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UK Conservative mayor keeps distance from Sunak in bid to avoid local election wipeout

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UK Conservative mayor keeps distance from Sunak in bid to avoid local election wipeout

Andy Street, the mayor of the West Midlands, is distancing himself from British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s government ahead of local elections. Street, a Conservative, has built a personal brand that downplays his party allegiance and has even had public disagreements with Sunak. The upcoming local elections are seen as a defensive one for the Conservatives, with Street facing a tough race against the Labour candidate despite his positive approval ratings. Street’s ability to attract voters who wouldn’t usually vote Conservative may give him a chance in the election.

Reuters: Israeli military to launch Rafah operation immediately, awaits approval

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Reuters: Israeli military to launch Rafah operation immediately, awaits approval

Israel is conducting an assault on Hamas in Rafah, the last Gaza Strip city not yet targeted by a ground offensive. The Israeli military is focusing its attacks on areas in the north of Gaza where they had previously withdrawn troops. Aid agencies have expressed concern over the potential humanitarian crisis in Rafah, where over 1 million people have been displaced. Israeli strikes in the past 24 hours have killed at least 79 Palestinians, with heavy shelling reported in northern Gaza and suburbs of Gaza City. Residents are questioning the reasons for the renewed violence, with one resident suggesting it may be due to aid finally reaching the area. The Israeli military has not provided immediate comment on the recent developments.

Columbia extends protest deadline after students agree to dismantle some tents

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Columbia extends protest deadline after students agree to dismantle some tents

Columbia University students agreed to take down a significant number of tents set up on the school’s main campus as part of a protest against Israel’s incursion into Gaza. The university agreed to extend the deadline for the encampment to be dismantled, citing significant progress in negotiations. The protesters had demanded disclosure and divestment of financial holdings supporting the war in Gaza and amnesty for suspended students. Columbia also required that non-affiliated individuals leave campus and that all activities comply with fire safety rules.

EU Parliament adopts first EU-wide rules to combat domestic abuse

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EU Parliament adopts first EU-wide rules to combat domestic abuse

The European Parliament has adopted the first EU-wide rules to combat domestic abuse and violence against women. The legislation prohibits female genital mutilation and forced marriage, as well as sets guidelines for online offences. Member states must improve reporting procedures and increase awareness of non-consensual sex as a criminal offense. One in three women in the EU has experienced violence, and 600,000 women have undergone female genital mutilation. The new rules will come into force 20 days after publication and member states have three years to implement them.

First Cypriot born on EU accession day 2004 joins anniversary celebrations

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First Cypriot born on EU accession day 2004 joins anniversary celebrations

Cyprus was honored at a ceremony celebrating 20 years since acceding to the European Union. Kyriacos Yiallourides, the first Cypriot born on May 1, 2004, asked about Cypriots’ expectations during the road to accession. George Iacovou mentioned that Cypriots hoped for security and stability and that the younger generations were excited about opportunities to study, work, and live abroad. The EU is characterized by breaking down borders and former enemies becoming friends. Yiallourides hopes more countries continue to join the EU to promote peace in Europe. EU Parliament president Roberta Metsola discussed the benefits of being part of the EU and embracing differences while ensuring equality of opportunity.

Sixty-three candidates submit for European Parliament elections

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Sixty-three candidates submit for European Parliament elections

Fact: A total of 63 candidacies were submitted for the European Parliament elections in Cyprus, with 61 candidates running with the backing of their parties and 2 standing as independent candidates.

YouTuber Fidias runs independent in EU elections

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YouTuber Fidias runs independent in EU elections

Fact: Fidias Panayiotou, an influencer and YouTuber with over five million subscribers, has announced his independent candidacy for the European Parliament elections in June.

Sinner not heaping pressure on himself with top ranking in sight

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Sinner not heaping pressure on himself with top ranking in sight

Jannik Sinner can close in on Novak Djokovic at the top of the world rankings by winning the Madrid Open and would move within 330 points of Djokovic if he wins the tournament.

US Justice Department to pay survivors of Nassar abuse $138m

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US Justice Department to pay survivors of Nassar abuse $138m

The U.S. Justice Department reached a 8.7 million civil settlement with hundreds of victims of former USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar, resolving claims that the FBI botched the initial investigation into Nassar.

Pochettino frustrated by Chelsea, ’s inconsistency after thrashing

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Pochettino frustrated by Chelsea, ’s inconsistency after thrashing

Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino was frustrated by his team’s inconsistency after a 5-0 loss to Arsenal, following a tight FA Cup semi-final loss to Manchester City.