In other news

The Supreme Court heard arguments not on the merits of Trump’s order limiting birthright citizenship, but on whether a single district judge can issue nationwide injunctions blocking federal policies. Multiple courts have already halted the order nationwide, and several justices, including Sotomayor, voiced skepticism about its legality, though the Court confined itself to the injunction question. Justice Thomas questioned the historical grounding of nationwide injunctions, suggesting they were rare before the late 20th century, while the solicitor general argued their recent proliferation is a bipartisan problem. Opponents warned that removing nationwide injunctions could create chaotic, state-by-state discrepancies in recognizing citizenship for newborns before any final Supreme Court ruling, raising serious practical and constitutional concerns.

Iranian doctoral student Alireza Doroudi, detained for 42 days in a Louisiana immigration facility, chose voluntary departure rather than continue fighting his case despite signs he could win in federal court. Arrested in March after agents labeled him a “national security” concern without evidence, he faced two immigration charges tied to visa status; the government moved to drop the main charge, and his lawyer argued his status was valid. Deteriorating mental health, prolonged detention, and delays led Doroudi to give up and return to Iran, highlighting a broader pattern of international students—some targeted amid pro-Palestinian scrutiny—abandoning strong cases due to harsh detention conditions and uncertainty under Trump administration policies.

Sotheby’s failed to sell Alberto Giacometti’s 1955 bust “Grand tête mince (Grand tête de Diego),” estimated at over $70 million and consigned by the Soloviev Foundation without a price guarantee. Bidding stalled at $64.25 million before the lot was passed, dealing a major blow to the sale, which totaled $152 million excluding fees versus a $240.3 million low estimate. Experts blamed an overly aggressive estimate and the lack of a guarantee; the piece had sold for just over $50 million in 2013 and this cast’s painted uniqueness wasn’t enough to justify a ~50% premium. The flop, alongside Christie’s withdrawal of a $30 million Warhol, underscores thin demand at the market’s top end, and may “burn” the Giacometti, complicating a near-term sale. Sotheby’s said it proceeded because major collectors showed serious interest.

A 9½-month-old baby with ultra-rare CPS1 deficiency became the first person to receive a fully personalized in vivo gene-editing therapy, created in months to correct his exact mutation. Using lipid-encapsulated base editing guided by customized CRISPR instructions, the treatment rapidly improved his ability to process protein, avoiding the typical grim outcomes of severe brain damage, early death, or liver transplant. The effort—driven by academic-industry collaboration, expedited FDA support, and minimal-cost manufacturing—demonstrates a scalable template for bespoke therapies: only the CRISPR guide needs changing for each mutation. Experts say this could dramatically cut costs and timelines and potentially extend to many rare diseases and common genetic disorders, signaling a transformational shift in precision medicine.

The CDC reported a nearly 27% drop in U.S. drug overdose deaths in 2024—about 30,000 fewer fatalities—marking the largest decline in over a decade. Deaths fell across opioids and stimulants and in every state except two, reaching 80,391, the lowest since 2019 but still high and the leading cause of death for ages 18–44. Experts credit shifts in the illicit drug supply, wider access to treatment, and naloxone, while warning the progress may be fragile amid proposed federal budget cuts to CDC surveillance and SAMHSA programs. Researchers stress sustained, comprehensive support—treatment, harm reduction, housing, and job training—is needed to maintain gains.

The article analyzes Eurovision winners since 2000 to distill seven strategies for victory: 1) embrace empowerment themes about personal liberation; 2) sing in English (or mostly in English) for broader appeal; 3) incorporate folk elements without submitting a pure folk song; 4) avoid dramatic key changes, which have fallen out of favor; 5) deliver standout staging that’s memorable but not silly; 6) use fire or pyrotechnics (safely—never burn a piano); and 7) skip novelty acts, which rarely win despite attention. Examples from past winners (Conchita Wurst, Nemo, Ruslana, Loreen, Dima Bilan, Emmelie de Forest, Kalush Orchestra) illustrate each rule.

On the fourth day of Sean Combs’s sex-trafficking trial, the defense’s cross-examination of Casandra “Cassie” Ventura emphasized explicit texts and emails to suggest she was a willing participant in “freak-offs,” while balancing a careful tone given her pregnancy and prior testimony of abuse. Ventura acknowledged flirtatious and sexual messages and occasional outward enthusiasm for the encounters, but maintained she inwardly dreaded them and experienced coercion and violence. The defense highlighted extensive drug use by both parties—opiates, Ecstasy, cocaine, ketamine, GHB—implying Combs’s behavior was influenced by addiction and withdrawal; Ventura said she used drugs to dissociate during freak-offs and described an overdose and attempts at detox with Ibogaine. Jurors appeared attentive though fatigued late in the day. Testimony ended with Ventura set to return Friday, and the prosecution signaled Dawn Richard may testify about Combs’s alleged abuse and rages. The case hinges on how jurors assess Ventura’s credibility and the context of the couple’s communications and drug use.

In a rare bipartisan rebuke, lawmakers from both parties are resisting President Trump’s abrupt firing of Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden and his attempt to install his former lawyer, Todd Blanche, as acting head. Members argue the Library of Congress is a congressional institution, and the move threatens separation of powers, the independence of the Congressional Research Service, and control over the nation’s copyright system. Republicans and Democrats alike say the White House overstepped, with the library’s deputy, Robert R. Newlen, temporarily in charge. Congress is considering legislation to remove the president from the appointment process for the librarian—mirroring recent changes for the architect of the Capitol—and may more clearly separate authority over the copyright office. Employees remain on edge as negotiations continue and Trump’s return from travel is awaited.

The column warns that the recent India-Pakistan flare-up—marked by unprecedented deep airstrikes and mass drone attacks—brought two nuclear-armed rivals perilously close to escalation, underscoring how drones, precision weapons, and shifting “rules” have eroded traditional red lines. After Indian strikes reached deep into Pakistan and hit near nuclear-related sites, Islamabad convened its nuclear command authority, highlighting its reliance on nuclear weapons to offset India’s conventional superiority and its lack of a no-first-use policy. U.S. intervention by Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio helped secure a cease-fire, despite initial reluctance, illustrating that such crises have global stakes. Citing studies projecting catastrophic worldwide effects from an India-Pakistan nuclear exchange, the author urges sustained U.S.-led diplomacy and risk-reduction measures to prevent miscalculation in an increasingly volatile nuclear landscape.

Poland’s May 18 presidential election will determine whether Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s centrist government can undo years of populist rule under Law and Justice. Although the presidency is largely ceremonial, its veto power has allowed outgoing conservative President Andrzej Duda to block key reforms on courts, media, and minority protections. Liberal front-runner and Warsaw mayor Rafal Trzaskowski is campaigning on security and national unity to appeal beyond urban progressives, downplaying divisive social issues amid fierce cultural polarization. His main rivals are Law and Justice–backed Karol Nawrocki and far-right Slawomir Mentzen, both pledging to continue obstructing Tusk’s agenda. The vote is a pivotal test of whether Poland can consolidate a centrist course or remain gridlocked by populist vetoes.

The Senate, in a 45-50 party-line vote, rejected a Democratic resolution that would have required the State Department to report on compliance with court orders concerning U.S. deportees imprisoned in El Salvador and assess the country’s human rights record. Democrats sought oversight after the Trump administration paid El Salvador to detain migrants it labeled gang members, refused to repatriate Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia despite court orders, and floated sending U.S. citizens convicted of violent crimes to El Salvador’s prisons. Introduced by Sen. Tim Kaine and backed by Democratic leaders, the measure aimed to check potential human rights abuses tied to U.S. aid. Republicans dismissed it as a defense of criminal migrants. The vote reflects Democratic efforts to force accountability votes on Trump-era immigration policies.

The Supreme Court heard arguments on whether lower courts can issue nationwide injunctions, focusing on challenges to President Trump’s executive order ending birthright citizenship. Justices from across the ideological spectrum appeared skeptical of sweeping nationwide blocks but were also troubled by the order’s legality and practical consequences. Several questioned how the Court could promptly address the order’s constitutionality if injunctions were narrowed to specific plaintiffs. Some floated a middle ground allowing limited nationwide relief in certain cases or seeking further briefing on the merits. Concerns included administrative chaos for newborns, potential statelessness, and inconsistent outcomes across states. The case could reshape how courts restrain executive actions, pushing challengers toward class actions or multiple suits, and has broad implications for executive power and the longstanding 14th Amendment interpretation affirmed in Wong Kim Ark.

Saou Ichikawa, a Japanese novelist with congenital myopathy who uses a wheelchair and ventilator, became the first author with a severe physical disability to win the prestigious Akutagawa Prize in 2023. Her prizewinning novel, Hunchback, confronts ableism in Japan by centering a protagonist like herself who asserts autonomy—including sexual agency—against a society that often renders disabled people invisible. Ichikawa, removed from school at 13 and long rejected by publishers, shifted to “pure literature” while studying online at Waseda University and wrote Hunchback to challenge stereotyped portrayals of disability. The book’s most cited passage denounces “ableist machismo” that ignores everyday barriers, such as the inability to hold a physical book. Her win reflects growing awareness of accessibility in Japan and has spotlighted “invisible barriers.” With an English translation now out, Ichikawa aims to continue writing prolifically to dismantle preconceptions and expand representation.

A $500 million Trump-Kushner luxury hotel project in Belgrade has been thrown into doubt after Serbian authorities said a key document revoking the former Defense Ministry site’s protected status was forged by the head of the cultural monuments agency, Goran Vasic, who now faces criminal charges. The forged opinion enabled plans to demolish the NATO-bombed complex for a Trump International Hotel and mixed-use development under a 99-year lease. Affinity Partners, Jared Kushner’s firm, said it had no role in the site’s heritage review and will reassess next steps. The project has sparked protests and criticism in Serbia, with opposition leaders alleging special treatment for the Trump and Kushner families, while ethics experts in the U.S. warn that such foreign-linked deals create the appearance of conflicts of interest influencing U.S. policy.

A Russian Harvard researcher, Kseniia Petrova, detained since February for failing to declare frog embryos at Boston airport, now faces unexpected felony smuggling charges carrying up to 20 years in prison. A Louisiana judge approved her transfer to Boston for prosecution. Legal experts say bringing criminal charges months into ongoing deportation proceedings is unusual and appears retaliatory, arriving just as a Vermont judge questioned the visa cancellation and set a bail hearing. Prosecutors argue the visa is a privilege and the law applies equally; Petrova’s lawyer calls the move a tactic to block her release. The smuggling statute is typically used for for-profit wildlife or goods trafficking, not academic research materials. As a criminal defendant, Petrova will gain broader constitutional protections, including a jury trial.

Mexico’s security chief confirmed that 17 relatives of Ovidio Guzmán López, a son of “El Chapo” and a Sinaloa Cartel leader extradited to the U.S. in 2023, crossed from Tijuana into the U.S. under a deal with the Trump administration. He said the move appears tied to Guzmán López’s cooperation with U.S. authorities, though Mexico has not received shared information. The confirmation came as U.S. officials announced narco-terrorism charges against top cartel figures and warned the Sinaloa Cartel leadership. The Chapitos, accused of brutal tactics and large-scale fentanyl production, are alleged to have led the cartel after El Chapo’s imprisonment.

A 2-year-old Venezuelan girl, Maikelys Espinoza, who was separated from her parents by U.S. deportation policies, arrived in Venezuela and was reunited with her mother. Venezuelan state media showed First Lady Cilia Flores receiving the child and handing her to her mother at the presidential palace, with President Nicolás Maduro present. The U.S. cited alleged ties of the parents to the Tren de Aragua gang—designated a terrorist group by President Trump—as justification for the separation; her father was sent to a maximum-security prison in El Salvador under an 18th-century wartime law. Venezuela has condemned the separation as kidnapping but thanked the U.S. for returning the child, while calling for the father’s return and that of other Venezuelans held abroad. Since Trump took office, the U.S. has deported hundreds of Venezuelans, including some held at Guantanamo, though it has provided little evidence for alleged gang links.

Swiss police reviewing radar images in Köniz found a mallard duck recorded flying 52 km/h in a 30-km zone. Remarkably, a similar-looking duck was captured at the same spot, at the exact same speed and date, in 2018—leading authorities to dub it a “repeat offender.” Officials confirmed the images weren’t manipulated, noting the radar system is annually calibrated and sealed, and shared the quirky case as a curious coincidence.

Former world champion cyclist Rohan Dennis received a suspended sentence for the December 2023 incident that led to the death of his wife, fellow Olympian Melissa Hoskins. After pleading guilty to committing an aggravated act likely to cause harm, Dennis was sentenced to one year, four months, and 28 days in jail, suspended for two years, with a five-year license suspension and a two-year good behavior bond. The court heard the couple had argued before Dennis drove away and Hoskins jumped onto the car’s hood; she later died from her injuries. Citing his remorse, guilty plea, role as sole carer of their two children, and the circumstances, the judge suspended the sentence. Hoskins’ parents called it a tragic accident and said they hope the family can move forward, emphasizing ongoing involvement with the children. Both were decorated athletes, with Hoskins a world champion track cyclist and Olympian, and Dennis a multiple world champion and Olympic medalist.

Former Uruguayan President José “Pepe” Mujica, a former Marxist guerrilla famed for his austere lifestyle and plain-spoken politics, died at 89. Treated for esophageal cancer since 2024, he halted further treatment after it spread to his liver, citing other health issues. Despite illness, he campaigned in 2024 for his left-wing coalition, helping protégé Yamandú Orsi win the presidency. As president from 2010 to 2015, Mujica transformed Uruguay into a socially liberal leader by legalizing marijuana and same-sex marriage, advancing abortion rights, and promoting alternative energy, earning global admiration.

Peter Sullivan, 68, had his 1987 murder conviction quashed after nearly 39 years in prison when newly available DNA testing of semen from the victim, Diane Sindall, excluded him. Prosecutors did not contest the appeal, acknowledging he likely wouldn’t have been charged if the evidence existed then. Sullivan, Britain’s longest-serving known wrongful conviction case, expressed no anger and looked forward to reuniting with family. Merseyside Police have reopened the investigation, screening over 260 men and working with the National Crime Agency to identify the real perpetrator. The Criminal Cases Review Commission revisited the case after initially declining it, and the Court of Appeal ruled the conviction unsafe.

Three major wildfires north of Duluth, Minnesota, are burning out of control amid near-critical fire weather. As of Wednesday, about 37,000 acres have burned: Jenkins Creek Fire (20,593 acres), Camp House Fire (14,979 acres), and Munger Shaw Fire (1,700 acres). The Jenkins Creek Fire rapidly tripled in size; the Camp House Fire, first reported Sunday, has destroyed dozens of structures; and the Munger Shaw Fire began Monday. The Eastern Area Complex Incident Team is managing Jenkins Creek and Camp House as the “Brimson Complex.” Relief donations can be made through Head of the Lakes United Way (Lake County) and United Way Northeastern Minnesota (St. Louis County). Interactive maps with updates are available via the National Interagency Fire Center.

Nissan will cut about 20,000 jobs—15% of its global workforce—and reduce its auto plants from 17 to 10 by March 2028 as part of a recovery plan after a $4.5 billion loss in the fiscal year through March. The company cites weak sales in China and other markets, restructuring costs, and the impact of U.S. tariffs under the Trump administration. CEO Ivan Espinosa aims to align production with demand, reduce costs by $3.4 billion, and leverage partnerships with Renault and Dongfeng, targeting a return to profitability by fiscal 2026, though no forecast was given due to uncertainties.

Thai officials seized 238 tons of illegally imported U.S. electronic waste at Bangkok Port, misdeclared as mixed metal scrap but found to contain circuit boards. The e-waste, hazardous under the Basel Convention, was discovered during a random inspection. Authorities plan charges for false declaration and illegal import, and aim to re-export the waste. Thailand bans e-waste imports and suspects involvement of factories in nearby Samut Sakhon. The seizure comes amid rising global e-waste, with only about 22% properly recycled in 2022. Officials cited severe environmental and health risks from improper e-waste processing.

The Justice Department charged Sinaloa cartel leaders Pedro Inzunza Noriega and his son, Pedro Inzunza Coronel, along with five others, for allegedly running one of the world’s largest fentanyl production and trafficking networks as part of the Beltrán Leyva Organization. Prosecutors say they moved tens of thousands of kilograms of fentanyl, with Mexico seizing over 1.65 tons from their operations—the largest fentanyl seizure globally. Framing the Sinaloa cartel as a terrorist organization, officials vowed to seek life sentences. The charges come amid broader U.S. actions against Latin American cartels, including recent major fentanyl busts and arrests of other cartel leaders.

Georgetown University postdoctoral fellow Badar Khan Suri, an Indian national, was released from a Texas immigration detention center after a federal judge ruled his detention violated free speech and due process. Arrested in March amid a broader crackdown on campus activists, Suri was accused by authorities of spreading Hamas propaganda and having ties to terrorism via his wife’s father, a former adviser in Gaza. Judge Patricia Tolliver Giles found no evidence linking Suri to Hamas or supporting the government’s claims. The ACLU, involved in his defense, noted the government still seeks his deportation in separate proceedings. His case follows similar detentions of students and academics accused of pro-Hamas activity amid pro-Palestinian campus protests.

The EU General Court ruled that the European Commission was wrong to refuse access to text messages between Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla related to Covid-19 vaccine negotiations. The court said the Commission failed to plausibly explain why the messages couldn’t be disclosed and didn’t prove whether the texts existed, were deleted, or lost due to a phone change. The case, sparked by investigative requests following reports of private negotiations, highlights gaps in how SMS are treated under EU transparency rules. Transparency advocates called the ruling a landmark for EU openness, while the Commission said it will review the decision.

Peru’s Prime Minister Gustavo Adrianzén resigned hours before a no-confidence vote in Congress, triggered by public outrage over the kidnapping and killing of 13 mine workers. His departure forces President Dina Boluarte to dissolve and reappoint her entire cabinet—the third PM change under her tenure—deepening political instability. The move came just after Boluarte reshuffled key ministries, whose newly appointed ministers must now also step down. Boluarte’s approval has continued to sink amid soaring crime, extortion, and public protests demanding stronger security measures.

Mexican influencer Valeria Marquez, 23, was shot dead during a TikTok livestream at her beauty salon in Zapopan, Guadalajara. A man reportedly entered pretending to bring a gift and opened fire. Authorities are investigating the killing as a femicide; no suspect has been named. Marquez had nearly 200,000 followers across TikTok and Instagram. The mayor said there were no prior reports of threats, and forensic experts are examining the case amid Mexico’s broader crisis of gender-based violence.

At least 21 people were killed and several injured in a three-vehicle crash on the Cuacnopalan–Oaxaca highway in Puebla, Mexico. Authorities say 18 died at the scene and three later in hospital. Local reports indicate a cement truck attempted to overtake a van, crossed into the opposite lane, struck a bus, then collided head-on with a transport van before plunging into a ravine and catching fire. The incident follows a series of severe highway accidents in Mexico this year.

An interim report by the UK’s Marine Accident Investigation Branch says UK tech tycoon Mike Lynch’s superyacht, The Bayesian, capsized off Sicily after being hit by extreme winds exceeding 80 mph, tipping to 90 degrees within 15 seconds and flooding through stairwells. Seven of 22 aboard died, including Lynch and his daughter. The report notes the yacht was vulnerable to lighter winds (around 73 mph) and that this was not reflected in its onboard stability information. The crew attempted storm procedures but had little time as conditions rapidly escalated. A criminal probe in Italy limits access to the wreck, and the final MAIB report has no set date. Recovery operations were paused after a diver’s death but are set to resume. Fifteen people escaped on a lifeboat.

The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have opened a new phase of Sudan’s civil war by launching sustained, long-range drone strikes on Port Sudan, previously a relative safe haven and key humanitarian hub. The attacks—hitting the international airport, power station, fuel depots, and a military airbase—have caused blackouts and water shortages, aimed to undermine the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) after it retook Khartoum and to show the RSF can project power remotely. Analysts say the RSF is using more advanced UAVs, possibly Chinese-made systems and improved loitering munitions, potentially with foreign support. The SAF accuses the UAE of arming the RSF, while Iran and a Turkish firm are alleged to be supplying the SAF—claims they deny. The escalation narrows SAF’s air advantage, rattles regional backers, and threatens already fragile aid operations in what the UN calls the world’s worst humanitarian crisis.

AFL great Robert Walls, 74, died in Melbourne using Victoria’s voluntary assisted dying laws after a two-year battle with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. A Carlton legend, he won three premierships as a player (1968, 1970, 1972) and one as coach (1987), also coaching Brisbane and Richmond before a long media career. His family said he chose to end his suffering after spending over 250 nights in hospital. Carlton paid tribute to him as “one of our game’s great servants.” He is survived by his three children and partner Julie; his wife Erin died in 2006.

South Korea denied Japanese reports that its marines would join Japan’s Ground Self-Defence Force in a joint drill during next month’s US–Philippines-led Kamandag exercise, saying Korean and Japanese troops will train separately as in past years. Analysts say the swift rebuttal underscores lingering historical trauma and domestic sensitivities in South Korea that complicate deepening military ties with Japan, despite shared security concerns over North Korea and China. An officer emphasized there would be no scenario where Korean and Japanese troops share the same vessel.

China launched 12 satellites as the first phase of the Three-Body Computing Constellation, a space-based supercomputing network developed by Zhejiang Lab. Once complete, it aims to deliver 1,000 peta operations per second of real-time, in-orbit processing—on par with or exceeding top ground supercomputers like the El Capitan system. The satellites feature onboard intelligent computing and inter-satellite links. Experts note orbital data centers can leverage solar power and space radiative cooling to cut energy use and emissions, and expect China, the US, and Europe to pursue similar systems.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s camp underperformed in midterm Senate races, with Duterte allies poised to win five of 12 seats, likely securing enough votes to block Vice-President Sara Duterte’s July impeachment. Analysts say Marcos may be forced to recalibrate his hardening stance toward China as Duterte, strengthened by survival and seen as pragmatic on Beijing, becomes a formidable 2028 presidential contender. The outcome preserves the Duterte dynasty’s influence and could open the door to improved China-Philippines ties if her approach gains traction.

China and Hong Kong will enhance the Swap Connect scheme by extending the maximum tenor of interest-rate swap contracts from 10 to 30 years and introducing swaps referenced to China’s onshore Loan Prime Rate (LPR). The upgrades, to be rolled out progressively by market infrastructure operators, aim to broaden risk-management tools for global and domestic investors and further open China’s capital markets. Launched in May 2023, Swap Connect enables cross-border interest-rate swaps with centralized clearing and adherence to both markets’ regulations.

SCMP highlights five trending stories: A 30-year-old Chinese diver drowned near Indonesia’s Kakaban Island while attempting to recover a dropped GoPro at 87 meters; a Chinese court ruled a security guard’s death during on-the-job sex an industrial accident, enabling compensation; and a Japanese woman was arrested for cutting off her boyfriend’s ring finger to stop him marrying someone else. Two additional items referenced include a viral case involving a Chinese teenager’s stolen crying photo and broader social media reactions to these incidents.

China is launching targeted recruitment programs to entice China-born researchers in the US to return, offering highly paid postdoc packages reportedly near US$100,000 per year for three years—roughly double typical postdoc salaries and comparable to assistant professor pay. The effort follows US funding cuts, heightened scrutiny, and declining academic freedom under the Trump administration’s return, prompting many Chinese-origin scientists to consider leaving, though few are public until decisions are finalized.

Hong Kong’s Consumer Council, with the AFCD, found significantly higher illness rates in cats and dogs bought online versus from physical pet shops. From surveyed veterinarians, about 50% of online-bought dogs and 55% of cats presented were sick or in poor condition, compared with 33% of dogs and 39% of cats from shops. Common issues included upper respiratory infections, diarrhoea, and canine parvovirus. A mystery shopper check of 18 online sellers suggested most were linked to illegal smuggling or unlicensed breeding.

US lawmakers are considering restructuring the State Department and related agencies to better align economic and foreign policy amid shifting global trade dynamics. At a House East Asia and Pacific subcommittee hearing led by Rep. Young Kim, witnesses warned that the U.S.’s erratic tariff policies and departure from established trade norms are pushing partners to form new alliances without Washington. Former U.S. trade negotiator Wendy Cutler highlighted once-unlikely moves now advancing, including an India-UK free trade deal and EU interest in joining the CPTPP, which China also seeks to enter. Lawmakers and experts agreed that closer, more coordinated economic engagement is needed to counter China’s growing influence and restore U.S. credibility.

Kanbar Hossein-Bor, who fled Iran as a child refugee in 1987 and later became a barrister and diplomat, has been appointed the UK’s high commissioner to Fiji—the first UK high commissioner from a refugee background. The 44-year-old, a Balochi, Arabic and Farsi speaker, frames his appointment as both gratitude to Britain and a challenge to stereotypes about refugees, highlighting the UK’s capacity for inclusion. Raised in Southampton after arriving via Pakistan, he studied law at Warwick and Cambridge, served as a Foreign Office legal adviser, and worked in Iraq during the 2007 surge. He aims to deepen UK–Fiji ties, particularly on climate issues, and sees his journey as reflecting broader changes in British society and public service. The Foreign Office praised his merit-based rise.

A conservation ranger on New Zealand’s predator-free Tiritiri Matangi Island filmed rare footage of an endangered takahē bird and an “at risk” tuatara reptile chasing and nipping each other. The takahē initially pursued and grabbed the tuatara’s tail before the reptile turned and bit back, prompting the bird to retreat. Takahē, once thought extinct and now numbering about 500 with 8% annual growth, and tuatara, ancient long-lived reptiles surviving mainly on offshore islands, coexist in only two places: Tiritiri Matangi and Wellington’s Zealandia. The encounter offers a glimpse of historical species interactions and highlights the potential of predator-free conservation efforts.

The Guardian’s South America correspondent Tiago Rogero visits Evo Morales’s guarded hideout in Bolivia’s Chapare region as the former president faces an arrest warrant over alleged trafficking and accusations of fathering a child with a minor. Amid a severe economic crisis, Morales seeks a fourth presidential run despite constitutional limits, blaming current woes on President Luis Arce, his former finance minister. With Arce now out of the August race, the piece examines how Morales’s bid could reshape the election and what it signals for Bolivia’s fragile democracy.

Guyana’s military reported three attacks within 24 hours on its patrols along the Cuyuní River in the disputed, oil-rich Essequibo region, claimed by both Guyana and Venezuela. Armed men in civilian clothes carried out the assaults; no Guyanese soldiers were injured, and the GDF vowed to defend the border. Tensions have escalated as Venezuela plans to include Essequibo in gubernatorial elections on 25 May despite a UN court order, following years of dispute intensified by ExxonMobil’s 2015 oil discovery and a Venezuelan referendum asserting its claim. The episode follows a previous February ambush that wounded six Guyanese soldiers, despite a December 2023 pledge by both countries to avoid force.

A fast-moving wildfire in Lac du Bonnet, Manitoba, has killed two people and forced about 1,000 residents to evacuate, amid unusually hot, dry, and windy conditions. Authorities said the victims were trapped by the fire and unreachable until conditions eased. Manitoba currently faces 24 active fires, five out of control, as Canada reports 92 active blazes across multiple provinces. Officials warn this wildfire season could be especially severe due to ongoing drought, with climate change intensifying extreme weather risks.

New Zealand’s parliamentary privileges committee recommended unprecedented suspensions for three Te Pāti Māori MPs—co-leaders Debbie Ngarewa-Packer and Rawiri Waititi (three weeks each) and Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke (seven days)—for performing a haka that disrupted a vote on the controversial Treaty Principles Bill in November. The committee said their actions, including Maipi-Clarke tearing the bill and an alleged “gun” gesture Ngarewa-Packer disputes as a traditional wiri, could intimidate legislators and constituted contempt of parliament. The suspensions, which would dock salaries and exclude the MPs from the upcoming budget debate, are expected to be confirmed by the full house. Te Pāti Māori called the penalties colonial and punitive; Labour deemed them overly harsh though acknowledging contempt; the Greens opposed them as disproportionate. The bill, which sought to reinterpret the Treaty of Waitangi and sparked mass protests, was defeated in April.

Nissan’s new CEO, Ivan Espinosa, said the Sunderland plant will remain open despite sweeping global cost cuts that include seven factory closures and 20,000 job losses. He is open to building cars there for Chinese partner Dongfeng to boost utilization at the underused UK site (282,000 cars in 2024 vs 600,000 capacity). Sunderland will still produce at least two new EVs, but Espinosa urged UK government support on energy costs. He also signaled willingness to take outside investment while avoiding reliance on any single partner. Nissan’s retrenchment follows years of overexpansion under Carlos Ghosn and worsening conditions, including US tariffs. Industry peers pressed the EU to extend support for plug-in hybrids.

Tottenham captain Son Heung-min has filed a complaint with South Korean police, claiming he was the victim of a blackmail attempt involving a false pregnancy allegation. His agency says police are investigating and affirmed Son is the victim. Local reports say a woman in her 20s and a man in his 40s were arrested over the alleged extortion. Separately, Spurs’ Dejan Kulusevski has undergone knee surgery and is expected to miss months, potentially including the start of next season, while Son recently returned from a foot injury and hopes to feature in the Europa League final against Manchester United.

Singapore’s Changi Airport has broken ground on Terminal 5, set to open in the mid-2030s, boosting annual capacity from 90 million to 140 million passengers and expanding connections from 170 to 200 cities. The project positions Changi amid a regional airport expansion race, with major upgrades also underway in Hong Kong, Bangkok, and Seoul as Asia-Pacific air travel is forecast to grow fastest globally (near-term 7.9%, long-term 5.1%). ACI projects $240 billion in APAC/Middle East airport investments by 2035. Singapore sees T5 as key to sustaining its air hub status, supporting industries that contribute 5% of GDP, and underpinning its “Tourism 2040” plan to lift tourism revenue to $47–$50 billion, with strong focus on business and transit travelers.

Alibaba’s fiscal Q4 (ended March) missed expectations on revenue and net income, sending shares down 7.6% premarket. Revenue was 236.5 billion yuan (up 7% YoY vs. 237.2 billion expected) and net income was 12.4 billion yuan (vs. 24.7 billion expected), though net income rose 279% YoY off a low base, impacted by subsidiary disposals and investment valuation changes. Core China e-commerce (Taobao/Tmall) grew 9% to 101.4 billion yuan, with customer management revenue up 12%. Alibaba is pushing “instant commerce” one-hour deliveries and deepening integration with Rednote to drive engagement amid a fierce price war with PDD and JD.com and a volatile macro backdrop. Cloud revenue rose 18% YoY to 30.1 billion yuan on stronger public cloud and AI product adoption; CEO Eddie Wu said AI-related product revenue has grown triple digits for seven consecutive quarters and expects strong cloud AI growth ahead.

Ubisoft shares plunged 18% after the company reported a 20.5% drop in fiscal 2025 net bookings to €1.85 billion and a €15.1 million operating loss. Despite the March launch of Assassin’s Creed: Shadows, weaker-than-expected partnerships weighed on results. The 2025–26 outlook disappointed, with guidance for flat bookings and breakeven non-IFRS operating income. The stock is down nearly 60% over 12 months. Ubisoft plans a new subsidiary focused on Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry, and Rainbow Six, with Tencent investing €1.16 billion for a 25% stake; Ubisoft retains control and expects the deal to close by end-2025.

Proofpoint will acquire German email-security provider Hornetsecurity for over $1 billion, its largest deal to date, to expand in Europe and deepen ties with managed service providers. CEO Sumit Dhawan said the purchase consolidates security tools into a unified platform amid AI-driven cyber threats, particularly targeting SMBs. The move supports Proofpoint’s earnings and cash flow as it considers an IPO, potentially in 2026. Hornetsecurity serves 125,000+ SMBs with 700+ employees; Proofpoint, owned by Thoma Bravo, serves 85% of the Fortune 100. The deal is expected to close in the second half of 2025.

Germany’s foreign minister Johann Wadephul said Berlin supports U.S. President Donald Trump’s push to raise NATO defense spending targets to 5% of GDP, aligning with a proposal discussed at a NATO meeting in Turkey. While NATO chief Mark Rutte floated a split of 3.5% for defense and 1.5% for broader security, Wadephul emphasized the end result matches Trump’s 5% goal. Germany, which spent about 2% of GDP on defense in 2024, signaled readiness to lead in Europe and boost military strength, with recent policy shifts enabling higher spending. Decisions could come at the late-June NATO summit. Wadephul also met U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, noting close U.S.-Germany alignment on foreign policy.

After being laid off from Google in early 2024, 39-year-old Shao Chun Chen realized his $2 million investment portfolio made him financially independent. He moved with his wife to Chiang Mai, Thailand, in November 2024 and now “supercommutes” weekly to Singapore to teach a three-hour digital marketing class at the National University of Singapore, earning $1,540–$3,070 per month—enough to cover flights and all living expenses in Thailand. He supplements income with YouTube and $500/hour coaching, working 4–8 hours weekly total. Leveraging geographic arbitrage, he swapped a $2,450/month Singapore condo for a $450/month luxury unit in Chiang Mai and spends modestly on food and transport. He advises building high hourly-value skills and embracing local lifestyles to keep costs low. Downsides include less structure and travel fatigue, but he prefers the flexibility and improved quality of life, remaining open to returning to Singapore for the right opportunity.

The Trump administration issued an executive order to fast-track deep-sea mining in U.S. and international waters to counter China’s dominance in critical minerals. The move aims to enable companies like The Metals Company (TMC) to harvest polymetallic nodules rich in cobalt, nickel, copper, and manganese. TMC quickly applied for a U.S. commercial license and says investor interest has surged, while the International Seabed Authority (ISA) insists it remains the sole regulator for mining in international waters and warns against unilateral actions. Supporters argue the policy boosts supply chain security and domestic manufacturing; critics, including China and environmental groups, say it violates international law and risks severe ecological harm. Analysts say the order could force faster ISA rulemaking and reshape geopolitical dynamics, potentially prompting countries to coordinate against U.S.-sourced minerals. TMC claims it can mine with minimal impact and expects a permit this year, though scientists warn environmental risks remain uncertain.

French actor Gérard Depardieu, 76, was found guilty by a Paris court of sexually assaulting two women on the 2021 film set of “Les Volets Verts.” He received an 18-month suspended prison sentence, a fine of about €29,040, and was ordered to be added to the national sex offender registry. Depardieu, who denied the allegations and will appeal, was accused of groping a set dresser and an assistant; the judges found the women’s accounts credible and his explanations unconvincing. The case, seen as a key post-#MeToo moment in France, comes amid broader allegations from over 20 women, with a separate 2018 rape case still pending possible trial.

Jose “Pepe” Mujica, Uruguay’s former president and ex-guerrilla famed for his austere lifestyle and progressive reforms, died at 89. Leading Uruguay from 2010–2015, he legalized same-sex marriage, early-term abortion, and state-regulated marijuana—policies that resonated across Latin America. Known for driving a VW Beetle, living in a modest home, and shunning protocol, he became a global symbol of humble leadership. A former Tupamaros guerrilla, he spent nearly 15 years in prison—much in solitary—before returning to democracy-era politics, serving as agriculture minister and then president. Regional leaders lauded his defense of democracy and social justice. In later years he remained politically active and urged optimism and resilience, even after a cancer diagnosis.

UN member states met behind closed doors to revisit regulations on lethal autonomous weapons systems (LAWS) amid wars in Ukraine and Gaza. UN Secretary-General António Guterres reiterated a 2026 deadline for a legally binding ban on machines making life-or-death decisions without human control, calling them morally unacceptable. The Red Cross warned technology is outpacing regulation, posing grave humanitarian, ethical, and human rights risks. While over 160 countries supported a 2023 resolution to address LAWS risks, no specific international law exists yet. Some U.S. voices urge caution on binding international rules, favoring reliance on existing law to protect national sovereignty.

Pope Leo XIV made his first social media post on Instagram, calling for peace and repeating his inaugural message: “Peace be with you all.” He aims to maintain an active presence on Instagram and X via official Vatican accounts, though the new X account was not yet active. The Vatican will archive posts from Pope Francis’ 12-year papacy. Before becoming pope, Leo XIV (formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost) had sporadically used X and recently criticized Trump administration immigration policies and comments by Vice President JD Vance.

German authorities arrested Peter Fitzek, a self-styled “king of Germany,” and three senior members of the Reichsbürger movement in raids across seven states, accusing them of plotting to overthrow the government. The group, which rejects the legitimacy of the German state and has been banned, seeks to establish a “Kingdom of Germany” with its own currency, IDs, and institutions. Officials say the movement spreads antisemitic conspiracy theories and funds itself through crime. The arrests follow a 2022 crackdown on Reichsbürger members accused of planning a violent coup, elevating the group from fringe oddity to a recognized security threat amid the rise of the far right.

An 18-year-old British woman from Billingham, previously reported missing and believed to be in Thailand, was arrested at Tbilisi International Airport, Georgia, on suspicion of attempting to smuggle 12kg of cannabis and 2kg of hashish. She faces charges of illegal possession and smuggling, with potential penalties of up to 20 years or life in prison. Police footage showed sealed packages and her being brought to a station in handcuffs. At a pre-trial detention hearing, she reportedly said she was pregnant but did not address the drug allegations. Georgian authorities are investigating possible accomplices. The UK Foreign Office is supporting her family and liaising with local authorities.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney told Sky News that Canadians “weren’t impressed” by the UK’s decision to invite Donald Trump for an unprecedented second state visit, saying it undermined Canada’s firm stance against U.S. threats to its sovereignty. Carney has invited King Charles to open Canada’s parliament as a deliberate show of sovereignty—the first time in nearly 50 years. Despite earlier tensions, Carney said his Oval Office meeting with Trump was productive, noting Trump shifted from expecting to annex Canada to merely expressing a desire, which Carney insisted will “never” happen. He described Trump as sharp on leverage and credited him with helping momentum toward a 30-day Ukraine-Russia ceasefire. While talks on trade and security with the U.S. have improved, Carney is planning for worst-case outcomes, including no deal and security friction, even as both sides report constructive progress. The differing uses of King Charles by Canada and the UK—sovereignty signal versus diplomatic bridge—have caused friction between the allies.

A newly discovered vulnerability in SAP NetWeaver has been actively exploited in a China-based cyber-espionage campaign targeting over 500 SAP customers, including UK critical infrastructure firms like gas distributor Cadent, as well as News UK, EG Group, Johnson Matthey, and Ardagh Metal. Unlike recent UK ransomware incidents, attackers used remote code execution via a backdoor to gain persistent access and steal data. Analysts warn this is a critical national security threat, with activity observed since early 2025 and escalating in March. The UK’s NCSC is monitoring and urging immediate patching; SAP released fixes on April 24 and May 13, 2025. NHS England issued a warning, and US and Saudi entities were also targeted.

An interim MAIB report on the Bayesian superyacht capsizing off Sicily in August 2024 details how sudden 70-knot-plus gusts caused the vessel to roll 90 degrees in under 15 seconds, throwing people and furniture and injuring several, including owner Mike Lynch. Passengers and crew improvised escapes—using drawers as ladders, climbing walls, and prying doors—while some were trapped in air pockets until helped from outside. The captain organized abandonment, with some using cushions as life rafts. Seven people, including Lynch and his daughter Hannah, died; 15 survived. The report says stability vulnerabilities to high winds were not documented in the yacht’s onboard stability book and were unknown to owner and crew. Salvage efforts are ongoing, though a diver died during recovery operations.

An Indian missile strike hit the Bilal Mosque in Muzaffarabad, Pakistan-administered Kashmir, killing at least one elderly man and damaging a nearby school. India claims the site had links to Lashkar-e-Taiba; the mosque’s imam denies any militant presence. Residents describe trauma and disruption, with calls for dialogue, while leaders in both India and Pakistan show little appetite for talks or third-party mediation. The episode underscores rising tensions, a fragile truce, and the risk that India’s “new normal” of muscular responses and Pakistan’s defiance could further destabilize the region.

The article recounts how Junko Tabei, after surviving an avalanche during the 1975 Japanese Women’s Everest Expedition, became the first woman to summit Mount Everest on May 16, 1975. Despite severe injuries and intense pressure—amid limited permits and a rival Chinese team—Tabei reached the top, later also becoming the first woman to complete the Seven Summits. While her achievement was celebrated in Asia, it drew little Western attention, reflecting broader historical sexism in mountaineering that long excluded and minimized women’s accomplishments. Tabei helped found a women’s climbing club, led pioneering all-women expeditions, and broke social norms that confined Japanese women to domestic roles, yet her legacy remains underrecognized even on its 50th anniversary. The piece argues for greater acknowledgment of women’s contributions to mountaineering and highlights how Tabei’s leadership, resilience, and vision transformed the sport.

New Zealand strictly regulates baby names, banning those that are offensive, excessively long, contain symbols/numbers, or resemble official titles without justification. In 2024, officials rejected 38 names out of 60,000 births, with “King” leading rejections again, followed by “Prince,” “Princess,” and other royal variants like Duke, Majesty, Emperor, Kingi, and Prynce. Names linked to cannabis (Sativa, Indica) and “Fanny” were also declined, reflecting consideration of how names sound and community perceptions. Parents can justify choices before a final decision. Similar naming laws exist in countries like France and Sweden; the U.S. is generally looser, with notable adult name-change cases.

Cassie Ventura, the prosecution’s star witness in Sean “Diddy” Combs’ federal trial, faced aggressive cross-examination focused on her past sexts with Combs, consent around “Freak Offs,” and his drug use. Defense attorneys read affectionate and sexually explicit messages to suggest mutual participation and desire, contrasted with other texts where Ventura expressed discomfort, feeling “dirty” and used, and asked for attention rather than money. Ventura said she never told friends or staff about “Freak Offs,” though friends and family knew of physical abuse. She testified Combs overdosed on opiates in 2012 and was dependent for a time, acknowledging drugs were often part of their sexual encounters and that Combs became “explosive” if she used without him. The defense emphasized jealousy as a driver of conflict, highlighting Combs’ suspicions about other men and Ventura’s jealousy over other women, including Kim Porter and a woman called “Gina.” Ventura said Combs’ jealousy triggered his temper and described him as “irate” when she briefly dated Kid Cudi. The defense argues the relationship’s dysfunction and unconventional sex life don’t amount to racketeering or sex trafficking; prosecutors maintain threats, violence, and coercion underpinned the “Freak Offs.”