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Concise news summaries
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The article details disturbing accusations against Jared Leto, who is accused of predatory and terrifying behavior toward young women. It includes specific incidents such as a 2006 encounter where he approached an underage woman outside a cafe in LA, Laura La Rue's allegations of inappropriate communication leading to explicit interactions when she was 17, and Allie Teilz's account of being assaulted backstage while dressed in revealing attire on Instagram. A representative from Leto has denied these claims.
In 2019, Garrett Mitchell, behind the wildly popular YouTube channel Cleetus McFarland, sought financial independence by transforming a former racetrack in Bradenton, Florida, into a new motorsport venue called Freedom Factory. After the track closed in 2018, Mitchell repurposed it by selling everything and borrowing money to stage massive, rowdy events like burnouts despite limited infrastructure. During COVID-19, Mitchell temporarily paused these efforts but later successfully repurposed Freedom Factory into a motorsport series that brought in revenue without relying on traditional tracks or teams.
China's Geely Auto is considering a buyout of its luxury EV startup Zeekr from the NYSE after one year of trading. The $25.66 per ADS offer values the company at $6.5 billion, with Geely needing to pay only about $2.2 billion to acquire the remaining shares since founder Li Shufu already owns 65.7%. This strategic move could help Zeekr navigate challenges in a competitive EV market while safeguarding their investment. Geely is also collaborating with Waymo on a robotaxi project, though no major impact on their relationship is expected.
A 55-year-old paraglider in China reportedly experienced a terrifying "cloud suck" accident, reaching nearly 28,000 feet (8,500 meters) before his support team reported it on Douyin. However, suspicion of AI-generated video footage has been raised by Reuters and a digital security firm, with many news outlets now taking the video down due to concerns about authenticity. Peng Yujian, who tested equipment at 10,000 feet (3,000 meters) before the incident, survived, though technical experts suggest his ordeal could be plausible given meteorological conditions. The controversy highlights growing scrutiny of AI's role in creating realistic video content for news consumption.
The UK and US have agreed a “breakthrough” trade deal slashing some of Donald Trump’s tariffs on cars, aluminium and steel and that the prime minister said would save thousands of British jobs. American tariffs on up to 100,000 British cars will also be reduced to 10%, down from the 27.5% rate Trump initially announced. Kemi Badenoch, the Conservative leader, criticised the deal, claiming that the UK has been “shafted” by Trump. Keir Starmer called this ‘historic.’ It’s not historic, we’ve just been shafted!” However Andrew Griffith, the shadow trade secretary, said the reduction in tariffs would “be welcomed by exporting businesses”. Jonathan Reynolds, the business and trade secretary, told reporters that the UK would continue trying to reduce the 10% baseline tariff.
In a bustling gaming landscape brimming with hundreds of new releases, two developers have unexpectedly brightened the scene by promoting each other's works. Creator Kazutaka Kodaka celebrated milestones in his own game while praising Claire Obscur: Expedition 33 on social media, alongside Guillaume Broche encouraging fans of Sandfall to explore "The Hundred Line." This rare act of support highlights how even in a chaotic industry, small gestures can evoke joy and remind us of the thrill of gaming. Both titles are now available across major platforms, offering readers a chance to dive into these unique turn-based RPGs after finishing another game.
Nicusor Dan secured a decisive victory over George Simion in Romania’s peaceful transition, despite exit polls showing him trailing at 54.9%. The rerun election, held after an initial vote was canceled due to suspected violations and Russian interference, saw higher turnout, reflecting public interest in the race. As a pro-EU and Trump backer, Dan pledged to form a coalition government, while Simion denied exit poll figures, sparking claims of inaccurate data. This election underscores the decline of far-right nationalism and raises concerns about foreign influence in Romanian politics.
The Guardian US columnist Mehdi Hasan has been deeply surprised by how quickly mainstream media and influential figures like Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk, and Mark Zuckerberg aligned with Donald Trump’s policies during his first 100 days. He was unprepared for the swift support from institutions such as universities and big law firms to accommodate his agenda. Hasan, who plans to run for a third term in 2024, emphasizes the importance of public movements as the only way to resist democratic norms being eroded. His hopeful message is that Americans, despite some unwillingness, will eventually recognize the perilous state of democracy and take action in 2026 to avoid repeating past mistakes.
Duolingo is revolutionizing its learning platform by introducing chess as a new subject, marking the company’s debut since rolling out music and math in 2023. This marks an exciting expansion of Duolingo’s educational offerings, aiming to demystify chess for learners of all skill levels through puzzles, tactics, and interactive mini-games with beloved character Oscar. The course is currently in early testing and will soon be available on iOS, with plans to expand support across other platforms and languages in the future. By making chess accessible, Duolingo seeks to attract millions of new learners worldwide, continuing its successful streak in gamified learning.
As the world of gaming heats up, so does Microsoft's latest event as it showcases its future with a lineup of brand-new games from its first-party studios and trusted third-party partners worldwide. Among them will be The Outer Worlds 2, an expansive expansion for the popular sci-fi RPG.
Puff pastry is transformed into a show-stopping asparagus tart with this easy-to-follow recipe. Start by rolling out 320g of ready-rolled puff pastry on a baking tray, leaving a 2½cm border around the edges. Score the pastry, mix black olive tapenade and cream cheese to create a creamy base, spread it over the pastry up to the scored edge, then toss asparagus spears in olive oil and salt, placing them over the base. Bake at 220°C for 15 minutes, then transfer to a lower oven temperature (200°C) and bake until the yolks are set but runny inside for another six minutes. Top with fresh sea salt and chili flakes if desired—this hearty dish is perfect for both brunch and dinner!
Barcelona secured their 32nd Copa del Rey title with a dramatic victory over Real Madrid in the final at Seville, thanks to Jules Kounde’s decisive goal in extra time. Despite an early 2-0 lead for Madrid and late chances, Barcelona fought back, ending their substitutes’ substitute drama when Rudiger was sent off just before kickoff. Kounde converted a key moment to win it for the Catalans, who now hold a quadruple title, while Madrid’s pre-match tension and controversial decisions in stoppage time added to the excitement of the match.
Pope Francis's daily calls to the Holy Family Church in Gaza have touched many hearts as Catholics worldwide mourn the pope's passing. This tiny church, deeply connected to the pontiff, has seen a personal touch from the pope since the war began—every day, he reached out. The recurring messages from Francis have brought comfort and reflection for those inside and outside the walls of this unique community.
The gripping race for South Korea’s presidency saw Lee Jae-myung and Kim Moon-soo navigate extraordinary challenges as they aim to secure their positions amid weeks of turmoil following President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment. Lee, raised in poverty by working in sweatshops, defied systemic adversity to rise to power, while Kim, imprisoned and tortured for anti-government activities, thrived under duress. Both candidates emerged as formidable figures as the campaign shifts focus to Yoon’s ideological right-wing People Power Party, which supports Kim despite his refusal to apologize during martial law imposition, contrasting with its criticism of Yoon’s cabinet members.
Virginia Giuffre, a crusading activist against sexual abuse, faced significant legal battles including claims from Prince Andrew after her allegations against Jeffrey Epstein. Despite the Duke settling without admitting fault, his public image was severely tarnished. Giuffre continued to advocate for justice and rights for survivors long after the settlement. Tragically, she later claimed her own life following a bus crash, highlighting the profound personal cost of the fight against systemic abuse.
Sir Keir Starmer and Ursula von der Leyen are expected to finalize a UK/EU defence pact and fishing rights agreement ahead of their summit on May 19, with the aim of laying the groundwork for broader economic discussions. The pact will strengthen trust between the UK and EU, potentially paving the way for youth mobility schemes and trade agreements. However, challenges remain over how disputes will be resolved and dynamic alignment of EU rules in the UK, though optimism prevails on key issues like fishing rights and youth mobility.
Gagosian LA is hosting a groundbreaking exhibition featuring 36 rarely seen Paul McCartney photos, including iconic images taken during his time with the Beatles at the Deauville Hotel in Miami. One standout photo shows Ringo Starr drumming at the hotel’s poolside ahead of the Ed Sullivan Show appearances. The exhibition, titled “Rearview Mirror: Photographs, December 1963–February 1964,” will be on view until June 21 and includes pieces that have never been publicly shown before. A portion of the proceeds from the sales of these one-of-a-kind images will benefit wildfire relief efforts in California.
The power outage struck Spain and Portugal midday, plunging the Iberian Peninsula into chaos as buses and trains ground to a halt, cash machines stopped, and people were stuck in unlit stations and streets. With no phone coverage or internet access, fear of further blackouts and potential war-like tensions spread, while Spanish authorities scrambled to restore power and cope with the aftermath. The event left thousands stranded, hospitals reliant on generators, and daily life disrupted by darkness and uncertainty.
At the Android Show on Tuesday, ahead of Google I/O, Google announced new security and privacy features for Android. In order to protect users, Google is blocking some actions and warning users of a potential scam while they are on a call with someone not in their contact list. Google is adding screen-sharing protection as well by reminding users to stop sharing the screen after a call ends. This feature will be available for Google Messages later this summer for users running Android 10 or later versions. Google is adding new measures to bolster its Advanced Protection Mode to protect public figures with new on-device features.
Earlier this year, an ill-fated lander skidded across the lunar surface and ended up lying sideways in a cold, dark crater. Intuitive Machines’ Athena lander was declared dead on arrival at the Moon. During an earnings call on Wednesday, Intuitive Machines listed three factors that affected Athena’s ability to land on the Moon, SpaceNews reported. Intuitive Machines relied on photos captured by NASA’s Lunar Reconnoissance Orbiter to guide the lander’s optical navigation system during its descent. The mission did operate for seven days on the lunar surface, making Intuitive Machines the first company to land a private lander on the Moon.
Fashion retail giant Victoria’s Secret is facing significant disruptions due to a security incident, with its website and online orders reportedly going down. The company has taken immediate steps, including shutting down its website and certain in-store services as a precaution while working to restore operations. Shares of the company dropped by 7%, underscoring the gravity of the situation for the brand.
The Art Gallery of NSW has unveiled the final contenders for the 2025 Archibald Prize, with the winner to be revealed on 9 May. The $100,000 prize will go to the best portrait of a person distinguished in art, letters, science, or politics, painted by an Australian resident. From 10 May to 17 August, these finalists will be on display at the gallery alongside entries for other notable prizes.
The Israeli army has announced the start of a large-scale offensive in Gaza, describing “extensive ground operations” to seize “operational control” of swaths of the devastated Palestinian territory as a second day of indirect ceasefire talks in Qatar ended without any breakthrough. Hours after the military announced it had launched the new ground operation, the prime minister’s office said Israel would allow some food into Gaza. “They want to release the [hostages] without a commitment to end the war,” the official said. We have nothing left but hope that this war will end as soon as possible,” Rahal told the Guardian. Israel’s offensive in Gaza has killed more than 53,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, according to the territory’s health ministry.
U.S. energy officials are reassessing the risk posed by Chinese-made devices that play a critical role in renewable energy infrastructure after unexplained communication equipment was found inside some of them, two people familiar with the matter have said. Power inverters, which are predominantly produced in China, are used throughout the world to connect solar panels and wind turbines to electricity grids. They are also found in batteries, heat pumps and electric vehicle chargers. While inverters are built to allow remote access for updates and maintenance, the utility companies that use them typically install firewalls to prevent any direct communication back to China.
These 7 executive actions show how Trump wants to reshape American historytoggle caption Kevin Dietsch/Getty ImagesPresident Trump issued a record number of executive actions in his first months in office, enacting sweeping changes in how the federal government works — and signaling his intentions to reshape how the country's stories are told. Critics worry that the executive actions taken together, for instance, would minimize or even erase achievements by women and minorities. The Organization of American Historians says that under the Trump administration, institutions such as museums and historic parks are now "under assault." Trump's allies defend his executive actions, saying they're meant to correct what conservatives see as attempts to skew history. "President Trump is ensuring that we are celebrating true American history and ingenuity instead of corrupting it in the name of left-wing ideology."
Grabbing deals at Amazon can be a snap if you know where to look. The Lenovo IdeaPad 15.6-inch touchscreen laptop is now available for just $549 (down from $1,849), offering impressive specs like a powerful Intel Core i5-1235U processor and a high-resolution display. Plus, those who need more storage can get an upgraded version with a 1TB SSD for $599—both options are fantastic value. Whether you're a student or business professional looking for reliable performance at an affordable price, this is the laptop to grab. See at Amazon
Thomas Müller celebrated his farewell to Bayern Munich in grand style, scoring the winning goal as his team clinched the Bundesliga title and officially ended his 13th record-breaking Schalke lift of the Meisterschale. Fans flooded Twitter, recalling how they had always been captivated by his football, often referring to him as their local hero. The final moments of the weekend also saw intense drama in other matches, including potential relegation battles and title chases.
The person just about everyone would've credited for Liverpool's revival into arguably the best soccer team in the world: their manager, Jurgen Klopp. In his first season in charge of Liverpool, Dutch manager Arne Slot led them to winning the Premier League. Even dating back to preseason, Liverpool players talked about how much they liked Slot's clear plans and attention to detail. Plus, well, we don't know that Liverpool wouldn't have also won the title if Klopp had stuck around for another season. No, they answered the question almost a full year ago, just a couple days after Klopp bid the club farewell.
American filmmaker Eva Victor’s buzzy feature debut, Sorry, Baby, will open this year’s Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF). Produced by Adele Romanski, Mark Ceryak, and Barry Jenkins (Moonlight), the film premiered at this year’s Sundance Film Festival, where Victor won the Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award. The film will be screened as part of Directors’ Fortnight at this year’s Cannes Film Festival and will be released later this year by A24 in the US and Picturehouse Entertainment in the UK. The film’s plot reads: Something bad happened to Agnes (Eva Victor), but life goes on… for everyone around her, at least. Eva Victor’s Sorry Baby is a shining example of this, marking the emergence of a remarkable talent.
Meta has unveiled a cutting-edge AI app designed to enhance social interactions and productivity by personalizing conversations and image generation. The app, built on Llama 4, offers voice-enabled features like remembering user preferences and using text or voice prompts for creative tasks. Initially available in the U.S., Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, it integrates with Ray-Ban glasses via Meta View, providing a seamless experience across devices. Available on iPhone, iPad, Android, and through an updated website, Meta AI promises a more engaging and connected user experience.
The Knicks, with their experience, solid defense, and key player leadership, pose a formidable challenge to the Pacers, who depend on shooters but may falter offensively. The series is expected to be intense, possibly spanning seven games, with the Knicks likely securing a gritty victory thanks to their depth and home court advantage.
Kseniia Petrova, a Russian scientist at Harvard University, faces deportation after being detained for allegedly smuggling frog embryos into the U.S., with potential sentences of up to 20 years. Her lawyer dismisses the case as "meritless" and questions the timing of her transfer to criminal custody. Petrova, who left Russia amid protests against the Ukraine war and now fears deportation due to her political views, detailed her research and detention experience in a New York Times op-ed, emphasizing how her work has halted colleagues' progress.
The abrupt termination of federal funding for library programs marked a significant blow to public access, following President Trump's controversial executive order against the IMLS. Amidst a 19% annual increase in digital borrowing during the pandemic, libraries like Mississippi's Hoopla program were suspended, leaving staff scrambled and some facing termination. Despite legal challenges, federal funds remain frozen, creating uncertainty for libraries nationwide as they adapt to this unprecedented shift.
President Claudia Sheinbaum issued a strong rebuke against an ad from the Trump administration that warns against undocumented migration to the U.S., calling it discriminatory and vowing to introduce legislation to ban such messages. The commercial, which aired during major soccer games in Mexico City, sparked outrage among viewers for its content and discriminatory tone. Sheinbaum also expressed opposition to any foreign government's influence on Mexico's cultural messaging, further emphasizing her commitment to preserving Mexico's identity and dignity.
Patrick Grant's "Stop Buying So Much Rubbish" offers a thought-provoking critique of excess consumption, advocating for minimalist habits to achieve true fulfillment. Drawn from his background in Norton & Co., Grant highlights how impulse purchases often lead to unnecessary spending and the value of acquiring fewer, higher-quality items over quantity. His approach combines personal anecdotes with broader societal issues, suggesting that individual actions can contribute to systemic change towards wealth inequality reduction. The book serves as an engaging guide for readers seeking a purposeful lifestyle through minimalist habits.
Shannon Sharpe's accuser has released audio of a threatening comment from the Pro Football Hall of Famer, who reportedly stated he might choke her publicly, sparking controversy in his defamation lawsuit. His team denies any serious threats or consensual behavior, focusing instead on the accuser's claims and shared text messages as part of their alleged relationship dynamics. --- This summary encapsulates the key points: the accuser's lawyer releasing the audio, Sharpe's denial of threats, and the context involving text messages, all within a concise narrative.
The U.S. government’s new tariffs on imported cars and parts have sparked economic uncertainty, with automakers like Ford and GM facing significant challenges due to steep import duties. However, Tesla, with its high domestic content and US-based manufacturing, stands out as a potential beneficiary of these tariffs, avoiding many of the industry's struggles despite the ongoing trade conflict.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered a standout Game 1 with 31 points, nine assists, and a game-high 10 free throws, including a pivotal three-pointer that sent Oklahoma City Thunder to victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves. Despite an early lead by the Timberwolves, the Thunder outscored them 32-18 in the third quarter and shot 59% from the floor, capitalizing on turnovers while limiting their offense to just 10 points. Julius Randle led the Timberwolves with 28 points but struggled beyond the arc, while Anthony Edwards added 18 points and nine rebounds.
Adam Driver praised Francis Ford Coppola for his fearless approach to filmmaking during the AFI Lifetime Achievement Award ceremony, highlighting how Coppola's $120 million investment in *Megalopolis* set an artistic standard that inspired both critics and fans. Despite critical acclaim, *Megalopolis* flopped commercially, emphasizing Coppola's willingness to take creative risks without aligning them with financial goals. The event celebrated Coppola alongside notable filmmakers and actors, celebrating his timeless contributions to cinema while acknowledging the challenges of balancing artistry and commerce in his work.
SoundCloud is making significant changes to its Terms of Use as user backlash over AI-related practices grows. The platform now prohibits the use of uploaded content to train generative AI models that replicate or mimic artists' voice, music, or likeness without explicit consent. CEO Eliah Seton emphasized SoundCloud's commitment to artist control and clarified that it has never used "artist content" for AI training in ways that could replicate or replace original works. The update comes after users noticed earlier changes allowing AI use, sparking concerns about potential misuse of creative content.
Amid intense global tensions over tariffs, Southern California's truck drivers are bracing for a potential job market collapse. The Port of Los Angeles and Long Beach face declining cargo volumes due to increased tariffs, resulting in fewer jobs and growing concerns among workers like Helen, whose income is directly tied to shipping fluctuations. The situation creates a ripple effect across the region, affecting warehouse operations and logistics teams, while companies report reduced shipments, exacerbating economic uncertainty for local businesses and communities reliant on these ports.
"A Minecraft Movie" has shattered box office records, becoming Hollywood's second-biggest video game adaptation ever and reigniting interest in gaming-inspired films. Riding the wave of recent successes like *The Super Mario Bros. Movie*, it owes its staying power to meticulous fan service and viral TikTok moments that turned screenings into events. Despite briefly losing the top spot to *Sinners*, it continues to rake in millions, with Warner Bros. already eyeing a sequel.
Sudan has severed diplomatic relations with the United Arab Emirates over allegations that its Rapid Support Forces (RSF) are receiving support from the UAE, a move aimed at shutting down an international effort to investigate potential genocide in Darfur. The UAE denies involvement and Earlier this week, aid agencies expressed concerns over targeted attacks on critical infrastructure in Port Sudan, leading to the suspension of humanitarian flights—an issue exacerbated by ongoing tensions with Egypt.
DeepSeek's chatbot app hit the charts worldwide, sparking buzz about China's AI capabilities and whether they can challenge global tech leaders like the U.S. Backed by High-Flyer Capital, a hedge fund founded by former trading expert Liang Wenfeng, DeepSeek developed its own data centers and leveraged Nvidia chips despite export restrictions. Its reasoning model R1 stands out for its reliability in complex domains but faces criticism from U.S. authorities due to perceived ties to China's influence. Meanwhile, companies like Microsoft and Meta are exploring partnerships with DeepSeek, though it remains under scrutiny in the U.S., with some banning its models on government devices.
The once-popular tech startup Palantir, whose software played a key role in the Trump administration's efforts to centralize federal data and deport illegal immigrants, has faced a wave of criticism amid reports that its work may involve creating a surveillance database on Americans. Co-founder Joe Lonsdale recently defended the company's activities, while MAGA-aligned figures and online trolls have labeled Palantir a front for deep-state surveillance. The company, which has profited handsomely under Trump through government contracts, is now at the center of an ethical storm as its critics accuse it of enabling lawful yet intrusive practices.
Ukrainian drone attacks in Zaporizhzhia and Pryluky have caused widespread power outages and significant destruction of Russian warplanes worth $7 billion, while residents in the regions lost five lives and were injured. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has urged allies to avoid appearing weak against Russia after recent Ukrainian attacks, as the conflict continues with harsh consequences for civilians. Meanwhile, international support is being sought, including new defense systems under Germany's $400 million package and a minerals fund aimed at aiding Ukraine's economic recovery.
Bluesky's new feature allows select accounts to link their Twitch or YouTube channels, displaying a red indicator and "live" badge when active—a pilot phase before wider availability. The company describes this as an early test aimed at streamers and journalists seeking real-time content. Interestingly, Bluesky has partnered with the NBA to promote live events on its platform, though without advertising, it's unclear if this feature offers commercial opportunities. This move underscores Bluesky's ambition to integrate into live content ecosystems, potentially reshaping how audiences follow breaking news and events.
"In a nail-biting Game Five of their NBA Western Conference playoff series, the Houston Rockets secured a thrilling 115-107 victory over the Golden State Warriors, advancing them to face the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game Seven. Houston dominated the Warriors with a decisive fourth-quarter performance, outscoring them by 12 points and establishing an insurmountable lead as they kept Stephen Curry's offense at bay thanks to their athleticism and tenacity. Key contributors included Fred VanVleet's 29-point, 10-assist performance, Steven Adams' commanding defense, and a resolute effort from the Rockets overall, ensuring their series win remains firmly in their control."
"Tonight’s sports betting night at Fanatics Sportsbook could have been a disaster waiting to happen—but it looks like someone might’ve played dirty in the fiber optic game. A major outage has halted deposits, withdrawals, and new bets after what sounds more like a sabotage than an accident. Though the company is working to fix it, no one knows how or when it will be back online, leaving bettors locked out with questions still unanswered."