World

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu informed the families of hostages held in Gaza that he has agreed to a proposal from American envoy Steve Witkoff. This proposal aims to facilitate the release of 10 abductees while also establishing a two-month ceasefire in Gaza. Netanyahu's acceptance of this plan reflects ongoing efforts to address the hostage situation and reduce hostilities in the region. Full Article

Harry Brook's debut as England's white-ball captain started with a commanding 238-run victory over the West Indies in a one-day international at Edgbaston, where England posted a total of 400 runs. Brook, alongside three teammates who scored half-centuries, also equaled a record by taking five catches. The West Indies struggled, collapsing to 162 all out, and England can secure their first ODI bilateral series win since September 2023 in the next match in Cardiff. Full Article

The US administration announced plans to revoke visas for Chinese students amid a broader campaign against international students and universities, following the Trump administration's trend of increasing scrutiny on foreign academics. This decision, coupled with the suspension of interviews for new student visa applicants and enhanced vetting of social media, is expected to significantly impact American educational institutions, particularly as China is the second-largest source of international students. The implications for academia and research in the US and globally are concerning, with notable guests discussing these issues, including Clay Harmon and immigration lawyer Alexandra Miller. Full Article

SummaryBank of England governor Andrew Bailey urged the UK government to minimize the negative effects of Brexit by enhancing alignment with the EU, particularly in reducing non-tariff barriers in financial services to promote trade and economic growth. His comments followed Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's announcement of a "reset" deal with the EU aimed at cutting trade barriers. While acknowledging the challenges posed by Brexit, Bailey emphasized the benefits of increased openness in financial markets for both the UK and EU economies amidst rising market volatility. Full Article

The Trump administration plans to appeal a court ruling that invalidated many of its tariffs, threatening to escalate the legal battle to the Supreme Court unless the decision is stayed. The ruling, which deemed Trump's use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act for imposing tariffs an overreach, has sparked outrage from administration officials who argue that foreign and economic policy should be determined by the political branches, not the courts. Analysts suggest that a loss could hinder Trump's ability to impose tariffs in the future, complicating his leverage in trade negotiations. Full Article

Authorities are searching for former Gateway police chief Grant Hardin, 56, who escaped from the North Central Unit prison in Arkansas while disguised as a corrections officer. Hardin, known as the "Devil in the Ozarks," was serving a 30-year sentence for the murder of James Appleton in 2017 and had previously been convicted of rape. His escape has alarmed the community, especially Appleton's sister, Cheryl Tillman, who expressed fear over his release; the FBI is offering a $10,000 reward for information on his whereabouts. Full Article

The trial of five players from Canada’s 2018 world junior hockey team, charged with sexual assault related to an alleged incident in a London hotel, is currently ongoing. On May 20, 2025, the Crown is set to close its case while goalie Carter Hart takes the stand to testify. Live coverage is being provided by LFP reporter Brian Williams. Full Article

The White House announced that Israel has approved a new Gaza ceasefire proposal aimed at Hamas, which is currently under review by the militant group. Despite ongoing negotiations, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is worsening, with reports of starvation affecting one in five people and continued Israeli military operations resulting in civilian casualties. Tensions are heightened as aid distribution efforts face criticism and accusations of "systematic starvation tactics" from Jordan's Foreign Minister, while the conflict's toll has reached over 54,000 deaths since October 2023. Full Article

The UK Attorney-General Richard Hermer has criticized Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch's proposal for Britain to leave the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), stating that such a move would benefit adversaries like Vladimir Putin. In a lecture, Hermer emphasized the importance of adhering to international law while advocating for treaty reforms instead of outright abandonment, arguing that international law underpins state sovereignty. Despite facing criticism for prioritizing international agreements, Hermer maintains that reform is necessary and desirable, aligning with Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer’s commitment to remaining part of the ECHR. Full Article

After a years-long pause on student loan repayments, borrowers are now facing credit score declines due to missed payments, with 2.2 million seeing drops of over 100 points in early 2025. This follows the expiration of a grace period that protected borrowers from negative credit reporting, leading to increased borrowing costs and limited access to credit for many, particularly affecting those with previously good scores. Experts warn that these delinquencies may entrench financial disparities, making homeownership and other loans harder to secure for lower-income borrowers. Full Article