French authorities probe Israeli firm’s alleged interference in local elections 

Several left-wing candidates in France were allegedly targeted by a “private company based in Israel.”

POLITICO
High-stakes Makerfield by-election set for June 18

Contest could give Andy Burnham — who has eyes on the Labour leadership — a route back into parliament to challenge Keir Starmer.

POLITICO
2 of Durham’s largest municipalities will have new mayors. Few are vying for the job so far
The stage is set for a critical leadership change in Oshawa and Ajax, two of Durham region's largest municipalities, but who actually wants to lead them is still largely unknown.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/oshawa-ajax-election-municipal-mayor-durham-region-9.7205111?cmp=rss
Inside the operation to break Andy Burnham into parliament

POLITICO spoke to a dozen officials, friends and advisers to understand the key players around the man aiming for Keir Starmer’s job.

POLITICO

Get a mayor

It is said that Australia is currently experiencing a nationwide pothole crisis, driven by the combustion of fossil fuel. (Extreme weather, flooding, and aging infrastructure)

Motorists (and other residents) could elect a mayor who actually acts on worn out roads as well as taking action to address issues of pressing public concerns.

* Potholes everywhere: how climate change is trashing Australia’s roads >>
https://theconversation.com/intense-rain-landslides-and-potholes-everywhere-how-climate-change-is-trashing-australias-roads-264328

* "Mamdani has also filled over 100,000 potholes. I’m no expert, but the data suggests that is a remarkable rate of hole-filling." >>
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/may/19/when-i-look-zohran-mamdani-jealous-of-new-yorkers

* Here’s a list of things Zohran Mamdani has done in just four months , First Dog on the Moon >>
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/picture/2026/may/18/heres-a-list-of-things-zohran-mamdani-has-done-in-just-four-months

Image: First Dog on the Moon, Guardian
#councils #CivicLeadership #mayors #PublicConcerns #action #inequality #BellingenShire #climate #FossilFuels #MobilityDesign #housing

Questions about Truro's Rath Eastlink Community Centre persist at breakfast with mayors
Truro Mayor Cathy Hinton and Colchester Mayor Christine Blair addressed issues at the RECC during a breakfast organized by the Truro and Colchester Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/recc-truro-colchester-rink-9.7204567?cmp=rss
French presidential candidate Philippe faces embezzlement probe

The investigation comes at a sensitive moment for the center-right presidential candidate.

POLITICO
Labour leadership hopeful Andy Burnham working on 100-day plan for government

The Greater Manchester mayor’s team is drawing up a plan for his first 100 days in Downing Street that will likely include reforms to England’s creaking social care system.

POLITICO
Brexit is already dominating the battle to replace Keir Starmer

What the key players jostling for the Labour leadership think about Britain’s EU relationship.

POLITICO
Edouard Philippe tilts right to combat far right in French presidential race

France’s former PM is popular, but he faces numerous challenges to prevent Marine Le Pen or Jordan Bardella from winning the Élysée.

POLITICO