Latest Summaries

The Federal Trade Commission has dropped its challenge against Microsoft's $68.7 billion purchase of Activision Blizzard. The agency had previously tried to block the merger both before and after it closed in October 2023, but its latest appeal was denied by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, as the FTC failed to successfully argue several key points in its case for a preliminary injunction against the deal.

Tim Wilson’s race to reclaim Melbourne’s electoral seat from Zoe Daniel is heating up as the count nears completion, with Wilson leading by fewer than a thousand votes despite 80% of ballots counted. Though thousands of remaining votes, including postal and absentee ones typically favoring the opposition, could shift the outcome in Daniel’s favor, Wilson appears willing to wait for results. Meanwhile, the Liberal seat of Bradfield remains competitive, casting doubt on the party’s momentum under Peter Dutton’s leadership, as a significant 2022 electoral loss looms ahead.

The Broadway musical "Dead Outlaw" is a bold and humorous take on American mythology, focusing on the life and afterlife of Elmer McCurdy, a man who transforms from a troubled American hero into a controversial sideshow attraction. Through his dramatic odyssey, the show explores themes of freedom, choice, and mortality with dark humor and existential undertones, featuring a compelling ensemble cast led by Andrew Durand in the title role. The article highlights how "Dead Outlaw" uses its unique storytelling structure to critique modern American values while celebrating legacy, offering both darkly amusing moments and poignant reflections on life's impermanence.

Memorial Day marks the last chance to score big on deals before prices rise again. Check out these standout offers: - **Sony Headphones**: 50% off, perfect for capturing all your adventures. - **iPad Pro**: Enjoy an 18% discount and a top-tier device with unmatched portability. - **GoPro Max**: Capture unforgettable moments in style with this compact camera set at $299. - **ECOVACS DEEBOT X5 PRO Omni**: Clean your home effortlessly for a fraction of the usual price ($739.99). - **Venssu MTG Deck Box**: Organize your Magic: The Gathering decks with 50% off. These deals are your chance to upgrade without spending more—perfect for Memorial Day shopping!

Russia may resume attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure after a temporary pause, despite hopes for peace expressed by Donald Trump's envoy. Russian officials have played down prospects of a quick agreement and reiterated tough demands, including recognition of annexed territories and Ukrainian neutrality. Critics question the U.S. negotiating strategy and Trump's reluctance to pressure Russia amid civilian casualties. The ceasefire covering energy infrastructure has been criticized for its vagueness and differing views among parties involved. Ukraine rejects Russia's demands as unacceptable.

Discover tools designed to enhance your Windows 11 experience: Winhance and BleachBit for stability and performance improvements, plus Crapfixer at version 1.0, now with online log analysis and an AI-powered feature to remove unwanted context menu entries like "Ask Copilot." These tools help streamline your workflow and eliminate frustrating quirks in Windows 11. Download Crapfixer from GitHub to level up your productivity today!

Ted Sarandos, Netflix's co-CEO, shared confidence at their 2025 World Economy Summit that the streaming giant aims to reach a $1 trillion market cap by 2030, doubling revenue in the process. He highlighted significant growth over the past five years, including tripling profits and market capitalization. While emphasizing Netflix's streaming dominance, Sarandos also hinted at exploring new ventures beyond its platform, such as retail spaces in Philadelphia and Dallas this year.

When the Greens get the blues, the resulting fallout has left the Greens in a delicate spot.

Ainu indigenous remains brought from the University of Edinburgh were returned home to Japan, marking the third such repatriation following prior efforts in Germany and Australia. The donation by Scottish physician Neil Gordon Munro highlighted his deep connection to the Ainu culture and language, with the Japanese government requesting the return for cultural preservation. During a ceremony at the university, local leaders expressed their heartfelt farewell as the remains will be placed at a museum in Hokkaido, symbolizing a long-overdue recognition of their history and emotional closure for the community.

The article describes a woman who experienced severe headaches after a Pilates class, initially treated as a pulled muscle but later discovered to be caused by a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak in her spine. The leak was traced back to her exercise session, marking a rare but growing body of evidence linking physical activity to such medical issues. Though no precise location of the tear was found, she recovered with rest and medication, highlighting the hidden risks even low-impact workouts can pose.

"If you have any memories of Pope Francis that you’d like to share, we’d love to hear them! You can submit your stories, photos, or voice memos through the link below. An editor may reach out to learn more."

The UN has called Israel’s blockade on Gaza an infringement on humanitarian aid, exacerbating dire conditions already strained by war, displacement, and loss of life. While Israel maintains its actions are lawful to pressure Hamas for releasing held Israeli hostages, the UN and aid groups argue it has worsened Palestinian suffering since aid stopped in March, with mass mortality and severe living shortages reported. The UN General Assembly has requested the International Court of Justice assess Israel's compliance with international law on behalf of Palestinian civilians in Gaza, a hearing expected to involve over 40 countries.

President Trump's refusal to comply with a court order regarding the deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia has sparked a constitutional crisis, challenging the separation of powers and raising concerns about the erosion of democratic principles. Legal experts warn that ignoring judicial rulings could set a dangerous precedent, undermining the rule of law and public trust in U.S. governance. This standoff tests whether the executive branch can be held accountable, preserving the balance of power essential to U.S. democracy.

President Trump has announced plans to allow commercial fishing in the Pacific Islands Heritage Marine National Monument, reversing a decade-long protection policy. This reserve, expanded by Obama and initially established by Bush, spans nearly 500,000 square miles west of Hawaii. Additionally, another executive order aims to reduce regulations on U.S. commercial fishing industries, with the Interior Department tasked to review other marine monuments for potential similar changes.

Nintendo is launching "Digital Key Cards" for its Switch 2, allowing players to download games instead of receiving physical copies. While some fear these cards will vanish as Nintendo stops supporting future downloads, Nintendo has historically supported older Virtual Console games for over two decades, suggesting key cards may remain useful longer than expected.

Mk.gee, the Beaches, Wet Leg, and MJ Lenderman will headline Rolling Stone Presents: Gather No Moss, a summer rock & roll tour stopping in Denver, Chicago, Nashville, and New York. The Beaches, with their upcoming album, and Wet Leg, who just released their new music, will showcase their talents alongside their headliners. Fans can purchase presale tickets starting May 15, with general availability the next day for each city's show. This tour marks a significant chapter for Rolling Stone Presents as they celebrate this summer's rock lineup.

Billy Corgan’s beloved Chicago tea shops have faced another car-related incident, marking their second collision in six months. Chloe Mendel Corgan confirmed no injuries were sustained after the latest accident at Madame Zuzu’s, though exterior damage is visible as shown in recent reports. Meanwhile, Corgan expressed gratitude to the community for support and acknowledged the damage to his shop on social media following the incident. This isn’t the first time Billy Corgan’s Tea Shop has faced such an event; six months ago, another car incident injured his mother-in-law at Highland Park Tea Shop.

I recognise myself to be very contrarian, to the point of reacting in this fashion in every situation, regardless of what it is. Eleanor says: It sounds as though there’s a gap between what you want to do and what you do. You can see you’re being contrarian, you want to change that, but that’s not enough to mean things actually change. Can you think of particular people affected by this habit; ways their lives would be better without it? Last, like all habits we want to change or virtues we want to cultivate, it might help to start very concrete and very small.

A U.S. F-18 fighter jet went missing in the Red Sea after failing to stop properly during landing on the Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier, leading to the ejection of two crew members who were recovered by a rescue helicopter; another F-18 incident occurred last week while assisting in Yemen's Houthi fighters' strikes, and the Navy is investigating both incidents without immediate response; such rare events have raised scrutiny of the carrier's safety standards and operational practices.

Beyoncé surprised fans at her Cowboy Carter tour when her youngest daughter, Rumi, made her stage debut alongside Blue Ivy during a performance of "Protector." The mom-daughter duo also appeared together in front of backup dancers for songs like "America Has a Problem," "Deja Vu," and "Texas Hold 'Em," capturing attention as part of Beyoncé's triumphant opening show. The event, marking Netflix's NFL Christmas Gameday, was preceded by their performance at an earlier show in Houston on Christmas Day, where they celebrated with "Texas Hold 'Em."

Nintendo’s latest update to its User Agreement could make enforcement of its anti-piracy policies tougher. By prohibiting users from bypassing, decrypting, modifying, or tampering with Nintendo account services, the company aims to make its Switch devices unworkable if pirated games or mods are found. This follows a recent lawsuit against the popular Yuzu emulator and the shutdown of another emulator, Ryujinx, after Nintendo offered to shut it down. With the Switch 2 on the horizon, Nintendo is taking a tougher stance against piracy as it prepares for its next generation console release.

Natasha Lyonne returns for Season 2 of *Poker Face* on Peacock, reprising roles alongside John Cho from *American Pie* movies as MILF Guy. She also reunites with familiar faces like David Krumholtz and Kevin Corrigan from *Slums of Beverly Hills*, Melanie Lynskey from *But I'm a Cheerleader*, and co-stars from *Orange Is the New Black*. The season features a stellar lineup including Giancarlo Esposito, Cynthia Erivo, Katie Holmes, and more.

Goma dare, a Japanese-style condiment made from sesame seeds, is a game-changer for anyone looking for a flavorful, creamy, sweet, and tangy sauce. This article shares how to reuse leftover tahini in a jar to make this versatile dipping sauce at home—no waste! The recipe also includes optional extras like mayo or miso for added creaminess or complexity. It’s perfect for everything from shabu shabu to cold noodles, making it a crowd-pleasing and sustainable snack or dip.

The Trump administration has decided to cut off federal funding from Harvard University due to claims of anti-Semitism and high foreign student admissions. In a letter to Harvard, Education Secretary Linda McMahon instructed the university to become privately funded, citing concerns about government control and viewpoint diversity. McMahon criticized Harvard for fostering lax academic standards and admitting students who engage negatively with American values, using all caps for emphasis. Harvard, fighting back in court, has pledged to defend its commitment to respect and combat government overreach.

Liz Kendall has announced sweeping changes to the disability benefit assessment process, including removing the work capability assessment and overhauling how personal independence payment (PIP) is processed, sparking criticism from campaigners who argue it will worsen conditions for thousands of vulnerable people. The moves come amid concerns over proposed welfare cuts, with many MPs calling for a pause on the changes and emphasizing the impact on those already struggling. Kendall has emphasized the importance of involving disabled individuals in consultations to ensure fairness and prevent unnecessary hardship.

The U.S. Marine Corps has deployed troops near the U.S.-Mexico border following Trump's push for increased military involvement in Mexico, despite Mexican leader Claudia Sheinbaum rejecting this offer. Sheinbaum emphasized Mexico's sovereignty, stating that U.S. troops can collaborate but cannot occupy Mexican territory. Meanwhile, Trump's administration has intensified efforts against cartels due to drug trafficking and fentanyl issues, shifting from a rule-of-law approach. This stance has strained relations, with Mexicans protesting through social media boycotts of American products, signaling a rise in nationalism.

Mortgage interest rates dropped last week due to financial market volatility, sparking a 20% surge in mortgage applications—the highest since September 2024. The average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage fell to 6.61%, while refinancing applications jumped 35%. Homebuyers also saw purchase demand rise 9%, but higher home prices pushed more toward adjustable-rate mortgages, which hit an 8.6% share of total applications. However, the rally may be brief: rates rebounded sharply this week, with a 25 basis point increase erasing last week's gains and leaving experts eyeing upcoming inflation data for future rate trends.

The family history service Ancestry recently announced that a team helmed by senior genealogist Kyle Betit had determined Leo’s paternal grandfather, John R Prevost, immigrated to the US from north-eastern Sicily. That revelation came as Leo used his first address to world diplomats on Friday to say that migrants’ dignity must be respected. “My own story is that of a citizen, the descendant of immigrants, who in turn chose to emigrate,” Leo told ambassadors at the Vatican. View image in fullscreen Pope Leo XIV arrives to hold an audience with representatives of the media in Paul VI hall at the Vatican on Monday. Louis and Mildred Prevost raised three sons within the Catholic faith in Chicago, the youngest of whom was Robert.

A groundbreaking court ruling has thrown a wrench into Google’s advertising empire, potentially disrupting its multibillion-dollar business model. Judge Leonie Brinkema’s decision to side with plaintiffs challenging Google’s dominance in the ad tech market marks a significant legal milestone. While the company will likely appeal, this loss follows another major antitrust defeat last year, signaling a shift in regulatory focus on Big Tech.

The Cleveland Browns demonstrated a strategic focus on Shedeur Sanders' development during his draft, prioritizing long-term growth over immediate impact. However, missed opportunities included failing to trade up for an immediate quarterback like Dak Prescott and not adequately addressing potential personal issues early in the season. Additionally, limited involvement by owner Jimmy Haslam in draft decisions may have hindered alignment with team goals. While the team's emphasis on building depth is commendable, a more proactive approach during free agency could have bolstered their roster before Sanders arrived.

Nuno Espírito Santo faced backlash after referee Evangelos Marinakis confronted him during a match following a goalless draw with Leicester, despite his medical team not replacing Taiwo Awoniyi due to an injury sustained in the 83rd minute. Gary Neville criticized Marinakis's behavior, calling it "scandalous" and urging Nuno to consider leaving the club as they missed out on European qualification despite their efforts. Nuno defended his actions, explaining the situation during a press conference and promising further transparency about the club's challenges with owner PauliNx, who remains focused on maintaining Nottingham Forest's status in the top league and Champions League.

Hundreds of patients with aortic stenosis (AS) die each year due to long NHS waiting times for the life-saving Tavi procedure, which treats the condition that weakens the heart’s aortic valve. Despite calls from experts like Dr Jon Byrne, who found 8% of AS patients on the waiting list die before treatment, the UK lags far behind other European countries in performing Tavi. The procedure is critical but underutilized, with delays leading to unnecessary deaths and strain on NHS resources. Experts emphasize that earlier treatment could save lives, yet systemic inefficiencies continue to put patients at risk.

The recent attack on a Indian paramilitary presence in Kashmir has thrown India and Pakistan into heightened tensions, with both countries taking retaliatory measures to protect their sovereignty. India has suspended key international treaties like the Indus Waters Treaty while imposing border closures and trade restrictions, whereas Pakistan threatens withdrawal from the 1972 Simla Agreement, risking escalation of conflict by weakening peace channels along the Line of Control. Experts warn that such moves could signal escalating conflict, using past actions as a justification for future strategies.

Until now, you could only delete messages on your device. But with Google Messages' RCS group chats, you can now permanently remove messages for everyone in the conversation, not just yourself— thanks to a feature spotted in a recent beta test by a Reddit user. The change aligns with GSMA's Universal Profile v2.7 and is expected to roll out over time. However, some users haven't seen it yet, and older app versions might still show deleted messages to others.

Hong Kong Post has suspended its goods mail services by sea to the US, and will stop air mail postal service for items containing goods starting April 27 due to what it calls "bullying" US tariffs. The move comes as a response to increased tariffs and the removal of a tariff exemption by the US for postal items from Hong Kong containing goods. Only items with documents without goods will be unaffected.

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.

For $499, the Brane X Bluetooth speaker delivers some serious bass. Its unique internal subwoofer design sets it apart, offering a clean, punchy low end that even made reviewers feel the vibrations of its massive 7.7-pound build. Tests showed impressive clarity and separation between instruments, with volume adjustments delivering exceptional bass output until it became too loud for the tester's office. While pricey, the Brane X is worth every penny if you're a deep bass enthusiast.

Apple's senior vice president Eddy Cue highlighted their strategic interest in integrating AI-driven search tools into Safari, fearing Google's dominance in search markets may shift. He noted a historic first-year decline in Google searches on Safari, attributed to emerging AI engines like ChatGPT, while cautioning against prematurely abandoning the deal with Google. Apple's partnership with OpenAI for AI innovation underscores their proactive approach to staying competitive in an evolving tech landscape, as the company faces increasing antitrust scrutiny and potential shifts in market dominance.

Brussels, Belgium – The recent arrest of a Palestinian activist in Belgium has raised alarm as the organisation he works for describes the incident as “a form of state harassment”. “They were doing anything they could to keep me,” Khatib told Al Jazeera. The Brussels Public Prosecutor’s Office told Al Jazeera: “Mohammed Khatib was arrested as part of an investigation into events that took place in April 2024. De Moor’s successor, Anneleen Van Bossuyt, supports the initiative to revoke Khatib’s refugee status. The report concluded that the lack of a decision on revoking Khatib’s refugee status suggests insufficient evidence against him.

"The EU has warned Shein about deceptive practices, including fake discounts, misleading product labels, and false sustainability claims, raising concerns over its compliance with consumer protection laws. As a key online platform under the Digital Services Act, Shein must now comply with stricter regulations but faces US challenges as it raises prices amid Trump's tariffs."

The Google Pixel 9a and Apple iPhone 16e are top budget picks for their respective cameras, but the Pixel 9a excels in detail, color accuracy, and low-light performance compared to the iPhone's single rear camera design. Its dual-camera setup offers superior macro shots and portrait quality, while the iPhone's simpler sensor loses detail in highlights. If you prioritize photo versatility and realistic depictions, especially in challenging lighting, the Pixel 9a is the better choice.

Cynthia Erivo returns to the small screen in *Poker Face* on Peacock, reprising her Oscar-nominated role as Elphaba in *Wicked* but now portraying a recurring character inspired by her performance as the beloved character Holly Gibney. Originally from HBO’s *The Outsider*, based on a Stephen King novel and featuring an all-star cast including Jason Bateman and Ben Mendelsohn, the series was a hit due to its gripping plot and unexpected twist of a character with a malformed face that intrigued viewers. Erivo’s portrayal of Holly Gibney resonated particularly with fans of her work, showcasing her versatility beyond *Wicked*.

President Trump has unveiled a plan for a "Golden Dome" missile defense system featuring space-based interceptors, marking the first use of such technology. The initiative aims to counter hypersonic and advanced missiles with an estimated cost of $175 billion over two decades, targeting operational readiness before his term ends. While inspired by past systems like Israel's Iron Dome, concerns remain about funding sources and potential risks from a new arms race, with some questioning ties to tech giants like SpaceX.

The Duke of Sussex has successfully navigated a legal challenge over his security arrangements, with a UK court allowing the Home Office to maintain a cost-effective "bespoke" protection for him and his family while abroad. Despite claims that he was Singled Out for inferior treatment and that his safety was at risk when moving abroad, three senior judges ruled against him, confirming the Home Office's decision to provide less extensive security measures in the UK due to its unique circumstances. A legal commentator noted that while the ruling is a setback, Harry could still appeal with proper permission, highlighting the specific importance of the case to him and his family.

Two top FCC commissioners are set to resign, potentially ending a Republican majority on the agency. Brendan Carr, a Republican chosen by Trump, will leave alongside Anna Gomez, as another Republican commissioner departs to take on different work. This avoids a political conflict over the agency's leadership and sidesteps the need for an election in the coming months.

Toyota hit a record for its second straight month with global car sales in April, boosted by strong demand in the U.S. and Japan as customers made final purchases before U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs took effect. The automaker reported 936,718 units sold globally, marking an 12% increase year-over-year, while production reached 902,425 units. In the U.S., Toyota and Lexus sales rose by 10%, driven by steady demand and a surge in orders as tariffs on imported vehicles began affecting prices.

Reddit has introduced a new AI-powered feature called Reddit Answers, designed for users seeking specific advice or information. The platform now caters to two types of users: those who engage in community discussions (Scrollers) and those actively looking for answers (Seekers). With over 1 million weekly active users since its beta launch, the feature integrates into the main search bar and provides early access for new users. The company is also exploring integration points beyond search, aiming to enhance user experience while managing Google Search impacts. Positive financial results and stock performance reflect the platform's growing strength in addressing user needs effectively.

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.

CBS revealed that returning Survivor 50 cast members include Mike White, a former David Vs. Goliath winner and The White Lotus creator, who may be targeted early due to his success with the social satire franchise. Other notable returns include Colby Donaldson from Season 2, Aubrey Bracco from Season 32 (returning for a fourth time), and others like Ozzy Lusth and Cirie Fields. New faces include Q Burdette and Dee Valladares, among others. Production begins next month in Fiji, with the season premiering in February 2026.

Morrissey will kick off his North American tour tonight after overcoming severe sinusitis that sidelined two shows in San Diego and Rancho Mirage, rescheduling the latter to Oct. 24, 2026. He expressed gratitude for his fans' understanding during this challenging time. Meanwhile, the musician remains focused on his creative process, hinting at new projects but yet to release any follow-up albums since "I Am Not a Dog on a Chain."