World News: UK strikes EU trade and defense reset in 'new era' for relations

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Five years after the United Kingdom departed from the European Union a new agreement has been reached between the two parties. The deal announced on Monday includes defense cooperation and youth mobility.

At a summit in London on May 19, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen unveiled a comprehensive agreement to improve post-Brexit relations.

It includes a new defense and security partnership, granting the UK access to a 200 billion U.S. dollar EU defense fund, and facilitating joint military procurement and support for Ukraine's defense.

The agreement also extends mutual fishing access for 12 years, allowing EU vessels to continue operating in UK waters.

A youth mobility scheme will facilitate temporary work and study exchanges between the UK and EU member states. British travelers will also benefit from faster airport procedures through EU e-gates.

Prime Minister Starmer lauded the agreement as a "win-win," while EU Commissioner Ursula von der Leyen described the progress as "historic."

The U.S. Supreme Court has allowed the Trump administration to terminate the Temporary Protected Status for approximately 350-thousand Venezuelan nationals living in the country.

In an unsigned order on Monday, the Supreme Court lifted a lower court's injunction that blocked the Department of Homeland Security's attempt to end TPS for Venezuelans.

This decision allows the administration to revoke protections extended until October 2026 during the Biden administration.

TPS provides temporary legal status and work authorization to individuals from countries experiencing severe crises.

The Biden administration granted Venezuelans an extension of the status in response to ongoing political and economic instability in Venezuela.

TPS has also been removed for nationals from Afghanistan and Cameroon as part of the Trump administration's efforts to tighten immigration policies.

Former U.S. President Joe Biden expressed gratitude for the support he has received from around the world after announcing on Sunday that he has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer that has metastasized to the bones.

Biden wrote on his social media on Monday, "Cancer touches us all," and that he and his wife Jill have learned that you are "strongest in the broken places."

Reacting to the announcement, President Donald Trump said Biden's diagnosis was "very sad," but added that he was surprised it wasn't detected earlier.

At the same time, he and First Lady Melania wished Biden a "fast and successful recovery." While not curable, experts note that effective management can allow patients to live for several years.

Finally, in Denmark, the 14th Hundested Sand Sculpture Festival kicks off on Friday. The annual event will feature sand sculptures crafted by 16 international artists, centered around this year's theme of "Showtime."

Visitors can expect to see detailed representations of entertainment icons such as Charlie Chaplin and Miss Piggy, as well as circus clowns.

The festival also offers diverse family-friendly activities, including sculpting workshops, sand painting, and treasure hunts.

As the festival runs through October 19, the sculptures are made of sand mixed with clay to ensure they last until autumn. The sand is reused each year.

Choi Chi-hee, Arirang News.