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Concise news summaries
The UK continues to dominate Europe’s tech landscape as five scaleups from the region make it into TECH5, capping off the regional round and setting the stage for a fierce competition at the EU level. From fintech giants like Allica Bank and Zilch to AI-driven PolyAI and cancer-focused Artios Pharma, London’s tech scene remains a global leader. Meanwhile, Ireland’s rise, bolstered by tax incentives and government backing, ensures it’s not left behind. However, as this year’s competition for Europe’s hottest scaleup crown intensifies with potential challengers from outside London, the UK’s influence is more than certain to shape the future of European innovation.
The MonsGeek FUN60 Ultra TMR gaming keyboard combines compactness with impressive power, featuring an 8,000Hz polling rate for lightning-fast input and advanced features like Snap Key and Mod-Tap to adapt to various gaming scenarios. Its slim design and aluminum body ensure durability, while a USB dongle keeps functionality intact without sacrificing convenience—ensuring a seamless user experience regardless of setup complexity.
Jennifer Lawrence and Robert Pattinson made a strong impression at the Cannes red carpet for their debut film *Die My Love*, directed by Lynne Ramsay, which explores postpartum depression through the story of a woman spiraling into mental disintegration. Damon Wise praised the film's direction, while Lawrence received widespread acclaim, with critics noting her stellar performance and its potential for Oscar recognition.
The article explains how "Press & Hold" is used as a method to verify human interaction on platforms or websites, ensuring bots cannot manipulate systems through automated inputs. This simple yet effective measure helps maintain authenticity and security in digital interactions.
Maram Humaid writes about her mother's passing amidst the horrors of the Israeli bombing of Gaza, detailing how the war has torn apart their family, leaving them in fear and displacement while enduring hungry days, broken hearts, and the constant reminder of loss. Her final wish was to reunite with her children alive, a sentiment shared by those who grieve the countless lives lost in this ongoing conflict. The war's relentless cycle of death and suffering has left them questioning life itself, as they struggle to survive in a place where death comes too often in the blink of an eye.
AI-generated video: Made with Veo 3 Veo 3, Google’s new AI video generator, has the potential to create deeply concerning content without safeguards. While it can produce realistic-looking videos of fictional disasters or scenarios involving news anchors announcing fictitious events, guardrails are in place to prevent some obviously inappropriate outputs. However, like other AI tools, its true power lies in its ability to generate simple, kid-friendly videos with realistic dialogue and background sounds, making it a tool that requires ethical use if it’s to be used responsibly for audiences younger than adulthood.
Marc Andreessen's private Signal group chats, which emerged in 2018, served as a platform for influential tech leaders and right-wing figures to openly discuss and critique policies, with notable debates over issues like Trump's tariffs. These chats fostered a culture of transparency and ideological exchange among its members, from tech luminaries like Larry Summers to conservatives such as Tucker Carlson, while some saw the group as increasingly partisan due to its open discussions.
Sergei Loznitsa, a celebrated filmmaker returning after a decade, brings his gripping tale "Two Prosecutors" to Cannes, revisiting a story from 1937 set during Stalin’s purge. The film, a chilling reflection of totalitarianism's consequences, mirrors today's events involving Putin and Trump, exploring the struggle against authoritarianism. Adapted from a novella by Georgy Demidov, the film delves into the dangers of ignoring history and the resilience of human spirit in the face of oppression. Loznitsa, known for his documentaries, pens a poignant critique of power's corruption, urging vigilance as the world grapples with similar challenges.
Telegraph Fantasy Football: And the winner is... Jonny Currie claimed victory with 2,229 points in both leagues, placing him high across multiple competitions. His success included finishing second, seventh, fifteenth, and nineteenth, showcasing his strategic prowess and lucky breaks. He started with steady picks to minimize transfers early on, swapped key players later in the season for better adaptability, and made smart decisions to exploit favorable fixtures and opportunities.
fans. The delay until early 2026 is due to "adding polish," but fans remain patient, with the game set to arrive in time for release season. Developed by Amy Hennig and her team, known for their experience at Naughty Dog, the game promises a polished experience despite the long wait.
Bella Ramsey, the British non-binary actress famous for *The Last of Us*, has advocated for awards shows to maintain separate categories for male and female entertainers, explaining that gender recognition is crucial for fair nominations. Despite acknowledging the challenges posed by non-binary individuals, she highlighted how she often identifies as an actor but is commonly referred to as an actress. The debate over gender-neutral awards continues, with some industries, like the Grammys, already moving toward neutrality, while others, such as the Oscars, are still considering changes.
The FCC's approval of the Verizon-Frontier merger marks a historic shift as the companies commit to equal treatment for all customers after years of discriminatory DEI practices. This move signals a departure from decades-long policies favoring certain groups over others, aligning with Trump-era directives to dismantle DEI initiatives. The new structure will invest in upgrading networks with fiber-optic systems in rural areas and other parts of the country, ensuring faster internet for millions of homes.
Despite decades of intense conflict, people along the India-Pakistan border are celebrating a ceasefire as a hopeful sign for peace after years of tension.
The intense military confrontation between India and Pakistan in recent weeks was met with a deluge of disinformation on social media and mainstream outlets, making it nearly impossible to distinguish fact from fiction. Despite widely reported 'successes'—such as what were later revealed to be false claims of attacks on Pakistani nuclear facilities, fighter jets, and the Karachi port— analysts noted the widespread spread of half-truths, memes, and fabricated stories, particularly from well-known TV networks. This chaotic environment has discredited many of the supposed achievements by India's forces while undermining trust in trusted news sources.
Belkin has launched a range of gaming accessories for Nintendo's Switch 2, including a compact charging case with exceptional battery life, versatile travel cases, anti-reflective screen protectors made from recycled glass, and a portable power bank. This strategic move taps into the robust market potential of Nintendo's ecosystem, leveraging Belkin's expertise in quality and sustainability to address key user concerns like screen durability and battery life. By focusing on innovation and environmental responsibility, Belkin aims to enhance the Switch experience across various aspects of gameplay and convenience, aligning with their commitment to excellence and sustainable practices.
Doom: The Dark Ages and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 both feature standout parrying systems. Doom introduces a vibrant green parry signal that enhances players' timing and action sequences, creating cinematic flair through precise reactions. Meanwhile, Expedition 33 challenges players with tight turn-based battle timings, where swift parries are essential for survival but come with risks of enemy counterattacks if missed. Both games reward skillful parrying, offering unique rewards in their own thrilling ways.
The 2025 BAFTA TV Craft Awards celebrated the excellence of British behind-the-scenes talent, with "Baby Reindeer," "Rivals," and "Slow Horses" each winning two awards. Richard Gadd claimed Best Drama Writer for "Baby Reindeer," while Weronika Tofilska earned Best Director in Fiction for her work on the hit Netflix series. Meanwhile, Apple TV+ spy series "Slow Horses" triumphed in editing categories, and Disney+ comedy drama "Rivals" received accolades for makeup and hair design as well as production design. The ceremony honored other notable wins, including a BAFTA Special Award to BBC soap "EastEnders" for its commitment to nurturing new talent through trainee schemes.
France’s parliament has voted in favour of a bill to legalise assisted dying, paving the way for caregivers to help patients end their lives under what campaigners say would still be some of the strictest conditions in Europe. After a sometimes emotional session, deputies passed the first reading of the bill by a vote of 305 to 199. Others are actively debating the issue, including the UK, where an assisted dying bill is before parliament. Luxembourg also decriminalised active euthanasia and assisted dying in 2009. The Scottish parliament has also passed its first vote on a bill to legalise assisted dying.
The AMD Ryzen 5 9600X processor, available at a discounted price of $185 ($34 off its original $280), is highlighted as a budget-friendly option for gaming PCs. With specs including a 6-core, 12-thread design and a base clock of 3.9 GHz (up to 5.4 GHz when overclocked), it performs well for new releases at high settings without significant issues. Enhanced AI capabilities make it "AI-ready," appealing to tech enthusiasts looking for modern features in their builds.
Atlético Madrid dominated Real Sociedad with a 4-0 victory, featuring Alexander Sørloth’s earliest treble in competition. Meanwhile, Thomas Müller of Bayern Munich ended his farewell season with a hat-trick and a historic farewell ceremony before retiring. Harry Kane brought himself closer to the Bundesliga top scorer title, while Hamburg secured their Bundesliga promotion with a commanding 6-1 win over Ulm. In another highlight, Sporting retained control in the Primeira Liga as Benfica tied their game late. Meanwhile, Juventus narrowly missed out on Champions League qualification through a stoppage-time equalizer at Atlético Madrid.
Set sail into the cursed depths of Orbtopia in Joker Studio’s Sea of Remnats, a haunting RPG where players navigate treacherous waters and hidden treasures on a cursed vessel. Combining retro RPG tropes with open-world adventure, this oceanic tale is as mysterious as it is emotionally resonant, blending solo sailing mechanics with player-driven story choices to create an unforgettable maritime experience. Available in 2026 for PC and mobile, Sea of Remnats promises to transport players to a realm inspired by ghostly tales and cinematic reflections, where every decision and encounter shapes the unfolding adventure.
A Chinese Australian academic, Yang Hengjun, who has been jailed for life in China and suffers from failing health, wrote an emotional letter to Anthony Albanese expressing gratitude for efforts to secure his release while facing a legal battle over his incarceration timing. His lawyer, David Littleproud, is challenging the 23-year-old hold, suggesting it might be linked to his deteriorating health.
Diddy is spending his first Memorial Day in jail, engaging in activities like dominoes, spades, and board games to determine "4 North," plus 3-on-3 basketball if he's up for it. The menu includes classic summer treats: breakfast with fruit and cereal, lunch featuring BBQ chicken, macaroni and cheese, veggies, and dessert, ending with options like chicken and rice or tofu for vegetarians, alongside pinto beans, corn, and bread. Despite the challenges of his legal case, he'll enjoy a well-rounded weekend, with upcoming testimony from his assistant next week as the trial continues.
Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield hosted a warm brunch for first-round draft pick Emeka Egbuka and his family upon their arrival in Tampa. The day after Egbuka’s signing, Mayfield and his wife greeted him and his loved ones with a heartwarming meal at Tampa Club, featuring Egbuka’s parents and stepfather. Egbuka expressed his excitement about joining Mayfield, who he described as a Heisman Trophy winner with a successful NFL career so far. The rookie wide receiver will soon don Buccaneers gear for the team’s rookie minicamp starting May 9.
The brutal sterilization campaign by Peru's 1990s government, depriving thousands of women their right to bear children, remains unresolved. Now, over three decades later, the case of Celia Ramos, a 34-year-old mother who was forced to undergo the procedure against her will and faced severe health complications leading to her untimely death, is being heard for the first time at the Inter-American Court of Human Rights. Her family, deeply devastated by the loss of their vibrant daughter just days after the operation, continues to grapple with the emotional impact on their lives as they cope with grief.
A struggling relationship can feel like staying put in a rut, but there are ways to shake things up. From spontaneous dates to surprising your partner with gestures and emotional depth to date nights, these 10 strategies can help reinvigorate your connection. Whether it's planning a getaway or taking time apart to reconnect, making the effort to invest quality time together will remind you of just how much you love each other—and why.
A team of researchers discovered that the Mongolian Arc, part of China's Medieval Wall System, was primarily a shallow ditch rather than a thick stone wall. This suggests it was used to control border movements and manage regions rather than defend against invaders. The findings hint that past dynasties emphasized civilian infrastructure for both power symbols and trade purposes.
An estimated 95 percent of the 43 international and Palestinian aid groups have already suspended or cut their services in Gaza. “Kids are eating less than a meal a day and struggling to find their next meal,” said Oxfam policy head Bushra Khalil.
The highly secretive selection of the next pope began in the Sistine Chapel’s secure vault at 5 p.m., with cardinals writing votes by hand to avoid leaving clues. Outside, thousands waited for news via smoke from a newly installed chimney. At 9 p.m., black smoke signalled a successful vote, while white smoke would have indicated an immediate, first-round election—a rare and historic achievement.
Holly Madison sparks curiosity about her breakup with Zak Bagans as she claims he cheated on her in social media posts, hinting at a potential split and sparking further interest in their relationship history. After sharing posts on TikTok and Instagram, she shared stories of others accusing her exes of cheating, though she didn't name Zak specifically until after confirming the breakup on a podcast. Zak responded by acknowledging their past splits but wished Holly well as they move forward independently.
"Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano addressed his team's exit from the Concacaf Champions Cup semifinals to Vancouver Whitecaps, acknowledging growing dependence on Lionel Messi and outlining plans to rebound against the New York Red Bulls in MLS. During a news conference, Mascherano highlighted the team's struggles in Major League Soccer, noting recent losses but emphasizing the need to stay focused on improving performance. The coach also stressed the importance of facing challenges head-on as they aim to turn their form around ahead of their next match."
Piaggio Fast Forward’s G1T4-M1N1 is a Star Wars-inspired upgrade to their Gitamini robot, featuring droid decals, lights, sounds, and a custom app. It retains core functionality but enhances it with vibrant design elements and audio effects inspired by R2-D2, making it ideal for fans seeking that authentic droid experience at an elevated price point of $400 over the standard model.
A critical shortage of home care workers is causing providers to deny service and leading to widespread revenue losses in the sector, according to a recent survey by the Nippon Careservice Craft Union. Nearly 90% of facility managers have turned down clients due to staffing shortages since early 2024, while over half of businesses reported year-over-year revenue drops, with many blaming staffing issues for the decline in demand.
Labor emerged victorious in Dickson at the 2025 Australian federal election, with Anthony Albanese delivering a impassioned address celebrating Australian values, fairness, and opportunity. The victory marked a significant shift in power, as Labor had previously hinted at targeting the seat with substantial spending, and now held a stronger position following a wave of seats flipping to their side. Albanese praised the crowd, emphasizing themes of courage, compassion, and leadership, while acknowledging the importance of policies focusing on equality, environmental sustainability, and reconciliation for Australia's future.
Social media users who exhibit Problematic Social Media Use (PSMU) are more likely to believe in and share fake news, spreading misinformation that plagues today's digital world. A study published in PLoS ONE highlights this connection, linking PSMU symptoms like withdrawal discomfort or mental health challenges to higher risk-taking behavior online. Researchers found that individuals with PSMU are also more prone to clicking on links, liking, sharing, or commenting on posts, potentially spreading misinformation. This finding underscores the need for greater awareness of how social media use can exacerbate the spread of falsehoods in the modern internet landscape.
The brutal murder of a Jordanian pilot in Syria, broadcast as a carefully staged video, has led to new charges against 32-year-old Swedish jihadist Osama Krayem. Charged with "participating in the brutal execution" of the pilot near Raqqa and carrying out "serious war crimes and terrorist crimes," Krayem previously served life sentences for roles in the Paris and Brussels terror attacks. Despite his long prison sentences, Sweden's authorities have agreed to temporarily hand over Krayem for trial, while his family expresses support despite the international legal process.
The article discusses the growing trend towards AI buttons on smartphones, highlighting how companies like Nothing, Motorola Razr Ultra, and OnePlus are integrating programmable keys to trigger AI features. Despite the potential benefits of AI in hardware, criticism from polls indicates that most users don't fully utilize AI features yet, with high percentages viewing them as adding minimal value. Additionally, concerns about monetization and practicality arise, especially if AI apps become expensive, potentially leading to privacy issues or inconvenience for users.
Microsoft has Refreshed Its Surface Lineup with Two New "Copilot+ PCs," including a 12-inch tablet and a 13-inch laptop, both offering impressive battery life and enhanced AI integration for productivity. The Surface Pro 12-inch model clocks in at up to 16 hours of use, while the Surface Laptop 13-inch variant provides nearly 24 hours on a single charge. Both devices feature built-in Microsoft Copilot AI to streamline workflows across apps like Microsoft 365, enhancing security and efficiency by default.
A rare Star Wars prop from 1980’s *Empire Strikes Back* could bring millions at auction, featuring a custom-made Rebel Pilot helmet with distinctive yellow-tinted features. Originally owned by Patricia Carr, the helmet was designed for the iconic Hoth battle scenes and only two such helmets are known to exist in private collections. The COO of Propstore, Brandon Alinger, expressed excitement about the upcoming sale, noting its significance as a sought-after artifact from the original trilogy.
Donald Trump's pragmatic approach during his meeting with the U.K. highlights his willingness to make progress in negotiations even without reaching a final agreement. This strategy has potential political benefits, allowing him to gain credit while still being open to further discussions. However, analysts are divided on whether this marks the beginning of a new trade template or just an initial step. Deborah Elms notes that seeing such an effort from the U.K. could shift global leaders' expectations, suggesting they don't need a 90-day deal but rather an idea or plan to move forward.
This year’s Goldman Environmental Prize honors seven courageous activists who have fought tirelessly against corporate greed, political corruption, and environmental destruction. From securing legal rights for sacred rivers in Peru and Albania to stopping harmful development projects in Spain and exposing toxic waste trafficking in Tunisia, these leaders exemplify unwavering commitment to protecting the planet. Their victories, often won despite threats and repression, highlight the power of grassroots activism in driving global change.
With uncertain prices in the U.S., I’ve decided to upgrade my gaming setup now ahead of Memorial Day sales. Focusing on a new office chair, desk, and bookcase, I’m exploring deals at Wayfair and IGN’s recommendations for top brands like the Secretlab Titan Evo. While considering whether to invest in an office or gaming chair, my current chair is nearing its end, making any upgrade worthwhile, even if it means splurging on comfort.
Barbara Lee, a decorated Democratic Congresswoman with nearly three decades of experience in Congress, has surged ahead in the race for Oakland’s mayor, leading her former City Councilmember opponent Loren Taylor with 53% to 47%. As ranked-choice voting complicates the results, her lead is strong enough to call the election. Lee, a progressive icon, aims to address Oakland’s challenges by prioritizing crime reduction, homelessness relief, and transparency, positioning herself as a catalyst for change in a city facing significant crises.
The conflict in Ukraine has entered its fourth year as both Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin have signaled their willingness to take the first steps toward peace talks. Zelenskyy stated that Kyiv is prepared for negotiations "in any format" once a ceasefire is agreed upon, while the Financial Times reported that Putin has offered to pause the invasion at the current front lines. Both leaders are attempting to demonstrate progress in ending Russia's war, following U.S. President Donald Trump's indication he might pull back from efforts to broker peace if no breakthrough occurs.
Amazon’s massive book sale is clashing with Independent Bookstore Day, sparking concerns about its impact on smaller businesses already struggling in the shrinking industry. While Amazon claims the timing was unintended, critics argue it's a strategic move to overshadow local independents amid growing competition. The event coincides with the American Booksellers Association's nationwide celebration, which celebrates indie bookstores and has inspired millions. This crossroads moment raises questions about Amazon's intentions and its role in the evolving literary landscape.
The relative twist angle between layers of near-lattice-matched van der Waals materials is critical for the emergent phenomena associated with moiré flat bands1,2,3. Here we experimentally demonstrate ‘moiréless’ twist-tuning of superconductivity together with other correlated orders in Bernal bilayer graphene proximitized by tungsten diselenide. The precise alignment between the two materials systematically controls the strength of induced Ising spin–orbit coupling (SOC), profoundly altering the phase diagram. The superconducting behaviour is theoretically compatible with the prominent role of interband interactions between symmetry-breaking Fermi pockets. Our results provide insights into ultraclean graphene superconductors and underscore the potential of utilizing moiréless-twist engineering across a wide range of van der Waals heterostructures.
Scopely Names Shlomi Aizenberg as CBO Amid Expansion Efforts. With over a decade at Playtika, including leadership in game operations and strategic buys, Aizenberg aims to integrate acquisitions, maximize value, and keep creative freedom for quality games. The hire comes as Scopely continues its aggressive expansion into mobile, console, and PC through M&A, following the success of its acquisition of Niantic.
And as The Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday, the pair are now set to be awarded up to $500 million for their in-house vaccine research. Memoli’s involvement in this latest award “is clearly someone taking advantage of the system,” one official told me. If Memoli and Taubenberger’s vaccine technology fails, without clear alternatives, the country may be especially vulnerable when the next big outbreak hits. Kennedy, a longtime anti-vaccine activist, does not appear to have sought out vaccine research to fund, though. One NIH official put it more bluntly: “It’s very clear it’s all cronyism going forward.”
President Trump met Wednesday with Syria’s new leader, Ahmad al-Sharaa, praising him as “young, attractive guy” and urging him to rid Syria of Palestinian terrorists. This was a historic first in 25 years between the two leaders and came shortly after Trump lifted long-standing U.S.-sanctions from Syria, a move seen as a major step toward addressing its conflict with Israel over Palestinian territory. Trump also bypassed usual protocols by personally engaging with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan during the meeting, which marked a significant shift in U.S.-Syria relations.
Lance McCullers Jr., Houston Astros right-hander, faced death threats after allowing 10 runs in a game for the Cincinnati Reds, despite making just his second start since recovering from recent pitching issues. The team and MLB security notified authorities, but the threats have deeply impacted his family, including his two young daughters. Struggling with command and a shaky performance highlighted his emotional turmoil amid the attention-grabbing first-inning score.