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The article discusses Pam Bondi's tenure as US Attorney General under President Trump, highlighting her shift from a hard-charging prosecutor to a performative role focused on executing White House directives. Bondi has prioritized cases and actions that appease Trump's base, such as the 'Epstein Files' disclosure, which ultimately yielded little new information. Her approach has drawn criticism from both the left and the right, with some viewing her as too subservient to the White House and others seeing her as not doing enough to pursue Trump's perceived enemies. Bondi's role is characterized as that of a surrogate and messenger for the Trump administration, with significant decision-making authority resting with the White House.

The article discusses how the British town of Barrow-in-Furness is hoping to revive its economy through increased military spending, driven by the expansion of BAE Systems, Britain's largest defense company. The town has been a major hub for the Royal Navy since the 1870s and is set to receive £200 million in government funding over the next decade to support infrastructure and attract new businesses. While BAE's growth is expected to bring new jobs and opportunities, the town faces challenges such as poor health and educational outcomes, and a declining town center.

The article discusses the concept of being 'in the closet' and coming out, using Paul Reubens' life as a case study. Reubens, known for his character Pee-wee Herman, revealed in a documentary that he had been in a romantic relationship with a man in the 1970s but later went back into the closet due to self-hatred, ambition, and the impossibility of being an out gay man in children's television. The article explores the history and complexity of the closet, including how it was perceived and navigated by gay individuals in the past, and how the concept remains relevant today.

The trial of Sean Combs, a prominent music mogul, began with federal prosecutors accusing him of leading a criminal enterprise that enabled his abuse of women and covered it up. The prosecution presented graphic details of Combs's alleged sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy, including testimony from a male stripper who claimed to have been paid to have sex with Combs's girlfriend while Combs watched. Combs's lawyers acknowledged his history of domestic violence but denied the sex trafficking and racketeering charges, portraying him as a 'complicated man' with a 'bad temper' but not a criminal enterprise.

The article discusses a student-led protest movement in Serbia against the increasingly autocratic government of President Aleksandar Vucic. The movement, which began after a tragic accident at a train station, has grown to become the largest and most extensive yet, with protesters demanding accountability and objective media coverage. Despite government attempts to suppress the movement, it has continued to gain momentum, with students organizing protests, occupations, and international awareness campaigns.

The article discusses the phenomenon of professional wrestlers dying at a young age, highlighting several notable cases, including Sabu, Andre the Giant, Roddy Piper, Chyna, Bray Wyatt, Miss Elizabeth, Randy Savage, The Ultimate Warrior, and The Road Warriors. A study by FiveThirtyEight found that male wrestlers were more likely to die young than the average man. The article explores the possible causes of early death among wrestlers, including injuries, substance abuse, and lifestyle factors.

The Trump administration is considering a large sale of U.S.-designed artificial intelligence chips to G42, an Emirati A.I. firm with ties to China, despite national security concerns. The deal, which could involve hundreds of thousands of chips, has sparked tension within the administration between tech-minded leaders and national security officials. The sale is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to strengthen U.S. ties in the Middle East and marks a shift in U.S. tech policy away from the more cautious approach of the Biden administration.

The article discusses several current events in the US, including the detention of popular streamer Hasan Piker by US Customs and Border Protection, House Republicans' proposal to restrict the federal anti-hunger program known as food stamps, and Senator Rand Paul's criticism of President Trump's policies. Piker was questioned for hours about his political beliefs after returning from overseas, while Republicans aim to limit funding and benefits for food stamps as part of a package to advance Trump's tax cuts. Paul criticized Trump's plan to accept a luxury jet from Qatar and his easing of tariffs on Chinese products.

President Trump installed Todd Blanche, the No. 2 official at the Justice Department, as the acting librarian of Congress, sparking a standoff with the library's staff. The staff refused to give access to two other Justice Department officials chosen by Blanche for senior positions, leading to a brief lockout. Congress is now engaged with the White House to resolve the matter.

The Trump administration has lowered tariffs on Chinese imports from 145% to 30% for 90 days, prompting some importers to rush goods into the US. Logistics experts warn of potential disruptions and stress on global shipping lines and American ports. While some importers may hold off on ordering, others may rush in shipments, potentially causing a surge in imports. The impact of the tariffs and trade policies on supply chains and the economy is significant.

The article reports on the reactions of Catholics in the United States to the election of Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope. At various parishes across the country, Catholics expressed pride, hope, and joy, reflecting on the significance of having a pope from the United States. The article highlights the diverse backgrounds and experiences of Catholics in different cities, including Chicago, Miami, New Orleans, and Texas, and their expectations for the new pope's leadership.

Chinese researchers have developed the world's most advanced ocean simulation system, LICOMK++, with a 1km resolution, despite US chip sanctions. The system enables scientists to analyze intricate ocean processes and predict extreme weather events with greater precision, advancing global climate research and disaster response strategies.

A viral video by a Chinese influencer, 'Brother Hao', has sparked a surge in Chinese nationalism on social media by mocking the reported downing of Indian fighter jets by Pakistan's Chinese-made J-10C aircraft. The video, a parody remix of an Indian song, has been widely shared globally and has fueled nationalist fervor in China, while Indian users expressed anger.

Hong Kong authorities plan to strengthen the city's domestic security law by introducing subsidiary legislation to better support Beijing's national security office, amid rising US-China tensions. The proposed legislation will mandate government departments to assist the Beijing office, prohibit disclosure of information related to its investigations, and introduce new offenses for resisting or obstructing its work.

India's electric vehicle (EV) industry is facing uncertainty due to China's imposition of stringent export controls on critical rare earth minerals. China's restrictions target seven rare earth elements essential for EV components, renewable energy systems, and military-grade chipmaking. India's reliance on Chinese supply chains and underdeveloped domestic extraction and processing capabilities make it vulnerable to disruptions and rising costs.

The Taiwanese government has come under fire for revising its official demographic information page to categorize Han Chinese as 'other population' instead of 'largest ethnic group'. The change, made on March 24, has been seen as an effort by the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) to distance Taiwan from mainland China and promote the island's indigenous identity. The Kuomintang (KMT) has slammed the move as a 'denial of history'.

The Philippines is developing a long-term strategy to protect its claims in the South China Sea, aiming to maintain a consistent maritime policy beyond the current administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr. National Security Adviser Eduardo Año cited China's 'baseless, excessive and expansive territorial claims' and 'militarisation' as reasons for the initiative.

Yao Yang, a Chinese economist and professor at Peking University, discusses the US-China trade war, its current state, and outlook. He believes that the trade war is unsustainable and that both sides are likely to negotiate a deal. Yang suggests that the first step towards a resolution would be to roll back tariffs to a lower level, such as the original 34% tariff level, and that the US may demand that China buy more American goods.

Pakistan has denied accusations by India that it violated a ceasefire agreed upon days earlier, with both countries blaming each other for initial violations on Saturday night. The ceasefire followed four days of intense fighting between the nuclear-armed neighbors, resulting in almost 70 deaths. India's military had sent a 'hotline message' to Pakistan about the alleged violations and warned of a response if repeated. Pakistan's military spokesman denied the allegations during a press conference. The situation appeared to be calm on Monday, with the Indian army reporting a largely peaceful night across Kashmir and other areas along the international border.

The article presents a compilation of five news stories from the South China Morning Post's coverage over the weekend, focusing on key events and developments in Asia and beyond. The stories include the US-China trade talks in Geneva, the Kashmir conflict, and Indonesia's economic growth. The US-China trade talks resulted in an agreement on a 'trade consultation mechanism' with plans for further discussions. The Kashmir conflict highlighted the role of Chinese weapons in Pakistan's military capabilities. Meanwhile, Indonesia is experiencing economic flourishing.

Argentina's Supreme Court has discovered documents associated with the Nazi regime in its archives, including propaganda materials used to spread Adolf Hitler's ideology in Argentina during World War II. The documents were found while preparing for the creation of a museum with historical documents. The discovery is significant given Argentina's history of being a refuge for Nazis and sympathizers after World War II.

Heavy flooding in eastern Congo has resulted in at least 62 deaths and 50 missing persons, with rescue operations ongoing. The disaster was triggered by torrential rains that washed away several villages along Lake Tanganyika's shores. The local government and the Red Cross are involved in the response efforts, which are being hampered by a lack of services and infrastructure damage.

Heavy rains caused flooding in Somalia's capital, Mogadishu, resulting in at least 7 deaths, damage to infrastructure, and displacement of residents due to an overwhelmed drainage system.

A diver died during an operation to recover the superyacht 'Bayesian' that sank off Sicily last year, killing British tech tycoon Mike Lynch and six others. The diver was part of a team working to raise the 185-foot yacht that was struck by a pre-dawn storm in August last year. Italian prosecutors have opened an investigation into the diver's death and into the original sinking, with suspicions of manslaughter and negligent shipwreck.

Five fishermen, three from Peru and two from Colombia, who were adrift for 55 days, were rescued by an Ecuadorian tuna boat and arrived at a port in the Galapagos Islands. They had set sail from Pucusana Bay, Peru, and reported damage to their boat's alternator two days later. The Ecuadorian Navy is coordinating with local and foreign authorities to ensure their safe return home.

Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, has outlined his vision for the papacy, vowing to continue the work of his predecessor, Pope Francis. He identified artificial intelligence as a critical issue facing humanity and emphasized the need for the Catholic Church to be more inclusive and attentive to the faithful. Leo also referenced the reforms of the Second Vatican Council and the need to defend human dignity, justice, and labor in the face of AI's challenges.

The United States has suspended imports of live cattle from Mexico for at least two weeks due to the detection of screwworm, a potentially fatal parasite, in remote farms in Mexico. The U.S. Department of Agriculture cited an 'unacceptable northward advancement' of the parasite and aims to review the joint strategy with Mexico to combat the issue. Mexico's Agriculture Secretary expressed disagreement with the measure but remains confident in reaching an agreement.

Actress Amber Heard announced the birth of her twins, a daughter named Agnes and a son named Ocean, on Mother's Day via an Instagram post. She expressed joy and fulfillment, highlighting her journey as a single mother. Heard, known for her roles in films like 'Aquaman' and 'The Rum Diary', has been involved in a highly publicized defamation case with her ex-husband Johnny Depp.

The article discusses the rise to international prominence of Capt Ibrahim Traoré, the 37-year-old military ruler of Burkina Faso. Traoré has built a persona as a pan-Africanist leader determined to free his nation from Western imperialism and neo-colonialism, resonating with many Africans and beyond. He has implemented radical reforms, including nationalizing gold mines and forming alliances with Russia. Despite criticism for cracking down on dissent and failing to quell an Islamist insurgency, Traoré's popularity endures, reflecting a broader disillusionment with Western-style democracy in Africa.

Three Chinese nationals, aged 24, 26, and 27, were arrested in Japan for attempting to smuggle thousands of hermit crabs, a protected species, out of the country. The suspects had packed the crabs into suitcases, which were discovered by hotel staff due to a 'rustling noise'. The hermit crabs, weighing around 160kg, are considered a 'national treasure' and can be worth up to b020,000 (a3103) each.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has accused Russia's intelligence services of orchestrating a massive fire at a Warsaw shopping centre in May 2024, which destroyed 1,400 small businesses. The Polish government, after a year-long investigation, concluded that the fire was caused by arson ordered by Russian special services. Some suspects are in custody, while others are being searched for. Moscow has not commented on the allegations but has previously denied similar accusations. This incident is part of a broader pattern of 'hybrid warfare' waged by Russia against Western nations, according to Polish officials and NATO.

The city of Port Sudan is reeling after a week of aerial attacks by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group, resulting in a severe humanitarian crisis. The attacks have left the city without water and power, with a massive increase in the price of water and fuel shortages. Residents, including displaced people, are struggling to cope with the situation, and aid agencies are concerned that the attacks could block the flow of aid, making the humanitarian situation even worse.

The Taliban government in Afghanistan has suspended chess due to concerns it promotes gambling, pending a review of its compatibility with Islamic law. This move is part of a broader crackdown on sports and activities deemed inconsistent with the Taliban's interpretation of Islamic law, particularly affecting women's participation in sports.

Asia-Pacific markets rose on Monday as the White House announced a 'trade deal' with China, with Indian stocks leading gains after a fragile ceasefire with Pakistan held over the weekend. The benchmark Nifty 50 surged 2.29% at the open, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index pared early gains to 0.88%. U.S. futures jumped as investors await further details on the trade deal.

Jim Cramer reflects on his recent trip to Europe, noting the economic boom and strong stock performance in several European countries, which contrasts with the US market's underperformance. He attributes the US market's stability to factors such as the potential for a 'catch-up trade' in European markets that haven't rallied yet, the possibility of President Trump's policies changing to favor business growth, and the optimism surrounding the housing market and artificial intelligence. Cramer also discusses the US budget deficit and the lack of concern about it among the general public, except for the wealthy.

A widespread power outage affected Spain, Portugal, and parts of France on April 28, causing significant disruptions. The cause is under investigation, with some attributing it to renewables and net-zero emissions targets, while others argue it's too early to conclude. European energy companies and officials are calling for caution and further investigation before drawing conclusions.

High-profile artists including Elton John and Dua Lipa are urging the UK government to reconsider proposed copyright reforms that would allow AI developers to access copyrighted content without strict regulations. The artists argue that the reforms would give away their valuable work to powerful tech companies. They are calling for an amendment proposed by lawmaker Beeban Kidron that would require AI developers to inform copyright owners about the works used to train their models.

The U.S. and China have agreed to suspend most tariffs on each other's goods for 90 days, marking a significant breakthrough in trade tensions between the two economies. The deal reduces 'reciprocal' tariffs from 125% to 10%, although the U.S.' 20% duties on Chinese imports related to fentanyl will remain, keeping total tariffs on China at 30%. The agreement comes after high-stakes talks in Switzerland and is seen as a positive step by investors, with stocks jumping on the news.

Actress Amber Heard has revealed the names of her newborn twins, a boy named Ocean and a girl named Agnes, in a Mother's Day post on Instagram. Heard, who is also the mother of a 4-year-old daughter named Oonagh, expressed gratitude for being able to become a mother on her own terms despite facing fertility challenges.

Koyo Kouoh, a renowned curator from Cameroon and the first woman from Africa to curate the Venice Biennale, has died at 57 due to cancer. She was appointed to lead the 2026 Venice Biennale just months before her death. Kouoh was a champion of African artists and had a significant impact on the contemporary art world through her work at RAW Material Company and Zeitz MOCAA.

The article reports on a recent alleged drone attack by India on a cricket stadium in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, resulting in shrapnel damage and prompting the relocation of the Pakistan Super League cricket tournament to Dubai. The incident is part of a larger escalation of tensions between India and Pakistan, with Pakistan claiming that India launched missiles at key military bases. Other global news stories covered in the article include the election of the first American pope, Cardinal Robert Prevost, and developments in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, with Russia announcing a ceasefire. Additionally, the article touches on various other international news, including a trade war between the US and China, wildfires in Israel, and a car ramming incident in Vancouver.

The US and China have reached a breakthrough in their trade war, agreeing to a 90-day thaw by slashing tariffs from 145% to 30%. While this development has sparked a rally on Wall Street and reduced the risk of a recession, economists warn that it's still too early to declare the US economy out of danger. Tariffs remain high, and uncertainty is still elevated. The agreement has eased financial pressure on businesses, but the risk of further tariffs and sector-specific tariffs looms. Economists have revised their recession forecasts, with some seeing a 45% chance of a recession this year, down from 60%.

Five fishermen from Peru and Colombia were rescued after being adrift for 55 days in the Pacific Ocean. They survived by drinking rain and seawater and eating fish they caught. The Ecuadorian navy coordinated with local and foreign authorities to ensure their safe return.

Former Trump campaign advisors, including Chris LaCivita, Paul Manafort, and Tony Fabrizio, are backing Sali Berisha, the right-wing Democratic Party leader, in Albania's parliamentary elections against Prime Minister Edi Rama. LaCivita compared Trump and Berisha, stating they are both 'unfairly prosecuted and persecuted.' Berisha faces corruption charges and sanctions by the Biden administration, which his supporters claim are politically motivated and part of a broader effort by global actors like George Soros to undermine democracy.

The U.S. Marine Corps has established an attack drone team to counter the rapid development of armed first-person view (FPV) drone technology by adversaries like China and Russia. The team will utilize drones like the Skydio X2D for reconnaissance and attack missions, enhancing small-unit lethality. Experts warn that the U.S. is lagging behind China and Russia in drone production and technology, posing a national security threat. The U.S. needs to scale up drone production and invest in innovation to stay competitive.

Pope Leo XIV, the newly elected Pope and first American to hold the position, addressed the College of Cardinals, warning that artificial intelligence poses serious risks to human dignity and calling on the Catholic Church to respond with moral clarity and bold action. He drew parallels between the current AI revolution and the 19th century industrial revolution, referencing Pope Leo XIII's Encyclical Rerum Novarum, and emphasized the need for the Church to defend workers and promote justice. The Pope also urged Catholics to stay grounded in quiet prayer and discernment in a noisy digital world.

The climate crisis is threatening the world's most popular fruit, bananas, with almost two-thirds of banana-growing areas in Latin America and the Caribbean potentially becoming unsuitable for growing by 2080. Rising temperatures, extreme weather, and climate-related pests are reducing yields and devastating rural communities. Bananas are a vital food source for over 400 million people, and the crop's lack of genetic variation makes it particularly vulnerable to the changing climate. Christian Aid is calling for wealthy nations to transition away from fossil fuels and provide financing to help communities adapt.

Koyo Kouoh, a Swiss-Cameroonian art curator and executive director of the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa, has died suddenly at 57. She was set to lead the 2026 Venice Biennale, becoming the first African woman to do so. Kouoh was known for her transformational leadership and Pan-African approach to art curation.

Jamaican officials have reported a significant decrease in murders, with an 18% decline in overall major crimes and a 37% drop in murders between January and April 2025 compared to the same period last year. However, human rights groups, such as Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ), have raised concerns about a corresponding 152% increase in fatal police shootings during the same period. Activists are calling for greater police accountability, including the use of body-worn cameras, amid conflicting accounts of police actions and concerns about the use of force by security forces.

The UK government is scrutinizing a proposal to allow a Chinese company, Mingyang, to supply wind turbines for a major offshore windfarm in the North Sea, amidst concerns over national security and critical infrastructure. The project, led by Green Volt North Sea, aims to deliver electricity to oil and gas platforms and the UK grid, contributing to the government's net zero carbon emissions goal by 2050.

Former US national security adviser John Bolton discusses his experience of being the alleged target of an attempted assassination plot by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and shares his views on China posing an 'existential threat' to the West in an interview on the podcast 'The World with Richard Engel and Yalda Hakim'.

The article reports that Sky News has found social media evidence of supporters of terror groups, specifically Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and '313 Brigade', posting videos from a mosque in Muridke, Pakistan, that was targeted in Indian airstrikes on May 7, 2025. The videos, posted on TikTok, YouTube, and Google, show expressions of support for the terror groups and martial arts training for children. Experts say that '313 Brigade' is an umbrella organisation linked to al Qaeda and that the online presence of these groups is significant for recruitment and gaining support. Pakistan denies allegations of terror camps operating in the country, while India claims the targeted site was a terrorist training site associated with LeT.