Tracy Hickman, a 57-year-old British woman battling terminal breast cancer, ended her life through euthanasia on a New Zealand beach on May 22. Living in New Zealand for two decades, Hickman, surrounded by loved ones, passed away "in the sunshine," as she wished. Diagnosed in 2019, her condition worsened with tumors spreading to her brain, lungs, and spine. She campaigned for the UK to adopt similar assisted dying laws as New Zealand, where euthanasia was legalized in 2019 for terminally ill adults. Hickman expressed gratitude for the opportunity to say goodbye to friends and family peacefully.

Kabosu, the Shiba Inu behind the "doge" meme and Dogecoin cryptocurrency, passed away on May 24 at the age of 18. Rescued from a puppy mill in 2008 by Atsuko Sato, Kabosu's iconic image with crossed paws went viral in 2010, sparking countless memes. Kabosu, suffering from leukemia and liver disease, quietly passed away while being caressed by Sato. The meme inspired Dogecoin, now a top cryptocurrency, and received support from figures like Elon Musk. Kabosu's impact extended to charitable donations, including over $1 million to Save the Children. Sato expressed gratitude, calling Kabosu "the happiest dog in the world."

A new study reveals that daily cannabis use has exceeded daily alcohol consumption in the US for the first time. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, an estimated 17.7 million Americans use cannabis daily or near-daily, surpassing the 14.7 million who drink alcohol as frequently. While alcohol remains more widely used, daily cannabis use has seen a 15-fold increase since 1992. Experts attribute this rise to reduced stigma and the growth of the legal cannabis industry, which now includes older adults as well. The findings mark a significant shift in American substance use habits.

A Singapore Airlines flight experienced severe turbulence, leading to an emergency landing in Bangkok. Of the 40 passengers hospitalized, 20 remain in intensive care. Injuries include spinal cord damage (22 cases) and brain and skull injuries (6 cases). Passengers aged 2-83 from the UK, Australia, Malaysia, and the Philippines are among those affected. One passenger has been discharged, and no life-threatening cases have been reported. The incident highlights the impact of turbulence on air travel.

Donald Trump held a campaign rally in the South Bronx, a predominantly Hispanic and black neighborhood. He aimed to win over minority voters, a crucial demographic in the presidential election. Trump spoke about his contributions to New York City and criticized its current state. He blamed Joe Biden and illegal immigration for economic issues affecting minority communities. The rally was Trump's first in New York in eight years. He shared the stage with Florida Congressman Byron Donalds, a potential running mate. The event was seen as an effort to gain support among ethnic minority voters.

The USS Harder, a US Navy submarine, has been found in the South China Sea 80 years after it sank. The submarine was on its sixth patrol during World War II when it was lost in battle with a Japanese ship on August 24, 1944. All 79 crew members were killed. The wreck was discovered 3,000 feet underwater off the Philippine island of Luzon, with damage from a Japanese depth charge visible. The find is a significant discovery, honoring the sacrifices of the crew and serving as a reminder of the war's history.

China has launched surprise air and sea drills surrounding Taiwan, simulating a direct attack on the island for the first time. The exercises, described as "punishment" manoeuvres by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), aim to test combat capabilities in preparation for a potential invasion. Taiwan's new president, Lai Ching-te, responded by vowing to "stand on the front lines" with the military to defend the nation. He emphasized Taiwan's commitment to freedom, democracy, and regional stability. The escalation follows Lai's recent inauguration and his call for peace, marking a significant increase in tensions compared to previous exercises.

Those responsible for blasting New Labour’s 1997 anthem “Things Can Only Get Better” during Rishi Sunak's general election announcement on Wednesday, May 22, have been unmasked. Anti-Brexit activist Steve Bray orchestrated the stunt, playing the song to troll the Conservatives. Bray, known for his protests outside Westminster, selected the anthem due to its association with Tony Blair’s victorious 1997 campaign. The song by Northern Irish band D:Ream, which gained fame as a symbol of hope and change, added a historical twist to Sunak's rainy announcement outside Number 10.      

Families of five Israeli soldiers, captured by Hamas on October 7, released a three-minute video showing the young women being taken from their base. The video, edited from body camera footage, depicts the soldiers—Liri Albag, Karina Ariev, Agam Berger, Daniela Gilboa, and Naama Levy—standing helplessly with tied hands, some bloodied. The footage aims to pressure Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu into negotiating a truce with Hamas for the hostages' release. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum criticized the Israeli government for its failure to prevent the attack and called for urgent action.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has sparked controversy by calling a general election amidst trailing poll numbers, risking a historic defeat for the Conservative Party. With Labour holding a significant lead, Sunak's decision, fueled by economic indicators like a drop in inflation, aims to seize a favorable moment before potential downturns. However, challenges loom, including economic uncertainties and immigration crises, eroding his margin for victory. Sunak's gamble hinges on a dramatic turnaround during the intense six-week campaign, setting the stage for a high-stakes political battle.