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Concise news summaries
Concise news summaries
A second man has been arrested in connection with suspected arson attacks linked to Keir Starmer in London, following reports of three fires involving properties and a vehicle associated with him. The 26-year-old,Roman Lavrynovych, was detained at London Luton airport on suspicion of conspiracy to commit arson with intent to endanger life, following earlier arrests tied to similar incidents, including one at the family home where Starmer once lived before converting it into flats. No prior arrests have been made in relation to Starmer himself, raising questions about whether he might face charges as well. The Met is urging anyone with information to contact them immediately.
AFP reported that Israeli airstrikes near Khan Younis targeted Hamas leader Muhammad Sinwar, while striking a command center under the European Hospital. The operation resulted in at least six deaths and 40 injuries.
The Global Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) proposes a biometric aid distribution system in Gaza to ensure fair delivery without infringing on Palestinian privacy. However, this plan faces legal, political, logistical, and funding challenges that could complicate international law, strengthen Hamas's position, strain Israel-Hamas relations, and hinder local governance. Critics also question its humanitarian effectiveness and potential to disrupt existing aid mechanisms. Balancing these constraints is crucial for the plan's success.
"When President Trump made SNL's Mother’s Day message unforgettable. The show began as usual, but during its opening segment, Trump interrupted to mock a new pope from Chicago and jibe about American trade troubles. His dig at Pope Leo XIV, poking fun at his recent death after meeting Vice President J.D. Vance, left the audience chuckling. Meanwhile, cast members like Cecily Strong reimagined Jeanine Pirro for a bit of laughs, and Colin Jost’s portrayal of former Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth added to the hilarity. The segment was a wild ride through politics, pop culture, and Trump’s personality."
K-pop group Seventeen is making a strategic move by enlisting nine out of thirteen members in South Korea's military to focus on individual careers while maintaining their band structure. The album "Happy Burstday" they recorded before enlistment features solo tracks, signaling their plan to showcase each member's unique talents ahead of future group reunions. Meanwhile, group leader S.Coups expressed optimism about this period as an opportunity for members to recharge and collaborate anew, ensuring the band remains vibrant post-enlistment.
The first 100 days of Donald Trump’s presidency have “supercharged” a global rollback of human rights, pushing the world towards an authoritarian era defined by impunity and unchecked corporate power, Amnesty International warns today. Photograph: GettySacha Deshmukh, Amnesty International UK’s chief executive, described the US president’s swift and deliberate targeting of international institutions designed to make the world safer and fairer as “terrifying”. “You look forward to the end of this decade and wonder whether the basic frameworks and underpinnings of not just human rights but international law will still be standing. Trump’s sweeping foreign aid cuts had made conditions worse across the world, Amnesty said, closing crucial programmes in states such as Yemen and Syria, leaving children and survivors of conflict without access to food, shelter or healthcare. Amnesty cited concern at global inaction over atrocities against civilians in Sudan’s civil war.
Donald Trump visited US troops in Qatar, announcing plans to end foreign military interventions while praising the effectiveness of the country's military arsenal, criticizing his predecessor, and teasing France.
The conclave for choosing Pope Francis' successor is under tight security as hundreds of unfamiliar cardinals with name tags arrive amid a crowded Vatican guesthouse. The daily sessions resemble speed-dating sessions, with cardinals reportedly having little prior knowledge of each other before casting their votes in the Sistine Chapel under Michelangelo's artistry.
Engadget readers can enjoy big discounts this Memorial Day as Sonos offers up to 25% off its portable speakers. The Move 2 and Roam 2 are both on sale, with the former dropping by $113 ($336) and the latter getting a $45 discount. The Move 2, despite being expensive, is praised for its impressive sound quality, while the Roam 2 offers improved portability and design. For those looking to splurge, bundles of speakers or accessories also go on sale at special rates. With Sonos known for its stellar audio performance, this is a great time to stock up on their products.
The sleek, minimalist Light Phone 3 by ZDNET is designed for self-improvement, featuring a stylish all-black design and unique integrated tools like Lyft, a simplified Spotify, and a impressive Selfie Mode. However, its high price relative to premium phones and limited battery life on initial use present notable drawbacks for users seeking portability and specific features but may not be ideal if budget constraints or extended usage are primary concerns.
The Australian government's refusal rate for FOI requests has surged to 27%, the highest in a decade, raising concerns about transparency and accountability. The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) is monitoring this increase, which has led to criticism from advocacy groups like Transparency International Australia. Despite efforts to improve FOI processes—such as speeding up decision-making and releasing more information than state and territory agencies—the government has also introduced measures to reduce processing costs. Additionally, OAICSpokesperson emphasized the importance of FOI as a tool for holding government accountable and maintaining public trust.
Sweden has denied arresting two individuals linked to Kurdish and Swedish diplomatic figures amid ongoing accusations against Swedish journalist Joakim Medin in Turkey. Medin faces charges of affiliation with the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and insulting President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, following his detention at Istanbul airport as he arrived to cover a mass protest. Sweden-Turkey relations have been strained over concerns about Nato membership, but no direct link has been confirmed between the two investigations involving government employees.
Nerys Lloyd, a former police officer, was sentenced to 10 years and six months for leading a paddleboarding trip that ended in four deaths on the River Cleddau. The incident occurred after she failed to check the river's dangerous conditions, allowing a 'hydraulic spin' to occur when her group fell over a weir. Despite her full blame, the court noted her lack of expertise and responsibility towards her co-instructor, Paul O'Dwyer, who unfortunately lost his life trying to save others. Calls for stricter regulations on paddleboarding safety have arisen following this tragedy.
Lucasfilm has announced "Star Wars: Starfighter," directed by Shawn Levy, starring Ryan Gosling, set five years after "The Rise of Skywalker." The film is slated for release on May 28, 2027. Production starts this fall. Gosling will play a new character, and the movie is part of a new wave of Star Wars projects.
Microsoft Build 2025 is set for May 19-22 in Seattle, featuring major AI announcements such as Copilot chatbot, Office updates, Azure services, and developer tools like GitHub and Fabric. The event also promises hardware launches, including new Surface devices from Microsoft and partners. Attendees can watch the keynote and sessions via a free digital pass on Microsoft's website or follow ZDNET for real-time coverage if unable to attend both events. Expect significant focus on AI, enterprise solutions, and developer tools while hardware updates remain a possibility too.
Netflix's strategic focus on Asian-Pacific filmmakers has significantly boosted viewership in the region, with APAC films dominating its charts and attracting nearly 20% growth in viewing numbers. The company's investments are not just about creating content but also empowering local creators through training initiatives and expanding teams across countries like Japan, Hong Kong, and India. These efforts highlight Netflix's commitment to fostering cultural growth by leveraging diverse cinematic traditions from APAC.
The intense overnight exchange of fire between Indian and Pakistani forces in Kashmir resulted in at least five civilian casualties on both sides. Pakistan reported four deaths and 12 injuries near the Line of Control, while India confirmed a woman was killed and two civilians injured, raising the toll to 17 since Wednesday. Both nations have acknowledged significant civilian casualties from each other's attacks. Indian authorities have evacuated tens of thousands from frontier villages, with thousands sheltering in safe areas amid continued tension.
Moderna’s innovative combination vaccine, mRNA-1083, has shown promising results in preventing both flu and COVID-19 infections with strong immune responses, making it a significant step toward pandemic preparedness. However, the Food and Drug Administration's recent policy requiring all vaccines to undergo placebo-controlled trials may delay or complicate approvals, particularly for existing vaccines like mRNA-1083, which already offers protection against multiple threats efficiently. This shift could hinder timely access to critical vaccines, including those needed for seasonal flu and COVID-19, while questioning the necessity of such strict requirements compared to current standards.
Fantasy has captivated readers for centuries, from George MacDonald's *Phantastes* to modern adaptations like *Earthsea*. Influential authors such as J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, and Ursula Le Guin have shaped its evolution, blending high fantasy with darker themes while leaving lasting legacies. Today, fantasy remains vibrant, drawing inspiration from these trailblazers and offering readers new imaginations to explore.
The chaos of powerlessness gripped Iñigo at a Spanish hospital as critical systems failed without electricity, halting operations amid Monday’s historic blackout-affecting 55 million in Europe. Despite the darkness, hope remained as neighbors in Porto and elsewhere reached out to one another, illustrating humanity's resilience against such stark challenges.
Fans of "Squid Game" are eagerly anticipating the explosive finale as Netflix wraps up Season 3 with a cliffhanger in Season 2 where Lee Jung-jae’s character faces a dark decision. Creator Hwang Dong-hyuk has teased that Gi-hun is on the brink of making a pivotal choice, hinting at deeper themes and character development. The season promises to explore his psyche further while returning stars like Lee Seo-hwan and Wi Ha-joon continue to shine. With the trailer teasing more thrilling turns, fans can’t wait for June 27th to see how this high-stakes story concludes. Don’t miss it!
China’s Foreign Affairs Ministry said Thursday that there were no talks taking place with the Trump administration on trade, reiterating that Beijing will not negotiate under U.S. pressure. That was before Beijing responded to Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs by restricting exports of additional rare-earth minerals, where China dominates global supply. AdvertisementBy halting those deliveries, China appeared to be signaling it is willing to take risks to send a message to Trump. “If the tariff war continues, U.S. aircraft exports to China will likely become unsustainable. A move to limit exports by the Trump administration could severely harm Comac’s attempts to scale up manufacturing and take on Boeing and Airbus.
They fight to the end and, this season, their grit and sheer relentlessness has proven too much for their WSL rivals to match. Four days' later, Chelsea found themselves 1-0 down against City after a dismal first half of their WSL clash and, sources said, history repeated itself. Indeed, when the team lost 4-1 in the Champions League second leg to Barcelona (8-2 on aggregate), she knew it was not the time for tough love. Mentality monstersplay 0:49 Chelsea lift the WSL trophy for the sixth consecutive season Chelsea lift the Women's Super League trophy at Stamford Bridge following their 1-0 win over Liverpool to remain unbeaten. But despite their historic run, record points total and unbeaten season, it is not enough for Chelsea.
Under intense pressure due to finishing second in the Premier League, Arsenal's Mikel Arteta has made bold moves in the transfer market to bridge the gap with Manchester United, securing key signings like Martín Zubimendi and Nico Williams. With a focus on retaining star players whose contracts are near expiration, the club has appointed Andrea Berta as sporting director to steer toward even greater ambitions.
Warner Bros., reportedly weighing in with an ambitious plan to bring Michael Bay back as director and Henry Cavill as lead for a standalone Superman film in 2022, ultimately fell through amid DC Studios' major reboot led by James Gunn. This missed opportunity allowed Gunn to reimagine the DC Universe, leading to Cavill's exit from the Man of Steel franchise just two months after the co-heads of DC Studios were installed. The new chapter now stars David Corenswert as Superman with Rachel Brosnahan and Nicholas Hoult in key roles. While Bay and Cavill may have envisioned a successful follow-up, their involvement seems unlikely now.
A devastating explosion at an Iranian port near Bandar Abbas killed five people and injured over 700 others, with the cause linked to a shipment of sodium perchlorate rocket fuel destined for Iran's missile stockpile. This event occurred amid ongoing negotiations between Iran and the U.S. in Oman regarding Iran's nuclear program, while heightened security concerns persist due to past attempts to sabotage or assassinate the country. International alarm remains over potential tampering with shipments, given historical incidents and ongoing tensions involving Israeli actions against Iranian facilities.
The June 2025 Xbox Games Showcase is just moments away from showing off all of the video games, announcements, and surprises Microsoft has in store for gamers in 2025, 2026, and beyond. This year’s presentation has a lot to live up to as fans expect reveals for some of the biggest games Xbox has to offer. Keep checking in on this page for updates on everything announced at the June 2025 Xbox Game Showcase. Plus, stay tuned after the Xbox Games Showcase for a closer look at Obsidian Entertainment’s sci-fi sequel with a special The Outer Worlds 2 Direct. Ninja Gaiden 4 Slices Into Players With October 21, 2025 Release DatePlayTeam Ninja appeared at the Xbox Game Showcase 2025 with a fall release date for Ninja Gaiden 4.
The Justice Department has drastically reduced its support for anti-crime grants across the country, leaving local law enforcement agencies and private nonprofit groups scrambling to find alternative funding. The $500 million reduction included 373 grants, and district attorneys expressed frustration over the lack of transparency in how these cuts were decided without clear justification. Many organizations worry that this drastic change could harm their ability to continue critical crime-fighting efforts or lead to layoffs of key staff members.
TikTok has introduced AI-powered Smart Keyword Filters to enhance content control on the For You page by automatically blocking similar keywords beyond user-selected terms like "remodeling." Users will see additional filtered keywords and can now add up to 200 with bulk options. The app also expanded its Manage Topics feature globally, allowing users to tailor their feeds based on interests such as sports or food through settings.
Rose Lavelle made a triumphant return to the field after six months injured, nearly scoring in a chaotic match and earning praise for her agility and vision. Despite the injury, she led Gotham FC to victory, helping them secure playoff position as Kansas City maintained their lead.
Emma Raducanu made steady progress in her Italian Open journey, securing three consecutive wins against top 100 opponents on her way to her second week of action. However, a windy Monday proved too much for the young British player as she was defeated by Coco Gauff, who dominated with a 6-1, 6-2 victory. Despite the challenging conditions and Gauff's superior skills in depth, weight, and shot-making, Raducanu expressed optimism after the match, acknowledging its value for improving her game on clay courts. With an improved ranking and positive outlook, Raducanu is poised to head into the French Open with confidence following this standout performance.
Opera Mobile's version 89 introduces Tab Islands, designed to simplify managing multiple open tabs by creating context-aware islands that group related links. These islands offer customizable layouts like carousels, grids, or lists and can be renamed or moved for tailored browsing experiences. Available on Google Play Store, this feature streamlines navigation and reduces clutter, enhancing the mobile browsing experience based on Opera's extensive tab management expertise.
The 2025 Giro d'Italia may lack the headline-grabbing stars of the Tour de France but promises a wild race with unpredictable drama thanks to Tadej Pogacar's absence. While Rogli, Hindley, Carapaz, and Egan Bernal headline the peloton, the Italian race is expected to be thrilling as multiple riders aim for their best Grand Tour performance. Roglic, already a three-time Giro winner, starts as a favorite due to his impressive Vuelta record but faces stiff competition from UAE Team Emirates' Juan Ayuso, who aims to make an impact despite Pogacar's shadow. The race will be a test of both riders' skills and determination.
Barunson E&A, known for producing Oscar-winning films like *Parasite*, has teamed up with Indonesian studio Imajinari to acquire remake rights for three of its hit titles: *Agak Laen*, its upcoming sequel, and *Tinggal Meninggal*. This marks the studio's expansion into new markets beyond co-production and sales, focusing primarily on Southeast Asia. Imajinari, founded by comedian-director Ernest Prakasa, has already collaborated with Barunson E&A on successful projects like *13 Bombs* and *Rangga & Cinta*, while *Agak Laen* is their biggest hit to date. The partnership aims to bring these stories to global audiences in exciting new forms.
A Pittsburgh Pirates employee was suspended after a violent incident involving an angry fan at PNC Park. The fight, which saw an usher use his belt as a weapon, escalated when a fan began spitting blood on him, prompting police intervention. Earlier that day, the team dealt with a minor injury to a underage person who fell onto the field and broke his skull. The Pirates have criticized the employee's behavior, stating it was unacceptable and leading to immediate suspension.
Wake Forest baseball coach Tom Walter admitted Monday that he threw a homophobic slur during the game against Tennessee before an opposing player hit a two-run homer. The comment was caught on camera as Walter stood in the dugout moments before the incident occurred. Coach Walter issued a statement Tuesday, apologizing for his outburst and stating that such language does not reflect his values or those of the program. athletic director John Currie expressed surprise and disappointment over Walter’s actions, calling them completely out of character.
Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United are in desperate need of a win this season, with both clubs struggling at the bottom of their respective leagues. The Europa League Final between the two English giants offers a chance to climb higher in Europe, with the winner also securing another shot at the Champions League next season. For fans, the stakes are high as the match will be broadcasted for free on Discovery+ in the UK and Paramount+ in the US (via a VPN) this Saturday night. Meanwhile, Tottenham has a solid 4-0 record against United this season, adding some psychological edge to their quest for redemption.
Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker were thrilled as they officially welcomed their baby boy, Rocky, to a special event in Fontana, California—a city where his dad had an impact by having a street renamed in his name. The proud parents showed off their youngest son, who appeared at ease in a black sports jersey and joggers, snuggled in Kourtney's arms. The family celebrated together, including Travis' other son, Landon, as they enjoyed a golf cart ride while Fontana showed its support for their own son. It was Rocky's debut public appearance since he became a central part of the couple's life just months prior.
Political rhetoric on immigration is deterring top global talent from working in the UK’s cancer research and treatment sector, according to a leaked report. Rising visa costs and restrictive policies are making it harder for leading professionals to come to the UK, delaying clinical trials, denying patients access to life-saving drugs, and straining public services like the NHS. The report highlights that institutions such as the Francis Crick Institute are now spending millions on visas, diverting funds from critical research. With cancer diagnoses rising, the UK’s ability to compete for international talent is being compromised, jeopardizing progress in treating the disease.
The U.S. spring housing market is grappling with headwinds from high interest rates and low consumer confidence, with home sales declining to 75% of their prerecession level over three years. April saw the slowest sales pace since 2009 as pent-up demand remains underutilized despite a slight rise in mortgage rates that could boost demand. Meanwhile, inventory levels hover near five-year highs, limiting downward pressure on prices. Despite resilience among luxury homes, competition and supply constraints pose ongoing challenges for both buyers and sellers.
The armed group al-Shabab claimed to have seized control of Adan Yabaal town in central Somalia on Wednesday morning after launching raids before dawn. However, the Somali army disputes this claim, stating that government troops successfully pushed back the attackers. Residents reported hearing a loud explosion and gunfire following early morning prayers. Adan Yabaal is strategically significant as it connects Hirshabelle state to Galmudug and was recaptured from al-Shabab in 2022. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud visited the town in March.
We thought of moths and butterflies as purely innocent creatures, but here’s a shocking revelation: a group of caterpillars—carnivorous ones at that—are taking their Halloween trick to another level by feeding on spider webs while blending in with leftover body parts. Now, researchers from the University of Hawaii have uncovered a new type of these "bone collector" caterpillars, adding a whole new dimension to our understanding of insect-eating insects—and maybe even giving them a reputation to protect.
Kneecap's planned performance at the Glasgow festival TRNSMT has been canceled due to police concerns about safety. The Northern Irish band will instead perform at the O2 Academy on July 8th, despite their recent cancellations at other events like Germany’s Hurricane Festival and Cornwall’s Eden Project. Kneecap headlined Wide Awake festival in London last weekend without issues, but Mo Chara faced legal trouble after displaying a flag during a performance.
Manchester United are set to sign Matheus Cunha for £62.5 million in a deal paid over two years, marking their first summer signing since Rio de Janeiro. Despite an initial offer of a longer payment term, wolves have given permission for the transfer and confirmed it's now possible. Cunha, with 15 Premier League goals this season, brings significant experience from Atlético Madrid, Hertha Berlin, and RB Leipzig. Meanwhile, Liam Delap is on the verge of moving to Old Trafford after scoring 12 goals for Ipswich Town in 36 games. However, his future with Man U remains uncertain as Chelsea also shows interest. The deal's structure change reflects a calculated strategy from United.
The massive electrical blackout in Spain and Portugal, beginning just after 12:30 pm CET, has caused widespread disruption across the Iberian Peninsula and nearby regions, with trains stopped, airports closed, and businesses and schools operational only under emergency power. The outage affects major cities like Madrid, while cell towers remain operational through generators. Investigations are underway to determine if the cause was a technical issue or cyberattack, with authorities closely monitoring the situation.
Nintendo is experiencing a massive surge in demand for its upcoming Switch 2 console in Japan, with nearly 2.2 million applicants for a lottery sale that prioritizes frequent Switch users and online shoppers from the original device. Production ramp-ups are underway as analysts predict between 6 to 8 million units will be available by June, while Trump tariffs on Vietnam components have added complexity to global supply chain planning.
Alexander Sørloth scored a帽子 trick within three minutes in Atlético Madrid’s match against Real Sociedad, becoming the fastest hat trick scorer in LaLiga history. The Norwegian striker netted four goals in the first half-hour, matching an earlier record from 1941 but still topping the list of goals in a single match for a player. His performances have sparked excitement as Atlético Madrid takes command early in the season.
Germany is set to deport an American and three European Union citizens following a pro-Palestinian protest at Berlin's Free University. The four individuals, accused of actions during the October 2024 demonstration, face expulsion by April 21 despite having no formal charges filed against them. Critics argue the move may conflict with EU law on freedom of movement and raise concerns over Germany's use of a political concept, *Staatsräson*, to justify the deportations. The protesters, including an artist from Ireland who received an emergency injunction, are appealing the orders while continuing their lives in Berlin.