Gentlefolk,
This post describes our main activities during the month of May 2026.
The contents of this post are in the following sequence:
Photos of our activities during May 2026.
News items which caught my eye in May 2026.
Some key actions by President Trump during May 2026 (from MS NOW Project 47).
Highlights of May 2026
From a personal perspective our main concern during May was coming to terms with Vera's medical situation. And preparing for our trip to London, Germany, Turkey, and Bali from 1 June to 16 July 2026.
It is now 12 weeks since the USA/Israel attacks on Iran started on 28 February 2026. There is a sort-of ceasefire; but yesterday the US bombed military sites along the coast of southern Iran. They claimed the strikes were "in self defence" and thus did not contravene the ceasefire agreement??? The closure of the Strait of Hormuz is causing havoc to energy markets around the world - does Trump either know or care how his actions have impacted the rest of the world???
Herewith photos of some of our activities in May 2026:
Nikki and Charles stayed with us on the May long weekend; we visited the Ginger factory at Yandina.
We did a tour of the Ginger Factory - interesting to learnt the history and background to this iconic establishment in the Sunshine Coast.
We had a look at the Spirit House Restaurant, which has a marvelous jungle-like setting. Set meals are $125 per person. They also run a well-known cooking classes specialising in Asian cuisine.
A path in the Spirit House gardens.
In my 79th year I am finally learning how to cook - under Vera's expert tuition - but it's slow going!
We watched Sid play rugby for Marist College's 3rd team. He is a talented sportsman and captain of the team, and happy to just cruise along with his mates.
We were delighted to catch up with Nate. He is on a rugby scholarship at Arkansas State University and has returned for the long summer break. This week he had surgery on an injured shoulder; months of rehabilitation.
Family dinner to welcome Nate home.
We celebrated Mother's Day with the family in Brisbane. Jen & Tom gave Vera a beautiful bouquet of flowers for Mother's Day.
We attended the Landsborough Museum's Open Day.
Those early pioneers did it tough!
Kath & Dave were visiting friends in Caloundra and popped in to see us. A great couple, always welcome. After a tough few months when they returned from New York, they have settled down well in Dee Why on Sydney's northern beaches.
We got a briefing on the railway line from Beerwah to Caloundra which will be built before the 2032 Brisbane Olympics (several events will be held on the Sunshine Coast). The Nirimba Station will be about one kilometer from our Village.
.
We got an air conditioning unit installed in our guest bedroom.
Three snakes have been found in our Village in the last 6 months, so "Dan the Snake Man" gave us a talk how to treat them.
NSW beat Queensland 22 - 20 in the first State of Origin game. James Tedesco, NSW fullback, scored the winning try with just 90 seconds left to play. It was an incredible finish, to snatch victory after Qld had led the whole way. James is 33 and the oldest player on the field, but a champion is a champion.
......
News items which caught my eye in May 2026.
($ are US dollars unless otherwise shown)
Global
China: will scrap
all import tariffs from 53 African countries (except one, which recognises
Taiwan).
Two former Ministers of Defence,
Wei Fenghe and Li Shangfu, got suspended death sentences for corruption.
President Trump visited Beijing.
Then President Putin visited a week later.
82 dead in a coal mine explosion
in North China.
Ukraine / Russia:
Ukrainian drones hit oil refineries 1,500km inside Russia. Also buildings in
Moscow. Russia retaliated. The Economist estimates that about 3% of Russian
males of military age have died or been wounded.
The Netherlands:
Amsterdam banned public advertisements for meat and fossil fuels (ie burgers,
petrol cars, airlines).
Cruise Liner: The
WHO said that some passengers on the Dutch Hondius Cruise Liner had
contracted Hantavirus, probably in Patagonia, 3 died.
Saudi Arabia: The
Public Investment Fund will stop funding LIV Golf.
Israel / Lebanon:
Israel continued attacking targets in Lebanon (including Beirut) despite the
cease fire. The IDF declared all of southern Lebanon a combat zone.
The Israeli Navy stopped a
flotilla aiming to break the blockade of Gaza; 430 arrested (including
Aussies), taken to Israel, then deported.
Canada: the Govt accused
elements in the USA and Russia of assisting separatist groups in Alberta. The
referendum on 19 October 2026 will include a question on possible
independence.
Canada signed a long term in-principle
agreement with Germany to supply 1 million tonnes of LNG a year shipped from British Columbia.
Two Asian companies,
TSCM (Taiwan) and Samsung (South Korea) joined the $1T club (by market
valuation).
UK: Wildlife
broadcaster Sir David Attenborough turned 100 on 8 May 2026. The Labour Party
lost many seats in local elections around the UK. Reform did well. There is
pressure on PM Starmer to step down.
Sam Kerr announced that she will
leave Chelsea to play for Denver in the USA.
Arsenal (“The Gunners”) won the
UK Premier League (22 years since their last Championship). West Ham was
relegated.
Some brides in the British
version of TV program Married at First Sight accused their :husbands" of
sexual assault.
The Vatican: US Secretary
of State Marco Rubio met Pope Leo 14th.
Japan: Honda
Motors lost $2.7B in the last 12 months.
Eurovision Song
Contest: 2026 Winner was Bulgaria. Australia (Delta Goodrem) came 4th.
DR Congo: Outbreak
of the Ebola Virus; 250+ died, 1,000+ infected.
FIFA World Cup: to
be held shortly in North America tickets for the final start at $2,030.
Heat Wave: a heat
wave has hit several European countries. Temperatures in London reached 35C,
a new May record.
Iran: Govt reopened
partial access to the internet for Iranians.
Continuing negotiations with the
USA over extending the Ceasefire and finally a “Peace Treaty”; meanwhile the
US attacked military targets in Iran “in self defence”.
French Tennis Open:
World #1 Jannick Singer was beaten in the second round by Argentinian Manuel Cerundolo.
USA
President Trump signed a Bill to
end the shutdown which had affected the operations of the Dept of Homeland
Security. Their funding is renewed.
Trump said that he does not have
to seek approval of Congress (after 60 days of hostilities) because a
ceasefire with Iran is current.
The USA will reduce military
personnel in Germany by 5,000 (from 35K).
Trump said that tariffs on cars
and trucks from the EU will be increased from 15% to 25%.
Trump announced “Project
Freedom” whereby the US Navy will escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz. But
this was paused two days later to allow negotiations with Iran.
The USA March 2026 trade deficit of goods
& services increased 4% to $60B (imports up 2.3%, exports up 2%).
Ted Turner, businessman,
sportsman and founder of Cable News Network CNN in 1980, died aged 87. He was
married to Jane Fonda 1991 – 2001.
Financier Ken Griffith owns
NYC’s most expensive apartment ($238M).
President Lula of Brazil visited
Washington DC.
White House Press Secretary
Karoline Leavitt had a baby girl (Viviana).
The US Court of International
Trade suspended Trump’s 10% tariffs imposed under Section 122 of the 1974
Trade Act.
Between 2024 and 2025 the
earnings of 384 CEOs of companies on the S&P500 increased by 26%, while
normal wages increased by 1.3%.
President Trump visited Beijing
13 – 15 May, accompanied by 17 top CEOs. Several meetings with President Xi,
but few concrete results announced. US – China bilateral trade has decreased
sharply, from $690B in 2022 to $415B in 2025. The US trade deficit with China
was still about $200B.
The 12-month inflation rate rose
to 3.8% in April, mainly due to petrol price increases caused by the
US/Israel attacks on Iran.
President Trump dropped his $10B
lawsuit against the IRS (for releasing his tax details in 2017); in exchange
Treasury created a $1.8B fund to compensate “Americans who have been unjustly
targeted by the Govt”.
British golfer Aaron Rai won the
PGA Championship at Aronimiuk, his first major, and first Brit since 1919. He
wears gloves on both hands.
Two teenage boys (17 & 18)
attacked a Mosque in San Diego, killed 3 and injured many, then shot themselves.
Paramount will take over Warner
Bros for $110B.
The SpaceX listing promises to be the biggest ever
(passing Aramco listing in 2019).
The US Govt charged 94 yo Raul
Castro (in absentia) for 1996 deaths; speculation that Trump is planning to
kidnap Cuban leaders as he did in Venezuela.
The Republican Party has a “war
chest” of $940M for the 2026 Mid-Terms in November; the Democratic Party has
raised $270M.
Stephen Colbert’s “Late Show” finished
in May, after 11 years (many believe that CBS gave in to Trump pressure);
Paul McCartney was his special guest at the final episode.
Australia
Rioting in Alice Springs
following the murder of Kumanjayi Little Baby by Jefferson Lewis (he was
arrested and moved to Darwin for safekeeping.
The Royal Commission on
Antisemitism released an Interim Report, and began public hearings.
Japanese Prime Minister,
Takaichi Samae, visited Australia and signed agreements to increase
cooperation in energy, defence, and critical minerals.
The Reserve Bank of Australia
(RBA) increased interest rates by 0.25% to 4.35%.
The Govt said the Inland Rail
Project will only go from Beveridge (Vic) to Parkes (NSW), after projected
budget blow-out to $45B.
The Gold Coast Council announced
that the Esplanade will be pedestrianised,
“ISIS Wives” and children
arrived in Australia from Syria. Some arrested for terrorism related
offences. The Govt was reluctant to let them in, but they are Australian
citizens.
The Aust Govt announced that
from July 2027 gas exporting companies must reserve 20% for the East Coast
domestic market.
David Farley the One Nation
candidate, easily won the Farrer By-election. Farrer had always been a
Coalition seat since its creation 70 years ago.
The Treasurer, Jim Chalmers,
announced the Budget – announced cuts to negative gearing, Capital Gains concessions,
and trusts.
Australia’s second largest
supermarket chain, Coles, was found guilty of offering fake discounts in
their “Down Down” promotions.
Peter Hollingworth died aged 91.
He was Anglican Arch Bishop of Brisbane 1990 – 2001; then served 2 years as
Governor General before resigning following adverse findings regarding
paedophiles in the Church.
A 4 Corners investigation found
that BHP is not really committed to reducing emissions at the rates
announced.
President
Trump continued to dominate the media. It seems that American government policy is made by Trump posts on Truth Social, his social media site.
Trump’s
key actions in week ending …
MS NOW
Project 47
In week
ending 8 May 2026
Saw his
family business sign an agreement with Palm Beach County over profits from
merchandise sold at the new Trump International Airport
Announced
that the U.S. would pause the “Project Freedom” operation to escort ships
through the Strait of Hormuz
Labeled
Democrats as “human garbage” just a week after the White House blamed heated
political rhetoric for an assassination attempt
Oversaw a
new policy of offering $25,000 signing bonuses to new Justice Department
lawyers
In week
ending 15 May 2026
Brought
his son Eric, who leads the Trump family business, on a delegation to China
with government and business leaders
Claimed
that he played no role in selecting the contractor for the Reflecting Pool
project, after having said repeatedly that he was personally involved
Held a
press conference in which Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services head Dr.
Mehmet Oz said 1 in 3 Americans are “under-babied”
Reposted
on his Truth Social account a lengthy post calling for former President Barack
Obama to be arrested for “treason”
In week
ending 22 May 2026
Lost
support among Senate Republicans for funding a planned White House ballroom,
including one whose career he essentially ended
Settled a
lawsuit he filed against the IRS in exchange for a $1.8 billion fund to be paid
out to people who say they were targeted by the government
Endorsed
controversial Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton over longtime Sen. John Cornyn
in a GOP primary runoff
Demanded,
again, that Republicans attach a measure to restrict voting access to upcoming
legislation
In week
ending 29 May 2026
Sued the
Wall Street Journal, again, over reporting on his ties to disgraced financier
Jeffrey Epstein
Helped
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton win in a primary runoff, defeating four-term
incumbent Sen. John Cornyn
Began
construction on an Ultimate Fighting Championship ring on the White House South
Lawn
Announced
a plan to lower grocery prices by loosening rules on grocery stores’ greenhouse
gas emissions
......
.
Global
China: will scrap
all import tariffs from 53 African countries (except one, which recognises
Taiwan).
Two former Ministers of Defence,
Wei Fenghe and Li Shangfu, got suspended death sentences for corruption.
President Trump visited Beijing.
Then President Putin visited a week later.
82 dead in a coal mine explosion
in North China.
Ukraine / Russia:
Ukrainian drones hit oil refineries 1,500km inside Russia. Also buildings in
Moscow. Russia retaliated. The Economist estimates that about 3% of Russian
males of military age have died or been wounded.
The Netherlands:
Amsterdam banned public advertisements for meat and fossil fuels (ie burgers,
petrol cars, airlines).
Cruise Liner: The
WHO said that some passengers on the Dutch Hondius Cruise Liner had
contracted Hantavirus, probably in Patagonia, 3 died.
Saudi Arabia: The
Public Investment Fund will stop funding LIV Golf.
Israel / Lebanon:
Israel continued attacking targets in Lebanon (including Beirut) despite the
cease fire. The IDF declared all of southern Lebanon a combat zone.
The Israeli Navy stopped a
flotilla aiming to break the blockade of Gaza; 430 arrested (including
Aussies), taken to Israel, then deported.
Canada: the Govt accused
elements in the USA and Russia of assisting separatist groups in Alberta. The
referendum on 19 October 2026 will include a question on possible
independence.
Canada signed a long term in-principle
agreement with Germany to supply 1 million tonnes of LNG a year shipped from British Columbia.
Two Asian companies,
TSCM (Taiwan) and Samsung (South Korea) joined the $1T club (by market
valuation).
UK: Wildlife
broadcaster Sir David Attenborough turned 100 on 8 May 2026. The Labour Party
lost many seats in local elections around the UK. Reform did well. There is
pressure on PM Starmer to step down.
Sam Kerr announced that she will
leave Chelsea to play for Denver in the USA.
Arsenal (“The Gunners”) won the
UK Premier League (22 years since their last Championship). West Ham was
relegated.
Some brides in the British
version of TV program Married at First Sight accused their :husbands" of
sexual assault.
The Vatican: US Secretary
of State Marco Rubio met Pope Leo 14th.
Japan: Honda
Motors lost $2.7B in the last 12 months.
Eurovision Song
Contest: 2026 Winner was Bulgaria. Australia (Delta Goodrem) came 4th.
DR Congo: Outbreak
of the Ebola Virus; 250+ died, 1,000+ infected.
FIFA World Cup: to
be held shortly in North America tickets for the final start at $2,030.
Heat Wave: a heat
wave has hit several European countries. Temperatures in London reached 35C,
a new May record.
Iran: Govt reopened
partial access to the internet for Iranians.
Continuing negotiations with the
USA over extending the Ceasefire and finally a “Peace Treaty”; meanwhile the
US attacked military targets in Iran “in self defence”.
French Tennis Open:
World #1 Jannick Singer was beaten in the second round by Argentinian Manuel Cerundolo.
USA
President Trump signed a Bill to
end the shutdown which had affected the operations of the Dept of Homeland
Security. Their funding is renewed.
Trump said that he does not have
to seek approval of Congress (after 60 days of hostilities) because a
ceasefire with Iran is current.
The USA will reduce military
personnel in Germany by 5,000 (from 35K).
Trump said that tariffs on cars
and trucks from the EU will be increased from 15% to 25%.
Trump announced “Project
Freedom” whereby the US Navy will escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz. But
this was paused two days later to allow negotiations with Iran.
The USA March 2026 trade deficit of goods
& services increased 4% to $60B (imports up 2.3%, exports up 2%).
Ted Turner, businessman,
sportsman and founder of Cable News Network CNN in 1980, died aged 87. He was
married to Jane Fonda 1991 – 2001.
Financier Ken Griffith owns
NYC’s most expensive apartment ($238M).
President Lula of Brazil visited
Washington DC.
White House Press Secretary
Karoline Leavitt had a baby girl (Viviana).
The US Court of International
Trade suspended Trump’s 10% tariffs imposed under Section 122 of the 1974
Trade Act.
Between 2024 and 2025 the
earnings of 384 CEOs of companies on the S&P500 increased by 26%, while
normal wages increased by 1.3%.
President Trump visited Beijing
13 – 15 May, accompanied by 17 top CEOs. Several meetings with President Xi,
but few concrete results announced. US – China bilateral trade has decreased
sharply, from $690B in 2022 to $415B in 2025. The US trade deficit with China
was still about $200B.
The 12-month inflation rate rose
to 3.8% in April, mainly due to petrol price increases caused by the
US/Israel attacks on Iran.
President Trump dropped his $10B
lawsuit against the IRS (for releasing his tax details in 2017); in exchange
Treasury created a $1.8B fund to compensate “Americans who have been unjustly
targeted by the Govt”.
British golfer Aaron Rai won the
PGA Championship at Aronimiuk, his first major, and first Brit since 1919. He
wears gloves on both hands.
Two teenage boys (17 & 18)
attacked a Mosque in San Diego, killed 3 and injured many, then shot themselves.
Paramount will take over Warner
Bros for $110B.
The SpaceX listing promises to be the biggest ever
(passing Aramco listing in 2019).
The US Govt charged 94 yo Raul
Castro (in absentia) for 1996 deaths; speculation that Trump is planning to
kidnap Cuban leaders as he did in Venezuela.
The Republican Party has a “war
chest” of $940M for the 2026 Mid-Terms in November; the Democratic Party has
raised $270M.
Stephen Colbert’s “Late Show” finished
in May, after 11 years (many believe that CBS gave in to Trump pressure);
Paul McCartney was his special guest at the final episode.
Australia
Rioting in Alice Springs
following the murder of Kumanjayi Little Baby by Jefferson Lewis (he was
arrested and moved to Darwin for safekeeping.
The Royal Commission on
Antisemitism released an Interim Report, and began public hearings.
Japanese Prime Minister,
Takaichi Samae, visited Australia and signed agreements to increase
cooperation in energy, defence, and critical minerals.
The Reserve Bank of Australia
(RBA) increased interest rates by 0.25% to 4.35%.
The Govt said the Inland Rail
Project will only go from Beveridge (Vic) to Parkes (NSW), after projected
budget blow-out to $45B.
The Gold Coast Council announced
that the Esplanade will be pedestrianised,
“ISIS Wives” and children
arrived in Australia from Syria. Some arrested for terrorism related
offences. The Govt was reluctant to let them in, but they are Australian
citizens.
The Aust Govt announced that
from July 2027 gas exporting companies must reserve 20% for the East Coast
domestic market.
David Farley the One Nation
candidate, easily won the Farrer By-election. Farrer had always been a
Coalition seat since its creation 70 years ago.
The Treasurer, Jim Chalmers,
announced the Budget – announced cuts to negative gearing, Capital Gains concessions,
and trusts.
Australia’s second largest
supermarket chain, Coles, was found guilty of offering fake discounts in
their “Down Down” promotions.
Peter Hollingworth died aged 91. He was Anglican Arch Bishop of Brisbane 1990 – 2001; then served 2 years as Governor General before resigning following adverse findings regarding paedophiles in the Church.
A 4 Corners investigation found
that BHP is not really committed to reducing emissions at the rates
announced.
