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India launched strikes in Pakistan following an April 22 attack in Indian-administered Kashmir that killed over two dozen, mostly Hindu tourists, intensifying a decadeslong dispute between the nuclear-armed neighbors. The article traces key milestones: Britain’s 1947 partition left Kashmir’s status unresolved; the Hindu ruler acceded to India amid Pakistani militia incursions, sparking the first Indo-Pak war. A 1949 U.N.-brokered cease-fire created a temporary dividing line, later formalized as the Line of Control in 1972 after another regional war. Renewed conflict erupted in 1965, and hopes for peace in 1999 collapsed into the Kargil war after Pakistan-backed infiltrations. From the late 1980s, Pakistan-supported insurgency surged in Kashmir, tapering in the 2000s but deepening mistrust. In 2019, India revoked Kashmir’s partial autonomy and tightened control, fueling further unrest. The latest strikes underscore how Kashmir’s unresolved status and cycles of militancy and retaliation continue to drive periodic crises between India and Pakistan.

New U.S. tariffs and the end of the de minimis tax exemption for imports under $800 have sharply disrupted Guangzhou’s garment industry, slashing already thin margins and cutting orders from platforms like Amazon, Shein, and Temu. Small factory owners report halved profits per item, suspended production lines, and widespread closures, with many considering relocating to lower-cost Chinese provinces or Vietnam—though rising tariffs there blunt the benefit. Temu says it will ship U.S. orders from domestic warehouses, and Shein suppliers report steep order declines. China’s push to redirect sales to its weak domestic market offers limited relief amid sluggish consumer spending after the property slump. The sector, which employs millions and has fueled recent export growth, faces a tipping point as trade tensions with the United States intensify.

At 93, Chrissie Tully in County Galway still searches for closure over the son she was told died at birth in 1949 after being sent to the notorious St. Mary’s Mother and Baby Home in Tuam, where unwed mothers faced abuse, secrecy, and high infant deaths. She later had a second son in 1954, Christopher, who was taken from her and adopted to London, where he grew up as Patrick Naughton. Decades of stonewalled records and shame kept Chrissie in the dark until 2013, when an adoption agency connected her with Patrick; they reunited, and he now visits yearly. Together they comb archives and graves seeking the truth about the first baby, Michael, whose records say “stillborn” but leave Chrissie wondering if he was illicitly adopted. Their story reflects Ireland’s ongoing reckoning with church-run institutions, opaque adoption practices, and the enduring pain of mothers denied their children and answers.

The 2025 Met Gala wrapped with standout themes of tailored elegance, power pinstripes, hats, canes, and multiple pants-less looks, emphasizing fashion with historical meaning. Rihanna arrived fashionably late in Marc Jacobs, appearing to confirm a pregnancy and briefly stealing the night’s spotlight; ASAP Rocky, a co-chair, nodded to “Harlem Nights.” Other baby bump reveals included Karlie Kloss, Kiara Advani, and Zinzi Coogler. Anna Sawai made a notable debut in a sharp white Dior suit and Stephen Jones hat, embracing androgyny and Black dandyism. The evening featured dramatic trains, Diana Ross’s celebrated presence, and a broader celebration of personal twists on dandy style.

Oil prices fell to about $56 a barrel after OPEC+ said it would increase production in June, deepening a slide driven by worries that President Trump’s escalating tariffs will slow global growth and curb demand. The lower prices are squeezing U.S. shale producers, with Permian rig counts down about 9% from a year ago and Exxon Mobil and Chevron reporting their weakest first-quarter earnings in years. Executives warn trade uncertainty is weighing on forecasts, adding volatility and recession risk.

Pakistan’s army chief, Gen. Syed Asim Munir, has moved to the forefront of escalating India-Pakistan tensions after a terrorist attack in Indian-administered Kashmir killed 26 tourists. Breaking from his usual low profile, Munir issued hard-line warnings that Pakistan would respond forcefully to any Indian military action, framing the conflict in ideological and religious terms. His rhetoric—calling Kashmir Pakistan’s “jugular vein” and invoking the two-nation theory—has inflamed Indian opinion and is seen as both a projection of strength amid Pakistan’s political and economic troubles and a reflection of his own worldview shaped by intelligence roles. India’s government, under Narendra Modi, faces domestic pressure for a strong response, while the U.S., U.N., and China urge de-escalation. The standoff revives long-standing flash points over Kashmir and highlights Munir’s influence, religious conservatism within Pakistan’s military, and the limits of near-term peace prospects.

The New York Times guide lists 2025 Pulitzer Prize winners and finalists in books across fiction, history, biography, memoir/autobiography, and general nonfiction. Percival Everett’s James won Fiction, a reimagining of Huckleberry Finn from Jim’s perspective, with finalists by Rita Bullwinkel, Stacey Levine, and Gayl Jones. History had two winners: Kathleen DuVal’s Native Nations, a sweeping history of Indigenous peoples in North America, and Edda L. Fields-Black’s Combee, detailing Harriet Tubman’s leadership in the Combahee River Raid; Seth Rockman’s Plantation Goods was a finalist. Biography went to Jason Roberts’s Every Living Thing, contrasting Linnaeus and Buffon, with finalists on John Lewis (David Greenberg) and New Yorker editor Katharine S. White (Amy Reading). Memoir winner was Tessa Hulls’s graphic memoir Feeding Ghosts, with finalists by Alexandra Fuller (Fi) and Lucy Sante (I Heard Her Call My Name). General Nonfiction winner was Benjamin Nathans’s To the Success of Our Hopeless Cause on Soviet dissidents, with Rachel Nolan’s study of coerced Guatemalan adoptions as a finalist.

The 2025 Pulitzer Prizes honored standout journalism and arts across categories. ProPublica won Public Service for investigating maternal deaths in abortion-restrictive states. The Washington Post took Breaking News for coverage of the July 13 attempt on Donald Trump’s life. Reuters won Investigative Reporting for exposing lax fentanyl regulation. The New York Times’ Azam Ahmed, Christina Goldbaum, and Matthieu Aikins won Explanatory Reporting on U.S.-backed militias in Afghanistan; Declan Walsh and NYT staff won International Reporting for uncovering drivers and atrocities in Sudan’s conflict. The Baltimore Banner (with the NYT) won Local Reporting on Baltimore’s fentanyl crisis; The Wall Street Journal won National Reporting for coverage of Elon Musk. Mark Warren (Esquire) won Feature Writing; Mosab Abu Toha (The New Yorker) won Commentary on life in Gaza; Alexandra Lange (Bloomberg CityLab) won Criticism for writing on family-friendly public spaces. The Houston Chronicle’s editorial team won for a series on dangerous train crossings. Ann Telnaes (The Washington Post) won Illustrated Reporting and Commentary. Doug Mills (NYT) won Breaking News Photography for images of the Trump assassination attempt; Moises Saman (The New Yorker) won Feature Photography for documenting Syria’s Sednaya prison. Finalists included The Boston Globe, AP, Frontline, The Washington Post, and others across categories.

Romania’s presidential election saw right-wing nationalist George Simion win the first round with over 40% of the vote, positioning him for a May 18 runoff against centrist Bucharest mayor Nicusor Dan. Simion, a vocal admirer of the MAGA movement, opposes EU influence and military aid to Ukraine. His success contrasts with recent anti-Trump-leaning outcomes in other countries. The vote also signaled backlash against the Constitutional Court’s December annulment of ultranationalist Calin Georgescu’s earlier first-round win amid legal charges and concerns of possible Russian interference. While Romania’s presidency has limited domestic powers, it holds significant influence over defense and foreign policy.

The New York Times won four Pulitzer Prizes: international reporting for coverage of Sudan’s civil war; explanatory reporting on Afghanistan’s post-withdrawal abuses; breaking news photography for images of the attempted assassination of Donald Trump; and, with The Baltimore Banner, local reporting on Baltimore’s fentanyl crisis. ProPublica won Public Service for investigating deaths linked to state abortion bans. The Washington Post won Breaking News Reporting for the Trump shooting coverage; former Post cartoonist Ann Telnaes won for illustrated commentary. Reuters won Investigative Reporting for “Fentanyl Express.” The Wall Street Journal won National Reporting for coverage of Elon Musk. The New Yorker earned three awards: commentary (Mosab Abu Toha), feature photography (Moises Saman), and audio reporting for “In the Dark.” Other winners included Esquire’s Mark Warren (feature writing), Bloomberg CityLab’s Alexandra Lange (criticism), and The Houston Chronicle (editorial writing). In letters and arts, Percival Everett’s “James” won fiction; Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’s “Purpose” won drama; history prizes went to Kathleen DuVal and Edda L. Fields-Black; Jason Roberts won biography; and Tessa Hulls won autobiography.

The Trump administration asked a federal judge to dismiss a lawsuit by Missouri, Idaho, and Kansas seeking to roll back FDA measures that expanded access to the abortion pill mifepristone. Echoing a prior Biden administration filing, the Justice Department argued the case was brought in the wrong venue without addressing its merits. The move, seen as a political attempt to delay taking a position on mifepristone, leaves Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk to decide whether to dismiss or transfer the case. If the lawsuit succeeds, it could reinstate in-person dispensing, curb telemedicine and mail delivery, restrict who can prescribe and dispense the drug, reverse approval of generics, and ban use for minors—significantly limiting access to medication abortion, which now accounts for nearly two-thirds of U.S. abortions. The suit also invokes the Comstock Act and claims state harms from treating complications and reduced “potential population,” while decades of research show the regimen is safe.

President Trump denied involvement in an apparently A.I.-generated image depicting him as pope that was posted on White House and his Truth Social accounts, saying he didn’t know its origin and suggesting critics “can’t take a joke.” The image drew backlash from Catholics, including Cardinal Timothy Dolan, who called it a “bad impression,” especially amid mourning for Pope Francis. Trump said Melania Trump thought the image was “cute.” Catholic leaders argued the image could mock the papacy. Vice President JD Vance downplayed concerns, saying he’s fine with jokes.

Thirteen security guards kidnapped from La Poderosa’s gold mine in Pataz, Peru, were found dead, the company said. La Poderosa blamed informal miners linked to criminal gangs amid ongoing violence despite a state of emergency and police presence. The mine has seen repeated attacks, including a deadly December 2023 assault with explosives. Peru’s Interior Ministry deployed special police to capture those responsible. The incident highlights escalating crime tied to illegal and informal mining in one of Latin America’s top gold-producing nations. Families of victims are demanding justice.

Doctors Without Borders (MSF) says its hospital in Old Fangak, South Sudan—the only functional facility serving about 40,000 people—was hit by aerial bombing early Saturday, killing at least seven people, including a 9-month-old, and wounding at least 25, according to local officials. The strike destroyed the pharmacy and all medical supplies. MSF condemned the attack as a violation of international humanitarian law. Additional strikes near the town market caused panic and displacement. The attack comes amid a broader government-led campaign, with reported airstrikes since March against opposition-linked areas, and follows tensions involving forces loyal to Vice President Riek Machar. Authorities have not commented, and MSF suggested government troops may be responsible.

Five people—three women, a child, and a 29-year-old pilot—survived 36 hours atop a capsized plane in an alligator-infested swamp in Bolivia’s Amazon after an emergency landing near a lagoon. The pilot said the plane lost altitude, forcing a swamp landing; leaking kerosene may have deterred alligators that approached within meters, and the group also saw an anaconda. They sustained themselves with cassava flour carried by a passenger and avoided drinking swamp water. After a search launched when the plane vanished from radar, local fishermen spotted them, and a helicopter evacuated the group to a hospital. Officials reported all were in excellent condition.

Prince Harry, speaking to the BBC after losing his latest appeal over U.K. security, said King Charles “won’t speak” to him due to the security dispute but that he wants reconciliation, especially given his father’s health. He said he can’t see bringing Meghan and their children back to the U.K., citing safety concerns and media hostility, and called it “sad” he can’t show them his homeland. He criticized the High Court ruling upholding the downgrade of his protection, warning it sets a precedent allowing security to be used to control royal family members. He framed the dispute as a family issue, said he’s unlikely to pursue further legal action, and noted he can only come to the U.K. safely if invited.

CBS revisits its 2023 coverage of the film “Conclave” amid a surge in U.S. viewership following Pope Francis’ death and the impending real-life conclave. The movie, based on Robert Harris’ 2016 novel, dramatizes the secretive election of a pope, highlighting political blocs and the emergence of a compromise candidate. Ralph Fiennes, who plays Cardinal Thomas Lawrence, reflects on the power of ritual, costumes, and the tension between faith and doubt; Harris, a former political journalist, emphasizes the conclave’s enduring political dynamics and sees parallels with current events. While not Catholic, Harris argues the process tends to yield a fitting leader. The piece underscores the spectacle and symbolism of the conclave—like the iconic chimney smoke—now unfolding in reality as cardinals prepare to choose Francis’ successor.

Teuchitlán Mayor José Murguía Santiago was arrested amid a federal probe into alleged collusion by authorities with the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) at a suspected cartel training site known as Izaguirre Ranch in Jalisco. The ranch, first discovered in September 2024 and revisited after families of the missing found bones and clothing, has been described by activists as an extermination center with clandestine crematoriums. Officials dispute it was an “extermination camp,” but acknowledge accounts that recruits who resisted were tortured and killed. Authorities previously arrested 10 people, freed two captives, and found a body and skeletal remains at the site. Alongside the mayor, a neighboring police chief and officers are among about a dozen arrests. Jalisco leads Mexico in missing persons cases, with over 15,000 of the country’s 127,000-plus missing.

The White House offered national security adviser Mike Waltz several ambassador posts, including Saudi Arabia, as President Trump sought to move him out just over 100 days into the term. Waltz chose U.N. ambassador, with Trump announcing the shift hours after reports of Waltz’s departure. Waltz’s last day at the White House was set for Friday as Secretary of State Marco Rubio assumes interim dual roles and begins the handoff. Deputy Alex Wong remains to aid the transition. Trump views the Saudi ambassadorship as critical and is weighing candidates, potentially before a mid-May Middle East trip that includes Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE. Bringing Saudi Arabia into the Abraham Accords remains a strategic goal, though the Israel-Hamas war has complicated efforts.

Vatican workers have installed the ballot-burning stove, chimney, false floor, and voting tables in the Sistine Chapel ahead of the May 7 conclave to elect a successor to Pope Francis, who died April 21. The conclave will involve 135 eligible cardinal electors (most appointed by Francis) from 71 countries. After a preparatory Mass, cardinals will be sequestered to vote; ballots are burned after each round, signaling black smoke if no pope is chosen and white smoke upon election. Speculation centers on candidates such as Cardinals Pietro Parolin, Luis Antonio Tagle, and Robert Sarah, amid denials of health concerns for Parolin. Cardinals are meeting privately to discuss the Church’s needs before voting begins.

The Trump administration is in active talks with Rwanda to accept deportees from the U.S., including non-Rwandan nationals, with details—such as potential financial compensation—expected within weeks, according to U.S. and Rwandan officials. The discussions follow a reported U.S. deportation of an Iraqi national to Rwanda and draw on Rwanda’s prior experience with the U.K.’s controversial asylum policy. The U.S. is also pursuing similar third-country arrangements with nations like El Salvador, Mexico, and Panama. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the goal is to send expelled migrants “as far away from America as possible,” while simultaneously engaging Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo in U.S.-brokered peace efforts. Rubio also praised envoy Massad Boulos for regional diplomacy and business outreach.

The Vatican concluded the nine-day Novemdiales mourning period for Pope Francis, who died April 21 at age 88 after recent health struggles. A final Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica, led by Cardinal Dominique Mamberti, honored Francis’ legacy of challenging church norms and preaching the “joy of the gospel.” With mourning complete, the conclave begins May 7: about 135 cardinal electors will gather in the Sistine Chapel to vote until one candidate secures a two-thirds-plus-one majority. Cardinal Timothy Dolan said discussions have focused on the church’s challenges and Francis’ virtues rather than specific candidates, emphasizing a hope for a pope who reflects Jesus’ humility and simplicity.

A 38-year-old woman in Thessaloniki, Greece, was killed when a bomb she was allegedly carrying to plant at a bank’s ATM exploded around 5 a.m. local time, damaging nearby storefronts and vehicles. She died at the hospital. Police said she had a criminal history involving drugs, prostitution, robbery, and theft, and are investigating possible links to extremist groups. The incident comes amid sporadic bombings and a resurgence of small domestic extremist cells in Greece, including a recent claim of responsibility by a group called Revolutionary Class Struggle for nonfatal blasts in Athens.

BBC analysis using open-source obituaries and cemetery records estimates 45,287 Russian soldiers were confirmed killed in 2024—the deadliest year since the invasion began—bringing the identified death toll to 106,745. Experts suggest this represents only 45–65% of actual deaths, implying 164,000–237,000 killed, or up to 260,700 when including proxy forces from Donetsk and Luhansk. Unlike earlier wave-like casualty patterns, 2024 saw steady monthly increases amid grinding offensives, with the deadliest day on 20 February after a Ukrainian HIMARS strike near Volnovakha. From September to November 2024, Russia captured 2,356 km² at a cost of at least 11,678 deaths, and 4,168 km² across all of 2024—about 27 Russian soldiers killed per square kilometre taken. Despite heavy losses, Russia offset attrition through increased recruitment, higher pay, legal incentives for volunteers (including for those avoiding prosecution), and minimal training periods, leading to higher casualty rates among new volunteers. Bashkortostan recorded the highest confirmed regional losses.

Residents in southern Texas voted to incorporate the area around SpaceX’s launch site as the city of Starbase, with 212 of 283 eligible voters—mostly SpaceX employees—approving. The 1.6 sq mile city will have a mayor and two commissioners; SpaceX VP Bobby Peden was elected mayor unopposed. As a Type C city, Starbase can levy up to a 1.5% property tax. A state bill could grant the city authority to close a local highway and limit access to Boca Chica Beach during launches, a move opposed by Cameron County’s top official. Environmental groups criticize SpaceX’s impact on the area, citing fines in 2024, while Musk celebrates the formal creation of the city as launches are expected to increase from five to up to 25 per year.

French police rescued the father of a cryptocurrency millionaire who was kidnapped in central Paris and held for ransom in Palaiseau. The victim, reportedly in his 50s and missing a finger, was freed on Saturday after investigators traced phone signals; four suspects were arrested. Kidnappers had demanded €5–7 million from his son. It’s the third crypto-linked abduction in France this year, following cases including the January kidnapping near Le Mans and the abduction of Ledger co-founder David Balland, who also had a finger severed. The interior minister praised the “exceptional” police work.

Nationalist candidate George Simion won 40% in the first round of Romania’s rerun presidential election, making him the favorite for the 18 May runoff. Bucharest’s liberal mayor Nicusor Dan and governing-coalition candidate Crin Antonescu are tied around 21% for second place. The rerun follows last year’s annulled vote over alleged fraud and Russian interference, which barred prior winner Calin Georgescu. Simion is skeptical of EU policies and opposes military aid to Ukraine but supports NATO bases and US troops in Romania. His potential victory worries Western capitals given Romania’s key role in supporting Ukraine, including transit of weapons, grain exports, demining, and F-16 training. While he calls Russia the main threat, he favors ceasefire talks and has campaigned on resentment over support for Ukrainian refugees. A large diaspora vote could sway the outcome, and some analysts remain cautiously optimistic a centrist could prevail in the runoff.

The Sudanese army says the Rapid Support Forces carried out their first strike on Port Sudan, launching suicide drones at Osman Digna Air Base and nearby facilities, causing limited damage and no reported injuries. The attack marks the RSF’s first reach into the de facto seat of the military-led government and has shut the airport, suspending flights. Port Sudan had been a relative safe haven and hub for UN operations and displaced civilians since the war began in April 2023. The conflict has killed an estimated 150,000 people and displaced about 12 million, creating what the UN calls the world’s worst humanitarian crisis. While the army recently regained parts of Khartoum, including the presidential palace, the front lines remain divided, and analysts say a decisive victory by either side remains unlikely.

Thirteen miners employed by Peruvian gold company Poderosa were found dead after being kidnapped by a criminal gang in Pataz province. The victims had been sent to confront illegal miners when they were seized, held in a mine shaft, and reportedly executed. The incident follows a surge in violent attacks linked to illegal mining, including recent killings and infrastructure sabotage. Poderosa criticized inadequate police and military response and urged government action, warning that organized crime operates with impunity. Peru is a major global gold producer.

A detainee accused in March’s sectarian killings of Alawite civilians in Syria told the BBC that he and other armed civilians operated in Latakia’s Sanobar under the advice and oversight of government General Security forces, despite official denials. The man, Abu Khalid, filmed himself shooting dead 64-year-old Alawite resident Mahmoud Yusef Mohammed and claimed the victim was an armed insurgent, but BBC-verified video evidence and expert analysis show no weapon and depict a deliberate killing. The March violence followed raids by former Assad loyalists against new government security forces, triggering a retaliatory wave in coastal areas where multiple allied militias, foreign jihadists, and loosely controlled units targeted Alawite civilians. Rights groups estimate nearly 900 civilians, mostly Alawites, were killed, with mass graves and ongoing displacement reported. While some security units reportedly tried to shield civilians, others allegedly coordinated or failed to control participating armed groups. Abu Khalid is in military police custody in Idlib pending investigation.

Audrey Backeberg, who vanished from Reedsburg, Wisconsin, in 1962 at age 20, has been found alive and well at 82, living outside Wisconsin. Authorities say her disappearance was voluntary and not linked to foul play. Days before leaving, she had accused her husband—whom she married at 15—of abuse. She was last seen after traveling to Indianapolis with a babysitter who returned home. The cold case was solved after a review of old files, aided by an online ancestry account linked to her sister. A detective spoke with Backeberg, who indicated she had moved on and had no regrets.

China has unveiled a new regional security model aimed at positioning itself as a primary security provider in Asia while reducing U.S. influence. Announced at a central party conference on periphery diplomacy and echoed during Xi Jinping’s visits to Vietnam, Malaysia, and Cambodia, the framework revives his 2014 “Asian Security Concept” that calls for Asians to manage their own security. Beijing seeks to leverage doubts about U.S. reliability and present itself as a stable, benign partner against “unilateral bullying,” including U.S. tariff actions. However, analysts say China faces significant hurdles to building trust, given ongoing South China Sea disputes and intensifying U.S.-China rivalry, which complicate regional acceptance of Beijing’s leadership in security.

A weekend roundup highlights: China’s ambassador to the US, Xie Feng, said Beijing is open to dialogue if Washington shows respect and warned tariffs help no one; Singapore’s ruling People’s Action Party secured a strong general election victory, blocking an opposition breakthrough; and Malaysia’s former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad weighed in on Donald Trump, tariffs, and what he sees as the fading “American century.”

A Hong Kong pressure group is urging Canada to honor its pledge to process special-pathway permanent residency applications within six months, citing a backlog exceeding 18,000 cases and waits up to 18 months. The pathway, created in 2021 after Hong Kong’s national security law, allows applicants to qualify via a two-year designated study program or one year (1,560 hours) of full-time work as recent graduates. It remains open until at least August 31, 2026, with no cap. Organizers say some applicants have waited since October 2023 and plan to keep lobbying Ottawa despite rising public concern over immigration levels in Canada’s recent federal election.

A Philippine Statistics Authority survey found that about 18 million junior and senior high school graduates in the Philippines are “functionally illiterate,” unable to read or comprehend a simple story despite completing basic education. Presented in a Senate hearing, the 2024 Functional Literacy, Education and Mass Media Survey—covering over 572,000 individuals—highlights severe systemic failures in the education system. Lawmakers, including Senate basic education chair Sherwin Gatchalian, called for urgent reforms as the findings contrast with earlier data that counted 79 million functionally literate people in 2019.

Russian authorities said air defenses shot down four drones heading toward Moscow, with no reported damage or casualties, just days before the May 9 Red Square military parade attended by foreign leaders. Overall, Russia’s defense ministry reported destroying 26 Ukrainian drones overnight, including 17 over Bryansk, five over Kaluga, and the four near Moscow. Emergency services are handling debris at the impact sites.

A new genomic study by Chinese and Dutch researchers, published in Nature Plants, suggests the earliest roses were likely yellow with single-petal flowers and seven leaflets, rather than the red, multi-petaled varieties popular today. By analyzing domesticated and wild rose genomes and reconstructing ancestral traits, the team concluded that the common ancestor of the genus Rosa most likely had these yellow, simpler flowers, offering fresh insight into the evolution and domestication of one of the world’s most iconic ornamental plants.

Thousands of locals and tourists crowded Hong Kong’s Cheung Chau island for the annual Bun Festival, coinciding with Buddha’s Birthday and the final day of the Labour Day “golden week.” Despite hot, humid weather and fully boarded early ferries, visitors came for the signature buns, giant fish balls, and a lively parade featuring popular film characters and themes like anti-scam awareness. Businesses reported stronger spending than last year and looked to expand into overseas markets, with some attributing the surge to travelers choosing Hong Kong over Japan following recent earthquakes.

China’s recent anti-corruption campaign targeting senior PLA leaders is not seen as evidence of weak control by Xi Jinping, according to analysts. Instead, it likely reflects internal competition among Xi’s loyalists and ongoing efforts to enforce discipline. While two current or former Central Military Commission (CMC) members—Miao Hua and Li Shangfu—have been investigated or removed, and vice-chairman He Weidong has been notably absent from key events, experts say the impact on the PLA’s combat readiness and modernization is limited. The drive underscores Xi’s continued push to consolidate authority and curb graft within the military, even at the highest levels.

CNN’s Nic Robertson reports from Pakistani-administered Kashmir amid heightened India-Pakistan tensions following a terrorist attack that killed 26 civilians in India’s Anantnag district. Trekking through forested areas of the disputed region, the segment highlights the fragile security situation and escalating cross-border strain.

In a CNN interview with Kaitlan Collins, former Vice President Mike Pence said Vladimir Putin “doesn’t want peace, he wants Ukraine,” arguing the Russian leader’s goal is territorial control rather than negotiation. Pence cited his past meetings with Putin to assert insight into his motivations.

Japan and China exchanged accusations of airspace violations near the disputed Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands in the East China Sea. Japan lodged a “very severe protest” after a Chinese coast guard helicopter, launched from one of four Chinese vessels inside Japan’s claimed territorial waters, allegedly entered Japanese airspace for about 15 minutes on Saturday, prompting Japan to scramble fighter jets. China countered that a Japanese civilian aircraft violated its airspace and said its coast guard used a ship-borne helicopter to warn and drive it away. Japan is probing whether the incidents are linked. The flare-up comes amid efforts by both countries to stabilize relations during US-China trade tensions; Chinese aircraft last violated Japanese airspace in August off Nagasaki, and have twice previously around the Senkaku.

Japan’s child population (ages 0–14) fell for the 44th consecutive year to a record low of 13.66 million as of April 1, 2025, now just 11.1% of the total population (123.4 million). With a fertility rate around 1.3—well below the 2.1 replacement level—and deaths (1.62 million in 2024) far exceeding births, Japan faces a long-term demographic decline, projected to shrink to about 88 million by 2065. Contributing factors include high living costs, stagnant wages, limited space, and a demanding work culture that discourages marriage and childbearing. Government measures—expanded childcare, housing subsidies, and local incentives—have yet to reverse the trend. Similar declines affect neighbors like China and South Korea, though European countries have relied more on immigration to mitigate aging.

The 2025 Met Gala celebrated Black history, culture and style under the dress code “Tailored for You,” tied to the Costume Institute’s “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” exhibit on Black dandyism. Attendees reimagined tailoring—especially zoot-suit silhouettes—with exaggerated shoulders, wide lapels and menswear-inspired looks across genders. Standouts included Janelle Monáe’s suit-within-a-suit reveal, Zendaya’s Louis Vuitton three-piece, Lupita Nyong’o’s aquamarine Chanel ensemble, and bold suiting from Regé-Jean Page, Henry Golding and Bad Bunny. Many paid homage to Black icons: Colman Domingo and Anne Hathaway referenced André Leon Talley; Gigi Hadid drew from designer Zelda Wynn Valdes; Ayo Edebiri honored dandy influences in her family; and Diana Ross returned in a dramatic, personalized train. Rihanna, Doja Cat, Tessa Thompson, Cardi B, Serena Williams, Megan Thee Stallion and others embraced the theme, with Dapper Dan underscoring the night’s significance in spotlighting the past and future of Black sartorial excellence.

In a CNN interview, former Vice President Mike Pence criticized President Donald Trump’s second-term stance suggesting Americans may need to accept fewer toys for children, arguing that keeping toys affordable is part of the American dream. Pence framed affordability as a family-focused priority and pushed back on messaging that normalizes diminished consumer access for kids.

The US and Ukraine signed an economic partnership giving Washington access to Ukraine’s mineral resources in return for a US-backed investment fund in Ukraine. CNN’s Nick Paton Walsh explains that the deal aims to bolster Ukraine’s economy and war effort by attracting capital and securing critical minerals for the West, potentially strengthening Kyiv’s leverage in any future negotiations with Russia.

A 47-year-old American tourist living in Taiwan was seriously injured after impaling his back on a metal fence while trying to climb it at Rome’s Colosseum, reportedly to get a better view. Witnesses called for help as he screamed and then lost consciousness. Emergency responders took over 20 minutes to free him; he underwent surgery requiring more than 80 stitches and was hospitalized in serious condition. He was visiting Rome with family and friends. Authorities have not commented.

A leading archaeology journal, Palestine Exploration Quarterly, is effectively barring submissions from Israeli researchers working in Judea and Samaria unless they cooperate with Palestinian authorities, citing international law. Israeli archaeologists say such cooperation is unsafe and the policy pressures them to avoid biblically significant sites, contributing to efforts they view as erasing Jewish historical ties. Critics highlight broader moves in international bodies like UNESCO and the UN to label sites under “Palestine” and rename Jewish heritage locations, while accusing the Palestinian Authority of damaging or building over key archaeological sites (e.g., Hasmonean necropolis near Jericho, Sebastia, Solomon’s Pools). Israeli advocates are responding by marking and preserving ancient sites, arguing there is a coordinated campaign to delegitimize Jewish history in the region.

British counterterrorism police arrested five men—four Iranian citizens and a fifth of undetermined nationality—on suspicion of preparing a terrorist attack on a single, undisclosed London location. In a separate probe, three more Iranian men were arrested in London for a national security offense. The suspects, aged 29 to 55, are being questioned; no charges yet. Searches are underway in London, Manchester, and Swindon. Authorities are investigating motive and potential further risks. The Home Secretary called the arrests a reminder of ongoing security threats. MI5 previously reported about 20 Iran-backed, potentially lethal plots since 2022. The UK terror threat level remains “substantial.”

A black SUV crashed into the entrance of Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1, killing a man and a young girl (reported as 4 or 5 years old) and injuring four others. Officials say the vehicle, initially parked near the entrance, accelerated when the driver allegedly hit the gas instead of the brakes after another car passed in front. The driver was taken into custody, and his license was suspended for 90 days pending investigation. Emergency crews treated the injured, and the airport operator urged the public to await verified updates while cooperating with authorities.

Pope Francis’ protective vehicle from his 2014 Holy Land trip is being converted into a mobile children’s clinic for Gaza at his dying request. Caritas Jerusalem, supported by Caritas Sweden, is outfitting the “pope-mobile” with medical equipment, vaccines, oxygen, and refrigeration, to deliver primary care to children amid Gaza’s collapsing health system. Staffed by a driver and doctors, it aims to reach injured and malnourished children once access allows. Church leaders said the project symbolizes Francis’ concern for vulnerable children and his repeated calls for a Gaza cease-fire and humanitarian aid.

A massive explosion at Iran’s Shahid Rajaee port in Bandar Abbas exposed significant vulnerabilities in the regime’s critical infrastructure and raised concerns about economic disruption and unrest. Analysts say the port handles a large share of Iran’s oil, metals, and container trade, and damage could strain logistics and the economy. Despite Tehran’s claim that operations quickly resumed and that 70 died, opposition sources allege a higher death toll, extensive damage, and ongoing fires, accusing the regime of a cover-up and information suppression. Experts warn the incident highlights broader weaknesses in sectors vital to the regime’s survival.

Fox News reports renewed calls to extradite U.S. fugitives harbored in Cuba, centering on Joanne Chesimard (Assata Shakur), convicted in the 1973 murder of New Jersey State Trooper Werner Foerster and living in Cuba since her 1979 prison escape. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Sen. Rick Scott condemned Havana for sheltering fugitives, with Scott pushing the “Frank Connor and Trooper Werner Foerster Justice Act” to pressure Cuba. The Trump administration imposed sanctions and re-listed Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism to compel extraditions; advocates argue economic leverage could secure returns, including of FALN bombmaker Willie Morales. New Jersey officials and victims’ families demand justice and Chesimard’s repatriation.

Sky News reports a sharp escalation in RSF drone attacks across Sudan, increasingly hitting civilian sites such as schools, displacement camps, and infrastructure. On 25 April, coordinated strikes in Atbara killed 12 people, including children, and damaged shelters and a power station. Conflict data indicates RSF drone use surged after the SAF retook Khartoum in late March, enabling the RSF to continue strikes from afar, including near Wadi Seidna Airbase. Satellite imagery shows multiple drones at RSF-held Nyala Airport, consistent with Chinese FH-95/CH-95 models, amid allegations—denied by the UAE—of external supply routes. New airstrips in West Kordofan suggest expanded RSF air capability. The intensified air war is inflicting severe civilian harm, with survivors describing inhumane destruction and repeated displacement.

A light aircraft carrying a pilot, three women, and a child crash-landed in a swamp in Bolivia’s Amazon, leaving the five stranded atop the partially submerged plane for 36 hours. Surrounded by large alligators and snakes, swarmed by mosquitoes, and unable to drink water, they survived on cassava flour salvaged from the aircraft. The pilot used his phone’s flashlight to monitor the reptiles and later signal a nearby fishing boat, leading to a helicopter rescue. All were airlifted to hospital; authorities praised the joint effort that located the missing group.

On the 18th anniversary of Madeleine McCann’s disappearance, her parents, Kate and Gerry, shared a message saying they have no significant updates but remain determined to “leave no stone unturned.” They thanked supporters and noted Madeleine, who turns 22 this month, is “right here with us” in their lives. Madeleine vanished in 2007 from a holiday apartment in Praia da Luz, Portugal; the case has cost the Metropolitan Police over £13m. German suspect Christian B remains the prime suspect but faces no imminent charges and was acquitted of unrelated offenses in 2024.

Sky News obtained a recording shedding light on the Israeli arrest of Gaza paramedic Asaad al Nsasrah, one of two survivors of a 23 March IDF attack that killed 15 Palestinian Red Crescent Society workers. The audio, captured during and after the assault, indicates Nsasrah was apprehended by Israeli soldiers and reveals a clear chain of command on site. The IDF says Nsasrah was detained on suspicion of terrorist involvement, questioned under a temporary custody order, and released after 37 days without a permanent detention order. The only other survivor, Munther Abed, said both were arrested and beaten, though he was freed within hours. Following an internal probe, an IDF deputy commander was dismissed and another reprimanded, but no charges were filed. The incident, and shifting IDF explanations, have drawn international criticism and renewed questions about the army’s conduct and the basis for Nsasrah’s prolonged detention.

Marine experts have begun recovering the British-flagged superyacht Bayesian, which sank off Sicily in August 2024, killing tech tycoon Mike Lynch, his 18-year-old daughter Hannah, and five others including Jonathan and Judy Bloomer, lawyer Chris Morvillo and his wife Neda, and the ship’s cook Recaldo Thomas. Two powerful floating cranes, including the Hebo Lift 10 from Rotterdam, are leading the 20–25 day operation under Italian coast guard supervision. The yacht reportedly capsized after a sudden storm gust; its 246ft aluminum mast—the world’s second tallest—will be cut to facilitate lifting the 183ft, 473-ton vessel. Fifteen of 22 aboard were rescued; six missing were later found. The captain and two crew are under investigation, and the UK’s MAIB plans an interim report soon, with a final report expected in months.

Donald Trump posted an AI-generated image of himself dressed as the pope on Truth Social, which was subsequently shared without explanation on the White House X and Instagram accounts. The post, coming 11 days after Pope Francis’s death, drew significant backlash for being disrespectful, despite garnering over 100,000 likes across platforms. The move follows Trump’s recent quip that he’d like to be pope and criticism of his behavior at Francis’s funeral. The conclave to select a new pontiff begins 7 May. Trump has previously shared AI-generated content and continues to court conservative Christian support despite questions about his faith.

A 38-year-old woman died in Thessaloniki, Greece, when an explosive device detonated in her hands around 5am as she reportedly attempted to plant it at a bank’s ATM. The blast damaged nearby storefronts and vehicles. Police say the woman was known for involvement in several robberies and are investigating potential links to extreme left-wing groups.

Experts warn AI could widen workplace inequality and displace jobs, with the U.N. estimating 40% of roles may be affected. CIMB’s Pedro Uria-Recio urges an “AI-first, human-in-the-loop” approach: protect workers by reskilling and creating new roles. Prudential Singapore’s Tomasz Kurczyk argues job protection alone is unrealistic; instead, adapt employment and manage AI’s “light-speed” amplification of human bias through stronger governance. Microsoft’s 2025 Trend Index shows leaders plan to expand digital labor and hire AI talent, but many also consider headcount cuts, making upskilling critical. Short-term inequality risks are highest during the transition; mitigating them will require coordinated action by governments, educators, and companies. Despite risks, experts remain optimistic that broadly accessible AI could open new, even artisanal, opportunities.

China is redirecting export goods to its domestic market as U.S. tariffs choke overseas demand, but the influx of discounted products is intensifying price wars, squeezing margins, and deepening deflation. Consumer prices have slipped negative, producer prices keep falling, and Goldman Sachs now expects 0% CPI and a 1.6% PPI decline in 2025, with GDP growth around 4% versus the 5% target. Platforms like JD.com, Tencent, and Douyin are promoting tariff-hit goods with steep discounts, pressuring profitability and employment; up to 16 million jobs tied to U.S.-bound production are at risk. The end of the U.S. de minimis rule further strains Chinese SMEs, with urban unemployment seen averaging 5.7%. Economists warn of a dual drag from property weakness and trade shocks, yet Beijing is likely to delay major stimulus, viewing low prices as a temporary buffer, while some expect eventual policy support and a possible future thaw in tariffs.

Hinge Health updated its IPO prospectus showing strong Q1 results: revenue rose 50% year over year to $123.8 million, with gross margin improving to 81% from 70%. The company swung to profitability, reporting $17.1 million in net income and $13.1 million in operating income, compared with losses a year prior. Despite market volatility and delayed listings from other firms, Hinge plans to proceed with its IPO, though it has not yet set a price range. The digital physical therapy provider serves employers with app-based care and its Enso device. A correction noted the company had been profitable before Q1 2025.

Germany’s centrist parties (CDU/CSU and SPD) signed a coalition agreement, paving the way for CDU leader Friedrich Merz to become chancellor. Merz pledged reforms and major investments, including eased debt rules for higher defense spending and a €500 billion infrastructure and climate fund. The 140+ page deal outlines tax changes, migration policy adjustments, and a new voluntary military service model. Key cabinet picks include SPD’s Lars Klingbeil as finance minister and vice-chancellor, Katherina Reiche as economy minister, Johann Wadephul as foreign minister, and Boris Pistorius staying as defense minister. Analysts expect Merz and Klingbeil to drive policy, aiming to counter the far-right AfD’s rise. Olaf Scholz’s government fell after budget disputes triggered an early election.

U.S. stock futures dipped modestly Sunday after a strong week in which the S&P 500 posted a ninth straight gain—its longest streak since 2004—and erased losses since early April tied to tariff fears. Optimism around potential U.S.–China trade talks lifted sentiment, though no deals have been announced. Markets now look to the Fed’s two-day meeting starting Tuesday, with rate cuts seen as unlikely but guidance closely watched. Earnings from On Semiconductor, Tyson Foods, and Loews arrive Monday. Separately, oil fell over 4% after OPEC+ said it will boost production again in June, extending this year’s slide in crude prices.

U.S. oil prices fell about 2% to a four-year low after OPEC+ agreed to boost production by 411,000 barrels per day in June, following a similar increase in May. Brent also declined, and both benchmarks are down roughly 20% year-to-date. The larger-than-expected supply surge, combined with recession fears tied to President Trump’s higher tariffs, is pressuring prices. Goldman Sachs cut its U.S. crude forecast to $56, citing high spare capacity and demand risks. Oilfield service firms expect reduced E&P spending, and majors like Chevron and Exxon reported weaker Q1 earnings on lower prices.

A London-based team of international law barristers submitted a 142-page dossier to the Metropolitan police’s war crimes unit (SO15) detailing alleged war crimes by Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF), including killings, torture, and mass rape in Darfur. The file argues RSF leaders bear command responsibility and asks SO15 to forward the evidence to the International Criminal Court. Former judge Sir Howard Morrison called the evidence compelling. The move coincides with an International Court of Justice case examining whether the UAE is complicit in genocide by arming the RSF, and follows U.S. characterizations of RSF atrocities in Darfur as genocide. While the ICC focus is Darfur, reports of RSF and Sudanese army abuses elsewhere continue, including a recent RSF attack in Omdurman.

Human rights groups condemned Hong Kong’s arrest of activist Anna Kwok’s father and brother—the first known use of the city’s national security law to target relatives of an overseas dissident. Kwok, a Washington-based executive director of the Hong Kong Democracy Council and one of 19 exiled activists with HK$1m bounties, is accused of receiving help from her family to alter and cash out a life insurance policy. Her 68-year-old father has been charged and denied bail, facing up to seven years in prison; her 35-year-old brother was released on bail. Rights groups say the move escalates collective punishment and aims to intimidate overseas activists, noting prior police questioning of other exiles’ families but no previous criminal charges.

A large search in Nova Scotia has entered its fourth day for siblings Lily, 6, and Jack Sullivan, 4, who vanished Friday from their Pictou County home. Authorities believe they wandered into nearby dense forest. Nearly 150 searchers, including dog teams, drones with thermal imaging, and the new Nova Scotia Guard, are involved despite rain and fog. Local leaders, including Premier Tim Houston, have visited the site. Community concern is high, and Sipekne’katik Chief Michelle Glasgow questioned why an Amber Alert wasn’t issued, calling for a national alert system.

The International Court of Justice dismissed Sudan’s case accusing the United Arab Emirates of complicity in genocide in West Darfur, ruling 14–2 that it lacked jurisdiction due to the UAE’s 2005 reservation to Article IX of the Genocide Convention, and voting 9–7 to strike the case from its list. While acknowledging grave alleged atrocities by Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces, the court found the UAE’s reservation valid. The decision, expected by many, is a diplomatic win for the UAE, which denies arming the RSF and cites a recent UN experts’ report finding no evidence of such support. The ruling drew criticism from legal scholars who argue blanket reservations undermine the Genocide Convention’s enforcement. Sixteen of 153 state parties, including the UAE, maintain such reservations.