Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for May 6th , covering the latest developments you need to know.

1. Azerbaijan and Belarus sign Memorandum of Understanding on social security cooperation.

Azerbaijan and Belarus have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen cooperation in the field of social security.

The agreement was signed during a meeting between the prime ministers of both countries, Ali Asadov and Alexander Turchin.

2. Trump orders Alcatraz prison to be rebuilt and reopened for violent offenders.

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced plans to rebuild and reopen the infamous Alcatraz prison to house what he called “America’s most ruthless and violent offenders,” calling it a return to a more serious era of justice and law enforcement; the island facility, which once held notorious criminals like Al Capone before closing in 1963, is now a major tourist attraction, drawing criticism from figures like Nancy Pelosi who dismissed the proposal as unserious.

3. Cardinals gather in Rome ahead of conclave to elect Pope Francis’ successor.

All 133 cardinals eligible to vote in the conclave to elect a new pope have now arrived in Rome, the Vatican confirmed on Monday, as the Church braces for a closely watched decision that could either continue Pope Francis’ progressive legacy or mark a return to more traditional doctrine, with discussions revealing both internal divisions and calls for a pope who is close to the people and grounded in real-life concerns.

4. Gunmen kill three police officers in deadly attack in Russia’s Dagestan.

Three police officers were killed and at least four others injured, including a teenage girl, after gunmen opened fire on traffic police in Makhachkala, Dagestan on Monday, with authorities confirming two attackers were killed and a criminal case launched amid an ongoing manhunt for others who fled the scene.
 

5. King Charles leads grand military parade as Britain marks 80th VE Day anniversary.

Britain's King Charles, alongside Queen Camilla, Prince William, and senior royals, joined veterans and cheering crowds in London on Monday for a grand military parade and flypast marking the start of four days of commemorations for the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day, with more than 1,300 armed forces personnel marching through the capital, historic war speeches echoing across the city, and a poignant display of solidarity with Ukraine.

6. Explosions rock Port Sudan as civil war reaches previously safe city.

Multiple explosions and fires erupted in Sudan’s Port Sudan on Tuesday as the country’s civil war reached the previously untouched coastal city, raising fears for hundreds of thousands of displaced people and aid workers now caught in escalating violence near the country’s main maritime port.

7. Friedrich Merz set to become Germany's new chancellor.

Friedrich Merz is expected to be sworn in as Germany's new chancellor on Tuesday, following the formation of a coalition government between his CDU/CSU conservatives and the centre-left Social Democrats.

His leadership comes at a time of economic difficulties and political uncertainty, with the country facing significant challenges.

8. Met Gala 2025: A Night of Elegance and Fashion Excellence.

The Met Gala 2025 has officially taken place, bringing together global fashion icons and industry leaders for a night of creativity, glamour, and artistic expression.

Held annually at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the event celebrates fashion’s intersection with art, as designers and celebrities showcase their most daring and innovative outfits in alignment with this year’s theme.

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