Latest Summaries

Alexander, a 21-year-old US-Israeli captive held in Gaza, could be released within the next 48 hours as part of efforts toward a ceasefire brokered by the US and Hamas. US envoy Steve Witkoff is set to visit Israel on Monday, following President Trump's upcoming Middle East trip but not including an Israel visit. Hamas has expressed willingness to begin negotiations for an end to the conflict and a technocratic administration in Gaza. Meanwhile, Israel remains steadfast in its demand for continued dialogue under international pressure over the blockade and humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

The average asking price for UK homes has reached a new record high of £379,517 in May, marking the fifth consecutive year with a May record. Despite slower demand compared to usual levels, prices have been rising steadily due to high home availability and lower stamp duty rates post-implementation cuts earlier this spring. Lenders are also cutting interest rates to boost affordability, which could further support buyer activity as the market bounces back in May.

HBO Max’s breakout medical drama *The Pitt* has solidified its position as a standout contender for the 2025 Emmy Awards, with Noah Wyle leading the charge as both star and executive producer. The series, which follows Dr. Michael "Robby" Robinavitch at Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Hospital, is set to compete in multiple categories, including Lead Actor, Writing, and Direction. Notable supporting actors like Patrick Ball and Shabana Azeez are also up for key acting nominations. Additionally, *The Pitt* will likely be vying for awards across a range of categories, from Casting and Cinematography to Sound Design, as it navigates complex medical storytelling with depth and nuance.

A US judge ruled that Google illegally dominated two markets in online advertising technology. The decision could allow prosecutors to argue for the breakup of Google's advertising products. This adds to ongoing antitrust challenges against Google, with another trial set to begin next week over its dominance in search. Google has previously explored selling part of its ad business to satisfy European regulators and argued that the case focuses on outdated practices.

Cristiano Ronaldo hinted at potentially leaving Al Nassr after posting on social media that "a chapter is over," following his club's failure to qualify for the Club World Cup. The Portuguese forward, who joined Al Nassr in 2022 and will terminate his contract this summer, expressed gratitude to the club but remains undecided about his future. Meanwhile, Lionel Messi will join Inter Miami at the enlarged Club World Cup scheduled to begin on June 14th, while Ronaldo's potential participation is under discussion by FIFA.

The UK government’s immigration bill faced widespread criticism for its emotive language, which critics argued painted immigrants as a threat to national unity. Prime Minister Keir Starmer and his predecessor, Nigel Farage, both faced calls to clarify their positions after using hyperbolic rhetoric and shifting stances. Yvette Cooper, Home Secretary, struggled to spun the government’s narrative due to inconsistencies in Starmer’s comments over time, with critics accusing him of misleading the public. The conflict highlighted deep divisions within the UK—some leaders pushing for stricter controls while others prioritized transparency and fairness in handling immigration bonuses.

Millions of users are experiencing widespread internet outages following a significant technical issue early this morning in ET time, with complaints spiking initially but then dropping as concerns abated. Login issues on X’s developer platform have been ongoing since Thursday, though they’ve since resolved without any immediate resolution identified, and the root cause remains unclear. Investigations point toward a fire in an Oregon data center linked to battery malfunctions, which has degraded performance without causing a broader outage as feared earlier.

Ben & Jerry’s co-founder, Ben Cohen, was arrested during a US Senate hearing while protesting against the Gaza blockade. He stood alongside activists who drowned his testimony in anti-vaccine rhetoric and called out Israel for starving Palestinians. Video footage shows him being taken away amid chaos. Both Cohen and seven others are charged with obstructing committee proceedings, carrying penalties including up to 90 days in jail or a $500 fine. The incident highlights the legal risks of speaking out against government actions, even by notable activists like the creators of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream.

MIAMI VICE fans are thrilled as word breaks of a new big-screen reboot directed by Joseph Kosinski, known for Top Gun: Maverick. The project adapts the iconic NBC series about undercover cops dismantling illegal drugs in Miami, with Oscar-winning writer Dan Gilroy penning the script. Following its 2006 success and mixed reviews, the film is poised to return to favor, while Joseph Kosinski has a robust filmography ranging from sci-fi hits to action-packed sequels. Meanwhile, director will also be involved in other high-profile projects like F1 and an UFO thriller for Apple.

**Summary:** - Nvidia expects a $5.5bn loss due to the U.S. government blocking sales of its H100 AI chips in China, citing national security concerns about potential supercomputer use. - This announcement caused Nvidia's shares to drop 6% after hours, and shares of other chipmakers like Samsung Electronics, SK Hynix, ASML, and Advanced Micro Devices also fell. - The U.S. Department of Commerce is investigating the impact of chip imports on national security. - Nvidia plans to invest up to $500bn in AI infrastructure in the U.S. over the next four years to expand its manufacturing presence.

The heartwarming film *Nonnas* captures the love and legacy of a mother through the journey of an Italian restaurant named after her, as Vince Vaughn stars as Jody Scaravella who transforms his home into Enoteca Maria to honor his late mother. With a talented cast including Linda Cardellini, Lorraine Bracco, Talia Shire, and Susan Sarandon, the film highlights the joy of creating something truly special while paying tribute to her spirit through delicious meals and an unforgettable experience.

The Boulder Jewish Festival will focus on community healing after an attack last weekend targeting Run for Their Lives demonstrators. Organizers have reimagined the event to center the group’s fight for Israel’s Gaza hostages, while heightened security measures are in place to ensure safety amid increased police and SWAT presence. The attack, which involved 15 victims including a Holocaust survivor, has deepened tensions amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict and Shavuot celebrations, heightening antisemitism in the U.S.

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.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s efforts to enhance public health under his leadership at HHS have been overshadowed by cuts that have weakened food safety standards. The FDA has suspended critical testing programs like the proficiency testing for Grade "A" milk, which ensures compliance with federal standards and protects consumers from unsafe dairy products. These cuts follow workforce reductions aimed at improving efficiency as part of Trump's administration's broader strategy to shrink government size. Additionally, RFK Jr. has been focused on unconventional initiatives such as an autism study and modifying French fries, further complicating the agency's mission.

Trump's tightening of control over the independent NRC could erode its autonomy and compromise nuclear safety. The agency now sends proposed rules to the White House for a 90-day review before finalization, with votes conducted in closed sessions. A draft executive order aims to reduce NRC staff by half, revise regulations with input from key groups, and potentially lower radiation exposure standards, raising concerns about independence and public health. Experts warn that such changes could slow reactor licensing and create confusion, while the agency faces its own challenges in expediting new reactor approvals.

The Belkin Connect Universal Pro Dock is an affordable solution for improving laptop functionality, offering 11 ports including Thunderbolt and USB-C connectors. It supports dual Thunderbolt inputs, extends screen output up to 4K resolution across three displays at 30Hz, and elevates the laptop to enhance cooling and ergonomics. While charging efficiency is slightly less than direct charging, it delivers fast transfer speeds for large files, making it a practical upgrade for productivity without the premium cost of alternatives like the CalDigit TS4 Dock.

The international community faces a dire challenge as Gaza braces for potential famine after weeks of blocked humanitarian aid. Reports of at least two deaths and several injuries emerged following an attack on an UN warehouse in central Gaza, where supplies were dwindling. Despite a recent end to the 11-week blockade, Israel has only provided meager assistance, with aid groups warning it’s insufficient. The UN and other actors are at odds over how much aid can reach Gaza safely, while local attacks have resulted in at least 30 killed in just two days.

Is Google finally giving up on its efforts to replace third-party cookies with more privacy-preserving ad targeting? While the company has delayed plans to introduce a new cookie dialog in Chrome, users can still opt out of third-party cookies manually. However, after years of experimenting under the Privacy Sandbox initiative, Google appears to be ending this project and may permanently maintain its current approach to ad tracking.

The surge in PS5 rentals in Japan highlights a shift toward cost-effective alternatives as console prices rise. Starting in February 2024, GEO Corporation introduced affordable weekly rental rates of 980 yen ($7) and 1780 yen ($12.50), along with a game-changer: one-week and two-week plans priced at 500 yen per additional day. This strategy capitalizes on the latest "Monster Hunter Wilds" and taps into the demand for trying out PS5s without high costs, leveraging GEO's expertise to undercut competitors while offering a seamless rental experience.

Doctors successfully created a specialized gene-editing treatment for Kyle “KJ” Muldoon Jr., who suffers from a rare metabolic condition. This groundbreaking approach, completed in under seven months, marks the first time gene editing has been used to treat an individual specifically, showcasing both precision and potential challenges as costs may deter widespread use. Montana has passed a bill making experimental medical treatments more accessible, potentially turning the state into a hub for such innovations. However, this move risks moving away from traditional evidence-based medicine, which prioritizes proven solutions over unproven experimental therapies.

Sarah Tavel is moving from her role as the first woman general partner at Benchmark to a more limited position where she will focus on AI edge tools and reflecting on AI's future. During her time there, she invested in notable ventures like Hipcamp, Chainalysis, Supergreat (acquired by Whatnot), Paparazzi (which shut down), and 11X. Now, with more time to explore AI strategies, Tavel aims to gain deeper insights into the industry without the active management demands of her previous role.

Ed Martin, a Trump administration nominee for U.S. attorney in D.C., has appeared 150 times on RT America, a Russian propaganda network. His frequent appearances have drawn concerns about potential bias and anti-American remarks, including conspiracy theories about U.S. elections and media bias. Similar figures in Trump's orbit, like Jake Sullivan, have faced backlash for comparable statements, highlighting the risks of aligning too closely with Russia during his confirmation as attorney general.

"Scientific leaders face a critical opportunity for collaboration as they prepare to contribute to the next National Climate Assessment, resuming after a halt under the Trump administration. The American Geophysical Union and American Meteorological Society have agreed to share their work in their journals if authors opt-in, emphasizing the importance of scientific expertise in addressing climate challenges. The 2028 assessment aims to evaluate current impacts and adaptation measures, following five previous efforts since 2000. This renewed effort underscores the ongoing need for global scientific cooperation on climate issues."

Gunmen targeting Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area were dislodged by the convoy of Mr. Chijioke Ezugwu, the council boss, following an ambush during a security meeting aimed at combating terrorism in the area. The council chairman and his team responded swiftly to neutralize the threat, initiating broader efforts to enhance local security amid growing concerns over violent activities.

UnitedHealth Group’s stock has plummeted amid a DOJ investigation into potential Medicare fraud, following broader scrutiny including a civil fraud probe last year and legal actions against health insurers. The company denied involvement in any new probes, but its shares have been weighed down by investor concerns and ongoing market declines, wiping nearly $300 billion from its value.

Erin Patterson's family members died suddenly after attending an event where Erin served mushrooms. Symptoms followed within days, leading them to the hospital and their passing on August 4th. The Department of Health linked the death cap mushrooms (Amanita phalloides) to their deaths due to matching incubation periods. Despite Erin denying ingesting mushrooms and not recalling specific types, an investigation at nearby grocery stores found no evidence linking her to the death cap mushrooms, leaving room for contamination or indirect exposure as possibilities.

Ben & Jerry’s co-founder was surprisingly thrown out of the Senate after he confronted lawmakers over U.S. support for Israel’s Gaza protest, sparking an unlikely political controversy in the process.

John, a senior editor at The Verge, reports on the Newark Liberty International Airport experiencing another telecommunications outage on May 9, affecting air traffic control. The incident follows previous outages and highlights the airport's aging infrastructure issues, including reliance on a single data feed from New York to Philadelphia. The FAA is implementing upgrades but faces delays due to runway construction and controller stress from past outages, with some taking leave as a result. --- This summary captures the main points: the recurrence of an outage, its impact, the FAA's plan for infrastructure upgrades, and the underlying issues contributing to the problem.

A poignant reflection on the loss of a father and his son, Marshall, who died by suicide in 1950s America, explores themes of grief, societal expectations, and unresolved loss. The author grapples with questions of whether their father was shaped by his time or allowed Marshall to "rally round," highlighting the pressures on parents to protect male children. The story concludes with a moment of healing as the author discovers old records, offering closure amid years of uncertainty. This narrative underscores themes of broken relationships and societal norms while evoking themes of resilience and the complexities of grief.

Bill Maher has criticized the idea of political polarization affecting dating lives, particularly highlighting Sara Carton and Ben Mezzenga's failed romance as an example. He argues that Gen Z is increasingly deterred from dating individuals with differing views, potentially leading to many young people remaining single due to political divides. Maher also reflects on his past criticism of President Trump but has moved away from being a MAGA supporter while still expressing strong opinions about POTUS.

Vladimir Putin has refused to attend direct negotiations with Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Istanbul, with his delegation led by Medinsky, a hardline ally who participated in last year's unsuccessful talks that demanded harsh terms from Ukraine. The failed 2022 round led Zelenskyy to reject those conditions, and U.S. officials confirmed President Trump would also skip the current discussions despite earlier urging. The ongoing pressure on Putin has grown as both leaders have called for him to attend the talks, but the outcome remains uncertain with key Russian officials like Yuri Ushakov and Sergei Lavrov not participating.

The multi-camera comedy *Night Court*, inspired by an 1984 sitcom featuring Judge Abby Stone (Melissa Rauch), is not being renewed for a fourth season due to budget cuts as NBC prepares for NBA coverage. Despite strong early ratings, the show has seen significant year-to-year drops this season, likely due to nostalgia fatigue. A final short run was reportedly pursued but unsuccessful, leaving fans with speculation about potential future options for the series. Meanwhile, *Happy’s Place* is renewed, while *Lopez vs. Lopez* remains uncertain.

Joe Schmidt is altering Wallabies' selection strategy ahead of their key match against the British and Irish Lions, considering players like Will Skelton and Pete Samu due to their form and potential. He acknowledged the pressure to field strong teams but emphasized preferring his best 23 while managing player rest for the upcoming series.

Drones on the verge of a breakthrough as new technology tackles long-standing challenges. Current limitations include safety concerns and operational restrictions, hindering their use in essential services. The introduction of UTM systems, using advanced path planning algorithms, promises safer and more efficient drone operations, potentially revolutionizing commercial applications.

Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers has ruled that Apple must stop collecting commissions from third-party transactions outside its App Store, effectively nullifying its 2021 decision allowing such practices. This comes after citing past rulings and an internal debate where Phil Schiller initially opposed charging fees but later supported Apple's stance. Apple is set to comply with the court's orders while appealing the decision, potentially continuing to pay commissions until the outcome is finalized. Epic Games announced plans to reintroduce Fortnite on iOS next week, with potential implications for other platforms if Apple introduces a commission-free, tax-free payment framework globally.

"Fine-tuning versus in-context learning (ICL) continues to be a hot topic as researchers seek optimal ways to enhance large language models. Fine-tuning involves costly retraining on new data but lacks strong generalization capabilities, while ICL offers flexible context guidance, excelling in structured tasks like logical reasoning but requiring careful prompt design. A hybrid approach combining fine-tuned data with ICL-generated examples showed promise, improving model performance without significantly increasing computational demands."

The cardinals will vote in Rome on Wednesday to elect a new pope at the Sistine Chapel, with 133 participating cardinals, many from Europe but also significant numbers from Asia, Africa, and the Americas. The voting process involves each cardinal submitting their choice through a bronze urn, with results determined by scrutineers, infirmari, and revisers. If no candidate secures two-thirds support within three days, the cardinals will take a rest day. The new pope will then change into a white cassock at the College of Cardinals before being welcomed at St. Peter's Basilica.

Curious minds might wonder whether Edith Pritchett's cartoon offers a humorous take on the trade-off between hay fever and allergy medicine side effects. The artwork depicts Edith looking uneasy as her doctor advises immunotherapy shots—but she herself claims to hate the sneezing and itching that come with allergy symptoms. The cartoon playfully highlights how avoiding allergens might be more tolerable than enduring the discomfort of allergic reactions themselves.

Gail Zanchelli didn’t like weed when she tried it as a teenager on Long Island. She’s part of a growing group of older New Yorkers embracing cannabis for sleep, pain relief, appetite, and mental health. And with marijuana now legal in New York and dispensaries booming, many seniors are returning to weed after decades away, or trying it for the first time. “It’s amazing to see people my age out there enjoying their medicine — they’re relaxed, they’re chill,” Serrano said. Still, many older users aren’t phased.

Uganda’s parliament recently passed a bill authorising military tribunals for civilians, despite a Supreme Court ruling that invalidated similar measures in 2018. The move has drawn sharp criticism from opposition figures and human rights groups, who accuse the government of using the legislation to silence critics. While the military has justified the move as necessary for national security, opponents argue it signals repression and lacks legal justification. Critics also highlight years of misuse of military courts by government foes.

A significant milestone in decades of conflict has been reached as Israel and Syria have held face-to-face meetings to calm tensions along their shared border. These contacts aim to prevent further escalation and are part of a broader effort by the U.S. to strengthen relations between newly formed Syrian authorities and Israel, while also easing Israeli airstrikes on Syria. The initiatives, which have been ongoing through intermediaries since December when Islamic rebels toppled Syria's Assad regime, reflect sustained efforts to bridge long-standing conflicts in the region.

Stoffel Vandoorne secured his Formula E victory in a wet Tokyo E-Prix by capitalizing on his race strategy, overtaking Oliver Rowland despite starting second. Max Guilherme suffered a mechanical issue, prompting a red flag that allowed Vandoorne to pass others behind him.

"The 2025 Stagecoach Music Festival is ahoof out west with country music stars leaving Hollywood for a boisterous bash. Iconic performances from past years and surprises from rappers like Nelly and Wiz Khalifa promise an unforgettable night of celebrating both genres."

Europe is intensifying its push to limit online access for minors, driven by growing concerns over social media's negative impact on mental health and safety. Proposed measures include setting an age of digital adulthood and enforcing parental consent for platform use, with support from France, Greece, Spain, Denmark, and Cyprus. These efforts aim to protect children from harmful content and behavior, acknowledging that excessive screen time can lead to anxiety, depression, and addiction. The EU is also addressing technical failures by big tech companies, which are increasingly targeted under the Digital Services Act, alongside existing regulations for safer online environments.

In a stunningly violent act that left at least 11 people dead and dozens injured, a man plowed through a group of partygoers at a Filipino street festival in Vancouver, Canada. The suspect, a 30-year-old from the city, is now in custody following police reports of substantial contact over mental health concerns. Authorities have ruled out terrorism as a motive but emphasized no active threat to Canadians. Police described the incident as a "car-ramming attack," and images showed a black SUV with airbags activated due to impact damage.

A federal judge declined to issue an order that would immediately prevent the Trump administration from firing the register of copyrights and head of the U.S. Instead, Kelly asked attorneys for a briefing schedule of further proceedings to consider the merits of the case. Earlier this month, the White House informed Perlmutter she was being dismissed, shortly after Trump fired the Librarian of Congress, Carla Hayden. Nieves was to serve as acting principal deputy librarian of Congress, and Perkins replacing Perlmutter as register of copyrights. Among other things, her lawsuit sought an injunction prohibiting Blanche from exercising his authority of acting library of Congress, and another prohibiting her removal.

Like other forms of US assistance, USAID was all about normalising the colonisation of Palestine through cash for compliance. The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) opened its office in Palestine back in 1994. While the short-term negative impact is apparent, the utility of USAID and other US funding becomes questionable when put in the larger political context of the Israeli occupation of Palestine. To distribute its funding, USAID established a complex system of background checks, alongside an Orwellian set of conditions. Normalisation through people-to-people programmesA lot of USAID funding went into initiatives that sought to normalise Israeli colonisation by seeking to establish connections between Palestinians and Israelis.

The JBL Charge 6 is a standout Bluetooth speaker set to launch on April 6th at $199, available in six vibrant colors. Packed with impressive features like IP68 waterproofing, 28 hours of playtime, and AI Sound Boost for optimized acoustics, it offers exceptional durability and sound quality. Customizable EQ settings via the JBL app and a USB-C charging port add practicality, while its competitive pricing makes it a strong contender against higher-priced rivals like Bose's SoundLink Max.