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Apple has blocked Epic Games' attempt to resubmit Fortnite to the iOS App Store, continuing a long-standing dispute over the iPhone maker's commission structure. Fortnite is now offline on iOS worldwide. Epic Games had updated its software to link to its own website, avoiding Apple's 30% commission fee. A judge previously ruled that Apple cannot charge a commission on purchases made outside of an iOS app. The issue highlights the control Apple has over its App Store and the impact on developers, particularly gaming companies.

Asia-Pacific markets were mixed on Friday as investors reacted to Japan's GDP contraction and awaited other regional economic data. Japan's Nikkei 225 slipped 0.23% while Australia's S&P/ASX 200 added 0.44%. The US stock futures were near the flatline after the S&P 500 posted a four-day rally. Goldman Sachs lifted its 12-month price target for Asian stocks, citing improved growth prospects and easing US-China trade tensions. Several major stocks, including Bharti Airtel, Alibaba, and Singapore Airlines, saw significant movements.

Cerebras CEO Andrew Feldman expressed his aspiration to take the AI chipmaker public in 2025, following a delay last year. The company obtained clearance from the U.S. government to sell shares to Group 42 in the UAE, a crucial step towards an IPO. Cerebras competes with Nvidia in the AI chip market and has significant revenue from Group 42. The tech IPO market is showing signs of recovery, with recent IPOs and upcoming listings.

The U.S. and China have had their first high-level trade talks in Geneva, Switzerland, which Chinese trade envoy Li Chenggang described as 'good.' However, both sides continue to exchange veiled swipes. U.S. President Donald Trump hinted at a possible call with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, but Beijing remained tight-lipped. The talks led to a temporary lowering of duties, but tensions remain, with the U.S. warning against using Huawei's AI chips and China maintaining export controls on rare earth minerals.

The article discusses the current state of the US stock market, which has been rising due to trade agreements and negotiations. However, despite the optimism, there are potential dangers ahead, including supply shocks and ongoing trade tensions with countries like China. The US Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell warned of potential supply shocks, and the S&P 500 has had its fourth straight positive session. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has been making demands on trade partners, including India, and has been involved in various diplomatic incidents, including skipping Ukraine-Russia peace talks.

European stocks closed higher Friday, with the Stoxx 600 up 0.4%. Household goods led gains (+1.2%) while miners lagged (-1%). Germany’s DAX rose toward a record, up 0.8% on the day and 19% year-to-date. Key movers: - Renk jumped 8.5% after a JPMorgan upgrade and strong Q1 orders (+164%) and profits (+38%). Analysts doubled their target to €70, citing robust European defense demand. - Richemont surged 7% on better-than-expected Q4 sales (€5.17B), driven by double-digit growth in its jewelry maisons; watchmakers segment weakened, especially in Asia-Pacific. - Novo Nordisk fell over 3% as CEO Lars Fruergaard Jørgensen will step down amid a >50% share price decline since mid-2024. - Eutelsat dropped ~7% after Q3 revenue missed expectations. - Swiss Re posted a $1.3B Q1 profit, beating estimates despite a $570M Los Angeles wildfire charge; shares up 14% YTD. Macro: - ECB’s Kazaks said rates are “relatively close” to terminal if inflation stays in range; markets weigh one to two cuts in 2025. - The U.K. led recent G7 growth with 0.7% Q/Q in Q1 (Canada’s Q1 data pending).

Japan saw record foreign inflows into its equities and long-term bonds in April as investors fled U.S. markets following President Donald Trump's trade salvo. The net inflows were the largest for a calendar month since Japan's finance ministry started collecting data in 1996. However, with the U.S. softening its trade stance and striking deals, confidence in U.S. assets is getting restored, which may slow down inflows into Japanese assets. Despite this, market watchers remain positive on Japanese assets due to improved corporate governance and potential for the Japanese currency to strengthen.

Japan's economy contracted by 0.2% in the first quarter of 2025, exceeding economists' expectations of a 0.1% decline. The contraction was largely due to a 0.6% drop in exports, impacted by uncertainties surrounding U.S. trade policies. Despite this, domestic demand grew 0.6%, and on a year-on-year basis, Japan's GDP expanded 1.7%. The data comes amid ongoing trade negotiations between Japan and the U.S., with experts warning of downside risks to Japan's economy from U.S. tariffs and trade policies.

CNBC's Jim Cramer analyzed CoreWeave's first quarter earnings after its market debut, expressing satisfaction with the company's performance despite mixed profitability. CoreWeave's revenue surged 420% but its ambitious capital expenditures plan raised concerns among some investors. Cramer trusts the management's decisions, citing strong demand for AI infrastructure and the company's ability to repay lenders.

Microsoft has made commitments to unbundle its Teams workplace communication app from its Office 365 and Microsoft 365 software suites to address competition concerns from European regulators and avoid a potential antitrust fine. The European Commission has accepted Microsoft's proposals, which include offering versions of Office without Teams at a reduced price and allowing customers to switch to tools without Teams.

Elon Musk's xAI faced controversy after its Grok chatbot provided unprompted responses about 'white genocide' in South Africa, violating the company's core values. xAI attributed the issue to an 'unauthorized modification' and has since taken steps to enhance transparency and reliability, including publishing system prompts on GitHub and implementing additional checks.

Novo Nordisk's CEO, Lars Fruergaard Jørgensen, is stepping down amid increased competition in the obesity drug market, which has led to a significant decline in the company's share price. The decision comes as the company faces challenges from rival Eli Lilly and compounded drug markets in the U.S., as well as disappointing trial results for its next-generation obesity drug candidate, CagriSema.

US tech giants Nvidia, Cisco, Oracle, and OpenAI are backing the UAE Stargate artificial intelligence data center project announced by the United Arab Emirates, which will collaborate with a similar AI infrastructure project in the US announced by President Donald Trump. The data center will be built in Abu Dhabi by Emirati firm G42 and will have a 5-gigawatt capacity.

Richemont, the owner of Cartier, reported a 7% increase in fiscal fourth-quarter sales to 5.17 billion euros, exceeding analyst expectations. The growth was driven by the Jewellery Maisons division, including Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Buccellati. Despite macroeconomic uncertainty, wealthy spenders continued to spend on luxury goods. Full-year sales rose 4% to 21.4 billion euros, with sales growth in all regions except Asia Pacific (ex. Japan).

The stock market saw a significant surge on Friday, with the S&P 500 rising 0.70% to 5,958.38, the Nasdaq Composite gaining 0.52% to 19,211.10, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average climbing 0.78% to 42,654.74. The gains were part of a strong week, with the S&P 500 surging 5.3%, the Dow gaining 3.4%, and the Nasdaq Composite jumping 7.2%. Investors reacted positively to a 90-day truce in US-China tariff measures and looked past disappointing consumer sentiment data. Technology stocks, including Nvidia, Meta Platforms, Apple, and Microsoft, had a strong week. Other notable movers included Virgin Galactic, Novo Nordisk, Applied Materials, Take-Two Interactive Software, Vistra, Coinbase, and Galaxy Digital.

Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL), China's leading lithium-ion battery maker, is set to list on the Hong Kong stock exchange with a HK$35.66 billion (US$4.6 billion) initial public offering (IPO). The company's offer price is expected to be at the top end of the range, which may impact its first-day trading performance due to a smaller-than-average discount to its Shenzhen-traded shares. The listing is seen as a significant move to support Hong Kong's equity market and attract international funds.

China has announced the establishment of three new military academies as part of its ongoing modernisation drive for the People's Liberation Army (PLA). The new academies will cater to the PLA's new service branches, the Information Support Force and Joint Logistics Support Force, and will directly recruit high school graduates to strengthen their talent pool.

A new study has found that China is experiencing the world's fastest rise in dementia cases, with the number of diagnosed cases projected to reach 115 million by 2050, up from 4 million in 1990 and 17 million in 2021. The study, published in PLOS One, analyzed data from the Global Burden of Disease database and found that the incidence, prevalence, and mortality rates of dementia cases doubled globally between 1990 and 2021, but rose threefold in China over the same period. The researchers warned that the problem may worsen due to China's rapidly ageing population.

China's Defence Minister Dong Jun visited France and Germany, marking the first trip to Europe by a Chinese defence minister in over four years. During his tour, Dong pledged to intensify security exchanges with European countries and boost China's role in United Nations peacekeeping operations. He met with his counterparts, discussing bilateral relations, defence cooperation, and global issues such as maritime navigation, nuclear proliferation, and the situation in Ukraine.

A research team from Xian Technological University used DeepSeek's AI model to create a military simulation system that can generate 10,000 combat scenarios in 48 seconds, significantly faster than human planners. The team believes this technology will redefine the future of war design and improve decision-making for commanders.

The European Union has been warned that it must reform quickly to avoid becoming a 'shock absorber' in the ongoing US-China trade tensions. Despite a recent US-China tariff deal, Europe's outlook remains bleak unless it adapts to Washington's efforts to reorder global trade. Experts say that without deeper political integration and better coordination of fiscal and industrial policies, Europe risks failing to become a significant 'third pole' in a bipolar world dominated by the US and China.

A recent US-China trade deal has not alleviated concerns for companies reliant on rare earth elements due to Beijing's continued export restrictions and enhanced oversight, potentially disrupting production for firms sourcing magnets from China.

Hong Kong authorities have warned ride-hailing firms to ensure their services are legal ahead of a meeting, as taxi drivers demonstrated and petitioned for tougher law enforcement against illegal services. The Transport and Logistics Bureau is working on a framework to regulate ride-hailing platforms and crack down on unlicensed operators.

The Hong Kong government has released a list of public holidays for 2026, allowing residents to enjoy six long weekends and a nine-day break during the Lunar New Year by taking a few extra days off. The long weekends will be spread across various holidays, including Easter and Buddha's Birthday.

Pakistan has extended its ceasefire with India until May 18, following clashes over the disputed territory of Kashmir earlier this month. Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar stated that his country would not violate the truce and called for a 'composite dialogue' with New Delhi. The Indian Army expressed its commitment to confidence-building measures with Pakistan to reduce tensions.

US Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi criticizes the Trump administration for rescinding an AI diffusion rule, calling it a 'horrible idea' that will benefit China by allowing the sale of advanced semiconductor chips to Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

Southeast Asia's increasing reliance on Chinese technology, particularly from companies like Huawei, presents both economic opportunities and cybersecurity risks. While Chinese firms offer competitive pricing and large-scale connectivity projects, their prominence raises concerns over potential security vulnerabilities and geopolitical tensions. Experts warn that this reliance is a "double-edged sword" that heightens cybersecurity risks and geopolitical pressure as Beijing expands its digital footprint and Washington pushes back.

A congressional hearing was held where witnesses and lawmakers discussed the likelihood of Beijing taking action against Taiwan. They concluded that a blockade or economic warfare is more probable than an invasion. The US was urged to prepare for all scenarios.

China is focusing on strengthening its domestic economy to reduce vulnerability to external tariff shocks amid the ongoing US-China trade war. Premier Li Qiang emphasized the importance of 'domestic circulation' to boost economic self-reliance. Despite a temporary ceasefire in the trade war, analysts believe China will continue to prioritize domestic demand and reduce dependence on overseas trade.

A 2-year-old Venezuelan girl, Maikelys Espinoza, was separated from her parents by U.S. deportation and has been reunited with her mother in Venezuela. The girl's mother was deported to Venezuela on April 25, while her father was sent to a maximum-security prison in El Salvador. The U.S. government claimed the family separation was justified due to the parents' alleged ties to the Tren de Aragua gang, a Venezuelan-based organization designated as a terrorist group by President Trump. Venezuela's government has denounced the separation as a kidnapping, and the country's president, Nicolás Maduro, thanked Trump for the girl's return, calling it a 'profoundly humane act.'

The article discusses the ongoing plight of Gal Dalal's younger brother, Guy Gilboa-Dalal, who was taken hostage by Hamas during the Nova music festival attack on October 7. Gal, who survived the attack, expresses his fears for his brother's safety and his hopes for his safe return. The article highlights the emotional toll on Gal and his family, as well as the broader context of the hostage crisis in Gaza.

Singer Chris Brown was arrested in Manchester, England, on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm in connection with an alleged attack at a London nightclub in February 2023. The alleged victim, producer Abe Diaw, claims Brown hit him with a bottle and then punched and kicked him, resulting in hospitalization. Diaw has filed a $16 million lawsuit against Brown. This incident is part of Brown's history of legal issues, including a 2009 felony conviction for assaulting his then-girlfriend Rihanna.

Former world champion cyclist Rohan Dennis was given a suspended sentence for the death of his wife, fellow Olympian Melissa Hoskins, in a tragic accident. Dennis pleaded guilty to a charge of committing an aggravated act likely to cause harm after Hoskins was struck by his vehicle outside their home. The court heard that the couple had argued before the incident, and Dennis was sentenced to one year, four months, and 28 days in jail, suspended for two years.

American basketball player Jarred Shaw, a Dallas native, was arrested in Indonesia for allegedly smuggling cannabis candy. He faces up to life in prison or the death penalty under Indonesia's strict drug laws. Shaw claimed the candy was for his teammates, but the Indonesian Basketball League has banned him for life and his team, Tangerang Hawks, has fired him.

Three massive wildfires continue to burn out of control in northeastern Minnesota, with the Jenkins Creek and Camp House fires being managed as the 'Brimson Complex' by the Eastern Area Complex Incident Team. The fires have burned over 32,000 acres, with the Camp House Fire destroying dozens of structures. Crews are battling the fires under near-critical fire weather conditions.

Thai officials seized 238 tons of illegally imported electronic waste from the U.S. at Bangkok Port, highlighting the growing issue of hazardous waste disposal and the need for stricter regulations.

A 23-year-old Mexican social media influencer, Valeria Marquez, was shot dead during a TikTok livestream at her beauty salon in Zapopan, a suburb of Guadalajara, Mexico. The motive behind the attack is unknown, but authorities are investigating. The region is known for high levels of criminal activity, including drug trafficking. The murder has sparked concern, particularly given Mexico's high rates of femicide and violence against women.

A retired Mexican judge, Lambertina Galeana, has been arrested in connection with the disappearance and presumed murder of 43 students in 2014. Galeana is accused of helping to conceal videos that allegedly showed the incident unfolding. The case is considered one of Mexico's worst human rights atrocities and is emblematic of a larger missing persons crisis. Investigators believe the students were abducted by a drug cartel with the help of corrupt police. A truth commission branded the case a 'state crime' and implicated the military in the disappearance.

A Russian-born scientist, Kseniia Petrova, who is a researcher at Harvard University, has been charged with smuggling frog embryos into the United States. Petrova, who is already facing deportation due to her visa being cancelled, was stopped at Boston Logan International Airport with the embryos in her checked luggage. She claims she did not realize she needed to declare the samples, but federal prosecutors allege she planned to smuggle them through customs. If convicted, Petrova faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000. Petrova's case has raised concerns in the scientific community about the treatment of foreign scientists in the U.S. and the potential impact on recruiting and retaining international talent.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to visit the White House next week, despite tensions between the two governments over the US decision to grant refugee status to White South Africans, specifically Afrikaners, under a new Trump administration policy. The move has been criticized by Ramaphosa, who rejected the characterization of Afrikaners facing 'egregious discrimination' in South Africa. The controversy surrounds a new law allowing the state to seize land without compensation and alleged attacks on White farmers.

A vast bloom of toxic algae, Karenia mikimotoi, has been killing over 200 species of marine life off the southern coast of Australia, particularly in areas such as Kangaroo Island and Yorke Peninsula. The bloom, which spans 1,700 square miles, has caused mass deaths among sharks, rays, crabs, and octopuses. Scientists attribute the event to a marine heatwave and calm marine conditions, exacerbated by climate change. Authorities have warned beachgoers to avoid discolored or foamy water, as it can cause skin irritation and breathing issues.

Australia's most-decorated living soldier, Ben Roberts-Smith, has lost an appeal against a defamation judgment that found he committed war crimes in Afghanistan. A panel of three Federal Court judges unanimously upheld the original judgment, which ruled that news articles alleging Roberts-Smith murdered four unarmed Afghans were true. Roberts-Smith plans to appeal to the High Court of Australia.

US singer Chris Brown has been charged with grievous bodily harm with intent by the Metropolitan Police for an alleged assault at a nightclub in central London on 19 February 2023. He was arrested at a hotel in Manchester and remains in custody, due to appear before Manchester Magistrates' Court on Friday.

Colombian police have arrested Miguel Antonio Rodríguez Díaz, also known as 'Cuchillo', in connection with the murder of 13 kidnapped workers at a gold mine in Peru. The arrest was made in a joint operation between Colombia, Peru, and Interpol. Rodríguez Díaz is accused of ordering the storming of the mine's entrance to steal gold, and faces charges of organised crime, aggravated kidnapping, and aggravated homicide. The incident has led to increased security measures in the region, including a night-time curfew and the deployment of extra police and soldiers.

A car crashed into a crowd of Espanyol fans outside the stadium before their derby match against Barcelona on May 15, 2025, injuring 13 people, four of whom were hospitalized. The driver was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and causing injury. The incident delayed the match, which Barcelona won 2-0, securing the La Liga title.

The UK is set to host a summit with the EU on May 19, marking a significant step towards improving relations after Brexit. The meeting, hosted by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, will focus on a new 'partnership' between the UK and EU, including a potential security pact and a 'veterinary' deal to reduce border checks on food and drink. The summit has been met with mixed reactions, with some viewing it as a positive step towards cooperation and others as a 'sell-out' that undermines the UK's independence.

Israel's Yuval Raphael qualified for the Eurovision final despite protests during her dress rehearsal. Six people were ejected from the arena for unfurling a large Palestinian flag and using whistles. Israel's participation in Eurovision has been contentious due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The second semi-final saw 10 acts qualify, including Armenia, Austria, and Finland. The UK's act, Remember Monday, performed for the first time, and Sweden's KAJ are currently favourites to win the contest.

The LA28 committee has partnered with Archer Aviation to provide an air taxi service during the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. The service aims to transport spectators between Olympic venues and reduce traffic congestion. Archer Aviation's eVTOL aircraft, called Midnight, is expected to be certified by the FAA by 2028, pending regulatory approval. The air taxis will offer 10-20 minute flights, with prices comparable to high-end Uber rides. The initiative is part of a larger trend towards urban air mobility, with several companies seeking to introduce eVTOL aircraft.

Motown legend Smokey Robinson is under criminal investigation in Los Angeles for alleged sexual assault. Four anonymous housekeepers have filed a lawsuit against the 85-year-old singer-songwriter, accusing him of sexual battery, false imprisonment, and other charges. Robinson has denied the allegations, with his lawyer stating that the accusations are a desperate attempt to prejudice public opinion and make money.

A Thai court has issued 17 arrest warrants for individuals involved in the design, construction, and supervision of a 30-storey skyscraper that collapsed during an earthquake in Bangkok, resulting in 89 deaths and 7 missing persons. The collapse was attributed to structural flaws, with investigators naming businessman Premchai Karnasuta, former president of Italian-Thai Development PLC, as one of those wanted.

A truck accident in São Paulo caused a chemical dye spill into the Jundiai River, contaminating it and affecting local wildlife. Brazilian authorities are investigating the contamination levels and rescuing affected animals. The dye is an organic chemical based on acetic acid, commonly used in products like Styrofoam boxes and egg cartons.

At least 13 people were injured when a car drove into a crowd outside RCDE Stadium in Spain, where a soccer match between FC Barcelona and Espanyol was taking place. The Catalan Police described the incident as an 'accidental collision.' The driver was arrested, and the situation was deemed under control. The match continued and FC Barcelona won 2-0, becoming La Liga's champions for the 2024-25 season.

GOP hardliners defied party leaders and President Donald Trump by voting to block Trump's agenda bill in the House Budget Committee, dealing a major embarrassment to House Republican leaders. The bill, which includes trillions of dollars in tax cuts and boosts to the US military and national security, was opposed by five Republicans who demanded stricter overhauls to Medicaid and deeper cuts to clean energy programs. House leaders will attempt to win over the hardliners over the weekend and potentially hold another vote as soon as Sunday.

The head of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, Jake Wood, has stated that his organization will not be part of displacing Palestinians and has urged the UN to participate in their aid delivery plan. Israel has agreed to allow some food into Gaza before the new mechanism is operational. The UN has refused to participate, citing concerns that the plan risks displacing Palestinians and increasing dangers they face. Wood believes that much of the humanitarian community's opposition is based on misinformation and that his foundation's plan will feed people by the end of the month.

Singapore's Changi International Airport has broken ground on its fifth terminal, Terminal 5, which is expected to be completed in the mid-2030s. The new terminal is designed to be 'mega yet cozy' and will feature a personalized, stress-free, and positively surprising airport experience. The project was originally announced in 2013 but was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The new terminal will incorporate various innovative features such as contactless entry points, a ventilation system that can be activated during a pandemic, and a large rooftop solar power system.

US President Donald Trump announced the possibility of developing a new twin-engined warplane called the F-55 and upgrading the Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor to the F-22 Super during a meeting with business leaders in Doha, Qatar. The F-55 is described as either an upgrade to the F-35 or a new development, while the F-22 Super would be a modernized version of the existing stealth fighter. The announcements come as Lockheed Martin is exploring plans for a 'fifth-generation-plus' fighter and is in the midst of upgrading the F-35's technology and software.

A 90-day pause in US-China tariffs has triggered an 'export rush' as businesses scramble to meet demand and ship out inventory. Chinese factories and ports are experiencing a surge in activity, with bookings for shipping containers to the US increasing by almost 300%. Companies are rushing to replenish stocks, clear out warehouse inventories, and restart orders that were canceled due to the tariffs. However, uncertainty remains regarding the outcome of future negotiations and the impact of US duties on other countries in the region.

CNN's Manu Raju interviewed Senator John Curtis (R-UT) about how he would communicate a disagreement with President Donald Trump, discussing the state of the GOP under Trump's presidency.

Ten inmates escaped from the Orleans Parish Justice Center in New Orleans through a hole in a cell wall where a toilet had been removed. The escapees, including a convicted murderer, were seen on surveillance footage leaving the jail in civilian clothes and scaling a wall before running across an interstate. Two escapees have been recaptured, and three Sheriff's Office employees have been suspended without pay. Officials are investigating multiple security failures, including defective locks and inoperable security cameras. The escape has sparked criticism from officials, who are calling for an investigation and accountability.

The article explores the family history of Pope Leo XIV, revealing that his paternal grandparents were involved in a scandalous affair a century ago. Genealogists discovered that Pope Leo's grandfather, Salvatore Giovanni Riggitano, was married to another woman while having a relationship with Suzanne Fontaine, who later became his partner and the grandmother of Pope Leo. The couple was arrested and accused of 'unbecoming conduct' in 1917, and their story was sensationalized in local newspapers. The genealogists' findings provide a glimpse into the complex and diverse family history of the first American pope.

The New York Times reports on an Afrikaner family of nine who relocated from South Africa to Alabama under a refugee program established by President Trump's executive order. Errol Langton, the patriarch, felt safer in the US after facing threats and financial struggles in South Africa due to his race and profession as a farmer. The family is among the first group of 59 South Africans to arrive in the US under this program, which has been criticized for prioritizing white Afrikaners over other refugee groups. Langton expressed gratitude to Trump and praised his crackdown on illegal immigration, stating he would likely become a Republican if he becomes a US citizen.

The article is a weekly history quiz from The New York Times' Upshot section, challenging readers to place 8 notable events in chronological order. It is part of a series of interactive content and analysis on politics, policy, and everyday life.

The article discusses the testimony of Casandra Ventura, also known as Cassie, in the trial of Sean Combs, who is accused of sex-trafficking and racketeering. Cassie testified for four days, describing a troubled relationship with Combs that involved abuse, rape, and degrading sex sessions with male prostitutes. Combs' lawyers suggested that Cassie was a willing participant, but she pushed back, stating that she was acceding to his requests. The trial is expected to continue with other witnesses testifying about Combs' alleged crimes.

The article argues against the sale of public lands in the United States, citing the potential loss of valuable wildlife habitats and access to hiking trails. It highlights the opposition to the sale from Representative Ryan Zinke and some Republican colleagues, and notes that a recent poll found that three-quarters of voters oppose the closure of national public lands and 71% oppose their sale. The author argues that public lands are not just assets to be exploited, but are instead vital to the country's shared identity and future.

The article discusses the deteriorating situation in South Sudan, where Vice President Riek Machar has been detained at his residence since March. The detention has heightened tensions between Machar and President Salva Kiir, who have a long-standing rivalry. The situation has sparked fears of a return to civil war, potentially leading to a mass exodus of refugees and further destabilizing the region. The article highlights the lack of a succession plan, rising violence, and economic downturn as contributing factors to the crisis.

Jose Mujica, Uruguay's former president and a key figure in the country's leftist movement, has died at 89. Mujica was known for his progressive reforms, including the legalization of gay marriage, abortion, and marijuana sales. He was a former guerrilla fighter with the Tupamaros and spent nearly 15 years in prison, much of it in solitary confinement. Despite his radical past, Mujica was able to build a broad coalition of support and was elected president in 2010. He was praised by regional leaders for his commitment to democracy and social justice.

The United Nations held a meeting to discuss the regulation of lethal autonomous weapons systems (LAWS), also known as "killer robots". The UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, called for a ban on machines that can take human lives without human control, citing humanitarian risks. The International Committee of the Red Cross also expressed concerns about the grave humanitarian consequences of LAWS. While some experts advocate for regulation, others caution against subjecting national sovereignty to international law. The meeting is part of ongoing efforts to address the risks posed by LAWS, with over 160 nations backing a UN resolution in 2023.

Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born Pope, made his first social media post on the official papal Instagram and X accounts, calling for peace and repeating his first words as Pope, 'Peace be with you all!'. The post featured photos from his early days as Pope, and the Vatican is archiving the posts from his predecessor, Pope Francis' 12-year papacy.

The US is reassessing the risk posed by Chinese-made solar power inverters and batteries after discovering unexplained communication equipment inside some devices. The equipment, found in devices from multiple Chinese suppliers, could potentially allow hackers to circumvent firewalls and destabilize power grids, causing widespread blackouts. The US government is working to address the issue through new contractual requirements and a ban on purchasing batteries from certain Chinese companies.

The US State Department has approved a potential sale of $1.4 billion worth of helicopters and F-16 parts to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) ahead of President Donald Trump's visit to the country. The sale includes $1.32 billion for CH-47 F Chinook helicopters and $130 million for F-16 parts. Some Democrats have expressed opposition to the sale, citing concerns about the UAE's human rights record and potential corruption involving Trump's business dealings.

Ben Cohen, co-founder of Ben & Jerry's, was arrested during a pro-Gaza protest at a US Senate committee hearing where Robert F Kennedy Jr was testifying. Cohen and six others were arrested after disrupting the hearing, shouting slogans against Kennedy and the US government's handling of the Gaza conflict. Cohen accused the US government of contributing to the deaths of children in Gaza and criticized their healthcare policies.

The family of Nathan Osman, a 30-year-old British man who died on a holiday in Benidorm, Spain, in September 2024, claim that his death is being treated as a possible murder. Osman's body was found at the bottom of a remote cliff less than 24 hours after he arrived in Benidorm with friends. Despite initial claims by local police that it was a tragic accident, the family presented their own investigation and timeline of events to Spanish prosecutors, leading to the case being reopened.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino faced criticism from UEFA for joining Donald Trump's Gulf tour, causing him to be late for the FIFA Congress in Paraguay. UEFA condemned the decision, stating that 'private political interests' were prioritized over the interests of football.

A recent Indian missile strike hit the Bilal Mosque in Muzaffarabad, Pakistan-administered Kashmir, causing significant damage and killing an 82-year-old man. The Indian government claims the mosque was a terror site linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, but the imam denies the accusation. The strike has escalated tensions between India and Pakistan, with both sides showing little willingness to negotiate. The attack has also damaged a nearby school, causing distress to the local children.

A new NASA study has discovered key differences in the internal structure of the moon's near and far sides, explaining why they appear so different. The near side is internally warmer and flexes more in response to Earth's gravitational pull, suggesting a fundamental difference in its internal structure compared to the far side.

A recent report by the Global Report on Food Crises (GRFC) reveals that almost 300 million people are at risk of death through starvation due to escalating conflict, aid cuts, climate, and economic shocks. The number of people facing 'high levels of acute food insecurity' has risen for the sixth consecutive year, with 295.3 million people affected across 53 countries. The situation is particularly dire in countries such as Sudan, Gaza Strip, Haiti, Mali, and South Sudan, where conflict, famine, and food shortages have led to widespread malnutrition and death.

Latin American leaders are spending millions to influence the Trump administration by hiring top lobbyists in Washington. At least 10 countries in the region have registered their officials as foreign principals under the Foreign Agent Registration Act. Leaders such as El Salvador's Nayib Bukele and Argentina's Javier Milei have secured favorable deals and meetings with Trump through their lobbying efforts.

A 39-year-old Mexican woman, María Del Rosario Navarro, has been charged in the US with supplying arms to the Jalisco New Generation cartel (CJNG), a powerful Mexican crime faction designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the US. Navarro is accused of conspiring to provide grenades to CJNG and faces multiple charges, including conspiracy to smuggle and transport aliens, straw purchasing and trafficking in firearms, and bulk cash smuggling conspiracy.

The Mexican government is demanding compensation from YouTube star MrBeast's production company for using images of ancient Maya archaeological sites to advertise his own-brand snacks in a video viewed 60 million times. The video, which features MrBeast exploring sites like Calakmul and Chichén Itzá, prompted criticism from Mexico's archaeology and history institute for using the sites to promote his snacks as 'Mayan-approved.' The institute claims the permit issued to the production company did not authorize the use of the sites' images for commercial purposes.

The World Press Photo organization has suspended the attribution of authorship for the iconic 'Napalm Girl' photograph, taken during the Vietnam War, due to a controversy over who actually took the photo. A documentary, 'The Stringer,' claimed that Nguyen Thanh Nghe, a stringer for NBC, took the photo, not Nick Ut, a Vietnamese photographer working with the Associated Press. World Press Photo's investigation concluded that Nghe or another photographer, Huynh Cong Phuc, may have been better positioned to take the photo. The Associated Press, however, found 'no definitive evidence' to change the photo's authorship, which remains disputed.