Latest Summaries

Ahmadreza Djalali, an Iranian on death row in Sweden, faced denied medical care after suffering a heart attack in prison last week. His lawyer revealed that despite promises, the prison failed to provide necessary tests or specialized treatment, raising concerns about his health condition. Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard urged immediate release, while Iran's Foreign Minister accused Sweden of using him as a political tool for dual nationality, given Iran's stance on recognizing it. The situation remains unresolved, highlighting tensions over wrongful detention and dual citizenship accusations.

Win a chance to attend TechCrunch Sessions: AI by testing your AI knowledge with daily trivia starting today until June 4th. If you emerge victorious, your inbox will contain a special code to secure 2-for-1 discounted tickets for the event on June 5 at UC Berkeley’s Zellerbach Hall. Don’t miss this opportunity to stay ahead in AI and connect at one of the biggest discussions in tech!

The world lost over 67,000 square kilometers of tropical rainforest last year, double the size of Belgium or Taiwan, primarily due to climate-driven fires that destroyed nearly half of all forest area. These fires caused more CO2 pollution than India’s fossil fuel emissions in 2024 alone. Tropical forests, crucial for biodiversity, face severe threats from both climate change and human activities like soybean cultivation, though some progress has been made elsewhere.

AI models designed to "reason" have shown impressive accuracy in solving routine math problems, yet they often struggle with creating detailed mathematical proofs, even at a competition level. A recent study led by researchers from ETH Zurich and Sofia University revealed that these simulated reasoning (SR) models typically scored below 5% on average when generating complete proofs, despite demonstrating better performance on answer-focused tasks. This highlights a significant gap in their ability to reason abstractly compared to human mathematicians.

The National Police Agency has announced plans to establish a new investigative office focused on identifying and analyzing mastermind figures within anonymous organized crime groups known as tokuryū. These groups, characterized by their use of social media connections among members, engage in illegal activities such as fraud, robbery, and drug trafficking. Meanwhile, Tokyo's Metropolitan Police Department is reorganizing its structure to bring together investigative teams from across the country to combat these crimes. This coordinated effort aims to enhance national security and effectively tackle the growing threat posed by tokuryū groups.

Drop Duchy breaks new ground by blending Tetris with rogue-like and deck-builder elements, creating a unique challenge where you strategically place blocks to build resources while managing enemy placements. With a mix of resource management, card-based strategy, and progression mechanics, the game offers an absorbing yet complex experience that keeps players coming back despite its learning curve, appealing even to those who only occasionally play.

The knock-on effects continue for Apple after a blistering ruling from a federal judge earlier this week that ordered the company to stop collecting fees for purchases made outside the App Store. Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers ruled that Apple was using loopholes to circumvent her own ruling against the company from 2021. Companies are wasting no time streamlining payments outside of Apple’s walled garden, and Spotify is the latest to make these changes. With the latest update available in the App Store, version 9.0.40, Spotify has added external links for subscription purchases, allowing it to advertise lower prices and different tiers without giving nearly a third of its revenue generated back to Apple from those subscription sales. These changes also lay the groundwork for content-specific microtransactions, like audiobooks, taking place outside the app.

Sonos and IKEA have ended their eight-year partnership on the Symfonisk speaker line, which offered cost-effective sound solutions at lower prices than direct Sonos purchases. While the duo is winding down its work together, Sonos will continue to support existing Symfonisk products for customers seeking affordable high-quality audio. However, the collaboration's closure coincides with Sonos' recent struggles, including product launches and leadership changes, reflecting broader challenges in the tech industry.

One of the three judges presiding over a negligence trial related to the death of Argentinian football player Diego Maradona has resigned, leaving the case’s future uncertain. On Tuesday, Judge Julieta Makintach announced she would recuse herself after reports emerged that she had participated in a documentary about Maradona’s death and its aftermath. The seven have been charged with negligent homicide following Maradona’s death by cardiac arrest in 2020 at age 60. One coroner already told the court in March that Maradona’s death “was foreseeable” and that the football player likely died in “agony”. Police also indicated that they had seen a camera in the courtroom, allegedly approved by Judge Makintach.

Eight in 10 of those eligible to vote in the conclave were appointed by Pope Francis in the past 12 years. Many had never met each other before heading to Rome over the past week after the pope’s death last Monday. But discreet ad hoc discussions and lobbying in the Vatican’s corridors, dining rooms and magnificent gardens have gathered pace over recent days. In 2013, Jorge Mario Bergoglio was not considered a papabile, but by the end of the conclave he was Pope Francis. Speculation on the outcome of the conclave has already become one of the most popular betting markets this year.

Engadget has uncovered an amazing deal on one of its top picks: ProtonVPN, now available for $86.16 for two years—a 64% discount off its usual price. This sale offers access to ProtonVPN Plus, which covers up to 10 devices simultaneously across 110 countries, perfect for keeping your online activity secure and private with a no-logs policy. Beyond basic security, it also blocks ads, malware, and trackers, ensuring fast performance without sacrificing speed or coverage. Priding itself on its blend of security, usability, and privacy features, ProtonVPN is why it’s our top VPN choice. Don’t miss this chance to enhance your online safety and enjoy a reliable, secure connection for less!

Forty-two people were killed in Nigeria's central rural regions as herders clashed with indigenous farmers over grazing land, reigniting decades of violence that has disrupted life and economy. The conflict, which includes religious tensions due to its ethnic divide (herders are Muslim, farmers are Christian), has led to widespread fear among villagers and economic disruption for Benue, a key grain-producing state. Efforts by the government to regulate grazing have largely failed, and violence persisted during Easter last year, killing 56 people. Calls for an end to violence grow louder as the situation continues to escalate.

### Summary: Arsenal defeated Real Madrid 2-1 in the Champions League quarterfinal, securing a 5-1 aggregate win and advancing to the semifinals for the first time since 2009. VAR played a crucial role in two penalty decisions during the match. Arsenal will now face Paris Saint-Germain in the next round. Real Madrid’s hopes of staging another comeback were dashed, and they failed to reach the last four for the first time since 2020. Coach Carlo Ancelotti acknowledged that he could be replaced but thanked the club regardless. In another quarterfinal match, Inter Milan advanced to face Barcelona in the semifinals after a 4-3 aggregate win over Bayern Munich, despite a nervy 2-2 draw in the second leg.

Tesla's bid to trademark "Robotaxi" was rejected by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office as too generic, with another application still under review. Meanwhile, its "Cybercab" plan is facing challenges from companies leveraging similar "Cyber" trademarks, including one focused on aftermarket Cybertruck accessories. Tesla must provide detailed evidence to counteract these claims, while competing tech firms continue to push ahead.

Japan is cautiously navigating U.S.-led efforts to isolate China due to its vital trade ties with Beijing, while also attempting to finalize tariffs-related deals with the U.S. before a 90-day reprieve expires, according to Japanese officials. The country aims to strike agreements in sectors like automobiles and agriculture ahead of the G7 summit in June but is prioritizing avoiding broader trade tensions with China.

Tim Friede, after being bitten by venomous snakes over 200 times—once even being comatized—he developed immunity that could revolutionize antivenom research. His story, featured in a recent article, highlights his "claim to fame" and curiosity about using his knowledge to create a universal antivenom for broader public use. The article underscores the每年 millions suffer from snake bites, many fatal or life-altering, with high-quality antivenoms currently relying on animal sources, leaving room for innovation. Friede's unique experience offers hope for safer, more effective treatments in the future.

NFL stars could join Olympic teams through flag football, a move that requires careful planning. Eligibility would prioritize skill over fame, with structured training opportunities available without disrupting their professional careers. Coaches specializing in flag football will help players adapt quickly. A clear pathway exists for interested NFL players, but collaboration between USA Football and NFL teams is key to ensure logistical support and cultural fit. Legal frameworks allow this participation as an amateur sport. While feasible, success depends on effective teamwork and addressing challenges like career impacts upfront.

The International Game Developers Association (IGDA) has welcomed three new board members: Tiziano Giardini, Jennifer Estaris, and Pedro Zambon. Each brings unique expertise in game development ecosystems, climate-conscious practices, and sustainable growth across Latin America. The outgoing directors expressed gratitude for their contributions to expanding the organization's global reach and initiatives.

It turns out that decentralized social networks can go down, too. On Thursday evening, the decentralized social network Bluesky experienced a significant outage, leaving users unable to load the app on both the web and mobile devices for roughly an hour. The question many may be asking now is, how did this decentralized social network go down? Despite the platform’s decentralized nature, the majority of Bluesky users today interact with the service via Bluesky’s official app, powered by the AT Protocol. The outage stirred up some of the rivalry between Bluesky and another decentralized social network, Mastodon, which runs on a different social networking protocol called ActivityPub.

Chuck Liddell and his wife Heidi have officially finalized their divorce after nearly four years of separation, following an incident of alleged domestic violence in fall 2021. The couple, who share custody of their two minor children alternating holidays each year, have divided major expenses like school tuition and medical costs. Chuck contributed $700K to an education fund, while Heidi received a one-time $771K spousal support payment. They also split personal property, with Chuck retaining his business and assets, while Heidi obtained her car and companies. The divorce order was approved by the judge earlier this week, allowing Chuck to remarry his new partner, Heidi Rae.

Golden State Warriors pulled off a thrilling upset against the Houston Rockets in Game 1, thanks to Stephen Curry's standout performance with 31 points and Jimmy Butler III adding 25 points. Despite Houston's late rally cutting the deficit to just three points, Curry and Butler held strong, securing a 95-85 victory. The Rockets struggled with poor shooting (39.1%) and 17 turnovers, while the Warriors' defense stepped up in the closing stages. Game 2 promises another intense clash as the series shifts to Houston.

JOGO, founded by creator Typical Gamer (Andre Rebello), has acquired RHQ Creative to bolster its Unreal Engine for Fortnite (UEFN) map library. This move aims to expand JOGO's competitive scene with high-quality training maps designed by Quinn Gannon, a Fortnite pro and community leader. The acquisition integrates JOGO’s infrastructure to enhance content creation and publishing, allowing the studio to focus on professional player development. With this deal, JOGO is capitalizing on UEFN's growing competitive audience, marking a significant step in its evolution as a leading creator and studio within the space.

OpenAI has introduced shopping features into ChatGPT Search, allowing users to search for products and purchase them directly from merchant websites after being redirected from the platform. The new tool offers personalized product recommendations based on user preferences, saved memories, and web-based reviews sourced from various platforms like Google and Reddit. Unlike Google’s algorithm-driven recommendations, ChatGPT aims to understand product reviews and user preferences in a more conversational manner.

The author vividly recalls their harrowing experiences living through two Russian invasions of Ukraine—one in 2014 when Crimea was annexed without resistance and another in 2022 that reached the capital of Kyiv. These events have shaped their understanding of international relations, geopolitical tensions, and the resilience of Ukraine amidst repeated losses. The author’s personal journey reflects the broader struggle for sovereignty and the enduring impact of Russia’s actions on global stability.

Intel has announced a shift in its hybrid work policy, requiring employees to return to the office four days a week after previously allowing two days of remote work. CEO Lip-Bu Tan cited the need for enhanced collaboration and productivity as reasons for the change, noting that local leadership will tailor on-site experiences based on feedback while maintaining a culture of engagement. This move aligns with broader trends in tech companies like Amazon, Salesforce, and Apple, which are increasingly prioritizing in-office work to boost team dynamics but face mixed evidence on its impact on productivity and employee satisfaction.

Pete Davidson and his girlfriend Elsie Hewitt have reportedly taken their relationship to the next level after splitting time between Pete’s home in upstate New York and a recently rented Brooklyn brownstone, with the option to purchase it. Sources suggest the couple is thriving in their new arrangement, showing signs of happiness and deepening affection as they continue to develop their bond. The couple was previously confirmed as dating and has been spotted together on a beach in Miami and at a wedding in Scotland.

Set to launch on August 21 across PC, Switch, PS4, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S, Discounty offers a unique twist on shop management by letting players design their Blomkest town layout while engaging with the local community. As the game's story unfolds, the shop's success can stir up tensions within the tight-knit town, forcing players to balance profits with community well-being. Crinkle Cut Games teases a mysterious dark theme that promises surprises as players uncover the game's secrets this summer. Don’t miss it if you’re checking out Summer Game Fest highlights on Wholesome Direct.

Tesla saw a 14.2% drop in its stock as Elon Musk and Donald Trump’s intense feud reached public stage, with Trump threatening to cut government subsidies benefiting Tesla while Musk pledged to cancel key contracts and accuse Trump of political corruption. This fracas dropped Tesla's value by $152 billion, significantly impacting both the company and Elon Musk's net worth. The spat underscores the growing tension between two powerful figures, which now hangs over Tesla's plans for a self-driving robotaxi in Austin, reliant on government approval for its commercial viability.

Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s prime minister, has said a new “intensified” offensive in Gaza will involve Israeli troops holding on to seized territory and significant displacement of the population. “Gaza is, and must remain, an integral part of a future Palestinian state.”A spokesperson for the British Foreign Office said: “The UK does not support an expansion of Israel’s military operations in Gaza. Much of the 2.3 million population can no longer find enough to eat and the humanitarian system is close to collapse, aid officials in the territory have said. Israel’s retaliatory military offensive has killed at least 52,535 people in Gaza, the majority of them civilians, according to the health ministry there. Israeli strikes across Gaza continued overnight and during Monday, killing at least 32 people in the territory, according to hospital staff.

The UK's political landscape is shifting as smaller parties like Reform UK gain traction, challenging the traditional two-party system. Positioned against voter disillusionment with mainstream politics, Reform UK has momentum following a successful MP election victory, led by influential figure Nigel Farage. As an advocate for significant political reform, Farage's criticisms of major parties and targeted voter groups highlight a push for meaningful change beyond incremental reforms.

Europe’s climate tech startups saw a $2.3bn funding dip in Q1 2025, marking the lowest since Q3 2020. The slowdown stems from a mix of market maturity, investor focus shifts toward AI, regulatory challenges, and strategic repositioning by firms to align with rising defense tech spending and Europe’s push for tech sovereignty. Despite this decline, experts predict that_disciplined founders and VCs will prevail_, suggesting potential upside in the coming year as some deals may go unannounced. This follows a decade of growth, with 2023 reaching unprecedented highs but still not matching US levels due to broader funding challenges.

Donald Trump will deliver his first speech at the University of Alabama as part of a special event marking the 100 days into his second term, despite expected protests from local supporters. Organized by Saban before graduation, the event is supported by notable figures but criticized by groups like the NAACP and College Democrats for concerns about his policies affecting students. The NAACP advocates for students to skip the speech in favor of focusing on inclusivity. Trump's Alabama visit comes after a rally in Michigan, with plans for future travels including Florida and a commencement speech at West Point.

Jean-Pierre "Monsieur" Ridgers, the famous French photographer, was forever captured as a photobomber at Cannes Film Festival in 1989. However, decades later he still hasn't found any images from that fateful year where he knocked out people trying to get his photo. The photographer, who once stopped attending the festival due to updated privacy laws requiring consent for public photos, is now considering a relaunch but with a twist: "I might try and find something else to do, some different angle." He remains determined to capture group shots wherever possible.

In 2025, QR-based digital business cards are thriving despite the decline of physical ones, with Blinq, a startup founded in 2017 as a hobby project, emerging as a standout leader with over 2.5 million users across individuals and companies in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., and Australia. The company secured $25 million in Series A funding, joined by investors like Touring Capital, Blackbird Ventures, and Square Peg Capital, while expanding its team to more than 67 employees globally. Unlike competitors such as Mobilo or Wix, Blinq emphasizes relationship-building, offering versatile engagement tools that set it apart as a trusted partner for market expansion beyond digital cards.

The Skullcandy Method 360 ANC offers an affordable way to enjoy high-quality sound, striking a balance between budget-friendly earbuds and premium features. With its over-the-ear design, noise-canceling ANC, and compatible with various codecs, it provides good sound quality at $130, making it a viable alternative to more expensive brands like Bose. However, users may find the bulky charging case less practical and the ANC effectiveness limited for high-pitched sounds during music. Despite these drawbacks, it's an excellent choice for bass-focused listeners seeking value without breaking the bank.

Kavya Krishna’s photo project captures the vibrant culture and unique experiences of Indian American communities across the U.S., exploring their balance between tradition, assimilation, and belonging. Spending three months traveling, she shares intimate moments from festivals, sports, and everyday life, offering a multifaceted view of this diverse group. Her work highlights themes of trust, generosity, and shared identity, showing how deeply rooted their sense of community is in the fabric of American society. As she continues her journey, she remains committed to deepening her connections with this ever-evolving population.

The company has released the NQ780 PCIe 4.0 SSD and the Professional NM1090 PRO PCIe 5.0 SSD, both aimed at gamers, content creators, and anyone who demands fast storage. The NM1090 PRO stands out as the flagship option, pushing PCIe Gen 5 storage to impressive new heights. Both the NM1090 PRO and NQ780 offer solid durability specs too, including shock resistance up to 1500G and vibration resistance rated across all three axes. Longevity shouldn’t be much of a concern either, with endurance ratings up to 2800 terabytes written for the 4TB NM1090 PRO and 2400TBW for the 4TB NQ780. The NM1090 PRO (buy here) begins at $179.99 for 1TB, while the 2TB model is listed at $269.99.

"The countdown to summer is on, and Hollywood’s got a full-body workout going—actors, singers, influencers all packing on the ripped abs! From Jared Leto to Sam Asghari, these stars are crushing it at the gym. Can you guess who’s the stud with the sherd abs? His transformation might just be worth the trip to his slice night!"

Post Malone's ex-fiancée, Hee Sung Park, filed for custody of their 2-year-old daughter, DDP, seeking primary physical custody and visitation rights. She claims the child has been living with her since November 2024. Meanwhile, Malone is seen spending time with his new girlfriend, Christy Lee, following their split. Post has also filed custody documents in Utah but hasn't responded to the legal papers yet.

Brendan Carr, Federal Communications Commission Chairman, celebrated an FCC court loss after a ruling struck down Biden-era diversity reporting requirements he opposed during the Democrats' era. The FCC's mandate, which mandated broadcasters post race and gender data on employees, was upheld by a conservative-leaning US Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit. The court found the FCC lacked authority to compel broadcasters to disclose such information under its public interest jurisdiction, despite claims it would aid in analyzing employment trends.

AlphaEvolve, Google DeepMind's AI project, has demonstrated that machines can outperform human expertise by creating entirely new algorithms through coding skills, algorithm testing, and evolutionary design. By enhancing the Strassen algorithm—a method used for over 56 years—this system has developed more efficient matrix calculation methods and innovative solutions in datacenter scheduling, computer chip design, and optimizing large language models like Gemini. These advancements suggest AI's potential to revolutionize various fields by consistently generating novel ideas beyond its training data, marking a significant leap forward in AI capabilities.

Not content with justShowtime's red carpet dominance, "Succession" star Jeremy Strong stepped out in bold男装 designer looks at Cannes. The 46-year-old actor, Oscar-nominated for his role in *The Apprentice*, showed off monochromatic ensembles like a pastel green tuxedo and a peach corduroy shirt, while most men stick to safer black-and-white attire at this high-fashion event. His stylish choices reflect his passion for bright, bold outfits.

YouTube is introducing a new two-person Premium subscription option, testing it in India, France, Taiwan, and Hong Kong as part of a pilot program. This plan allows two users to share a subscription at ₹219/month, alongside the existing individual ($140/month) and family ($299/month) options. The initiative reflects YouTube's effort to cater to growing demand for flexible Premium services after previously rolling out Premium Lite in select markets, which offers ad-free viewing without ad-supported music videos or offline downloads.

OpenAI has expanded its AI-powered research tools by adding a free Deep Research feature for ChatGPT users, along with a lighter version called o4-mini Deep Research that offers cost-efficiency without compromising quality. Existing Plus, Pro, Team, Edu, and Enterprise subscribers now enjoy increased query limits, while new users can access up to five monthly inquiries through the lightweight tool. The enhanced Deep Research capabilities allow for comprehensive data analysis across multiple sources, producing detailed reports with citations.

Russell Westbrook made a splash in Game 1 as the Nuggets secured a thrilling 112-110 victory over the Clippers in overtime, with his clutch 3-pointer at the final buzzer marking his playoff debut inside the last 30 seconds. The Nuggets, trailing by 15 early, fought back heroically thanks to Nikola Jokic's impressive triple-double and Aaron Gordon's 25-point performance, while the Clippers' 20 turnovers handed Westbrook an opportunity he rarely gets against L.A.

Game 3 was as thrilling as it was close, with the Minnesota Timberwolves securing a hard-fought victory over the Los Angeles Lakers thanks to stellar performances from Jaden McDaniels (30 points) and Anthony Edwards (29 points), alongside Julius Randle's 22-point contribution. Despite Luka Doncic's struggles on both ends of the floor, the Wolves advanced with resilience, while the Lakers relied on star power but faltered defensively under pressure.

Amazon Prime Video's "The Summer I Turned Pretty" is returning for its triumphant third and final season, set to premiere on July 16. Starring Lola Tung as Belly Conklin in a heart-pounding love triangle with her twin brothers, the show will feature 11 episodes and reunite key actors from previous seasons. The series, co-produced by Amazon Studios and Wiip, has been praised for its gripping storytelling and emotional depth. Adapted from Jenny Han's popular book trilogy, it follows the same dynamic and has drawn widespread acclaim for its ensemble cast and chemistry on screen.

"The Challenge" has officially been renewed for Season 41, marking its 40th anniversary. Returning are fan-favorite veterans Aneesa Ferreira, Leroy Garrett, and CT Tamburello, with details about the cast and theme to be revealed later. The upcoming season will revisit iconic moments from the show's history, divided into four eras representing different time periods in its development: from its early days to the present. Creator Julie Pizzi hinted at exciting plans for the franchise, emphasizing the team's commitment to engaging audiences and exploring new creative directions.