Tabby Wilson

South Korea and the United States will end their 2026 Ulchi Freedom Shield military exercise six days earlier than planned, at Washington’s request, with the live-training component also expected to be reduced in scale. The decision follows President Donald Trump’s criticism of the drills and his claim that South Korea declined to assist U.S. action against Iran. South Korean officials said they had not been informed of the plan in advance, raising concerns about confidence in the U.S. defense commitment and the message sent to allies such as Japan and Taiwan. Trump also said he expected to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un later in the year, while Kim Yo-jong denied knowledge of renewed official contact and maintained that the United States still pursued a hostile policy toward North Korea. Pyongyang separately condemned the exercises as a rehearsal for offensive war.

Safine Hamadi and Owen Cenazandotti were convicted in France of aggravated violence related to the death of streamer Raphaël Graven, also known as Jean Pormanove. They received suspended prison sentences, fines, and six-month bans from posting on Kick. Neither was charged with manslaughter because prosecutors said Graven’s poor health and fragile heart were probable causes of death. Kick remains under investigation by French authorities.

Andy Burnham prepares to announce cost of living support as his new cabinet meets for the first time, with key appointments including John Healey, Ed Miliband and Angela Rayner. He plans to outline immediate measures and a longer-term plan for Britain while political opponents criticise gaps in his early messaging. Burnham also held calls with international leaders including Donald Trump, Volodymyr Zelensky and Ursula von der Leyen, discussing security, foreign policy and future cooperation.

Andy Burnham prepares to announce initial cost of living measures as his new cabinet meets for the first time, following key appointments including John Healey as chancellor, Ed Miliband as foreign secretary and Angela Rayner as housing secretary. He plans to outline short‑term support and a broader 10‑year plan for Britain while pledging adherence to fiscal rules. Opposition leaders criticize a lack of clarity on policy direction, while international leaders including Donald Trump, Volodymyr Zelensky and Ursula von der Leyen hold introductory discussions with him emphasizing cooperation and shared priorities.

The United States launched new strikes against Iranian military sites after Iran attacked a commercial vessel in the Strait of Hormuz and declared the waterway closed. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard responded with its own strikes, including on a US base in Jordan, while Gulf states intercepted missiles and drones reportedly launched from Iran. Iranian leaders warned of further retaliation following the death of former supreme leader Ali Khamenei, as tensions escalated amid mutual accusations and threats between Washington and Tehran.

Two people were killed and four injured after a shooting at a salsa festival on St Clair Avenue in Toronto. Police secured the area but have not apprehended any suspects. Ontario Premier Doug Ford condemned the violence and thanked first responders as authorities continued investigating the incident.

Authorities in Monaco have identified a suspect in a parcel bombing that injured Ukrainian businessman Vadym Yermolaiev, his partner, and his son. An arrest warrant and an Interpol Red Notice are being issued as investigators classify the incident as attempted murder. Surveillance footage captured the suspect leaving the package before fleeing toward France. Yermolaiev, a wealthy developer sanctioned by Kyiv, remains hospitalised alongside the other victims. Monaco’s prosecutor credits cooperation with French police for the rapid identification, and further updates are expected.

Authorities in Monaco have identified a suspect in a parcel bombing that injured Ukrainian businessman Vadym Yermolaiev, his partner and his son. An arrest warrant and an Interpol Red Notice have been issued for the suspect, who fled toward France after the explosion. The blast, treated as attempted murder, occurred in an apartment building near the French border. Two adult victims were initially in critical condition, with the man later stabilizing. Yermolaiev, a wealthy developer sanctioned by Kyiv, was reportedly the target. Monaco officials praised cross-border police cooperation, and further updates are expected.