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Concise news summaries
**Summary of Israeli Airstrikes in Yemen:** - Houthi missile attack near Israel's airport sparks Israeli airstrikes in Yemen's Hodeidah Port. - The strikes targeted military and civilian sites, injuring at least 21 people. - Hodeidah is a key port for Yemen's economy and international trade.
"OpenAI's acquisition of io marks a significant pivot as the AI research company taps into creative expertise from Jony Ive, Apple's legendary designer, who will now lead design projects at OpenAI following his 2019 departure from Apple. Sam Altman, io's founder and CEO, expressed enthusiasm for working with Ives, calling him 'the greatest designer in the world,' while emphasizing their shared vision to create AI-powered computers. The $6.5 billion valuation underscores OpenAI's growing interest in advancing AI-driven consumer devices."
Hermen Hulst, CEO of Studio Business Group at PlayStation Studios, announced the formation of teamLFG, a new studio led by former Bungie developers and game creators who worked on titles like Halo, League of Legends, and Fortnite. The group aims to create a "team-based action game" inspired by fighting games, platformers, MOBAs, life sims, and frog-related themes, though the exact nature of their "frog-type" inspiration remains unclear. The studio emphasizes immersive multiplayer gameplay centered around action and learning, with plans for early access testing and player involvement in its development.
On a vibrant Saturday afternoon in Kampala’s informal settlement, young Ugandans gathered around VJs to watch a local version of "The Monkey," with Luganda translations adding cultural depth. These VJs, like VJ Junior, are now central to Uganda’s media landscape, using humor, simplification, and sound effects to make foreign films accessible. Rooted in colonial evangelism traditions, their work has evolved into a thriving industry, distributing content across VHS, VCDs, DVDs, and flash disks, while also dubbing local shows. Despite challenges like copyright issues, they continue to inspire Ugandans by bridging cultural divides through their dynamic role.
This week’s *The Last of Us* opens with the tragic death of Joel Miller, a moment that serves as an emotional highpoint for the series but feels overshadowed by the chaotic battle scenes that follow. The intense confrontation between Abby and the infected creates stunning visuals, yet it shifts focus away from the deeply personal story tied to characters like Joel and Ellie caught in the crossfire. While the battles are breathtakingly rendered, taking up significant runtime leaves little room for deeper emotional connections with these characters, suggesting a missed opportunity to balance action with character development.
"President Trump criticized Russian missile and drone attacks in Kyiv as unnecessary and at bad timing, sparking rare public criticism of Russia. The attacks, which killed at least 12 people and wounded nearly 90, have drawn sharp U.S. and French demand for a ceasefire despite Moscow’s insistence on security guarantees. Local residents describe the violence as traumatic, while President Biden and France push for peace but Russia counters with demands over Crimea, complicating diplomatic efforts."
The U.S. and China are both taking steps to manage their trade war, but Beijing is preparing for a broader rivalry with Washington. Despite a temporary reduction in tariffs, China remains resolute on its territorial claims and military competition with the U.S., while experts caution that this move may not fully address Beijing's concerns about Pentagon plans to strengthen its military presence in Asia and China’s tech restrictions. The potential for a summit between President Trump and Xi Jinping is cautiously optimistic but faces challenges from unresolved grievances, signaling Beijing’s preparedness for future tensions akin to those during Trump’s first term.
The United Kingdom has removed Sanctions on 12 Syrian government entities, including Defense and Interior ministries, after years of conflict. This move follows President Assad’s ousting by HTS and aims to support Syria's new government in its economic recovery efforts. However, targeted exemptions remain for the Assad regime. The UK’s action comes amid calls from international actors to lift sanctions, but many are waiting to assess new governance capabilities. A UNDP report warns of decades-long economic damage with 90% Syrians still in poverty and a significant drop in Human Development Index due to war's impact.
Mauricio Umansky has been thriving since splitting from Kyle, maintaining an active dating life with women like Anitta, Nikita Khan, and Klaudia K. Recently, he made headlines for his chemistry with a mystery blonde who looks younger than 54, as they were caught getting intimate in L.A., with him lifting her up for passionate kisses and giving her his jacket to show her confidence. His recent flings highlight his knack for attracting women and staying engaged after previous relationships.
President Trump expressed cautious optimism about concluding a new nuclear deal with Iran to prevent Tehran from developing weapons, while Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi remained highly pessimistic about the talks' success. Despite challenges, both sides made progress in their third round of Omani negotiations, signaling renewed efforts to address decades-long tensions. The US and Iran have agreed to meet again soon, but progress remains fragile as differing positions on key issues persist.
Donovan Mitchell expressed his devastation over the Cavaliers' semifinal loss to the Pacers, acknowledging a season he expected more from despite leading the Eastern Conference all season long. Injured through his left ankle and facing grueling games due to fatigue, Mitchell still delivered a 35-point performance in Game 5 but ultimately couldn't capitalize on his offense. The Cavs, who had significant injuries to key players like Darius Garland and Evan Mobley during this series, struggled against the Pacers' physicality and intensity. Despite the disappointment, Mitchell remains confident the team will regroup and aim for a bounce-back season.
Inquiries from U.S. citizens about buying homes in the UK have hit an 8-year high, with Edinburgh topping the list as the most sought-after destination, displacing London. This surge is partly linked to political influences from Donald Trump and growing uncertainty tied to his economic policies, while Scotland has also emerged as a top choice for those interested in moving.
Ollie Bearman and Kimi Antonelli discuss what it is like racing against veterans like Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton. (0:52)Open Extended ReactionsFormula 1 rookies Andrea Kimi Antonelli and Oliver Bearman are the living embodiment of the sport's new generation: fun, focused and living the dream. Oliver Bearman, left, and Andrea Kimi Antonelli have become close friends as they've risen through the ranks on the road to F1. play 0:58 Antonelli's ridiculous photographic memory for lap times wows Bearman Kimi Antonelli wows fellow rookie Ollie Bearman with his ability to recall his lap times. At just 18 years old, Andrea Kimi Antonelli is adjusting to life in F1 while still completing his studies.
Pep Guardiola celebrated joyfully after Manchester City secured a thrilling 2-1 victory over Aston Villa, marking a crucial step in their pursuit of Champions League qualification. The win, thanks to Matheus Nunes' decisive stoppage-time goal, gave the City manager confidence as they close in on the top five with four games remaining. Guardiola expressed his delight at the team's resilience and restructuring, noting that despite early hiccups this season, they've rediscovered their fighting spirit just in time for a race against Aston Villa.
Professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad faced widespread criticism after being falsely accused by Hindu nationalists and Indian authorities on shaky evidence. While his supporters argued his posts were innocent, Renu Bhatia of the Women’s Commission accused him of targeting female military officers without proof, prompting serious legal charges. The Supreme Court later interpreted his comments as having hidden meanings, leading to a Special Investigative Team examining them. However, public and media consensus demonized Mahmudabad, portraying him as aBJP-aligned threat. This case highlights the use of bias and propaganda to silence scholars for political gain.
Ford Motor Company has decided to raise its vehicle prices due to U.S. tariffs, with the increases taking effect for cars produced after May 2, leading to potential hikes of up to $2,000 for models like the Mustang Mach-E and Bronco Sport. The company's stronger US manufacturing base allows it to mitigate some of the cost increases, while other automakers face significant challenges from tariffs on imports from China and elsewhere. Other brands are also considering price adjustments, but Ford is positioned better to navigate these changes than its competitors.
Aix-Marseille University has received nearly 300 applications for its Safe Place For Science program as it responds to President Trump's funding cuts. The university accepts researchers from various backgrounds, including 135 Americans and 45 with dual nationality. Meanwhile, other European institutions like CentraleSupélec and the Netherlands are also attracting top international scientists due to U.S. brain drain issues caused by federal funding rollbacks.
Pete Hegseth, confirmed as Secretary of Defense despite never having the qualifications for the role, has been a complete disaster from day one. His anti-wokeness campaign led to censorship in military spaces, and he fired key top officials just days after taking the job. Meanwhile, the White House is trying to deflect blame by claiming he’s still their man, but it’s clear he’s far from trusted with this critical role—despite his own words about leadership. His mishaps are likely just the beginning of what will be a very public fall for someone who should’ve been leading instead of managing chaos.
Tens of thousands of British households that had prepayment meters force-fitted in their properties are to share more than £18.6m in compensation and debt write-offs on their energy bills. The energy regulator for Great Britain, Ofgem, found that energy companies forced prepayment meters on more than 150,000 homes that were not keeping up with their bills, in one of its most comprehensive compliance reviews. The eight companies have committed to paying compensation and writing off energy debts for at least 40,000 customers. However, the compensation payments do not include the customers of British Gas, Utilita or Ovo Energy, which face separate investigations by the regulator. “We have made our expectations clear to suppliers on how those customers who were treated poorly should be compensated.
Dasha, the rising country singer, has been named Amazon Music’s next Breakthrough Artist, capitalizing on a momentum that includes fresh tracks like the live version of "Here for the Party" at Stagecoach. Her surprise win highlights her drive to break molds in music and champion authenticity. Having previously achieved success with viral hits like "Austin," this recognition marks a new chapter. Dasha’s unique blend of upbeat party tunes and deeper, introspective songs showcases her multifaceted craft, while Amazon’s support includes bespoke content and global marketing. She plans to leverage this platform for upcoming tours and projects, promising exciting growth for her fans.
Poland’s WIG stock market index has made a strong start to 2025, gaining over 30% so far, making it one of the best-performing global markets this year and leading the pack ahead of close rivals like Chile and Greece.
The recent $400 million jet from Qatar that Donald Trump accepted has drawn sharp criticism from Democrats, who argue it exemplifies corruption. Senior Republicans, including Chris Murphy and Rand Paul, have joined in lambasting the gift as it highlights Trump’s foreign policy decisions and his relationship with Gulf states. Meanwhile, Trump defends the offer, insisting it aligns with his promise to address issues like trade and human rights but expressing concern that accepting such gifts may signal weakness or a shift toward authoritarian policies.
The Trump administration decided not to collect sensitive devices from USAID workers, instead opting for remote wipes on their equipment. This move followed USAID's directive to have discarded devices sent back with shipping labels but faced delays in processing. The decision aims to simplify procedures and reduce administrative burden while raising concerns about data security and e-waste disposal, as some employees noted potential risks of sensitive information remaining accessible after termination.
The International Court of Justice is set to decide if the UAE can be held complicit in arming Sudan's Rapid Support Forces, accused of genocide. Sudan claims UAE aid sustains the conflict and seeks its cessation and reparations, while the UAE denies involvement and cites a 2005 reservation challenging the court's jurisdiction. The case hinges on whether the ICJ can proceed, potentially altering external support dynamics in Sudan's civil war.
Estes, an education-policy consultant in Washington, D.C., wondered why she’d think his wife would better handle an impossible diaper change. Schools, pediatricians, random passersby—so many people assume that Mom knows what’s going on with the family, and that Dad does not. If a child has a problem, they think, the first step is to contact the mother—no matter where she is or what she might be doing. The flight attendant walked past Miller’s husband and approached Miller to tell her to go help her baby calm down. Nevertheless, treating mothers as the default parent when they don’t want to be can add annoyingness to their already annoyance-filled lives.
The federal government recently lifted a hold on Empire Wind, a large offshore wind project off New York's coast, after findings criticized the rushed scientific analysis behind its approval. Equinor, the developer, has faced delays due to idled workers and equipment as the project's status remains uncertain following criticism from NOAA.
Refugee status: 28 white South Africans fly out under Trump's initiative. A queue of white citizens with luggage trolleys waited to have passports stamped before entering the departure lounge for their charter flight. One permit condition was ensuring they were vetted if any had pending criminal issues, with 49 passengers cleared since the program began in January.
Vladimir Putin has refused to attend direct negotiations with Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Istanbul, with his delegation led by Medinsky, a hardline ally who participated in last year's unsuccessful talks that demanded harsh terms from Ukraine. The failed 2022 round led Zelenskyy to reject those conditions, and U.S. officials confirmed President Trump would also skip the current discussions despite earlier urging. The ongoing pressure on Putin has grown as both leaders have called for him to attend the talks, but the outcome remains uncertain with key Russian officials like Yuri Ushakov and Sergei Lavrov not participating.
Reburn, formerly known as 4A Games Ukraine, has launched its highly anticipated sci-fi shooter game, La Quimera, set in a devastated Latin American megacity overrun by technology and corruption. The game features an original narrative, combining high-tech combat with mystical elements, and allows players to fight alongside PMC groups against supersoldiers, robots, and alien creatures using exosuits for enhanced abilities. With a strong background from the Metro series, Reburn is bringing a fresh IP to PC via Steam at $30.
Poker Face fans are thrilled as the second season drops on Peacock May 8 with twelve episodes, marking Natasha Lyonne’s return as Charlie Cale. Notable guest stars include Giancarlo Esposito, Cynthia Erivo, Katie Holmes, and more. Season 2 also features returning actors like Rhea Perlman and Simon Helberg, with a lineup of big names ready to shine on the streaming platform.
"Portugal's far-right Chega party has made history by becoming Portugal's biggest opposition party after edging out the Progressive Simpson (PS) in the recent election. Despite slightly fewer votes than the PS due to counting discrepancies, Chega, founded by football pundit André Ventura, surged from just 12 seats to 50 seats, capitalizing on growing dissatisfaction with traditional parties amid Portugal's housing crisis and funding issues. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Luís Montenegro's minority government faces challenges as its fragmented legislature struggles without PS or Liberal Initiative backing, while PS leader Pedro Nuno Santos resigned amid declining performance."
E-commerce sites were targeted by malware via backdoors in their browsers, allowing attackers to steal payment data and execute code on infected servers. Attackers exploited a six-year dormant supply-chain attack affecting three software suppliers, with at least 500 e-commerce sites already compromised. Adobe, which acquired Magento, is also potentially affected as it sources some software from Weltpixel, which may be infected. This attack poses a significant risk to millions of users due to its ability to execute arbitrary code and steal sensitive information.
Instacart has appointed Chris Rogers as its new CEO effective August 15, joining the Board of Directors alongside his previous role as Chief Business Officer. Rogers brings extensive experience from Apple and Procter & Gamble, having led retail relationships and business strategy at Instacart before stepping into a senior leadership role. His appointment follows Fidji Simo's departure to join OpenAI as CEO, with Instacart focusing on maintaining its mission of being the central hub for shopping and family care under Rogers' leadership.
“You think we’re afraid of America?” barked another. Xu’s company was inoculated from Trump’s tariffs for another reason: It had offshored manufacturing to Mexico in 2020 in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Trump’s tariffs present China with the long-anticipated opportunity to pivot its economic engine from exports to consumption. A balanced economy means balanced trade: Chinese consumers buying European goods, and European consumers buying Chinese goods. In this trade war, China’s economic reformists see an opportunity to drive through changes that will rebalance its economy.
Memorial Day offers plenty of deals this year, including a 14% discount on the Apple Magic Mouse with a USB-C port for $68. The mouse is a great wireless and rechargeable option for Mac users, pairing automatically and lasting about a month on a single charge. Meanwhile, Apple accessories like the Pencil Pro and AirTags are also available at notable discounts.
A nationwide phone network went down early Tuesday, knocking out emergency services in large parts of Spain for several hours as part of a planned network upgrade. Regions including Valencia, Aragón, and the Basque Country were unable to contact Spain’s emergency number 112 due to the outage. Telefónica, the country’s largest telecom provider, acknowledged the disruption caused by its planned work and is working to restore full service. Authorities in other regions reported partial or complete outages affecting their emergency services but noted that backup systems were in place to manage the situation.
"Prepare for a night filled with heart-stopping action as 'Final Destination Bloodlines' returns, diving into the grim reality that life's deadly traps extend right to our doorstep. Stefani narrowly avoids certain doom at her house party, while her grandmother Iris did the same decades ago—a fate doomed to repeat for the Lewis and Campbell families in this blood-stained sequel. Kaitlyn Juana Santana stars as Stefani, with Tony Todd reprising his iconic role, all set to deliver a night of twisted vengeance on May 16."
As tensions rise between India and Pakistan over Kashmir and Pakistani territory, ex-Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari expressed concern that Indian military strikes have reached "the worst is over" stage, potentially prompting a diplomatic response if attacked similarly.
Kilmar Abrego's harrowing journey from El Salvador's gang-infested neighborhoods to safety in the U.S. vividly illustrates resilience and hope amidst immense adversity. From being recruited by a local gang at just 16 to successfully escaping via immigration authorities with his older brother, Kilmar now runs a pupusa shop while working on legal documentation for his family. His wife notes that his memories of the dangerous life in El Salvador continue to impact him today. The systemic challenges El Salvador faces, including high gang incarceration rates without access to legal aid, underscore the broader struggles faced by those escaping such perilous circumstances.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has introduced a new rule mandating Oscar voters to watch all nominated films in their categories before casting votes, sparking debate due to its late implementation. This change aims to ensure fairness by preventing voter bias from incomplete information, inspired by the British Academy's similar approach using random selection for diversity in contender selection. Additionally, updated criteria now include filmmakers with refugee or asylum status and clarify AI's role in submissions, while two nominees this year used AI to enhance actors' voices, sparking further debate about its impact on the selection process.
Tens of thousands of cardinals gathered in St Peter’s Square as their first ballot failed to elect a new pope, signaling a historic delay in choosing a successor for Pope Francis. The thick black smoke from the Sistine Chapel’s chimney revealed that no cardinal had yet secured the two-thirds majority needed, with 133 votes cast and no winner in sight after three hours of voting. This marked an unusual delay, as popes are typically elected within days, even if not on the first ballot, raising questions about the future direction of the Church amid deep divisions and significant challenges facing the institution.
Gout and Lachlan Kennedy wowed fans with their stellar performances at the Stawell Gift, with Kennedy leading the charge in his final heat by crossing home in 12.23 seconds, just shy of Gout’s impressive 12.31. Kennedy, reflecting on the historic event, expressed pride in running alongside such a legendary track and hinted at even faster times in upcoming heats. Meanwhile, Gout, despite not winning that round, praised the mental challenge of racing on synthetic surfaces while emphasizing how the 120m distance perfectly suits his style. BothCompetitors are expected to push their limits as they prepare for semi-finals and finals on Easter Monday.
Generations exhibit varied openness when discussing dating lives with their mothers, with Gen Z tending to prioritize their mother’s approval over Millennials while also sharing more personal details than their elders did during their time. Some friends struggle to bring up dating concerns, while others heavily rely on their mom’s approval. Despite cultural shifts in modern dating dynamics, moms remain influential, often offering support or advice without control. The article highlights the diverse attitudes toward discussing dating with family, reflecting both personal choices and generational influences.
The Browser Company abruptly stopped actively developing their Arc web browser, surprising tech fans hoping for more updates to improve security and usability. CEO Josh Miller revealed that the complexity of Arc made it hard to retain users, so they introduced Dia—a sleek, AI-powered browser designed to simplify tasks like writing continuations with minimal input. Dia, now available to current Arc members under an alpha version, aims to streamline user experiences, while The Browser isn't planning to sell or open-source Arc anytime soon, leaving this as a fresh opportunity to address past issues.
Google is facing increasing pressure as it fights over control of online search after a court ruling last year deemed it a monopoly. The Justice Department suggested Google divest Chrome within the next year if it follows suit, but a report indicates that OpenAI could be interested in acquiring the browser. If successful, users might soon experience an AI-first interface through Chrome.
The review provides a well-structured comparison of 15 pumpkin soups from various brands, offering insights into their ingredients, taste, texture, and availability. It highlights the variety of options available across different stores, assigns scoring ratings for each soup (on a scale of 1 to 5), and emphasizes the importance of considering both flavor and affordability when selecting these comforting fall recipes. Readers will find it an helpful guide for finding the best option that meets their taste preferences while staying budget-friendly.
But all of that is in peril this year as President Donald Trump’s disruptive tariff policies threaten to halt a big chunk of global trade. Nobody wants a Christmas tree after Christmas,” says Michael Shaughnessy, senior vice president of supply chains at Balsam Brands, a multinational holiday decor company. Companies that sell Christmas ornaments, gifts, and toys tell WIRED that April is usually the time when retailers lock in their orders and manufacturing begins. “Things will be more expensive and there will be fewer choices,” says Jim McCann, the founder of 1-800-Flowers, which sells a wide variety of holiday gifts, greeting cards, and food baskets. Earlier this month, Woldenberg sued the Trump administration over the tariffs, alleging the president overstepped his authority by introducing such broad import duties.
Japan and the U.K. have announced plans to expand the sharing of personal data between their nations, beginning as early as spring 2026. This move aims to support medical research in Japan by enabling universities and research institutes to access clinical trial data from the U.K., potentially accelerating biological research using genetic information. Currently, only companies can transfer personal data without consent due to existing privacy protections, but this collaboration seeks to streamline processes for research and administrative data exchanges.
Joanna Gaines brings back the Fixer Upper vibe with her new renovation series *Mini Reni*, premiering on May 14th on Magnolia Network and Max. In the trailer, she shares how the show aims to inspire home improvement projects that reflect personal growth as families evolve. The series features creative yet practical renovations, showcasing Gaines' ability to infuse homes with warmth and style without requiring months of work. With nine episodes airing until July 9th, viewers can expect a mix of simple yet impactful design details and unexpected solutions, encouraging them to tackle their own mini renovation projects.