The Guardian · 24 May, 05:09
Australian politician David Pocock expressed openness to forming an independent party to counter the growing influence of One Nation on the right. Meanwhile, the demolition of the Waterloo public housing estate has begun, and several other news stories have unfolded across Australia.
David Pocock, an Australian politician, has stated that he is open to the idea of independents forming a party to tackle One Nation's growing influence on the right. The staged demolition of the Waterloo public housing estate is set to begin, with 750 public housing properties being replaced by 3300 new properties, including 50% private housing, 20% 'affordable' housing, and 30% public and community housing. A 39-year-old man has died after a suspected shark attack on the Great Barrier Reef. Queensland police have shot dead an alleged domestic violence perpetrator who was armed with a firearm at a home north of Brisbane.
Why it matters: These developments are significant as they highlight the ongoing debates around housing, politics, and public safety in Australia. The potential formation of an independent party could impact the country's political landscape, while the demolition of the Waterloo public housing estate has sparked controversy and protests. The shark attack and police shooting also underscore concerns about public safety.
750 (public housing properties being demolished), 3300 (new properties to be built), 50% (private housing), 20% ('affordable' housing), 30% (public and community housing), 39 (age of man who died in shark attack), 59 (seats One Nation could win if a federal election were held now), 800 (complaints being assessed by NSW police watchdog), 1000 (hours of CCTV footage being reviewed), 2026 (expected start date for public hearings into NSW police response to Herzog protest)
We will not stop fighting the Minns government. A total of 750 tenants will be evicted to make way for private developer Stockland to build 3300 homes. We have 640,000 people across the country who are in dire need of secure public housing. We have 150,000 people homeless and these are conservative figures. The solution to the housing crisis is beautiful public housing. That's why we need to save Waterloo. - Karyn Brown, Waterloo South resident and Action for Public Housing spokesperson
The Guardian · 24 May, 05:56
Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated that Pakistan hopes to host US-Iran peace talks 'very soon'. This comes after US President Donald Trump claimed that a Tehran deal was 'largely negotiated'.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed hopes to host US-Iran peace talks soon. This follows US President Donald Trump's claim that a Tehran deal was 'largely negotiated'. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan welcomed the latest developments and offered support for the potential deal's implementation phase. Erdoğan stated that 'appropriate solutions' could be found for contentious issues, including the nuclear issue.
Why it matters: The potential US-Iran peace talks are significant as they aim to reduce tensions in the Middle East and address issues such as Iran's nuclear program. A deal could lead to a decrease in pressure on the global oil supply and avoid an escalation of the war in the region.
A just peace would have no losers - Recep Tayyip Erdoğan
The Guardian · 24 May, 04:34
A gunman was shot dead by Secret Service agents after firing at officers at a White House security checkpoint on Saturday, while President Donald Trump was present in the White House. A bystander was also injured in the shooting.
On Saturday, a gunman approached a White House security checkpoint near 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW, pulled out a pistol, and fired at Secret Service officers. The officers returned fire, striking the suspect, who was transported to a hospital where he later died. A bystander was also shot, but it is unclear whether they were hit by the suspect's initial gunfire or during the subsequent exchange of gunfire. No Secret Service personnel were injured in the incident.
Why it matters: The incident highlights the ongoing security concerns surrounding the White House and the President, particularly in light of recent attempts on the President's life. The shooting occurred just a month after an attempted assassination of the President at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner and less than three weeks after another incident involving gunfire near a presidential motorcade.
20-30 (number of shots fired), 6pm (local time when the incident occurred), 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW (location of the incident)
The FBI director, Kash Patel, posted: "FBI is on the scene and supporting Secret Service responding to shots fired near White House grounds – we will update the public as we’re able."
NPR News · 24 May, 00:13
Romanian film director Cristian Mungiu won the top prize at Cannes for his film 'Fjord'. The film is a culture-war drama set in Norway.
Cristian Mungiu, a Romanian film director, won the prestigious Palme D'Or at the 79th Cannes international film festival for his film 'Fjord'. The film is a culture-war drama set in Norway. Mungiu received the award during the awards ceremony held in southern France on Saturday.
Why it matters: This is significant as the Palme D'Or is one of the most prestigious awards in the film industry, and Mungiu's win recognizes his achievement in filmmaking. The film's setting in Norway and direction by a Romanian filmmaker may also highlight the international nature of cinema.
NPR News · 24 May, 00:23
The Secret Service fatally shot a suspect outside a White House checkpoint after the suspect began shooting at officers. A bystander was also wounded in the incident.
A suspect began shooting at posted officers outside a White House checkpoint. The officers returned fire, hitting the shooter. A bystander was also shot, but it is unclear who fired the shot that wounded them. The incident occurred on Saturday, May 23, 2026.
Why it matters: This incident highlights the security concerns surrounding the White House and the measures taken by the Secret Service to protect it. The shooting of a bystander adds a layer of complexity to the incident, raising questions about the circumstances of their injury.
May 23, 2026
Ars Technica · 23 May, 17:54
SpaceX's upgraded Starship V3 rocket successfully completed its first test flight, splashing down on target in the Indian Ocean after launching from Texas. The flight was mostly successful, with improvements over previous versions.
SpaceX launched the first test flight of its upgraded Starship V3 rocket and Super Heavy booster on Friday. The rocket, propelled by 33 methane-fueled main engines, took off from SpaceX's Starbase launch facility in South Texas at 5:30 pm CDT. The 408-foot-tall rocket cleared the launch tower and headed east over the Gulf of Mexico. Starship V3 splashed down on target in the Indian Ocean just over an hour later.
Why it matters: This test flight is significant because it marks a successful debut for the latest version of SpaceX's mega-rocket, showing improvements over previous versions that broke apart during their inaugural flights. The success of Starship V3 brings SpaceX closer to its goals for reusable and powerful spaceflight capabilities.
408 feet (height of the rocket), 33 (number of methane-fueled main engines), 5:30 pm CDT (launch time), 1 hour (duration of the flight)
NPR News · 23 May, 23:00
US President Trump claims a deal with Iran and the opening of the Strait of Hormuz are 'largely negotiated'. The deal aims to end the war and involves two-month negotiations on Iran's nuclear program.
US President Trump announced on social media that a deal with Iran and the opening of the Strait of Hormuz are 'largely negotiated'. This announcement comes after talks with Israel and other allies. The deal aims to end the war between the countries. It includes two-month negotiations on Iran's nuclear program.
Why it matters: This development is significant as it could potentially ease tensions between the US, Israel, and Iran, and may lead to a resolution of the ongoing conflict. A deal could also have implications for regional stability and global security.
Ars Technica · 23 May, 11:00
The Center for Biological Diversity has petitioned the US government to sanction China for failing to meet American shark conservation standards, citing China's intentional shark finning practices. If sanctions are imposed, the US could ban the import of $1.5 billion worth of Chinese seafood.
The Center for Biological Diversity filed a formal petition requesting the US government to potentially sanction China for failing to meet American shark conservation standards. China's distant water fishing fleets have been intentionally cutting the fins off sharks, contributing to a decline of over 70% in shark populations since 1970. More than one-third of all shark and ray species are now threatened with extinction. Chinese-flagged vessels catch, fin, and discard thousands of sharks each year.
Why it matters: This is significant because shark finning is a major contributor to the decline of shark populations, and China's actions are in violation of US conservation standards. If the US imposes sanctions, it could have a significant economic impact on China's seafood industry, which exports $1.5 billion worth of seafood to the US annually. The sanctions could also serve as a deterrent to other countries engaging in similar practices.
70% (decline in shark populations since 1970), 1/3 (of all shark and ray species threatened with extinction), $1.5 billion (value of Chinese seafood imports to the US), $0.5 billion (value of offshore supply chain for shark fins)
Ars Technica · 23 May, 11:30
Tom Akers and Joe Tanner, two veteran space shuttle crew members and spacewalkers, were inducted into the US Astronaut Hall of Fame on May 16.
Tom Akers and Joe Tanner, both experienced space shuttle crew members and spacewalkers, were inducted into the US Astronaut Hall of Fame on May 16. They had a close connection in their careers, as Joe Tanner had applied to be an astronaut in the same class as Tom Akers in 1984 but was selected for a later group. Tanner initially reported to the Johnson Space Center (JSC) to fly as an instructor pilot before applying for astronaut candidacy.
Why it matters: This induction is significant as it recognizes the contributions and achievements of Akers and Tanner in the field of space exploration. Their inclusion in the Astronaut Hall of Fame honors their dedication and service to NASA and the space program.
May 16 (date of induction)