Tourism department criticised over delays, red tape in funding programmes
Parliamentary committee members have questioned the effectiveness of tourism funding schemes aimed at supporting small businesses.
Nature
Duterte ICC trial to start on 30 November: What you need to know
Duterte is facing charges relating to a long and bloody war on drugs in which thousands were killed.
‘Get up, show up’ is not enough for disillusioned young voters
Democracy cannot be one sided where citizens vote then return to unemployment. Leaders must deliver accountability not just campaigns and slogans.
California to impose 100% tax on Trump’s 6 January ‘slush fund’, governor says
May 27 (Reuters) – California will impose a 100% tax on payments distributed under the Trump administration’s nearly $1.8-billion fund for victims of alleged political “weaponisation,” the state’s Governor Gavin Newsom announced on Wednesday.
US strikes Iran again, official says, after Trump denies deal on Strait of Hormuz
May 27 (Reuters) – The US military carried out new strikes targeting an Iranian drone operation that posed a threat to U.S. forces and commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, a US official said, hours after President Donald Trump dismissed an Iranian report of a deal to restore traffic through the strategic waterway.
Palestinians mourn slain Hamas militant chief as Israel escalates Gaza attacks
GAZA/CAIRO/DUBAI, May 27 (Reuters) – Dozens of Palestinians carried the body of Hamas’ armed wing chief through the streets of Gaza City in a funeral procession on Wednesday, a day after Israel killed him as it moves to eliminate the militant group’s top brass despite a ceasefire.
WHO urges ceasefire in Congo to contain Ebola as cases surge
GENEVA/DAKAR, May 27 (Reuters) – The head of the World Health Organization on Wednesday called for a ceasefire in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo in order to contain an Ebola outbreak, saying that ongoing fighting was driving mass displacement and spreading the disease in overcrowded camps.
Australia sues US giant 3M for $2bn over ‘forever chemicals’ in firefighting foam
The case centres on contamination caused by PFAS in the foam at dozens of defence sites.
AMABHUNGANE: Untraceable: Correctional services can’t locate tens of thousands of absconded parolees
South Africa’s correctional system has lost track of nearly 28,000 absconded parolees – including convicted murderers, rapists and armed robbers – exposing systemic failures in supervision, tracing and coordination with the SAPS. Overcrowded prisons, an underfunded monitoring programme, and stalled reforms have placed strain on the parole system, resulting in a growing public safety...
Google worker charged for using internal data to make $1.2m on Polymarket
A longtime Google employee was charged in New York on Wednesday for breaking insider trading laws.
US carries out new strikes on Iran military site
The latest attack comes as President Trump has said that Iran is “negotiating on fumes”.
The Papers: ‘Labour risking ‘lost generation’ and ‘Britain’s gone balmy!’
Several of Thursday’s front pages lead with a new report about unemployment among young people and rising heating bills.
Why Fifa is being investigated over World Cup ticket prices
New York and New Jersey are looking into the association after fans have reportedly been “misled” over ticket sales and seat locations.
Illinois Lawmakers Just Passed America’s Strongest AI Safety Bill
The bill requires companies like OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google to have third parties confirm they’re following safety standards. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker says he’ll sign.
Birmingham City Council fines itself £472,000 for Clean Air Zone breaches
One in eight of the council’s fleet vehicles still break its own Clean Air Zone requirements.
Tuchel’s biggest mistake? Wharton shines after England omission
Adam Wharton starred as Crystal Palace won a European trophy but the midfielder will not feature at this summer’s World Cup.
We analysed thousands of Trump’s posts – here’s what we found
The BBC’s Ros Atkins and BBC Verify sifted through thousands of the president’s posts.
Legal bid to block UK-backed French migrant detention centre
The Home Office says the UK won’t pay France if the site doesn’t open, under a deal to curb migrant crossings.
Is ‘out of control’ US tipping culture spreading overseas?
With US waiting staff getting cross at receiving less than 20%, tips are also on the rise elsewhere.
How my brother went from liberal Hollywood actor to manosphere ‘messiah’
The sister of Mexican influencer El Temach tells the BBC she does not recognise him any more.
Paul McCartney on playing guitar with Paul Mescal: ‘He knew it better than I did!’
The music legend on delivering “memory songs” for his 20th solo album, The Boys of Dungeon Lane – and why he’s intrigued by the new Beatles biopics.