of its enriched uranium stockpile.
  • Separate discussions are ongoing about the conflict involving Lebanon, Israel, and Hezbollah.
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ABC News
Rare ancient rainforest in Northern Ireland set to come back to life

Rare ancient rainforest in Northern Ireland set to come back to life

May 25, 2026 • BBC Top Stories

Summary

A rare type of ancient forest called a temperate rainforest is being restored in Northern Ireland. An organization called Ulster Wildlife has started a 100-year project to bring back this rare forest by planting native trees, with financial support from a company called Aviva.

Key Facts

  • Northern Ireland has a rare ancient woodland known as a temperate rainforest or Atlantic/Celtic rainforest.
  • Only 0.04% of Northern Ireland’s land is ancient woodland.
  • Ulster Wildlife is leading a 100-year restoration project at Lenamore Wood near Omagh.
  • Nearly 30,000 native trees like oak, alder, and rowan have been planted since early 2026.
  • The project is funded partly by Aviva, which has committed around £38 million to restore these rainforests across the UK.
  • Temperate rainforests have high rainfall, mild temperatures, and lots of humidity which support mosses, lichens, and a variety of plants and animals.
  • These forests were once widespread but were cleared for farming and settlements over thousands of years, with major losses between the 16th and 19th centuries.
  • It will take about 100 years for the forest to fully regrow at the project site.
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BBC Top Stories
Venezuelan prisoners stage rooftop protest over alleged abuse and shootings

Venezuelan prisoners stage rooftop protest over alleged abuse and shootings

May 25, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Summary

Prisoners in Barinas prison, western Venezuela, climbed onto the roof to protest. They demanded the removal of the prison director, accusing him of overseeing guards who shot unarmed inmates.

Key Facts

  • The protest took place on the roof of Barinas prison.
  • Prisoners said they suffered abuse inside the prison.
  • They accused the prison director of allowing guards to shoot unarmed inmates.
  • The protest happened in western Venezuela.
  • Inmates called for the director to be removed from his position.
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Al Jazeera
Half of UK adults say they spend less than three hours a week outside in nature

Half of UK adults say they spend less than three hours a week outside in nature

May 25, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

A recent survey found that nearly half of adults in the UK spend less than three hours per week outdoors in nature, despite many having happy childhood memories of playing outside. Access to green spaces varies, with some areas lacking nearby parks, and local councils struggling to maintain parks due to budget pressures.

Key Facts

  • Almost 90% of UK adults remember playing outside as children with positive feelings.
  • Nearly 50% of adults now spend less than three hours a week outside in natural places like parks and woods.
  • 10% of adults spend less than one hour outside weekly.
  • Two-thirds of people spent more than half their free time outside during childhood.
  • Spending time in nature helps improve physical and mental health and can reduce doctor visits.
  • One in five UK households does not have a green space within a 15-minute walk.
  • Parks and green spaces face funding cuts due to local councils’ financial pressures.
  • The government plans to create three new national forests to improve access to green spaces.
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Guardian World
Sweden’s PM puts IVF at centre of re-election bid amid record low birthrate

Sweden’s PM puts IVF at centre of re-election bid amid record low birthrate

May 25, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

Sweden’s Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson has made funding IVF (a treatment helping people have babies) a key part of his plan to be re-elected. The government recently increased free IVF attempts for first children from three to six and now promises to also fund IVF for families wanting more children, aiming to address Sweden’s lowest birthrate since 1749.

Key Facts

  • Sweden’s birthrate fell to 1.42 children per woman last year, the lowest since records began in 1749.
  • The government increased free IVF attempts for first-time parents from three to six rounds.
  • Prime Minister Kristersson promises to fund IVF attempts for additional children if re-elected.
  • A single IVF attempt costs roughly 50,000 Swedish kronor (about £3,975).
  • One in six couples in Sweden cannot have children naturally and want this support.
  • The government is studying ways to reverse the birthrate decline, warning that future generations could be much smaller.
  • Some experts say cultural changes, not just IVF access, influence why people in Sweden are having fewer children.
  • Opposition parties support more family aid but caution against using IVF promises just as political tools.
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Guardian World
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‘Massive’ child abuse scandal in France as school staff investigated for violence and sexual assault

‘Massive’ child abuse scandal in France as school staff investigated for violence and sexual assault

May 25, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

French police are investigating more than 100 accusations of child abuse, including violence and sexual assault, by school monitors at state nursery and primary schools in Paris. These monitors supervise children during breaks and after-school activities but are often hired without proper training or checks. The city of Paris has started a €20 million plan to improve this system.

Key Facts

  • Over 100 allegations involve abuse and rape of children as young as three at public schools in Paris.
  • Investigations cover 84 preschools, about 20 primary schools, and around 10 daycare centers.
  • School monitors are adults who watch over children during lunch, naps, and after-school care but are hired by local authorities, not the education ministry.
  • Many monitors lack professional training or formal qualifications and are often paid hourly.
  • Parents and lawyers say the recruitment process for monitors is weak, allowing abuse to happen.
  • Some accused monitors have been moved between schools despite prior complaints.
  • A €20 million plan was launched by the Paris mayor to fix problems in the school monitor system.
  • Trials are ongoing for monitors accused of sexually abusing multiple children in Paris schools.
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Guardian World
‘She does not back down’: the couple seeking to legalise same-sex marriage in Botswana

‘She does not back down’: the couple seeking to legalise same-sex marriage in Botswana

May 25, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

A couple in Botswana is seeking to legalise same-sex marriage by challenging the existing law that defines marriage as between a man and a woman. Botswana decriminalised same-sex relations in 2019, but same-sex marriage is still banned, and the government is opposing the couple’s court case scheduled for July 2024.

Key Facts

  • Bonolo Selelo and Tsholofelo Kumile, a same-sex couple in Botswana, want to get married legally.
  • They were told by a local government office that same-sex marriage is not allowed in Botswana.
  • They launched a court case to challenge the ban, with hearings set for 14 and 15 July 2024.
  • Botswana decriminalised same-sex relations in 2019, overturning a colonial-era law.
  • The government argues that the Marriage Act only allows marriage between a man and a woman.
  • The couple cites another law, the Interpretation Act, to support their case for marriage rights.
  • Botswana is one of several southern African countries that have legalised same-sex relations recently.
  • Public opinion in Botswana about LGBTQ+ people has become less positive since 2019.
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Guardian World
The byelection, Wes Streeting and Europe: your questions answered – podcast

The byelection, Wes Streeting and Europe: your questions answered – podcast

May 25, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

This article provides links and information related to recent political discussions involving immigration plans supported by Andy Burnham, as well as an interview with Wes Streeting. It also invites readers to send comments and questions to hosts of a political podcast.

Key Facts

  • Andy Burnham supports immigration plans proposed by Shabana Mahmood.
  • There is a full interview available featuring Wes Streeting.
  • Readers are encouraged to send their comments and questions to the podcast hosts via email.
  • The content is related to UK politics and current political debates.
  • The article references a political podcast called Politics Weekly UK.
  • A photo credited to Temilade Adelaja/Reuters accompanies the article.
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Guardian World
Africa Day 2026: Has the continent achieved true liberation?

Africa Day 2026: Has the continent achieved true liberation?

May 25, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Summary

Africa Day 2026 marks 63 years since the Organisation of African Unity was founded, celebrating political liberation from colonial rule. However, many Africans now question if true freedom has been achieved, focusing on economic control, debt, and digital dependence rather than just political independence.

Key Facts

  • The Organisation of African Unity (OAU) was founded on May 25, 1963, and is remembered as a symbol of Africa’s political liberation.
  • Older generations view Africa Day as a reminder of gaining self-governance from colonial powers.
  • Young Africans and experts now focus on economic challenges like rising debt and limited control over financial decisions.
  • Many African countries depend on loans and investments from Western powers, China, and groups like BRICS, which influence their policies.
  • Economic independence is questioned since Africa often produces goods it does not consume and relies on imported products.
  • Digital technology in Africa is growing, with mobile money and AI becoming common, especially in big cities.
  • Much of Africa’s digital infrastructure, such as undersea cables and data centers, is owned or controlled by foreign companies.
  • There is concern that digital dependency may be a new form of economic control similar to past colonial influences.
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Al Jazeera
Middle East war live: Rubio says Iran deal still possible Monday

Middle East war live: Rubio says Iran deal still possible Monday

May 25, 2026 • France24

Summary

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said a deal to end the war with Iran might happen soon. Meanwhile, fighting continues in the Middle East, including Israeli military operations in southern Lebanon, and efforts to transport oil and gas through the region.

Key Facts

  • Marco Rubio said a deal with Iran to end the war could happen "today" and supported Israel's right to defend itself against attacks.
  • One Israeli soldier was killed and another wounded in fighting in southern Lebanon.
  • Ships carrying oil and liquefied natural gas from the Middle East are moving through the Strait of Hormuz toward countries like Pakistan and China.
  • Japanese government bonds rose after signs of possible peace progress in the Middle East, reducing fears of inflation.
  • President Donald Trump said the deal with Iran has been "largely negotiated" but emphasized the US will not rush into an agreement.
  • Pakistan has offered to host the next Iran-US peace talks soon.
  • Australian activists detained by Israel during a Gaza aid flotilla returned home, reporting abuse and injuries.
  • Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Trump agreed that any deal with Iran must remove its nuclear threat.
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France24
Russia invites media to view deadly strike on college in Luhansk

Russia invites media to view deadly strike on college in Luhansk

May 25, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Summary

Russia showed media images of damage to a college in Luhansk caused by a Ukrainian strike. Russia said 21 people died, but Ukraine denied this and said it targeted a Russian drone command unit instead.

Key Facts

  • The strike hit a college in the city of Luhansk, which is occupied by Russian forces.
  • Russia reported that 21 people were killed in the attack.
  • Ukraine denied killing civilians and said it targeted a Russian drone command center.
  • Russia allowed media to see the damage from the strike, which is uncommon.
  • The area is part of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
  • Both sides give different accounts of what happened and who was affected.
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Al Jazeera
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Bondi beach gunmen shot 11 people within 30 seconds of opening fire, royal commission hears

Bondi beach gunmen shot 11 people within 30 seconds of opening fire, royal commission hears

May 25, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

Two gunmen opened fire at a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach on December 14, killing 15 people. A royal commission in Sydney heard details of the attack, police response, and security agency resources related to preventing such events.

Key Facts

  • The attack happened on December 14 at a Jewish Hanukkah event at Bondi Beach.
  • Two shooters, Sajid Akram and his son Naveed, fired from a footbridge above Archer Park.
  • Fifteen people were killed; Sajid Akram was killed by police, Naveed was wounded and arrested.
  • The shooting lasted about 30 seconds, during which 11 people were shot and 10 died.
  • Police had a mobile presence at the event but not a static, continuous guard as requested.
  • Three police officers were injured in the attack; 11 officers arrived within five minutes.
  • There was no specific intelligence or warning about a possible attack on the celebration.
  • The head of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) testified that although the agency’s overall funding increased, resources focused on counter-terrorism decreased.
  • ASIO considers its current resources sufficient but acknowledges they are stretched and can request more if needed.
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Guardian World
Building collapse in Philippines leaves 3 dead, 17 missing

Building collapse in Philippines leaves 3 dead, 17 missing

May 25, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Summary

A building under construction collapsed in Angeles City, Philippines, killing three people and leaving 17 missing. Rescue teams are searching for survivors, but operations are difficult and slow due to unstable debris.

Key Facts

  • The building collapse happened in Angeles City, north of Manila.
  • Three people have died, including one who was rescued alive but died later.
  • Seventeen construction workers are reported missing.
  • About 70 workers were employed at the site, but most had left for the weekend.
  • Thermal scans show signs of life under the rubble, suggesting possible survivors.
  • Rescue crews are working carefully to avoid more collapses or injuries.
  • Mechanical equipment will be used only after rescue attempts to find survivors end.
  • Officials are investigating the cause, and authorities are trying to contact the building owner.
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