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Churchill, Manitoba, known as the polar bear capital of the world, is facing a crisis as the warming arctic melts the sea ice that polar bears rely on, causing their population to decline. The town's ecosystem, which depends on tourism and scientific investments, is suffering as a result. Scientists say the ice is forming two weeks later and receding two weeks earlier than it did in the 1980s, forcing bears to stay on shore longer and closer to humans. The polar bear population in the area has declined to around 618, half of what it was in the 1980s. The town is searching for solutions, including new infrastructure and sustainable practices, to adapt to the changing climate and ensure a future for both the community and the polar bears.

The Vatican has declared Antoni Gaudi, the Spanish architect behind Barcelona's Sagrada Familia, "venerable" in a step towards sainthood. Gaudi, known as "God's architect," was recognized by Pope Francis for his "heroic virtues." Gaudi, a devout Catholic who died in 1926, is now one step closer to beatification and eventual sainthood, pending a credited miracle after his death. The Sagrada Familia, Gaudi's most famous work, is expected to be completed in 2026.

A concert by Mexican artist Luis R. Conriquez turned chaotic when he announced that the government had banned him from singing "narcocorridos," a genre that glorifies drug cartels. The crowd booed and threw objects, forcing Conriquez to flee the stage, and later, nearly 20 people stormed the stage, destroying instruments and equipment. The incident occurred amid a crackdown by Mexico's government on the narcocorridos genre, with President Claudia Sheinbaum launching a music contest to promote peace and counter the popularity of the genre.

Two metal detectorists in Transylvania, Romania, discovered a centuries-old treasure trove of silver jewelry belonging to the ancient Dacian people, who inhabited the region from the 1st century B.C.E. to the 1st century C.E. The treasure, weighing over a pound, includes brooches, a bracelet, a chain necklace, and a belt adorned with solar symbols and plant motifs, likely worn by a Dacian aristocrat. The find sheds new light on early settlements in the region and is the first physical evidence of Dacian people living in the area, prompting officials to begin exploring the site for further archaeological discoveries.

Spanish police arrested a couple on the island of Majorca for selling exotic cats online, including protected species like white tigers and pumas. The suspects, believed to be Russian, were found to have 19 felines, including desert lynxes and servals, and were offering other species like European lynxes and hyenas for sale on social media. The investigation revealed an international trafficking operation involving breeders, transporters, and veterinarians, with animals being smuggled into the EU from countries like Russia and Ukraine. Police seized animal passports and found that the couple had offered a clouded leopard for sale at $68,000.

Reality TV star Kim Kardashian will testify in the trial of six people accused of robbing her of millions in jewelry in Paris in 2016. The trial is set to begin on April 28 and is expected to run until May 23, with Kardashian expected to appear on May 13. The robbery occurred during Paris Fashion Week when masked men, dressed as police officers, held Kardashian at gunpoint, tied her up, and stole jewelry worth millions, including a $4 million diamond ring given to her by her then-husband Kanye West.

Dutch prosecutors announced that a 39-year-old man has been detained on the Caribbean island of Curacao for his alleged leading role in the 2021 murder of crime reporter Peter R. de Vries. De Vries was shot in Amsterdam in July 2021, and the suspect, who has Dutch nationality and was born in Curacao, has been linked to a criminal organization behind the murder. The man will be transferred to the Netherlands to appear before a judge. Three main suspects were previously sentenced to lengthy jail terms, and prosecutors believe the murder is linked to de Vries's role as an adviser to a witness against drug kingpin Ridouan Taghi.

The US flew long-range B-1B bombers in a joint drill with South Korea on April 15, 2025, as North Korea marked the 113th birthday of its state founder Kim Il Sung. The drill, which also included South Korean F-35 and F-16 fighter jets and American F-16 fighter jets, aimed to strengthen the allies' combined operational capability and demonstrate their deterrence against North Korea's nuclear program. North Korea's Defense Ministry had previously slammed a similar drill in February, pledging to counter the US "strategic threat" with its own "strategic means," and test-fired cruise missiles shortly after. The latest drill comes as tensions remain high between the US and North Korea, with Kim Yo Jong, the sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, vowing to resist a US-led push to eliminate the North's nuclear program.

Hundreds of people in Ghana, mostly older women, are at risk of physical attacks or death due to witchcraft accusations, according to Amnesty International. Despite a bill passed in 2023 making it a crime to accuse someone of witchcraft, it has not been signed into law, and victims continue to face human rights abuses. The accusations often stem from tragic events and target marginalized individuals, particularly in northern and northeastern regions. Amnesty is calling for the government to pass legislation criminalizing witchcraft accusations and provide protection for victims, as well as improve living conditions in camps where accused individuals seek refuge.

A cryotherapy session at a Paris sports center ended in tragedy when a nitrogen leak from a cold chamber caused one woman to die and another to be hospitalized in critical condition. The incident occurred on Monday evening, prompting an evacuation of the gym and an investigation into the cause of death. Cryotherapy, which involves exposure to extremely low temperatures, is used to reduce muscle soreness and stress, but experts warn that its medical benefits are unproven and it can be dangerous if not used properly.

Nigerians are expressing outrage and fearing they have lost their savings after being locked out of their accounts on the digital financial platform CBEX. The company had promised high interest rates, with some investors claiming they were told their money would double every month. Angry customers have taken to social media to share their experiences, with some posting videos of themselves crying and others reporting losses of up to $16,000. CBEX has allegedly told some investors that the issue was due to a hack and that it would be resolved soon, but the company has not made a public statement. The incident has drawn comparisons to a similar collapse in 2016 involving the MMM financial scheme.

A wave of overnight attacks targeted prisons across France, with seven prisons hit in various locations, including Toulon, Marseille, and near Paris. Vehicles were set alight outside several prisons, and one jail was hit by gunfire from a Kalashnikov. Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin described the attacks as "terrorist attacks" and suggested they were linked to the government's crackdown on drug trafficking. An investigation has been launched by France's anti-terrorism prosecutor's office, and Darmanin vowed to give the perpetrators "extremely severe sentences". The prison guard union expressed "deepest concern and anger" and called for urgent government action to protect prison staff. No group has claimed responsibility, but the letters "DDPF" (meaning "French prisoners' rights") were found on damaged vehicles, and anarchist slogans were reported at some sites.

Rodent nests and dead rodents were found in outbuildings near the New Mexico home where Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa were found dead in February. Officials confirmed Arakawa died from hantavirus, a respiratory illness linked to rodents, while Hackman's death was attributed to severe heart disease and Alzheimer's. The environmental assessment of their property found evidence of rodents in eight detached buildings within 50 yards of their main house.

Pedestrian crossings in northern California, including Palo Alto, Redwood City, and Menlo Park, were hacked to play fake messages in the voices of Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg. The messages, which mocked the tech billionaires, were played over the weekend and have since been disabled by officials. Around 10-12 crossings were affected, and the audio feature has been disabled until further repairs can be made. The origin of the hack is still unclear.

A town hall meeting hosted by Republican Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene in Cobb County, Georgia, was disrupted by protesters, resulting in six people being removed and three arrested. Footage showed police tasering one man inside the venue. The arrestees face charges including simple battery on a law enforcement officer and obstructing a law enforcement officer. Greene expressed gratitude for the police handling of the incident, stating she was "glad they got thrown out".

Sudan's paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has declared a rival government, two years into a conflict that has become the world's largest humanitarian crisis, with over 150,000 killed and 12 million displaced. RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan "Hemedti" Dagalo said the group is building a "state of law" and providing essential services, amid accusations of war crimes against both the RSF and the army. The announcement came as the UK hosted a conference to mark the conflict's anniversary, calling for a pathway to peace and an immediate ceasefire, and pledged £120m in aid. Fighting continued, with the army bombing RSF positions and hundreds of thousands fleeing the city of el-Fasher.

A Swiss and Austrian climbing pair, Nicolas Hojac and Philipp Brugger, have set a new speed record for completing the north faces of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains in the Swiss Alps, shaving nearly 10 hours off the previous record set over two decades ago.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has accused opposition leader Peter Dutton of "verballing" Indonesia's president over comments on a report that Russia had asked to station military aircraft in Indonesia. Albanese condemned Dutton's "extraordinary overreach" before the facts were clear. The report, citing a defence publication, claimed Russia had filed an official request to base aircraft in Indonesia, but Indonesia's defence minister later denied this. Dutton had claimed he had "seen commentary" about discussions between Russia and Indonesia, which was later disputed by Indonesian officials. Senior ministers, including Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong and Treasurer Jim Chalmers, criticised Dutton's comments, with Wong saying he had "fabricated" a statement from Indonesia's president and Chalmers calling it a "disqualifying moment" for Dutton's bid to win government.

Canada's Green party was removed from the country's two election debates just hours before they were set to take place, with the independent leaders' debates commission citing the party's decision to reduce the number of candidates it was running as the reason. The Green party's co-leaders, Jonathan Pedneault and Elizabeth May, were accused of "undermining the integrity" of the debates, and the commission decided that including them would be against the interests of the voting public. The move comes after the commission changed the timing of the first debate to avoid clashing with a Montreal Canadiens ice hockey game, a decision that was supported by other parties.

China's embassy in the UK has accused British politicians of "arrogance, ignorance, and a twisted mindset" in the dispute over British Steel's blast furnaces, defending the company's Chinese owner, Jingye. The embassy criticized unspecified British public figures for "slandering" China's government and businesses, following criticism from Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds, who accused Jingye of not acting in good faith. Jingye had threatened to shut down the furnaces, but the UK government intervened with emergency legislation to take control of British Steel, averting the loss of 2,700 jobs.

Ecuador's Vice-President Verónica Abad has accused President Daniel Noboa of "violating democracy" by using state power to win the recent election. Abad, who was Noboa's running mate in 2023 but is no longer allied with him, claims that Noboa's refusal to step down from office while campaigning and his use of state resources, including announcing $560m in bonuses and social aid packages, gave him an unfair advantage. Despite observers finding no evidence of electoral fraud, Abad and others have raised concerns about the election's fairness, citing "conditions of inequity" between candidates. Noboa won the runoff by nearly 1.2 million votes, a result that was not predicted by opinion polls.

Canada's Conservative party, led by Pierre Poilievre, is facing a potentially catastrophic loss in the upcoming federal election due to a sharp change in public opinion sparked by Donald Trump's tariffs and threats to annex Canada. Poilievre had enjoyed a 25-point lead over the Liberals in February, but the party is now trailing behind. Poilievre's confrontational style and populist messaging had initially resonated with supporters, but polls suggest it is hurting him among the broader electorate, particularly among female voters. The party is now pinning its hopes on a last-minute reversal of fortune in the remaining debates, with strategists urging Poilievre to show empathy for ordinary voters. Behind the scenes, there are recriminations within the party, with some blaming "campaign malpractice" for the loss of the large lead.

Tuvalu, a Pacific nation of 12,000 people, has unveiled its first ATMs, marking a significant shift towards financial modernization. The ATMs were installed at the National Bank of Tuvalu on the main island of Funafuti, along with 30 point-of-sale terminals to be rolled out across the island. Until now, all banking was done in cash, with workers queuing to withdraw salaries and daily transactions being largely cash-based. The introduction of electronic banking is expected to ease congestion, reduce reliance on cash, and improve access to financial services. Initially, only prepaid cards can be used, but the bank plans to introduce Tuvalu-issued debit cards and eventually Visa debit and credit card functionality.

A US pastor, Joshua Sullivan, was kidnapped during a sermon at his church in South Africa, but was rescued by the Hawks, a police unit that deals with serious crime, after a shootout in which three suspects were killed. Sullivan, a 34-year-old missionary from Tennessee, was found unharmed in a vehicle and is recovering with his family. Kidnappings have soared in South Africa over the last decade, with over 17,000 recorded in the year to March 2024, and the motive for Sullivan's kidnapping is not yet clear.

Two Belgian teenagers were arrested in Kenya and charged with wildlife piracy after being found with 5,000 smuggled ants packed in test tubes. The teens, aged 19, claimed they were collecting the ants for fun and didn't know it was illegal. Kenyan authorities said the ants were part of a trend in trafficking smaller and lesser-known species, and that the illegal export undermines the country's biodiversity and deprives local communities of potential benefits. The ants were valued at $7,700, and experts warned that trafficking species can export diseases to the agricultural industry of destination countries. Three other men, including a Kenyan and a Vietnamese national, were also charged with illegal trafficking of ants in a separate case.

Billie Eilish has revealed that she "absolutely hated" her name when she was younger, thinking it was a boy's name and wishing she had a more feminine name like Violet or Lavender. However, she now loves her name and feels it's the perfect fit for her, having been named after her grandfather William and inspired by "Doctor Who" star Billie Piper. Eilish made the comments in an interview with British Vogue, where she also opened up about her struggles with body image and her decision to become vegan.

Coachella 2025 saw a shift in fashion trends, with a more pared-back approach adopted by many attendees, including celebrities like Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner. However, some A-listers still made bold fashion statements, such as Lady Gaga, who performed in a custom feathery look with bird claws, and Blackpink's Lisa, who wore a reptile suit. Other notable looks included Jennie's cowgirl-inspired outfit, Julia Fox's daring cowboy boots and chaps, and several performers, including Megan Thee Stallion and Ciara, who wore micro-shorts. The festival also featured a range of other eye-catching looks, from Tyla's archival Dolce & Gabbana outfit to Paris Hilton's custom cut-out bodysuit. Bernie Sanders stood out in his classic navy blazer and light blue button-up shirt while delivering a speech on stage.

Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa stated that his country is open to receiving US military support in its fight against gangs, but emphasized that US forces would play a supportive role and not be out patrolling the streets. Noboa said Ecuador had discussed plans with the US and is constructing a new naval facility in Manta, which could be occupied by US troops. He is seeking to reform the constitution to allow foreign military presence and is open to having US military bases to help control illegal operations. Ecuador has been experiencing a surge in violence, with over 2,500 homicides this year, and Noboa has campaigned on a promise to restore security with a hardline approach.

China is set to open the world's tallest bridge, the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge, in June 2025. The bridge, located in Guizhou province, southwest China, will measure 2,051 feet above river level, surpassing the current record holder, the Millau Viaduct in France, by 947 feet. The steel truss suspension bridge is 9,482 feet long and is expected to reduce travel time over the Huajiang Grand Canyon from two hours to just one minute. Construction began in January 2022 and is now 95% complete, with the bridge set to become a landmark project showcasing China's infrastructure strength.

George Clooney explains to CNN's Jake Tapper why he wrote an op-ed in the New York Times last summer calling on President Joe Biden to exit the 2024 race against Donald Trump, and discusses the fallout from his comments.

American missionary Robert Vieira was released on Sunday after being detained in Tunisia for over 13 months on suspected espionage charges. U.S. special envoy Adam Boehler worked closely with Tunisian Foreign Minister Mohamed Ali Nafti to secure Vieira's release. Vieira was then able to fly back to the U.S. with his family. Boehler credited his collaboration with Nafti for the successful release and expressed appreciation for Tunisia's decision to resolve the case.

The daughter of Jamshid "Jimmy" Sharmahd, a German-American journalist executed by Iran, is calling on the Trump administration to abandon nuclear talks with the country. Sharmahd's body was returned to his family mutilated, with his tongue, larynx, thyroid, and heart missing. His daughter, Gazelle, says the US and Germany should not negotiate with a nation capable of such atrocities and is urging the FBI and German authorities to investigate her father's murder and issue arrest warrants for those responsible.

Daniel Noboa, the president of Ecuador, was re-elected in a runoff election on Sunday, receiving about 55.8% of the vote, while his opponent Luisa González received 44%. Noboa, a right-wing candidate and heir to a banana trade fortune, defeated González, a leftist lawyer and member of the Citizen Revolution Movement party, which is associated with former President Rafael Correa. Over 13 million people were eligible to vote in the election, where voting is compulsory. Noboa initially won a 16-month presidency in a 2023 snap election and is known for being tough on crime.

Pope Francis greeted the faithful at the Vatican on Palm Sunday, marking the beginning of Holy Week, despite still recovering from double pneumonia. He appeared at the end of a mass in St. Peter's Square, wishing pilgrims a "Happy Palm Sunday and Happy Holy Week" and greeting the crowds from his wheelchair for about 10 minutes. Approximately 40,000 people attended the celebration, and the Pope stopped to talk to some of the faithful, including a group of nuns. Francis, 88, has been limiting his exposure to the elements to continue his recovery from respiratory conditions.

The US State Department has begun reviewing inquiries from individuals, mostly Afrikaners, who have expressed interest in refugee resettlement to the United States due to concerns over treatment by the South African government. The move follows comments by President Donald Trump suggesting that Afrikaners, descendants of white settlers, could settle in the US as refugees. The Afrikaner Orania Movement, a settlement with a population of 3,000, has asked the US for recognition and support to become autonomous in South Africa, rather than seeking refugee status. The group's leader stated that they want to "make decisions for ourselves" and protect their safety and prosperity, and have met with US officials to discuss their request. The South African government has criticized the groups seeking US support, claiming they do not represent the majority of South Africans.

President Donald Trump stated that Iran must abandon its concept of having a nuclear weapon ahead of a second round of talks with the US, scheduled to take place in Italy the following Saturday. Trump made the comments while meeting with El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele in the Oval Office. The first round of talks, held in Oman, were described as "very positive and constructive" by the White House, despite unresolved issues remaining. Trump has threatened military action if Iran continues to pursue its nuclear ambitions, saying that the issue can be resolved "very quickly."

Spanish police have uncovered an "exotic cat smuggling ring" on the island of Mallorca, arresting two people in connection with the sale of exotic cats online. The Civil Guard seized 19 animals, including a caracal and two servals, and found over 40 irregular animal passports. The suspects allegedly offered for sale various exotic animals, including white tigers, clouded leopards, and pumas, with prices as high as €60,000. The animals will be transferred to a rescue centre in Alicante.

Prisons across France were attacked in a coordinated wave of violence believed to be in response to the government's crackdown on drug trafficking. The attacks included automatic gunfire at a prison in Toulon, burned vehicles outside other facilities, and threats to staff. France's national anti-terrorism prosecutor's office is leading the investigation, with several prisons targeted across the country, including in Marseille, Aix-en-Provence, and near Paris. Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin and Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau have vowed to take measures to disrupt criminal networks and step up prison security, including isolating top kingpins and creating a new national organised crime prosecutors' office.

'European holiday hotspots are experiencing a surge in "tropical nights" when temperatures remain above 20C, with southern European destinations recording a record 23 such nights in 2024, nearly three times the average. The heat, exacerbated by climate change, is taking a toll on health, food, and drink, and potentially shifting holiday patterns, with some tour operators adapting by offering alternative destinations such as Scandinavia. The trend is expected to continue as Europe, the fastest-warming continent, continues to heat up, with experts warning of the need to cut emissions and adapt cities to mitigate the impacts on public health.'

The UK is announcing a £120m aid package for Sudan at a London conference marking two years since the conflict began. Foreign Secretary David Lammy will warn that the international community must act to prevent the crisis from worsening, as millions face devastation and displacement. The funding will support over 650,000 people caught up in the conflict between the Sudanese army and Rapid Support Forces paramilitaries. The UK is concerned about the conflict's impact on regional stability and potential migration to Europe and the UK. The aid package brings the UK's total commitment to Sudan to £233m, with the conflict having left over 30 million people in need of aid and 12 million displaced.

The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) attacked the Zamzam refugee camp in North Darfur on April 11, and a video circulated on social media showing the execution of an unarmed man. Sky News verified the video and linked one of the fighters present to the RSF through a patch on their uniform and other footage. Satellite imagery and footage show widespread fires across the camp after the RSF capture, with data from NASA's FIRMS project detecting thermal anomalies indicating fires. The attack is part of a two-year civil war between the RSF and Sudan's government forces, with both sides accused of human rights abuses.

An AI program called "Flynn" was created by two students, Chiara Kristler and Marcin Ratajczyk, to test the boundaries of AI tools and was accepted into the University of Applied Arts Vienna's digital arts program. Flynn attends classes, collaborates with classmates, and will receive grades on its work, potentially progressing toward a diploma. The AI uses a combination of commercially available and open-source AI-powered tools to perform tasks required of a college student. While some peers are skeptical, citing concerns about AI-generated art exploiting human artists' work, others see Flynn as an intriguing art project that can enhance the education of human students and spark debate. Flynn's classmates have had mixed reactions, with some expressing privacy concerns and others embracing the AI as a conversation partner.

Ed Martin, the interim U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia, appeared on Russian state-funded television over 100 times, including making comments suggesting that the Syrian government may not have been responsible for a 2017 chemical attack, and that the situation may have been "engineered" by those who want war in Syria.

In the remote Saharan desert of Mauritania, nomadic herders have developed a keen eye for spotting meteorites, which are highly prized by collectors and scientists. The dark fusion crust of meteorites stands out against the desert's beige landscape, making them relatively easy to identify. Locals, including herders and part-time security guards, have turned meteorite hunting into a lucrative business, with some selling their finds to brokers who then sell them online or to international buyers. However, the industry remains largely unregulated, and many locals remain unaware of the true value of their discoveries. Some have made significant sales, while others have been left disappointed when their finds turn out to be worthless. Experts, including Mauritania's astronomy association president, Ely Cheikh Mohamed Navee, believe the country's nomadic herders are among the best collectors in the world, with a unique advantage in spotting meteorites in the vast desert landscape.

Two Belgian teenagers, aged 19, pleaded guilty to charges of illegal possession and trade of wildlife in Kenya after being caught with over 5,000 ants, including live queen ants, packed into test tubes and syringes, in an attempt to smuggle them out of the country to sell as exotic pets.

Britain's Supreme Court has ruled that the definition of "woman" under the country's 2010 Equality Act is based on a person's biological sex at birth. The unanimous decision was made in a case brought by the advocacy group For Women Scotland, which argued that the law's protections for women should only apply to those born female. The court agreed, stating that the terms "woman" and "sex" in the Equality Act refer to biological women and biological sex. The ruling has implications for transgender people's access to single-sex services and spaces, and could affect their protections under the law. While the court emphasized that transgender people are still protected from discrimination under other provisions of the Equality Act, the decision is likely to be seen as significant and symbolic.

China and the Philippines have exchanged accusations after a tense encounter between their coastguard vessels near the disputed Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea. The Philippine coastguard claimed that a Chinese vessel, the Zhongnan, "dangerously blocked" its navigation route, while the Chinese coastguard countered that the Philippine boat, the Cabra, made a "sudden and dangerous approach" and crossed the Zhongnan's bow four times without warning. Both sides accused each other of "bully tactics" and disregarding safety at sea, with each side blaming the other for the incident.

A Chinese couple, Zhang Dayong and Gong Xiaoqing, were shot dead in Rome in a mafia-style execution. Police suspect the killing is linked to a turf war between Chinese criminal factions in Italy, specifically the "Coat Hanger Wars", a struggle for control of the fashion logistics market. Zhang was a senior figure in the Chinese underworld and worked for Naizhong Zhang, who is on trial for coordinating illegal operations across Europe.

A Chinese delegation visited Brazil to discuss major infrastructure projects, including a railway linking Brazil to a megaport in Chancay, Peru, as part of efforts to boost trade ties between China and Brazil. The delegation, comprising 11 officials from China State Railway Group and the Chinese transport ministry, toured several projects across Brazil during a seven-day trip. The talks follow strategic agreements signed by the presidents of Brazil and China last November, which identified Brazil's integration with the Pacific as a key pillar in Sino-Brazilian relations.

A deal for CK Hutchison Holdings to sell its overseas ports to a BlackRock-led consortium has taken a new turn with the revelation that the Italian-Swiss Aponte family, who own the world's largest container line Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), will be the majority shareholder. The Aponte family's company, MSC, is acquiring a majority stake in CK Hutchison's 41 port terminals across 22 countries, positioning MSC as potentially the world's largest container terminal operator and furthering the family's strategy of vertical integration.

The utility sector may shift costs associated with data centers to everyday consumers through special contracts and overestimation of data center load forecasts, potentially leading to higher utility bills. In the US, regulators are urged to tighten oversight over special contracts or adopt existing tariff practices to prevent cost-shifting. Meanwhile, in the UK, a proposed zonal pricing scheme may lead to higher wholesale prices for most consumers, although some data centers that can shift workloads or are located in areas with high renewable energy generation may benefit. To address these issues, boosting energy grid infrastructure and reforming regulations are seen as long-term solutions.

Google is being sued for £5 billion in the UK over allegations that it abused its dominance in the online search market to drive up prices, with a class action lawsuit filed in the UK Competition Appeal Tribunal on behalf of hundreds of thousands of UK-based organizations that used Google's search advertising services from 2011. The lawsuit claims Google restricted competing search engines and overcharged advertisers, with Google denying the allegations and calling the case "speculative and opportunistic".

Japan's antitrust watchdog, the Japan Fair Trade Commission (JFTC), has issued a cease and desist order against Google for violating the country's anti-monopoly law. The commission found that Google required Android device manufacturers to prioritize its search apps and services, such as Google Search and Chrome, through licensing agreements, thereby restricting competition. Google must stop mandating the prominent installation of its services on smartphones, relax restrictive conditions on advertising revenue distribution, and appoint an independent third party to monitor its compliance over the next five years. The move aligns with similar actions taken by regulators in the US and UK.

Maghrebi influencers on social media platforms like TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram are promoting irregular migration to Europe by portraying an idealized image of life there and providing travel information and contacts for human smugglers. Despite stricter measures against irregular migration, demand remains high due to poverty and lack of opportunities in the Maghreb region. Influencers with tens of thousands of followers share images and videos of luxurious life in Europe, offer advice on asylum laws and under-the-table work opportunities, and encourage young men to leave their home countries. Many of these young men, known as "Harraga," are not fleeing war or persecution but seeking a better life, and are often willing to burn their identity papers to avoid detection by European authorities.

Iraq is working to become a tourist destination after years of violence and instability. The government has introduced an electronic visa and renovated historical sites, including the famous Mutanabbi Street in Baghdad. The country has over 12,000 UNESCO-listed heritage sites, such as the ruins of Babylon and Ur. Tour guides like Ahmed Kutaiba offer city tours for $250 a day, and visitors can experience the country's rich history and hospitality. Baghdad, the capital, has undergone significant changes, with new high-rise buildings and highways being constructed. Iraqis are proud of their past, and the government is seeking to capitalize on the economic and tourist value of religious sites, especially the shrines in Karbala, which attract millions of pilgrims.

A group of veterans is holding regular gatherings called "Pints and Patriotism" to discuss politics and cross partisan lines over a beer. The events, started by Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, aim to create a space for civil conversation. At a recent gathering in Maine, about 60 people discussed issues like proposed budget cuts to veterans' health and benefits, the recent firings of female military leaders, and concerns about national security. Despite some differing opinions, the discussions remained civil, with veterans and non-veterans alike sharing their thoughts and worries about the country's direction and the importance of defending democracy's core principles.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene's town hall in Acworth, Georgia, turned chaotic as police forcibly removed several protesters, using stun guns on two men, Andrew Russell Nelms and Johnny Keith Williams, who were heckling her. Three people were arrested. Greene praised law enforcement and reiterated her support for the Trump administration's deportation efforts and other policies during the event, which was attended by about 150 people. Several hundred protesters gathered outside, waving signs in opposition to Greene and Trump.