Latest Summaries

Ireland’s public broadcaster has asked the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) for a discussion about Israel’s inclusion in the Eurovision song contest, as 72 former contestants called for the Israeli broadcaster Kan to be banned from next week’s event in the Swiss city of Basel. By asking for a discussion over Israel’s inclusion in Eurovision, Bakhurst said, he was mindful “of the need to maintain RTÉ’s objectivity in covering the war in Gaza”, as well as “severe political pressure” on Israel’s public service broadcaster Kan from the Israeli government. The EBU has previously said none of its members had publicly opposed Kan’s participation in Eurovision. A spokesperson said in a subsequent statement: “We understand the concerns and deeply held views around the current conflict in the Middle East. “We all aspire to keep the Eurovision song contest positive and inclusive and aspire to show the world as it could be, rather than how it necessarily is.”

A U.S. missile strike on a migrant detention center in Saada killed at least 68 African migrants and injured dozens more, according to photos and video from a Reuters journalist. This is not the first time civilian casualties have been reported following U.S.-led strikes in Yemen since 2024. Despite efforts to target Houthi military infrastructure, the U.S. has faced criticism for increasing civilian casualties, with some Democratic lawmakers calling for an explanation. Meanwhile, the broader conflict in Yemen continues to disrupt migration routes along the Red Sea, raising concerns about human rights violations and humanitarian aid access.

Opposition leader Peter Dutton initially refused to state whether climate change impacts were worsening, drawing criticism from scientists, environmentalists, and politicians who questioned his commitment to climate action. When pressed, Dutton acknowledged believing in climate change but avoided commenting on whether it exacerbates severe weather events. The prime minister, Anthony Albanese, and leading environmental groups criticized Dutton's stance, with some offering to brief him on climate science. The CSIRO report highlighted increased pace of Australian weather changes due to human-caused climate change. Dutton's party, the Coalition, is committed to net zero by 2050 but faces internal divisions over climate policies and nuclear power proposals.

The NBA is debuting on Peacock this fall, promising an exciting and inclusive streaming experience with features like Instant Game Access, live updates, and a cutting-edge stats system called Performance View. Additionally, viewers can compare their fantasy scores in real-time using the ScoreCard feature. The deal also includes exclusive live streams of key NBA games starting in 2025-26, enhancing the fan experience beyond traditional broadcasts.

Shira Perlmutter, head of the US Copyright Office, was reportedly fired after her report criticized the government’s use of copyrighted material for AI training beyond legal boundaries, sparking controversy. Meanwhile, President Trump also terminated Carla Hayden, the Library of Congress Librarian of Congress, amid concerns over DEI initiatives and inappropriate materials in libraries, leading to widespread criticism.

A Pacers fan who faced backlash from Knicks supporters after a game got an unexpected kindness boost from Tyrese Haliburton, who promised to take him and another person to an upcoming playoff game. Haliburton appeared on "The Pat McAfee Show" to personally thank Hans Perez for his support following the fan's victimization, acknowledging the fans' behavior during the game and offering assistance despite initial hesitation from the fan. Haliburton emphasized support for the fan's dedication and expressed a desire to ensure their well-being in the series.

India and Pakistan face heightened tensions over Kashmir, with intelligence suggesting India may soon strike Pakistan within days, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been driving high-level security meetings to prepare for potential conflict. Since the 2021 Pahalgam attack, relations have deteriorated further, with mutual accusations of threats and escalating diplomatic tensions. Historically, both nations have used military operations to assert their Kashmiri claims, but analysts note this could mark a new phase in their long-standing rivalry.

Scientists have made a groundbreaking advance in studying Alzheimer’s disease by using living human brain tissue. A British team exposed healthy brain tissue from NHS patients to toxic amyloid beta proteins, collected from individuals who died of Alzheimer’s, and observed the damage in real-time. This method allows for direct observation of disease progression, offering a valuable tool to test new treatments and understand how amyloid-beta disrupts brain function with minimal changes needed for proper operation. The research is supported by significant backing from charities and foundations, highlighting its potential impact on finding effective cures.

As French workers stage yet another public show of discontent about President Emmanuel Macron’s raising of the state pension age from 62 to 64, the International Monetary Fund has urged governments to encourage fit, older workers to delay retirement. Instead, it argued, governments could encourage workers to delay their retirement, cut early retirement benefits, and increase pension ages to rebalance the increasingly precarious ratio of workers and retirees. “Why should we work to [70], put more in for people who don’t work?” asked Susan, a factory worker from Hull. “Governments want [baby boomers] to stay in work, but companies discriminate against older workers,” she said. Retiring at 64, the legal retirement age in France, is in my view ludicrous and selfish.

Cupra, a Spanish car brand under Volkswagen, invited *Ars* to test its vehicles in Miami ahead of its planned U.S. launch. Though it shares some similarities with luxury brands like Polestar, Cupra positions itself as an affordable option blending style and performance for younger buyers. Despite facing challenges like tariffs and Europe's declining auto market, the brand has grown steadily—selling nearly 250,000 cars last year. Cupra aims to enter the U.S. market by 2030, cautiously waiting out current trade barriers before making its debut.

Mexico faces severe gun violence fueled by unregulated trade of firearms from U.S. gun makers to drug cartels in Mexico, but the Supreme Court ruled against Mexico’s attempt to hold these companies liable under federal law that shields them from lawsuits caused by third-party misuse of firearms.

Spacetop AR has transformed its original standalone augmented reality concept into an innovative software solution designed for Intel-powered Windows PCs like Surface Pro and Dell XPS. Available with glasses priced at $899 (including a year of software), it reimagines the original idea by providing a large AR interface on compatible devices, targeting early adopters who already own these machines. However, this niche product comes with bulky hardware that requires prescription lenses and offers 6DoF tracking, making it ideal only for those already invested in the targeted hardware.

President Trump has rolled back several key cybersecurity policies established by previous administrations, including measures allowing agencies to accept digital identity documents for public benefits, which critics say could facilitate illegal immigration. He also rescinded Biden’s AI guidelines for energy infrastructure and increased federal support for quantum-resistant encryption while relaxing rules on AI use in cybersecurity. These actions signal a broader strategy to shift away from restrictive security measures toward more genuine investments in technology and cybersecurity.

The Lenovo ThinkStation P3 Tiny offers a compact yet high-performance workstation designed for enterprise professionals, blending power with portability. Available starting at $860, it scales up to nearly $2,000 when upgraded, making it an affordable choice for those prioritizing raw computing power in a small form factor. The device supports six external monitors, catering to creative work environments, and includes Linux support via pre-installed Ubuntu, ideal for users beyond Windows dependence. Its portability and customization options make it a standout option for professionals seeking flexibility without the bulk of traditional PCs.

A group of pensioners nicknamed the “grandpa robbers” will go on trial in Paris next week, charged with stealing jewellery worth millions of euros from the US TV reality star Kim Kardashian when she attended Paris fashion week in 2016. Kardashian, 44, a billionaire celebrity influencer and business owner, later told the TV interviewer David Letterman she had feared she would be raped and murdered during the heist. Kardashian later told a Forbes Power Women’s Summit the thieves had followed her movements on social media. Kardashian, who is now a criminal justice advocate in the US, will travel to give evidence at the Paris trial, which runs from 28 April to 23 May. Kardashian told police that the man spoke in “a very strong French accent” in English, telling her to hand over her diamond engagement ring.

Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum has defended the country’s unprecedented judicial elections after just 13% of Mexicans turned out to vote, a record low in a federal election. Roughly 2,600 posts, from local magistrates to supreme court justices, were up for grabs on Sunday, as an entire judicial system was put to the vote for the first time in the world. But the concept was challenged by critics who said it would bulldoze the separation of powers and could flood the judicial system with candidates who were underqualified and aligned with political interests. Given the sheer number of positions and candidates involved, critics had warned that a low turnout was likely. The new judges will take their seats in a transformed judicial system in September.

Ford has issued a nationwide recall of nearly 274,000 SUVs, including the Expedition and Navigator models, due to potential front brake line defects that could lead to loss of braking function. The defect involves parts becoming in contact with an air cleaner outlet pipe, causing leaks or complete brake failure. Dealer inspection and replacements are planned as a fix, with owners notified via mail by mid-May. Drivers should check their vehicle's status on NHTSA’s website or Ford’s recall page for updates. The recall affects models from 2022 to 2024, with only 1% of affected vehicles estimated to have the issue.

Basketball players' performance isn't just about skill—it's also deeply tied to their personal rituals. From hand cream to chalk, these habits are more than mere hygiene; they enhance focus, confidence, and presence on the court. Each player's unique ritual reflects dedication and personality, contributing to their success. The trend toward using specific, personalized products highlights individualism and tradition in sports culture, underscoring how these rituals play a crucial role in effective performance.

But this isn't how the series has played out as it shifts back to Houston with the Rockets on the brink of elimination. The evaluation of the initial playoff experience for the Rockets' rising young stars will be an important element of those internal discussions. A blockbuster trade would require the Rockets to give up some of that young talent, although Houston has made it known to other front offices that Thompson is considered untouchable. Jalen Green was the Houston Rockets' leading scorer this season. Those are the assets that would allow the Rockets to engage in any superstar trade discussions this summer -- if that's a path the team opts to take.

OpenAI has taken a significant step forward in enhancing ChatGPT's capabilities by introducing "Memory with Search," which allows the AI to draw on past conversation details, such as favorite foods or preferences, to refine web searches. This feature, part of OpenAI's ongoing efforts to set ChatGPT apart from competitors like Anthropic’s Claude and Google’s Gemini, ensures that search queries are more personalized and effective based on historical interactions. Users can opt out of this enhancement by disabling memory settings, and it appears some accounts have already started using the updated feature for improved search results.

Elanga looked offside to the naked eye but these days officials are told to wait. Few things about the modern game are more frustrating than watching play continue even when the offside is clear and obvious. View image in fullscreen The moment the ball is played, with Anthony Elanga (left) clearly offside. Photograph: BBC SportThere is a feeling within the game that this application of the offside law has contributed to the rise in hamstring injuries in the Premier League. Awoniyi’s injury is a reminder of the sport’s ability to ruin even the best-laid plans.

With uncertain prices in the U.S., I’ve decided to upgrade my gaming setup now ahead of Memorial Day sales. Focusing on a new office chair, desk, and bookcase, I’m exploring deals at Wayfair and IGN’s recommendations for top brands like the Secretlab Titan Evo. While considering whether to invest in an office or gaming chair, my current chair is nearing its end, making any upgrade worthwhile, even if it means splurging on comfort.

The Dell 14 Plus combines sleek design and durability with a powerful processor, delivering vibrant Dolby Vision display quality in an affordable package. Its aluminum chassis ensures reliable build quality and up to 11 hours of battery life for everyday productivity. At $1,099, it offers high performance without breaking the bank—perfect for those seeking top tech at a great value.

"Barcelona bounced back from a two-goal deficit with a thrilling comeback against Inter Milan in their Champions League semifinal, thanks to Lamine Yamal's pivotal goal and saves. The young forward equalized twice before Inter scored a late winner off an own goal, forcing the match into extra time. Yamal's performances highlighted Barcelona's potential as they prepared for European progress."

Ted O’Brien, the Fairfax MP, called on the Liberal Party to expand its inclusivity by recruiting more women and younger people, aiming to better reflect modern Australia. He avoided committing to whether the party’s nuclear policy plans would remain if the Liberals aren’t re-elected in 2028. Meanwhile, the Coalition faces a shakeout with Labor achieving gender parity and the Coalition expected to lose many seats. Sussan Ley is considering measures like quotas or a policy reset but hasn’t yet decided on formal changes.

Artem Shmyrev and his wife Irina were elite spies in Russia, conducting high-stakes operations under fake identities for their careers. Despite the prestige of their work, personal frustrations emerged as revealed by texts from 2021, highlighting the challenges of their secretive roles.

The Israeli military has struck across Gaza, claiming at least 59 deaths as it evicts residents from critical areas like Beit Hanoon and Sheikh Zeid. Rescue teams reported heavy losses in northern neighborhoods, with many victims suffering severe injuries or loss of limbs due to steroid use. The military Targets vital locations to recover captives, while humanitarian aid continues to struggle amid blockades, exacerbating the already dire situation in the besieged enclave.

Sir David Attenborough nearly drowned when he donned faulty diving gear at the start of his career in 1957, a shocking incident that led to a legendary anecdote involving his superior director admitting the mistake during testing. The veteran broadcaster later revealed how this near-disaster inspired his groundbreaking documentary, *Ocean*, which aims to highlight the devastating impact of environmental destruction on marine life and urge global action before irreversible harm.

The National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) faces an uncertain future as President Trump's executive order threatens to remove exhibits deemed "improper," raising concerns about erasing uncomfortable truths in American history. The museum, a vital institution showcasing artifacts like shackles and memorabilia from figures such as Harriet Tubman and Emmett Till, is under scrutiny for its unflinching portrayal of slavery and race relations. Frank Bolden, a docent who lived through the civil-rights era, embodies the museum's mission to connect visitors to real historical struggles—a role that feels more crucial than ever in safeguarding our nation's complex past.

Debbie Ijaduola, a London DJ and producer, mixes 2000s dancefloor fillers like Basement Jaxx’s "Oh My Gosh" with modern elements such as dubstep bass and trap lyricism on her decks. Her debut EP, Jellyfish, features tracks that blend dark, heavy grooves with joyful samples, creating a mix of intense energy and melodic charm.

Paris Saint-Germain faces a crucial second leg in their UEFA Champions League semifinal against Arsenal on Wednesday evening at Parc des Princes, with the French giants heading into this clash as favorites after their hard-fought 1-0 win in the first leg. Despite Arsenal's historic attempt to reach a final for the second time, they face an uphill battle on home soil, with manager Mikel Arteta emphasizing the need for a special performance. Both teams have rich histories in European football, and the stakes are high as the winner progresses to the final against either Manchester City or Chelsea later this year at Allianz Arena.

The Crunchyroll Store is offering a 30% discount on all Viz Media books, including popular manga volumes, deluxe editions, and art books. This sale provides an excellent opportunity for fans to purchase their favorite series, especially before it ends tonight. The store also highlights discounted deals on iconic anime adaptations like Dragon Ball and One Piece, as well as recommends notable art books by Junji Ito and Studio Ghibli.

Roku is enhancing its Roku TV lineup with features designed to improve content discovery and user experience, including a theater search option, curated short-form entertainment on TV screens, personalized highlights, and a vibrant "Roku City" simulation. The company also introduced updated hardware, such as power-efficient streaming sticks that connect directly to TVs without cables, redesigned devices, voice remote controls, and security cameras with remote viewing capabilities. Premium Roku Pro models now feature custom calibration for exceptional picture quality, while all Roku-made TVs will offer Bluetooth Headphone Mode for seamless audio experiences.

An outdated Meta AI model, Llama 2, was reportedly used by the U.S. government to review a memo titled "Fork in the Road," which appeared to copy a similar message sent by Elon Musk to Twitter employees, influencing federal workers' decisions on returning to work amid the pandemic. Initially tested and utilized without authorization, this misuse led to public backlash, prompting Meta to revoke its ban on military applications and open its AI models for U.S. government use, including national security projects, in a recent policy reversal.

Charlie Sheen attended a low-key family dinner with his father Martin, older brothers Emilio, Ramon, and Renee Esteves, as well as one of his sons, amid ongoing tension with his daughter Sami. Sami, who recently expressed a desire to avoid spending time with her dad, was out at Coachella while Charlie kept things private during the event. --- This summary captures the main points succinctly and engagingly.

A surprise Ukrainian drone strike overnight halted flights at 13 major Russian airports ahead of a historic Moscow parade marking the 80th anniversary of World War II's end, as Kyiv repeatedly demonstrated its ability to target deep into Russian territory. Air defenses swiftly responded, shutting down the airports for parts of Tuesday, though flights resumed by morning. This marks the latest in Ukraine's recent practice of using long-range drones to throw Russian air defenses off their toes ahead of planned attacks.

Nicole Byrne, a concerned mother of two preschoolers, has been tirelessly tracking air quality in her Pasadena home near the Altadena wildfire, where she knows direct exposure to toxic pollutants is possible but not from her location. As part of an innovative study led by top universities, including Harvard and UCLA researchers, Byrne is providing crucial data for real-time health monitoring in Los Angeles, despite the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' decision to halt soil sampling after the fires.

Amazon has dropped the price on its iRobot Roomba robot vacuum and mop combo to $149 for a massive 46% savings, making it the best deal in iRobot’s lineup and one of the most affordable options even compared to pricier high-end models. This entry-level model comes with a powerful 4-stage cleaning system, smart navigation for efficient mopping, and robust battery life that lasts up to 120 minutes on a single charge, all while being simple to set up and use with Alexa or Google Assistant controls.

A rare image captured on Mars shows the Curiosity rover mid-drive, offering a glimpse into its ongoing journey across the Red Planet. The image, taken by NASA’s HiRISE camera, reveals the rover as a tiny dark blot on its track, traveling at just 0.1 mph. This is the first time the rover has been spotted in such a candid state during orbit, and NASA engineers are closely monitoring its progress toward its planned slope climb to a rocky target in Gediz Vallis, a move that hints at plans for an upcoming mission.

ZDNET curates recommendations through extensive research involving product testing, comparisons across various sources including vendor and retailer listings, and analysis of customer reviews. While affiliate commissions from these recommendations help fund the platform, they do not sway editorial decisions. The goal remains to provide unbiased, accurate content focused on helping readers make informed tech purchasing decisions.

The intense Premier League clash between Leicester City and Southampton was suddenly halted after only 11 minutes due to referee David Webb's injury during a collision with forward Jordan Ayew, who scored Leicester's second goal later that match. Despite the delay, the game was restarted smoothly with fourth official Sam Barrott taking over, ensuring the match could proceed uninterrupted.

Candida auris, a yeast resistant to antifungal drugs, claims over 3.8 million lives annually from fungal infections, up by nearly 50% in the past decade. Its spread demands urgent attention for diagnosis and treatment, especially in low-income regions where delayed diagnoses lead to inappropriate treatments. Agricultural use of similar fungicides worsens resistance, highlighting the need for global cooperation like India's antibiotic ban and the US EPA's guidelines. Investments in safer fungal treatments remain crucial to combat this growing threat.

India and Pakistan have agreed to an immediate ceasefire brokered by US President Donald Trump, but concerns over renewed cross-border shelling in Kashmir amid celebrations mark the fragile nature of the agreement. The US mediator declared the truce on Saturday afternoon, following days of skepticism from Vice President Kamala Harris about the country's role in the conflict. However, as the day progressed, violations persisted, with both sides accusing each other of new attacks, including missile strikes and drone barrages. While many hope this marks a turning point, the violence along the Line of Control remains unresolved, complicating efforts to achieve lasting peace.

Mexico has sued Google for altering the Gulf of Mexico’s name on U.S.-based maps to “Gulf of America,” citing concerns over Trump’s policy changes and a potential lawsuit. Meanwhile, Republican lawmakers in the U.S. House passed legislation to implement this renaming but face slim chances of passage due to lack of Democratic support. In response, Mexico hinted at an alternative name, humorously suggesting “Mexican America.”

As fears of human rights abuses grow amid Trump's immigration crackdown, mass deportations have led to widespread detentions in mega-prisons, with El Salvador serving as a prime example. With Trump increasingly aligning with authoritarian President Nayib Bukele, whose administration has been criticized for eroding due process and human rights standards, experts on the phone warn that such deportations could worsen conditions further. The conversation explores whether these actions might escalate into even more concerning scenarios.

Court-baiting is a potent strategy because it puts judges in a lose-lose position: Either strike down a popular policy and face public backlash, or allow the policy and erode legal limits on executive power. Faced with a highly popular but questionably legal policy, Turkey’s Constitutional Court chose to go against public opinion. Of the 233 lawsuits filed against the Trump administration so far, almost one in four—53 legal challenges in total—concern immigration and citizenship. Other members of Trump’s administration have similarly invoked security concerns to justify defying court orders on immigration. Ultimately, however, constitutionalism means that society must accept an unpopular policy that respects constitutional limits over a popular policy that violates them.

An AI startup has raised $5.3 million to help people "cheat" on everything—from exams to interviews using sophisticated algorithms. In an era where AI tools are increasingly advanced, this approach highlights the growing tension between innovation and academic integrity. Columbia University recently suspended student Roy Lee after he revealed his project, which has since evolved into a startup called Cluelu, sparking online buzz as it navigates public backlash for exploiting AI to cheat.

The SwitchBot K10+ Robot Vacuum is priced at $400 and combines a handheld vacuum with mopping capabilities, designed for small spaces like apartments. While it effectively cleans in its intended environment with adequate suction power, it lacks features such as reusability of parts and higher suction power compared to more expensive models. The robot uses LiDAR navigation and has an intuitive design, making it ideal for compact spaces but not suitable for larger areas due to its compact size and inability to reuse the wet wipe plate without a water tank.

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.

In the Final Destination movies, death is everywhere. Your experience is unique to you.”View image in fullscreen Threat matrix … Kaitlyn Santa Juana in Final Destination: Bloodlines. Photograph: Eric MilnerIn the latest film, Final Destination: Bloodlines, the formula sees a slight shake-up. View image in fullscreen ‘People don’t realise how challenging the tone is in these movies’ … the first Final Destination, from 2000. “He’s just so clever.”View image in fullscreen Surprisingly moving … Tony Todd in Final Destination: Bloodlines.