US President Donald Trump has told critics of his Israeli-backed war on Iran to 'sit back and relax.' Posting on Truth Social, Trump claimed that securing a deal with Iran to end the conflict was being complicated by what he described as 'political hacks' who 'keep negatively chirping,' but assured that 'it will all work out well in the end. It always does!'
US and Iran Exchange Strikes
The United States announced that it struck Iranian military sites over the weekend, while the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps stated on Monday that it had targeted an airbase used by the US for an attack on southern Iran. Air defenses in Kuwait, home to a large US base, were intercepting missile and drone attacks on Monday as sirens blared across the country, according to the state news agency Kuna. This exchange of strikes has occurred sporadically since a ceasefire took effect in early April, as negotiations for a more durable agreement continue. The war, launched by the US and Israel on February 28, has resulted in thousands of deaths, primarily in Iran and Lebanon, and has driven up global energy prices.
Lead Prosecutor Withdraws from James Comey Case
The lead prosecutor in the criminal case against former FBI director James Comey has withdrawn, according to a court filing. The Justice Department notified the court on Friday evening that Matthew Petracca, a prosecutor from the US Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina, had been replaced by Assistant US Attorney Timothy Severo. No explanation was provided for the change. Comey, indicted in North Carolina in April, faces up to 10 years in prison for a social media post featuring seashells arranged to read '86 47,' which prosecutors allege constituted a threat against President Trump. Comey denies the allegation.
Colombia's Far-Right Candidate Wins First Round
Far-right lawyer Abelardo de la Espriella won the first round of Colombia's presidential election on Sunday, securing 43.7% of the vote (over 10.3 million votes). He will face Senator Iván Cepeda, backed by leftwing President Gustavo Petro, in a runoff on June 21. Cepeda received 40.9% (about 9.6 million votes). Despite polls showing Espriella trailing Cepeda in recent weeks, the outsider and Trump admirer surged ahead. In a victory video, Espriella declared, 'Compatriots, defenders of the homeland, more than 10 million Colombians placed their trust in el Tigre... In 21 days, we are going to change the history of Colombia forever.'
Other Key News
- European leaders have condemned Israel's expanding incursion into Lebanon, after its military captured the medieval Beaufort Castle and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to push deeper into the country.
- French President Emmanuel Macron announced that the French navy has boarded an oil tanker subject to international sanctions that was sailing from Russia.
- Facebook whistleblower Sarah Wynn-Williams was forced into silence on stage at the Hay festival in the UK, after lawyers advised her not to speak due to ongoing legal action by Meta.
- A United Airlines flight from Newark to Spain turned around midflight after a possible security threat linked to a Bluetooth device named with a 'certain four-letter word.'
California Reports Major Decline in Homelessness
California recorded one of the largest declines in homelessness in the US over the past year, according to a Department of Housing and Urban Development report. The state's unhoused population fell to 181,934 in 2025, a decrease of nearly 3% from the previous year, placing California among the five states with the biggest reductions since 2024. Significant drops were also recorded in Illinois (44%), Hawaii (41%), Florida (11%), and New York (8%).
Protests at New Jersey ICE Facility
Last week, over 300 Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainees at Delaney Hall in Newark, New Jersey, were on a hunger and labor strike. Dozens of organizers and community members rallied outside the facility, with a tense but energized atmosphere, as reported by Lex McMenamin.
Visual Guide to 2026 World Cup Stadiums
The 2026 World Cup will be the largest men's soccer tournament in history, featuring 16 venues across the US, Mexico, and Canada. Alexander Abnos, Ella Brockway, and Paul Bellsham have produced a comprehensive visual guide to all stadiums ahead of the kick-off on June 11.
Nigeria's Bandit Crisis
Nigeria's bandit crisis stems from conflicts between farmers and nomadic herders over land and resources, intensified by climate change, deforestation, and population growth. Some herders formed vigilante groups that evolved into criminal gangs. Eromo Egbejule reports from Batsari with photography and drone footage by Terna Iwar.
Australia's Household Battery Revolution
Australia is pioneering a revolution in home renewables and battery use, proving what is possible with the right policies. Batteries counter the argument that renewables are unpredictable and intermittent, allowing solar power to be stored and used when needed, reducing strain on the national grid.
The Ruthorlessness and Redemption of Rupert Everett
Rupert Everett, the English actor now 67, reflects on his past recklessness, describing his younger self as 'brash, disingenuous, lethal.' In a candid interview with Simon Hattenstone, he discusses lying to partners, disrespecting audiences, and betraying friends, as well as the transformative experience of caring for his mother and his long road to adulthood.
