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Concise news summaries
Bono captivated audiences with a heartfelt, intimate solo acoustic performance at New York’s Beacon Theatre, eschewing his usual rock band lineup for an opportunity to reflect on his life journey. Sharing anecdotes from *Surrender*, his autobiography, he revisited his heart scare, musical rise, and post-Live Aid charity efforts, alongside reflections on his faith and relationships with his mother, Iris, and father, Bob Hewson—whose death from cancer left a profound emotional impact. The performance, delivered with humility and vulnerability, showcased Bono’s ability to humanize himself even as he acknowledged his immense success and influence in the music world.
"Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin have announced a strategic partnership in steel production, signaling their commitment to boosting cooperation with a new level of intensity while countering U.S.-led influence. As part of their pledge, they aim to deepen relations across multiple fronts, including military ties, to decisively counter the 'dual containment' strategy employed by Washington. Together, China and Russia have emerged as a key force in shaping a new world order that challenges U.S. dominance."
A new type of “extreme” mould is sweeping through Denmark’s museums, threatening some of the nation’s most important paintings and cultural objects, conservators have warned. Described as an “epidemic for Golden Age paintings”, the highly resistant mould covers objects in a white coating and has been detected in 12 of the country’s museums, including the National Museum of Denmark and Skagens Museum. View image in fullscreen The white mould has grown on a wooden box with ornate carvings held at the Museum Romu in Roskilde. “If you have a museum collection that can give health hazards to people then you can’t use it,” she said. The National Museum is in the process of moving 116,000 shelf metres of cultural objects into a new staffed warehouse near Copenhagen which it is hoped will help fight the mould problem.
A team of researchers discovered that the Mongolian Arc, part of China's Medieval Wall System, was primarily a shallow ditch rather than a thick stone wall. This suggests it was used to control border movements and manage regions rather than defend against invaders. The findings hint that past dynasties emphasized civilian infrastructure for both power symbols and trade purposes.
Parents in Russia are grappling with increasing pressures from patriotic education in schools amid the war in Ukraine. Educators are working to combat misinformation aimed at instilling support for the conflict through initiatives like music lessons on Russian military songs and discussions that present Russia as a victim while positioning the West as an enemy, raising concerns about the system's hostility to them.
History shapes strategy in warfare, with "ghosts" from past events influencing decisions today. Britain leveraged Churchill’s legacy in Ukraine during WW II, Estonia referenced Soalic for guidance, and Finland recalled the Winter War. However, Poland’s betrayal limited its leadership, while Sweden transitioned from nonalignment to NATO participation. Despite these historical influences, progress remains hopeful for Ukraine and European unity.
The 13-inch MacBook Air M4 is discounted significantly during a Memorial Day sale, dropping from its usual price by over $100 on Amazon with additional coupons for three colors, bringing the base model down to $850 or even lower at Starlight. Engadget praised it as a "nearly flawless ultraportable" with impressive performance and battery life, making it an ideal choice despite limited stock availability this week. --- This concise summary captures the essential details of the MacBook Air deal, highlighting the discount information, available models, and the laptop's positive attributes based on Engadget's review.
Anthony Edwards scored 30 points as the Minnesota Timberwolves overwhelmed the Oklahoma City Thunder 143-101 to tighten their NBA playoff series. “I was super happy about the physicality and energy we brought,” Edwards said on Saturday. That’s what the next challenge is.”The Thunder, who won the first two games at home, face Game 4 on Monday at Minneapolis and Game 5 on Wednesday at Oklahoma City. We’ve got to start coming out with a sense of urgency.”The Timberwolves set a club record for points in a playoff game and led by as much as 129-84 late in the fourth quarter. “Our intensity, from the first minute of the game, we set a tone,” Minnesota’s Rudy Gobert said.
China has emerged as the world's largest debt collector for developing nations, reversing its recent lending decline amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The shift threatens to undermine poverty reduction efforts and destabilize economies by forcing countries to service massive debts rather than invest in development. As more than a quarter of external debt in poorer regions is owed to China, its neighbors and key resource-dependent countries face increased financial strain, complicating their ability to borrow or develop sustainably. This move underscores the growing challenges posed by global debt dynamics, including U.S. tariffs and shifting aid support from Western powers.
"Scientific leaders face a critical opportunity for collaboration as they prepare to contribute to the next National Climate Assessment, resuming after a halt under the Trump administration. The American Geophysical Union and American Meteorological Society have agreed to share their work in their journals if authors opt-in, emphasizing the importance of scientific expertise in addressing climate challenges. The 2028 assessment aims to evaluate current impacts and adaptation measures, following five previous efforts since 2000. This renewed effort underscores the ongoing need for global scientific cooperation on climate issues."
A Trump-appointed federal judge in Texas ruled that President Trump's use of the Alien Enemies Act (AEA) to detain and deport Venezuelan immigrants from South Texas was unlawful. The judge concluded that invoking the AEA for this purpose exceeds its scope, which defines "invasion" as a military incursion by an organized, armed force. The case involves three Venezuelan plaintiffs detained in El Valle Detention Center under a Trump proclamation accusing Tren de Aragua of threatening an invasion. The ruling marks the first time such authority has been blocked in Texas's Southern District, with potential implications for similar cases and legal challenges to Trump's administration actions.
NordVPN has终于 introduced a graphical interface for its Linux users after long-term use of the command-line interface. This update simplifies navigation, allowing users to easily access connection options, settings, and themes like light or dark mode. While competitors such as Surfshark and ExpressVPN had already provided GUIs, NordVPN's addition aligns it with other platforms, enhancing user experience without compromising security. The new interface supports features like Dedicated IP and Threat Protection, now accessible in a clean, modern layout, though advanced tools remain CLI-only. This move makes the service more approachable for Linux users who prefer an easier connection process.
Anime-inspired video games are inching closer to rivaling anime culture as they merge creativity and nostalgia. This episode of *Waypoint Wishlist* celebrates standout titles like *Steins;Gate*, *Musashi: Samurai Legend*, *Chrono Trigger*, and the overlooked *Afro Samurai*. Discussions highlight the desire for high-quality remakes, reimaginations, or restorations to bring these beloved works into a new generation. From anime adaptations to classic series revivals, this wishlist episode honors the best in anime-inspired gaming.
Catholics in Berlin are growing increasingly concerned about artificial intelligence’s impact on their children, education, and global communication. Teachers at St. Matthias Schöneberg Church’s school have started using AI to detect cheating, while interpreters fear their jobs may soon be automated away. In a surprising move, the new pope has explicitly highlighted AI as a significant threat to human dignity, justice, and labor, showing that he is actively addressing these concerns in his early days as leader.
Non-human identities (NHIs) -- such as service accounts, tokens, API keys, and workloads -- are exploding in volume, now outnumbering humans 50 to one, but they remain under-observed, under-protected, and dangerously over-privileged. New data from identity security platform Silverfort shows 40 percent of cloud NHIs do not have an owner. In addition 56 percent of organizations say they unknowingly sync their service accounts to their SaaS directory. 46 percent of service accounts are still using the now-deprecated NTLM protocol to authenticate making them easy targets. The evidence is clear: NHIs are everywhere, they have elevated access, and they're largely invisible to traditional security controls.
Third-party tools are an option, but in most cases, you can uninstall Mac apps easily yourself. How to uninstall apps from LaunchpadLaunchpad provides a simple way to remove apps that were downloaded from the App Store. How to uninstall apps by moving them to TrashFor apps downloaded from the internet or installed from a disk, you can uninstall them manually through Finder. How to uninstall apps using TerminalFor users comfortable with command-line tools, Terminal offers another way to remove apps. How to uninstall system apps and default appsMacOS does not allow users to remove core system apps like Safari, Messages or Mail through standard methods.
Google is enhancing its Google Home app by expanding Gemini integration and adding new AI-driven automation capabilities, making it easier to manage smart home devices. The update also provides improved support for third-party devices via the Home API, alongside a new Android widget that keeps users informed about their home's status using AI.
Google Assistant will no longer work on Fitbit watches in the coming weeks, according to messages seen by users. This follows Google's announcement to merge all Fitbit accounts into Google accounts by February 2026. Since acquiring Fitbit in January 2021 and releasing its own Pixel Watch in October 2022, Google has been integrating Fitbit technology while potentially phasing out the brand. Users who prefer Fitbit's simplicity may want to purchase one soon, as the future of the brand appears uncertain.
Wes Anderson surprised Cannes audiences with *The Phoenician Scheme*, a whimsical tale that earned a record-breaking standing ovation and left Mia Threapleton, known for her emotional depth, teary-eyed. The filmmaker, behind films like *Moonrise Kingdom* and *The French Dispatch*, ensured his cast stayed away from Paris’s city limits with a luxurious sanctuary hotel. Produced by American Empirical Pictures and distributed by Focus Features after its successes with Anderson, the film will begin in theaters on May 30 before a wider release on June 6.
Pete Songi made an unconventional trip to the U.S., visiting Rachel Reeves for her unique work on a cartoon. This visit highlighted his admiration for Reeves' artistry and dedication, offering a rare glimpse into their creative relationship through a heartfelt exchange that celebrated both their talent and the magic of their collaboration.
The 2025 NFL Draft is here! Watch the event starting April 25-26 on ESPN, ESPN 2, ABC, and NFL Network. For live streaming options, Sling TV offers a $33 Orange + Blue package with over 45 channels including all four networks. Fubo provides comprehensive coverage for $82.99/month, including analysis networks like NFL Red Zone. Hulu + Live TV is another great choice at $82.99/month, offering Disney+ and ESPN+. For those without cable, DirecTV’s MySports Package at $69.99/month lets you access exclusive sports content. NFL+ offers a monthly subscription for $6.99 with 24/7 coverage of all NFL events. Don’t miss the draft highlights on these platforms!
"Tonight’s sports betting night at Fanatics Sportsbook could have been a disaster waiting to happen—but it looks like someone might’ve played dirty in the fiber optic game. A major outage has halted deposits, withdrawals, and new bets after what sounds more like a sabotage than an accident. Though the company is working to fix it, no one knows how or when it will be back online, leaving bettors locked out with questions still unanswered."
A ground-breaking symposium in Melbourne highlighted how Victoria’s already progressive abortion laws still face significant hurdles. Despite 17% of GPs offering medical abortions, many women are forced to travel long distances or face high costs—rising to $1,000 or more for some procedures. Structural barriers like unresponsive hospitals and conscientious objection laws slow access further, while affordability remains a critical barrier for low-income callers. The event emphasized the need for systemic change, including national funding and centralized data collection, inspired by models from the UK and Ireland.
The 2025 Eurovision Song Contest is nearly upon us, with jury votes beginning to roll in as fans eagerly anticipate theresults. This year features entries from Austria, Sweden, Ireland, Ukraine, Israel, Georgia, Spain, San Marino, and Italy, among others. Notably, France’s Louane will perform a powerful Adele-style ballad dedicated to her late mother, while Ukraine’s Jerry Heil, Israel’s Eden Golan, and Georgia’s Nutsa Buzaladze return with their recent performances. The contest promises an unforgettable evening of music and surprises.
Fans grieve the loss of a major character whose absence haunts them long after *The Last of Us Part 2* ends, while Bella Ramsey eagerly prepares to portray her beloved character as Ellie, describing it as both challenging yet fulfilling. The show has garnered critical acclaim, with fans praising Barry Bostwick and Anna salam’s dynamic performance and the gripping narrative they bring to life. With five years since *The Last of Us Part 1* ended, fans are cautiously optimistic about how characters will evolve in upcoming seasons, especially without their beloved main character.
Tunisia, once a symbol of democracy, has slipped into an authoritarian grip under President Kais Saied, whose regime is marked by harsh trials and brutal sentences for critics. Independent observers are now banned, trapping opposition figures in arbitrary conditions behind bars. Meanwhile, the EU's aid deals have enabled this repression but face growing criticism from international bodies as calls for accountability fall silent. The nation remains a violator of fundamental rights, with its democratic decline deepening under Saied's rule.
"Juventus is in talks with Weston McKennie to extend his contract before it expires at the end of 2025-26. The American midfielder has been key for Juve this season, making 40 appearances and scoring five goals, but his involvement in the Club World Cup may prevent him from participating in the Concacaf Gold Cup with the USMNT. McKennie's career began with Schalke 04 after moving to Germany following a spell at MLS' FC Dallas. He joined Juventus permanently in August 2020 and has since overcome an unhappy loan spell at Leeds United, making 60 appearances for the U.S. national team."
The 14-in-2 USB-C docking station for MacBook on sale at Amazon for $19 unlocks a world of possibilities by allowing you to use your laptop alongside multiple monitors, a mechanical keyboard, speakers, and other peripherals all in one place. Its versatility with HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C, and multiple USB-A ports ensures compatibility with a wide range of devices, making it ideal for upgrading home workspaces without the need for a separate desk setup.
Scott Peterson’s exoneration by the Los Angeles Innocence Project has sparked new hope, as his wife Laci Peterson was found not guilty despite serving 15 years. The project claims new evidence overturns his conviction, with discrepancies in the timeline of Laci’s death and potential leads from a burglary at her home. Peterson maintains his innocence, stating he did not kill his wife or unborn child, while the Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office has yet to comment on the development.
In an unexpected twist, former U.S. Rep. Barbara Lee, once seen as the clear favorite in Oakland’s special mayoral election, now faces a tight race against Loren Taylor, who has narrowed her lead by capitalizing on voter disillusionment. The contest, triggered by the recall of Mayor Sheng Thao amid crises in crime, homelessness, and finances, has become a showdown between Lee’s decades of political experience and Taylor’s promise of fresh leadership and pragmatic solutions. With ranked-choice votes still being tallied, both candidates are banking on their unique strengths to navigate Oakland’s challenges.
The royal family's strategy of avoiding complaining or explaining much has served them well, preserving their image but hindering deep human connections. Prince Harry's interview showcased excessive self-justification and emotion, leading to overwhelming emotional overload without substantial explanations about his issues. King Charles' approach was more insincere yet less so than Harry's. Meghan, however, exemplified a communication strategy that created an unavoidable paradox with her initial vagueness. The article suggests that effective early communication could have mitigated later extensive explanations by the royal family.
Daniel Graham and Adam Carruthers, two Cumbrians, were found guilty of damaging an ancient 100-year-old Sycamore Gap tree on Hadrian’s Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Their "mindless" act turned the historical landmark into a viral photo subject while causing significant damage to both the tree and the wall. The men claimed they were simply acting out due to their expertise and determination, which the prosecuting attorney highlighted as "entertaining." They denied all charges, with messages exchanged suggesting approval of their actions, though exoneration is yet to come.
Smartphones, once trusted companions, now often feel like parasitic relationships, with apps prioritizing creators' interests over users'. Evolutionary biologist Rachael Brown and philosopher Rob Brooks argue this shift—from mutualism to parasitism—is intentional, driven by tech companies exploiting user behavior for profit. To reverse this cycle, they call for stricter regulations on app features and data collection to foster a healthier dynamic between users and technology.
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Profits nearly doubled and turnover reached record levels at Secuoya Content Group last year, with EBITDA rising 85% to €59.1M and adjusted EBITDA jumping 51%. The company, which doubled its staff to 2,000, became a benchmark in content creation across production, post-production, and distribution. CEO Raúl Berdonés highlighted their strategic focus on intellectual property, diversification, tax incentives, creative freedom, and international expansion as key drivers of success. Secuoya also recently secured a deal with The Castaways and BlackBox Multimedia to produce high-profile titles like *Los 39* and *Shades*.
Meta has expanded its Instagram Threads app globally to attract 320 million monthly users, allowing all advertisers worldwide to place ads on the platform. This move follows successful testing in the U.S. and Japan, with new campaigns now defaulting to Threads for advertisers unless opting out through Manual Placements. The app leverages Instagram's network effects and integrates with ActivityPub to connect with a broader decentralized web while maintaining control over moderation settings. Meta aims to position Threads as a key advertiser platform and prepare for potential antitrust challenges in the competitive social media landscape.
Nomura Holdings' joint venture in China faced challenges due to slowing growth and trade tensions, but managed to narrow its net loss by 30% last year—its second consecutive year of improvement. Despite this progress, the company still grapples with ongoing financial losses since forming the venture in late 2019, with credit impairment costs surging higher than a year ago. The joint venture continues to struggle, with Nomura Ownership holding a majority stake and facing uncertainties ahead as it seeks to turn things around.
Shaun Maguire, a prominent venture capitalist, claims he personally facilitated Israel’s rapid access to Starlink satellite internet after Hamas attacked Gaza in October 2023. The move occurred hours after the attack but wasn’t publicly acknowledged until months later by Israel, Elon Musk, and SpaceX. Aviv Eyal, Maguire’s colleague and a VC, first brought up the topic during an Israeli program's webinar. Israel allowed SpaceX to use Starlink without prior contractual agreements with the U.S., despite previous requirements, positioning it as a significant partnership.
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Chanel West Coast's TV show, "West Coast Hustle," has been canceled after just one season due to poor ratings. Despite production sources indicating it won't return for a second season, the exact reason is unknown. The finale had only 88K households tuning in, and episode seven had the highest P2+ viewers at 116K, both of which are unusually low. Additionally, the show underperformed with the 18-49 age group, a key demographic for advertisers. Meanwhile, Chanel remains focused on her booming music career and has yet to air "Ridiculousness."
The crown prince of Japan attended a memorial service for Pope Francis in Tokyo, where he reportedly placed carnations at the site of the late pope's body after attending a modest but heartfelt event that included a portrait display and flowers from the emperor. The prince had previously expressed condolences via telegram to the Vatican, and this visit marked his first time attending a papal memorial since 2019 when he met with Francis in Tokyo. --- This summary captures the main points succinctly while engaging the reader.
Donald Trump announced plans to revive Columbus Day, calling it a "major comeback" after its decline under the Biden administration alongside Indigenous Peoples' Day. He criticized Democrats for destroying the holiday's legacy, accusing them of tearing down statues and promoting anti-Columbus sentiment labeled 'WOKE.' Trump emphasized reinstating Columbus Day with its traditional rules and locations, noting that many statues of past figures like Columbus have been removed or replaced.
Jon Voight says he and President Donald Trump are working together to save Hollywood ... 'cause the way things are going, he thinks the whole thing could go down the drain -- just like Detroit, Michigan. He adds, "We can’t let it go down the drain like Detroit ... this shouldn’t be political. I don’t know the political identities of the people we’ve talked to. We’ve talked to a lot of people here. Voight says Trump will back a good plan ... 'cause he just wants Hollywood to go back to its Golden Age.
Japan and South Korea are bracing for the economic impact of U.S. tariffs under President Trump's "America First" policy, as their allies seek to avoid escalating trade tensions with China. Both countries have expressed cautious optimism about direct negotiations but remain wary of involving China unless absolutely necessary, due to concerns over potential retaliation and geopolitical strategy.
Joaquin Phoenix, the star known for playing The Joker in movies, had his $60,000 Volvo SUV stolen from his L.A.-area home Monday after he wasn't at the property that afternoon. An employee reportedly noticed the vehicle missing and contacted LAPD, but no arrests have been made as the investigation continues. This comes amid a quiet period for Phoenix, who has kept a low profile this year despite his ongoing role in "Joker: Folie à Deux" alongside Lady Gaga.
Despite Jennifer Kaytin Robinson's efforts, Sarah Michelle Gellar cannot be brought back for the reboot of *I Know What You Did Last Summer*. Robinson tried to fit Gellar into the new film but had to admit that Helen Shivers is no longer with them. While Gellar won’t be starring, Jennifer Love Hewitt and Freddie Prinze Jr. will return along with a mix of newcomers. Sarah Michelle Gellar confirmed she won't be in the film but has an unofficial role as continuity, ensuring characters align with the story. 'I Know What You Did Last Summer' hits theaters on July 18.
Joan Didion’s raw, unfiltered letters to her husband during his illness—collected in *Notes to John*—contrast sharply with her polished memoirs like *The Year of Magical Thinking*. The essay argues that while the letters are emotionally charged, they lack the artistic precision found in her novels, raising questions about where art ends and personal expression begins. It also explores how Didion’s public persona as a detached writer clashes with the vulnerable self revealed in these intimate notes, ultimately questioning whether the letters deepen our understanding of her or simply reinforce her myth.
A.J. Brown announced a heartfelt proposal to his girlfriend Kelsey Riley during the Philadelphia Eagles' Super Bowl LIX victory over the Kansas City Chiefs in February, with John Legend serenading them live on camera. The romantic gesture featured the musician playing "Pride On Fire," and Brown shared a photo of the couple alongside his colleagues, including DeVonta Smith, Jahan Dotson, and Nakobe Dean. This moment marked both a professional triumph for the Eagles and a significant personal milestone for Brown.
While video game adaptations have their share of highs and lows, many fall short of expectations, with some even failing to capture the essence of their source material—examples include "Super Mario Bros.", "Double Dragon", and "Mortal Kombat: Annihilation". However, there's a shift in Hollywood's approach, moving away from prioritizing cheap thrills over meaningful storytelling. Yet, despite this evolution, some adaptations still fall below expectations, illustrating both the potential and pitfalls of translating games to film.