The Strait of Hormuz is set to reopen after a deal between the U.S. and Iran, but clearing the backlog of ships and restoring full supply will take weeks, potentially months. Experts cite unresolved logistical and security questions, including permission requirements, tolls, naval escorts, and mine clearance, complicating the restart.
Reports suggest ticketless England supporters gained entry to the World Cup opener against Croatia at Dallas Stadium by evading security. Fifa stated they have no indication of fans entering without valid tickets.
Australia has imported 1 million tonnes of fertilizer since the Middle East war disrupted trade, prompting the government to streamline biosecurity processes. Fears of food price hikes were addressed by securing additional shipments and an investment in domestic production.
Australia has imported 1 million tonnes of fertilizer since the Middle East war disrupted trade. The government streamlined biosecurity processes to ensure supply for the winter crop, with plans for further shipments and domestic production.
Hong Kong's Airport Authority announced Terminal 2 will open on May 27, streamlining check-in, immigration, and security before passengers proceed to Terminal 1 for departure. The new terminal aims to boost efficiency and passenger comfort, with further developments planned.
Hong Kong reports a 6.9% drop in technology crime cases to 31,571 in 2025, but financial losses from hacking more than double to HK$62.6 million, prompting police to warn of severe impacts from high-value cyberattacks on financial and crypto platforms.
The Trump administration has mandated enhanced security checks for immigration applicants, requiring USCIS officers to conduct expanded background checks before approving pending cases. Effective April 27, 2026, the new checks will give authorities access to criminal history record information from the FBI's Next Generation Identification system. The policy affects immigrants seeking green cards or citizenship and follows a February executive order directing DHS to access federal criminal databases to the maximum extent permitted by law.
Morgan McSweeney has admitted that Foreign Office officials came under intense pressure to expedite Peter Mandelson's posting as UK ambassador to Washington, but denied they were forced to skip security vetting steps. The former chief of staff, who resigned over the scandal, acknowledged asking the then top official Philip Barton to process the appointment 'at pace' but insisted he never asked officials to do anything improper. McSweeney described learning the extent of Mandelson's Jeffrey Epstein links as 'a knife through my soul' and admitted a 'serious error of judgment' in advising Keir Starmer to proceed with the appointment.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer admitted Monday that he made the wrong judgment in appointing Peter Mandelson as UK ambassador to Washington, revealing he would not have proceeded had he known Mandelson failed security checks. Starmer placed blame on Foreign Office officials for failing to inform him about the failed vetting, despite staff warnings about Mandelson's connection to Jeffrey Epstein. Mandelson was dismissed in September, nine months after taking the role, following revelations about his friendship with Epstein. British police launched a criminal investigation and arrested Mandelson in February on suspicion of misconduct in public office, which he denies.
British PM Keir Starmer acknowledged he made wrong judgment appointing Peter Mandelson as UK ambassador to Washington, saying he would not have done so had he known Mandelson failed security checks. The explanation was met with jeers from opposition lawmakers who found it incredible the PM was unaware of such crucial information.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces a leadership crisis after appointing Peter Mandelson as ambassador to the United States despite failing security checks. Mandelson, a scandal-tarnished politician and friend of Jeffrey Epstein, has drawn intense criticism. Starmer will address Parliament on Monday to defend his position, while Technology Secretary Liz Kendall has publicly supported his integrity. Top Foreign Office civil servant Olly Robbins resigned on Thursday and is expected to give evidence to the House of Commons Foreign Affairs Committee on Tuesday.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces a leadership crisis after appointing Peter Mandelson as ambassador to the United States despite security check failures. Senior Cabinet ministers have expressed support for Starmer, with Technology Secretary Liz Kendall defending his integrity. The top civil servant in the Foreign Office, Olly Robbins, resigned on Thursday and is expected to give evidence to the House of Commons Foreign Affairs Committee on Tuesday.
