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Concise news summaries
The jury's acquittal of three Memphis police officers in the fatal 2023 beating of Tyre Nichols shocked the community as they faced charges including second-degree murder. Despite their actions during the attack leading to Nichols' death, the officers were exonerated. The Nichols family expressed deep disappointment, while the officers, now freed, hugged each other with their attorneys ahead of further legal developments. This verdict highlights ongoing scrutiny of police conduct following their prior testimony in a federal case for witness tampering, raising questions about accountability and justice within law enforcement.
The executive director of Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, Jake Wood, resigned on Sunday amid concerns about his independence as he prepared to oversee a contentious aid program in Gaza. Accused of conflict with Israel due to his previous ties, Mr. Wood claimed it was impossible to maintain impartiality while implementing the program. His departure follows growing tensions within the traditional aid sector, as Israel seeks to replace local Gaza aid systems with one overseen by the new, untested group.
It’s a bittersweet update for *Star Trek: Prodigy* fans, as Netflix is set to lose its streaming rights for season one next month, with the second season expiring in December 2025. While the showrunners hope another platform might pick it up, leaving season three hanging in uncertainty continues to worry loyal viewers. However, fans can breathe a bit easier knowing season two is still available on physical formats like Blu-ray and DVD. Stay tuned for updates as things unfold!
Senior Labour figures advise Prime Minister Keir Starmer to adopt a more frequent media presence, inspired by Donald Trump's high-impact communication style, which includes televised cabinet meetings and extensive interviews. However, they acknowledge that this approach might not be well-suited to modern politics, where traditional news outlets are less influential. Some members criticize the authenticity of such an approach, noting its potential disconnect from public perception in today's media landscape dominated by platforms like TikTok and social media.
Shuddle has secured North American rights to the reboot of *The Creep*, originally released in 2004, set for a 2026 release. The film features a cast including Jasmine Jobson and UK rapper Aitch, with Julie Baines and Jason Newmark reuniting as producers alongside Jonathan Taylor-Johnson from Dan Films. Principal photography is set to begin this autumn, marking a return of key creative teams led by Christopher Smith and Danny Cohen from the original production.
Russia has escalated its military campaign in Ukraine with targeted drone attacks and airstrikes, including a fatal airstrike near Kostiantynivka and another in Pavlohrad that left a child gravely injured. Donald Trump expressed skepticism about Vladimir Putin’s readiness to end the conflict, calling the week ahead "very critical" for U.S.-Ukraine cooperation, following a brief meeting between leaders at Pope Francis’s funeral where Trump hinted Russia might not be committed to negotiating a ceasefire. Trump's comments and the ongoing attacks underscore the tense situation as U.S. diplomacy seeks to address the humanitarian crisis while balancing military actions against civilian targets.
A hacker threatening to extort PowerSchool with new ransom demands due to its 2024 data breach has led to letters being sent to schools. Despite previously paying a ransom to supposedly delete stolen student records from 2024, PowerSchool confirmed it recently discovered another extortion attempt this week. Experts caution against trusting ransoms, given past exploitation attempts by gangs retaining sensitive data for further extortion.
The United Nations Mission to Libya (UNSMIL) has warned that the conflict in Tripoli could escalate, urging an immediate, unconditional ceasefire. Fighting resumed after authorities restored order, but residents reported chaos as attacks on civilians and infrastructure continued. Clashes between key groups deepened, with at least six casualties reported recently. Rada, a last independent militia faction, remains unaffiliated with Prime Minister Abdulhamid al-Dbeibah. Since 2011, Libya has struggled to recover from instability following Gaddafi's fall. The country split in 2014 between Tripoli and eastern forces led by Khalifa Haftar.
Surprised by his public appearance following the terrorist attack in Kashmir, Pakistan’s army chief, Gen. Syed Asim Munir, has become a key figure in tensions with India, issuing harsh remarks to signal a tougher military posture. In a recent field exercise, he vowed that Pakistan would respond decisively and forcefully to any Indian military missteps, setting a clear tone for the ongoing imbroglio between the two neighboring nations.
A dramatically tragic accident occurred in Italy when a broken cable caused five fatalities on a cableway near Castellammare di Stabia, including two British nationals, as rescue operations were hindered by fog and strong winds. This response effectively captures the key details of the event succinctly while maintaining a narrative tone.
A terrifying moment on the streets of Paris saw masked men attempting to kidnap Kim Kardashian's ex-husband Kanye West's toddler amid a jewelry theft trial, with the incident captured on video. The toddler was forced into a van while screaming for help, and her dad, CEO of Paymium cryptocurrency, shielded her with his body despite taking multiple injuries. A Good Samaritan intervened, using a fire extinguisher to deter the attackers, prompting local authorities to open an investigation into charges including attempted kidnapping and participation in a criminal conspiracy.
The U.S. military is set to stage its largest parade in decades, marking a significant 250th-anniversary celebration on the National Mall this summer. The event, coinciding with Donald Trump’s birthday week on June 14, will feature over 6,600 soldiers, 150 vehicles, and thousands of civilians, with costs estimated to reach tens of millions for logistics and feeding. Concerns about infrastructure from heavy tanks have been raised, but flexibility remains as plans may change. Additionally, President Trump has pledged to rename victory days, blending patriotic themes with military history.
The 2024 Mac Mini is an upgraded must-have device, offering a sleeker design and enhanced performance with smaller dimensions, faster processing power, two USB-C ports, and upgraded RAM starting at 16GB for $599. The M4 Pro version boasts up to 64GB of RAM and 8TB storage, available online and discounted by around $50 during Amazon's Memorial Day sale, making it ideal for budget-conscious users seeking expansion capabilities. Despite its affordability, the Mac Mini comes with limitations like limited ports (no M1 or M2 chips) and no Wi-Fi 7 support, though its compact design and improved performance make it a standout choice for those looking for an affordable upgrade during sales.
The journey of NFL rookies offers lessons in resilience and adaptation as they transition from college to pro football. Each player faces unique challenges—whether it’s adjusting to pressures, cultural shifts, or balancing personal brand with performance. These experiences highlight themes of adaptability, leadership, and the importance of mental fortitude, offering valuable insights for anyone navigating similar transitions beyond the field.
Patsy Widakuswara, the White House chief for a prominent broadcasting network, is leading a legal battle to protect Voice of America (VOA), which Trump has accused of being anti-Trump and radical. With 1,300 staff on leave and 600 contractors terminated, VOA faces critical threats in regions like Russia where disinformation is rampant. Patsy's lawsuit argues that Trump's order violates press freedom and anti-corruption laws, targeting VOA despite its importance globally. The case could have far-reaching implications for media resilience worldwide as a preliminary injunction blocks the executive action but could be appealed.
Deisy Vargas and her family faced intense pressure after losing their legal status twice due to U.S. immigration policies under both Trump and Biden. Despite prior humanitarian parole approvals, their current application was revoked without warning, leaving them vulnerable as their daughter’s life-saving treatment can’t leave the country. The family's move from Mexico required constant relocation to ensure their daughter received necessary care, highlighting systemic barriers hindering access to specialty medical treatments in the U.S.
Pope Francis, who died at 88, will be remembered as a groundbreaking leader who championed the downtrodden and modernized the Catholic Church without altering its core teachings. Known as "the people's Pope," he connected deeply with his flock but faced backlash from traditionalists. As the first pope from the Americas and Southern Hemisphere, he fearlessly advocated for migrants and those affected by climate change, calling it a crisis driven by humanity.
Celebrate Batman's 80th anniversary right now by grabbing the Batman 80th Anniversary Collection on Blu-ray at its lowest price ever—$44.96 (36% off) for a limited time! If you want to dive deeper into the source material, check out our guide to reading the Batman comics online.
Jeff Bezos's recent send of women, including Katy Perry, to space sparked heated debate over whether she can be called an astronaut. Editors ruled out her status, emphasizing one flight isn't enough for her career. Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed they weren't astronauts, highlighting their role as non-qualifying individuals. Online backlash included calls to fake the mission, adding fuel to the discussion about the legitimacy of the trip.
The Trump administration has replaced Covid.gov with a advocacy site promoting the "lab leak" theory, intensifying criticism of Dr. Anthony Fauci, Donald Trump, Joe Biden, and New York leaders. The move ties into ongoing debates about SARS-CoV2 origins, potentially involving a lab leak or natural spillover. Joe Biden pardoned Fauci to avoid public backlash, while the new site also attacks NIH funding practices and vaccine opponents now holding key roles in the administration.
Fear of deportation has driven undocumented immigrants in Los Angeles to skip medical appointments, but St. John’s Community Health is reaching out through its Home Visitation Program to address this growing concern, ensuring access to care for 25,000 patients regardless of their immigration status, with a focus on those dealing with chronic health issues like diabetes and hypertension.
Learn MoreEnterprise AI in 2025 is moving from experimentation to implementation and deployments are evolving from AI assistants to AI agents. Another big group of organizations that are already benefiting from IBM’s agentic AI approach are the company’s partners. For example, Ernst & Young is using IBM’s agentic AI to build out a tax platform for its own clients. What this means for enterprisesFor enterprises looking to lead the way in AI deployment, IBM’s agentic AI direction provides a blueprint for moving from experimentation to deployment. IBM’s agentic AI ecosystem will appeal to its enterprise clients and the openness to connect other agentic AI systems means that organizations hopefully won’t be creating yet another silo.
Poker Face, featuring Natasha Lyonne as the enigmatic Charlie Cale, returns for a second season on Peacock. The show revolves around her solving crimes by detecting lies among casino workers, with new guest stars gracing each episode. Fans are encouraged to check it out for its sharp wit and clever mystery.
The heated Australian election debate between Prime Minister Albanese and Treasurer Dutton was intense as they struggled to agree on issues like cultural preservation and Indigenous welcome speeches at Anzac Day. With 60 uncommitted voters evenly split, both faced criticism but offered differing visions for Australia's future—Albanese focusing on economic challenges while Dutton vowed to reverse Labor's housing policies despite failing to deliver. During a Trump-related exchange, Albanese suggested avoiding social media for diplomacy, which Dutton found illiberal. Notably, Dutton avoided visiting any of his proposed nuclear power stations during the campaign.
Epic Games' *Fortnite* has终于returned to the U.S. App Store after a four-year legal battle with Apple. Initially blocked due to payment disputes, where Epic sought direct player payments bypassing Apple's 30% cut, the court decision favoring Epic finally allowed Fortnite back on iOS. However, Apple later budged, complying with the ruling. This landmark decision could reshape the industry by opening new avenues for publishers to structure purchases differently within digital stores.
"5G signals have been rigorously tested in a recent study at Constructor University, where human skin cells were exposed to electromagnetic fields of varying intensities—up to 40.5 GHz. Despite these intense signals and high-frequency waves, no changes were observed in the skin cells' DNA or behavior, effectively debunking conspiracy theories that 5G could harm us biologically. Researchers also controlled for temperature to rule out thermal effects, further solidifying their findings. While some people may resist scientific evidence due to a preference for simpler explanations, the truth is clear: there’s no biological impact from 5G as widely claimed."
The Microsoft AI platform, Discovery, revolutionizes scientific research by making it more accessible to domain experts without requiring programming skills, particularly benefiting smaller labs. It incorporates ethical safeguards to prevent misuse while enhancing computational capabilities, potentially accelerating research timelines with human oversight ensuring rigor. The platform's scalability and adaptability across various fields promise significant future impact as its adoption grows.
Two Republican congressmen, Cory Mills of Florida and Marlin Stutzman of Indiana, made their first official visit to Syria in many years. Their trip, accompanied by Syrian community members, aims to gain insights into the war-torn country, including meetings with government officials like President Ahmed al-Shara and religious leaders. They also toured historical sites in Damascus.
ZDNET's key takeaways The Oura Ring 4, the newest generation of the popular smart ring is now available to buy and starts at $350. During the past few years, Oura has been busy developing a smart ring that's smarter and stronger than the rest: the recently unveiled Oura Ring 4. The Oura Ring 4 (left) has receded sensors that make it more comfortable to wear compared to Oura Ring 3 (right). Also: Oura Ring 3 vs Oura Ring 4: Should you buy the discounted smart ring or the brand's newest? Most of the hardware upgrades prioritize comfort, so if you already have an Oura Ring 3, I'd only buy the Oura Ring 4 if you can't stand the uncomfortable protruding dome sensors of the earlier generation.
Australia's political landscape is shifting dramatically as independent and minor party candidates are increasingly contesting seats that were once dominated by major duopolies like Labor and the Coalition. Vote shares for these leading parties have plummied from 68% in the 1980s to a projected 43% today, with more crossbench members now challenging the status quo. This growing influence of minor parties is not only altering election dynamics but also making traditional models like the pendulum framework less reliable, potentially paving the way for minority governments and significant voter shifts on election night.
Crystal Palace secured their third trip to the FA Cup final with a thrilling 3-0 victory over Aston Villa, thanks to goals from Ismaïla Sarr and Eberechi Eze as the Eagles celebrated an exciting comeback at Wembley. Sarr netted twice, including a crucial penalty, while Eze delivered a stunning final effort from outside the box to cap off an exceptional performance. The win sends Palace fans into high spirits as they prepare to face Manchester United or Nottingham Forest in their quest for their first FA Cup trophy since 1996.
Meta has updated its privacy policy for its Ray-Ban Meta glasses, expanding the scope of voice recordings it can store and use to train its AI models, similar to Amazon's recent shift to cloud-based processing. By default enabling AI features, the company now collects speech after users activate "Hey Meta," storing up to one year of data without a removal option. While this enhances AI capabilities, it raises privacy concerns as users may not fully understand how their personal audio might be used. This move mirrors Meta's previous actions on other platforms like Facebook and Instagram, where user-generated content fuels AI training.
Google faces a pivotal legal battle over its claim of global search dominance. In a landmark antitrust case, the Justice Department challenges Google's assertion, with nearly a year passing since Judge Amit Mehta ruled Google an illegal monopoly. Tech companies like Apple and Microsoft testify for Google, while Google's CEO defends against proposed remedies such as divesting Chrome, ending OS exclusives, and halting AI deals. Experts note this case as a significant decade-long issue, potentially setting precedents for broader antitrust enforcement on tech giants. The legal outcome could profoundly impact the tech industry's regulatory landscape.
Conservation advocates say it shows the controversial Middle Arm industrial project “shouldn’t get past the starting gun based on impacts to nature”. The Middle Arm project is a proposed Northern Territory government development involving the construction of wharves and jetties to be used by industries including liquified natural gas, carbon capture and storage and critical minerals. Both species, which are recognised by the government as at risk of extinction, live in woodlands in the proposed development area. It found a total of 1,22o hectares of clearing was proposed for the Middle Arm development. The environment group called on both major parties to divert the promised Middle Arm subsidy to other proposals in the NT.
From the Galápagos Islands, Jackie Lay captivated by the blue-footed booby's striking appearance and peculiar behavior. These seabirds, with their gangly stance on land and precise diving skills at sea, have long fascinated Darwin and continue to inspire admiration among bird enthusiasts. Their colorful representations in local art and culture add to their charm, making them a beloved part of the Galápagos ecosystem.
The International Tennis Integrity Agency has faced backlash after reminding players that showering before matches must be done in full view of chaperones to comply with anti-doping rules. The organization emphasized that this is not an entitlement but a requirement they are taking seriously if players choose to freshen up first.
In an electrifying period thriller, FX star Cosmo Jarvis will portray Joseph Stalin in "Young Stalin," based on Simon Sebag Montefiore's gripping novel about Stalin's early life as a bank robber in 1906 Russia. Directed by Géla Babluani, the film, produced by Access Entertainment and others including AI Film and Monte Rosso Prods, delves into Stalin's descent into power through terror, conflict, and ideology—highlighting his infamous bank heist. Principal photography is set to begin in Tbilisi next summer, with Cosmo's upcoming projects further cementing his diverse career trajectory.
FBI agents tracking Luigi Mangione as he allegedly killed UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in 2015. Mangione has pleaded not guilty to four federal charges, including murder via firearm, following his arraignment last week. Federal prosecutors seek the death penalty, while his team opposes it, with both sides set to present their cases this month ahead of a trial that could determine whether Thompson's killers face justice.
The U.S. administration has proposed a $6 billion cut to NASA’s 2025 budget, including eliminating its cornerstone Moon and Mars programs like the Space Launch System (SLS), Orion capsule, and Lunar Gateway, favoring commercial alternatives instead. This move, part of President Trump's broader strategy to prioritize commercial space travel over government initiatives, could significantly alter Artemis missions to the Moon and delay or shift focus toward Mars Sample Return. NASA's long-term goals for these missions were reportedly revised to align with commercial partnerships rather than its original plans under Trump.
President Donald Trump's decision to eliminate the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) marks a significant blow to an independent agency tasked with protecting consumers from harmful products. In a surprising move, the President fired three Democratic commissioners without cause, leading to resignations and accusations of arbitrary rule-making. The firings raise questions about accountability in high-stakes regulatory roles, with Commissioner Mary Boyle stating she believes her duties were being hindered by the Acting Chairman. Meanwhile, legal battles over these actions are ongoing, potentially shaping the future of consumer protections under Trump's administration.
The article discusses ChoiceJacking attacks, where attackers exploit chargers as USB hosts to bypass device security, targeting both Android and Apple devices through three techniques. These methods inject input events during user consent processes, allowing access within seconds. Notably, an Apple device variant persists despite mitigations, indicating lingering vulnerabilities in some systems. This trend highlights the need for robust security measures and continuous updates to counter such advanced threats effectively.
President Trump’s proposed budget cuts could severely impact green energy projects and environmental protections in the U.S. The plan includes cutting $15 billion from federal renewable energy funding and nearly doubling the budget reductions for the National Institutes of Health to -$17 billion. The Environmental Protection Agency would lose over $4.2 billion, including critical programs for hazardous waste cleanup and environmental justice efforts. Experts warn these cuts could undermine climate initiatives and exacerbate climate risks, while Trump’s administration has previously opposed significant environmental regulations under President Biden.
Instagram Threads is testing new video ad formats, featuring 19:9 and 1:1 aspect ratio creatives appearing between organic content. This initiative follows Meta's recent user growth milestones, including reaching over 350 million monthly active users and a 35% increase in app engagement post recommendation system upgrades. Meta also announced tests for Reels trending ads alongside popular creator content, akin to TikTok's Pulse Suite expansion. Additionally, the platform is exploring tools within its Creator Marketplace to enhance trend discovery and advertiser targeting, complemented by adjustments to Facebook Reels to improve video experiences.
The key ingredientsFor years, Bulgaria has been a magnet for global tech firms thanks to its flat 10% tax rate, highly skilled workforce, and cost efficiency. However, in the last few years, new initiatives have aimed at boosting the country’s homegrown tech companies. According to StartupBlink’s 2024 Global Startup Ecosystem Index, the country now ranks 37th worldwide for startup creation—a promising climb. To elevate Bulgaria’s presence on the global stage by showcasing its top tech talent and startups on Europe’s top tech stages. The country’s startup ecosystem is becoming more visible, more networked, and more ambitious in how it presents itself to the world.
Did you know you can get a nearly-free VPN service? PIA VPN is offering its 24-month plan at an unprecedented discount—just $2.19 per month for the first 26 months, with a total cost of less than $57 during this period. It's a great deal compared to other options and includes a 30-day money-back guarantee. Plus, PIA offers discounted antivirus software ($1.45/mo for two years) and affordable dedicated IPs at half price ($2.50/mo). Security is top-notch with features like encryption and multi-hop methods. Don't miss this chance to enjoy unlimited connections, fast streaming, and reliable security without breaking the bank—this offer won't last forever!
Xreal announced a collaboration with Google to launch Project Aura, an optical see-through XR device for Android XR, marking a significant milestone in immersive computing by integrating XR hardware expertise with Google's ecosystem support.
Pedro Pascal, known for his roles in shows like *The Last of Us* and *The Fantastic Four*, has publicly denounced Harry Potter author JK Rowling after her recent criticism of transgender rights. In response to Raouf Tariq's video criticizing Rowling's stance on the UK Supreme Court ruling that redefined "woman," Pascal called out Rowling's actions as creamy Voldemort villain sh**, aligning with his long-standing advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community. This comes weeks after he shared similar sentiments, including a shirt reading "Protect the dolls" referencing transgender individuals, and his sister Lux Pascal, a trans woman, has been vocal about her support.
Keir Starmer's government's 2025 Strategic Defence Review proposes expanding Britain's nuclear arsenal, raising concerns about international non-proliferation and global security risks. This could deepen competition among major powers in nuclear arms races and increase lower-yield tactical nukes' deployment in conflict zones. Critics argue the move risks escalations by shifting from deterrence to rearmament, overlooks nuclear futility and climate change/inflation needs, while emphasizing the moral dilemmas of maintaining arsenals. Calls for pause emphasize the urgency to address deeper security challenges with alternatives rather than escalation.
Donald Trump’s administration can end legal protections that have shielded about 350,000 Venezuelans from potential deportation, the supreme court ruled on Monday. America’s highest court granted a request by Kristi Noem, the homeland security secretary, to revoke temporary protected status (TPS) for the Venezuelans while an appeal proceeds in a lower court. In March a federal judge in California put a temporary stay on Trump administration plans to end TPS for the Venezuelan nationals. The Trump administration then asked the supreme court to intervene. Trump responded: “The Supreme Court of the United States is not allowing me to do what I was elected to do.
Fortnite, Epic Games' mega hit, will return to the U.S. App Store despite a legal battle with Apple over antitrust violations. A court decision found Apple in "willful violation" of its 2021 injunction, allowing it to continue imposing anticompetitive practices. Epic CEO Tim Sweeney has indicated that Fortnite will be re-introduced next week but emphasized the need for broader international cooperation on antitrust issues. Apple has already begun enforcing its antitrust tactics again, and Epic has signaled its intent to seek an appeal of the court's ruling.