Malta has vaccinated 70% of its adult population with at least one COVID-19 vaccine shot, thereby becoming the first country in the European Union to achieve this herd immunity-related milestone. (U.S. News & World Report)
Omani police fire tear gas at protesters in Sohar as protests break out in the country's major cities. Omanis have been protesting since yesterday over a lack of jobs and worsening economic conditions. (Middle East Eye)
Travel restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic The U.S. State Department tells Americans not to travel to Japan due to an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases there. (CNN)
2019–2021 Iraqi protests One protester is killed and dozens are injured after police attack protesters gathered at Baghdad's Tahrir Square in the evening, where hundreds marched to demand the end of targeted killings of prominent journalists and activists. (Euronews)
2020–2021 United States racial unrest George Floyd protests George Floyd protests in New York City New York City Mayoral candidate Shaun Donovan is arrested during a protest near the Holland Tunnel. (New York Daily News) Protests break out across the United States to mark the anniversary of the killing of George Floyd. Floyd’s family also met with U.S. President Joe Biden at the White House and called for U.S. Congress to pass police reform legislation. (CNN) (AP)
George Floyd protests George Floyd protests in New York City New York City Mayoral candidate Shaun Donovan is arrested during a protest near the Holland Tunnel. (New York Daily News) Protests break out across the United States to mark the anniversary of the killing of George Floyd. Floyd’s family also met with U.S. President Joe Biden at the White House and called for U.S. Congress to pass police reform legislation. (CNN) (AP)
Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance Jr. says that he has convened a grand jury in his criminal investigation into former U.S. President Donald Trump over his real estate business, as well as the Trump Organization. (CNBC)
One protester is killed and dozens are injured after police attack protesters gathered at Baghdad's Tahrir Square in the evening, where hundreds marched to demand the end of targeted killings of prominent journalists and activists. (Euronews)
Protests break out across the United States to mark the anniversary of the killing of George Floyd. Floyd’s family also met with U.S. President Joe Biden at the White House and called for U.S. Congress to pass police reform legislation. (CNN) (AP)
COVID-19 vaccination in the United States The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announces that 50% of the American adult population has been fully vaccinated. (NBC News)
COVID-19 vaccine Moderna says that their vaccine is 100% effective in teenagers between the ages of 12 and 17. They say that they will seek approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in early June. (CNBC)
George Floyd protests in New York City New York City Mayoral candidate Shaun Donovan is arrested during a protest near the Holland Tunnel. (New York Daily News)
Mass shootings in the United States Four people are killed in a mass shooting at an apartment complex in West Jefferson, Ohio. The killings mark the village's first homicides in nine years. (The Columbus Dispatch)
Moderna says that their vaccine is 100% effective in teenagers between the ages of 12 and 17. They say that they will seek approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in early June. (CNBC)
New York City Mayoral candidate Shaun Donovan is arrested during a protest near the Holland Tunnel. (New York Daily News)
Palestine–United States relations; Israel-United States relations U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announces the United States will reopen its consulate in Jerusalem at an unknown date. (Al Jazeera)
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announces that 50% of the American adult population has been fully vaccinated. (NBC News)
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announces that it will begin making $4 billion of loan forgiveness payments for 13,000 loans that were made by the agency to Black, Hispanic and Indigenous farmers beginning in June. From there, the agency said that it will also distribute loan relief for another 3,000 loans which were made by banks and guaranteed by the USDA. The program has been delayed because of accusations of racism and is currently facing multiple lawsuits. (FOX Business)
COVID-19 pandemic in Pennsylvania, COVID-19 vaccine Pennsylvania becomes the 10th U.S. state to reach President Joe Biden’s goal of vaccinating 70% of adults. (The Hill)
COVID-19 pandemic in the United States COVID-19 pandemic in Pennsylvania, COVID-19 vaccine Pennsylvania becomes the 10th U.S. state to reach President Joe Biden’s goal of vaccinating 70% of adults. (The Hill) U.S. President Joe Biden orders intelligence agencies to increase their investigations into the origin of the virus, following reports that researchers at the Wuhan Institute of Virology became ill a month before the pandemic began. (Al Jazeera)
Former South African President Jacob Zuma pleads not guilty to multiple charges, including corruption, fraud, racketeering and money laundering, relating to a $2 billion arms deal in 1999. Zuma said that the charges were politically motivated by a rival section of the ruling African National Congress. (Reuters)
Lawmakers in Afghanistan's Wolesi Jirga, the lower house of Parliament, have accused the Ministry of Finance of hiding the names of people accused of embezzling $8 million per day, or $3 billion annually, from customs. The acting minister of finance did not deny the claims but did say that there are reports of corruption involving governors, police commanders, and employees of the Ministry of Finance as well as ordinary citizens. (TOLO News)
Pennsylvania becomes the 10th U.S. state to reach President Joe Biden’s goal of vaccinating 70% of adults. (The Hill)
2021 San Jose shooting Nine people are killed by a gunman during a mass shooting at a Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority rail yard in San Jose, California. The perpetrator commits suicide at the scene. It is the California Bay area's deadliest mass shooting since 1993. (BBC News) (The Mercury News)
A total lunar eclipse occurs, the second-shortest of the 21st century, with totality lasting for only 14 minutes. Nicknamed the Super Flower Blood Moon, the eclipse was visible over the Pacific Ocean and Oceania, with South and East Asia seeing the eclipse at moonrise, and the Americas seeing the eclipse at moonset. (Space.com)
Hillsborough disaster Mr Justice William Davis of the High Court of Justice of England and Wales dismisses the cases against two retired South Yorkshire Police officers and a lawyer of fabricating police statements on the 1989 disaster at Hillsborough Stadium in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England, after Davis found that they had no case to answer. (Daily Jefferson County Union)
May 2021 lunar eclipse A total lunar eclipse occurs, the second-shortest of the 21st century, with totality lasting for only 14 minutes. Nicknamed the Super Flower Blood Moon, the eclipse was visible over the Pacific Ocean and Oceania, with South and East Asia seeing the eclipse at moonrise, and the Americas seeing the eclipse at moonset. (Space.com)
Mr Justice William Davis of the High Court of Justice of England and Wales dismisses the cases against two retired South Yorkshire Police officers and a lawyer of fabricating police statements on the 1989 disaster at Hillsborough Stadium in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England, after Davis found that they had no case to answer. (Daily Jefferson County Union)
Nine people are killed by a gunman during a mass shooting at a Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority rail yard in San Jose, California. The perpetrator commits suicide at the scene. It is the California Bay area's deadliest mass shooting since 1993. (BBC News) (The Mercury News)
2021 Samoan constitutional crisis The Attorney General of Samoa, Savalenoa Mareva Betham Annandale, petitions to have the Supreme Court disqualified from presiding over further challenges to the results of the 2021 Samoan general election. Annandale criticized the Supreme Court for ruling in favor of the opposition FAST party, led by Naomi Mataʻafa, in four previous decisions. (RNZ)
2021 Somali presidential election Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble announces that Somalia's presidential election will be held within 60 days following a two-month deadlock triggered by incumbent president Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed's refusal to leave office beyond the expiration of his term on February 8. This deadlock has also resulted in violent public protests in Mogadishu. (Africanews)
Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble announces that Somalia's presidential election will be held within 60 days following a two-month deadlock triggered by incumbent president Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed's refusal to leave office beyond the expiration of his term on February 8. This deadlock has also resulted in violent public protests in Mogadishu. (Africanews)
The Attorney General of Samoa, Savalenoa Mareva Betham Annandale, petitions to have the Supreme Court disqualified from presiding over further challenges to the results of the 2021 Samoan general election. Annandale criticized the Supreme Court for ruling in favor of the opposition FAST party, led by Naomi Mataʻafa, in four previous decisions. (RNZ)
A boat crash off the coast of Florida leaves two dead. Eight others have been rescued. The boat had departed from Cuba on May 23. (WPLG-TV)
American comedian Bill Cosby is denied parole, and will remain in prison. (People.com)
Bill Cosby sexual assault cases American comedian Bill Cosby is denied parole, and will remain in prison. (People.com)
COVID-19 pandemic in Fiji Fiji reports 28 new cases of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, the most since the second wave began in mid-April, when a soldier breached protocol at the border and did not notify the authorities. This thereby brings the total number of cases to 308. (RNZ)
Fiji reports 28 new cases of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, the most since the second wave began in mid-April, when a soldier breached protocol at the border and did not notify the authorities. This thereby brings the total number of cases to 308. (RNZ)
The Ireland Health Service Executive confirms that private medical data for approximately 520 patients was published online after the recent cyberattack. (The Irish Times)
Aftermath of the 2021 storming of the United States Capitol, January 6 commission Republicans in the United States Senate block a bill to form a commission to investigate the storming of the United States Capitol as the bill failed to pass by a vote of 54–35, making it the first filibuster used in the 117th United States Congress. However, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi says that the Democratic Party will still "proceed to find the truth". (Forbes) (Bloomberg.com)
COVID-19 pandemic in Malaysia Malaysia reports a record for the fourth consecutive day of 8,290 new cases of COVID-19, thereby bringing the nationwide total of confirmed cases to 549,514. (CNA) In response to a record number of COVID-19 cases in Malaysia, the Prime Minister's Office announces a two-week nationwide "total lockdown" from June 1 to 14, which will ban all social and economic activities with the exception of essential economic and service sectors. (Malay Mail)
COVID-19 pandemic in the Republic of Ireland Taoiseach Micheál Martin announces the further easing of the COVID-19 restrictions. Hotels in Ireland can reopen from June 2, followed by cinemas, gyms, outdoor service at restaurants and pubs from June 7. Meanwhile, indoor services of two establishments will be reopened on July 5, and international travel will be resumed on July 17 through EU Digital COVID Certificate. (BBC News)
In response to a record number of COVID-19 cases in Malaysia, the Prime Minister's Office announces a two-week nationwide "total lockdown" from June 1 to 14, which will ban all social and economic activities with the exception of essential economic and service sectors. (Malay Mail)
Republicans in the United States Senate block a bill to form a commission to investigate the storming of the United States Capitol as the bill failed to pass by a vote of 54–35, making it the first filibuster used in the 117th United States Congress. However, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi says that the Democratic Party will still "proceed to find the truth". (Forbes) (Bloomberg.com)
Taoiseach Micheál Martin announces the further easing of the COVID-19 restrictions. Hotels in Ireland can reopen from June 2, followed by cinemas, gyms, outdoor service at restaurants and pubs from June 7. Meanwhile, indoor services of two establishments will be reopened on July 5, and international travel will be resumed on July 17 through EU Digital COVID Certificate. (BBC News)
The United Nations Security Council approves a resolution drafted by the United States to extend the arms embargo imposed on South Sudan since 2018 until May 31, 2022, due to the increasing violence and repeated human rights abuses in the country. (Barron's)
A team at Cardiff University has created the first 3D replica of a spin-ice material that allows for the generation of magnetic monopoles-like quasi-particles. Magnetic force microscopy was then used to visualize the magnetic charges present on the device, allowing the team to track the movement of the single-pole magnets across the 3D structure. (Phys.org)
COVID-19 pandemic in the United States The United States reports nearly 11,976 new cases of COVID-19, the lowest in the country since March 23, 2020. (CNBC)
In Washington, D.C. protesters gather at the Lincoln Memorial to call for an end to aid from the United States to Israel. (Times of Israel)
International protests over the 2021 Israel–Palestine crisis In the United Kingdom, protesters gather in Birmingham and Manchester to show solidarity with Palestine. In Manchester, protesters gather at the BBC building in MediaCityUK, while protesters burn Israeli flags in Birmingham. (Manchester Evening News) (Birmingham Mail) In Washington, D.C. protesters gather at the Lincoln Memorial to call for an end to aid from the United States to Israel. (Times of Israel)
The United States reports nearly 11,976 new cases of COVID-19, the lowest in the country since March 23, 2020. (CNBC)
2021 Cypriot legislative election Greek Cypriots head to the polls to elect a new session to the House of Representatives. Analysts predict a fragmented parliament, as issues of corruption spurred by a scandal involving the country's "citizenship through investment" program last year, and the lack of progress on the Cyprus dispute, has reduced support for the three main parties. (Deutsche Welle)
COVID-19 pandemic in Malaysia, Malaysian movement control order The Malaysian government announces that all malls will have to close on total lockdown from June 1 to 14, while 17 essential service will be allowed to operate. The government also allow companies under 12 manufacturing sector to be continue operating with 60% capacity. (CNA)
Greek Cypriots head to the polls to elect a new session to the House of Representatives. Analysts predict a fragmented parliament, as issues of corruption spurred by a scandal involving the country's "citizenship through investment" program last year, and the lack of progress on the Cyprus dispute, has reduced support for the three main parties. (Deutsche Welle)
The Malaysian government announces that all malls will have to close on total lockdown from June 1 to 14, while 17 essential service will be allowed to operate. The government also allow companies under 12 manufacturing sector to be continue operating with 60% capacity. (CNA)
2020–2021 United States racial unrest Hundreds of Black gun owners from around the US marched in Tulsa, Oklahoma to remember those murdered in the Tulsa race massacre on the eve of its 100th anniversary. The Elmer Geronimo Pratt Gun Club of Austin, Texas and New Black Panther Party organized the event. Slogans of "Black Power" and "Black Lives Matter" were heard during the rally. (KJRH-TV)
2021 Hialeah shooting Two people are killed and 20 more are wounded in a mass shooting at a hall near Hialeah, Florida, United States. The three perpetrators remain at large. (CNN International)
Hundreds of Black gun owners from around the US marched in Tulsa, Oklahoma to remember those murdered in the Tulsa race massacre on the eve of its 100th anniversary. The Elmer Geronimo Pratt Gun Club of Austin, Texas and New Black Panther Party organized the event. Slogans of "Black Power" and "Black Lives Matter" were heard during the rally. (KJRH-TV)
Two people are killed and 20 more are wounded in a mass shooting at a hall near Hialeah, Florida, United States. The three perpetrators remain at large. (CNN International)
Israel–United States relations U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) meets with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem amidst speculation that a new government will be formed in Israel. During the meeting, both men discussed protecting Israel from future Hamas attacks. (The Hill) (The Jerusalem Post)
Kyrgyzstan’s security service detains former Prime Minister Omurbek Babanov in a corruption investigation involving the Kumtor Gold Mine. Asylbek Jeenbekov, brother of former President Sooronbay Jeenbekov, is also detained. (The Times of Central Asia)
China reimposes travel restrictions in Guangdong province that require anyone travelling by plane, train, bus, or private vehicle after 10:00 p.m. to present nucleic acid test results from within the past 72 hours amid an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases. (Voice of America)
COVID-19 pandemic in mainland China, Travel restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic China reimposes travel restrictions in Guangdong province that require anyone travelling by plane, train, bus, or private vehicle after 10:00 p.m. to present nucleic acid test results from within the past 72 hours amid an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases. (Voice of America)
Denmark's public service broadcaster DR reveals that the Danish Defence Intelligence Service helped the American National Security Agency spy on European leaders including German Chancellor Angela Merkel from 2012 to 2014. Intelligence was also collected on other officials from Germany, France, Sweden and Norway. (BBC News)
United States–European Union relations, United States intelligence operations abroad Denmark's public service broadcaster DR reveals that the Danish Defence Intelligence Service helped the American National Security Agency spy on European leaders including German Chancellor Angela Merkel from 2012 to 2014. Intelligence was also collected on other officials from Germany, France, Sweden and Norway. (BBC News)
American food processing company JBS USA is hit by a massive ransomware attack, temporarily shutting down its operations in the United States, Canada, and Australia. White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre claims the attack is Russian in origin, and the FBI is currently investigating. (BBC News)
Algeria partially reopens its borders for international flights for the first time in 14 months. Travellers who arrive in Algiers must present a negative PCR test from within the past 36 hours before boarding and must also undergo a five-day quarantine in a hotel requisitioned by the government. (The Washington Post)
Arctic Refuge drilling controversy U.S. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland suspends all oil and gas drilling leases in Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, pending further review of their environmental impacts. U.S. President Joe Biden previously on January 20 issued an executive order freezing oil and gas exploration activities at the Refuge for similar reasons. (Politico)
COVID-19 pandemic in Algeria Travel restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic Algeria partially reopens its borders for international flights for the first time in 14 months. Travellers who arrive in Algiers must present a negative PCR test from within the past 36 hours before boarding and must also undergo a five-day quarantine in a hotel requisitioned by the government. (The Washington Post)
Travel restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic Algeria partially reopens its borders for international flights for the first time in 14 months. Travellers who arrive in Algiers must present a negative PCR test from within the past 36 hours before boarding and must also undergo a five-day quarantine in a hotel requisitioned by the government. (The Washington Post)
Amazon quietly changes its terms of service to allow customers to file lawsuits after plaintiffs that were barred from filing a class action lawsuit filed 75,000 individual arbitration demands on behalf of Echo users. This resulted in a bill for tens of millions of dollars in filing fees, according to lawyers involved, which would be payable by Amazon under its own policies. (Fox Business)
Belarusian prisoner Stepan Latypov, detained in a crackdown on protests, attempted to cut his own throat with a pen during a court hearing on Tuesday after telling his family that he had been held in a torture cell for 51 days and being informed by police that his relatives and neighbors would be prosecuted under criminal law if he did not confess. (Reuters) (South China Morning Post)
COVID-19 pandemic in the United States COVID-19 pandemic in Michigan Michigan lifts several face mask restrictions at outdoor gatherings and loosens restrictions at indoor gatherings and businesses. Fully vaccinated people are allowed to not wear masks in public, but unvaccinated and partially vaccinated people are still required to do so. (MLive) COVID-19 vaccination in the United States Moderna says that it has requested full approval for its vaccine from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Currently, it has only been approved for emergency use. (NBC News)
COVID-19 vaccination in the United States Moderna says that it has requested full approval for its vaccine from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Currently, it has only been approved for emergency use. (NBC News)
Mexico–United States relations, Asylum in the United States The U.S. Department of Homeland Security officially terminates the Trump-era "Remain in Mexico" policy, which mandated that all asylum seekers from Central America were to wait in Mexico pending their court cases. However, a health order from March 2020 allowing for border authorities to send migrants back for the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic remains in place. (Al Jazeera English)
