USPS considers allowing people to ship handguns through the mail 08. May 2026 (22:54) Trump administration urges US Postal Service to scrap 100-year-old rule as Democratic state attorneys general protestHandguns could be mailed through the United States Postal Service (USPS) for the first time in nearly 100 years if a proposed Trump administration rule takes effect.Democratic attorneys general in two dozen states have sent a letter in opposition. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Labour loses control of Birmingham city council after 14 years of leadership 08. May 2026 (22:01) Reform, Greens and pro-Gaza independents make significant gains, although no party has yet won majorityElections mapped: how Labour lost ground in different directionsLatest news updates and analysis from election nightThe Labour party’s 14-year leadership in Birmingham has come to an end after Reform, Greens and pro-Gaza independents made significant gains in the UK’s second-largest city.No party has yet won an overall majority at Birmingham city council, one of Europe’s largest local authorities, with the results reflecting wider political fragmentation across England. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
King Charles features in surprise birthday tribute to David Attenborough 08. May 2026 (21:50) Whimsical film shows relay of animals carrying centennial card from Balmoral Castle to naturalist in LondonKing Charles has featured in a surprise birthday tribute to David Attenborough, with a cast of wild animals helping to relay his handwritten congratulatory centenary card.The whimsical film, A Very Special Delivery, begins with the king writing his tribute in the library of Balmoral Castle. Charles, wearing an animal-themed tie featuring elephants, reflects on more than 60 years of friendship with the renowned naturalist. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Small Georgia town left in limbo after mayor fires entire police department 08. May 2026 (21:47) The Cohutta town council will discuss reinstating the police and consider request for mayor's ‘immediate resignation’The town council in a small mountain community in the US state of Georgia called a special meeting on Friday evening to discuss reinstating the police department after the mayor fired the chief and all the officers.The notice for the meeting, posted outside the Cohutta town hall, says the council will also consider a request for the mayor’s “immediate resignation”. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Pentagon releases first batch of previously secret files documenting reports of UFOs 08. May 2026 (21:06) Among the releases is a 1969 debrief of Buzz Aldrin stating he saw a ‘sizeable’ object close to the lunar surfaceThe Pentagon on Friday released an initial group of previously secret files documenting reports of UFOs – a move sought for decades by some.“These files, hidden behind classifications, have long fueled justified speculation – and it’s time the American people see it for themselves,” Pete Hegseth, the defense secretary, said in a statement posted on X. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Cracks showing for Labour close to backyards of Starmer’s top team 08. May 2026 (21:03) Reform makes gains in Labour’s working-class heartlands, while Greens chip away at party’s progressive baseKeir Starmer hates to lose. Unsurprisingly, he refused to walk away and end his premiership as Labour’s local election losses began to trickle in on Friday morning. Upon entering Downing Street in July 2024 after leading Labour to a historic general election victory, Starmer promised the public that his government would “fight every day until you believe again”.Now, Starmer is faced with the uncomfortable truth that the frustrated yet united coalition that brought him into No 10 hoping for change is completely fractured and its discontent cannot be dismissed as early midterm blues. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
2026 elections mapped: how Labour lost ground in different directions 08. May 2026 (21:02) Keir Starmer’s party lost out to Reform and the Greens, with no respite in Scotland, Wales or England. These maps show the scale of the historic resultsElection 2026 live: latest news updatesFull results from England, Scotland and WalesLabour has suffered heavy losses across England, Scotland and Wales, losing ground to opponents on the left and the right in a fragmented political system.The graphics below show where Labour’s losses were most severe, and how the electoral landscape has changed as a result. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Trump announces Russia-Ukraine three-day ceasefire from 9 May 08. May 2026 (20:52) US president says on Truth Social the ceasefire will include suspension of all ‘kinetic activity’ and prisoner swapDonald Trump has announced on social media that there will be a three-day ceasefire in the war between Russia and Ukraine from 9 to 11 May.The US president said the ceasefire would include a suspension of all “kinetic activity” and a swap of 1,000 prisoners from each country. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Plaid Cymru wins Welsh Senedd elections, ending 100 years of Labour control 08. May 2026 (20:50) Leader Rhun ap Iorwerth says he is ready to become first minister and form next Welsh governmentElection 2026 live: latest news updatesFull results from England, Scotland and WalesPlaid Cymru has won the Welsh Senedd elections, ending 100 years of Labour dominance in Wales and blocking the momentum of Nigel Farage’s Reform UK.The leader of the centre-left Welsh nationalist party, Rhun ap Iorwerth, said he stood ready to become first minister and form the next Welsh government, taking over from Welsh Labour, who have governed in Wales since devolution began in 1997. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Washington shooting suspect seeks to bar DoJ officials from prosecution role 08. May 2026 (20:36) Lawyers for Cole Allen say Todd Blanche and Jeanine Pirro could be considered victims or witnesses in caseA man charged with attacking the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner is seeking to disqualify top justice department officials from direct involvement in prosecuting him because they could be considered victims or witnesses in the case, creating a potential conflict of interest.The acting attorney general, Todd Blanche, and US attorney Jeanine Pirro were attending the 25 April event at the Washington Hilton hotel when Cole Tomas Allen allegedly ran through a security checkpoint and fired a shotgun at a Secret Service officer. Continue reading...(The Guardian)