World News

Elon Musk becomes world’s first trillionaire

business

Elon Musk becomes world’s first trillionaire

SpaceX began trading on US stock markets on Friday with a valuation exceeding $2 trillion, making chief executive Elon Musk the world's first trillionaire and placing the aerospace company among the largest publicly traded firms in the United States.

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The company’s shares opened at $150, up 11% from the initial public offering (IPO) price of $135. The opening price gave SpaceX a market value of about $1.96 trillion, putting it on course to become the sixth-largest listed company in the country.
By the first hour of trading, shares under the ticker symbol SPCX had climbed further to $164.99.
Strong Demand for Shares
SpaceX raised $75 billion through the offering, initially valuing the company at $1.77 trillion. Demand for the IPO was particularly strong, with orders reportedly exceeding the available shares by four times.
According to reports, around 70% of shares allocated to institutional investors went to long-term investment funds and sovereign wealth funds, including investors from Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.
SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell and Chief Financial Officer Bret Johnsen rang the opening bell at the Nasdaq MarketSite in New York City as trading commenced.
Delayed Trading and Protests
Despite the strong interest, shares did not begin changing hands immediately after markets opened. Exchange operators and underwriters delayed trading until buy and sell orders could be balanced, a precaution aimed at ensuring an orderly debut.
The launch was also accompanied by protests outside the Nasdaq MarketSite. Demonstrators voiced concerns over allegations involving Grok, an artificial intelligence product developed by xAI, which critics claim enabled the creation of non-consensual sexualised deepfake images before the IPO.
Market participants were particularly focused on avoiding the technical problems that affected the public debut of Meta Platforms in 2012.
Test for Future Mega-Listings
Analysts said investors were closely watching the offering as a gauge of demand for future high-profile technology flotations.
Samuel Kerr, global head of equity capital markets at Mergermarket, said expectations were for a sharp rise in the share price due to strong investor enthusiasm surrounding the deal.
The listing is also being viewed as a benchmark for planned public offerings by major artificial intelligence companies, including Anthropic and OpenAI.
Revenue Growth Driven by Starlink
The public debut further strengthened Musk’s position among the world’s wealthiest individuals and pushed SpaceX into the ranks of the most valuable companies globally.
The achievement comes despite the company reporting a loss of nearly $5 billion last year and generating significantly less revenue than many technology firms with comparable market valuations.
Much of SpaceX’s recent growth has been driven by its satellite internet business, Starlink, which accounts for roughly 80% of company revenue.
Separately on Friday, SpaceX launched a Falcon 9 rocket carrying 29 satellites from Cape Canaveral, underscoring the company’s continued expansion in the commercial space sector.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 13 June 2026

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June 12Jun 12

David Hockney, British Pop Art Pioneer, Dies Aged 88

UK

David Hockney, British Pop Art Pioneer, Dies Aged 88

David Hockney, the influential British artist whose vibrant paintings helped shape modern art and became synonymous with images of California life, has died at the age of 88.

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Born in Bradford in 1937, Hockney emerged as one of Britain's most celebrated artists during the 1960s. Associated with the Pop Art movement, he gained international recognition for works depicting swimming pools, bright sunshine and everyday life in Los Angeles. Paintings such as A Bigger Splash and Portrait of an Artist (Pool With Two Figures) became defining images of his career.
Over more than six decades, Hockney continually reinvented his artistic approach. Beyond painting, he explored photography, photo-collage, landscape art and digital media, embracing new technologies throughout his life. His later work included creations made using iPads, computers and 3D tools, reflecting a lifelong fascination with how images are made and viewed.
Early Life and Education
Hockney grew up in a working-class family in Bradford and showed artistic talent from a young age. After studying at Bradford College, he sold his first painting, a portrait of his father, in 1957.
Following national service as a hospital orderly, he enrolled at the Royal College of Art in London in 1959. There he developed a reputation as both a gifted artist and a challenger of convention. His refusal to conform to some academic requirements nearly prevented him from graduating, although the college ultimately awarded him a diploma in recognition of his exceptional work.
Breaking Social Boundaries
Hockney's early paintings openly depicted gay life at a time when homosexuality remained illegal in Britain. Works such as We Two Boys Together Clinging and Cleaning Teeth, Early Evening (10pm) W11 challenged prevailing social attitudes and established him as a bold artistic voice.
With his distinctive blond hair, round glasses and cigarette often in hand, he became a familiar figure in London's cultural scene and later among artists and celebrities in the United States. Despite his reputation for enjoying the social life of the era, he maintained a prolific work ethic throughout his career.
Success in Los Angeles
After relocating to Los Angeles in the mid-1960s, Hockney produced many of his most acclaimed works. His paintings combined bright colours with emotional depth, exploring themes of love, relationships and human connection.
In 2018, Portrait of an Artist (Pool With Two Figures) sold for $90.3 million, setting a record at the time for the most expensive work by a living artist sold at auction. The painting was inspired by the end of a romantic relationship and remains one of his most celebrated achievements.
Innovation and Later Years
Hockney's curiosity extended beyond traditional painting. His photo-collages, which he called "joiners", assembled multiple images to challenge conventional ideas of perspective and visual representation. He also worked in theatre and opera design, creating sets and costumes for stage productions.
New technologies consistently attracted his attention. Throughout his career he experimented with photocopiers, fax machines, printers and digital devices, viewing each as another way to create pictures.
Personal Challenges
In 2005, Hockney returned from Los Angeles to Yorkshire. Eight years later, he suffered a personal tragedy when his assistant, Dominic Elliott, died at his home in Bridlington. Hockney later said the loss left him unable to draw for a period and made him consider abandoning art.
Known for his independent views, Hockney reportedly declined a knighthood on several occasions and once turned down a request to paint Queen Elizabeth II. His 2001 book Secret Knowledge sparked debate among historians by questioning how Old Master paintings had been created.
Legacy
Hockney remained active into his later years, continuing to create and experiment despite health challenges, including a stroke in 2012. Widely regarded as one of Britain's greatest living artists, he left behind a body of work that transformed perceptions of portraiture, landscape and visual storytelling.
Reflecting on life in a 2015 interview, Hockney said he did not spend much time looking back. "I live now," he said. "It's always now."

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 12 June 2026

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June 12Jun 12

Iran Says No Final Deal Reached Despite Trump Claims

Iranian Conflict

Iran Says No Final Deal Reached Despite Trump Claims

Iran has said no final agreement has been reached to end its conflict with the United States, pushing back against President Donald Trump's assertion that a deal could be signed within days.

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Trump had earlier threatened fresh military action against Iran, warning that the US would strike the country "very hard" again. However, he later said planned attacks had been called off because negotiators had reached what he described as a "great settlement" with Tehran.
Speaking to reporters, Trump said the agreement was awaiting the completion of final documents and suggested a signing ceremony could take place in Europe. He added that the paperwork was in its final stages and could be completed quickly.
Tehran rejects reports of completed agreement
Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson, Esmail Baghaei, dismissed reports of a completed agreement as premature.
He said claims that a deal had been reached were "speculative" and stressed that "nothing has been finalised". While acknowledging that much of the proposed memorandum had already been drafted, Baghaei said Washington had introduced what he described as excessive demands and additional conditions.
He also reiterated that Iran would not cross its "red lines" during negotiations.
Conflict continues despite ceasefire
The latest diplomatic exchanges come after months of conflict that began when the US and Israel launched extensive strikes against Iran on 28 February.
Iran responded with attacks on Israel and US-aligned states in the Gulf and effectively shut down the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial route for global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments.
Although a ceasefire was agreed in April, tensions have remained high. The US and Iran have continued to exchange sporadic attacks, including two rounds of retaliatory strikes this week.
Hours before speaking optimistically about a potential agreement, Trump had warned that the United States would strike Iran again and threatened action against key oil facilities, including Kharg Island, through which most Iranian oil exports pass.
Iran responded with warnings of stronger retaliation if further attacks occurred. The country's military said that if Iran's oil and gas exports were threatened, energy exports throughout the region could also be affected.
Oil prices fall as hopes for deal grow
Trump said the proposed agreement would ensure Iran never obtained a nuclear weapon, describing that objective as the central reason for the conflict.
He also suggested the Strait of Hormuz would reopen once an agreement was formally signed. According to Trump, regional leaders, including Gulf allies and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, had reacted positively to the developments.
Israel confirmed that Netanyahu had spoken with Trump but stressed that Israel was not a party to the memorandum of understanding under discussion. The Israeli government said it supported efforts aimed at limiting Iran's nuclear programme, missile production and regional influence.
Financial markets reacted positively to the prospect of an agreement. Brent crude oil prices fell about 4.4% to roughly $89 a barrel.
Recent clashes raise tensions
The latest military exchanges followed the crash of a US Apache helicopter in the Gulf on Monday.
On Wednesday, the US Central Command said it had carried out strikes against military, surveillance and radar installations in southern Iran.
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps later said it targeted American bases in Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan. Authorities in Bahrain reported that an 11-year-old girl was injured in a drone attack and that several homes and vehicles were damaged.
Negotiations between Washington and Tehran have continued for months, with Trump repeatedly expressing confidence that an agreement was near. However, previous claims of imminent progress have not resulted in a final deal.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 12 June 2026

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June 12Jun 12

Israeli Demolitions Fuel Palestinian Anger in East Jerusalem

Israel

Israeli Demolitions Fuel Palestinian Anger in East Jerusalem

The sound of demolition machinery echoes through the hills below Jerusalem's Old City as an Israeli excavator tears into another Palestinian home in the al-Bustan area of Silwan.

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Since late 2023, 59 properties have been demolished in the neighbourhood, where residents say the pace of destruction has accelerated while international attention has focused on conflicts in Gaza, Iran and Lebanon.
Homes Reduced to Rubble in Silwan
"There is no future. They destroyed the future and everything else," said 58-year-old Fayez Awad, speaking from the only remaining floor of his home.
"We spent our whole lives building this house. This is all we managed to achieve in life. They brought us back to zero again, me and my children."
Dispute Over Land and Planning
East Jerusalem has remained at the centre of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict since Israel captured it from Jordan in the 1967 Middle East War and later annexed it, a move not recognised by most countries.
For around two decades, Jerusalem's municipality has pursued plans to transform al-Bustan into a biblical-themed park known as the King's Garden, to be operated by a Jewish settler organisation. Demolition orders issued by Israeli courts have recently been enforced at a faster rate.
The municipality said it was acting "for the benefit of all city residents" and aimed to create a park in an area lacking public open space.



Palestinian residents argue that obtaining Israeli building permits in East Jerusalem is extremely difficult. According to the Israeli planning rights group Bimkom, Palestinians received only 7% of newly approved housing in Jerusalem in 2025 despite making up about 40% of the city's population.
About half of al-Bustan's homes have now been demolished. Many residents facing demolition orders have chosen to destroy their own properties to avoid substantial municipal fines and demolition costs.
"We're being given warnings that in the coming months they'll destroy the rest of the houses," said community activist Fakhri Abu Diab, whose own home has already been demolished.
Evictions and Settlement Expansion
Israel has built roughly 160 settlements housing around 700,000 Jewish residents across the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Settlements and the transfer of populations into occupied territory are considered illegal under international law, a position rejected by Israel.
According to the United Nations, around 200 Palestinian households, comprising about 900 people, are currently facing eviction proceedings in East Jerusalem, most of them initiated by settler groups.
In nearby Batn al-Hawa, Palestinian families are being removed from homes where they have lived for decades under laws that allow Jewish ownership claims dating from before Israel's establishment in 1948. Palestinians do not have equivalent rights to reclaim property inside Israel.
Israeli anti-settlement groups say the changes are reshaping the city's demographic and political landscape.
Yonatan Mizrahi of Peace Now said Silwan's archaeological and religious significance has made it a focus for projects highlighting Jewish historical connections to the area.
Families Fear Losing Their Last Homes
Elsewhere in the Old City, another legal battle has placed members of the Basha family at risk of eviction from a building linked to a Jewish religious school.
The family traces its presence there to the British Mandate era, when Mohammed Basha Abdulghani was allowed to live in part of the property after protecting it during periods of unrest.
Although a court recently granted a temporary injunction while an appeal is considered, family members fear they could still lose their homes.
"What will we do?" asked 76-year-old Mufid Basha. "We've nowhere else to go. This is the only home I've ever known."
Rights groups also warn that land registration measures introduced in East Jerusalem in 2018 are contributing to Palestinian displacement.
Calls for International Action
During a recent visit by foreign diplomats to Silwan, residents urged the international community to intervene.
The European Union recently described the situation in East Jerusalem, particularly in Silwan, as "dire" and reiterated its opposition to Israeli settlement activity.
Among those facing uncertainty is 97-year-old Yusra Qweider, who has been displaced three times since 1948. After living in her current home for more than 50 years, she now faces an eviction notice.
"They want to kick us out of here," she said. "I am sick and I can't walk. We are counting on God."

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 12 June 2026

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June 12Jun 12

Manchester Girl, 14, Charged with Attempted Murder

UK

Manchester Girl, 14, Charged with Attempted Murder

A 14-year-old girl has been charged with three counts of attempted murder following a stabbing incident at a secondary school in north Manchester.

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The teenager was charged on Thursday after the Crown Prosecution Service authorised the case. She also faces two counts of possessing a bladed article on school premises.
She is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Friday.
Charges Follow School Incident
Police were called to Co-op Academy Manchester on Plant Hill Road in Blackley on 9 June after reports of a stabbing at the school.
Three people were injured in the incident, prompting a major police response and an investigation involving Counter Terrorism Policing North West and Greater Manchester Police.
Authorities have not released further details about the victims.
Investigation Continues
Detective Chief Superintendent Jonathan Chadwick, head of Counter Terrorism Policing North West, said the charges against the teenager were extremely serious.
He said officers were continuing to support the victims and their families, as well as the wider school community, which had been deeply affected by the incident.
Support for School Community
Chadwick said that although charges had now been brought, investigators were continuing their work.
He added that police were working closely with local officers in the Blackley area as the investigation remains ongoing.
No further information has been released.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 12 June 2026

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June 12Jun 12

Healey Resigns as UK Defence Secretary Over Spending Row

UK-Politics

Healey Resigns as UK Defence Secretary Over Spending Row

John Healey has resigned as defence secretary following a prolonged dispute within government over military spending plans, saying proposed funding levels were insufficient to meet growing security challenges.

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In a strongly worded resignation letter, Healey said the financial settlement for the government's Defence Investment Plan (DIP) “falls well short” of what Britain requires at a time of increasing global threats. He argued that both the prime minister and the Treasury had failed to provide the resources needed to strengthen national defence.
Defence Secretary Quits After Budget Dispute
Prime Minister Keir Starmer rejected those claims, insisting the forthcoming plan would deliver a record increase in defence spending while maintaining fiscal discipline. He said the strategy would be funded through difficult spending choices across government rather than additional borrowing.
Armed Forces Minister Also Steps Down
The crisis deepened when Armed Forces Minister Al Carns also resigned on Thursday evening.
Carns accused the government of failing to equip the military adequately, saying efforts to secure greater investment had been ignored.
“I've spent my whole time in government making that case,” he said. “Number 10 will not listen, so I am resigning as minister for the armed forces.”
The departure of Healey, regarded as one of Starmer’s closest allies in cabinet, represents a major setback for a government already facing mounting political pressure.
Pressure Mounts on Starmer
Healey becomes the second cabinet minister to leave the government in recent weeks after former health secretary Wes Streeting resigned, citing a loss of confidence in the prime minister’s leadership.
The resignations come ahead of a crucial by-election in which Labour candidate Andy Burnham is seeking a return to Parliament, potentially positioning himself as a future challenger for the party leadership.
Starmer has also faced criticism from within Labour following disappointing election results across England, Scotland and Wales last month, although he has said he intends to contest any future leadership challenge.
Defence Plan at Centre of Dispute
Disagreements over defence funding have intensified for months amid repeated delays to the Defence Investment Plan, originally expected last autumn.
The issue has become increasingly urgent ahead of a NATO summit in Turkey next month, where Starmer had planned to unveil the strategy.
Healey argued that defence demands had risen significantly since the start of the year due to conflict in the Middle East and expanded British commitments in Ukraine and the Arctic.
Reports suggest the government is considering an additional £13.5bn for the Ministry of Defence over the next four years, well below the £28bn increase requested by the department.
In his resignation letter, Healey criticised the proposed settlement for delaying much of the spending until later years, despite what he described as immediate pressures on military readiness.
He warned that the current timetable would leave Britain moving too slowly towards strengthening its armed forces and said he was being forced to make decisions that would weaken operational preparedness.
Funding Debate Continues
The government has pledged to increase defence spending to 3.5% of GDP by 2035 but has not yet outlined how the commitment will be financed.
Reports indicate ministers are considering reducing capital budgets across government departments by 1% to help fund defence priorities.
Healey has argued that spending should reach 3% of GDP by 2030 instead, citing warnings that Russia could pose a direct threat to NATO within the decade.
Last year's Strategic Defence Review called for greater “warfighting readiness”, including investment in ammunition stockpiles, advanced fighter aircraft, drones and new attack submarines.
Opposition politicians seized on the resignations, with Conservative shadow defence secretary James Cartlidge saying Healey had been left with no option but to quit, while Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice said the departures raised questions about the government's defence priorities.
Kevin Craven, chief executive of the defence industry association ADS Group, described Healey's resignation as a damaging verdict on the government's handling of defence policy.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 12 June 2026

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June 11Jun 11

World Cup Opens in Mexico With Shakira-Led Spectacle

Sport

World Cup Opens in Mexico With Shakira-Led Spectacle

The 2026 FIFA World Cup got under way in Mexico City on Thursday with a colourful opening ceremony featuring international music stars, cultural performances and thousands of fans at the iconic Azteca Stadium.

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Supporters packed the venue ahead of Mexico’s opening match against South Africa, marking the first time the country has hosted a World Cup match on home soil in 40 years. The atmosphere was one of celebration and anticipation as fans gathered to witness the start of football’s biggest tournament.
For many supporters, the opening match represented a rare opportunity to experience the World Cup in their own country.
Javier Pérez, attending the match with his family, said the chance to witness the tournament in person outweighed any difficulties encountered during the build-up.
He described the occasion as a unique experience and expressed hope that Mexico would make a strong start to the competition.
Music and culture take centre stage
The opening festivities were led by Colombian singer Shakira and featured performances from fellow Colombian artist J Balvin, Nigerian Afrobeats star Burna Boy, Venezuelan singer Danny Ocean and Mexican musician Fher Olvera.
A welcoming message to visiting fans highlighted Mexico’s diversity, heritage and pride, while emphasizing football’s ability to unite people across generations and nations.
Performers appeared in indigenous-inspired attire, while others carried oversized golden footballs as part of the ceremony. The stadium itself provided a colourful backdrop, with fans dressed in national team colours and traditional outfits.
Tournament follows challenging build-up
The tournament arrives after a complicated period of preparation.
Renovations at Mexico City’s airport and the Azteca Stadium, protests linked to the event and concerns about cartel-related violence in recent months had all formed part of the discussion surrounding the World Cup before kickoff.
However, those issues largely faded from view as attention shifted to the opening ceremony and the start of the competition.
Mexico is co-hosting the 2026 World Cup with the United States and Canada. The other host nations are scheduled to stage their own opening celebrations on Friday.
Global stars join opening festivities
The ceremony also featured performances connected to the tournament’s official music programme. Opera singer Andrea Bocelli and singer Ejae performed the World Cup anthem, DNA, which was released on Wednesday.
Mexican singer Alejandro Fernández, son of legendary performer Vicente Fernández, led the rendition of the Mexican national anthem, joined by many of the 80,000 spectators inside the stadium.
South African artist Tyla performed her country’s national anthem ahead of the opening match. The Grammy-winning singer, known for hits including Water and the FIFA track Game Time, is also set to appear at the United States opening ceremony in Los Angeles.
FIFA has enlisted a wide range of international artists for events across the tournament, many of whom feature on the 18-track Official FIFA World Cup 2026 Album.
With the opening ceremony complete and the first match under way, attention now turns to the football as the month-long tournament begins across North America.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 12 June 2026

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June 11Jun 11

Elon Musk's SpaceX Nears $1.8tn Ahead of IPO

business

Elon Musk's SpaceX Nears $1.8tn Ahead of IPO

SpaceX has secured $75bn (£56bn) from financial institutions ahead of its stock market debut on Friday, setting the stage for what is expected to be the largest public listing in history.

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In a filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission, the space exploration and artificial intelligence company said it sold shares at $135 each, raising the planned amount from investors before trading begins.
Valuation Approaches $1.8tn
The share price matches the valuation estimate SpaceX outlined last week and implies an initial market value of nearly $1.8tn.
That figure would place the company among the world's most valuable publicly traded businesses from the moment its shares begin changing hands.
The valuation would also further boost the wealth of chief executive Elon Musk, who is already regarded as the world's richest person. At the proposed valuation, Musk is expected to become the first person with a net worth exceeding $1tn.
Trading Could Shift Valuation
While the offering price has been set at $135 per share, the company's market value will ultimately depend on investor demand once trading starts.
Share prices can rise or fall after a listing begins, depending on how many shares are available and how strongly investors seek to buy them.
If SpaceX shares open at or above the offering price, the company will immediately rank among the largest firms listed on public markets.
Investors will ultimately determine whether the valuation is justified through trading activity on the open market.
Strong Investor Interest
Demand for SpaceX shares is expected to be significant among both institutional investors and retail traders seeking exposure to one of the world's most closely watched technology companies.
Several analysts have already suggested the stock could trade above the offering price. On Thursday, brokerage firm Oppenheimer said it expected SpaceX shares to reach $190.
The final market price will be established through trading after the company's debut on the technology-focused Nasdaq Composite.
Test Case for Other AI Giants
The listing is being closely watched across the technology sector, with some investors viewing it as a benchmark for other privately held companies approaching trillion-dollar valuations.
Among those are Anthropic and OpenAI, both of which have recently indicated they are preparing for public offerings, potentially later this year.
The outcome of SpaceX's market debut could provide an important indication of investor appetite for large-scale technology and AI companies seeking to transition from private ownership to public markets.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 12 June 2026

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June 11Jun 11

El Niño Returns, Raising Risk of Global Weather Extremes

Weather

El Niño Returns, Raising Risk of Global Weather Extremes

The natural climate phenomenon known as El Niño has officially developed in the tropical Pacific Ocean, according to the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), raising concerns about higher global temperatures and widespread weather disruptions in the coming years.

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NOAA said sea surface temperatures across the central and eastern equatorial Pacific have risen above the 0.5C threshold used to define an El Niño event. The agency also observed shifts in atmospheric winds over the Pacific, indicating that the atmosphere is now responding to the warming ocean.
Pacific Warming Pattern Officially Begins
The declaration had been widely anticipated after the cooler La Niña phase ended earlier this year. However, scientists say the speed of the warming and the confidence of forecasting models have drawn particular attention.
Possibility of a Very Strong Event
El Niño strength is measured by how much Pacific Ocean temperatures rise above average in a key region. Events are considered strong when temperatures exceed 1.5C above normal and very strong when they surpass 2C.
NOAA’s latest outlook places the probability of a very strong El Niño at 63% during the November-to-January period. If realised, it would rank among the most powerful events recorded since modern records began in 1950.
The strongest El Niño episodes on record occurred in 1982-83, 1997-98 and 2015-16.
Some forecasting models from the United States and Europe suggest temperatures in the tropical Pacific could climb more than 3C above average by the end of the year. Nevertheless, NOAA cautioned that even powerful El Niño events do not produce identical impacts everywhere, although stronger events generally increase the likelihood of expected climate patterns.
Climate Change Raises Concerns
Researchers say the greater concern is that El Niño is emerging against a backdrop of long-term human-driven global warming.
Prof Adam Scaife of the UK Met Office said the warming effect of El Niño is now being added to an already warmer climate, increasing the risk of unprecedented temperatures in affected regions.
A very strong El Niño typically raises global average air temperatures by around 0.2C as heat stored in the ocean is released into the atmosphere.
Scientists note that 2024, the hottest year on record, was aided by a relatively modest El Niño. Despite the cooling influence of La Niña, 2025 still ranked as the third-warmest year ever recorded.
Prof Scaife said global temperatures are likely to remain exceptionally high through late 2026 and into 2027, increasing the chances that another year could exceed 1.5C of warming above late-19th-century levels.
Global Weather Impacts Expected
Although every El Niño event differs, its effects are often most pronounced in tropical regions.
The phenomenon frequently brings heavy rainfall and flooding to northern Peru and southern Ecuador and can also affect parts of East Africa, Central Asia and the southern United States.
At the same time, drought and wildfire risks often increase across Australia, Indonesia and northern parts of South America, potentially affecting agriculture and food supplies.
El Niño also tends to reduce Atlantic hurricane activity. However, climate experts note that this can lead to reduced rainfall and heightened drought risks in parts of Central America.
Campaigners have warned that vulnerable communities could face severe consequences. Mohamed Adow, director of Power Shift Africa, said the phenomenon could worsen food insecurity and economic hardship, particularly in East Africa, where many communities have already endured repeated droughts and floods.
Agencies Monitor Conditions
Japan’s Meteorological Agency has also concluded that El Niño conditions are present and expects them to persist through the autumn.
Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology has not yet formally declared an event because it applies a higher temperature threshold. However, it said Pacific conditions are approaching El Niño levels and expects the phenomenon to develop later this year, potentially reaching strong intensity.
El Niño typically occurs every two to seven years and usually lasts around 12 months. While scientists have not conclusively shown that climate change makes El Niño events more frequent or stronger, they say a warmer world can amplify their impacts.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 12 June 2026

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June 11Jun 11

JD Vance says Netanyahu has made mistakes amid Iran conflict

USA

JD Vance says Netanyahu has made mistakes amid Iran conflict

US Vice-President JD Vance has said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has "certainly gotten some things wrong", as tensions between Washington and Jerusalem become more visible during the conflict with Iran.

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In an interview with CBS News, Vance said Netanyahu "aggressively asserts the interests of his country" but that Israeli and American interests are not always aligned. He declined to provide specific examples, saying such discussions are often better handled privately.
The comments are the clearest public acknowledgement yet from the Trump administration that relations with Israel have come under strain in recent weeks.
Growing differences over Lebanon and Iran
President Donald Trump has reportedly expressed frustration with Israeli military operations in Lebanon, which have complicated efforts to negotiate an end to the wider conflict with Iran.
The US and Iran exchanged strikes for a second consecutive day overnight, putting pressure on a ceasefire that has been in place since April. Trump has said Tehran has taken "too long to make a deal", while renewed hostilities were also linked to fighting in Lebanon involving the Iranian-backed group Hezbollah.
According to Axios, Trump recently described Netanyahu as "effing crazy" during a phone call, saying he was irritated by Israel's continued military actions in Lebanon.
"Sometimes we have interests that are perfectly aligned and sometimes we have interests that are misaligned," Vance said.
"Where that diverges, we — unfortunately for the Israelis — have to choose the side of the American people."
Conflict extends beyond Iran
Israel has carried out extensive strikes across Lebanon and occupied parts of southern Lebanon as part of its campaign against Hezbollah. The group began attacking northern Israel after an earlier Israeli strike killed Iran's supreme leader, according to Israeli and Lebanese accounts of the conflict.
Lebanon's health ministry says at least 3,696 people have been killed, while Israeli authorities say 30 soldiers and four civilians have died in fighting on both sides of the border.
Iran is seeking to include Lebanon in any broader peace agreement, while Israel argues Lebanon was not covered by the ceasefire reached two months ago.
Domestic political pressure
The dispute comes as both leaders face domestic political challenges.
Trump is pushing for a deal that would reopen the Strait of Hormuz and curb Iran's nuclear programme, while opinion polls suggest the conflict is becoming less popular among American voters ahead of November's midterm elections.
Netanyahu is also preparing for elections later this year and must persuade Israeli voters that his strategy against Iran and its regional allies is succeeding.
The Israeli leader has sought to minimise reports of a rift with Washington.
"Sometimes we have, as in the best of families, you have these tactical disagreements," Netanyahu told CNBC last week. "We always find a way to work them out, and we do so as great friends."


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 12 June 2026

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June 11Jun 11

Trump Calls Off Iran Bombings as Deal Nears

Iranian Conflict

Trump Calls Off Iran Bombings as Deal Nears

U.S. President Donald Trump said he had called off planned military strikes against Iran on Thursday, hours after threatening further attacks and suggesting the United States could seize the Iranian oil export hub of Kharg Island.

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In a post on social media, Trump said planned strikes scheduled for later in the day had been cancelled after discussions with Iran reached the highest levels of the country's leadership and received approval.
“Based on the fact that discussions with the Islamic Republic of Iran have been brought to the highest level of Iranian leadership and approved, I have, as President of the United States of America, cancelled the scheduled strikes and bombings against Iran this evening,” Trump wrote.
Speaking later in the Oval Office, Trump suggested an agreement to end the conflict was close, saying the Strait of Hormuz would reopen once a settlement was formally signed. He said he expected that to happen within days and indicated U.S. Vice-President JD Vance would attend a signing ceremony in Europe if one took place.
“We just made a great settlement of the war with Iran,” Trump told reporters, without providing details.
Trump also said discussions and final points had been approved by the United States, Iran, Israel, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Turkey, Pakistan, Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan, among others. He added that the U.S.-led naval blockade would remain in place until any agreement was finalized.
Earlier Threats Against Kharg Island
Earlier on Thursday, Trump had threatened to intensify military action against Iran and take control of key energy infrastructure, including Kharg Island, which handles about 90% of Iran’s oil exports.
Writing on Truth Social, he said the United States would eventually take control of Kharg Island and other oil facilities, comparing the move to U.S. actions involving Venezuela.
The comments came as U.S. and Iranian forces exchanged attacks and Washington continued operations aimed at enforcing a blockade of Iran-linked shipping near the Strait of Hormuz.
U.S. officials have previously indicated that any effort to control Kharg Island could require ground forces, although no such operation has been announced.
Iran responded sharply to Trump's remarks. Ebrahim Azizi, head of the national security committee in Iran’s parliament, said the United States would face a stronger and more painful response if it made what he described as an “uncalculated” move.
Shipping Tensions Continue
Despite Trump's suggestion that a settlement may be close, tensions at sea remained high.
India said three of its sailors were killed late Wednesday when a U.S. strike hit a tanker off Oman during operations linked to the blockade. New Delhi summoned a U.S. diplomat and called for such attacks to stop.
The U.S. military’s Central Command (CENTCOM) said an American aircraft carried out a precision strike on the engine room of the Palau-flagged tanker Settebello after its crew repeatedly failed to comply with instructions from U.S. forces. CENTCOM said the vessel was attempting to transport Iranian oil.
According to India’s Foreign Ministry, 21 Indian crew members were rescued after the strike. The Omani navy responded to the vessel’s distress call.
The deaths were the first reported since the blockade began on April 13. U.S. forces say they have disabled eight vessels and turned back more than 100 others during the operation.
CENTCOM also reported disabling another tanker, the Guinea-Bissau-flagged M/T Jalveer, in the Gulf of Oman on Thursday after its crew allegedly failed to comply with instructions. A third India-linked tanker was stopped earlier in the week.
“These attacks must cease,” Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.
Conflict's Wider Impact
The conflict, which began on Feb. 28, has killed thousands of people, mainly in Iran and Lebanon, and contributed to higher global oil prices. The fighting has also become a political challenge for the White House as rising fuel costs have weighed on public support for Trump.
While Trump's latest comments raised expectations of a diplomatic breakthrough, details of any proposed agreement remain unclear and the naval blockade remains in force pending a formal settlement.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 12 June 2026

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June 11Jun 11

Pope Blesses Final Sagrada Família Tower in Barcelona

Report

Pope Blesses Final Sagrada Família Tower in Barcelona

Thousands of people gathered in Barcelona on Wednesday as Pope Leo XIV blessed the newly completed central tower of the Sagrada Família, marking a major milestone in the construction of Antoni Gaudí’s iconic basilica.

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The ceremony, attended by members of the Spanish royal family, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and hundreds of bishops, celebrated the completion of the Jesus Christ tower, the tallest of the church’s 18 towers. At 172.5 metres, the basilica has now reached its intended height, becoming both the tallest church in the world and the tallest building in Barcelona.
Historic milestone for Gaudí’s basilica
The Sagrada Família, whose construction began in 1882, was consecrated by Pope Benedict XVI in 2010. Although the structure has achieved its full height, major work on the main entrance and surrounding areas remains unfinished.
Pope calls church a symbol of an ongoing journey
During a Mass inside the basilica, Pope Leo addressed worshippers in Spanish and Catalan, describing the Sagrada Família as more than a monument.
He said the church remained “a work in progress”, reflecting a spiritual journey that continues throughout life. The pontiff also delivered a message of peace, saying Christians should reject violence and the killing of innocent people.


Picture courtesy of The Guardian

Before the service, Leo visited Gaudí’s tomb in the crypt beneath the basilica, where he lit a candle and prayed.
Many worshippers had arrived along the pope’s route hours before his appearance. Among them were Ramón and Marisa, residents of nearby L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, who said they were delighted by the visit and compared Leo favourably to Pope John Paul II.
Others viewed the occasion through a broader political lens. Rosmira Pasadis, a Venezuelan living in Barcelona, said she hoped the pope would continue advocating for political prisoners and freedom in Venezuela.
City disrupted as crowds gather
Extensive security measures accompanied the visit, with road closures and the shutdown of several metro stations causing disruption across Barcelona.
Only invited guests were allowed close to the basilica itself, but nearby streets were packed with spectators and pilgrims. Police estimated that around 70,000 people lined the pope’s route through the city.


Picture courtesy of The Guardian

The event formed part of a busy programme that also included meetings with Catalan officials, a visit to a high-security prison, prayers at the Montserrat monastery and appeals for unity in Catalonia.
Debate over Gaudí’s vision continues
The celebration coincided with the centenary of Gaudí’s death. Often referred to as “God’s architect”, he devoted the final years of his life almost exclusively to the Sagrada Família, envisioning it as a place that would speak to both believers and ordinary citizens through architecture and symbolism.
Yet debate continues over whether the modern structure accurately reflects Gaudí’s intentions. Critics have questioned aspects of the posthumous construction for decades, arguing that later architects have altered the original concept.
Jordi Faulí, the chief architect overseeing the project, maintains that surviving plans, models and instructions provide enough guidance to complete the basilica in line with Gaudí’s vision.
Although the tower project is finished, work on the vast Glory façade is expected to continue for another decade. Plans for a monumental stairway leading to the entrance remain controversial because they could require the relocation of large numbers of local residents.
Tourism and sainthood prospects
The Sagrada Família attracts around five million visitors annually, making it one of Spain’s most visited landmarks. Last year, Pope Francis advanced Gaudí’s cause for sainthood by declaring him “venerable”, an early stage in the canonisation process.
If Gaudí is eventually beatified, the basilica could gain additional significance as a pilgrimage site alongside its role as a major tourist attraction.
Barcelona tourism chief Mateu Hernández described the church as a global symbol on a par with some of the world’s most recognisable monuments.
Whether Pope Leo’s visit will strengthen the city’s religious identity remains uncertain, but the blessing of the final tower marks a defining chapter in the long history of one of the world’s most remarkable architectural projects.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 11 June 2026

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June 11Jun 11

US Strike on Tanker Off Oman Kills Three Indian Sailors

Iranian Conflict

US Strike on Tanker Off Oman Kills Three Indian Sailors

Three Indian sailors have been confirmed dead after a US military strike on a tanker in the Gulf of Oman, marking the first reported fatalities involving seafarers since Washington launched its blockade of Iran-linked shipping in April.

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India's Shipping Minister, Sarbananda Sonowal, said the three crew members, who were initially reported missing, had now been identified following recovery efforts.
“Sadly, three Indian seafarers initially reported missing are now confirmed dead after bodies have been located and identified,” Sonowal said.
Tanker targeted by US forces
The incident involved the Palau-flagged oil products tanker Settebello, which was struck by US forces while transiting the Gulf of Oman.
According to the US military’s United States Central Command, an American aircraft fired precision munitions into the vessel’s engine room after the crew repeatedly failed to comply with instructions from US forces. CENTCOM said the tanker was attempting to transport Iranian oil in violation of the ongoing US blockade.
The blockade, which began on April 13, has so far disabled eight vessels deemed non-compliant, redirected 134 ships and allowed 42 humanitarian vessels to proceed, according to the US military.
India protests attack
India’s foreign ministry condemned the strike and said 21 of the 24 Indian crew members aboard the tanker had been rescued. The ministry said its embassy in Oman had worked closely with local authorities during search and rescue operations.
New Delhi also summoned the US deputy chief of mission and lodged a strong protest over the incident, according to Indian media reports and officials familiar with the matter.
The Omani Navy responded to the vessel’s distress call after the tanker reported an engine-room fire following the strike.
Growing risks for Indian seafarers
The deaths come amid heightened tensions in the region and increasing risks for commercial shipping operating near the Strait of Hormuz.
Separately, the Indian embassy in Oman reported another maritime incident involving a tanker off the Omani coast. The Forward Seamen’s Union of India identified the vessel as the MT Jalveer, although details remain limited.
Earlier this week, US forces also disabled the tanker Marivex in the Gulf of Oman after it allegedly attempted to sail to an Iranian port. All Indian crew members aboard that vessel were rescued safely.
India is one of the world's largest suppliers of seafarers, with more than 300,000 Indian nationals serving on international merchant vessels.
IMO condemns threats to seafarers
Responding to the incident, Arsenio Dominguez, secretary-general of the International Maritime Organization, condemned actions that place sailors and commercial shipping at risk.
“I strongly condemn any act from any party that endangers the lives of seafarers and the safety of international shipping. This is simply unacceptable,” he said on Wednesday.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 11 June 2026

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June 11Jun 11

Anti-Immigrant Violence Enters Second Night in Belfast

UK-Asylum crisis

Anti-Immigrant Violence Enters Second Night in Belfast

Anti-immigrant protests in Northern Ireland entered a second night on Wednesday as police deployed water cannons to disperse crowds following disorder linked to a recent knife attack that left a man seriously injured.

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Violence erupted in Newtownabbey, north of Belfast, where protesters threw objects at police vehicles. Officers responded with water cannons as they sought to maintain public order.
Homes and Vehicles Set Alight
The latest disturbances followed a night of unrest across Belfast and other areas, during which masked rioters set fire to homes, vehicles and barricades. Several families were forced to leave their properties as violence spread through affected neighborhoods.
Political leaders said ethnic minority residents were among those targeted. Local pastor Jack McKee told the BBC that members of his congregation had suffered attacks on their homes, with windows smashed and nearby properties burned.
Authorities increased security measures ahead of further demonstrations. Some schools in Belfast closed early, while public transport services were scheduled to end earlier than usual. Police deployed an additional 200 officers across the region.
The disorder left two police officers injured on Tuesday night and heightened fears among minority communities. Residents reported concerns about safety, including incidents of racist abuse directed at children.
Knife Attack Sparks Tensions
The protests followed the charging of 30-year-old Sudanese national Hadi Alodid with attempted murder after a knife attack in Belfast that was filmed and widely shared online.
The victim, Stephen Ogilvie, suffered severe injuries, including the loss of his left eye, according to evidence presented in court. He also sustained injuries to his other eye, back and face. Alodid appeared in court on Wednesday charged with attempted murder, threats to kill and possession of a knife. He was denied bail.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the attack as "horrific."
Ogilvie's family appealed for calm, urging people not to use the incident to promote division or hostility. They said peaceful protest was the only acceptable response and emphasized the positive contribution migrants make to British society.
Online Activity Under Scrutiny
Police warned that social media activity had contributed to rising tensions. Officers described the circulation of apparent lists containing residential addresses as "completely unacceptable" and said those sharing personal information intended to endanger others could face criminal investigation.
Anti-immigration activists and right-wing social media accounts amplified calls for demonstrations following the attack. Among those commenting online was Elon Musk, who reposted calls for protests.
Northern Ireland Justice Minister Naomi Long accused online figures of exploiting public anger to advance anti-immigration narratives. First Minister Michelle O'Neill condemned the violence, describing it as racism and intimidation.
Wider Concerns Across Britain
Smaller demonstrations were also reported in other parts of the United Kingdom, including Glasgow, London and Bangor. Police in Glasgow said two officers and three members of the public were injured, with some victims allegedly targeted because of their ethnicity.
Police said Alodid entered Ireland from France in February 2023, sought asylum and was granted permission to remain in the UK until 2028. Authorities said he was legally residing in Northern Ireland and that there is currently no evidence linking the knife attack to terrorism.
The unrest comes amid broader concerns about racial tensions and anti-immigration rhetoric across Britain, with officials warning that online platforms are increasingly being used to spread hatred and encourage violence.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 11 June 2026

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June 10Jun 10

Trump Administration Seeks UFC Lawsuit Dismissal

USA

Trump Administration Seeks UFC Lawsuit Dismissal

The Trump administration has asked a federal judge to throw out a lawsuit seeking to block a UFC event planned for the White House this weekend, arguing that the two plaintiffs have no legal standing and are attempting to derail a major public celebration.

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In a court filing on Tuesday, the Justice Department said the lawsuit, brought by two Virginia residents, was filed far too late and lacks merit. The department argued that the plaintiffs could simply choose not to watch the event rather than seek court intervention.
“It would be easy enough to simply avert their gazes for the weekend,” the filing stated, adding that the plaintiffs were attempting to impose their personal preferences on the broader public and prevent an event intended to celebrate the United States.
Administration attacks legal challenge
The lawsuit, filed over the weekend by the Public Integrity Project on behalf of a political activist and a Vietnam veteran, claims the event was improperly approved and should have undergone an environmental review. It also argues that using White House grounds for the UFC event represents an unusual use of public land that benefits President Donald Trump and his allies.
The plaintiffs describe the event as “deeply corrupt” and contend that the administration relied on a temporary rule linked to the America 250 celebrations to bypass standard permitting requirements for activities on National Park Service land.
According to the lawsuit, because the UFC event is being organised by a private company rather than the federal government and is not directly tied to commemorating the 250th anniversary of American independence, it should not qualify for the exemption.
White House defends event plans
In response, the administration said the UFC card is among a series of high-profile events planned as part of the nation’s 250th birthday celebrations. The filing compared the event to longstanding White House traditions such as the Easter Egg Roll and the Congressional Picnic.
The Justice Department also highlighted the scale of preparations already completed for the event. According to the filing, more than $60 million and tens of thousands of labour hours have been invested in organising the spectacle.
Thousands expected to attend
Officials said more than 4,000 spectators are expected on the South Lawn, including over 1,000 members of the US military. An additional 120,000 people are expected to gather on the nearby Ellipse after obtaining free tickets through a lottery system.
The filing added that 14 fighters from around the world are scheduled to compete, including participants in two world championship bouts, and noted that athletes have spent months preparing for the event.
The government warned that cancelling the event at the last minute would disrupt plans for spectators, service members and competitors alike. It argued that the hopes of those involved should not be overturned because of objections raised by two individuals.
The administration has informed the judge overseeing the case, Amit Mehta, that government lawyers are available for oral arguments on Thursday if he decides a hearing is necessary.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 11 June 2026

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June 10Jun 10

US to Strike Iran Hard Again Today, Trump Says

Iranian Conflict

US to Strike Iran Hard Again Today, Trump Says

US President Donald Trump said the United States would launch further strikes against Iran on Wednesday, a day after American forces targeted Iranian military sites and Tehran responded with attacks on US bases across the region.

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Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump said the US had struck Iran hard on Tuesday and would do so again. He also renewed calls for Tehran to agree to a deal, warning that Iran was paying the price for delaying negotiations.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian responded in a post on X, saying the country would remain steadfast in the face of pressure and threats.
Renewed Military Exchange
The latest escalation followed US strikes launched on Tuesday after Trump said Iran had downed a US Army Apache helicopter. According to the US military, the attacks targeted Iranian defence systems, radar installations and ground control facilities near the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it retaliated by launching attacks on American military facilities in the region. Iranian officials said 21 targets were struck, including bases in Bahrain and Jordan, while Kuwait reported intercepting incoming projectiles.
A US official cited by Reuters said nearly all Iranian missiles and drones were intercepted and no casualties had been reported.
Trump described the US action as a justified response to the helicopter incident. He later said an Iranian drone had struck the aircraft while it was flying at low altitude, though the helicopter did not explode and both crew members were rescued by an American sea drone. Iranian media reported that Tehran had not claimed responsibility for the incident.
Diplomatic Tensions Deepen
Despite continued negotiations, relations between Washington and Tehran remain strained.
Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqai accused the United States of undermining diplomatic efforts through inconsistent messaging, shifting demands and repeated ceasefire violations. He said Iran needed to reassess the situation and stressed that diplomacy required a degree of stability.
Trump maintained that the proposed agreement would permanently prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.
Separately, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) approved a US-backed resolution calling on Iran to provide further information about its uranium stockpile and nuclear production facilities. Iran's mission to the United Nations in Vienna criticised the measure, arguing that support for diplomacy was being contradicted by continued military action against Iranian infrastructure.
Shipping Incident in Gulf of Oman
The US military also announced that it had struck an oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman, alleging the vessel had violated a blockade by attempting to transport Iranian oil.
India said three of its nationals were missing after the attack on the tanker Settebello, while 21 crew members were rescued.
The United States has enforced a blockade of Iranian ports since the Strait of Hormuz was effectively closed by Iran following US and Israeli attacks on Tehran earlier this year. The Settebello was reported to be the eighth vessel targeted by US forces under the blockade.
Conflict Background
The current conflict began on 28 February when US and Israeli strikes killed Iran's supreme leader. Iran responded with attacks against Israel and Gulf states aligned with Washington, and fighting later spread across the region, including into Lebanon.
Although a ceasefire agreed in April reduced large-scale hostilities, both sides have continued exchanging intermittent fire while pursuing difficult negotiations aimed at securing a longer-term settlement.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 11 June 2026

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June 10Jun 10

Trump Says He 'Loves' Inflation as Prices Hit 3-Year High

USA

Trump Says He 'Loves' Inflation as Prices Hit 3-Year High

US consumer inflation accelerated to its highest level in three years in May, prompting renewed scrutiny of President Donald Trump’s economic policies after he welcomed the increase, declaring that he “loves the inflation.”

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Data released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics showed consumer prices rose 4.2% in May compared with a year earlier, up from 3.8% in April. The increase marked the third consecutive monthly rise and was largely driven by higher energy costs linked to the ongoing US-Israel conflict with Iran.
Speaking at the White House, Trump described the figures as positive.
“I love it. The numbers were great. You know what? I really love the inflation,” the president said.
Energy Costs Drive Price Pressures
The latest inflation surge was fueled primarily by rising fuel and energy prices. Overall household energy costs, including gas and electricity, were nearly 25% higher than a year earlier, with petrol accounting for much of the increase.
According to motoring group AAA, the average price of a gallon of regular petrol has climbed to $4.15, compared with $2.98 on February 28, when Trump ordered strikes on Iran.
The conflict has disrupted global energy markets after Iran effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route through which around one-fifth of the world’s oil and gas supplies normally pass. Although oil prices have eased slightly in recent days, Brent crude remains well above levels seen before the conflict began.
Trump said US military operations had removed millions of barrels of oil from Iran, helping to lower prices. He predicted energy costs would fall sharply once the conflict ends.
“When this conflict is over… you will see oil drop to where it was before,” Trump told reporters, adding that petrol prices could soon return to levels he said he observed during a trip to Iowa earlier this year.
Wider Inflationary Pressures
Beyond energy, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported rising costs across several sectors, including air travel, medical and personal care services, recreation and communications.
The Consumer Price Index measures changes in prices compared with the same month a year earlier. The Federal Reserve’s long-term inflation target remains 2%, meaning current inflation is running at more than double the desired rate.
The latest figures highlight a growing challenge for Republicans ahead of November’s midterm elections, particularly after Trump campaigned heavily on reducing living costs.
Economists have warned that even if the conflict ends quickly, disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz could persist for years, potentially prolonging upward pressure on prices.
Fed Faces Interest Rate Dilemma
The inflation data also presents an early test for new Federal Reserve Governor Kevin Warsh, who is due to oversee his first interest-rate decision next week.
Central banks typically raise interest rates when inflation remains significantly above target, increasing borrowing costs and slowing economic activity to curb price growth.
Trump repeatedly urged the Fed to cut rates before Warsh’s appointment, criticising former chairman Jerome Powell for keeping borrowing costs elevated.
Most economists expect rates to remain within the current 3.5% to 3.75% range for now. However, some analysts believe continued inflationary pressure could eventually force policymakers to tighten monetary policy further.
Stephen Brown, chief North America economist at Capital Economics, said May’s figures alone were unlikely to persuade policymakers to raise rates immediately. Isaac Stell, investment manager at Wealth Club, argued that the inflation data, combined with strong recent employment figures, made a rate increase the most likely outcome if current trends continue.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 11 June 2026

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June 10Jun 10

Ukraine Winning War, Retired U.S. Generals Say

Ukraine Conflict

Ukraine Winning War, Retired U.S. Generals Say

Ukraine has gained the upper hand in its war with Russia, according to several retired senior U.S. military officials, as Kyiv reports continued territorial gains and increasing success in disrupting Russian operations.

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The assessment comes after Ukraine’s commander-in-chief, Oleksandr Syrski, said Ukrainian forces have recaptured 600 square kilometres (about 232 square miles) from Russian control since the start of the year. He did not specify the locations of the advances but said the most intense fighting was taking place in the southeastern areas of Oleksandrivka and Huliaipole.
Retired Generals See Ukrainian Advantage
Retired Lieutenant General Robert Ashley, who previously led the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency, said Ukraine was succeeding at the operational level by preventing Russia from achieving its objectives while preserving its own ability to conduct future operations.
Two other retired U.S. generals echoed that view, arguing that Ukrainian forces have been consistently outmanoeuvring their Russian counterparts on the battlefield.
However, they stressed that operational success does not necessarily translate into a decisive victory in the broader war.
Drone Warfare Reshapes the Battlefield
Military analysts point to Ukraine’s expanding drone capabilities as a key reason for its recent gains.
Since 2023, Ukraine has built a large fleet of first-person-view (FPV) drones, which Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said account for more than 90% of Russian battlefield casualties.
Ukraine has also expanded its use of long-range drones and cruise missiles. These weapons have been used to strike targets deep inside Russia, including military facilities near St. Petersburg, hundreds of miles from the Ukrainian border.
A major challenge had been striking targets located between roughly 30 and 60 miles behind the front line. Analysts now say Ukrainian forces have largely overcome that obstacle.
Pressure on Russian Logistics
Military analyst and former U.S. Marine officer Rob Lee said Ukrainian units are increasingly conducting regular strikes against command centres, ammunition depots, vehicle concentrations and logistics hubs located well behind Russian front-line positions.
According to Lee, these attacks are aimed at weakening the supply networks that sustain Russian offensives. Over time, such strikes could reduce the flow of personnel, equipment and ammunition reaching front-line troops.
The growing use of mid-range drones is particularly significant in what has become a prolonged war of attrition, with both sides seeking to exhaust the other's military and economic resources.
No Clear End in Sight
Despite the positive assessments of Ukraine’s recent performance, experts cautioned that the conflict remains highly uncertain.
Ashley described Ukraine’s gains as fragile and warned that the situation could change depending on how Russian President Vladimir Putin chooses to escalate the conflict.
Lee similarly argued that while conditions have improved for Ukraine, a major breakthrough remains unlikely.
Retired General Joseph Ralston said neither side could currently claim victory. He argued that Russia lacks the strength to seize all the territory it seeks, while Ukraine does not yet have the capability to recover all the land it has lost.
Even so, Ashley maintained that recent battlefield developments favour Kyiv. He said both Russia and Ukraine still believe they can achieve victory, making a ceasefire unlikely in the near future, while suggesting that time may not be working in Moscow’s favour.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 11 June 2026

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June 10Jun 10

Trade Unions Dismiss Farage Call to Join Reform UK

UK-Politics

Trade Unions Dismiss Farage Call to Join Reform UK

Major UK trade unions have rebuffed an invitation from Reform UK leader Nigel Farage to sever ties with Labour and consider affiliating with his party.

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In an interview with The Times, Farage said Reform UK was open to working with organised labour, telling unions that his “door is open” if they represent working people. He also invited union leaders to attend Reform UK’s annual conference in September.
The offer followed a poll published by the newspaper which suggested Farage was the most popular party leader among trade union members.
Union leaders reject proposal
The response from several of Britain’s largest unions was swift and critical.
Sharon Graham, general secretary of Unite, said Reform UK had provided “absolutely no evidence” that it supported workers’ interests. She argued that Labour, rather than Reform, should strengthen its commitment to working people.
Andrea Egan, who leads Unison, accused Reform of undermining workers’ rights through its pledge to repeal Labour’s Employment Rights Act. She dismissed suggestions that Farage and his allies were genuinely interested in supporting unions.
The GMB union also rejected the overture, saying Reform UK’s rhetoric toward workers did not match its political record. The union accused the party of opposing basic workplace protections while presenting itself as a champion of workers.
Employment rights at centre of dispute
Criticism of Reform UK has focused largely on its commitment to repeal the Employment Rights Act, legislation introduced by Labour and enacted last year.
The law grants workers access to statutory sick pay from their first day of employment and allows employees to bring unfair dismissal claims after six months in a job.
Farage has argued that despite policy differences, unions and Reform UK could still find areas of agreement. In a social media video, he acknowledged there would be disagreements between union leaders and his party but urged them to attend the September conference to discuss potential cooperation.
He pointed to concerns surrounding the British Steel pension scheme as an example of an issue where Reform UK and unions might work together. Farage said his party wanted to help address what he described as historical injustices linked to the scheme.
Labour retains strong union links
Labour maintains close institutional and financial ties with the trade union movement. The party is affiliated with 11 unions representing around four million workers.
Union members play a role in Labour leadership elections, while union representatives hold seats on the party’s governing National Executive Committee.
Trade unions also remain an important source of funding for Labour through political funds and direct donations. According to figures published last week, Labour received £1.4 million in donations from seven unions during the first three months of the year.
Among the largest contributors were Unison, which donated £366,936, and Unite, which provided £392,544 despite ongoing criticism from its leadership of the Labour government.
Meanwhile, Wes Streeting, who has indicated he would enter a future Labour leadership contest, criticised Farage’s outreach effort. He argued that Farage’s voting record on workers’ rights was inconsistent with his attempt to court trade unions.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 10 June 2026

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June 10Jun 10

Russian Military Official Killed in Car Bomb Near Moscow

Russia

Russian Military Official Killed in Car Bomb Near Moscow

A senior Russian military official has died after a car bomb exploded near his home outside Moscow, marking the latest in a series of attacks targeting Russian military figures since the start of the war in Ukraine.

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Col Damir Davydov, 57, was killed early on Tuesday when an explosive device hidden beneath his BMW detonated as he drove through the city of Balashikha, according to reports from independent Russian outlet Astra. The blast occurred at about 5:30 a.m.
Davydov headed Russia’s artillery and missile ammunition supply directorate, a key logistics position responsible for overseeing the distribution of weapons and ammunition to the country’s armed forces.
Explosion Captured on Camera
Security footage circulated by pro-Kremlin media appeared to show the vehicle bursting into flames before rolling into a parked car. The Telegram channel Mash reported that passers-by rushed to rescue the driver from the wreckage.
A witness who attempted to help Davydov told Astra that the colonel was still alive when he was pulled from the burning vehicle.
The witness said Davydov’s clothing had caught fire and efforts were made to extinguish the flames, but his injuries appeared severe. He later died from his wounds.
No Immediate Claim of Responsibility
Neither Russian nor Ukrainian authorities have publicly commented on the incident.
However, Vladimir Shamanov, a Russian lawmaker and retired general, condemned the attack, describing it as an “outrage”. Without directly accusing Ukraine, he said those responsible should face an equivalent response.
Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Ukrainian intelligence services have been linked to numerous operations targeting senior Russian military officers and Moscow-installed officials in occupied territories. Kyiv has accused many of those targeted of involvement in alleged war crimes.
Security Concerns Renewed
The killing is likely to increase scrutiny of Russia’s security services and their ability to protect senior military and political figures.
The attack took place despite tighter security measures introduced for top officials, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, following several high-profile attacks in recent years.
The location of the bombing has added to concerns. Balashikha was also the site of another deadly car bombing just over a year ago, when Lt Gen Yaroslav Moskalik, deputy head of the Russian armed forces’ main operations directorate, was killed less than a mile away in a similar attack.
Shadowy Networks Inside Russia
Little is publicly known about the networks believed to be carrying out sabotage and assassination operations inside Russia and Russian-controlled territories. Analysts believe these groups have been responsible for attacks on military infrastructure and senior officials far from the front lines.
The continued success of such operations is widely seen as one factor behind Russia’s increasing use of internet shutdowns and communications restrictions, measures that have generated growing public frustration in parts of the country.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 10 June 2026

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June 10Jun 10

European Trust in US Security Guarantee Hits New Low

Report

European Trust in US Security Guarantee Hits New Low

European confidence in the United States as a security partner has fallen to its lowest recorded level, with only about one in 10 people across 15 countries now viewing the US as an ally, according to a new survey released ahead of key G7 and NATO meetings.

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The poll, conducted in May by the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR), found widespread doubts about Washington's commitment to Europe's defence. Majorities in every country surveyed said they were not confident the US would come to their country's aid if it came under attack.
Confidence in US Falls Across Europe
The survey found that just 11% of respondents across the 15 countries regarded the US as an ally. That figure has steadily declined from 16% six months ago and 22% in November 2024.
Most Europeans now describe the US as a "necessary partner" rather than a close ally. Meanwhile, 13% of respondents considered the US a rival and 12% viewed it as an adversary.
According to the report's authors, the findings point to growing scepticism about American reliability under President Donald Trump. Concerns cited include US military actions in the Middle East, threats involving Greenland, suggestions of troop withdrawals from Europe and uncertainty surrounding NATO's future.
Support Grows for Stronger European Defence
The poll suggests Europeans are increasingly prepared to strengthen their own security capabilities rather than rely heavily on Washington.
Support for higher national defence spending has risen by an average of four percentage points since last year. Italy was the only country where a clear majority opposed increased military spending.
Nearly half of respondents, 47%, backed joint European Union borrowing to fund greater defence investment, while 35% opposed the idea. Support was strongest in Portugal, Denmark, the Netherlands and Spain.
Large majorities in most countries also favoured reducing dependence on American military equipment. Support for purchasing more European-made defence hardware was particularly strong in Denmark, the Netherlands, Sweden, Portugal and France.


Europeans Still Value NATO
Despite concerns about US reliability, there was little appetite for replacing NATO with a defence structure run solely by the EU. Only 29% of respondents supported creating an EU-only military alliance.
Most participants instead expected transatlantic relations to improve after Trump leaves office. More than 60% of respondents in France, Spain, Denmark, the Netherlands and Sweden said they believed ties between Europe and the US would likely improve in the future.
The survey also found that Europeans generally had greater confidence in support from neighbouring countries than from the US. In nearly all countries surveyed, respondents believed at least some European states would assist them in the event of a security crisis.
Divisions Over Russia and Ukraine
The poll highlighted continuing divisions over Europe’s approach to Russia and Ukraine.
Despite concerns about energy prices, 44% of respondents said restarting imports of Russian oil and gas would be a bad idea.
Opinion was also split over Ukraine's bid to join the European Union. Respondents in several countries, including Hungary, Bulgaria, Austria, Germany and Estonia, were more likely to oppose Ukrainian membership under current circumstances than support it.
The findings come as European leaders face increasing pressure to strengthen defence capabilities while reassessing the continent's long-term security relationship with Washington.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 10 June 2026

• USA

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webfact

June 10Jun 10

House Sends $70 Billion ICE Funding Bill to Trump

USA

House Sends $70 Billion ICE Funding Bill to Trump

House Republicans on Tuesday approved a $70 billion immigration enforcement package, sending the legislation to President Donald Trump after months of internal party disputes and tense negotiations on Capitol Hill.

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The measure, one of the administration’s top legislative priorities, will provide funding for the Department of Homeland Security, including US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), through the remainder of Trump’s second term.
The House passed the bill by a narrow 214-212 margin along party lines. Independent Representative Kevin Kiley of California joined Democrats in voting against the measure.
GOP Divisions Nearly Derail Bill
The legislation faced several obstacles before reaching final passage. Disagreements emerged between Republican leaders over strategy, while Senate Republicans threatened to block the package because of concerns over a proposed Justice Department settlement fund backed by Trump.
Critics argued the fund could be used to benefit the president’s political allies. Although Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche told lawmakers the initiative would not proceed, some Senate Republicans continued pushing for language to prohibit it.
In the Senate, several Republicans initially delayed the bill over those concerns before ultimately supporting it. Only Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska voted against the measure.
House Hardliners Seek Immigration Vote
The bill also encountered resistance in the House during its final stages.
More than a dozen conservative Republicans temporarily withheld support for a procedural vote as they sought commitments from party leaders to consider a separate immigration crackdown proposal.
According to people familiar with the discussions, the group delayed House action while pressing for a vote on the stricter immigration measure. It remains unclear whether leadership agreed to their demands, and the proposal would likely face significant opposition if brought to the House floor.
Despite those tensions, Republican lawmakers ultimately united behind the funding package.
“This bill breaks the Democrats’ stranglehold over ICE and CBP funding,” Representative Tom McClintock of California said during floor debate.
Democrats Criticize Lack of Oversight
Democrats strongly opposed the legislation, arguing it provides billions of dollars for immigration enforcement without imposing new reforms or oversight requirements on ICE.
The agency has faced scrutiny following fatal shootings involving federal agents that contributed to Democrats blocking previous funding efforts.
Representative Pramila Jayapal of Washington said Republicans were approving the funding package with “no guardrails,” while Representative Morgan McGarvey of Kentucky argued the money could be better spent elsewhere.
“With $70 billion, we could end homelessness in America,” McGarvey said. “Just about anything would be better than giving it to ICE.”
White House Security Funding Removed
One notable administration request was dropped during negotiations.
Trump had sought roughly $1 billion for White House security improvements, including about $200 million connected to his proposed East Wing ballroom project. Senate Republicans raised concerns about the request, and parliamentary rulings also complicated its inclusion.
The final legislation excludes the White House funding provisions.
The bill’s passage highlights both the challenges and the limits of Republican majorities in Congress. Despite repeated threats of defections and disputes over key provisions, GOP lawmakers ultimately delivered a package that closely matches Trump’s original immigration funding demands.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 10 June 2026

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webfact

June 9Jun 9

Air Canada Pilot Charged After 16 Years Without License

Aviation

Air Canada Pilot Charged After 16 Years Without License

A former Air Canada pilot has been charged after allegedly operating hundreds of commercial flights over a 16-year period without holding the required license to serve as an airline captain.

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Canadian police said Geoffrey Wall, 59, of Barrie, Ontario, is accused of flying more than 900 domestic and international flights between 2009 and 2025 without the necessary airline transport pilot license.
More Than 900 Flights
According to Peel Regional Police, Wall worked as an airline captain despite allegedly lacking the certification required to command large commercial passenger aircraft.
Air Canada said Wall held a valid commercial pilot license but did not possess the airline transport pilot license needed for promotion to captain.
The airline stated that he was removed from active duty after the issue was discovered and that the matter was voluntarily reported to Transport Canada, the country's aviation regulator. Wall is no longer employed by the carrier.
Investigation Began After Documentation Review
Police said irregularities were uncovered during a review of pilot documentation. Transport Canada subsequently contacted investigators earlier this year.
The airline also confirmed that Wall had been fined by the regulator for not holding the correct license required for a captain's position.
In addition to the licensing allegations, police said Wall is accused of filing a false report claiming that pilot documentation had been stolen.
Air Canada Says Safety Was Not Affected
Air Canada said an internal audit found no other cases of pilots operating outside licensing requirements.
The carrier maintained that passenger safety was not compromised because all pilots are required to complete recurrent training every six months and undergo an annual flight check conducted by a certified Transport Canada check pilot.
The airline said proper licensing remains a critical component of aviation safety and that it is treating the matter seriously.
Air Canada declined further comment, citing privacy laws and the ongoing criminal investigation.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 10 June 2026

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webfact

June 9Jun 9

Hunter Biden Charms Followers With Social Media Return

USA

Hunter Biden Charms Followers With Social Media Return

Hunter Biden has returned to the public spotlight with a highly active presence on social media platform X, attracting hundreds of thousands of followers through a mix of blunt political commentary, self-deprecating humor and reflections on addiction recovery.

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The son of former President Joe Biden launched his X account on May 19 with the message: “I’m Hunter Biden. You’ve never actually heard from me.” His arrival followed appearances on podcasts hosted by Candace Owens and journalist Andrew Callaghan.
Since then, Biden has posted frequently on topics ranging from addiction recovery and cryptocurrency to criticism of the Trump administration. His account has gained significant traction, reflecting the growing popularity of direct and often unfiltered political commentary online.
Recovery and Self-Deprecating Humor
A central theme of Biden’s posts has been his recovery from addiction. He has shared messages aimed at people facing similar struggles, telling followers that recovery becomes “quieter” over time and saying that thousands of people have contacted him to discuss their own experiences.
Biden has also embraced jokes about controversies that surrounded him during his father’s presidency. Referring to the bag of cocaine discovered at the White House in 2023, he joked that it was not his because he “would have never forgotten” it. In another exchange, he corrected users who suggested cocaine use, noting that his past addiction involved crack rather than cocaine.
A Figure of Political Controversy
Biden spent much of his father’s presidency at the center of Republican criticism. His work for a Ukrainian energy company became a focus of investigations and political attacks that contributed to President Donald Trump’s first impeachment in 2019.
He was later scrutinized by congressional Republicans investigating the Biden family’s business dealings and faced federal criminal cases involving gun charges and tax violations. Before leaving office, President Biden granted his son a full pardon covering those convictions.
Biden has also used X to revisit past controversies, arguing that the story surrounding his laptop involved hacked cloud accounts and stolen devices rather than simply a single computer.
Winning Support Across Political Lines
Some Democratic figures have praised Biden’s openness about addiction and recovery. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez described him as a compelling advocate who helps reduce stigma around addiction through public vulnerability.
His online presence has also attracted unexpected praise from some conservatives. Political commentator Ian Miles Cheong wrote that Biden appeared more relatable and human than many people had assumed based on previous media coverage.
Embracing Online Trolling
Despite occasionally calling for a less hostile political culture, Biden has frequently engaged in online trolling. He has mocked critics, attacked political opponents and adopted some of the combative social media style associated with Trump-era politics.
Among his most notable posts were insults directed at White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller and jokes about AI-generated campaign images depicting a hypothetical 2028 presidential run.
Observers say part of Biden’s appeal stems from the fact that he is not viewed as a political candidate. Democratic strategist Cooper Teboe argued that users perceive him as a private citizen speaking freely rather than someone carefully crafting a public image for elected office.
As his following continues to grow, Biden has embraced the attention, joking that he is broke and asking followers how people make money on X. Whether the surge in popularity proves lasting remains unclear, but his unexpected return has made him one of the platform’s most talked-about political personalities.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 10 June 2026

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webfact

June 9Jun 9

White House Urges UK to Avoid Under-16 Social Media Ban

UK-Politics

White House Urges UK to Avoid Under-16 Social Media Ban

The White House has urged the UK government not to introduce a social media ban for children under 16, arguing that such measures could place an unfair burden on major US technology companies.

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In a submission to a UK government consultation on online safety, the Trump administration opposed what it described as broad government restrictions and rigid regulatory approaches aimed at tackling online harms faced by young people.
The submission, published by the US embassy in London, questioned the effectiveness of age-verification measures for users aged 13 to 16. It argued that technologies designed to distinguish adults from minors are not easily adaptable to lower age thresholds.
US Favors Parental Controls
Instead of outright restrictions, the White House called for stronger parental oversight tools. It said parents should be given greater control over privacy settings, account management and safety features, while platforms should be required to provide healthier online environments for younger users.
The intervention highlights continuing disagreements between Washington and London over online regulation. The UK's Online Safety Act has faced criticism from some US politicians and officials who argue it could restrict free speech.
US Vice President JD Vance has previously said that free expression in Britain is "in retreat", while a senior Republican lawmaker has referred to the legislation as the UK's "online censorship law".
UK Considering New Restrictions
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to unveil plans next week targeting what the government considers harmful social media applications.
The proposals are expected to include additional safeguards for children, potentially including restrictions on communication with strangers through gaming platforms. Limits on the use of AI chatbots by minors are also being considered.
The government has not specified which applications could fall under a ban. However, some educational services may be exempt, with reports suggesting that YouTube Kids could be excluded from any restrictions.
The debate follows similar action in Australia, where under-16s are barred from accessing major social media platforms including TikTok, Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat.
Concerns Over Impact on US Firms
The White House also expressed concern that regulatory approaches adopted by the UK and the European Union could disproportionately affect American technology companies.
In its submission, the US government said it was concerned about rules that create heavier compliance obligations for US firms or that apply differently to comparable online services.
A UK government spokesperson said ministers intend to act quickly once the consultation concludes but stressed that any measures must be practical, enforceable and effective in protecting children online.
Legal Challenges Loom
Officials are also understood to be aware of the possibility of legal challenges to any new measures.
Meanwhile, Meta Platforms, which owns Facebook and Instagram, is already pursuing a judicial review related to the Online Safety Act. The company is challenging aspects of the fee and enforcement regime being implemented by the UK's media regulator.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 10 June 2026

• USA

• 15 comments
• 290 views

webfact

June 9Jun 9