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Concise news summaries
Despite his bravery, for which he was posthumously awarded the distinguished conduct medal, Bill Allen was never recognised as a citizen of his own country. Photograph: T Oxford/Bringing His Spirit HomeAllen was one of about 1,000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men who fought for Australia in the first world war. The Somme Valley community of communes, which comprises 33 townships across the region, held a “day of tribute” last week in Allen’s honour. Over a decade Flick documented and photographed the first world war graves of Aboriginal soldiers in the UK, France and Belgium. Milliken and the rest of Allen’s extended family hope that one day his body can return home to Gomeroi country.
Gildas, a delightful pre-dinner snack, takes inspiration from Brett in Glasgow, offering a mix of olives, anchovies, and green chili for a flavorful experience. This recipe combines lemon-spiked artichoke and chili tapenade with focaccia, using Perelló olives and Ortiz anchovies for a rich, spicy treat. Quick preparation involves preheating the oven to 200C (390F/gas 6), slicing focaccia into strips, and blending artichokes with olive oil, salt, lemon juice, and chili for a tangy-tasty mix. Serve with croutons topped with olives and anchovies as a vibrant starter or pre-drink snack.
The return of Anthony Weiner raises Big Societal Questions, and if that’s your thing, have at it. Then there’s this: Weiner is the cherry atop one of the most absurd primary seasons in New York City history. When Weiner left prison in 2020, a friend who owned the place and believed in employing the formerly incarcerated installed Weiner as its CEO. Technocratic intolerance for disorder was last a thing in New York City during the Bloomberg administration, but it’s hardly novel. “You know, usually we associate firebrands with an extreme kind of thing,” Weiner said.
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.
The designer of Kiki Iriafen's WNBA draft night dress, Nneka C. Alexander, has seen an increase in business since the dress went viral. People have been reaching out for custom pieces similar to Iriafen's. The dress was created to honor Iriafen's Nigerian heritage and took just three sketches to finalize. Alexander herself put the dress on Iriafen during the draft night in Manhattan, where Iriafen was selected fourth overall by Washington Mystics.
The New York Times Games has launched its multi-game leaderboard, enabling puzzle enthusiasts to celebrate their daily wins with friends across Wordle, Connections, Spelling Bee, and the Mini Crossword. This feature allows solvers to track progress in multiple games simultaneously, fostering friendly competition and community bonding. Notably, celebrity puzzlers like Chris Perfetti, Laufey, Lola Tung, Luann de Lesseps, and Sonja Morgan have joined the leaderboard, adding a layer of excitement as their scores are visible for the first 100 solvers starting May 8.
"Carlo Ancelotti has stepped into a historic role as Brazil's new World Cup coach, replacing a record five-time champion with no foreign manager in 60 years. Excluding Neymar due to injury, the former Real Madrid manager aims to lead his team towards their sixth championship on his debut."
What do you remember about the tragic day 55 years ago when National Guardsmen fired on Vietnam War protesters at Kent State University? Now, two survivors are recalling those harrowing moments once again in this touching StoryCorps.
MILITIES across the globe are eagerly watching a tense aerial clash between Chinese-made Pakistani fighter jets and French-made Indian Rafale fighters, as it offers a rare opportunity to study advanced combat systems and pilot performance, potentially shaping future military strategies. On Wednesday, at least two Indian military aircraft were reportedly shot down by Chinese-made Pakistani fighters, marking a significant moment in the evolution of China's fighter jet capabilities. This rare opportunity for cross-domain learning highlights the growing strategic significance of such encounters as militaries seek to gain insights into emerging technologies and combat effectiveness.
Aislinn Clarke’s *Fréwaka* offers a fresh take on Irish horror by blending folklore with a haunting tale of personal trauma. The film explores themes of religion's darker side and generational trauma, diverging from common horror tropes. Through Shoo’s journey, viewers meet someone grappling with mental health struggles and unresolved grief, while the remote village setting heightens suspense as secrets lurk in shadowy corners. The film’s eerie atmosphere and layered characters create an unsettling experience that invites reflection on tradition and tradition's hidden dangers.
Bad Bunny made a triumphant comeback as a musical guest on Saturday Night Live, performing two tracks from his sixth album *Debí Tirar Más Fotos*, which has charted number one on Billboard's 200 and Hot 100. The album received widespread critical acclaim, with Bad Bunny himself calling it "the most enjoyable" he'd ever made. Now in San Juan for residencies and planning a world tour later this year, the artist continues to prove why he remains at the top of his game.
The Democratic Party faces a critical moment as it grapples with deep internal divisions on how to address the current challenges under President Trump. While some leaders focus on fighting Trump's administration while others emphasize supporting vulnerable communities and progressive causes, the party is in disarray, struggling to find a unified direction. This infighting underscores their confusion about both the present catastrophe and how to navigate its complexities moving forward.
Robots ran alongside humans for the first time in a half-marathon in Beijing, with 21 humanoid machines taking part in the 21km race. The robots, ranging in size and design—from short and quirky to human-like—were developed by Chinese companies and faced challenges like falls and technical issues during the event. The winning robot, Tiangong Ultra, finished in 2 hours and 40 minutes, showcasing advancements in robotic engineering. While some analysts question the practicality of robot marathons as a measure of industrial progress, China hopes such events will highlight its growing robotics sector and drive economic growth.
Carrie Bradshaw's later years seem to favor practical tech choices like a MacBook Pro over trendy gadgets, but her fashion sense remains sharp. As for audio, she'd probably stick with open-ear wireless earbuds like the Motorola Moto Buds Loop with Swarovski crystals or Bose Ultra Open Earbuds, both designed for hearing your surroundings without transparency modes. The Swarovski edition is likely aimed at style-conscious buyers with features including 12mm drivers and spatial sound, offering up to 37 hours of battery life. Pricing details are pending closer to release, but expect the premium version to be pricey.
"The shocking death of Jean Charles de Menezes, a Brazilian man accidentally killed by British police in 2005 while mistaken for a suicide bomber, remains one of the most disturbing cases in London history. De Menezes, peacefully working as an electrician at the time, was wrongly identified and shot without warning. The four-part drama *Suspect* vividly portrays this harrowing event with breathtaking clarity, capturing the raw power and chaos of the attack. The show delves into the broader circumstances surrounding the case, exploring the ineptitude and biases within the police force that led to the tragedy."
Tim Cook highlighted Apple's muted impact from tariffs in Q3 but cautioned on long-term predictability. Despite this, investors expressed some relief but remain uncertain about future trade changes. Apple's reliance on stable regions like India and Vietnam underscores its adaptability in global trade, while Cook reaffirmed Apple's focus on innovation and sustained growth despite the unpredictable nature of U.S. trade policy.
Warner Bros. Discovery has abruptly rebranded its streaming service by discontinuing "Max" and resuming "HBO Max," signaling a pivot back to HBO's branding amid constant changes. execs emphasize increased profits and subscriber growth through this focus on HBO's signature quality programming, but critics note the frequent rebranding creates confusion in an already crowded market. The move follows years of shifting strategies that have left consumers and execs uncertain about HBO Max's long-term direction, urging the company to establish a more stable brand identity for its platform.
Harvard University has emphasized the critical role of its nearly 7,000 international students from over 140 countries in shaping its academic community and contributing significantly to the U.S. economy—accounting for $43.8 billion in economic activity and employing more than 378,000 jobs during the 2023-2024 academic year. A record-breaking 1.1 million international students study in the U.S., with India and China leading as the top sources of international students. Harvard’s commitment to hosting these students through the F-1 visa program underscores a broader trend in the U.S. higher education system, which has long been vital for its global reputation and economic impact.
Apple typically maintains its usual pricing for newly released products, but this year it’sSurprised by Amazon offering a 2025 MacBook Air M4 at an unprecedented $899, down from $999, while also discounting larger models. This aggressive markdown is drawing消费者的 attention and disrupting the market, with Apple reportedly displeased over the competition. The M4 chip offers significant performance improvements over its predecessor, with a focus on productivity and creative tasks, paired with ample storage and multitasking capabilities. The device remains ultra-thin and light despite its high performance, further intensifying thedueling competition between two tech giants.
Grok, xAI’s chatbot, now powers a vision feature that can answer questions about objects in your smartphone camera, like products or signs—similar to real-time features on Gemini and ChatGPT. Available only for iOS currently, the app isn’t yet available for Android. New capabilities include multilingual audio and real-time search via voice mode, accessible on Android but limited to xAI’s SuperGrok plan. Grok has been steadily adding features, such as a memory function for past conversations and a canvas tool for creating documents.
Alexander Zverev sparked controversy by challenging an automated line-calling system during his Madrid match. The ELS incorrectly called a ball "in" when it had already crossed the court based on physical marks, prompting Zverev to share photos of disputed shots. Other players followed suit, taking photos and sharing their frustrations. The ATP is transitioning from human umpires to such systems, though Hawk-Eye struggles with accuracy on clay due to ball marks affecting predictions.
The Golden Globes is branching out to recognize podcasting by introducing an award for the best podcast of the year starting next January. From 25 top audio and video podcasts, six will be chosen as finalists, including notable shows hosted by Amy Poehler, Trevor Noah, and "SmartLess." While this move highlights the growing influence of podcasts, some critics suggest it may be a tactic to attract more celebrities on the show rather than an earnest effort to acknowledge podcast success.
"Prepping your emergency go bag doesn’t have to be expensive or overwhelming. Start by packing essentials like water, food, a multi-tool, and first-aid supplies. Reuse items, break tasks into smaller steps, and prioritize based on what you’ll need most in an emergency, such as limited water and food supplies. Don’t forget basic documents and a sturdy bag for easy transport. After packing, refresh your kit annually by swapping expired items and restocking supplies. End with a simple yet effective plan that includes evacuation routes, meeting points, and key contacts—just remember, preparation is key!"
Keir Starmer's announcement to revive the UK's nuclear power industry was met with criticism as he ignored corrections from the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR). Despite warnings that claims about delays in reactor construction were "not true," Starmer repeated these claims, leading to a misstep that could increase costs and delay deployment. ONR highlighted discrepancies in design assessments between regulators and developers, which Starmer failed to address. EDF's predictions of increased electricity demand highlighted the potential economic impact. The situation reflects broader tensions within Labour's push for growth and its effects on competition watchdogs.
"Prince Harry has publicly sought reconciliation with the British Royal Family in an interview, citing health issues related to cancer and security concerns as barriers. He acknowledged that King Charles won't speak to him due to these factors, adding that while he doesn't know how much longer his father will be able to stay in touch, a peaceful resolution would be ideal for their family."
In a heart-wrenching turn for fans of "The Last of Us," Pedro Pascal reflects on the death of his character Joel, revealing his own struggle with denial and the profound impact it had on both him and the cast. Pascal shares how stepping onto set with bloodied makeup evoked unexpected heartbreak rather than revulsion, while Bella Ramsey opens up about her emotional journey as she steps into the spotlight following Joel's demise.
The Supreme Court temporarily halted deportations of individuals under the Alien Enemies Act, a rarely used 18th-century law allowing accelerated removal of foreign threats, effective in Texas detention facilities despite previous rulings. The government previously tried to use the act without ensuring proper notice and process, raising concerns about compliance with recent court guidance. The American Civil Liberties Union has pressed for an emergency injunction to ensure individuals receive adequate notice and time to contest their deportation under this rare legal authority.
The James Webb Space Telescope has unveiled stunning new images of the massive auroras at Jupiter's north pole, which are hundreds of times brighter than Earth's Aurora Borealis. These vivid visuals reveal intricate details about how solar storms and Jupiter's magnetic field interact with particles from its moon Io to create this cosmic wonder. The NIRCam camera on Webb captured these phenomena with unprecedented clarity, offering scientists a deeper understanding of Jupiter's auroral system and its connection to the planet's atmosphere.
Among them is Khosla Ventures, a firm known for making early bets on risky, unproven technologies with long development timelines. “I think we’ll look at a few of these types of opportunities,” Samir Kaul, general partner at Khosla Ventures, told TechCrunch. Interestingly, this PE-flavored approach could be a surprising benefit to the multitudes of AI startups VCs are backing. If a VC marries old businesses with new technology, AI startups wanting to serve these industries would essentially gain instant access to large, established clients. But Khosla Ventures wants to proceed with caution.
Eddie Hearn reimagined boxing's traditional format by bringing high-profile fighters like Ryan Garcia, Devin Haney, and Teófimo López to an invite-only event at Times Square for Saudi Arabia's Turki al-Sheikh. Using media platforms to shape the narrative, this innovative approach marked a significant departure from conventional boxing events, drawing attention to ethical concerns tied to Saudi Arabia's use of sports for repression. Despite these challenges, Hearn remains optimistic about boxing's future and hinted at future ventures like staging fights on Alcatraz Island, while emphasizing his passion for the sport that began in his childhood.
The disparity between temporary farm workers and long-term residents in Monterey County highlights a critical housing challenge. Temporary workers receive support through programs like Fresh Harvest, but long-term residents struggle with overcrowding and limited affordable housing. The repeal of a local rent increase ordinance has exacerbated these issues, prompting calls for policies that protect against excessive rent hikes. Efforts to address funding gaps are underway, emphasizing the need for comprehensive solutions involving community initiatives, tenant protections, and alternative funding sources to ensure equitable housing for all agricultural workers.
Logitech has released an updated software version for its MX Creative Console, enhancing its compatibility with Adobe Lightroom and Figma apps, allowing users to streamline creative tasks like image adjustments and text formatting using intuitive controls. The new plugins integrate seamlessly with the console's dial and customizable keypad, boosting productivity for creatives without sacrificing the device's core functionality at a price of $199.99.
The United States and Iran made progress in their nuclear talks on Saturday, with both sides agreeing to meet again next week as they work toward a deal aimed at easing Middle East tensions. U.S. officials described the talks as positive and productive, while Iran’s top diplomat emphasized the need for the two sides to narrow differences ahead of the next round of discussions. This rare high-level engagement between long-time adversaries is targeting a new agreement that would halt Iran’s nuclear weapons program in exchange for sanctions relief—a stance Tehran denies.
On October 7, 2024 – exactly one year into the United States-backed Israeli genocide in the Gaza Strip that has now killed more than 53,000 Palestinians – the Washington-based Heritage Foundation unleashed a policy paper titled Project Esther: A National Strategy to Combat Antisemitism. The “national strategy” proposed by Project Esther – which is named for the biblical queen credited with saving the Jews from extermination in ancient Persia – basically consists of criminalising opposition to Israel’s current genocide and exterminating freedoms of speech and thought along with a whole lot of other rights. And as per the genocidal logic of Project Esther, protesting the mass slaughter of Palestinians is fundamentally anti-Semitic – hence the need to pursue the prescribed national strategy of “extirpating the influence of the HSN from our society”. The October publication of the Heritage Foundation report occurred on the watch of President Joe Biden’s administration, which the think tank diagnosed as “decidedly anti-Israel” despite its complete and utter complicity in the genocide in Gaza. Now, if the Trump administration seems to be taking Project Esther and running with it, it is more out of concern for propagating a white Christian nationalist agenda that utilises Zionism and anti-Semitism charges to its own extremist ends.
Lindsay Lohan expressed her excitement about reprising her role as Anna Coleman in *Freaky Friday*, recalling how singing "Ultimate" was a pivotal part of her life at the time. She mentioned that while singing again initially felt nerve-wracking, it brought her joy now, as she’s been involved with the band for the sequel. The movie also features Chad Michael Murray and notable stars like Rosalind Chao and Manny Jacinto, including a fun motorcycle scene.
AI features from Apple’s tools are currently unavailable on Meta’s iOS apps like Facebook and Instagram, leaving users without access to text generation or Genmoji. This includes keyboard stickers and Memoji in Stories. It appears Meta may have opted out of using Apple Intelligence, possibly steering users toward its own AI tools instead.
Synology is rolling out new rules later this year that will limit the use of third-party hard drives in its NAS devices, starting with Plus Series models in 2025. Only Synology-branded or certified third-party drives will be fully supported, which means existing users won't be affected since their older devices aren't impacted. The change aims to reduce compatibility issues and improve system reliability but is raising concerns about reduced choice for customers.
The unexpected price increase for Xbox consoles has sparked worries about a similar move for the PS5. In other regions, prices have already risen, with major retailers still selling PS5 versions at full price.
Poker Face, inspired by the Columbo mystery, returns with season 2, featuring Natasha Lyonne as Charlie Cale, who navigates societal perils while solving crimes. Season two delves into the show's signature format, starting each episode from a killer's perspective to reveal Charlie's surveillance, showcasing themes of trust and class warfare. Guest stars like Richard Kind and Margo Martindale shine in memorable roles, yet Alex’s entry feels underdeveloped. The series' standout is Lyonne's dynamic portrayal of Charlie, offering a blend of humor, warmth, and unexpected twists in each case.
Jeanine Pirro, a Fox News personality, briefly appeared at a Trump administration event where he praised her for co-hosting "The Five," but she later declined to join the administration. Over the years, she's held various high-ranking positions within Trump's administration due to her Fox presence, despite not responding to NPR's requests for comment. Pirro, once a judge and district attorney, has long supported Trump and made controversial statements about election integrity during the Jan. 6 insurrection. She's sued multiple times over her remarks and connections to the event, with her legal battles continuing even as she remains active in political commentary.
Curious about how preferential voting works? Here's what you need to know: It’s a system where voters rank candidates in order of preference. If their top choice wins, they get a full vote; if not, their vote goes to their second choice, and so on. This method ensures that votes are counted efficiently without wasting them on candidates who don’t win. Unlike the U.S., which uses a winner-takes-all system, Australia’s preferential voting allows for fairer elections by ensuring more votes go toward winning seats, leading to better representation for voters.
Luis Enrique is relieved his PSG team is facing Inter Milan instead of Barcelona in the Champions League final but expressed fond memories of Barça's past success. The French coach’s side secured a thrilling 2-1 victory over Arsenal, qualifying them for the final on an aggregate scoreline of 3-1. With a young, star-studded squad and a goal to defend against Inter Milan at Munich, PSG aims to make history by claiming their first European title in nearly two decades.
A man has been charged with murder after a 65-year-old was found unresponsive in an on-site granny flat in Homebush West, western Sydney. Emergency services were called following reports of a resident’s welfare concerns, and the body was discovered early Saturday night. A 31-year-old man, arrested at the scene, has been charged with murder but has not yet been formally identified. He was refused bail and set to appear at Parramatta Local Court on Monday. Investigators are exploring the relationship between the two men, who were believed to know each other, while police confirmed they are connected. A knife was found at the scene, but the cause of death remains undetermined.
Behavioral biometrics emerges as a game-changer in digital security by using unique human behaviors for authentication, offering a balance between strong security and seamless user experiences. Unlike traditional static methods, it integrates real-time data analysis and machine learning to continuously monitor and authenticate users based on their distinctive interactions with devices. By adjusting security levels dynamically, it enhances fraud detection while minimizing disruptions for legitimate users, thus redefining trust and transforming security into a strategic advantage.
"Get ready for a magical revisit to your childhood with a proposed 'Toys 'R' Us' movie! Story Kitchen, behind hits like Barbie and *Big*, is eyeing an adventure-fueled film that captures the spirit of Toys 'R' Us. The project, currently in early development, features execs Dmitri M. Johnson & Mike Goldberg, who describe the store as a cultural touchstone. This could mark a new era for the brand, following its resurrection as part of Macy's in 2021—plus, there might be plans for a Babies 'R' Us spinoff!"
The University of Notre Dame's basketball alumni have made significant impacts in the WNBA, showcasing diverse talents such as clutch performances, defensive prowess, and versatility. Coach Janeen Stewart emphasizes qualities like high IQ, leadership, clutch ability, adaptability, and thriving beyond athletics when evaluating players. The program's alumni pursue varied paths, from graduate degrees to the NBA, reflecting its reputation as a top producer of future stars. This success fosters pride among fans and supports young athletes inspired by coaches who balance sports with academics and other responsibilities.
Last year, U.S. District Court Judge Amit Mehta ruled that Google maintained a monopoly in search, sparking antitrust concerns. Now, as the Department of Justice (DOJ) considers potential remedies—such as requiring Google to divest its Chrome browser—the case could reshape tech dominance, especially with AI-driven tools becoming more prevalent. Competitors like OpenAI and Yahoo have shown interest in acquiring Chrome, potentially boosting their own search capabilities, while Google argues such moves would harm privacy and security. This dynamic highlights the shifting power dynamics in the tech industry's quest for control over critical tools like web browsers.
Elon Musk, a key ally of Donald Trump, has decided to leave the administration after only 128 days in his role as a "special government employee." In a post on his social media platform X, he thanked Trump for allowing him to reduce wasteful spending and expressed hope that his efforts would become a lasting part of the government. Despite being granted just over a year for such roles, Musk faced disappointment when Trump's administration proposed significant tax breaks for the wealthy and major cuts to clean energy programs, while also increasing the federal budget.
Richard Gadd, best known for *Baby Reindeer*, has faced intense pressure since his Netflix drama detailing his struggle as an aspiring comedian surged in popularity. With over 10 million views and multiple accolades, including six Emmys and four Golden Globes, the show has captivated audiences. However, the fan attention following its April release led to a dramatic shift in Gadd's life, with fans seeking autographs at his doorsteps. Meanwhile, his on-screen love interest, Fiona Harvey, filed a $170 million defamation lawsuit after she claimed her role as the stalker was falsely portrayed.
The 2024 Most Valuable Blockbuster tournament showcases the resilience of independent and smaller-budget films, with movies like *A Quiet Place: Day One* and *SMILE 2* delivering strong openings despite not being traditional blockbusters. *NOSFERATU* leverages stylish marketing to become Focus Features’ biggest hit, while *SPEAK NO EVIL* demonstrates the effectiveness of Blumhouse's low-overhead model with a high profit despite modest initial earnings. *LONGLEGS* impresses with its unique teaser campaign and solid $22.4M opening, highlighting how creativity in marketing can drive success even for unconventional films.