Latest Summaries

Prime Video's Mass Effect series is inching forward with Doug Jung joining as its showrunner, following his successful work on Star Trek Beyond. This move marks a significant milestone for the franchise, which was first announced in 2021 and reaffirmed in 2024. Fans expect an adaptation of the original trilogy, but like other titles such as Castlevania and Fallout, Prime Video may be taking creative liberties to offer fresh stories within the Mass Effect universe.

Connie Francis, an Italian American singer known for her iconic 1961 track "Pretty Little Baby," is thrilled by its unexpected TikTok viral success over 60 years later. The song has resurased as a hit, with over one million posts using it, prompting fans to create videos of themselves singing along. Francis has released new versions in multiple languages and shared sweet reactions from her publicist, Ron, who was excited about the surprise fame. She recently posted photos and updates on her Bentley, sharing life highlights despite using a wheelchair for comfort after hip issues.

Liverpool secured a historic victory as Arne Slot claimed his first Premier League title in just one season. The 46-year-old manager led his debut side to a thrilling 5-1 win over Tottenham at Anfield, becoming the club's first manager since Kenny Dalglish to lift the trophy on his first try. Despite an early goal from Dominic Solanke, Liverpool responded strongly, including a late winner from Mohamed Salah as they defended their title against Manchester City for years to come.

The popularity of Anbernic, a beloved retro gaming enthusiast favorite, has taken an unexpected blow as the company has paused shipments from China to the U.S., citing new trade policies tied to President Trump’s tariffs on Chinese imports. Customers in the U.S. are now advised to purchase only from Anbernic’s domestic warehouse, but they may face limited selection and higher prices due to reduced inventory. This decision highlights how Trump’s protectionist economic policies are reshaping the tech sector, making handheld emulator devices potentially less accessible for hobbyists trying to relive gaming classics.

Connor McDavid and Zach Hyman each scored twice to power the Oilers to a 2-1 series lead against the Stars. The win snaps a three-game losing streak for Edmonton, who are riding a strong home ice performance in their 20th consecutive playoff game. Meanwhile, the Dallas Stars trail 2-1 in the series after struggling on the road with just one goal in their last three games.

The NASA Europa Lander, a rugged robotic probe designed to explore Europa, Jupiter's icy moon, faced insurmountable challenges including extreme radiation exposure and long-distance travel. After several successful tests on Earth and Alaska, the agency ultimately pulled the plug due to budget cuts and unfavorable mission parameters for Europa. Now, engineers are pushing for a new mission on Enceladus, Saturn's ice-covered moon, which is seen as a more feasible and potentially fruitful destination for robotic exploration. Whether the probe will find life there remains uncertain, but its journey has inspired a renewed push in what could be humanity's next astrobiological adventure.

A 71-year-old man, Yunice Abbas, who claimed he participated in a robbery during Kim Kardashian's 2016 jewel heist, admitted on trial that he "totally regretted" his involvement. Abbas, now battling Parkinson’s disease and using a right hand to control his heart rate due to anxiety, told the court he felt the crime was "one job too many" and had opened his eyes to his wrongdoings. He also revealed his criminal history, including convictions for robberies, drug trafficking, and armed robbery. His lawyer emphasized that the men on trial are far from prototypical "kind old men," highlighting their experience with the underworld under aliases like "Old Omar."

Lil Uzi made a big Instagram comeback after a medical emergency last month, landing him in the hospital for a time. Now he's back on social media, showing off his skateboarding skills in his studio and thanking fans for their support as he remains optimistic about the future.

Yuliia Verbytska, a survivor of an air raid on her workplace, now lives in an empty soap factory with her children amidst ongoing threats despite Trump's recent tweet about Putin. Russia's use of advanced drones has caused civilian casualties and missile delays, with a 50-second gap since attack responses since Trump took office. This escalating violence, marked by frustration from Ukrainian soldiers and criticism from international figures, underscores the dire situation faced by those on both sides of the war.

Grigory Melkonyants, head of Russia’s election monitoring group Golos, was sentenced to five years in prison after being convicted of working with an "undesirable" organization, with critics accusing the charges of political bias. The former co-founder faced charges tied to President Putin’s crackdown following Ukraine's invasion and has denied guilt, planning to appeal. Despite pleading not guilty, Melkonyants told supporters he remained hopeful about his case.

Josh Hazlewood’s stellar IPL performance has bolstered his confidence ahead of the World Test Championship final against South Africa. Despite overcoming niggling injuries over the past two years, the 34-year-old is now in prime condition, a situation reminiscent of when he was selected over Scott Boland for the Test decider against India last time. While he’s missed several high-pressure moments due to health concerns, Hazlewood has recently shown strong bowling numbers and believes his ability to perform well in any format makes him a formidable opponent this time around.

Weight loss jabs may be good for people’s mental health as well as helping curb their appetite, according to research. The Institute for Fiscal Studies calculates that about 13-15% of working-age people in England and Wales have a long-term mental health or behavioural condition, with 2 million people in contact with NHS mental health services in December 2024. The authors found that treatment with the medicines, which include semaglutide (sold as Ozempic or Wegovy) were not associated with worse mental health, nor greater risk of new mental illness or psychiatric admissions. For adults without mental illness, the weight loss injections had a greater beneficial effect on mental health than insulin and other antidiabetic drugs. “While this study into weight loss jabs is important and promising, we believe such medications are only a short-term solution.

A history teacher in Bila Tserkva, Ukraine, uses Chatroulette to educate Russians about Ukrainian history, challenging the Russian government's claim that Ukrainian nationhood is fictitious. He has had hundreds of conversations over the past three years of war, attempting to counter the Kremlin's narrative and assert Ukraine's independence.

This season marks the beginning of interleague play in Japan for its 20th edition since its 2005 debut, offering baseball enthusiasts a chance to see Central and Pacific League teams compete outside the Japan Series. The Pa League has consistently dominated these matchups, solidifying its status as the region's dominant force.

Russia is persisting in its efforts to annex parts of Ukraine and Crimea, despite failing direct negotiations with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy after the invasion in 2022. The U.S.-led sanctions against Russia for oil smuggling and arms sales further complicate the peace process. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin is signaling his readiness to exit any agreement through political maneuvers, while Zelenskyy warns of potential war escalation amid ongoing military operations.

Soldiers are reportedly using Palestinians as human shields inside Gaza homes during military operations, despite orders prohibiting such actions. This practice has persisted for nearly two years, with the Israeli military police investigating several cases. Rights groups express alarm over systemic failure and moral decline within the IDF, noting that soldiers have referred to this tactic informally as "mosquito protocol." Specific cases include children being forced into dangerous situations, highlighting the harsh realities faced by both soldiers and civilians in the conflict.

Guy Montgomery, a New Zealand comedian, gained fame for his standup style that combines frustration and humor, leading to his popular show "Guy Mont Spelling Bee." Born in Christchurch, he began performing at 22 after working various jobs before pursuing comedy. His unique hosting format, which blends joke-telling with spelling challenges, has attracted a loyal audience, tripling its reach in Australia. The show's nostalgic set design sparks nostalgia and appeals to all ages. Despite his success, Montgomery manages his fame through therapy, emphasizing the importance of personal growth and confidence.

Unfortunately, none of this means the economy will emerge unscathed from Trump’s trade war. We’re in a phony-war period of Trump’s trade conflict. But if the deals prove elusive and the tariff war escalates amid beggar-thy-neighbor tactics, economic reality will assert itself. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said this week that Trump’s exorbitant tariffs have created an effective “embargo” on Chinese goods. That’s especially true of U.S. farmers, who lost tens of billions of dollars in sales thanks to Trump’s trade war with China during his first term (and were made whole only thanks to a hefty bailout).

Amazon's Vulcan robot represents a major leap forward in AI and robotics by incorporating advanced touch technology to handle objects with precision and safety. Designed for fulfillment centers, it efficiently picks items like socks or moves delicate electronics without damaging them, streamlining processes across 75% of Amazon's operations. Already pivotal in both the US and Europe, Vulcan is poised to become a key part of Amazon's supply chain ecosystem, further enhancing efficiency and reliability.

As cannabis legalization expands across more U.S. states, innovative and stylish products have emerged to incorporate weed into everyday lifestyles. Celebrities like Jay-Z, Seth Rogen, and Evan Goldberg have launched high-end weed brands and accessories. Brands such as Houseplant offer decorative ash trays and elegant rolling papers. Ahead of 4/20, notable gifts include Houseplant's Block Table Lighter, Dad Grass’ collaboration with George Harrison for a signature rolling tray, Edie Parker's Ravioli Pipe, and Higher Standards' Keith Haring Pipe. Additionally, devices like the Levo II for infusing THC into edibles and the Pax Vaporizer provide safer alternatives to traditional smoking methods.

The Maps app is being deprecated by July 2025 on the Microsoft Store and won't receive updates post that date. DriverStore Explorer now supports adding multiple drivers at once and includes an improved driver list export feature. Foxit PDF Reader has been updated with AI-powered tools, including a ChatGPT-driven assistant for document analysis and bookmarks. NVCleanstall helps users customize Nvidia GPU installations before setup.

World Leaders Celebrate Australia’s Resounding Victory World leaders have extended congratulations to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese following Labor’s victory in the federal election, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, European Union President Ursula von der Leyen, and others expressing their support. Each leader praised Albanese for his leadership and commitment to international cooperation, reflecting a renewed sense of trust and friendship between Australia and global partners.

The Lenovo LOQ Tower 17IRR9 is a mid-tier desktop rig priced at $1,099, ideal for those seeking a balance of performance and portability. While compact (14.8 x 12 x 7 inches) and affordable, it lacks several ports, making it less versatile than laptops. Equipped with an Intel Core i5-14400F, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050, and 16GB RAM, it excels in everyday tasks but struggles with heavy workloads or high-resolution gaming. The base model starts at $1,100 on Walmart, though tariffs could soon raise prices by up to 35%.

The third season of *Star Trek: Strange New Worlds* is officially set to drop on July 17th, with a trailer and poster teasing its release. The show follows Captain Christopher Pike and his crew, who will soon become James Kirk and the USS Enterprise in future seasons. Season two ends on a cliffhanger, leaving fans eager for more, while season three promises a visit to the 1960s-era Star Trek with period costumes and a murder mystery set in the Holodeck.

Among poorer countries, where roughly four out of five of the world’s inhabitants live, 89% of the public wanted stronger climate action. In richer, industrialized countries, roughly two out of three people wanted stronger action. But at least for now, this global climate majority is a silent majority. If most of the climate majority have no idea they are the majority, do they also not realize that defusing the climate crisis is by no means impossible? The first step to answering such questions is to give the silent climate majority a voice.

Joseph Rosales, the Minnesota United midfielder, received a three-game ban from Major League Soccer after using discriminatory language against Vancouver Whitecaps forward Emmanuel Sabbi during their match on April 27. After an independent investigation, the league found him guilty of violating the MLS-MLSPA Joint Non-Discrimination Policy. Despite denying the allegations, Rosales acknowledged his role in escalating tensions and expressed sincere apologies to both the opposing player and affected parties. The club also supported him while emphasizing their commitment to fostering a respectful environment.

Giant Bomb has announced its official sale to creative individuals, marking a new chapter as an independent entity. The author reflects on their decision to leave games journalism, citing others' poor decisions leading to their downfall. Despite facing harassment and negativity, especially towards co-founder Ana Valens, he emphasizes the team's positive contributions and continues to support Giant Bomb, highlighting its crucial role in supporting indie developers amidst growing challenges for independent platforms.

Jillian Lauren, the wife of Weezer bassist Scott Shriner, was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after shooting in the direction of LAPD officers during a standoff near her home. Despite appearing injured, she was released on bail about an hour later without any charges being filed yet. The investigation remains ongoing, with no formal charges presented to the DA’s Office as of her court appearance.

History shows revoking Harvard's tax status won't be easy — or fasttoggle caption Bettmann Archive/via Getty ImagesIn an escalating fight over federal funding, President Trump has threatened to revoke Harvard University's tax-exempt status. Sponsor MessageAt least one university is known to have had its tax-exempt status rescinded: Bob Jones University in South Carolina. Harvard spokesperson Jason Newton said in an email to NPR, "There is no legal basis to rescind Harvard's tax-exempt status." What happened to Bob Jones UniversityFor many years, Bob Jones University, a private Christian college in Greenville, S.C., had a policy in place that forbade its students from interracial dating or marriage. In 1976, the IRS found the school was engaging in unlawful racial discrimination and revoked Bob Jones University's tax-exempt status.

A dance teacher who survived a knife attack in Southport last summer has started a campaign calling for pointed kitchen knives to be replaced by ones with blunt tips. She said she has not cooked with a pointed kitchen knife since last July’s attack, and that using knives with blunt tips makes her feel safer. “We want to bring that awareness to light.”Cutlery manufacturer Viners has been selling blunt-tipped knives since 2020, alongside more traditional pointed knives. According to data from the Office for National Statistics, kitchen knives are most commonly used in homicides where a knife is used as a weapon. “They sound dangerous but really, when you look at the figures, the highest figure is the domestic kitchen knife, which we have all got in our kitchen, which we use daily.”

Kevin Systrom, co-founder of Instagram, criticized AI companies for overusing follow-up questions to gauge engagement, arguing they come across as insincere and frustrating. He likened this tactic to aggressive expansion strategies seen in other industries. OpenAI faced backlash for ChatGPT's tendency to be overly accommodating, with the company apologizing and stating its model often lacks complete information before providing answers. Systrom suggested that excessive follow-ups are a deliberate strategy to showcase metrics like engagement time, but stressed AI companies should focus on delivering high-quality responses rather than relying on easy tactics.

As Armina Pines lit a candle inside Melbourne’s St Patrick’s Cathedral, the jovial smile of the late Pope Francis beamed from a portrait on the wall. For Pines, Pope Francis embodied his legacy as the people’s pope. Photograph: Christopher Hopkins/The GuardianMonsignor Stuart Hall, the dean of St Patrick’s Cathedral, told mourners the “beloved” Pope Francis called out to a range of voices, including the dispossessed. I just hope the next pope can do the same.”View image in fullscreen Alice D’Cruz and Peter August pay their respects at a memorial to Pope Francis at St Patricks Cathedral in Melbourne. He stood for love and peace.”View image in fullscreen ‘He was my pope,’ said parishioner Sinisita at St Mary’s Cathedral in Sydney on Tuesday.

The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem has decided to halt direct communication with Washington for the Office of Palestinian Affairs, signaling a shift in how the U.S. views Palestinian issues. This move, effective upon Huckabee's decision, means the office will no longer send cables without approval, ending its special status at the embassy. The acting head was informed after consulting with Secretary Rubio, reflecting Huckabee's significant recent decision and his focus on Palestinian affairs.

The NBA is exploring a shift in its 2026 All-Star Game format to an international competition amid declining ratings for its previous mini-tournament. Discussions aim to pit U.S.-born players against foreign-born talent, leveraging NBC’s prime timing during the Winter Olympics and drawing inspiration from recent successful international basketball events like last summer's Paris Olympics. The proposed setup, featuring stars like Nikola Jokic, Luka Doncic, and Giannis Antetokounmpo, could capitalize on increased global viewership opportunities while addressing declining interest in traditional formats.

The annual Craft Sake Week, returning for its seventh edition at Roppongi Hills Arena in Tokyo, aims to boost Japanese sake's visibility both domestically and internationally. Fueled by former soccer star Hidetoshi Nakata's mission to promote the drink, the festival showcases 10 different sake producers each day, grouped around unique themes like "New Wave Sake" and "Sake Diversity."

The U.S. plans to introduce legislation to track where Nvidia's AI chips are sold in an effort to combat claims of their smuggling into China, a move supported by bipartisan lawmakers amid tighter export controls imposed by both President Trump and Joe Biden. These critical chips power advanced technologies like chatbots, image generators, and biological weapons, raising concerns about their potential misuse.

"Mark Darrah expresses frustration over EA and BioWare neglecting his team during the early stages of Dragon Age: The Veilguard's development, citing leadership changes that threw off project momentum. He recounts how EA swung focus to Mass Effect 5, leaving Dragon Age underdeveloped despite its potential. Current shifts in BioWare suggest a reevaluation of the game after its delayed release and critical acclaim faced byEA."

Get ready to immerse yourself in immersive gaming experiences with the new Microsoft ROG Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X. These sleek Windows-powered handhelds feature a full-screen Xbox interface optimized for gameplay, complete with customizable buttons that mimic the Xbox console for intuitive navigation. They offer impressive battery life with 60Wh and 80Wh capacities, ensuring longer playtime than previous models, and can be further enhanced by docking them with Asus' RTX 5090-powered laptop GPU. Collaboration between Microsoft and Asus highlights their shared commitment to elevating the Windows handheld experience while bridging Xbox and Windows ecosystems in a new way.

Tunisian courts have sentenced 40 individuals, including opposition politicians, businessmen, and lawyers, to lengthy prison terms ranging from 13 to 66 years in a trial criticized as politically motivated. President Kais Saied, who secured a second term with near-universal support, has been accused of using the judiciary to silence dissent and consolidate power. The defendants, including prominent opposition figures like Ghazi Chaouachi and Khayam Turki, claim the case is fabricated to stifle political opposition and establish authoritarian rule. Many leading political figures are now behind bars, while others have fled abroad to escape what they describe as a growing crackdown on dissent.

The U.S. has announced plans to boost intelligence activities in Greenland, escalating efforts to influence the region's autonomy under Denmark, driven by President Trump's stated desire for U.S. control over Greenland. This move follows months of criticism from Danish authorities and Greenlanders, who oppose U.S. expansion and advocate for continued Danish sovereignty. The increased espionage is viewed as a security concern but also as an attempt to leverage Greenland for strategic advantage. Polls indicate widespread opposition among Greenlanders, with the majority wanting eventual independence from Denmark rather than U.S. control.

Focus Features will kick off its wide release of *Bugonia* on October 24 in limited theaters before expanding to select locations nationwide on October 31. Starring Emma Stone and featuring director Yorgos Lanthimos and a compelling sci-fi plot about conspiracy theorists kidnapping an alien-controlled CEO, the film also includes notable actors like Jesse Plemons. The movie will be shown at select New York and Los Angeles theaters during its weeklong event. Additionally, Focus Features is busy building its fall film slate with other major releases, including Wes Anderson’s *The Phoenician Scheme* and Ronan Day-Lewis’s *Anemone*, as well as Emma Stone’s Hamnet.

Pierre Poilievre, once a projected Canadian prime minister, unexpectedly resigned as Conservative Party leader after facing defeat in his riding amid an Ottawa truckers' occupation. His defeat was partly due to voters disapproving of his support for pandemic-era policies under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, despite his personal connection to nature. During the chaos, he offered comfort with coffee and doughnuts to the protesting truckers, reflecting a moment of humanity amidst a turbulent political landscape.

Casey Means, a wellness influencer and medical entrepreneur, faced significant hurdles as Trump's second nominee for "the nation’s doctor," including her inactive medical license and opposition from conservative forces. Despite these challenges, she aligns with conservative concerns about vaccines and mainstream medicine, while her brother ties her to health tech companies and controversial figures. Experts caution about her lack of medical credentials.

The chance encounter led to the discovery of more than 1,000 ancient and priceless items including coins, jewels, lamps and swords, some of which date back to the Talayotic culture — from 1600 to 123 B.C. The latest operation led to 80 arrests and the seizure of more than 37,700 items such as paintings, Roman coins and ceramics, according to Interpol. The figures, which cover findings from 2024, are a sharp increase from the previous three years, in which authorities seized between 6,400 and 11,000 items per year. In 2021, authorities seized over 56,400 artifacts, including a single haul of 27,300 items by French customs authorities. Ukrainian authorities also seized nearly 90 items, including coins, books and spoons, that were being illegally taken out of the war-torn country, en route to Poland, Moldova and Romania, Interpol said.

Stan Love, a former NBA player whose son Kevin is now an NBA star, also served as Brian Wilson’s devoted caretaker during his struggles with addiction and mental health. After Brian’s death in 2019, Love became an advocate for mental health awareness, especially after Kevin publicly spoke about his own battles with depression.

EXCLUSIVE: Collin Curtis, a producer-writer-director, has launched Beverly Hills-based production company Caravanserai Pictures, partnering with Buffalo 8—a BondIt Media Capital entity—to develop seven feature films under his creative direction. The partnership aims to nurture emerging talent and produce high-quality content, with Curtis expressing excitement about their shared values. The slate includes original screenplay projects across various genres, set to debut at Cannes Film Festival, emphasizing international appeal and strong visual storytelling.

The National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) has formally applied to establish a new Division II league. With eight committed teams, each requiring an affiliated second-tier team within four years, the league aims to expand women's soccer in the U.S., potentially doubling its professional teams from 12 to over 50 by 2026. The NWSL also plans to create a player development pipeline through youth academies and strategic resource allocation, collaborating with U.S. Soccer to support future expansion alongside the Women's Professional Soccer League (WPSL) Pro.