Overdose deaths in the United States have fallen by more than 30,000 since a peak in the summer of 2023, with declines seen in all major categories of drug use.

Millions of voters in Romania, Poland and Portugal are heading to the polls in elections that could shape the future of their democracies amid rising political, tensions.

Newly discovered fossilised footprints, dating back around 356 million years, suggest that reptiles are up to 40 million years older than previously thought.

Samsung is taking pre-orders for its ultra slim Galaxy S25 Edge smartphone, which comes to market several months ahead of Apple’s rumoured slimmed-down iPhone 17 Air.

The FA Cup, the world’s oldest association football competition, reaches a thrilling finale as fierce Premier League rivals Crystal Palace and Manchester City clash at Wembley.

Reports that France’s Rafale fighter jet came off second best against the China-made J-10 in a dogfight between the Indian and Pakistan air forces has attracted global attention.

The Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge over the Beipan River in the mountainous Guizhou province of China is set to open in June, rising 625 metres above river level.

The 69th Eurovision Song Contest takes place in Basel, Switzerland, where 37 countries compete in three rounds to win the prestigious glass microphone trophy.

Russia was responsible for the downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 over eastern Ukraine in July 2014, the United Nations aviation agency has ruled.

In his first major diplomatic trip of his second term, President Trump aims to secure investment and trade deals from Gulf allies amid ongoing regional conflicts.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer says he will introduce tougher laws to curb migration in an attempt to thwart the threat from Nigel Farage’s anti-immigration Reform party.

The Qatari royal family is discussing donating a $400m jumbo jet to the Trump administration that would be outfitted to serve as Air Force One.

Hamas has released the last living U.S. hostage in Gaza, Edan Alexander, as part of efforts to establish a ceasefire and reopen crossings into the war-torn territory.

The separatist Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) has announced it is to end its 40-year insurgency in which around 40,000 people have died.

Homes in the United States are filled with everyday items like baby buggies, kitchen utensils, toasters and game consoles that are heavily reliant on their manufacture in China.

Chinese exports soared in April, defying analysts’ forecasts and putting pressure on the U.S. ahead of trade negotiations starting May 10 in Geneva.

Heightened tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbours, India and Pakistan, have brought into sharp focus the military capabilities between the two nations.

U.S. President Donald Trump says he is directing his government to reopen and expand Alcatraz, the notorious former prison on an island in San Francisco Bay.

A declining view of the U.S., fuelled by President Trump’s punitive tariffs, is prompting Europeans to begin avoiding U.S. products and services, says the European Central Bank.

Israel’s security cabinet has approved a plan to expand its military offensive against Hamas which includes the “capture” of Gaza and the holding of its territory.

Under the agreement, Ukraine will receive help to rebuild following Russia’s full-scale invasion while the U.S. will have access to the country’s mineral, oil and gas reserves.

As Donald Trump reaches the milestone of 100 days in office, he has already issued a record number of executive orders in an effort to deliver on his campaign promises.

Global military spending rose to $2.72 trillion in 2024 – up 9.4% on 2023, and the steepest year-on-year rise since the end of the Cold War, according to a new think tank report.

A new survey of U.S. citizens highlights the uncertainty sowed at home by President Trump’s controversial tariffs, with many living in fear of rising prices and recession.

China, which dominates both the mining and processing of rare earth metals, is restricting their export to the United States as part of its response to President Trump’s punitive tariffs.

The UEFA Europa League final takes place between Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United, at the San Mames Stadium in Bilbao, Spain.

Carlo Ancelotti will leave Real Madrid to lead the Brazil national team into the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Italian coach is set to take charge on May 26.

Staged at the iconic Wembley Stadium since 1923, the final evokes memories of triumph and tragedy, famous upsets and the birth of legends, raucous support and royal acclaim.

Formula One returns to Europe as Oscar Piastri leads McLaren team-mate Lando Norris by 16 points after six races. Significant upgrades are expected in Imola this weekend.

Albania hosts the opening stages as Primož Roglič and emerging talent Juan Ayuso are favourites to compete for the iconic maglia rosa in a battle between generations.

The 2025 Giro d’Italia will feature a total of 22 teams, 18 UCI ProTour teams, two teams that have qualified from the UCI World Tour and two wildcard invitations.

The Giro d’Italia begins in Albania and ends in Rome three weeks later after covering 3,413km, including two individual time trials, one in Tirana, and five mountain stages.

The 2025 Giro d’Italia begins in Albania and ends in Rome three weeks later after covering 3,413km, including two individual time trials, one in Tirana, and five mountain stages.

The NBA play-offs begin, with the Oklahoma City Thunder, showcasing points guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and the Cleveland Cavaliers heading the conference seeds.

Host team Inter Miami will open the tournament with a clash against Al Ahly of Egypt at the Hard Rock Stadium. Twelve stadia will stage 63 matches over four weeks.

The United States hosts the inaugural edition of the expanded 32-team FIFA World Cup Cup, replacing the showpiece held from 2000-2023 featuring continental champions.

The Copa Libertadores, South America’s premier club competition, kicks off. Botafogo are defending champions having secured their first ever title in 2024.

Defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders opened the 18th edition of the IPL with defeat against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. The final takes place on May 25.

The high-octane action of the new Formula 1 World Championship gets underway in Australia on Sunday. Be on pole position with our exclusive enhanced coverage

McLaren begin the defence of their Constructor’s World Championship when the 76th F1 season commences at the Australian GP, with nine other teams contesting the title.

The FIA has introduced new rules to prevent drivers overheating ahead of a major overhaul in 2026 to include new power units with built-in cooling.

The 2025 MotoGP championship marks the centenary of the first ever motorcycle TT – the race evolved into the TT Circuit Assen, one of the most iconic events in the sport.

The 2025 MotoGP season comprises 22 Grands Prix, commencing with the Thailand GP in March and concluding in Valencia, Spain, in November.

Aprilia and world champion Jorge Martin lead the eleven teams competing in the 2025 season, commencing with the Thailand GP and concluding in Valencia in November.

Cristiano Ronaldo is the world’s highest paid athlete – according to sports business lead, Sportico – one of 12 earning over $100m. Coco Gauff is the top-earning female athlete.

Spanish giants Real Madrid have become the first football club to generate more than €1bn in annual revenue, according to analysis by Deloitte’s Football Money League report.

The 80th edition of La Vuelta a España, cycling’s final Grand Tour of the year, will feature more than three weeks of racing and 21 stages, covering a distance of 3,180km.

The draw sees hosts Inter Miami open the tournament against Egyptian side Al Ahly at the Hard Rock Stadium on June 15, while the MetLife Stadium stages the final on July 13.

The route begins in Lille, and includes two time-trials, lung-busting mountain stages in the Alps – peaking at 2,300m – before the traditional Champs-Élysées finale.

The 79th season launches with the Boston Celtics as reigning champions after beating Dallas Mavericks in the 2024 NBA Finals, clinching record 18th championship.