Blue Origin rocket explodes on Florida launchpad
Footage shows the rocket bursting into a massive ball of fire, engulfing the area around it.
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US to designate two Brazilian gangs as ‘terrorist organizations,’ Rubio says
The United States plans to designate Brazil’s two biggest criminal gangs as terrorist organizations, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said, opening the door for more aggressive interventions after appeals from the opposition in Brasilia.
Netanyahu says he has directed IDF to increase control of Gaza to 70%
The expansion in control by Israel would contradict the terms of the ceasefire Israel and Hamas agreed to in October 2025.
DHS chief warns US could halt international flights, cargo at Newark over immigration dispute
The head of the US Homeland Security Department said on Thursday the Trump administration could soon stop processing international travelers and cargo at Newark airport because local law enforcement are not assisting federal immigration officials in northern New Jersey.
Two injured as drone hits Romanian apartment building close to Ukraine border
A drone hit a residential building in Romania’s city of Galati close to the border with Ukraine, with two people suffering minor injuries, the Romanian General Inspectorate for Emergency Situationssaid in a Facebook post on Friday.
Iran, US reach deal to extend ceasefire, pending Trump’s approval
The United States and Iran reached an agreement on Thursday to extend their ceasefire and lift restrictions on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, sources told Reuters, though US President Donald Trump has yet to approve it and Iranian state media said it had not been finalized.
Italy gives bull mosaic testicles worn down by spinning tourists some TLC
The artwork is the centre of a tradition that involves visitors performing three spins on it for good fortune.
The Papers: Burnham’s ‘blast at Blair’ and ‘Labour plans welfare shake-up’
Several of Friday’s papers cover the fallout from a report into young people not in employment, education or training.
Audi A5 is a statement of luxury
It’s a step up from the previous generation and it is as comfortable as they come
Survival before safety for Delhi’s poor as temperatures hit 45C
As temperatures peak, Delhi’s informal workers continue working despite growing health risks.
Are ‘heat spikes’ becoming more common?
The heatwave that has gripped much of England and Wales this week brought with it record May temperatures. But it has also been exceptional for how quickly it developed as Simon King explains.
African hospitality for an event to remember
The Inaugural Forum on Tourism, Culture and Partnership brought together ambassadors for a weekend dedicated to strengthening partnerships, celebrating cultural exchange and advancing dialogue
SAS troops accused of war crimes not referred to police over morale fears, inquiry hears
This meant military police did not learn for years of allegations of extra-judicial killings.
Trial of ‘Ulm 5’ activists: How Germany is dealing with its Palestine Action case
The case has sparked a debate in Germany – a long-standing supporter of Israel – about how to deal with pro-Palestinian protesters.
Emotional Littler underlines greatness after almost quitting Premier League
An emotional Luke Littler reveals he almost quit the Premier League after he beat Luke Humphries in an epic final at The O2.
Reflecting on xenophobia in South Africa
Some of the influx into South Africa of migrants from failing African countries has been self-inflicted by the ANC government. In its long-standing foreign policy, the party has supported autocratic African governments misgoverning their countries, forcing citizens to search for food and jobs elsewhere
US spelling bee finalists battle it out – can you keep up? Take our quiz
Nine kids will battle it out in the 2026 Scripps National Spelling Bee finals – can you spell as well as they do?
The beautiful game stops at the border
Three dozen countries are banned from entering America in the year it is hosting the World Cup. Twenty-six of them are African. That’s half of Africa
Epstein survivors lack faith in UK police investigating Andrew, says lawyer
A lawyer representing survivors says his clients lack confidence in the treatment they would receive in the UK.
Messi to represent Argentina at sixth World Cup
Lionel Messi will play in a sixth World Cup as he captains holders Argentina at the 2026 tournament.
Is Knight’s sluggish form a concern for England?
England start their T20 World Cup campaign on 12 June with question marks surrounding their batting line-up, with veteran Heather Knight’s form in the spotlight.