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May 19, 2026 - World

Commemoration of atrocity at Nova music festival confronts those who deny its gravity, says Elkana BohbotTwo police vans waited expectantly near the front entrance. Officers patrolled the pavements while suited security men with ear pieces stood stern-faced, casting suspicious looks at those approaching. The location in east London had not been disclosed until that morning but no chances were being taken.It was not for a visiting dignitary or even an embassy of a country in conflict that all this was deemed necessary but the Nova exhibition, a commemoration of the 378 people massacred at a music festival on 7 October along with the 44 taken as hostages and the 19 of those who died in Hamas captivity. Continue reading...

May 19, 2026 - World

Port has upgraded offshore wind facilities and is to expand quays, ferry terminals and cruise ship servicesThe operator of Belfast harbour plans to spend £1.3bn over the next 25 years to take advantage of strong economic growth in Northern Ireland, in what would be one of the largest non-governmental investments in the region’s history.The Belfast Harbour Commissioners said the money would be spent on upgrading the port, with the possibility of residential property developments that could add another £750m in investment on top. Continue reading...

May 19, 2026 - World

The new format, The Long Weekend, will broadcast live on ARN’s Gold network. Follow today’s news liveGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastGlobal Sumud Flotilla participants urge Australian government to intervene and ‘keep us safe’The Australians that the Global Sumud Flotilla allege have been kidnapped by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are academics, doctors, students, activists and film-makers.This is now the second time Israel has illegally abducted Australian citizens in international waters, and our government has said nothing … For as long as Australia continues to support Israel’s genocide, Australians will keep sailing.You never know the minute when the Israelis decide that ‘yeah, let’s fuck over some ordinary people,’ 500 of them, who have got a whole load of baby food in boats trying to break their illegal siege in international waters. Here we are in international waters, and our governments are completely failing us. Do everything that you can to keep us safe.When people are unwell with colds or flu, they can’t donate, even if they want to. But the need for blood doesn’t slow down. Patients undergoing cancer treatment, people needing surgery, and those injured in accidents rely on blood every single day. Continue reading...

May 19, 2026 - World

‘We cannot continue to blame migrants for the problems of our economy,’ backbencher Andrew McLachlan saysFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastA Liberal senator has broken ranks to criticise Angus Taylor’s plan to bar non-citizens from accessing welfare, warning it will create “two types of members of the community” and is “not the Australian way”.The outspoken backbencher Andrew McLachlan said migrants should not be blamed for economic problems including the housing crisis, and warned his party’s immigration rhetoric was alienating diaspora communities. Continue reading...

May 19, 2026 - World

This blog is now closed. See our latest full report: Trump claims planned attack on Iran postponed after Tehran makes new proposal to end warFriedrich Merz has been embroiled in a row with Donald Trump over his war on Iran ever since the German chancellor suggested the Trump team was being outplayed in its negotiations with Tehran and said he would not advise his children to study or work in the US in the current climate.The Guardian’s Berlin correspondent, Deborah Cole, has looked at the declining relationship between the two leaders in this story. Here is an extract:Disputes over trade and military aid for Ukraine have fuelled tensions between the US and its European allies and tested the Nato alliance.Merz is struggling to revive an anaemic German economy and has said the impact of the US-Israeli military action in Iran and the ensuing closure of the strait of Hormuz has been severely damaging to European interests.We strongly condemn the renewed Iranian airstrikes against the United Arab Emirates and other partners. Attacks on nuclear facilities pose a threat to the safety of people throughout the entire region. There must be no further escalation of violence.Iran must enter into serious negotiations with the USA, stop threatening its neighbours, and open the strait of Hormuz without restrictions. Continue reading...