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"Press & Hold is a method used by websites and services to confirm that users are human rather than bots. By requiring this action, platforms enhance security, ensuring only genuine users can access their services, thus preventing unauthorized access and spam accounts."
Timothée Chalamet has sparked rumors about reprising his role as Bob Dylan in an upcoming performance at Glastonbury 2025. The actor, who became famous for playing Dylan in *A Complete Unknown*, hinted at performing a secret set with the Not Completely Unknown tribute group on June 28. The show would take place on the Acoustic Stage, which holds just a few thousand people—a stark contrast to the larger Pyramid Stage. Chalamet, who won an Oscar and multiple awards for his portrayal of Dylan, expressed interest in portraying the legendary musician again and even suggested making a series of films about Dylan's life, each 10 years apart, highlighting different phases of his career.
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.
Newark Liberty International Airport faced another air traffic control blackout on Friday morning, causing significant flight disruptions and passenger delays as communication failures led to cancellations. The issue was traced back to a radar malfunction at Philadelphia's TRACON area, similar to a previous incident last month that also disrupted travel. The FAA confirmed the problem, while the U.S. transportation secretary announced plans to modernize outdated systems within four years. Passengers expressed frustration over staffing shortages and outdated infrastructure, with ground operations temporarily halted as the airport grappled with ongoing operational challenges.
Terrence Howard, the actor best known for *Empire*, recently opened up about why he turned down a role playing Marvin Gaye in a biopic. In an interview with Bill Maher on "Club Random," he explained that he was uncomfortable imagining kissing another man on camera, a sentiment he doubled down on by stating he would cut his lips off if it happened. Despite his rejection, Howard reaffirmed his belief that he’s not homophobic and emphasized respect for LGBTQ+ characters in media.
Keir Starmer’s radical reforms aim to recover £9.7bn in welfare overpayments by potentially seizing funds from non-eligible individuals, with direct deductions from bank accounts and licence cancellations as part of the plan. However, significant opposition within Labour has emerged, particularly amid amendments that shift focus to detecting fraud rather than addressing financial errors. Critics warn that this could lead to excessive surveillance and wrongful accusations against vulnerable people. Meanwhile, Liz Kendall has criticized these measures, highlighting concerns over privacy breaches and the potential risks posed by widespread fraud scams targeting the public.
Tuna, a strikingly unique-looking dog with a hyperbolic overbite and tongue sticking out aggressively, has amassed 1.9 million Instagram followers for his charm and cuteness. Beyond Tuna, other dogfluencers like Loki, Jiff Pomeranian, Doug the pug, and Maya the samoyed are also capturing massive followings, each with their own quirky styles that make them recognizable and endearing. These dogs' ability to evoke moments of joy and wellbeing in viewers underscores the impact of cuteness on social media engagement, potentially even contributing to increased spending tied to pet influencers.
David Steiner, a former CEO of FedEx, will lead the U.S. Postal Service as its new postmaster general, despite challenges including strained partnerships with its main competitor and growing pressure from President Trump to restructure USPS for potential privatization or merger. The appointment comes amid concerns about political interference and a possible shift toward corporate control over postal services, which could undermine the agency's independence established decades ago. Unions and labor groups express opposition, particularly noting Steiner's ties to FedEx and his potential influence by Trump's administration.
Kazuo Ishiguro's author-director Kei Ishikawa felt compelled to bring his poignant novel "A Pale View of Hills" to the screen before those who experienced postwar Japan and 1980s England were gone, fearing their stories would fade. The movie, set in these significant eras, is competing at the Cannes Film Festival, where its screening marks a special occasion as it journeys through 78 years of cinematic history.
New South Wales police face criticism for strip-searching women during music festivals despite admitting the practice was unlawful. The court heard that in 2018, a search on Raya Meredith, who later became a lead plaintiff in a class action against NSW police, was deemed unlawful and unjustified. Police have admitted to conducting potentially unlawful strip searches on thousands of people between 2016 and 2022, including children, raising serious questions about their actions. The case has been shortened as part of these investigations.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent emphasized at a closed-door investor event that de-escalation is imperative as the current tariffs cannot be sustained. He characterized the situation as a trade embargo, highlighting its intense nature. While he expressed optimism about cooling tensions in the near term, he cautioned that larger agreements could take longer to negotiate.
Anthropic has expanded its AI chatbot Claude's capabilities by adding web search functionality and starting beta tests for voice interactions on mobile. The web feature allows Claude to access current information, improving accuracy across all conversations. Meanwhile, the voice mode beta lets users engage in natural conversations with Claude, complete with dictation tools. Users can now assign five voice options, while full transcripts and summaries are provided post-conversation.
Sumo’s ancient ranking system, known as the banzuke, features a scroll-like structure created by referees using intricate calligraphy. Yet how exactly these referees determine rankings remains a mystery to outsiders. While the overall outline of the banzuke can be roughly guessed, some promotions and demotions still catch people off guard.
Liam O’Hanna of Kneecap, a member of an Irish rap band known for its pro-Palestinian sentiments, has been charged with terrorism in the UK after performing a flag of Hezbollah during a London concert. The band, supported by political and satirical lyrics, has faced smear campaigns due to their criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza. Kneecap denies supporting groups linked to terrorism and claims the charge is based on context manipulation. Their performances have been canceled in the UK as authorities investigate.
The Australian Animal Protection Teams (OPVs) face systemic challenges that undermine animal welfare: conflicts between their welfare oversight and meat exports, disenfranchised staff with no recourse, lack of accountability, impractical restraints during inspections, potential export restrictions, and stress on farmers. These issues highlight the need for reform to ensure a clear separation of interests and robust accountability, ultimately benefiting both animals and farmers in Australia.
The humanitarian crisis in Northeast Cameroon is dire, with ongoing conflicts displacing thousands; despite hosting hundreds of thousands of refugees and internally displaced individuals, the region receives minimal international support, leading to underfunding and neglected crises. Food insecurity and overcrowded classrooms are exacerbated by the lack of adequate assistance; calls for increased aid and reforms grow louder as donor countries cut overseas development budgets, with France and the UK among those significantly reducing their contributions. The report underscores the urgent need for a shift in global aid priorities to effectively address displacement.
Needle time in relationships can be valid but often requires open communication. A woman shared her struggle with a boyfriend needing space after living in a small home, which hurt her feelings despite their infrequent interactions. Reddit responders advised balancing alone time as crucial for everyone's mental health, though some dismissed it as "clingy." Creating this space involves compromise and understanding both partners' needs, even if it means taking time apart from your partner.
The "Apple Tax" has long troubled app developers, who argue that Apple forces consumers to buy apps through its App Store, depriving them of their 30% profit cut. In a landmark ruling in 2021, a federal judge delayed the tax but it was short-lived, and Apple now Compliance has been upheld, ending the tax. ProtonPrivacy, one of the first developers affected, will let users purchase subscriptions without the fee. CEO Andy Yen sees this as a way to slash prices by up to 30%, similar to cutting inflation overnight. While some are skeptical about price drops for companies, Proton Privacy’s move could make a significant difference for affordable options.
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.
EA and Disney announced Star Wars Zero Company, set for release in 2026. The game follows Hawks, a Republic officer, as he commands an elite squad through a gripping story set during the Clone Wars. Players can customize Hawks’ appearance and class, recruit diverse team members from original Star Wars characters, and forge bonds to unlock powerful combat synergies. Available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.
Reddit is suing Anthropic for allegedly using users' deleted posts in its AI models without proper consent or compensation, amid claims the company failed to respect Reddit's privacy terms and scraping rules. While other major AI rivals like OpenAI licensed data under Reddit's terms, Anthropic reportedly ignored them, instead focusing on earning profits through opaque deals while violating Reddit's policies. The complaint alleges that Anthropic prioritizes profit over user trust and privacy, effectively stripping users of their control over their own content.
The United States has experienced its worst honeybee population crash in decades, with 62% of commercial colonies dying. Blake Shook, CEO of Desert Creek Beekeeping, faces a crisis as beekeepers across the country struggle to replace pollinating bees due to funding cuts from the Trump administration and delayed USDA responses. The agency's labs are understaffed and unable to provide timely results, leaving beekeepers in limbo. Without answers or financial aid, many will lose their bees this summer. The situation highlights the vulnerability of America's food supply and the resilience of small-scale beekeeping businesses facing economic hardship.
Trump surprised markets by hinting at a new trade deal after imposing steep tariffs last month, which caused a sell-off. He suggested the agreement would likely be a framework rather than a detailed pact, with details to come later. His administration has been actively negotiating with various countries, including pausing tariffs on some goods in China due to ongoing trade tensions. Economists warn that tariffs could lead to shortages and price hikes, while Trump has taken aggressive steps like rolling out tariffs on autos, steel, aluminum, and more, signaling a tough stance on global trade issues.
The team's elimination in the Champions League quarterfinals to Arsenal, 5-1 on aggregate, has unleashed a predictable storm of recrimination, soul-searching and mud-slinging in the Spanish capital. It makes you wonder: how good, or how bad, are this Real Madrid team, really? And is minor or major surgery required to make them Champions League contenders again? "Compared to last year, we've lacked a bit of collective attitude," Ancelotti said last week, after Madrid's Champions League title defence came to an end. Against Arsenal, in the first leg in London, Madrid's players covered 101.2 kilometres (62.8 miles), compared to Arsenal's 113.9km.
Warren Moon surprised Cam Ward at his Titans press conference by wearing his retired No. 1 jersey, an honor that resonated deeply with both him and Ward. The Hall of Famer, known for his 33,685 passing yards and 196 touchdowns, had worn the number during his Oilers days before it was retired in 2006. Moon praised Ward's decision to wear the jersey as a way to honor Oilers legend while also aiming to leave an impact at the Titans. Ward, now a young star with potential to duplicate and extend his impressive college records, expressed inspiration from Moon's legacy and mutual roots in Houston and the Dallas area.
In a leap forward for 3D technology, Looking Glass has unveiled a groundbreaking 27-inch holographic display that brings immersive experiences to groups without headsets or glasses, powered by an iPad for portability and affordability. This innovative device, with its 5K resolution and 16 inches of virtual depth, offers seamless multi-user interaction, perfect for industries like retail and entertainment. Priced at $8,000 pre-order (available until April 30) with shipments starting in June 2025, it's set to revolutionize how we engage with complex spatial concepts, making 3D more accessible than ever.
Brother Yuan, once a cue enthusiast in Beijing, now marvels at Zhao Xintong's triumphant return to snooker after nearly two years. The 57-year-old, known for his passion, recently watched Zhao clinch China’s first snooker world title, sparking a nation-wide celebration that has brought new life to the sport across the country. With its vibrant support from fans and a resurgence in popularity due to the historic victory, snooker is experiencing a revival in China, with businesses like KO Snooker Bar experiencing record footfall as people cheer for their former champion.
The video game industry faces a dual challenge and opportunity as it embraces the vast diversity of its global player community, particularly those with disabilities. This includes not only tapping into a large audience but also investing in accessible designs that cater to players with mobility, cognitive, or sensory challenges. The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) is spearheading efforts through its Accessibility in Gaming Lunch panel at GamesBeat Summit 2025, where experts will discuss innovative strategies like customizable controls and adaptive hardware to enhance inclusivity in gaming experiences.
The foreign ministers of Germany, France, and the UK have criticized Israel’s blockade on Gaza, urging an immediate resumption of humanitarian aid as Palestinian civilians face severe threats from starvation, disease, and potential death due to lack of supplies. They also condemned recent attacks on civilian infrastructure and called for an end to political interference in humanitarian aid, while the UN has warned this is the worst humanitarian situation since August 2014.
The Madleen, a ship attempting to aid Gaza, brings to mind the tragic memories of a 2010 Israeli raid on the Mavi Marmara, which left ten lives lost. Now, the same mission is being undertaken again, highlighting the enduring risks involved. Jamal Elshayyal, who witnessed the original attack, reflects on how those harrowing events continue to shape perspectives on modern maritime diplomacy.
Darth Vader temporarily used profanity in Fortnite after an AI malfunction during a voice interaction with player streamer Loserfruit; the AI's Vader responded with vulgar language before corrected by the character. The AI, based on James Earl Jones' iconic voice, was deployed for a Star Wars-themed feature in the game, but the mishap caught social media attention as players and fans speculated about future AI updates. Epic Games swiftly rolled out a hotfix to fix the issue, acknowledging the error and promising preventions moving forward.
A Cambodian soldier was killed at the shared border with Thailand after violence flared in May, prompting both countries to reinforce their military presence. Thai and Cambodian forces agreed to return to their previous border positions but differ on how to resolve disputes: Thailand doesn’t recognize the International Court of Justice’s jurisdiction while Cambodia has called for its involvement. Historically, the border dispute dates back a century, with tensions arising from French colonial claims in 1907 and recent violence resulting in at least one death.
Pep Guardiola addresses Manchester City fans' frustration over ticket prices as four supporter groups call on him to help protect their atmosphere at Etihad Stadium before Friday's match against Wolves. The groups, including 1894 and Solid Citizens, highlight concerns about rising season ticket prices and the availability of new tickets while pointing to matchday pricing and resale websites as factors driving their protesting efforts. Guardiola reassured his support for the fans' cause, acknowledging the importance of their backing in securing Champions League qualification against Wolves.
FC Dallas delivered a remarkable comeback victory over Inter Miami, securing their first win of the MLS season with Pedro Martins scoring the game-winner and playing a key role in an equalizer as Dallas edged out 4-3. Despite falling behind early, the match showcased resilience for Javier Mascherano's team, who struggled without stars like Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets after a loss to Vancouver. Pedro's decisive strike proved pivotal, while Inter Miami's valiant effort against MLS giants Vancouver ended with their first loss in five games, sending shockwaves through their locker room.
Beyoncé’s first Cowboy Carter concert at SoFi Stadium turned into a full-scale WWE-like brawl after her performance ended unexpectedly due to heated fan reactions in the VIP lounge, with bodies flying and cowboy hats flying off heads as the argument escalated. Fans dressed as cowboys waited until nearly the end of her 3-hour set before breaking loose into the fight.
Photograph: Jessica Hromas/The GuardianOn Rednote, BiliBili and Weibo, the dessert has been nicknamed “old baby cake”. “Old baby” describes the woman who introduced China’s netizens to the cake – an English teacher and Otello regular named Margie. Li says that on Chinese social media, “old baby” is “kind of like saying someone is ‘young at heart’ but with a cute twist”. While Margie and Li’s dynamic is certainly an element of old baby cake’s appeal, Adam is also part of the package. Eventually, he realised meeting demand for old baby cakes would come at the expense of serving his regular customers.
Next week, 135 cardinals will gather in Vatican City to elect a successor to Pope Francis, sparking speculation about who could replace him. Meanwhile, Taiwan’s Catholic leaders are divided on whether to send their former leader, Lai Ching-te, to the conclave or instead attend the funeral of the late pope. Taiwan has been quick to show support for Lai as the new pontiff, but China sees it as a potential provocation and is using its influence to prevent Taiwan from participating in international events like the conclave.
Editor’s Note: About 15 years ago, celebrated documentarian Louis Theroux headed to the occupied West Bank territory for a tell-all documentary. This week, he returns for the BBC‘s Louis Theroux: The Settlers, which launches in a few days’ time. Watch on DeadlineI’d made a documentary in the West Bank once before, in 2010. They regard Israeli settlers as the tip of the spear of what they frame as a global war against Islam. And so there is renewed relevance to understanding what is happening in the West Bank.
"Ne Zha 2" reclaimed the top spot at China's box office for the weekend of April 18–20, earning RMB 28.9 million ($4 million) and pushing its cumulative gross to $2.116 billion. This animated film continues to dominate 2025's box office charts in China. "We Girls," directed by Feng Xiaogang, dropped to second place but remained a strong performer with $3.8 million in its third weekend, telling the story of women bonding through adversity in prison. The total weekend box office reached $20.2 million, slightly lower than the previous week, yet 2025's year-to-date gross stands at $3.51 billion, a 39% increase over last year.
Hundreds of Harvard students have protested against President Trump's controversial decision to eliminate nearly all federal funding for the university. Meanwhile, the administration has suspended processing of international student visas, as it tightens its scrutiny of foreign applicants through expanded social media background checks.
The Indian-Pakistani ceasefire deal announced after mediation by the United States has faced violations as both nations continue to engage in hostilities. Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri reported that India's armed forces are responding to ceasefire violations, while Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif criticized India for spreading false information and harming his country. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer praised the mediation role of the UK and David Lammy during the talks. Despite the agreement, Pakistan denied any violation, celebrating as their nation. Scuffles near Kashmir and Jammu highlight ongoing tensions with projectiles flying over both sides.
President Trump has softened his tariffs on foreign cars and parts, giving automakers a reprieve as they face steep costs from higher tariffs on steel and aluminum. His plan aims to ease the financial burden on US manufacturers while preserving jobs, ahead of his visit to Michigan later in the week.
Rice prices in Japan have hit a 17-week high since March 2022, with the average price for 5 kilograms rising from ¥4,220 to ¥4,233. Despite efforts by the government to release stockpiled rice through auctions and monthly releases starting in March, distribution has been uneven—only about 29% of the total stock shipped as of Thursday. The upcoming auction on April 23-25 and future monthly releases from May to July aim to address supply issues, but concerns remain that delays in getting rice to stores could prevent price reductions.
OpenAI has launched two cutting-edge AI models, o3 and o4-mini, which are expected to revolutionize fields like software engineering through enhanced visual reasoning, coding capabilities, and safety features. Funded with a $40 billion investment and backed by an open-source initiative for accessibility, these models aim to stay competitive against industry leaders such as Google’s Gemini and Anthropic’s Claude. Their advancements promise transformative impact across various sectors, driving innovation and ensuring responsible AI adoption.
Councils will be encouraged to work with police forces to seize and crush vehicles used by fly-tippers, in the latest phase of a government policy blitz before Thursday’s local elections. Police will be encouraged to help identify vehicles being used with drones and mobile CCTV cameras. To unveil the initiative, Steve Reed, the environment secretary, visited a recycling centre in Wokingham, Berkshire, where a van used in fly-tipping was being crushed. Reed said: “Waste criminals and fly-tippers who blight our towns and villages have gone unpunished for too long. That’s why we support the government’s crackdown on waste criminals, which will ensure we have the right powers to shut rogue operators out of the waste industry.”
Dani Olmo scored a late winner for Barcelona, securing a 1-0 victory over Mallorca and boosting their lead at the top of LaLiga to seven points ahead of Real Madrid after the weekend's match. The Catalan giants had dominated possession, creating 40 shots in total—more than any other team since 2003—but were unable to convert. Barcelona manager Hansi Flick praised his team for their resilience and tactical approach despite the missed opportunities, while confirming that he was happy with a hard-fought 1-0 result against a strong opponent.
Celebrating its 50th anniversary, Monty Python and the Holy Grail remains a beloved comedy masterpiece renowned for its absurdist humor and memorable lines. Inspired by Terry Jones' passion for Arthurian legend, the film became a groundbreaking absurdist work that blended mock history with exaggerated absurdity. Despite mixed reviews upon release, it quickly gained widespread cultural acclaim, emerging as the top-grossing British film in the U.S. that year. Its innovative approach to comedy and creative budget solutions, such as using coconuts to mimic horse sounds, have left an indelible mark on various fields, including entertainment and education.
Yeremiah Chihana Faces $12M Scandal: A veteran politician used his political influence to secure air tickets worth MK24 million for himself and others but failed to pay the balance of nearly MK12 million after initially paying MK15 million. Despite legal fees adding up, he allegedly didn't honor his commitments. Zoe Tours and Travel, a local travel agency, claims they were tricked into believing Chihana would settle the bill upon returning to Malawi, but months later, he dodged payments. The case highlights issues with accountability in politics as Chihana's reputation takes a hit while Zoe Tours seeks justice for lost funds.
The House Republicans' ambitious $1.5 trillion spending cut proposal is met with fierce opposition from Senate Republicans, who are criticizing its scale as "wimpy" and expressing worries about Medicaid co-pays and increased borrowing limits. Meanwhile, House members like Rep. Nick LaLota have proposed modifying a tax break known as SALT, which isn't a top priority for Senate Republicans. The reconciliation process in the Senate could lead to substantial changes or even defeat, highlighting the need for bipartisan cooperation to balance competing interests.