‘We’re going backwards’: Five civil rights activists slam the supreme court’s gutting of Voting Rights Act 09. May 2026 (13:00) Organizers, including Selma foot soliders, say ruling is latest chapter in long battle over Black disenfranchisement in USThe supreme court’s recent decision to gut the Voting Rights Act is an affront to everyone who marched, bled and died to make that law possible, civil rights activists said.“When we look at the supreme court’s action against the Voting Rights Act, it’s really a kneecap – a way to discriminate, to silence voters who fought so hard for this right,” said Sheyann Webb-Christburg, who, at eight years old, marched with civil rights leaders in Selma, Alabama, in 1965. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
‘Largely slop’: Trump’s new counterterrorism strategy is scant on substance but heavy on enemies 09. May 2026 (13:00) Critics say document outlining strategy is both ‘completely Trumpian’ and an ‘alarming’ escalation in rhetoricWhen Donald Trump’s counter-terrorism “czar”, Sebastian Gorka, introduced the Trump administration’s long-awaited counter-terrorism strategy on a call with journalists on Wednesday, he also reportedly described critics of the administration’s war in Iran as “testicularly challenged”.The at-times bizarre 16-page memo Gorka authored is only slightly more subtle – taking rhetorically charged swings at the president’s enemies, the Biden administration, transgender people and some Islamist groups, while offering little clarity about the threat posed by political violence domestically or abroad or any specific plans to address it. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
‘The worst kind of predator’: Louisiana pastor found guilty for third time of molesting teen boys 09. May 2026 (13:00) Terry Reed, who was convicted at trial of abusing two minors, could be imprisoned for 40 yearsSign up for the Breaking News US newsletter emailA suburban New Orleans religious pastor has been convicted of sexually molesting two minors in what is the third instance of a man called “the worst kind of predator” being found guilty of abusing teen boys.Terry Reed, 66, cited biblical verses and scripture to “manipulate, normalize and justify his sexual behavior” with the two victims at the center of the newest case against him, according to a statement from Louisiana state prosecutors. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
‘The FDA is a complete mess’: Trump makes fate of agency chief unclear as public trust plummits 09. May 2026 (12:00) Food and Drug Administration commissioner’s decisions have hurt staff morale and put his job in crosshairsDonald Trump has signed off on a plan to fire Marty Makary, the commissioner of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Wall Street Journal reported on Friday, after a series of high-profile agency decisions put the FDA head in the crosshairs of the White House and Republican lawmakers.Makary’s tenure at the FDA has been marked by several controversial decisions on drugs and vaccines amid plummeting staff morale over layoffs and the appointments of divisive officials. Recent political clashes include abortion, drugs and vaping, but decisions to pull back publications on the safety of shingles and Covid vaccines, among other immunization decisions, have also rocked public health. There have also been concerns about the transition from two clinical trials to one, the commissioner’s new priority review vouchers and “data-free” regulatory decisions. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Russia will always be victorious, says Putin at scaled-back Victory Day parade 09. May 2026 (11:55) Moscow blanketed in heavy security despite last-minute announcement of three-day ceasefire with UkraineVladimir Putin has declared Russia will always be victorious as he oversaw a scaled-back Victory Day parade on Red Square held under heavy security amid mounting fears of Ukrainian attacks and growing public fatigue with the war.Speaking to the crowd, the Russian leader invoked the sacrifices of the second world war to rally support for his soldiers fighting in the war in Ukraine. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Starmer gives Brown and Harman new roles as pressure grows over election mauling – UK politics live 09. May 2026 (11:43) Several frontbenchers told the Guardian they agreed the prime minister’s time in office should not go beyond the end of the yearMapped: how Labour lost ground in different directionsPippa Crerar: Starmer under pressure to agree exit planGordon Brown has been appointed as a special envoy on global finance.Number 10 said:The PM has committed to boosting the country’s security and resilience’In this role, Gordon Brown will advise on how global finance cooperation can help to achieve this. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Three-day Russia-Ukraine ceasefire begins as Moscow holds Victory Day parade – Europe live 09. May 2026 (11:36) As ceasefire begins, Zelenskyy says ‘Red Square is less important to us than the lives of Ukrainian prisoners who can be brought home’Saturday is also Europe Day, which commemorates the anniversary of the Schuman Declaration that ultimately laid the groundwork for the European Union as it exists today.On X, Volodymyr Zelenskyy wrote that Ukraine – which is seeking EU membership – is celebrating Europe Day “not formally or through sloganeering, but fully aware that we are already an inseparable part of the European family”. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Early results show One Nation on track to win Farrer byelection 09. May 2026 (11:13) Initial counting shows David Farley with a clear lead ahead of independent Michelle Milthorpe as Coalition support tanksGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastOne Nation appeared on track for its first ever lower house victory on Saturday night, with early results showing Pauline Hanson’s insurgent party taking the lead in the Farrer byelection.Irrigator David Farley looked well placed to beat independent Michelle Milthorpe in the closely watched race, which would translate One Nation’s dramatic rise in public support since last year’s federal election to a clear result in parliament and further weaken Angus Taylor’s depleted Liberal party. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
‘Everyone has a breaking point’: the immigration judges at the sharp end of Trump’s deportation drive 09. May 2026 (11:00) Judges have been fired or taken buyouts, and those remaining say they toe the government lineDavid Koelsch, a former immigration judge based in Maryland, was in Minneapolis visiting his mother and sister the day Alex Pretti was shot and killed by federal agents. He drove to Nicollet Avenue, parked a few blocks away, and walked toward the scene.“I didn’t go there to protest. I didn’t bring a sign. I didn’t bring anything. I just went to stand and bear witness,” Koelsch said. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Barrister says ‘dead woman was put on trial’ after husband cleared of manslaughter 09. May 2026 (08:59) Charlotte Proudman’s comments follow trial of Christopher Trybus, who was acquitted of all charges against wife Tarryn BairdA barrister has suggested that a “dead woman was put on trial” in the case of Christopher Trybus, who was cleared of manslaughter by a jury.Charlotte Proudman’s comments came after Trybus was found not guilty by a jury of eight women and four men, who deliberated for more than 40 hours. He was acquitted of all charges: manslaughter, coercive and controlling behaviour and two counts of rape. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
