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Concise news summaries
IGN has unveiled an interactive map for *RuneScape: Dragonwilds*, helping players navigate Ashenfall's locations, quests, collectibles, and resources. The tool tracks everything from Primary and Secondary Quests to recipes for Masterwork equipment like the Staff of Light, plus essential crafting materials such as Anima-Infused Bark and Blightwood Root. Users can filter content, check progress with handy checklists, and explore other map markers like NPC locations and hidden treasures. IGN's Game Help also offers guides and a comprehensive wiki to assist players in tackling *Dragonwilds*.
Emma Raducanu’s heavy loss to Iga Swiatek in the French Open showcased a stark contrast between her performance and that of the world’s top players, sparking her need to improve despite recent victories over lower-ranked opponents. Despite winning just once against top eight competitors and losing all five matches to Swiatek—whose dominance in every encounter left little room for error—the 23-year-old remains confident, building momentum after a strong performance at Miami and determined to push forward on grass courts despite her underpowered game against top players.
President Donald Trump is increasingly at odds with allies in Europe and the Middle East that have moved to shore up the new Syrian government. The influence of Iran and Russia in what was once their most subservient regional partner has quickly dissipated.
Australia is confronting significant climate challenges, with New South Wales experiencing extreme rainfall that has pushed Euroa and Violet Towns into Stage 2 water restrictions due to unrelenting rain on already wet land. Climate change studies indicate that high and low-pressure systems may become more frequent but could lead to more intense weather events, exacerbating both droughts and flooding risks. Meanwhile, the southwest region has seen a decline in rainfall since the 1970s, linked to global warming, while historical events like the "tinderbox drought" of 2017-2019 underscored climate change's impact on severe weather patterns.
Independent games studio Emptyvessel announced it has raised $11 million to date, including its earlier seed round and latest Series A round. The new funds will fuel ongoing development of the studio’s inaugural title, Defect, and expansion of the team. The process in which Defect is being developed reflects the team’s passion and spirited approach to navigating the industry as an independent game studio. But Emptyvessel plans to grow by recruiting new hires in the next year with sustainable game development practices being a priority alongside game quality and innovations. Emptyvessel is working on a new shooter game.
Tokyo expressed outrage over Israeli military actions targeting Japanese diplomats visiting the West Bank, calling it an attack on diplomatic credentials and urging a thorough investigation into what appeared to be an avoidable incident. Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya highlighted the regrettable nature of the event, while Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs relayed the protest to Israel, noting Palestinian authorities had failed to provide advance notice of the delegation's presence. The situation underscores the delicate balance between security and diplomatic relations in the region.
Georgia’s governor recently signed a new law designed to enhance school safety following the tragic 2023 shooting at Apalachee High School, which claimed four lives. The bill mandates schools to share police reports upon detecting threats and alerts based on student behavior without creating permanent lists, while requiring employees to wear panic buttons. However, it doesn’t establish a permanent list of dangerous students and relies on cooperation among various stakeholders. Supporters highlight the law’s potential benefits but stress the importance of ongoing dialogue to ensure accountability without crossing boundaries.
Jayson Tatum's Achilles tendon injury during Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals was a significant event, as it's rare for such an injury to occur. The Celtics' star forward experienced pain during the game and was carted off the court, leading to immediate surgery on his leg, which was performed efficiently given the circumstances. Recovery from such an injury is lengthy but quicker than usual for NBA players, with Tatum expected to navigate a process that typically takes around a year, though he might face challenges similar to those faced by other elite athletes like Kobe Bryant and Kevin Durant in their respective recoveries.
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.
President Trump is pushing through significant changes to the U.S. civil service system, granting him unprecedented authority to hire and fire up to 50,000 jobs traditionally held by federal career employees. These proposed rules, outlined by OPM, aim to drastically alter how career workers are managed—potentially letting go of those who fail to meet high standards or engage in corrupt behavior while keeping others in their place based on their contributions. If implemented, this could mark the biggest shift in civil service law since 1883.
Amid growing international indifference to the ongoing genocide in Palestine, Pope Francis used his final address yesterday to call for a ceasefire in Gaza, acknowledging the suffering of Christians in Israel and Palestine. He emphasized the need for peace amid the conflict, which has left millions in a dire humanitarian situation, including starvation in Gaza due to Israel's prolonged blockade. Despite global indifference, the pope stressed the importance of halting violence before it escalates further.
The Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembélé is hopeful he'll return for the second leg of PSG's Champions League clash with Arsenal despite sustaining a hamstring injury, which is not serious. However, coach Luis Enrique confirmed Dembélé won't play in Ligue 1 but emphasized the team's focus on other key matches ahead of their midweek game and the French Cup final later this month.
This is all so familiar: another election campaign where punching down on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people for attention and votes is the default setting. Speaking afterwards, Peter Dutton said welcomes to country were “an important part of official ceremonies and should be respected”. So, it is disingenuous for politicians on all sides to be shocked and outraged when people decide to turn those words into action, even in the predawn hush of Anzac Day. But Dutton’s comments show an ignorance of the significant Indigenous contribution to Australia’s defence forces. Long before this weekend, there has been an absence of Indigenous policy in this election campaign, an extension of the leadership vacuum we have felt since October 2023.
Skydance is pausing production on its highly anticipated drama series, *9/12*, which was budgeted for the proposed $8 billion Paramount takeover. The series, inspired by 9/11 accounts and featuring Jeremy Strong and Tobias Lindholm, now faces a funding freeze as Skydance execs focus on other priorities like upcoming shows such as *Ride or Die* and *Brothers*. Meanwhile, the FCC’s 180-day review for the merger is nearing completion, raising concerns among Skydance about potential regulatory hurdles.
The Boston Globe's 2002 exposé on child sexual abuse in the Catholic Church set off a series of scandals that dogged Pope Francis for years, as his leadership failed to deliver decisive action against abusers and cover-ups. Despite high-profile cases like the Pennsylvania report and widespread protests during his tenure, the Church remained complicit, with bishops often avoiding accountability. In his final days, survivors called for urgent systemic change, warning of a culture resistant to reforms that prioritize justice over tolerance.
Summer is heating up Marvel’s nostalgia engine as the company revives its beloved Swimsuit Special after a 30-year hiatus. Inspired by DC’s summer variants and its own "Marvel Rivals" game featuring swimsuit designs, the new issue sees the Avengers taking on an unauthorized Roxxon swimsuit special with their own stylish response. Packed with contributions from writers Tim Seeley and Tony Fleecs, artist Nick Bradshaw, and designers like Nic Klein, the comic will hit stores July 9.
Ajax Amsterdam nearly retained their Dutch Eredivisie title credentials after drawing with Groningen in the final matchday encounter, allowing PSV Eindhoven to secure the top spot ahead of Sunday’s final game against Sparta Rotterdam. Despite earning a hard-fought 4-1 victory over Heracles Almelo,PSV-Eindhoven remains one point ahead of Ajax, who were held by a goal from Wout Weghorst before dropping four points and failing to maintain their two-point lead after losing 3-0 to NEC Nijmegen.
Elden Ring rumors have sparked excitement as Bandai Namco and A24 announce plans for a live-action movie directed by Alex Garland. The film will explore the game's dark fantasy world, offering accessibility to players who might otherwise feel daunted by its difficulty. Hidetaka Miyazaki, known for FromSoftware's games like *Dark Souls* and *Bloodborne*, directs the project, while J.K. Rowling's *A Song of Ice and Fire* author Martin contributed to the game's lore. The movie hasn't yet tied any stars or set a release date, but fans can look forward to the co-op survival expansion on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S starting May 30.
Donald Trump offered public support for defense secretary Pete Hegseth a day after it emerged that Hegseth had shared information about US strikes in Yemen last month in a second Signal group chat that included family, his personal lawyer and several top Pentagon aides. Ask the Houthis how he’s doing,” Trump said dismissively, referring to the rebel group in Yemen targeted by those missile strikes, on the sidelines of the White House Easter egg roll event on Monday. But pressure on Hegseth has so far come from people outside of the White House. Trump also stuck by his national security adviser, Mike Waltz, who had added the editor of the Atlantic to the first chat. “I’m not in the White House and I’m not going to tell the White House how to manage this … but I find it unacceptable and I wouldn’t tolerate it if I was in charge.”
fanboys are rejoicing as OlliOlli World and Rollerdrome make their triumphant return to Steam after being delisted following Take-Two’s decision to halt operations at its Rolleverybody division. These beloved games, known for their skateboarding and rollerblading mechanics, will now be managed by 2K, a subsidiary of Take-Two, marking the latter’s second attempt to refresh these enduring titles post-closure. The closure of Take-Two earlier this year marked a turning point in the gaming industry, as other projects from the company were sold off or reworked with new partners following its collapse.
After 19 months of intense conflict in Gaza, Israel has decided to escalate further by taking significant territory within its enclave, forcing an exhausted population into even smaller areas and putting U.S. leader Trump's tour next week into question as a potential leverage point for a deal. The government's move comes with caveats, including the likelihood it could deepen the human cost of the conflict, as reservists face extreme strain and Hamas-controlled territory may only grow more fragmented, while Israel risks entrenching its grip on a war that has no end in sight.
Europe is luring top US researchers and scientists with new incentives like €2 million per applicant as part of a broader effort to boost its scientific capabilities amid academic freedom debates. The plan includes fields such as health, medicine, climate science, and artificial intelligence, while also highlighting the EU's potential to match the US in scientific innovation. Meanwhile, Germany and the UK are offering similar programs to retain talent amid growing tensions over academic freedom.
Emma Mackey has transitioned from playing Greta Gerwig's "Barbie" to rejoining her for a Netflix adaptation of the "Narnia" fantasy franchise, landing the role of The White Witch. This marks a significant career move for the actress, who will continue to expand her acting versatility as she takes on a new creative challenge.
Scotland Yard has received a 142-page dossier from London's lawyers detailing alleged war crimes by RSF during Sudan's conflict in Darfur. The evidence includes killings, torture, and mass rapes compiled by international law experts for accountability efforts against RSF leaders. The Met is considering this submission as part of its counter-terrorism command before sending it to the ICC for investigation. This case underscores the dire humanitarian crisis in Sudan with over 150,000 deaths and 12 million displaced, and has added urgency to addressing whether the UAE is complicit in genocide by arming RSF.
Britain is accelerating its weapons production domestically to reduce reliance on imports from the US and France, as concerns mount over President Trump's impact on military reliability. BAE Systems, the UK’s leading defence contractor, is innovating methods to create essential explosives like RDX, avoiding high-demand chemicals from global supply chains and setting up new production sites to strengthen resilience. This move underscores Britain's commitment to industrial self-reliance and economic growth through strategic manufacturing.
The devastation of Joshua Shapiro's Passover home from an arson attack reportedly carried out by Cody Balmer, who used a ladder, hammer, and molotov cocktails made from Heineken bottles, left his family disoriented. Authorities identified Balmer as the intruder following the inferno. Despite the damage, Shapiro expressed shock at the severity of the destruction and noted it appeared intentional rather than accidental. His family plans to host their second Passover Seder later that week, with a call reportedly made by Donald Trump checking in on him. The essay concludes with a plea for addressing political violence in society.
US president declares sanctions have ‘served their purpose’ and this gives Syria ‘a chance at greatness’. “I will be ordering the cessation of sanctions against Syria in order to give them a chance at greatness,” he said. Al Jazeera’s Senior Political Analyst Marwan Bishara questioned the motives behind Trump’s decision to lift sanctions and what Damascus is prepared to give in return. “The one that occupies Syrian territory … is Israel, which is intervening in Syria, trying to divide and weaken it,” he said. He urged US officials to pressure Israel to halt its interference as sanctions are lifted and Syria attempts to rebuild.
The robbery that nearly cost Kim Kardashian her life in 2016 has had lasting consequences for both her and the entertainment industry. After being robbed at gunpoint during a Paris hotel stay, Kardashian recounted the terrifying event to French court, where she described how armed men tied her hands and mouth while they stole over $6 million in jewelry. The robbery prompted significant changes in security measures across the industry, including delayed publication of photos that could expose targets. Meanwhile, critics have called into question her own lifestyle choices, with some questioning whether her luxurious lifestyle contributed to her being a target for such crimes.
Bournemouth dropped points in a hard-fought Premier League clash at Selhurst Park as they were handed a 0-0 draw against Crystal Palace on Saturday after defender Chris Richards received his second yellow card for pulling back Palace star Justin Kluivert. Despite having an unfair advantage with two men fewer, Bournemouth failed to find an equalizer in the second half and remain firmly rooted at the bottom of the table as they chase European football qualification.
AI-powered platforms like Microsoft's Discovery are revolutionizing scientific research by accelerating the discovery process through advanced AI capabilities. The platform integrates cutting-edge AI across various stages of scientific inquiry, from knowledge reasoning to hypothesis formulation and simulation, aiming to transform entire research workflows. While other tech giants have attempted similar approaches, such as Google's AI co-scientists, Microsoft hopes its efforts will yield more reliable breakthroughs compared to past attempts.
"PlayVS has announced the strategic acquisition of Generation Esports and Playfly College Esports to expand its reach in competitive gaming, uniting scholastic esports ecosystems across middle schools, high schools, and colleges. The combined platform will offer a seamless pathway for students to grow their skills and pursue opportunities, with an expanded network covering over 900 colleges. This move solidifies PlayVS as the leading force in scholastic and collegiate esports."
Pope Francis, a global icon of faith and compassion, has passed away at 88, leaving a profound legacy during his 12-year papacy. As the first Jesuit pope, he championed the poor, criticized inequality, and reformed the Vatican's excesses, urging humility. His death now risks deepening divisions within the Catholic Church, as conservatives and reformers vie for control of its future direction.
Casper Smart, whose controversial connection to marijuana and Jennifer Lopez has drawn headlines for years, found himself in legal trouble again. The Los Angeles City Attorney's Office charged him with two misdemeanor counts: participating in unlicensed commercial cannabis activity and engaging in such activity without a temporary license. These charges stemmed from a December 2024 raid where evidence of a marijuana grow operation was discovered at his home. While Smart himself was the only one cited, he shares ties to Jennifer Lopez through their five-year off-and-on relationship that began after her divorce from Marc Anthony in 2011.
Darius Adams, a standout player under Pat Holmes at UConn, has decided to leave the team for other opportunities despite his strong performance and coach's praise, raising eyebrows among fans and analysts as he heads to Michigan State and Tennessee while still being courted by Alabama. With Adams departing, UConn’s perimeter rotation now relies on bringing back solo guard Solo Ball alongside Silas Demary Jr., Malachi Smith, and Australia native Jacob Furphy to provide depth without sacrificing the high-level recruiting class they’re building around their future star.
The President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine unexpectedly received a call from French President Emmanuel Macron during an online news conference in late March. Their conversation revolved around brief calls nearly every day, reflecting a deep personal connection rooted in mutual respect and shared concern for Ukraine's sovereignty against Russia's expansion. This bond underscores the leaders' frequent interactions aimed at safeguarding Ukraine's interests.
Infisical is seeking a talented Design Engineer to lead impactful design decisions and shape its cutting-edge open-source security infrastructure for AI. The role offers dynamic growth opportunities in a remote-first environment in San Francisco, complete with competitive compensation and professional development. With a focus on securing global AI workflows, including PKI, SSH, and KMS, this position is perfect for passionate professionals eager to make meaningful contributions to the field of cybersecurity.
Emily Kaplan reports on Connor McDavid's mindset heading into the Stanley Cup Final for the Oilers vs. the Panthers. (1:24)Open Extended ReactionsEDMONTON -- Connor McDavid was asked if the Edmonton Oilers had to lose in the Stanley Cup Final before they could win a championship. McDavid leads the Stanley Cup playoffs with 26 points in 16 games, including a postseason-high 20 assists. McDavid said his second trip to the Stanley Cup Final "feels more normal" than last postseason's first trip. To that end, McDavid said he feels "more comfortable" in returning to play for the Stanley Cup.
Chaos broke out during Barcelona's crucial La Liga match against Espanyol as a car rammed into hundreds of fans outside the stadium, injuring multiple people and prompting panic among the crowd. Authorities arrested the driver after the incident, with officials noting that the crash appeared accidental but raising questions about possible intentional behavior given the driver's age and circumstances surrounding the accident.
The Trump administration has rolled back federal oversight of policing practices, including consent decrees that held police departments accountable during the Black Lives Matter movement following George Floyd’s death. While the Justice Department argued this shift reflects a broader push to transfer responsibility away from federal oversight, civil rights advocates have criticized it as a moral retreat that undermines accountability and local control. Opponents warn such a rollback could leave police departments less motivated to enforce reforms without judicial approval.
"In an exclusive interview with Nicola Jennings, Trump shared his perception that Putin is playing a manipulative role, suggesting he might be trying to control him through diplomacy—depicted humorously in a newly released cartoon."
Hayden Christensen will reprise his iconic role as Anakin Skywalker in Season 2 of *Star Wars: Ahsoka*, a move that has fans thrilled after the actor confirmed his return during Star Wars Celebration in Tokyo. The actor previously appeared in *Star Wars* movies, including *Attack of the Clones* and *Revenge of the Sith*, as well as in the Disney+ series *Obi-Wan Kenobi*. Creator Dave Filoni emphasized that Anakin’s story was already told by George Lucas, ensuring his role remains true to Lucas’ vision.
Google has expanded its access to cellular networks by introducing data-only eSIM support for tablets and laptops. This allows users to connect directly to their network without relying on a smartphone or using hotspots, enhancing convenience. Supported devices include models from brands like iPad, Samsung, Microsoft, and Lenovo. While older devices with physical SIM cards can still use Google Fi's SIM option if needed, the new eSIM feature requires specific monthly plans starting at $65 per month for premium users. This development simplifies mobile usage for a variety of devices, making it more accessible and efficient.
Gen. Nakatani announced Friday that damaged body parts from a missing crew member of a Self-Defense Force trainer jet have been discovered near Lake Iruka in central Japan following its disappearance over Inuyama. Since the aircraft disappeared last week, more than 600 SDF members have been conducting an around-the-clock search for Capt. Takuji Ioka and Lt. Shota Amitani. Preliminary findings from the search include parts of the jet's engines, wheels, seats, and oxygen cylinders.
Microsoft has acknowledged that users experiencing issues after installing the KB5058379 update are not alone. The company identified the problem as related to Intel processors with TXT technology, leading to unexpected BitLocker recovery screens and system crashes during updates. While Microsoft is actively working on a fix, it has yet to provide an official resolution or timeframe for affected users.
Carlo Ancelotti, an Italian football legend and former manager ofReal Madrid, has been named Brazil’s new national team coach, marking the first time a foreigner leads a world-winning team since 1925. The 65-year-old will take charge in May after Real Madrid ends their domestic season, and the Brazilian Football Confederation expressed excitement about his leadership. Xabi Alonso may soon step in as interim manager to prepare for Brazil’s participation in the expanded FIFA Club World Cup later this summer.
TechCrunch has teamed up with VivaTech, Europe's premier startup and tech event, to select five standout startups for the prestigious VivaTech Innovation of the Year award in 2025. TechCrunch will curate a shortlist of top candidates, appoint a jury member to help choose the finalists, and participate in the award ceremony alongside the full jury. Finalists will also gain visibility through exclusive networking opportunities, prize presentations, and additional event passes. The Innovation of the Year winner gains eligibility for TechCrunch's prestigious Disrupt Startup Battlefield 200, offering exposure at a major tech event in San Francisco later that year.
Despite launching just over a month ago, many players of The Elder Scrolls: Oblivion Remastered are still eagerly awaiting a patch to address critical performance issues that were not present in the original 2005 release. The remaster, developed by Virtuos rather than Bethesda, has introduced bugs affecting gameplay, such as broken story quests and malfunctioning magic visual effects. Additionally, there’s been weeks of silence from the game’s developer about when a patch will arrive, with fans frustrated by the lack of communication regarding fixes for these severe performance problems.
Roku has introduced two new security cameras that run on batteries and can be placed anywhere in your home. The basic model lasts six months on a single charge, while the Plus variant offers up to two years of operation. An optional solar panel is available, ensuring you never need to recharge the batteries manually. These cameras feature 1080p full-color video, motion detection, and a web-based app for monitoring. A built-in guide helps set them up easily. The Premium model includes color night vision and a picture-in-picture function for multitasking.
Foreigner announced Kelly Hansen will leave as lead vocalist, handing the role to guitarist Luis Maldonado during a live finale performance of "Feels Like the First Time" and "I Want to Know What Love Is." Maldonado brings a fresh energy and experience, as evidenced by his recent performances in South America. The band's current tour includes both vocalists on stage for this symbolic transition, marking an exciting chapter as they prepare for their 50th-anniversary celebration next year.
fanatically following English football, 100 Spanish-speaking subscribers to La Media Inglesa (LMI) arrived at Harborough Town's ground last weekend to watch a match against St Ives Town, completely stunning the local crowd. LMI, founded by Ilie Oleart in 2011, organizes overseas trips for its nearly half-million subscribers every year, making this event part of their routine.