Latest Summaries

Stripe surprised fintech enthusiasts by unveiling a host of innovative products at its annual event, including an advanced AI payments model that significantly enhances fraud detection and a partnership with Nvidia for swift customer migration. The new AI foundation model leverages vast transaction data to boost accuracy, outperforming traditional systems. Stripe is also expanding its global reach with stablecoin-powered multicurrency cards, enabling businesses to operate seamlessly across multiple currencies through strategic partnerships. --- This summary captures the essence of Stripe's announcements while maintaining a narrative flair suitable for busy readers.

"The Ultimate Fighter" is shaking up its lineup this season by bringing Hall of Fame fighters Daniel Cormier and Chael Sonnen under its coaching microscope, marking a departure from its traditional format where active fighters coach-up UFC hopefuls. The show will air its first episode on May 27 on ESPN2 and ESPN+, focusing instead on the experience and expertise of its coaches as it looks to produce a competitive crop of fighters. With Cormier and Sonnen at the helm, the season promises fresh dynamics and high-caliber training, promising to deliver an exciting lineup of flyweight and welterweight contenders.

In a solidarity gesture ahead of Cannes Film Festival, prominent filmakers including Richard Gere and Susan Sarandon condemned the silence surrounding Israel's deadly military campaign in Gaza, where over 200 journalists and cultural figures have been killed. The letter highlights the injustice of letting such atrocities go unchallenged by the international community, urging artists to speak out against what they describe as a lack of solidarity and responsibility.

"Pakistan's defense minister declared his country's innocence in a terror attack that killed 26 people in disputed Kashmir territory controlled by India, calling for an international investigation to determine the truth. The minister emphasized the need for cooperation with international inspectors to defuse tensions with India after a deadly attack near Pahalgam town, which was the deadliest on Indian-administered land in years. In response, India has taken swift measures, including closing border crossings and suspending a crucial water pact, while officials suspect involvement by Pakistani nationals."

The Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem, a symbol of Palestinian and Jewish identity, is under threat from Israeli settlers who are inciting attacks through social media to demolish it and build a temple. The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a warning over these actions, which they describe as systematic incitement targeting holy sites. Regular visits by right-wing politicians and settlers have long targeted the mosque, with former Prime Minister Ben-Gvir visiting under criticism for his support of building a Jewish synagogue there.

Kim Jong Un called the side launch failure of North Korea's advanced destroyer a "criminal act," criticizing those involved for negligence. The incident has led to significant repairs, delaying the completion of critical naval modernization efforts, with experts warning it could slow progress by several months. This incident underscores ongoing challenges in developing and maintaining advanced warships despite Kim's emphasis on their strategic importance.

In response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Germany is boosting its defense spending to 3.5% of its GDP for defense alone and an additional 1.5% for critical infrastructure, totaling approximately 5%. This significant increase will be a key focus at the upcoming NATO summit, marking a strategic shift in the Bundeswehr's capabilities after years of struggling to meet a 2% military spending target. While the Bundeswehr faces extensive neglect and staff shortages, ongoing reforms are essential to restore its effectiveness.

Businesses worldwide are cutting financial guidance amid growing uncertainty caused by President Trump's trade war, which has increased costs, disrupted supply chains, and raised concerns about global economic stability. Companies like Nestle have cited fears of reduced consumer confidence due to tariffs and policy changes, leading to hesitation in their earnings reports. Meanwhile, stock markets remain volatile as investors navigate shifting trade announcements and assess the impact on corporate profitability.

The NFL has made history by streaming its September game for the first time on YouTube, with the Kansas City Chiefs set to face the L.A. Chargers in an event that could expand global reach for the platform and the league. Roger Goodell unveiled this partnership during the Brandcast event, marking YouTube's entry into a historic era for NFL content.

Since resuming its airstrikes last month, Israel has stopped designating certain areas in Gaza as humanitarian zones, raising fears for aid workers about their safety. The Mawasi area, once a protected zone, was struck 23 times since the ceasefire ended, killing at least 16 people and wounding many more. Despite the pause on airstrikes, Gaza remains under significant restrictions, with 70% of its territory now an evacuation zone or no-go area. Aid workers continue to attempt access to areas like Mawasi, despite increased danger, as Israel maintains a "security buffer zone," while the UN warns of famine and harsh conditions for those living in desperation across Gaza.

Heavy rain-induced disasters have claimed 52 lives and displaced over 800 families in Rwanda’s high-risk districts, including Nyarugenge, Kicukiro, and Gasabo. At least 19 houses have collapsed while 731 are damaged across eight areas expected to face significant rainfall this month. The Ministry of Emergency Management has identified disaster hotspots affecting nearly 22,000 households in need of urgent relocation. With forecasted heavy rainfall ranging from 300 to 350 mm in some districts and lower amounts elsewhere, thousands of families are preparing for displacement and shelter.

The government has faced criticism for proposed changes to inheritance tax affecting agricultural properties, with the Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs committee urging a delay until October 2026 to allow better policy formulation and protect vulnerable farmers. The changes could impact small family farms, which need time to seek professional advice. The committee also criticized the government's communication and lack of adequate consultation following Rachel Reeves's budget announcement that brought farms under inheritance tax rules, leading to protests and loss of public trust in farming sector efforts for food security and environmental restoration.

Sigma's BF camera offers a sleek, minimalist design with a single aluminum slab construction, promising a bold aesthetic. However, its simplicity hinders practicality as it lacks essential features like grips, hot shoe mounts, and multiple strap eyelets. Despite a user-friendly interface, the camera struggles with complex shooting tasks such as fast-moving subjects due to limited controls and an unconventional menu system that complicates advanced settings. While photos are sharp and vibrant, video capabilities could be enhanced with better stabilization options and a customizable quick settings menu.

"The US private equity firm RedBird Capital has confident plans to finalize a deal to acquire control of The Daily and Sunday Telegraph by next month, as the 170-year-old titles continue to grapple with two years of paralysis and unhappiness. With RedBird's founder Gerry Cardinale personally involved in drafting the takeover plan, the firm is exploring options including forming a consortium or self-funding the deal after previously being blocked by UK government regulations on foreign ownership."

The Roborock Q8 Max has become a standout in the robot vacuum market at an incredible discounted price of $259, making it a fantastic value compared to its original tag price of $599. Packed with advanced features like a 5,500 Pa HyperForce suction system and a powerful DuoRoller mechanism for superior cleaning, this model also doubles as a mopping machine with a robust 350ml tank and 30 adjustable settings. Enhanced with LiDAR mapping and voice control via Alexa, Google Home, or Siri, the Q8 Max is ready to tackle any cleaning task efficiently while offering a seamless hands-free experience.

American exceptionalism has been a driving force for growth, as evidenced by the U.S. economy outpacing its advanced peers since 2001, driven by innovation in high-tech industries and artificial intelligence. Investors have capitalized on this success, with large-cap U.S. markets delivering annual returns of 13% over the past decade, significantly outperforming European markets' 6% return. This sustained dominance reflects the U.S.'s leadership in cutting-edge fields and its economic powerhouse status.

EA and Lucasfilm unveiled a first look at *Star Wars: Zero Company*, a new single-player strategy game set during the twilight of the Clone Wars. Developed by Respawn Entertainment and Bit Reactor, the game tasks players with commanding an elite squad under the guidance of former Republic officer Hawks, blending cinematic storytelling with deep tactical gameplay. Set for release in 2026 on PC, Xbox Series X/S, and PlayStation 5, *Zero Company* draws inspiration from Firaxis titles like *XCOM: Enemy Unknown*, with its developers aiming to balance accessibility and depth while staying true to the Star Wars universe.

A federal judge has ruled against President Trump’s attempt to take control of the United States Institute of Peace (USIP), finding he exceeded his authority in terminating key leaders and staff. USIP is an independent think tank supported by both the executive and legislative branches but isn’t part of traditional federal agencies or a private nonprofit, sparking debates on balancing government influence with organizational independence.

The rare phone call between Putin and Trump was met with mixed signals: while Trump praised the outcome as excellent and highlighted Putin's willingness to draft a peace memorandum, Putin rejected an unconditional 30-day ceasefire Ukraine had proposed, citing significant barriers such as his demands for denazification. Trump later suggested a Vatican-led negotiation effort but hinted at backing off, contrary to his earlier claim of being ready to end the war swiftly. Ongoing diplomatic efforts by Europe and the US to pressure Russia have yet to yield progress, with Putin's demands seen as insurmountable barriers to achieving peace in Ukraine.

Byron Scott, a decorated NBA coach with multiple championships, has been named as a suspect in a lawsuit filed by a woman who claims he sexually assaulted her during a high school basketball event when she was 15. The woman, now 35, denies knowing she was underage at the time and believes she mistaken herself for older. Scott, 64, denies any wrongdoing but acknowledged not being aware of her youth at the time. The case, brought under California’s law allowing older defendants to be identified after certain thresholds are met, seeks damages and holds both Scott and his school liable for negligence.

Nearly 40,000 Taiwanese professionals attended major Chinese events in 2024. The Chinese government has been using a mix of praise and threats to influence Taiwan's relations, while Taiwanese security officials express concerns about the scale of China's efforts to sway public opinion through these initiatives.

Apple is introducing an AI-powered battery-optimization feature as part of its upcoming iOS 19 update, which will help users conserve energy by adjusting power usage based on their habits and displaying estimated charging times. The motivation behind this feature stems from the development of the iPhone 17 Air, a slimmer, lighter model with potentially smaller batteries. This marks one of several advanced AI additions Apple is enhancing under its "Apple Intelligence" initiative, alongside updates to Siri, Health apps, and other services.

Rod Stewart’s health crisis is causing more delays as he recovers from the flu, with six additional shows canceled for an upcoming June tour across California and Nevada, including a big Vegas performance at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace. Four concerts are officially scrapped, while two others have been postponed to September. Stewart expressed on Instagram his frustration at disappointing fans but emphasized he’s resting as he recovers and promises a soon return. The latest cancellations come amid reports that even though the flu has slowed his recovery, it hasn’t ended his career—this latest setback is hitting harder for those hoping to catch him one last time.

Residents in Ofunato, Iwate Prefecture, are beginning their move into temporary housing after a major wildfire destroyed their homes. The city has set up 30-square-meter units on the grounds of a former elementary school and plans to provide additional temporary shelter at 26 units built on the site of a former junior high school by May 24. Satoko Sodeno, who lost her home in the fire, is now settling into a temporary shelter. She chose to live alone for now but hopes to return with family within two years after the temporary housing ends. The wildfire, which began in February and burned over 3,000 hectares, has caused significant damage, including the complete destruction of 54 homes.

Scott Peterson, convicted of the murders of Laci and their unborn child Conner in 2004, could potentially be cleared through new scientific evidence suggesting he wasn’t guilty. The Innocence Project claims fetal testing indicates his crime occurred between December 28, 2002, and January 5, 2003, conflicting with the prosecution’s timeline of December 24, 2002—when Laci went missing. However, Nancy Grace disputes this, citing her experience as a childbirth expert and feeling these claims ignore Laci’s expertise in OB-GYN. She also dropped a hint about her new book on Ellen Greenberg’s death, hinting at potential conflicts of interest with the Menendez brothers’ fight for freedom.

Mortgage rates jumped last week, leading to a 5.1% drop in applications as investors worry about inflation and rising deficits. The average rate for 30-year fixed mortgages rose to 6.92%, up from 6.86%, with points increasing slightly. Meanwhile, homebuyers are seeing fewer listings and higher rates cooling the spring market. Refinance applications also fell, though they were still up compared to the same week a year ago. With rates now nearly unchanged since two years ago, few borrowers see benefits in refinancing.

High-end medical devices, including those made in the United States, may be especially vulnerable to tariffs because they’re built with parts from around the world. Now Siemens Healthineers, other medical device makers and their customers are reckoning with a new challenge: the impact of President Donald Trump’s global tariffs. Opposition to tariffs on medical devices hasn’t come just from Europe, but from the United States, too. Modern, conventional CT scanners primarily use solid-state crystal detectors made from a variety of materials. Overall, the U.S. accounted for more than a quarter of Siemens Healthineers’ business last year.

The article raises questions about the BBC’s coverage of Prince Harry’s interview, where he criticized the outcome of his UK security case as a " establishment stitch-up." The BBC later clarified that it failed to adequately challenge claims of his interview being influenced by royal family dynamics and called its handling of the story a lapse in editorial standards. Meanwhile, Prince Harry expressed his disappointment with the court’s decision to uphold his security measures after stepping back from royal duties, stating he likely won’t return to the UK permanently due to ongoing safety concerns.

From its humble beginnings as a family-owned team founded in 1980 by Steve and Marisol Gonzalez, El Farolito has carved out a unique niche in competitive soccer through its blend of personal history and resilience against stronger opponents this season. Despite playing against higher-tier teams, the team reached the Open Cup third round, underscoring its strength in family-oriented camaraderie and shared values. Its journey serves as an inspiring case study for teams facing similar challenges.

The European Union has threatened to impose tariffs on U.S. aircraft, car parts, and other products if negotiations with Washington fail, as the bloc seeks to pressure President Trump toward a trade deal. The EU unveiled a list of $100 billion in targeted products, which could change after consultations with its 27 member states. U.S.-based companies like Boeing and bourbon manufacturers are among those at risk, while the bloc also proposed tariffs on cars and agricultural goods. The pause in U.S. tariffs, including a 20% blanket levy on certain products, has given the EU a moment to advance its strategy ahead of potential conflict.

The student protester Mohsen Mahdawi, advocating for Palestinian rights at Columbia University, was detained under President Trump's administration as part of a broader crackdown on anti-Israel protests. A judge in Vermont has now granted his release pending his graduation, sparking debates about the implications of targeting pro-Palestinian speech and the balance between free expression and immigration policies. Critics argue this move signals overreach into academic affairs, while supporters highlight Mahdawi's commitment to justice and democracy amid the administration's antisemitic claims.

Marceau Baum-Gertner, a key figure in the 2016 Paris robbery involving Kim Kardashian, died suddenly just days before his trial was set to begin. Accused of working with the gang that carried out the robbery during which Kim was reportedly held at gunpoint, Baum-Gertner's untimely death halted the case's proceedings. Now, Kim Kardashian will have the opportunity to testify on her own behalf at his trial in May, providing critical insights into what transpired that night.

We put several microSD cards through a range of tests to figure out which offer the best value for your storage needs. You can find our recommendations for the best microSD cards below, alongside some general shopping advice before you buy. Besides SanDisk, manufacturers like Samsung, Lexar and PNY have already launched microSD Express cards to go with the console. But it’s still early days, and right now all microSD Express cards cost much more than the best UHS-I or even UHS-II options. May 2025: We’ve updated this guide to ensure our advice is accurate and to reflect the new Nintendo Switch 2’s use of microSD Express cards.

Fortune**t is available again on the US iOS App Store due to a court ruling freeing Epic Games from Apple's restrictions, after being removed in 2014 when Apple banned its in-app payments. Despite Apple blocking Fortnite's return earlier this week and making it unavailable elsewhere in the EU, a legal victory led to its successful resubmission. Epic also introduced a new payment promotion offering players 20% refunds on purchases across multiple games.

The opposition’s transport spokesperson argued that EV drivers should be made to pay road taxes instead of relying on a decades-old FBT exemption. They claimed that EV users, particularly those in wealthier areas like Melbourne, are effectively subsidizing poorer regions by not paying their fair share in road maintenance. Details about how the Coalition plans to enforce this would only be revealed after Saturday’s election. Meanwhile, Victoria’s electric vehicle tax was upheld despite being deemed unconstitutional due to lack of authority at the Commonwealth level.

The passionate fans at Wembley were on either side as Crystal Palace secured a thrilling 4-1 victory over Aston Villa. The home side led through Eberechi Eze’s goal in the first half, but it was Ismaïla Sarr who delivered the knockout blow with two clinical strikes— an own goal and an injury-time header. Despite a late penalty from Jean-Philippe Mateta, the Senegal forward showed why he’s been such a revelation this season, leaving Aston Villa with their heads held high as they look to climb into top-five contention.

Preorder the next Star Wars novel by Kwame Mbalia, *Star Wars: The Last Order*, now available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble for release on October 21, 2025. Set after *The Rise of Skywalker*, this new adventure follows Finn and Jannah as they rescue a cargo ship full of young passengers amid an unknown threat from the First Order. Preorder listings are live, and Amazon offers a preorder price guarantee, ensuring you'll get the lowest available price. Don’t miss Mbalia’s latest work in the Star Wars universe!

Verizon is offering a stellar deal on a top-of-the-line iPhone, making it a snap to switch carriers. For just $249 or $299 for the iPhone 14 Plus after signing their $60 Unlimited prepaid plan, you can leave within two months if needed. This offer provides significant savings compared to retail prices and the ease of switching carriers is enhanced by the eSim feature, ensuring no software conflicts and a seamless transition without worrying about physical sim cards.

The Goldemate 1000 Pro UPS is now available at $199 on Amazon, offering a Lithium battery with nearly two hours of backup. It provides eight outlets for battery backup but lacks a communication port to guide devices during a power outage. Despite this minor drawback, it's a cost-effective choice for those without specific communication needs and in areas prone to outages or power failures.

In the middle of an election or the early stages of an administration, populist politics can feel like a liberation. Yet the letter also suggests that the Trump administration could become immensely and impractically bureaucratic. For some populist voters, seeing elites being challenged and discomfited is satisfying in itself, whether it leads to concrete change or not. In the last century, far-right movements sometimes managed to combine the unshackled feelings of populist politics, stirred up by a charismatic leader, with strict social control. As with the Trump administration, it appears Reform’s instinctive response to the modern world is to try to ban things.

Excitement fills Anfield as Liverpool FC claims another Premier League title, equaling Manchester United's iconic 20-year record with a thrilling 5-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur. The match, intense from start to finish, saw Alexis Mac Allister net a blistering opener just minutes into the game before an electric crowd erupted and sang their team's praises until the final whistle blew.

"Switch 2 preorders are in trouble for Nintendo and retailers. Big box stores Target and Walmart canceled preorders amid stock shortages or system errors, with users sharing their experiences online. Customers should brace for delays as the console is expected to be even harder to get on launch day."

In the struggle between progress and decay, the legacy of centuries of building institutions—constitutional frameworks, alliances, legal systems, scientific advancements, media outlets, charities, businesses, and universities—faces an existential threat from Trumpism, which prioritizes power acquisition over principle. This ideology, driven by personal ambition and a disdain for higher human virtues like learning or compassion, seeks to dismantle these very institutions that have historically fostered harmony, justice, and well-being. As it does so, the future of civilization as we know it stands in jeopardy.

A Japanese court has given hope to Satoshi Egura, 67, by ordering an investigation into his mysterious birth nearly 70 years ago. After being mixed up at a hospital as a newborn, Egura seeks to uncover his true identity through family records. Although the court denied his claim for ¥16.5 million in damages, he remains optimistic about reuniting with his birth parents and expressed gratitude for the ruling.

Microsoft has imposed email filters targeting words like "Palestine," "Gaza," and "Genocide," sparking concerns about censorship and worker rights as employees faced termination for sending critical communications during protests at its Build conference. The company's measures amid ongoing demonstrations opposing AI contracts with Israel and Palestinian issues highlight tension over balancing corporate responsibility with free expression.

The MacBook Air is a standout choice for professionals seeking a lightweight yet robust laptop that excels in everyday productivity. With a powerful M4 processor ensuring smooth performance for tasks like browsing and light multitasking, ample storage options, and a vibrant display that adapts to various environments, it's ideal for both work and travel. Its impressive battery life and versatile connectivity make it a top contender among lightweight laptops, though it may lack some productivity features without peripherals.

The UK and EU have teamed up to deepen trade ties and counter Trump's shift away from decades of U.S.-Uk cooperation, focusing on shared interests in migration, defense, and Ukraine-related efforts. The EU is also considering measures like a "youth experience" program to boost mobility without increasing migration. Meanwhile, the UK grapples with U.S. tariff tensions, while Von der Leyen highlights the EU's commitment to advancing renewable energy investments to strengthen ties and address global challenges.

The New South Wales education department was caught by surprise when Microsoft began collecting the voice and facial biometric data of school students using the Teams video conferencing app in March. The NSW education department website states Teams is used by schools as “a hub for teachers and students to engage, create, interact, and collaborate”. If a user deletes their Teams account, Microsoft states on its website that it deletes the biometric data within 90 days. Rys Farthing, the director of policy and research at the research organisation Reset Tech Australia, described the collection of biometric data of children as “a real worry”. “That young people’s biometric data was unnecessarily collected creates real concerns – those students now have a lifetime to live with those risks,” Farthing said.

The German Chancellor Olaf Scholz will bid farewell to power with a military band performing his favorite tunes, including "In My Life" by The Beatles, a nod to his time as mayor in Hamburg, Bach’s music referencing his career in Brandenburg, and Franklin’s "Respect," which hints at key aspects of his election campaign. His choice of songs reflects his political journey, personal relationships, and the tradition of such farewell ceremonies, while also offering insight into his sometimes gruff demeanor and lack of verbal engagement.

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.