Latest Summaries

The NBA has unveiled the finalists for its key awards this season, with star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leading the charge for the Most Valuable Player award, while Nikola Jokic remains a potential threat. The Defensive Player of the Year race features a strong case for Oklahoma City Thunder's DyonicDaniels due to Victor Wembanyama's injury sidelinedness. Meanwhile, the Rookie of the Year contest is closely contested between RJ Wells and Evan Risacher as they aim to make their mark early in the season.

Anime-inspired video games are inching closer to rivaling anime culture as they merge creativity and nostalgia. This episode of *Waypoint Wishlist* celebrates standout titles like *Steins;Gate*, *Musashi: Samurai Legend*, *Chrono Trigger*, and the overlooked *Afro Samurai*. Discussions highlight the desire for high-quality remakes, reimaginations, or restorations to bring these beloved works into a new generation. From anime adaptations to classic series revivals, this wishlist episode honors the best in anime-inspired gaming.

Donald Trump has placed the UK's trade negotiations with the U.S. second on his priority list, with British officials fearing that a deal with the EU could complicate negotiations in the U.S., which has criticized European trade policies. Despite this, the UK is making progress toward agreements with key partners like the EU and India, though challenges such as digital services taxes persist.

The European Commission fined Apple €500 million and Meta €200 million for breaching the Digital Markets Act (DMA), citing violations like Apple's anti-steering obligation and Meta's failure to offer choice between privacy-friendly services. Both companies are required to comply by 60 days or face ongoing penalties, though neither has yet to act on the decision. Apple called the fines unfair, saying they were forced without user consent, while Meta accused the EC of unfair restrictions on personalized advertising.

President Trump plans to pause the enforcement of the TikTok ban until June 19 due to stalled negotiations with China and ongoing U.S.-China trade disputes, which have complicated a potential sale deal for TikTok's U.S. version. Investors, including Oracle, remain interested in owning a piece of the app despite its ban, as it continues to face challenges from both sides.

Sally McKenney, a renowned author and blogger, has accused Brooke Bellamy of copying her recipes for her cookbook *Bake with Brooki*, which was published last year. Both parties have denied the allegations, with Bellamy stating she has been selling her recipes commercially for years before the book’s publication. The recipes in question include a caramel slice, baklava, and Best Vanilla Cake, all of which are said to be similar to those in *Bake with Brooki*.

Brad Arnold, frontman of 3 Doors Down, a rock band known for hits like "Kryptonite," has been diagnosed with stage four kidney cancer, which has spread to his lungs. The singer shared his illness and emphasized his faith's strength in overcoming adversity. Meanwhile, the band has canceled its upcoming summer tour due to his diagnosis. Arnold revealed he’s recovering from addiction and credits his Christian faith for supporting his sobriety since 2016. Despite facing backlash after canceling a concert at the Make America Great Again! event, Arnold maintained that it was about supporting the next president of the United States.

Luigi Mangione has been indicted for the killing of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson. He faces charges including stalking and a firearms offense, making him eligible for the death penalty if convicted. Attorney General Pamela Bondi sought the federal death penalty, the first such case since the Biden administration's moratorium. Mangione's lawyer criticized the decision as political. He is also facing charges in Pennsylvania and New York.

Pope Leo XIV took his first audience with journalists in Vatican City, emphasizing the importance of truth and a free press amid an era of divisive communication fueled by prejudice and hatred. The encounter, marked by moments of personal interaction with reporters—such as receiving a white baseball bat and an alpaca scarf—he also thanked those who risked their lives for accurate reporting. This moment, setting a precedent in papal engagement with the media, underscores his commitment to combating polarization while defending journalists' roles in seeking truth.

Ekko Astral, the Washington, D.C., punk band, is celebrating the one-year anniversary of their debut album "Pink Balloons" with a deluxe re-release featuring five bonus tracks. The band, known for their fierce advocacy and politically charged performances, kicks off a U.S. tour this week and includes stops at major festivals. With their latest project, they continue to amplify their voice in the punk scene, blending activism with high-energy music.

Measles cases in the US have surged past 900, with most outbreaks concentrated in Texas as close-knit communities with low vaccination rates continue to spiral out of control. The death toll now stands at three, including two school-age children and an unvaccinated adult, breaking records set nearly three decades ago. Despite efforts to eliminate measles since 2019, the US remains on track to surpass its highest case tally ever recorded in 1994, driven by declining vaccination rates among kindergartners.

Automobili Lamborghini has launched an eye-catching partnership with DreamHack Dallas, aiming to connect with gamers by showcasing its iconic Revuelto car in a 300-square-meter booth where attendees can virtually race and collectibles it'll offer. This marks the brand's debut at the event, targeting a younger audience with its passion for innovation and lifestyle. Lamborghini's marketing director emphasized that this collaboration reflects the company's commitment to engaging with its audience on multiple levels, from design to experience.

A British-led effort to establish a contact group for ceasefire talks in Sudan failed after Arab nations refused to sign a joint communique. The conflict has exacerbated violence and displacement in Sudan, with civilian casualties rising and aid infrastructure being targeted. The UK Foreign Secretary highlighted the need for diplomacy but faced little progress despite excluding Sudan from mediation. International calls for accountability against external arms shipments grew amid growing violence, raising concerns about potential partition.

ZDNET highlights the SwitchBot Air Purifier Table as a versatile 4-in-1 device priced at $179 on sale. This compact yet functional piece combines an air purifier, wireless charger, nightlight, and washable pre-filter, making it ideal for multiple rooms. Maria Diaz praises its effectiveness in reducing odors, allergens, and particles while also functioning as a stylish table with color-changing lighting. The device's app-controlled features via a SwitchBot Hub enhance its utility, and future models may include a robot for broader air purification. Available at Amazon or ZDNET, it's a great addition to any home seeking efficiency and style.

Microsoft is simplifying its browser policy for users in the European Economic Area (EEA) by expanding default browser settings, reducing nagging about using Edge, and integrating web search features. These changes aim to comply with the Digital Markets Act but won't affect non-EEA regions. Users in EEA can now set more file types as defaults, avoid being prompted to switch from Edge post-uninstallation, and have options for multiple search providers. Bing will default to another browser, enhancing flexibility within the region.

A restaurant fire in Liaoyang, northeastern China, claimed 22 lives and injured three as of April 30. President Xi Jinping expressed concern over the incident, noting the importance of handling injuries and determining the cause of the fire legally. Tragically common due to lax safety regulations, this latest disaster follows previous fatal incidents at nursing homes, vegetable markets, and construction sites in recent months, underscoring a pattern of negligence in building codes and workplace safety.

Nicusor Dan, Romania's centrist mayor, defied expectations by winning Sunday's presidential election against George Simion, a Trump supporter and euroskeptic, despite trailing in the polls ahead of the race. With 54% of votes compared to Simion's 46%, Dan secured victory as Romania's highest-turnout election in decades, drawing nearly 28 million voters.

CM Punk, known for his wrestling career, is making a rare acting appearance in SYFY’s *Revival*, alongside Melanie Scrofano from *The Walking Dead* and others. The show, inspired by Tim Seeley and Mike Norton’s comic, follows a town of the undead solving a murder mystery as an officer and single mother gets drawn into the chaos. Meanwhile, Punk has big plans for his acting career, including exploring romantic comedy prospects with wrestler Dave Bautista. *Revival* premieres June 12 on SYFY.

Notable developments emerged in the New England Patriots' coaching staff as it comes to light that defensive coordinator Terrell Williams is skipping this year's rookie minicamp due to a medical condition. Inside linebacker coach Zak Kuhr has been managing Williams' duties during his absence, which spans roughly one month according to the latest report. Vrabel expressed appreciation for Williams' dedication despite the interruption and noted ongoing communication between him and the coaching staff via tools like Zoom.

David Paton, an innovative ophthalmologist who transformed a United Airlines jet into a flying hospital called Project Orbis, dedicated his life to providing eye surgery in remote areas and educating local doctors. His passing on April 3 at age 94 was confirmed by his son, following his son's father’s background as a prominent eye surgeon. Paton, inspired by the challenges of widespread preventable blindness in developing countries, sought solutions that went beyond sending medical teams—considering everything from equipment shipments to repurposing planes for medical transport. His work aimed to not only heal patients but also empower healthcare professionals globally.

Japan's Zen-Noh, representing farmers' cooperatives, has only shipped 32% of its purchased rice from the government due to low demand. The federation is awaiting a price drop as part of an effort to stabilize rising rice prices, despite having been asked by wholesalers to ship varying amounts each month since March, including over 140,000 tons in July. Zen-Noh has been shipping between 2,000 and 3,000 tons daily but is working to ramp up shipments as quickly as possible ahead of a planned increase in supply by the agriculture ministry.

Intel's CEO is considering divesting non-core assets as the company seeks to refocus on its core business units, including PCs and data center chips. A unit that builds chips for telecom equipment, generating $5.8 billion in revenue in 2024, is reportedly a candidate for sale, though Intel has not launched a formal sales process yet. The company has begun engaging with potential buyers but hasn't formally initiated a sales process. Earlier this year, Intel's CEO emphasized its commitment to spinning off non-core assets as part of its strategy to refocus on its main business units at the Intel Vision conference.

The announcement marks a significant step in automaking cars smarter with software, as Volvo teams up with Google under I/O 2025 to push Android Automotive OS updates to their vehicles first. This partnership also paves the way for Volvo introducing its own autonomous driving tool, Gemini, likely enhancing driver assistance and setting a precedent for other manufacturers to follow.

In an electrifying period thriller, FX star Cosmo Jarvis will portray Joseph Stalin in "Young Stalin," based on Simon Sebag Montefiore's gripping novel about Stalin's early life as a bank robber in 1906 Russia. Directed by Géla Babluani, the film, produced by Access Entertainment and others including AI Film and Monte Rosso Prods, delves into Stalin's descent into power through terror, conflict, and ideology—highlighting his infamous bank heist. Principal photography is set to begin in Tbilisi next summer, with Cosmo's upcoming projects further cementing his diverse career trajectory.

“Art was helping people survive an incredibly desperate time.” Noam Brown, a children’s musician and Chip committee member, began dreaming up the idea of an album; Morse, whose research looks at LGBTQ+ cultural production, particularly collaborative media production with incarcerated artists, co-signed the project. The organization began fundraising, applying for grants and putting the word out that they were producing an album; Gary Field, an incarcerated organizer, writer and scholar, became the executive producer, helping to connect the artists with Chip. “People couldn’t even talk to their families, never mind collaborate on something as complicated as producing a studio album. Artists who were already out were able to spend time in the studio, including Chance, who returned to south Florida after her release. She began working with the group and helped organize a poetry event, where she met Field, Brown and Morse.

An AI tool called "Consult" has been developed to automate the review of public responses to government consultations, aiming to save money and streamline processes. The tool, already in use by the Scottish government for non-surgical cosmetic procedures, is now being rolled out nationwide with plans to enhance its capabilities further. Initial trials have shown it can analyze thousands of responses efficiently, identify key trends, and produce results comparable to human review. However, concerns about AI biases influencing outcomes and the need for additional safeguards to ensure robustness and transparency remain.

The Noto Peninsula earthquake has left central Japan's municipalities grappling with the aftermath of one of the region's worst disasters in decades, as officials struggle to remove damaged homes and resolve ownership issues amid over 80 reported damages. To expedite demolition efforts, authorities are considering allowing such properties to be destroyed with court permission, though fear persists that many homes will remain standing. In Wajima City, a historic home whose roof and pillars collapsed nearly a year ago still stands untouched, sparking questions about its future in the face of ongoing disasters.

A US scholar facing deportation for anti-Palestinian views has found his legal battle won after a federal judge ruled in his favor. The ruling highlighted the constitutional protections for speech and visa holders, allowing Badar Khan Suri to be released from detention shortly after. His wife thanked supporters, comparing his beliefs to a badge of honor, while noting that he faces legal challenges despite the release.

A record number of fires involving ebikes and e-scooters were reported in the UK last year, prompting renewed warnings over the dangers posed by lithium-ion batteries. While ebikes and e-scooters remain a popular low-emission mode of transport, the London fire brigade has warned that they represent a “growing fire risk”. after newsletter promotionThe British Safety Council says “lithium-ion battery failures are relatively rare, but in the event of a malfunction, they can represent a serious fire risk”. It is understood that the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS), the UK’s national product regulator, is working to remove unsafe products from the market. The government has also pledged to update product safety laws and increase enforcement at ports to prevent dangerous imports from reaching consumers.

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.

Elizabeth LopattoBecause I was uncertain about my mileage, I decided to track myself several ways: AllTrails, Gaia, and my Apple Watch Series 6. I set out from the trailhead Monday morning, and turned on tracking for AllTrails, Gaia, and my Apple Watch. According to my trackers recording my actual route — Gaia and AllTrails — it was more like 6 miles, not 5. Gaia tracked 4,884 feet of climb over a total distance of 13.6 miles; AllTrails suggested I’d climbed 5,213 feet over 14.6 miles. It did, in a way — certainly the hike was longer than the 32.8 miles AllTrails had promised.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz avoided the public humiliation that U.S. President Donald Trump often inflicts on leaders by avoiding direct confrontation during a 40-minute Oval Office meeting, instead focusing on praising Trump. Despite his efforts to stay in the background, Merz acknowledged Germany's debt to the United States and highlighted the delicate discussions they hoped to steer on transatlantic trade, security architecture, NATO, and support for Ukraine—risks inherent in engaging such a volatile leader.

General Min Aung Hlaing, Myanmar's junta leader, met with President Xi Jinping for the first time since he seized power following a 2021 coup that led to a civil war and suppression of democracy. The meeting was significant as China's key ally in an internationally sanctioned conflict. Since the coup, the junta's armed forces have faced off against ethnic armed groups and rebel militias with ties to China, despite their declared opposition to Myanmar's rule.

Pride, once a symbol of arrogance and vice in medieval times, has transformed into a powerful symbol of LGBTQ+ empowerment. The word began as a negative term but shifted over time to represent self-respect and resistance, becoming central to annual Pride Month celebrations following the 1969 Stonewall riots. Organizers credit internalized pride within the community for its acceptance and growth, while critics note growing backlash against LGBTQ+ causes in recent years.

Manchester United fans are hopeful for a special night in the Europa League final as they face Tottenham, with Diogo Dalot aiming to win a trophy for his suffering supporters. Ruben Amorim has urged his players to perform strongly against Chelsea next week, warning that poor results could leave them on the bench for the crucial final. Despite recent struggles in the league, United's manager believes the team can turn things around ahead of the match.

More adults are turning to lying on their stomachs to combat neck pain. Tummy time, once a newborn activity, has become a popular alternative for many tech-savvy adults seeking to reduce strain on their neck and shoulders. Videos showing people like TikTok creator Bek doing this unapologetically have sparked interest, with influencers encouraging others to adopt the practice as part of their daily wellness regimen.

Russia has announced plans for military shooting exercises in waters near Shikotan, one of four disputed islands off Hokkaido, sparking protests from Japan over Russia's expansionist actions in the region. The drills, which include Japanese territorial waters, come amid growing tensions as both countries deny access to foreign ships in the area, with Japanese officials calling the measures unacceptable.

There is a battle gripping the music business today around the manipulation of streaming services – and innocent indie artists are the collateral damage. Northern Irish rock band Final Thirteen had some of their music taken off streaming services due to a spike in the tens of thousands. He tracked it back: TNW Music tracks were being added to manipulated playlists. “With streaming services, it’s almost impossible to [appeal] through them,” she sighs. Streaming services and distributors now accept this battle is about containment rather than total elimination.

Intel has announced a shift in its hybrid work policy, requiring employees to return to the office four days a week after previously allowing two days of remote work. CEO Lip-Bu Tan cited the need for enhanced collaboration and productivity as reasons for the change, noting that local leadership will tailor on-site experiences based on feedback while maintaining a culture of engagement. This move aligns with broader trends in tech companies like Amazon, Salesforce, and Apple, which are increasingly prioritizing in-office work to boost team dynamics but face mixed evidence on its impact on productivity and employee satisfaction.

This week, large parts of Europe have been affected by a series of intense thunderstorms, bringing torrential rain, damaging winds and large hail. Central France was particularly badly affected by the severe weather, as powerful storm systems swept south-westward across the country. The storm system also generated flash flooding, strong wind gusts, and reports of a localised “mini-tornado”, leaving widespread damage to infrastructure and vehicles in its wake. The storms were fuelled by warm, saturated air rising from the Mediterranean clashing with cooler air descending from northern Europe. In Guilin’s Lingui district, rainfall totals exceeded 207mm on Monday alone, highlighting the severity of the ongoing weather system and its impact on the local infrastructure and communities.

The Phoenix Suns have made bold moves under new leadership, with former head coach Brian Gregory stepping into the role of general manager after James Jones transitioned to a senior advisory capacity. The team has also appointed experienced figures like assistant GM Oronde Taliaferro and ex-Thunder executive Paul Rivers to aid in rebuilding its basketball operations. Owner1 emphasized the importance of establishing a culture of grit as they prepare for an upcoming search to find a new head coach, reflecting a concerted effort to turn things around.

The Bank of England’s governor, Andrew Bailey, has expressed concerns about a potential "growth shock" in the UK due to Donald Trump's trade policies, which could disrupt global economic imbalances. The IMF has lowered its 2025 growth forecast for the UK to 1.1%, down from an earlier expectation of 1.6%. Experts attribute Trump's unpredictable trade wars as a major risk to the global economy, including Britain, while Rachel Reeves, the UK chancellor, is focused on negotiating tariffs without compromising key regulations like food standards. Bailey emphasized balancing growth risks with inflation concerns, acknowledging the challenges ahead for the UK in a slowing global economy.

Gregg Popovich, a legendary NBA coach, has transitioned to a leadership role as president of basketball operations for the San Antonio Spurs after suffering a mild stroke. Mitchell Johnson will now serve as the permanent head coach, bringing extensive Spurs experience to guide the team under Popovich's guidance while RC Buford and Brian Wright continue their organizational changes. The Spurs aim to honor Popovich’s legacy with Johnson at the helm in this new chapter of leadership.

Billy McFarland has decided to sell FYRE Festival, citing frustration over the event's struggles and his own personal obligations from prison, as he hands fans an update on a new chapter for the franchise. The founder revealed in a statement that he and his team have sold the brand's trademarks, intellectual property, and media reach to a new operator who will execute his vision for a second iteration of FYRE. Meanwhile, multiple countries are expressing interest in hosting the event, though McFarland has requested privacy as he works to transition away from FYRE under his new leadership.

Donald Trump expressed his condolences for Joe Biden’s serious prostate cancer diagnosis, wishing him a swift recovery while downplaying political tensions in a heartfelt message on Truth Social. The former president praised Jill Biden for her strength but did not shy away from continuing his critical remarks about his predecessor, who has faced widespread condemnation since taking office.

The Crunchyroll Anime Awards provide a chance for fans to celebrate their favorite anime shows, characters, and performances through both judge-nominated categories and fan-voted choices. In 2025, anime titles like Frieren: Beyond Journey's End with 25 nominations and Dan Da Dan with 22 are set to dominate the competition, each available for streaming on Crunchyroll or Netflix. The event will take place on May 25th, live-streamed on Crunchyroll, with special promotions and events planned throughout the month.

President Trump wrapped up a historic trip through Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE, marking a rare opportunity for direct engagement with regional leaders amid geopolitical tensions. During his visit, $1 trillion was pledged in investments, signaling significant shifts in both Middle East relations and U.S.-region ties. The U.S. appears poised to lift long-standing sanctions on Syria and advance toward a nuclear deal with Iran, reshaping the region's balance of power. Notably, Trump avoided stops in Egypt or Israel, raising questions about whether the Gulf states will now align more closely with U.S. policy directions—or if they remain independent actors shaping U.S.-region foreign policy.

Jamie Vardy is set to leave Leicester City after 13 years following a season marked by challenges that led to his club's relegation and a public apology for their poor form. Despite retirement rumors, Vardy remains committed to continuing his football career, with potential interest from MLS in the US. He expressed gratitude to Leicester fans and staff, acknowledging the support he received over nearly a decade, including memorable achievements like winning titles in 2016 and 2021. Meanwhile, Leicester faces uncertain times under previous managers but remains determined for future success.

A comprehensive study investigates the distribution of microplastics in oceanic gyres, revealing significant insights into their abundance and patterns. Utilizing advanced methodologies such as data collection with sediment traps and pump samples, statistical analysis employing tests like Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Levene’s test, and modeling techniques including generalized additive models (GAMs) and Monte Carlo simulations, the research provides a detailed understanding of microplastic distribution in both North Atlantic and Pacific gyres. These findings contribute crucial knowledge to comprehending their ecological roles and implications in marine ecosystems.