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Iraqi officials are questioning a suspected ISIS member they say helped incite the New Year’s Day truck attack on New Orleans’ Bourbon Street, which killed 14 people. U.S. authorities, however, say they have not found a direct link between the Iraqi suspect and the attacker, 42-year-old Texas resident Shamsud-Din Jabbar, who flew an ISIS flag, posted ISIS-inspired videos, and died in a police shootout after the attack. The FBI says its investigation is ongoing but believes Jabbar acted alone. Iraqi authorities say the questioned suspect is tied to ISIS’s foreign operations office and that the U.S. requested assistance.

Workers installing benches in a Thessaloniki park uncovered a mass grave containing 33 skeletons with bullet wounds to the skull, believed to be prisoners executed at the nearby Yedi Kule prison during Greece’s 1946–49 Civil War. Although the site was initially cleared for development because the remains are under 100 years old, local authorities continued excavations, citing historical importance. Items found included a woman’s shoe, handbag, and ring. Historians estimate up to 400 executions occurred there, often after summary trials, with graves left unmarked. The discovery has prompted calls for DNA testing to identify victims and return remains to families, reviving painful memories of Cold War-era repression that Greece has long avoided confronting. The city plans to expand the dig to locate additional graves.

Cardinal Angelo Becciu, convicted in 2023 of embezzlement and fraud in the Vatican’s high-profile London property case, has withdrawn from participating in the upcoming papal conclave, citing Pope Francis’ expressed will and the “good of the church.” Though under 80 and technically eligible, the Vatican has listed him as a non-elector since his 2020 resignation from his post and “rights connected to the cardinalate.” His appeal of a 5.5-year sentence is pending. Becciu’s exit, reportedly prompted by letters from Francis instructing him not to attend, reduces expected electors to 133 and ends days of controversy overshadowing the conclave. The case has raised broader concerns about trial fairness and papal intervention in Vatican legal proceedings.

Global military spending rose 9.4% in 2024 to a record $2.7 trillion, the largest annual jump since the Cold War, driven chiefly by Europe amid the Ukraine war. European outlays increased 17% to $693 billion; Russia’s spending rose 38% to $149 billion, while Ukraine’s reached $64.7 billion—34% of its GDP, the highest share globally. All NATO members increased spending, with 18 meeting the 2% GDP target, amid fears of Russia and possible U.S. disengagement. In the Middle East, Israel’s spending jumped 65% to $46.5 billion and Lebanon’s 58%, while Iran’s fell 10% to $7.9 billion. The U.S. spent $997 billion (37% of the global total), and China $314 billion (up 7%), fueling concerns of an arms race in the Asia-Pacific.

Two hikers in the Czech Republic discovered a 15-pound hoard hidden in a stone wall, leading the Museum of East Bohemia to recover 598 gold coins and assorted items including jewelry, tobacco bags, a mesh bag, a comb, a powder container, and a key chain. Valued at about $341,000, the coins date from 1808 to the early 19th century and likely were buried after 1921, with origins spanning France, Belgium, the Ottoman Empire, and Austria-Hungary; markings suggest minting for former Yugoslavia. The other metal items’ composition and dates are still under analysis. The museum called the find unique, noting that burying valuables in uncertain times was a common historical practice.

A fire at the Rituraj Hotel in central Kolkata on Tuesday evening killed at least 14 people, according to police. Six fire engines were used to extinguish the blaze, whose cause remains unknown. Media footage showed guests attempting to escape via windows and ledges; at least one person died after jumping from a balcony. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed anguish over the deaths. The incident highlights persistent fire safety lapses in India, where poor enforcement of building codes has led to deadly blazes, including a 2022 fire in New Delhi that killed at least 27 people.

Iran executed Mohsen Langarneshin, alleging he was a top Mossad spy who aided the 2022 assassination of Revolutionary Guard Col. Hassan Sayyad Khodaei and supported other operations, including logistics and safe houses tied to attacks on Iranian facilities. State media said he confessed throughout the process, but the Human Rights Activists News Agency and sources close to his family claim the confession was coerced with promises of leniency and scripted on camera. His parents said he lacked a fair trial in Iran’s Revolutionary Court, known for harsh, opaque proceedings.

Irish rap group Kneecap denied supporting Hamas or Hezbollah and condemned attacks on civilians after UK police reviewed footage of a 2024 concert where a member appeared to shout support for both groups. They also apologized to the families of murdered MPs David Amess and Jo Cox following scrutiny of a 2023 clip where a member said, “The only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP.” UK and Irish leaders condemned the remarks; Jo Cox’s husband called the apology partial. The band also drew controversy at Coachella with anti-Israel messages, prompting calls from Sharon Osbourne to revoke their U.S. visas.

King Charles III, still undergoing treatment more than a year after being diagnosed with an undisclosed cancer, hosted a Buckingham Palace reception honoring cancer charities. In a message to attendees, he called a cancer diagnosis “daunting and at times frightening” but said it can also reveal “the very best of humanity,” with compassion illuminating the darkest moments. His increased public activity, despite a recent brief hospitalization due to treatment side effects, has been taken as a positive sign. Cancer has recently affected multiple royals, including Princess Kate, who announced she is in remission after treatment. Charity leaders praised the king’s openness for encouraging others to seek support.

A Russian military court sentenced Yegor Semenov, a 34-year-old dual Ukrainian-Russian national, to 27 years in a maximum-security colony for attempting to poison military pilots at a graduation party in Armavir with drug-laced cakes and alcohol allegedly on orders from Ukraine’s security service. The plot failed after recipients became suspicious and tested the items, finding a lethal dose of a medical drug. Semenov was convicted of state treason and terrorism; prosecutors sought a life sentence and plan to appeal. The case comes amid a series of targeted killings of Russian figures that Moscow attributes to Kyiv, some of which Ukraine has claimed or hinted at involvement in.

The European Space Agency has launched the Biomass satellite to measure the amount of carbon stored in the world’s forests and improve understanding of the global carbon cycle. Using the first spaceborne P-band synthetic aperture radar, Biomass will penetrate forest canopies to estimate woody biomass in trunks, branches, and stems—key indicators of carbon storage among Earth’s roughly 1.5 trillion trees. After successful deployment and initial signals, the satellite will unfold a 40-foot mesh reflector to collect data, starting over the Amazon. The mission aims to fill major gaps in carbon accounting amid deforestation and could also aid in mapping desert subsurface geology, ice sheet structures, and forest floor topography.

Swedish police arrested a 16-year-old after three youths aged 15–20 were shot dead in a Uppsala hair salon in broad daylight. Authorities are investigating possible gang links amid Sweden’s ongoing struggle with gang-related shootings and bombings; Uppsala is linked to rival gang leaders Ismael Abdo and Rawa Majid. Multiple people of interest have been questioned, and evidence, including camera footage, has been secured. The killings prompted strong condemnation from officials as the government advances tougher anti-gang and gun control measures, despite recent declines in shootings and homicides compared to 2023.

A joint investigation by media outlets via Forbidden Stories reports that Ukrainian journalist Viktoriia Roshchyna, who disappeared in 2023 while probing alleged torture sites in Russian-occupied southeast Ukraine, died in Russian custody and showed signs of severe torture. Ukrainian prosecutors said her emaciated body, returned by Russia in February, had a broken rib, neck injuries, possible electric shock marks, and organs removed—potentially to conceal further evidence of abuse. Despite a strong DNA match, her father questions the identification and seeks additional tests. Roshchyna, 27, previously detained by Russian forces in 2022, is the first known Ukrainian journalist to die in Russian captivity. Ukrainian officials called for increased international pressure over civilian hostages, while press freedom groups condemned Russia and urged a thorough investigation.

A U.S. district judge ruled that Apple willfully violated a 2021 injunction from the Epic Games case intended to open the App Store to outside payment options, and referred Apple for possible criminal contempt investigation. Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers said internal documents showed Apple knowingly chose “the most anticompetitive option,” citing actions like imposing a 27% commission on off-app purchases and adding barriers to steer users away from external payments. She wrote that CEO Tim Cook ignored advice to comply and accused a vice president of finance of lying under oath. Apple said it disagrees, will comply, and will appeal. Epic’s Tim Sweeney said Fortnite will return to the U.S. iOS App Store next week and offered to drop global litigation if Apple adopts a friction-free, fee-free framework worldwide.

Two Australian cookbook authors, Nagi Maehashi and US-based Sally McKenney, have accused TikTok influencer Brooke Bellamy of copying their recipes in her bestselling cookbook "Bake with Brooki". Maehashi alleges that Bellamy's cookbook contains recipes with "word-for-word similarities" to hers, including a caramel slice and baklava recipe. Bellamy has denied the allegations, stating that her book contains "100 recipes I have created over many years" and that some were created before Maehashi's. Despite denying wrongdoing, Bellamy offered to remove the disputed recipes from future reprints. Maehashi has retained legal counsel and written to Bellamy and her publisher, Penguin Random House Australia, alleging "blatant exploitation" of her work.

Three South African police constables—Boipelo Senoge (20), Cebekhulu Linda (24), and Keamogetswe Buys (30)—who went missing six days earlier were found dead in the Hennops River near Centurion. They were last seen leaving a petrol station near Johannesburg while traveling from Free State to Limpopo in a white VW Polo, which remains missing. Divers recovered five bodies in total, including a police admin clerk linked to a nearby Renault Kangoo and one unidentified, decomposed body. Authorities, who initially probed possible hijacking and kidnapping, now say they won’t speculate on whether the deaths were accidental pending further investigation and the recovery of the VW Polo. The case has drawn significant public attention and grief.

Israeli forces arrested veteran Palestinian journalist Ali al-Samoudi during a raid in Jenin, alleging ties to Islamic Jihad and involvement in transferring funds, without providing evidence. His family denies the claims, saying he has never faced such accusations, and reports he was hospitalized after interrogation with no details shared by authorities. Samoudi, who was wounded in the 2022 incident in which Al Jazeera’s Shireen Abu Aqla was killed, is expected in a military court next Tuesday. Israel says 24 people were detained in West Bank raids over alleged fund transfers. Since October 2023, CPJ reports at least 79 journalists arrested by Israeli forces and 176 journalists killed during the war, mostly Palestinians.

Katy Perry addressed backlash to her recent 11-minute Blue Origin flight, saying she felt “battered and bruised” by the “online world” trying to make her a “human piñata,” but assured fans she’s okay and focused on “looking to the light.” The criticism followed a difficult year that included a poorly received album and accusations that the space trip was tone-deaf amid economic strain. Fans showed support with a Times Square billboard, and Lily Allen apologized for “being mean” about the flight. Perry thanked fans, acknowledged her imperfections, and framed the internet as a “dumping ground for unhinged and unhealed,” while promoting her world tour running through December.

A Paris trial has begun for 10 people accused of the 2016 armed robbery of Kim Kardashian, in which about $10m in jewelry, including a $4m engagement ring, was stolen. Defendant Yunice Abbas, 71, who has admitted involvement and wrote a memoir about the heist, told the court he now regrets his actions after realizing the trauma caused. The court also examined the roles of Gary Madar, accused of relaying Kardashian’s location via connections in a transport firm (which he denies), and Marc Boyer, alleged to have supplied the weapon. Proceedings, delayed by years due to court backlogs and defendants’ ages and health, will continue with more testimonies ahead of Kardashian’s expected appearance on 13 May. Two of the original 12 suspects will not testify—one recently died and another has advanced dementia.

Opposition to Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza is growing as thousands of reservists from across the military sign open letters urging Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to halt fighting and prioritize a hostage deal. Signatories, including ex-Mossad chief Danny Yatom and decorated commanders, argue the war no longer serves its stated goals and endangers the remaining hostages. Reports suggest reserve attendance has fallen to 50–60%, posing a serious challenge to the IDF, which relies heavily on reservists. Public protests—featuring images of Israeli hostages and Palestinian children—have intensified, and polls indicate strong support for a ceasefire and hostage release. Critics warn of moral and legal risks, with some urging refusal of orders. Netanyahu dismisses the movement as fringe and insists military pressure is the only path to freeing hostages and defeating Hamas.

North Korea and Russia have begun building their first road bridge over the Tumen River near the existing Friendship rail bridge, slated for completion by mid-2026. Pyongyang’s state media called it a significant step in deepening ties, echoing a strategic partnership agreed during Vladimir Putin’s 2023 visit. Russian PM Mikhail Mishustin framed the project as a symbol of expanding cooperation. The move comes as North Korea has confirmed sending troops to support Russia in Ukraine, with South Korea alleging hundreds of North Korean casualties and reciprocal Russian tech assistance on satellites, drones, and missiles.

Somalia has banned entry and transit for holders of Taiwanese passports, effective 30 April, citing adherence to the “one China” policy. Taiwan condemned the move as China-instigated and urged its citizens to avoid travel to Somalia and Somaliland. China praised the decision as legitimate. The ban follows deepening ties between Taiwan and Somaliland, which exchanged representative offices in 2020, angering both China and Somalia. Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but lacks international recognition; Somalia considers it part of its territory. Taiwan remains diplomatically isolated due to Chinese pressure.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has ordered a judicial inquiry into alleged political interference that hindered prosecutions of apartheid-era crimes. The move follows a lawsuit by 25 families and survivors seeking $9m in damages, arguing post-apartheid governments failed to pursue cases uncovered by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. High-profile cases like the 1985 murders of the Cradock Four remain unprosecuted despite TRC confessions and denied amnesties. The presidency acknowledged longstanding allegations of improper influence across administrations; details on the inquiry’s leadership and timeline are pending.

At least three people—a married couple and their adult son—were found dead in Taboadela, Spain, following a massive power outage that disrupted Spain, Portugal, Andorra, and parts of France. Authorities are investigating possible carbon monoxide poisoning from a generator. Other deaths are being examined, including a woman in Madrid who died in a candle-related fire and a woman in Valencia whose death may be linked to a ventilator losing power, though reports differ. The blackout halted metros, disabled traffic lights, disrupted card payments, and initially affected mobile networks, causing widespread chaos. The cause of the outage is still under investigation, with cyberattack ruled out.

Swedish police arrested a suspect under 18 after a triple fatal shooting at a hair salon in central Uppsala. The victims, aged 15–20, have not been fully identified. Authorities are probing links to gang crime; one victim was reportedly known to police in a case related to gang leader Ismail “the strawberry” Abdo. The incident precedes Uppsala’s Valborg festival, prompting a heightened police presence but no event cancellations. Amid a surge in teenage gang violence, the government is proposing tougher measures, including allowing police to wiretap children under 15 and tightening gun laws. Witnesses reported rapid gunfire and a swift police response.

China released a white paper asserting Covid-19 may have originated in the United States, countering a Trump-era claim that the virus came from a lab leak in China. The document, published by Xinhua, accuses the U.S. of politicizing origin-tracing, cites a Missouri lawsuit that ruled against China, and emphasizes WHO-China findings that a lab leak was “extremely unlikely.” It claims “substantial evidence” suggests an earlier U.S. emergence than officially stated and urges the U.S. to address global concerns. The CIA recently assessed with “low confidence” that a Chinese lab origin is more likely but said both lab and natural origins remain plausible. China’s health authorities say future tracing should focus on the U.S.

Pakistan has undergone a rapid, bottom-up solar surge, importing 17 GW of panels in 2024 and installing an estimated 15 GW last year—roughly half of peak national demand—largely driven by cheap Chinese panels, soaring grid electricity prices, and chronic outages. Unlike many countries, the boom is mostly small-scale rooftop systems, propelled by households and businesses rather than large government programs, though tax exemptions and net metering helped. The shift offers resilience amid extreme heat and lowers energy costs, but raises risks: a potential utility “death spiral” as paying customers defect, widening inequality since poorer households can’t afford systems, and mounting grid stability challenges. Analysts say Pakistan shows that cheap renewables can spread rapidly without heavy subsidies, but require proactive grid planning to avoid destabilization and ensure equitable access.

Israel carried out a rare strike near Damascus, saying it targeted an extremist group threatening Syria’s Druze community amid escalating sectarian clashes around Sahnaya. Syria condemned the attack as foreign intervention, reporting at least one security officer killed and several injured, and launched operations to arrest “outlawed gangs” after attacks on checkpoints and vehicles. At least 11 people have died in recent violence, with reports of fighting between pro-government forces and Druze militiamen. Israel framed the strike as a warning to protect Druze, evacuated three injured Syrian Druze for treatment, and urged Damascus to safeguard the minority. The UN envoy condemned the violence and Israeli strikes, calling for respect of Syria’s sovereignty. Sporadic clashes continue as officials and community mediators push de-escalation.

CNN’s Steven Jiang recounts a rare, government-organized media visit to tightly controlled Tibet, where foreign access is heavily restricted. Arriving in Lhasa under strict rules and pervasive political messaging, he observes massive state investment in infrastructure, omnipresent images of Xi Jinping, and a choreographed itinerary emphasizing ethnic harmony and development. Despite Tibet’s poverty and history of repression since China’s 1950 annexation and the Dalai Lama’s 1959 exile, overt security was not visible—likely due to extensive surveillance and controlled access. Tourism has surged to record levels, with Chinese visitors crowding sacred sites like Jokhang Temple and the Potala Palace, where the Dalai Lama’s role is downplayed. The piece highlights the region’s breathtaking spirituality, Han migration influences, commercialization, and the ongoing struggle over identity and narrative—underscored by Beijing’s push to use “Xizang” and curated portrayals of human rights and prosperity.

Police helicopters in Maryland used thermal imaging to locate a missing 8-year-old boy who wandered from home at night. The video shows the aerial search and heat-detection footage that helped quickly find the child.

The Wall Street Journal reported that Tesla’s board contacted executive search firms in March to explore replacing Elon Musk as CEO amid a steep stock decline, plunging Q1 sales and profits, and concerns over Musk’s time spent on the White House’s Department of Government Efficiency. It’s unclear if Musk knew of the search or whether it continues after he pledged to refocus on Tesla starting in May. Analysts at Wedbush now expect Musk to remain CEO for at least five years. Tesla’s brand has faced protests and sales declines linked to Musk’s political associations, while trade tensions and tariffs have pressured operations, particularly related to China. Musk has privately signaled he may not want to remain CEO but worries a successor might not execute his vision for autonomy; his massive compensation package remains tied up in Delaware court challenges.

South Korean lawmakers, citing the National Intelligence Service, say about 600 North Korean troops have been killed and roughly 4,700 total casualties incurred while fighting alongside Russia in Ukraine, with around 15,000 North Korean troops deployed. They report North Korean forces have improved their combat capabilities over six months, using drones and other modern weapons. Under a defense treaty, Pyongyang is providing troops and arms in exchange for Russian technical aid on satellites, drones, and air defenses. North Korea recently confirmed its troop deployment, claiming a role in helping Russia retake parts of Kursk. Putin thanked North Korean forces, and the Kremlin said it could assist North Korea militarily under the treaty. Lawmakers also believe about 15,000 North Korean workers have been sent to Russia.

Germany’s center-right CDU/CSU and center-left SPD have agreed to form a coalition, paving the way for CDU leader Friedrich Merz to become chancellor, excluding cooperation with the far-right AfD. The CDU/CSU won February’s election with 28.6%, AfD took 20.8%, and the SPD had a postwar low of 16.4%. SPD members approved the coalition by a wide margin. The deal includes plans to invest in infrastructure, raise the minimum wage to about $17/hour, and cap rents. The SPD will hold seven ministries, including finance, justice, and defense; SPD leader Lars Klingbeil will be vice chancellor and finance minister as Germany navigates economic challenges, including U.S. tariffs. Merz hailed the pact as a mandate for a “strong government.”

Mexico says it accepted 38,757 people deported from the U.S. in President Trump’s first 100 days, including 33,311 Mexican nationals and 5,446 foreigners. President Claudia Sheinbaum noted most non-Mexican deportees are flown directly to their home countries by the U.S., while Mexico has taken in some for humanitarian reasons, many of whom later returned home voluntarily. The total is lower than the roughly 52,000 accepted during the same period last year under Biden. Mexico has prepared reception centers and transport to help returning nationals and launched the “México te abraza” program for financial aid, healthcare, and job reintegration. Border crossings have slowed amid Trump’s crackdown and mass deportation plans.

A new report from United Against Nuclear Iran warns U.S. negotiators that Tehran uses a set of 10 deceptive tactics in nuclear talks to secure concessions while preserving bomb-building capabilities. These include deception, vague promises, “good cop/bad cop” between supposed moderates and hardliners, dangling post-sanctions business, alarmist threats, ambiguity in commitments, stalling with cosmetic concessions, victimhood narratives, dividing Western allies, bazaar-style haggling, and media influence operations. The report urges the Trump team to avoid repeating perceived flaws of the 2015 JCPOA, noting Iran is working to split Europe from the U.S. and offering little beyond past concessions. With indirect talks ongoing and potential new rounds ahead, experts say Iranian engagement is driven partly by U.S. military pressure while Tehran seeks to reduce the risk of Western military action.

Ukrainian journalist Viktoria Roshchyna, 27, was captured by Russian forces in August 2023 while reporting in occupied Ukraine and died in custody in October 2024. Her body, returned to Kyiv on Feb. 14, 2025 among 757 others, showed signs of extensive torture, including a shaved head, burns on her feet, a broken rib, and possible electric shocks; key organs were missing, complicating cause-of-death determination. Investigators say she was held and tortured in facilities in Energodar and Melitopol, then transferred to the notorious Taganrog pre-trial center in Russia, where lawyers and international monitors are barred. Russia delayed acknowledging her detention and labeled her cause of death as heart failure; her body was misidentified as an “unidentified male.” A planned prisoner exchange in Sept. 2024 fell through, and she reportedly died while in a convoy. Her parents have requested further testing.

UN Watch urged Secretary of State Marco Rubio to sanction and deny U.S. visas to UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese, label her “pro-Hamas,” and strip her diplomatic immunity, alleging her reappointment violated UN rules and citing antisemitic rhetoric and legitimization of terrorism. UN Watch’s Hillel Neuer referenced DOJ actions allowing lawsuits against UNRWA as precedent. The UN Human Rights Council spokesperson countered that Albanese’s 2022 appointment allows her to serve up to six years without a reappointment. Critics, including Rep. Brian Mast and the ADL, have condemned Albanese’s past statements comparing Gaza to a concentration camp and suggesting U.S. politics are controlled by a pro-Israel lobby. Albanese and the State Department did not comment.

Japanese and Australian stocks rose amid choppy trading, following Wall Street gains and recession worries from weak U.S. Q1 data. The Bank of Japan kept rates at 0.5%, sending 10-year JGB yields lower and the yen weaker to 143.07 per dollar; the Nikkei 225 gained 0.99% and Topix 0.36%. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 added 0.24% as the goods trade surplus widened sharply to A$6.9 billion in March on stronger iron ore and gold exports; exports rose 7.6% y/y while imports fell 2.2%. Several Asia markets were closed for Labor Day. U.S. futures climbed after strong results from Meta and Microsoft; the S&P 500 and Dow logged a seventh straight gain, while the Nasdaq was flat.

Eli Lilly beat Q1 2025 expectations with revenue of $12.73 billion (up 45% y/y) and adjusted EPS of $3.34 versus $3.02 expected, driven by surging demand for incretin drugs. Mounjaro sales were $3.84 billion (+113% y/y) and Zepbound $2.31 billion (4x y/y), both topping estimates. The company lowered full-year adjusted EPS guidance to $20.78–$22.28 due to a $1.57 billion charge tied to acquiring an oral cancer drug from Scorpion Therapeutics, while maintaining sales guidance of $58–$61 billion. U.S. sales rose 49% to $8.49 billion on higher volumes despite lower realized prices. CEO Dave Ricks noted U.S. manufacturing investments amid tariff discussions and advocated for lower domestic tax rates. Shares fell over 11% after CVS’s PBM favored Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy over Zepbound on main formularies. FDA previously affirmed the end of the tirzepatide shortage, curbing compounded versions.

McDonald’s is set to report Q1 2025 results before the bell, with Wall Street expecting EPS of $2.66 and revenue of $6.09 billion. Analysts anticipate a second consecutive decline in U.S. same-store sales amid lingering effects from an October E. coli outbreak and cautious consumers, with additional pressure from recession fears tied to new tariffs. Management previously flagged Q1 as the likely low point for comps and plans to emphasize value meals and popular items like returning snack wraps to revive traffic. Shares are up 15% year-to-date, valuing the company near $26 billion. An earnings call is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. ET.

Fine art graduate Charlie Rudkin-Wilson founded Müll.Club, a U.K. startup that turns household plastic waste into designer homewares like soap dishes, coasters, rings, and combs, aiming to shift perceptions of plastic from trash to valuable material. Using colorful discarded packaging (e.g., yogurt pots, shampoo bottles), she creates marbled products sold online and through retailers such as Fortnum & Mason, with features in Vogue. Müll.Club sources plastics from public donations and brand partners, offering traceability and carbon-savings data that attract corporate collaborations (e.g., Lush, a luxury carmaker). As conventional plastic recycling struggles—with most packaging ending up in landfills or exported—Rudkin-Wilson plans to scale production, expand into furniture, and raise about £250,000, advocating for companies to take greater responsibility for their plastic waste.

Sam Altman’s iris-scanning ID venture, now branded “World,” launched U.S. operations with six retail locations in Austin, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Nashville, Miami, and San Francisco. Users scan their face and iris with the “Orb” to generate a unique IrisCode, receive free WLD tokens, and can use a World ID to sign in on platforms like Minecraft, Reddit, Telegram, Shopify, and Discord. World announced partnerships with Visa for a World Visa card (available only to verified users) and Match Group, which will pilot World ID and age checks on Tinder in Japan. The company emphasizes a decentralized, split-storage approach to sensitive data using multiple institutions and cryptography. Tools for Humanity, the startup behind World, has raised over $140 million, previously valued at $1 billion. World says it has 26 million users globally with 12 million verified, aiming for 1 billion users, though progress is slower than initially projected. An OpenAI integration is not planned.

Europe’s aviation regulator (EASA) says China’s C919 jet will not be certified in 2025 and estimates approval could take three to six years, delaying entry into European markets. The decision underscores the need for more reliability and safety data from operations. Despite the setback, analysts expect manufacturer Comac to continue pushing overseas, leveraging growing domestic usage since the C919’s first commercial flight in May 2023, with over 1 million passengers carried by January 2025.

Hong Kong has ended the long-criticized MPF offset mechanism, effective May 1, preventing employers from using workers’ pension contributions to pay severance and long-service fees. Chief Executive John Lee hailed the change as stronger protection for the city’s three million employees. While employers can no longer tap MPF funds, industries are preparing strategies to manage higher termination costs. Lee also framed the shift amid global trade challenges, saying Hong Kong will use a seven-pronged strategy—leveraging mainland opportunities, international partnerships, and industrial upgrades—to navigate tariffs and support economic resilience.

Indian airlines, led by Air India, are in advanced talks to acquire dozens of Boeing 737 Max jets originally rejected by Chinese carriers. With global delivery delays from Boeing and Airbus constraining capacity, the redirected aircraft would offer Indian carriers near-immediate additions to their fleets, easing shortages and supporting rapid passenger growth. Air India may take up to 10 jets, and Boeing says multiple Indian operators are being considered. The move reflects a convergence of geopolitics and market timing, with Indian officials aware of the negotiations; final details are still being worked out.

Beijing warned Manila after a Philippine naval official suggested potential military cooperation with Taiwan, including possible joint patrols in the Luzon Strait. China’s foreign ministry summoned the Philippine ambassador and issued “solemn representations,” while the Chinese embassy in Manila cautioned against such remarks. A Chinese academic said any Philippine-Taiwan interaction would be viewed in Beijing as support for Taiwanese independence and could prompt economic retaliation. This marks the first public acknowledgment by a senior Philippine military figure of potential cooperation with Taiwan amid rising regional security coordination.

A new Staatus survey by the Asian American Foundation finds that 25% of non-Asian Americans view Chinese Americans as a potential threat, particularly on national security, and about 40% believe Asian Americans may be more loyal to their countries of origin than to the U.S. The poll, conducted amid worsening US-China relations, highlights perceptions of Asian Americans as “perpetual foreigners” and reports that 63% of Asian Americans feel unsafe. The survey included 4,909 respondents, with 1,373 Asian American and Pacific Islander participants, underscoring ongoing concerns about discrimination, belonging, and safety.

Japanese police arrested 28-year-old Yuki Yazawa in Osaka on suspicion of attempted murder after he allegedly drove a car into a group of elementary schoolchildren, injuring seven. A seven-year-old girl suffered a broken jaw; the other victims, aged 7–8, had relatively minor injuries and were conscious. Witnesses said the car was driven erratically, continued forward after impact, and may have reversed into the children. Teachers pulled the suspect from the vehicle. Yazawa, unemployed and from Tokyo, reportedly told police he intended to kill the children because he was “sick of everything.” Police are investigating the motive.

A new PNAS study warns that a major earthquake on the Cascadia subduction zone (northern California to Washington) could cause coastal land to suddenly sink by over six feet, instantly and “dramatically” raising local sea levels and expanding floodplains. The authors estimate a 15% chance of a magnitude 8.0+ quake in the next 50 years (29% by 2100). Unlike gradual climate-driven sea-level rise, these changes would be immediate and persist for decades to centuries, with the greatest impacts in densely populated parts of southern Washington, northern Oregon, and northern California. If combined with future sea-level rise, some low-lying areas may never recover. The study aims to guide preparedness for compounded hazards; past events, including the 1700 quake and tsunami, illustrate the scale of potential devastation.

A one-meter snake caused a power short and halted services on Japan’s busiest Shinkansen line between Maibara and Gifu-Hashima around 5:25 p.m., stranding hundreds during the start of Golden Week and amid Osaka Expo traffic. Power was restored after 7 p.m.; trains retained lights and air conditioning. The Tokaido Shinkansen, which carries about 430,000 passengers daily and is renowned for safety and punctuality, has seen rare reptile-related disruptions before, including a carriage snake incident in 2024 and a power-line outage in 2009.

The Trump administration asked the U.S. Supreme Court to allow it to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for over 300,000 Venezuelans, seeking to pause a federal judge’s March order that blocked Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s termination of TPS. The Justice Department argues continued protection is contrary to the national interest, while Judge Ed Chen’s ruling found the move likely unlawful, arbitrary, and motivated by unconstitutional animus, warning of severe harms to families, the economy, and public health if TPS ends. Biden had expanded TPS for Venezuelans amid Venezuela’s ongoing crisis, but the renewed Trump administration has intensified immigration crackdowns, with reports of unlawful arrests and detentions of TPS holders. An appeals court previously refused to stay Chen’s order; the administration now seeks Supreme Court intervention.

Uganda’s opposition accuses President Yoweri Museveni of using military courts to suppress dissent ahead of the 2026 elections, prosecuting civilians—over 1,000 since 2002—on politically motivated charges despite a January supreme court ruling deeming such trials unconstitutional. High-profile figures including Kizza Besigye and Bobi Wine have faced military tribunals; Besigye’s recent charges include treachery, carrying the death penalty, and he was denied bail. The government plans legislation to re-authorize trying civilians in military courts under “exceptional circumstances,” defying the court’s decision. Critics and legal groups say this weaponizes the justice system, chills political participation, and undermines judicial independence, while Museveni argues military courts are needed for stability due to civilian courts’ failures. The moves heighten fears that the 2026 elections will not be free and fair.

A heat-shielded, half-tonne Venus lander capsule from the failed 1972 Soviet mission Cosmos 482 is expected to re-enter Earth’s atmosphere around 10 May after 53 years in orbit. Identified by astronomers as the dense Venus entry capsule, it will produce a fireball on re-entry and could strike the surface at a few hundred miles per hour. The impact location is unpredictable but falls between 51°N and 51°S—covering regions from Chile to Scotland—though the risk to people is low due to Earth’s vast oceans and the object’s car-like size. Astronomers highlight the incident as a reminder of growing space debris and the need for better space junk mitigation.

Sky News Africa correspondent Yousra Elbagir returns to her family home in Khartoum, finding it ransacked and ruined after two years of occupation by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) amid Sudan’s civil war. Khartoum, seized by RSF in 2023 and later recaptured by the army, bears widespread devastation: looted neighborhoods, burned buildings, stripped infrastructure, and mass displacement. Elbagir’s home was looted of furniture, wiring, and appliances, marked by RSF names, and structurally damaged, reflecting a city where at least 61,000 died in Khartoum state alone. Amid the wreckage, she recovers personal items—photos, certificates, and mementos—symbolizing resilience, community, and hope that endure beyond material destruction.

A 16-year-old has been detained on suspicion of fatally shooting three people at a hair salon in Uppsala, Sweden. Police consider it an isolated incident and are investigating possible gang links, conducting door-to-door inquiries, interviews, and analysis of seized phones. The suspect is held under the highest level of legal suspicion. Authorities said the shooting is not connected to Walpurgis Night celebrations, and it’s unclear if it was terror or hate crime-related. Witnesses reported five shots, and someone was seen leaving on an electric scooter. The case comes amid Sweden’s broader efforts to curb gang violence following recent high-profile shootings.

Two Gazan children have become the first to enter the UK for specialist medical care since the current conflict began, arriving at Heathrow after a 17-month effort by volunteer group Project Pure Hope. Five-year-old Ghena Abed urgently needs treatment to save vision in her left eye, and 12-year-old Rama Qudiah, malnourished and incontinent, likely requires bowel surgery. Despite limited medical evacuations from Gaza—most to regional countries and a small initial group to Jordan under a new deal—no children had previously reached the UK. Project Pure Hope, funded privately, says the children will return to Gaza after treatment and is pushing to bring more urgently, warning that delays have already cost lives.

On the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War’s end, visitors at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial reflected less on politics and more on personal healing. Many, including veterans and families, hadn’t come specifically for the anniversary, underscoring how the war’s central place in American culture has faded. Veterans like Dan Creed and Dan Moore described a shift from anger and trauma toward acceptance and peace, while author Tim O’Brien said he now more clearly believes he should not have gone to war. A former South Vietnamese officer expressed enduring anti-communism but noted improved conditions in Vietnam. For some, like Carolyn Watson, visiting the wall brought renewed grief alongside gratitude for the support their families received. Overall, the day highlighted grief, lingering questions, and a growing sense of moving on.

Kamala Harris returned to the national stage with a 16-minute speech in San Francisco warning that the U.S. risks a constitutional crisis if courts and Congress fail to check President Trump—or if he defies them. After months of relative silence following her 2024 defeat, Harris criticized what she called a long-planned Republican agenda that rewards loyalists and abandons allies, and urged the public to serve as the ultimate check on executive power. She praised fellow Democrats like Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez but avoided discussing her own political plans, including a potential 2026 California gubernatorial run. Her decision, expected by summer, could reshape a crowded field to succeed term-limited Gov. Gavin Newsom, drawing reactions from both Democratic rivals and Republicans eager to face her.

Nearly a century of happiness research has shifted from viewing happiness as fixed by genes and circumstances to showing it can be influenced by intentional behaviors and, most decisively, by relationships. Early work by Sonja Lyubomirsky found small but real boosts from simple practices like acts of kindness and gratitude, helping legitimize the study of well-being. The field then expanded under positive psychology, producing many short-term, modest-effect interventions. The most compelling long-term evidence comes from Harvard’s decades-long adult development study, led by Robert Waldinger, which finds that the strongest predictor of long-term happiness and health is the quality of one’s close relationships—more than wealth, fame, or achievement. In sum: purposeful habits help, but nurturing warm, dependable social connections is the biggest, most durable driver of a good life.

A Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 belly-landed at South Korea’s Muan International Airport on Dec. 29, skidded off the runway, struck a steel-reinforced concrete localizer mount, and burst into flames, killing 179 of 181 on board. While runway excursions are common and usually survivable, The New York Times found this death toll unprecedented for such incidents, highlighting how structures near runways are supposed to be frangible but are inconsistently regulated worldwide. The Muan localizer mount, renovated in 2020–2024, used concrete on an earthen berm about 866 feet past the runway end, contrary to the spirit of ICAO guidance. Preliminary investigations cite a possible bird strike and failures of landing gear and flaps, but experts say the concrete structure made the crash catastrophic. Following the disaster, South Korea found safety violations at seven of 14 airports and pledged to replace hard structures with breakable designs by year-end, reflecting a broader global reckoning over runway safety standards and their enforcement.

Israel launched strikes in Syria amid deadly sectarian clashes that killed at least 73 people, saying it aimed to protect the Druze minority. Druze spiritual leader Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri denounced a “genocidal campaign” against his community. Commentary from analyst Aaron Y. Zelin framed Israel’s actions as signaling Damascus against consolidating power in southern Syria, while Syrian authorities accused Israel of sowing chaos in the Druze-majority Sweida region.

South Korea’s impeached former president Yoon Suk Yeol was indicted on a new charge of abuse of power over his December 3 martial law declaration, adding to his ongoing trial for allegedly orchestrating an insurrection. The decree briefly deployed soldiers to parliament before being overturned and led to Yoon’s impeachment and removal by the Constitutional Court in April. Prosecutors said the new indictment follows supplementary investigations; Yoon was previously arrested and later released on procedural grounds. Separately, investigators are probing alleged bribery involving his wife, Kim Keon Hee, and a shaman, as well as reopened claims of stock manipulation and alleged interference in his party’s 2022 nominations. Yoon denies wrongdoing. If convicted of insurrection, he faces life imprisonment or the death penalty. A snap election is set for June 3.

At least 100 people were killed over two days of sectarian clashes around Damascus and in southern Syria, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The violence, reportedly sparked by a fabricated audio insulting the Prophet Mohammed, left 30 security personnel, 15 Druze fighters, and one civilian dead in Damascus suburbs, and 27 Druze gunmen dead in Suweyda, including 23 in an ambush. Druze spiritual leader Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri condemned a “genocidal campaign,” called for international intervention, and denounced the government, while authorities blamed “outlaw groups” and deployed forces under a local truce. The bloodshed follows March massacres on the coast that killed over 1,700 civilians after Bashar al-Assad’s ouster. The foreign ministry pledged to protect all communities and rejected foreign interference.

Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter tour is sparking a fan-driven Western fashion boom, with concertgoers donning custom cowboy hats, boots, denim, rhinestones, and fringe to match the tour’s aesthetic. Influencers like Dillian “the Celebrity” showcase elaborate custom outfits, while retailers report surging demand: Tecovas grew 24% in 2024, Boot Barn saw first-time buyers increase, bespoke hatmakers are selling out, and Levi’s saw a $1.2 million sales lift after “Levii’s Jeans.” The trend is influencing luxury brands and amplifying Black Western culture. The 32-date U.S. and European tour runs through July.

South Korea’s presidential race was thrown into turmoil less than five weeks before election day as front-runner Lee Jae-myung was ordered to face a retrial over alleged election law violations, while the acting president resigned amid speculation he might run. The developments disrupted a political landscape that had only recently begun to steady after martial law, multiple impeachments, and a presidential criminal trial for insurrection.