Latest Summaries

The Force was surprisingly strong this weekend at the box office as Star Wars: The Revenge of the Sith delivered a solid performance on its 20th anniversary release, ranking second with over $25 million in earnings—nearly matching a historic 1997 re-release. Despite Ryan Coogler’s Sinners grossing $45 million at the top, the prequel proved to be a hit, highlighting nostalgia and the gap since the last Star Wars movie in theaters. Will you catch it this weekend?

"It’s the first time a major Magic: The Gathering set pays homage to Final Fantasy X, marking an exciting crossover with a blend of new and re-flavored cards. Wizards of the Coast has revealed that each of the four Final Fantasy-themed Commander Decks will launch next month, inspired by iconic entries from the mainline series—ranging from Final Fantasy VI to Final Fantasy XIV. Among these decks is the Counter Blitz, featuring Inspiring Call as a re-flavored green mana instant with art echoing Yuna and Tidus' infamous laugh from Final Fantasy X. This humorous scene has become a viral meme in the gaming community while being transformed into an epic card in Magic: The Gathering."

Mallory Swanson, a 27-year-old forward for the U.S. women's soccer team and winner of last summer's Olympics, is sharing news of her pregnancy with husband Dansby Swanson, a 31-year-old Cubs shortstop, sparking excitement about their new chapter. Despite not playing this season for her club team or the U.S., Mallory remains focused on her family as she continues her career gap after winning medals in 2019 and 2023. Meanwhile, teammate Sophia Wilson also announced her pregnancy earlier in the week, with her husband Michael Wilson, an NFL player, joining the growing list of parents-to-be.

The future of shopping is changing as Visa introduces AI-driven commerce to revolutionize payments and enhance user experiences. By collaborating with industry leaders like Anthropic, IBM, and Microsoft, Visa aims to create personalized shopping experiences powered by AI, streamlining tasks such as browsing, selecting, purchasing, and managing online activities. This initiative seeks to build trust between consumers, banks, and sellers in an era where technology drives transformation, complementing similar efforts from competitors like Mastercard.

Sam Howell has been traded to the Vikings for a pick swap involving draft picks and his services, marking a strategic move by both teams in the NFL. The Vikings acquire Howell, who spent three seasons with the Washington Commanders, as their likely backup quarterback after J.J. McCarthy, the team's current starter candidate, hasn't been named yet. Meanwhile, the Seahawks draft a new quarterback, Jalen Milroe, in the third round, signaling a possible shift in their quarterback competition.

Two ex-Shen Yun dancers have filed a lawsuit alleging forced child labor and harsh conditions, with allegations that young performers worked grueling hours weekly under intimidating circumstances. The dancers claim they were pressured not to speak out about their traumatic experiences, which continue to affect them emotionally and physically years later. Shen Yun strongly disputes these claims, arguing its success depends on healthy dancers with access to medical support and that its young performers consistently excel academically. The group also denies any wrongdoing in China, where it is banned for ties to the banned Falun Gong cult.

The sleek Wacom Cintiq lineup—Cintiq 16, Cintiq 24, and Cintiq 24 Touch—boasts advanced design features like thinner bezels and lighter weight for better portability. Each model is equipped with the Pro Pen 3 technology, offering faster response times, multiple pressure levels, customizable buttons, tilt support, and interchangeable nibs for versatile drawing experiences. The displays feature a high-resolution 2.5K panel with a 60Hz refresh rate and anti-glare glass, providing a natural writing-like feel. Priced from $699.95, the Cintiq 24 Touch stands out with its touch gestures for enhanced multitasking capabilities.

Brian McKnight is suing his ex-wife's former lover, Jaguar Wright, for defamation after she falsely accused him of abusing his ex-wife and hookers in online comments. The singer claims the allegations are false and that she also made derogatory remarks about Jay-Z and Beyoncé, which he now says were fabricated. Meanwhile, Piers Morgan accidentally aired interviews with Jaguar, leading to legal threats and apologies from the Carter family's legal team.

Uber is set to begin its self-driving mobility service in Japan, with CEO Dara Khosrowshahi highlighting how autonomous rides will enhance road safety. The company has already partnered with Waymo and other firms in cities like the U.S., signaling a broader ambition to roll out driverless technology globally.

American filmmaker Eva Victor’s buzzy feature debut, Sorry, Baby, will open this year’s Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF). Produced by Adele Romanski, Mark Ceryak, and Barry Jenkins (Moonlight), the film premiered at this year’s Sundance Film Festival, where Victor won the Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award. The film will be screened as part of Directors’ Fortnight at this year’s Cannes Film Festival and will be released later this year by A24 in the US and Picturehouse Entertainment in the UK. The film’s plot reads: Something bad happened to Agnes (Eva Victor), but life goes on… for everyone around her, at least. Eva Victor’s Sorry Baby is a shining example of this, marking the emergence of a remarkable talent.

The electrifying match between Chis Eubank Jr. and Conor Benn at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is inching closer to live action as fans brace for what promises to be a thrilling showdown. In a recent press conference, Eubank Jr. admitted to cutting too much weight ahead of his fight but faced backlash after weighing in over 2 pounds above the desired 160-pound limit, resulting in a hefty fine for the featherweight champion.

Get ready to elevate your streaming experience with the Roku Ultra, now available for $79 at Amazon—a 20% discount from its usual price of $100. This top-tier device offers high-quality upgrades, including support for 4K, Dolby Vision, HDR, and Dolby Atmos, ensuring sharp visuals and immersive audio. Packed with a Roku Voice Remote Pro that’s rechargeable and user-friendly, it streamlines your viewing experience without overwhelming you with menus or unnecessary features. Roku’s intuitive interface ensures ease of use, making it an excellent choice for streaming enthusiasts seeking value and quality.

Kilmar Ábrego García, the man unlawfully deported to El Salvador despite facing credible fear of persecution, remains in hiding due to ongoing legal challenges. His lawyer demands a fair trial after new evidence from DHS alleges he abused his wife between 2019-2020, with no criminal charges filed against him in the U.S. The administration's claims of an administrative error and wrongful deportation persist as federal courts grapple with how to facilitate his release while respecting his citizenship status. The case highlights broader debates over immigration rights and due process for non-citizens.

Manchester United faces a complex summer transfer window as Jadon Sancho returns to the club despite his reluctance, potentially costing them £5 million as Chelsea renege on their original deal. Meanwhile, the club grapples with high wages for players like Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho, creating significant financial challenges ahead of their upcoming tour in the U.S.

Selma Blair, an actress who revealed her multiple sclerosis (MS) diagnosis in 2018, is finding herself again after six years of dealing with the condition. Now in remission, she's excited to return to acting with upcoming projects and feels more stable after feeling exhausted for much of her life. Additionally, she's working on a young adult novel and remains committed to advocating for people with chronic illnesses, emphasizing self-renewal beyond physical limitations.

Jafar Panahi claimed victory at Cannes with his deeply personal film "It Was Just an Accident," inspired by his prison experiences, winning the Palme d’Or and marking a triumphant return for US studio Neon after six wins. His win highlighted both his political undertones and his connection to the complex nation he reflects upon in his work.

Brazil called for closer BRICS cooperation amid global conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza, and trade disputes under President Trump, emphasizing diplomacy over confrontation and collaboration. The BRICS nations met as Russia sought a truce with Ukraine, while Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy labeled the initiative as manipulation. Brazil's foreign minister stressed the need for diplomatic approaches to resolve the conflict, which has caused severe humanitarian damage in Eastern Ukraine.

TheNames by Florence Knapp explores how our names shape decisions, relationships, and life choices beyond identity, using Cora's son-naming struggle in her abusive marriage as a poignant narrative. The book delves into the profound consequences of naming Julian, Bear, or Gordon, reflecting the lasting impact of domestic abuse on lives. Knapp's empathetic storytelling weaves these choices together, highlighting how decisions ripple through our lives and leave enduring echoes of our pasts, ultimately challenging us to consider the weight of such choices.

Oscar-nominated DP Mandy Walker has become the first woman to lead the American Society of Cinematographers, a century-old group that includes many influential names in the field. Walker, who won an ASC Award for cinematography in *Elvis* and was nominated for an Academy Award, will serve as president after her predecessor, Shelly Johnson, reached term limits. Known for her work on Baz Luhrmann’s films like *Australia*, Walker is focused on fostering growth and representation within the organization. Beyond her presidency, she has also contributed to other committees or roles in the industry.

TikTok has recently stopped showing search results for #SkinnyTok after critics pointed out that some videos promoted disordered eating or unhealthy diet behaviors. France’s Minister of State for Digital Affairs, Clara Chappaz, has been among those criticizing the hashtag since April, calling it "revolting and unacceptable" and emphasizing TikTok's responsibility in preventing harm from social media use. TikTok has taken steps like blocking searches for #SkinnyTok, restricting content from teen accounts, and providing health resources to counter such negative behavior.

Intuit’s prompt optimization service is taking a different approach. Beyond RAG: Intelligent data cognition for enterprise dataWhile prompt optimization solves the model portability challenge, Intuit’s engineers identified another critical bottleneck: the time and expertise required to integrate AI with complex enterprise data architectures. Intuit has developed what it calls an “intelligent data cognition layer” that tackles more sophisticated data integration challenges. Second, the emphasis on combining traditional AI capabilities with generative AI suggests that enterprises shouldn’t abandon existing prediction and recommendation systems when building agent architectures. Intuit’s GenOS demonstrates that competitive advantage comes from how well organizations can integrate AI capabilities with their existing data and business processes.

McDonald’s has recorded a rare, global decline in sales as price-sensitive customers curb spending at the fast food giant. In a cost-of-living crisis, is the famed burger chain now just too expensive? Price checkMcDonald’s has just reported its steepest quarterly drop in US sales since early in the pandemic, with same-store sales down 3.6%. McDonald’s Australia and its US corporate headquarters did not respond to questions. He says there is still a question over whether McDonald’s will share in that recovery, or lose further ground to rivals.

After a bit of a wait, Sony's back with new ANC headphones and they just might be the best option out there. It's been over two years since Sony had a new pair of headphones in its 1000X lineup, but the newly announced WH-1000XM6 seem worth the wait. The WH-1000XM6 is not only able to play spatial audio tracks like the WH-100XM5 and AirPods Max can, the headphones can also convert any stereo track you throw at it into 360-degree audio. At $450, the WH-100XM6 are a good $50 more expensive than WH-1000XM5 and tiptoeing closer to the exorbitantly priced AirPods Max. Until then, we've put together an overview of how the WH-1000XM6 compare to the WH-1000XM5 and the AirPods Max.

"Questioning Israel’s treatment of Palestinians, British MP Adam Shockat spent just one minute to midnight in the occupied West Bank, delivering a stark warning about human rights violations."

In a stunning revelation, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reportedly shared sensitive details about upcoming Yemen strikes in private Signal chats with family members and advisers. The second chat, named "Defense | Team Huddle," included his wife, brother, lawyer, and fired senior advisers, raising concerns over national security protocols. Democrats have condemned the practice as reckless, with Senator Tammy Duckworth calling it a danger to troops' lives. While some officials insist no classified info was shared, critics argue Hegseth's actions highlight a troubling pattern of disregard for military protocols.

Jude Law and Andrew Garfield star as legendary magicians Siegfried and Roy in Apple TV+'s limited series based on their namesake podcast. Set to begin production this fall, the show delves into their extreme acts of illusion versus reality and their tragic end to fame. Both actors bring their diverse backgrounds—Law previously acted in Star Wars and The Young Pope, while Garfield has tackled roles like Spider-Man and Black Rabbit—highlighting their compelling roles in this new project.

Gym clothes are evolving beyond mere athletic attire, reflecting shifting societal norms and personal preferences. While youthful trends like matching activewear trend among younger women for their trendy appeal, older athletes often stick to traditional, comfortable styles despite discomfort due to fit concerns. Brands are increasingly embracing inclusivity with size-inclusive designs and diverse style options, promoting body positivity and preventing discrimination. The future of gym wear likely lies in balancing comfort, performance, and individuality while maintaining brand identity.

Australia’s struggling productivity growth has left many questioning how workers can see a pay rise. The government’s second term focuses on boosting this “slow but steady” progress, which is critical for raising living standards. Despite efforts to reform during previous decades, achieving sustained productivity gains remains challenging. Recent reforms like streamlining business processes and vocational training aim to lay the groundwork for improvement. However, critics argue that more significant changes are needed to drive meaningful economic shifts.

Jey Uso surprised fans by defeating The Showstopper to capture the WWE World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania 41, delivering a brutal finish that left the crowd in awe. He had already secured victory in the Royal Rumble but fell short in the Elimination Chamber, allowing Gunther to reclaim the title. The match was packed with high-flying moves, delivering one of the night's most memorable moments as Jey Uso and Gunther squared off for dominance.

Critics accuse an Israeli military report on the killing of 15 Gaza medics in Rafah as "full of lies." The report cites "professional failures" and poor night vision for the March 23 shooting, but contradicts weeks of claims that the medics posed a threat to troops. Experts argue the findings lack credibility and fail to address accountability for the mass killing of rescue workers.

Cristiano Ronaldo Júnior marked his international debut with two goals as Portugal secured a thrilling 3-2 victory over Croatia in Sunday’s Vlatko Marković tournament. The teenager started the match confidently, scoring his first goal with a precise left-footed effort in the 13th minute and then doubling his tally in the first half with a clinical header before being substituted at halftime. Portugal celebrated their young star on Instagram, noting his "SIU" celebration, while Cristiano Ronaldo hinted at even greater things ahead as he remains one of the sport's most celebrated sons.

Barcelona surprised fans by introducing a special Clásico shirt featuring Travis Scott's branding in place of their usual Spotify logo. The collaboration also includes an exclusive concert by Scott the night before the match, marking his first-ever appearance with the club. This innovative partnership follows previous works from Coldplay, Drake, Rosalía, Karol G, and The Rolling Stones, adding a unique blend of music, fashion, and sport to their rivalry against Madrid. With just four points separating both teams heading into this game, the Clásico could pivotal in deciding the LaLiga title, as their previous meetings have been heavily won by Barcelona.

Netflix Japan is making a bold statement with its upcoming release “Bullet Train Explosion,” a reboot of the 1975 classic “Bullet Train.”The film, which premieres April 23, marks a significant milestone as Netflix celebrates its 10th anniversary in the Japanese market. According to Shinichi Takahashi, director of live action content for Netflix Japan, the production achieved unprecedented access to Japan’s iconic bullet trains. Popular on VarietyThe film’s production scale included the construction of two full-sized bullet train cars using authentic materials and the creation of a 1/6 scale model train for explosive sequences. “Our primary focus was on ensuring the audience could feel the authenticity and realism of the bullet train,” Takahashi explained. Netflix Japan’s film slate includes the recently released manga adaptation “Demon City,” which ranked in the global top 10 for four consecutive weeks, and the upcoming “10Dance,” directed by Keishi Otomo and starring Ryoma Takeuchi and Keita Machida.

Choosing the best Android phone can be quite challenging due to the vast range of options available across various price points and designs. Brands like Samsung, Google, OnePlus, and Honor offer a variety of choices suited for different needs, while the phones themselves vary significantly in terms of budget, functionality, build quality, and battery life. The Telegraph Recommended series provides an unbiased evaluation of these devices, ensuring readers are informed about their performance without any influence from manufacturers or financial incentives.

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.

The US-Ukraine minerals deal, which grants access to minerals without resolving Ukraine's security concerns, has been signed despite President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasizing it's an equal agreement. However, U.S. Vice President JD Vance warns that the war likely won't end soon, with ongoing tensions and Russian drone attacks on Ukrainian cities like Zaporizhzhia and Dnipropetrovsk, along with destroyed Ukrainian drones.

Some players have discovered that mods created for the original 2006 *The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion* can still function in the newly released *Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered*, though Bethesda has not officially supported this feature. These mods, including those from 2008, can be placed in the "Content/Dev/ObvData/Data" folder alongside DLC data files and added to the game through the Plugins.txt file using a manual process.

As The Rings of Power's final season approaches, fans eagerly await how Gandalf and Sauron will develop their roles. Daniel Weyman revealed that Gandalf's journey will involve many mistakes and learning opportunities, with tears expected as he grows into a wise leader. Meanwhile, Charlie Vickers is excited for Sauron to complete his quest.

Oasis' upcoming reunion tour will see the band without their original drummer, Zak Starkey, who was recently revealed as Alan White's successor in the band. A former member of The Who and The Who's drummer, Starkey played on two Oasis albums but has now expressed disappointment at not being part of the "25 tour," instead opting for Joey Waronker to handle drum duties. Despite his frustration, Starkey acknowledged that understanding new faces made sense and is content with Waronker joining the band. He also praised oasis' greatest frontman, Liam Gallagher, calling him an influence on him.

A political staffer has accused a state MP, Gareth Ward, of sexually assaulting him in an email he wrote to Ward in 2019 but later said he embellished. Ward is on trial for sexual intercourse without consent and indecent assault charges after pleading not guilty. The alleged victim Maintain that the email falsely implied Ward respected him and expressed professional interest despite repeated declines. He also denies accusing another staffer of a similar incident involving athen 18-year-old man at Ward's home. Ward, who lost his seat in 2023 as an independent, is fighting the charges amid claims of multiple assaults over the years.

The Chrisley siblings are gearing up for a new Lifetime reality show as they prepare to leave prison, with cameras already rolling in Florida and Kentucky to capture their release. Savannah and Chase will likely be central to the storyline, but a major twist has emerged: President Trump pardoned them after calling Savannah directly, shifting the focus from their parents' potential Cameos to their own new chapter outside prison.

The Nvidia CEO celebrated Nintendo Switch 2 as a groundbreaking innovation, honoring its deep-rooted connection to Nintendo's visionary design for the original Switch. Praising its advanced graphics and creativity, he acknowledged potential challenges like GameChat's impact on performance but highlighted the console's promise of success. Switch 2 marks more than just an upgrade—it’s a nod to Nintendo’s legacy, promising a future filled with enhanced visuals and innovation. While some developers expressed reservations about its compatibility, IGN’s hands-on review revealed a system that delivers unparalleled visuals on familiar platforms, making it worth the wait for release.

The iconic Nintendo 3DS app that guided visitors through the Louvre Museum until its end in 2025 marks the closure of a unique cultural tradition. Launched in 2012 for €6, the app featured geolocation tracking, over three hours of commentary, and 3D models of art treasures. Nintendo also released an eShop version for those unable to visit, alongside a special video showcasing the app’s creators and their playful connection with the Louvre. However, with no clear successor announced, the final iteration will be retired in 2025, leaving fans wondering what new system might come next.

Pedro Pascal, known for his roles in shows like *The Last of Us* and *The Fantastic Four*, has publicly denounced Harry Potter author JK Rowling after her recent criticism of transgender rights. In response to Raouf Tariq's video criticizing Rowling's stance on the UK Supreme Court ruling that redefined "woman," Pascal called out Rowling's actions as creamy Voldemort villain sh**, aligning with his long-standing advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community. This comes weeks after he shared similar sentiments, including a shirt reading "Protect the dolls" referencing transgender individuals, and his sister Lux Pascal, a trans woman, has been vocal about her support.

Air traffic controllers at Newark Liberty International Airport were severely understaffed last night, with as few as 3 controllers scheduled per hour at a Philadelphia radar center, far below the usual target of 14 set by the FAA and their union. Despite efforts to address staffing shortages due to technical challenges, runway construction, and worker shortages, operations remained disrupted, causing flight cancellations and delays for travelers. While experts note that an understaffed system doesn't inherently threaten safety, as controllers manage traffic conservatively, concerns about workload stress are growing.

OpenAI's ChatGPT users reported that their deleted chats weren't actually erased, sparking criticism over legal obligations. In response, OpenAI confirmed preserving chat logs due to a court order, though they only informed users post June 5th. The court directed this preservation to prevent potential copyright violations, leading OpenAI to propose "AI privilege" for confidential interactions. They're seeking legal relief but argue their measures are unnecessary and proportionate. The situation highlights evolving concerns about AI privacy, data control, and user trust in ongoing legal and social discussions.

In a striking assessment of American democracy, Harvard professor Steven Levitsky warns that the Trump administration has fundamentally eroded democratic norms, signaling that democracy may no longer be intact. His analysis suggests that trust in institutions has diminished, and traditional checks on power have weakened, pointing to a concerning future where democracy could crumble.

The grand event of selecting the next pope will soon unfold as the papal conclave begins its votes in Vatican City. This historic gathering of 133 cardinal bishops from around the world will deliberate in secret until a candidate secures two-thirds of the votes needed to become the new pope, with Al Jazeera's Jonah Hull detailing the process.

Miguel Uribe, a prominent Colombian presidential candidate and political icon, survived a deadly attack at a campaign event in Bogotá but remains in critical condition following surgery. The suspect, believed to be 15 years old, was detained along with two others injured in the attack during a struggle. Colombia’s defense minister promised an investigation into the attack linked to violence against Uribe, a vocal opponent of President Gustavo Petro, who offered condolences and stated his hope for Uribe’s recovery. The incident comes amid growing tensions over U.S.-Colombian relations following the migrant deportation flights.