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May 24 1200 UTC Brief
In Cyprus
Cyprus has started voting in a parliamentary election that could shift the country’s political balance, with anger over corruption and the rising cost of living near the top of the ballot. Voters seem to have arrived at the usual conclusion: they would like less scandal and lower prices, a request that remains stubbornly difficult for politics to process.
In the Middle East
Iran says a proposed peace deal with Washington still needs approval from the supreme leader and the national security council, and that one or two clauses remain unresolved before it can move toward ratification. Iranian officials say they have passed those concerns to Pakistani mediators, while Donald Trump said on Saturday that the deal had been largely negotiated.
In Pakistan
At least 24 people were killed and more than 70 injured after a suicide bomber struck near a train carrying military personnel in Quetta, in southwestern Balochistan province. Officials said the blast overturned two passenger cars, set them on fire, and damaged nearby buildings and vehicles. The outlawed Baloch Liberation Army claimed responsibility.
In the UK
HMRC has ended the standalone tax relief for employees working from home, removing the weekly £6 deduction for the current tax year, though some people may still be able to backdate claims. Labour has also ruled out raising the personal tax-free allowance to £18,000.
Separately, Nationwide is facing governance questions ahead of its annual general meeting, after concerns were raised about bundled votes and member representation across the building society sector.
In the United States
A federal watchdog has opened a formal audit into how the Department of Homeland Security spent nearly $1 billion buying warehouses at above-market prices as part of Kristi Noem’s $38.3 billion ICE detention overhaul.
Ron DeSantis is also trying to distance himself from Florida’s controversial detention center, as public criticism grows over reports of harsh conditions, including human cages, overflowing toilets, and a facility costing about $1 million a day.
In sport
Cape Verde are preparing for their first World Cup appearance in 2026, a major milestone for a country that has long been a presence at continental level and is now heading to football’s biggest stage.
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By IniaesIn Cyprus
Cyprus has started voting in a parliamentary election that could shift the country’s political balance, with anger over corruption and the rising cost of living near the top of the ballot. Voters seem to have arrived at the usual conclusion: they would like less scandal and lower prices, a request that remains stubbornly difficult for politics to process.
In the Middle East
Iran says a proposed peace deal with Washington still needs approval from the supreme leader and the national security council, and that one or two clauses remain unresolved before it can move toward ratification. Iranian officials say they have passed those concerns to Pakistani mediators, while Donald Trump said on Saturday that the deal had been largely negotiated.
In Pakistan
At least 24 people were killed and more than 70 injured after a suicide bomber struck near a train carrying military personnel in Quetta, in southwestern Balochistan province. Officials said the blast overturned two passenger cars, set them on fire, and damaged nearby buildings and vehicles. The outlawed Baloch Liberation Army claimed responsibility.
In the UK
HMRC has ended the standalone tax relief for employees working from home, removing the weekly £6 deduction for the current tax year, though some people may still be able to backdate claims. Labour has also ruled out raising the personal tax-free allowance to £18,000.
Separately, Nationwide is facing governance questions ahead of its annual general meeting, after concerns were raised about bundled votes and member representation across the building society sector.
In the United States
A federal watchdog has opened a formal audit into how the Department of Homeland Security spent nearly $1 billion buying warehouses at above-market prices as part of Kristi Noem’s $38.3 billion ICE detention overhaul.
Ron DeSantis is also trying to distance himself from Florida’s controversial detention center, as public criticism grows over reports of harsh conditions, including human cages, overflowing toilets, and a facility costing about $1 million a day.
In sport
Cape Verde are preparing for their first World Cup appearance in 2026, a major milestone for a country that has long been a presence at continental level and is now heading to football’s biggest stage.