The Met Office has said the record-breaking UK heatwave will “gradually reduce in intensity in the coming days”, with a temperature drop forecast to bring as low as 5C next week
Temperatures could nosedive to as low as 5C next week following a record-smashing stretch of scorching weather, according to the latest weather maps.
Advertisement
The closing days of May delivered an extraordinary burst of heat across the UK, with numerous regions experiencing full-blown heatwave conditions. According to the national weather agency, 23 stations shattered the previous UK May maximum temperature record of 32.8C set in 1922 and 1944, with the mercury climbing as high as 35.1C at Kew Gardens in Greater London on Tuesday, 26 May.
However, it now appears the Mediterranean-style warmth is set to fade for the time being. In an update on Thursday, the Met Office stated the heatwave “will gradually reduce in intensity in the coming days, with a transition to more unsettled and cooler weather by the weekend for many”.
Met Office Chief Forecaster Chris Bulmer said: “We’re now starting to see this spell of very hot weather break down. Many areas will begin to feel fresher conditions moving in through Friday and into the weekend as a weak cold front moves southeast and becomes more established across most of the UK by Saturday.
Advertisement
“As the heat starts to ease, the weather will also turn more changeable, with some showers and thunderstorms possible. By the weekend, temperatures should be much closer to average for the time of year with accompanying rainfall for many through the weekend and into the start of next week.”
Forecast data gathered by WXCharts indicates that maximum temperatures across much of the UK next week will hover around the mid-teens Celsius. However, by Sunday, temperatures could plummet to as low as 5C in Scotland, around the junction of the Highlands, Aberdeenshire, and Perth and Kinross at 7am BST on Sunday, June 7, according to maps published this morning.
These showed maximum temperatures ranging from approximately 7C to 11C across Scotland and England, and between 7C to 10C in Wales at that point. The mercury was recorded as climbing to between 8C and 10C in Northern Ireland. Nevertheless, maps now indicate temperatures climbing to the mid-teens by 1pm, before surging back to around 21 or 22C across much of the southern half of England by 7pm on Thursday, June 11.
Advertisement
Regions likely to experience the highest temperatures could include large areas of the East Midlands, East of England, the South East and Greater London, with temperatures ranging from around 11C to 20C throughout the remainder of the country.
The Met Office’s long-range forecast covering Tuesday, June 2 to Thursday, June 11, anticipated that during the first week of next month, “Atlantic weather systems are expected to move in from the west, bringing showers or longer spells of rain at times”.
“The best of the drier conditions are more likely towards the south and east, with more frequent rain across the west and northwest, although there will be drier interludes here also,” it said.
Advertisement
“Drier weather may start to become more dominant as we head into the second week of June. Temperatures will be near-normal overall, with the warmest spots most likely across eastern areas. It will also be breezy at times, especially across western parts, and notably so around exposed coasts.”
A man organised a weekend trip to Cambridge, but was horrified when he realised which hotel he had booked – as he soon learned he had made a huge mistkae
Zahna Eklund Senior Social News Reporter
14:55, 29 May 2026
There’s one mistake you should never make when visiting Cambridge. The city has lots to offer tourists, from visiting the Cambridge University Botanic Gardens, the market square, and the Fitzwilliam Museum, to taking in the gorgeous architecture and views on any number of walks.
Anyone wanting to visit Cambridge for the weekend will likely need to book into one of the many great options for hotels in the city. But one man on social media has confessed that he made a terrible mistake when he tried to visit Cambridge for the weekend – as his choice of hotel was an absolute disaster.
Advertisement
Christopher Golds shared a WhatsApp message exchange on X earlier this week, where he said he was going to be staying in Cambridge for the weekend. But the anonymous person he was texting soon pointed out he’d made a huge error with his booking that meant he’d have a miserable time in the city.
Instead of booking to stay in a hotel in Cambridge, England, he’d somehow managed to book a weekend stay at a Travelodge in Cambridge, Ontario, in Canada.
The text message exchange opened with the anonymous person stating: “CANADA??!! You’re going to Ontario, Canada, just for a weekend?! Canada is NOT an ‘overnight destination’.”
Content cannot be displayed without consent
Confused, Christopher replied: “What? No. When?”
Advertisement
The responder, who seemingly had access to Christopher’s calendar, then said: “You’ve got a confirmed reservation in a hotel in Ontario Canada – it’s appearing in the digital calendar for 10/11 June.”
Christopher told the other person that they must be mistaken because he was planning a trip to Cambridge, and not Canada.
However, they then sent him another message with the details of the hotel, which clearly stated he had booked a hotel in a different Cambridge entirely. He then replied: “Oh. My god.”
In his post on X, Christopher clarified this wasn’t a new story, and had actually happened to him three years ago, as he captioned the image: “Three years ago today since I booked a hotel in the wrong country.”
Advertisement
Commenters on the post were sympathetic to Christopher’s mistake. Many said they had made similar errors before, while Canadians said they have this problem often because so many of their cities are also the names of big cities in other parts of the world – not just the UK.
One person said: “That’s pretty funny. Not as bad as when people actually land in Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada, under the mistaken belief that they got a great price on tickets to Sydney, New South Wales, Australia!”
Another added: “I don’t have a screenshot, but seven years ago I booked a 7am flight instead of 7pm. Got ready and went to the airport only to be told that the flight had landed at its destination.”
While a Canadian native shared: “Welcome to Canada. We’ve got London, Paris, Berlin (now is Kitchener), Dublin, Brussels, Athens and even more, all in Ontario.”
Advertisement
A second Canadian posted: “You’d be disappointed with our Cambridge, Christopher. And our London. And our Windsor. And our Hamilton. And our Paris.”
You know the Pixies. Black Francis’ surreal, shrieked lyrics about Old Testament Christianity, UFOs, good, evil, death and incest. The loud-quiet-loud dynamic of their sometimes punk, sometimes hardcore, sometimes even surf rock sound. Across 29 songs, it’s all here tonight. This, the first of two shows at the Royal Albert Hall, is to celebrate 40 years since their genesis in 1986 – before their split in 1993.
The event last happened almost two years ago and will not be seen again until December 31, 2028
Stargazers who look up to the skies this weekend may enjoy a rare treat with a special lunar event which last happened almost two years ago. May 2026 will have two full moons appearing in the same calendar month.
Advertisement
The second full moon, which is known as a blue moon, will rise on Saturday night giving stargazers an extra chance to enjoy one of the year’s most impressive sights. And while it is usually not blue but often just the same colour as a normal moon, there are times when it does change colour.
The event is rare as most months will only have one full moon, with the last blue moon being in August 2024. Astronomy expert Alan Jones from 365 Astronomyexplains why this blue moon is unusual, when to see it in the UK, and how to get the best view.
When to see May’s blue moon
Alan explained: “The blue moon reaches peak illumination on Sunday, the 31st, although the best time for stargazers will be on the evening of Saturday, May 30th, when the moon rises shortly after sunset and stays visible throughout the night. It will sit relatively low in the southern sky, so choosing a location with clear views of the eastern and southern horizon, away from tall buildings and trees, will provide the best experience.”
Why this blue moon is special
“A blue moon is the second full moon within a single calendar month, something that happens only every two to three years. Despite the name, the moon will not actually appear blue, ” said the expert.
Advertisement
“This year’s event is also a micromoon, meaning the moon is near the furthest point in its orbit from Earth. It may appear slightly smaller and dimmer than usual, although the difference is subtle.”
Why the moon can appear orange or red
Alan said: “As the moon rises or sets near the horizon, it can take on orange, amber or reddish tones because Earth’s atmosphere scatters shorter blue wavelengths of light. The well-known ‘moon illusion’ can also make the moon appear larger when it is low in the sky, even though its actual size does not change.”
Is the blue moon worth observing?
“Full moons are excellent targets for casual observers, families and beginner astronomers,” said Alan. “A blue moon also carries a sense of rarity reflected in the phrase ‘once in a blue moon’. While not exceptionally rare astronomically, these events still capture people’s imagination and encourage more of us to look up at the night sky.”
Tips for viewing and photographing the moon
“Binoculars are a great way to enhance the view, revealing darker maria and brighter crater regions on the lunar surface,” said the expert. “Smartphones can also capture impressive images when mounted on a tripod and used with manual exposure settings.
Advertisement
“For dramatic moonrise photos, include buildings, trees or landscape features in the foreground to help show the moon’s scale against the horizon. For closer lunar photography, a telescope with an aperture of around 80mm or more will provide crisp detail. Smart telescopes such as the Dwarf 3, Seestar S30 or S50, eVscope 2 and Vespera II are also excellent beginner-friendly options for capturing detailed lunar images.”
When is a blue moon blue
According to the Royal Museums Greenwich there are times that a blue moon actually does appear blue. It said: “Blue moons aren’t blue! Blue moons remain the same colour as any other full moon except in two rare cases:
During a lunar eclipse, the moon can turn blood red, lit only by the light bent around the Earth by its atmosphere onto the face of the moon. As lunar eclipses occur only during full moons, and blue moons are one type of full moon, it’s very rare that a blue moon will be red!
In very rare circumstances, the moon can appear blue, but in this case the colour would be caused by viewing the moon through a haze of dust particles in our atmosphere, perhaps from a recent volcanic eruption. From space, however, the moon will look just as grey as it always has!
Police called at 1.17am yesterday (Thursday) to reports that a woman had been sexually assaulted at a house in Northallerton
An enquiry was launched which resulted in a 26-year-old man from County Durham being arrested.
He was detained during a high-profile search of the area by a significant number of officers yesterday evening and he currently remains in custody.
Advertisement
A man in his 40s and a man in his 20s were also arrested in connection with the investigation yesterday morning.
They have now been released with no further action following full enquiries and eliminated from the investigation.
The victim is being offered specialist support following the incident.
Inspector Rory Sadler, of Hambleton Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “This has been a hugely distressing incident for the victim and has caused alarm in the wider community.
Advertisement
“It’s been a fast-moving investigation and there will continue to be a visible police presence in the area to reassure concerned residents.
“I’d like to provide some clarity about rumours circulating in the community. A white British man from the Durham area has been arrested in connection with this incident. I’m aware there is some speculation about links to a separate burglary in the Hambleton area. However, I can confirm police are treating these incidents as unrelated.
“I’d also stress that the incident in Northallerton is isolated and we are not looking for anyone else as part of our investigation.”
Rachel Pyrah’s mobile home hit a kerb, swerved across the path of a Volkswagen T-Roc coming the other way and overturned, said Matthew Moore-Taylor, prosecuting.
Inside the Volkswagen car were the baby, a teenager who was also seriously injured, and their parents. They were on their way to a glamping holiday near Ripon on May 31, 2024.
York Crown Court heard Pyrah was on a two-week travelling holiday in the vehicle which was then her home to help her cope with her grief after the recent death of her mother.
Advertisement
“What happened was not just an accident, it was a single moment that has forever changed our lives,” the father of the baby said. He also described it as a “tragedy”.
The family’s “happy, hopeful baby just beginning to explore the world around her” had become a child with severe disabilities including communication problems that prevented her playing and interacting with other children and affected her development, he said.
Mr Moore-Taylor said the baby was critically ill in Leeds General Infirmary for some days after the crash.
The teenager, who had been studying for her A-levels at the time, suffered broken ribs, and a scarred forehead that she said reminded her of the crash every time she looked at it.
Advertisement
She had forced herself to go to college before her injuries healed because her education was so important to her.
She said she was grateful to be alive and “it was heartbreaking” to know what the baby had gone through.
Recorder Paul Reid said the results of the collision had been “catastrophic”.
It happened on the B6265 between Glasshouses and Risplith above Nidderdale on Friday, May 31, 2024, which had been a sunny day.
Advertisement
The judge said the road had grassy verges and two vehicles could pass with care. The mobile home and Volkswagen were doing between 40mph and 50mph.
At the place where the crash happened there was a raised kerb on the mobile home’s side of the road. Pyrah had moved to the left to ensure the two vehicles passed safely but had clipped the kerb and her vehicle had gone into the path of the family’s vehicle.
It was a “momentary” action which had had “catastrophic” consequences.
The judge said he had to follow national sentencing guidelines which suggested he should pass a community order.
Advertisement
Pyrah, of High Street, Claythorpe, Lincolnshire, pleaded guilty to two charges of causing serious injury by careless driving. She was given a 12-month community order with 60 hours’ unpaid work and banned from driving for 12 months.
A probation report said she was “utterly remorseful” for her actions and had accepted full responsibility.
Defence barrister Hayley Brickel handed in references which she said described Pyrah as a “careful and courteous driver, safe, considerate, competent and courteous.”
The annual event, which celebrates love, diversity and inclusion, is taking place tomorrow on Saturday (May 30) at The Sands in Durham.
The traditional parade from Durham Cathedral will set off at 11am, with The Sands opening to the public at the same time and festivities continuing until 11pm.
Organisers say Durham Pride 2026 will “celebrate love, diversity and community spirit” with a packed programme including live performances, bars, food vendors, market stalls and funfair rides.
Advertisement
Palace Green and the Cathedral will again form the backdrop to the march, with around 3,000 people expected to join the parade through the city.
The route
The annual parade will set off from Palace Green, outside Durham Cathedral, at 11am before making its way to The Sands for a day of celebration.
From Palace Green, the parade will head down through Owengate and into Saddler Street.
The procession will then move into the Market Place, where thousands of crowds gather to watch the floats, banners and performers go past, before continuing along Claypath and looping via Providence Row and Freemans Place to reach The Sands.
Advertisement
The route has remained the same since it began in 2017, taking in some of Durham’s most popular streets and landmarks.
Road closures will also be in place along the parade route to accommodate the event.
Owengate, Saddler Street, Market Place, Claypath, Providence Row and Freemans Place will all be closed to traffic between 10.30am and midday, with the restrictions in force for the full duration of the parade window.
Durham County Council is advising drivers to avoid the city centre during the march and to allow extra time for journeys.
Here’s what the stars have in store for your day (Picture: Metro.co.uk)
The Moon’s arrival in Sagittarius brings a buzzy energy to the weekend before you. Connections are brimming with possibility.
Aquarius, Pisces and Sagittarius, your social circle blossoms completely naturally today. There is no need to work hard at networking.
All that is meant to be yours will be, as the comsos gives you reassurance and loving guidance. Life is abundant, so relish in it.
Ahead, you’ll find all star signs’ horoscopes for today: Saturday May 30, 2026.
Advertisement
Like checking your horoscope every morning? You can now sign up to our free daily newsletter to get a personalised reading for your star sign delivered straight to your inbox.
To order your unique personal horoscope based on your time, date and place of birth, visit patrickarundell.com.
Aries
March 21 to April 20
We have a celestial switch of emphasis today, as the Moon moves from intensity to a freer vibe. This is going to be a weekend of plentiful conversation, movement, and travel as the Blue Moon approaches tomorrow. However, whatever you are discussing or doing, Mars, your action-loving ruler, wants to experience what feels really valuable.
Go-getter Mars in Taurus is not his most dynamic location, but it can still be significant for you. He gives you the platform to focus more on your individual strengths or the things that inspire you, and push forward in your steady, consistent way. Someone may challenge your approach this weekend, but if so, stay cool and be resolute around your goals.
The Moon has moved into a sector of balance and harmony for you. She can help you think about how those around you are, but here’s the thing, Gemini: this is a rare time for your sign, one that really urges you to keep your focus on what’s important to you personally. However, with feisty Mars stirring things in the background, don’t take anyone for granted.
With the two planets of fortune, Venus and Jupiter coasting along in your sign, Cancer, they have likely kindled your natural creativity and flair. However, this weekend may be a call to action to circle back and refocus on more practical matters. Also, your energy is not infinite, so you may need to prioritise what’s essential, even if it is more mundane tasks.
The Sagittarius Moon energy this weekend can draw you to pleasurable pursuits and social meet-ups. And it can prove to be fun. Indeed, with Mars’s assertive energies influential, you could be the one leading the way and helping bring people together. However, if you are not minded to join in, it’s cool, look to enjoy watching your latest box set or series or pottering at home.
With all the energy fizzing away around your job or life responsibilities, some personal downtime can call to you this weekend. Mars in your sector of freedom can push you to assert your need for space, but there may still be some work/life balancing issues to contend with. Heading off into nature at some point can be just the antidote to this, Virgo.
Cosmic messages for Cosmic messages for Virgo today
Libra
September 24 to October 23
As an air sign, you are a natural communicator and also a thinker, Libra. This part of your nature can be amplified this weekend. Expect some lively exchanges. However, powerful Mars is in a deep, passionate part of its journey, and what starts as friendly banter could become more intense. Anticipate the possibility of this, and what not to get caught up in.
When you feel strongly about something, Scorpio, it can consume you. This is not a flaw; rather, it shows a deep, passionate understanding of what you consider right or wrong. Something can unfold now around this. It will likely be rooted in your values, and it may be something or someone you want to protect. Soon enough, people will know how you feel.
The Moon’s arrival in your sign can be the perfect spark to begin your weekend. With three glittering planets in your relationship sector, you can be in the mood and mode to connect and enjoy yourself. Yet her fleeting opposition to the electric Uranus may mean plans can be fluid and changeable, but they are unlikely to be dull. Buckle up, Sagittarius!
Venus and Saturn are still tentatively engaging with one another. The Moon dives deep, into an area of quiet reflection. This may see you gently draw in and let the events of the week percolate down within you. This could be an intermittent theme over the next two years, but it will give you the chance to keep checking on your emotional bases.
Expect to be in demand, Aquarius, as lovely celestial energies burst into life. In fact, things can be so buzzy that you find yourself turning down some situations. The trick will be to do so graciously, but your ready wit and charm suggest you can. Your creative juices can also bubble up, so you can find yourself showcasing your flair and industry.
The Moon phase this weekend can emphasise how supportive and caring you are of people close to you, especially family members. Mind, there may be a bit of juggling to do this. To make this work, set out what you are prepared to do, but freedom-loving Uranus is making you more aware of your need for personal space. So, do look to get some.
Your daily Metro.co.uk horoscope is here every morning, seven days a week (yes, including weekends!). To check your forecast, head to our dedicated horoscopes page.
As a loyal Metro reader, we want to make sure you never miss our stories when searching for your news. Whether it is the latest politics news explained, live football coverage or a showbiz scoop.
Click the button below and tick Metro.co.uk to ensure you see stories from us first in Google Search.
All the Take That songs that made the setlist as The Circus Live returns for its 2026 reboot – and it’s got it all
Take That brought The Circus back to life in spectacular fashion as the new 2026 version of their iconic tour kicked off at Southampton’s St Mary’s Stadium on Friday night.
Advertisement
Fans have been eagerly awaiting the shows ever since the band’s current lineup of Howard Donald, Gary Barlow and Mark Owen announced the big news last year that they were taking their most extravagant ever show back on the road this summer.
The trio had announced that they would be bringing back all of the spectacular elements of the show – like the acrobats, clown outfits and of course the huge animatronic elephant.
Click here for the latest on Manchester’s food & drink scene, gigs and more in our CityLife newsletter
But they had teased that there would also be new additions to the reboot. So how closely did the new show follow the original setlist?
Advertisement
Well, we’ve got the setlist in full here and as you’ll see it stays pretty faithful to the original – with plenty of new bits too.
The band emerged under sunny skies in Southampton on Friday night at 8.30pm to the thrilling strains of Greatest Day – and they delivered just that for the thousands of fans packing in to the stadium.
The main thrust of the show was unchanged from the original with the big moments, like the elephant’s arrival, soundtracked by anthem The Garden, as Gary, Mark and Howard rode the beast out into the ecstatic crowds.
Advertisement
The big changes recognised the fact that former bandmate Jason Orange has not returned for this tour.
His solo number, Wooden Boat, from the 2009 Circus tour, does not make it into the show. Nor does How Did it Come To This, the Circus album track on which Jason took lead vocals and which featured in the original tour.
New songs to be added to the song list on opening night was the trio’s new track, You’re a Superstar which fans had been hoping would make the cut. There was also the surprise addition of Babe giving Oldham’s Mark Owen the chance to serenade the crowds.
The finale remains the fire-festooned Relight My Fire but with an even bigger staging than before.
Advertisement
They bounded back out for the encore with fan favourite Hold Up A Light under starlit skies, with the show coming to a triumphant close at 10.30pm. Here’s the setlist in full.
Setlist St Mary’s Southampton May 29, 2026:
Greatest Day
Hello
Could it Be Magic
Advertisement
Pray
A Million Love Songs
Back For Good
The Garden
Advertisement
Shine
Up All Night
Babe
You’re a Superstar
Advertisement
Love ain’t Here Anymore
Nobody Else
The Circus
What is Love
Advertisement
Do What U Like/Promises/It Only Takes a Minute/Take That and Party
Unclear if Iran actually put mines in Strait of Hormuz: report
(Reuters)
The threat of Iranian mines is among the many factors snarling traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.
But the US military has not confirmed whether Tehran has actually set mines in the vital oil shipping lane, US officials told NBC News.
With or without mines, traffic through the strait continues to move at just small fraction of its pre-war levels, adding to the economic pain that’s resulted from the war.
Advertisement
Josh Marcus30 May 2026 00:31
White House remains vague on state of Iran deal decision
The Trump administration is keeping its cards close to its chest about the fate of Iran war negotiations.
Despite a much-watched announcement from the president that he was considering a “final determination” on recent proposals on Friday, much of the day has come and gone without any announcement of a deal.
Advertisement
When asked about whether a deal had been made, the administration remained vague.
“President Trump will only make a deal that is good for America and satisfies his redlines,” the White House told CBS News. “Iran can never possess a nuclear weapon.”
Josh Marcus29 May 2026 23:34
Advertisement
Kazakhstan offers to hold Iranian nuclear stockpile: report
The US and Iran have not announced a final deal yet, but any lasting agreement will likely include some provision regarding Tehran’s nuclear stockpile.
President Trump has said the US wants to seize and secure the stockpile to keep it from being turned into a nuclear weapon.
Kazakhstan, meanwhile, has offered to take the stockpile if both sides reach an agreement, according the UN.
Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev met with the International Atomic Energy Agency this week and signaled his “openness” to take on the near-weapons grade uranium, the Financial Times reports.
Advertisement
Josh Marcus29 May 2026 23:15
US has seized $1 billion in Iranian crypto so far, Bessent says
The US has seized $1 billion in Iranian cryptocurrency so far as part of its efforts to financially hammer Tehran.
“Just outright grabbed the wallets,” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Friday during an event at the Reagan National Economic Forum. “Some of them may be typing in right now and might not realize their wallet had been grabbed.”
Advertisement
The fate of Iranian assets, which have faced a mix of seizures and sanctions, reportedly remains one of the key issues still being debated by negotiators on both sides.
Josh Marcus29 May 2026 22:50
‘A cartoon villain’: Hegseth shredded for ‘cringe’ pep talk to Navy soldiers about Iran war
Hegseth was in Singapore on Friday, where he did drills with the crew of the USS Boxer and then spoke to a group of assembled sailors about the ongoing conflict.
Advertisement
In his remarks, Hegseth pointed to a recent comment from President Trump, which threatened further US strikes if Iran doesn’t agree to a deal to end the war.
“He said, ‘Well, Iran can either do it the right way, with a deal across the table, or they can deal with my guy on the left,’” Hegseth said. “That happened to be me. But it’s not me. It’s you guys!”
Online commentators quickly mocked the speech and the audience of service members, who appeared to be mostly unmoved by Hegseth’s call to arms.
Read more about the backlash in our full story.
Advertisement
Josh Marcus29 May 2026 22:25
The American public still isn’t sold on the Iran war
The Trump administration has now had three months to make its case for the Iran war, but Americans are still broadly against the campaign, according to a new poll.
About 38 percent of Americans support the strikes, a POLITICO poll found, while 41 percent of respondents said they don’t believe the president has a plan for ending the conflict.
Advertisement
Even among Trump supporters, there is little positive sentiment about the war.
Forty-five percent of them told POLITICO the president hasn’t accomplished his goals.
Josh Marcus29 May 2026 22:03
Advertisement
UAE carried out ‘dozens’ of strikes against Iran: report
(AFP/Getty)
The United Arab Emirates reportedly carried out dozens of strikes against Iran as part of the conflict, contrasting with the approach of some of its more cautious Gulf neighbors.
The strikes, reported by The Wall Street Journal, were coordinated with the US and Israel and continued through the day after the April ceasefire. They represent a larger involvement in the conflict from the UAE than was previously known.
Some of the reported attacks hit Iranian energy infrastructure as payback for Tehran targeting similar facilities in the UAE, per the paper.
Josh Marcus29 May 2026 21:33
Advertisement
Joint Chiefs chairman seen leaving White House despite no deal announcement
(Getty)
Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine, the highest-ranking US military officer, was seen on Friday leaving the White House, suggesting the president’s Situation Room meeting may have ended without any major progress on an Iran war deal.
Josh Marcus29 May 2026 21:14
Trump’s unpredictability is undermining negotiations, Iranians say
(AFP/Getty)
President Donald Trump once published a book called The Art of the Deal, but the Republican’s erratic style may be undermining Iran talks, according to officials.
Iranian officials told The Washington Postthat Tehran has a deep distrust of the Trump administration, especially after the US and Israel attacked the country twice in the middle of past negotiations in recent months.
The threat of another such strike has made it hard to clinch this round of negotiations, where both sides want upfront guarantees.
Advertisement
Josh Marcus29 May 2026 21:00
Stocks trading higher on hopes of Iran deal update
All three major US stock indices were in the green Friday afternoon, as Wall Street eagerly awaited possible progress on an Iran deal.
President Trump’s announcement earlier in the day that the US blockade on Iranian ports was over may free up further oil traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, but the economic uncertainty of the war will not truly be resolved until a lasting peace deal is achieved.
Has gaming hardware just got too expensive? (Metro)
Alarmed at the price increase for Steam Deck, a reader fears gaming hardware is becoming unaffordable for ordinary people and that companies are preparing to replace it.
You probably saw the news during the week, that the price of the Steam Deck has increased by 40% worldwide, meaning a price hike of £200/$300. I have never, ever heard of anything like that and while it’s obvious why it is, with the memory crisis and the whole world in chaos, at the end of the day it’s still a huge amount of money for a bit of hardware that was already not cheap.
I was never going to get one anyway, and I imagine a lot of people are going to think too and just move on, but this is all on top of prices rises for the Xbox Series X, PlayStation 5, and soon the Nintendo Switch 2. And the price of PC components has gone up by even more, so you can’t just wash your hands of consoles and say you’ll get a gaming PC instead.
All this and we’re at the cusp of a new generation of consoles which always cost more, and which Xbox has specifically said will be expensive. I don’t know about you, but I’ve already gone as far as I can with this. I’m not paying close to a grand for a video game console, especially not when it has almost no chance of doing anything new.
Advertisement
So, this is a problem that has already started and there is no way to do anything about it, because it’s not even specifically a video game problem. It’s also something that’s only likely to get worse over time, unless the AI bubble does ever burst, which it’s really looking like it won’t.
But there is an alternative. It’s one that I don’t like but I think we’re going to start hearing a lot about it very soon, especially as Microsoft is super keen on it, since from their perspective they were already cooked when it came to the console business anyway – so they’ve got very little to lose at the moment.
Expert, exclusive gaming analysis
Sign up to the GameCentral newsletter for a unique take on the week in gaming, alongside the latest reviews and more. Delivered to your inbox every Saturday morning.
Advertisement
If you haven’t guessed already what I’m talking about it’s streaming, which we haven’t heard much about at all this gen, even though GeForce Now is trucking along quite happily. Although the fact that Microsoft’s service isn’t actually very good probably explains that, especially as Sony uses the same tech.
But really, like it or not, streaming seems like the only way out of the current problem. It’s not ideal because unless you have a watertight Wi-Fi at home you’re going to have choppy graphics, and that’s definitely going to happen when you’re out and about, so goodbye handhelds that you can use anywhere.
Naturally, it means not owning any of the games yourself, and the complete death of physical gaming, but I’m sure none of the console manufacturers will care about that.
Advertisement
I think there will still be consoles even once streaming takes over but I think, as Microsoft’s Project Helix is implied to be, they’ll just be ultra expensive high-end machines for super fans. That was probably always the plan, given what Microsoft has said so far, but now with the memory crisis they have no choice.
Valve is probably kicking themselves they didn’t get the Steam Machine released a few months earlier but I think that, if they don’t just cancel it outright, they’ll make that just for the 1% as well. After all, that Steam Deck price hike sounds outrageous, but it still sold out anyway at that price. So there are people out there that will pay anything to get the hardware they want.
Most people aren’t like that though. They just want to play games cheaply and conveniently, and that is not where the industry is headed. So when switching to streaming casual gamers will just put up with the downsides because it’s ‘good enough’, which is what most people do about most things they’re not passionate about.
Advertisement
It’s a grim future as far as I’m concerned, especially because I think it’s going to happen a lot sooner than we think. If consoles are already becoming unaffordable for ordinary people, then companies are going to want an alternative as soon as possible, and that can only be streaming. (Or just putting up with what you’ve got and embracing retro gaming.)
By reader Taylor Moon
The Steam Deck is now unaffordable for many (Valve)
The reader’s features do not necessarily represent the views of GameCentral or Metro.
You can submit your own 500 to 600-word reader feature at any time, which if used will be published in the next appropriate weekend slot.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login