‘We hope he gets home for the annual graveyard mass’ – the proud son of Irish-speaking parents who is now at the heart of UK government

Motorists on the M25 in Hertfordshire are facing significant delays after a lorry carrying hay bales caught fire, leading to the closure of the anticlockwise lane between junctions J25 and J24. Drivers can expect up to two-hour delays, with diversions through the ULEZ zone, while emergency services are on site to manage the situation. Want More Context? 🔎

Switzerland experienced two days of riots following the death of a 17-year-old during a police chase for a stolen scooter, which has heightened tensions between authorities and immigrant communities. The unrest included masked crowds clashing with police in Lausanne, leading to damage and injuries, while a criminal investigation into the incident has been launched. Want More Context? 🔎

The Notting Hill Carnival's grand finale saw a peaceful celebration, with 423 arrests over two days, significantly lower than previous years. Police employed live facial recognition technology to enhance safety, resulting in fewer incidents of serious violence, despite two stabbings that were not life-threatening, while thousands enjoyed the vibrant parade showcasing Caribbean culture. Want More Context? 🔎

U.S. President Donald Trump is facing health concerns after a bruise on his right hand was noticed during a meeting with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, leading to speculation about his well-being, despite assurances from the White House that he is in "excellent health." The president, who has previously criticized Joe Biden's health, is also managing chronic venous insufficiency, a common condition in older adults, and has been seen using makeup to conceal the...

The African Union is advocating for a revamp of the Mercator map, which misrepresents Africa's size compared to Europe and North America, undermining the continent's significance. Their initiative, "Correct the Map," proposes using the 2018 'Equal Earth' map to accurately reflect Africa's true scale, reinforcing its geopolitical and economic importance. Want More Context? 🔎

A teenage girl tragically died in hospital after collapsing at the EMERGE electronic dance music festival in South Belfast. Following the incident, former Lord Mayor Micky Murray expressed serious concerns about festival safety and requested an urgent meeting with organizers, emphasizing that festivals should be safe spaces for celebration. Want More Context? 🔎