In other news

Gabon’s ousted president Ali Bongo has left the country for Angola, where he is joined by his family after their release from detention. His wife Sylvia and son Noureddin, who face corruption charges, were freed provisionally on health grounds, with legal proceedings ongoing. Their lawyer alleges they were arbitrarily detained and tortured, claims Gabonese authorities deny. The move follows Angolan President João Lourenço’s visit to Libreville and comes amid Gabon’s readmission to the African Union. Bongo was deposed in a 2023 coup led by Brice Oligui Nguema, who recently won presidential elections.

Cassie Ventura, testifying as the prosecution’s star witness in Sean “Diddy” Combs’ New York criminal trial, said she would return a $20m 2023 settlement if it meant she had never been coerced into his “freak-off” sex sessions, rejecting claims her accusations are financially motivated. She described being forced into drug-fueled encounters with male escorts under threats of violence, and detailed physical abuse, including a 2016 hotel incident captured on video. The defense presented texts to portray their relationship as toxic but consensual, and highlighted another expected $10m settlement tied to the hotel assault. Additional witnesses included singer Dawn Richard, who said she saw Combs assault Ventura in 2009, and a Homeland Security agent who described cash, drugs, and baby oil seized at Combs’ arrest. Combs has pleaded not guilty to racketeering, sex trafficking, and related charges.

Chad’s former prime minister and opposition leader Succès Masra was arrested over alleged involvement in deadly clashes in Mandakao, Logone Occidental, that left at least 42 dead. Authorities accuse him of spreading hateful messages on social media linked to the violence, reportedly sparked by a land dispute between Ngambaye farmers and Fulani herders. Masra’s Transformers party calls the arrest a kidnapping outside legal procedure. Over 80 others have been detained. Masra, a fierce critic of President Mahamat Déby who claims last year’s election was stolen, briefly served as interim PM in 2024. The Déby family has ruled Chad for over three decades.

The BBC previews the top Eurovision 2025 contenders ahead of the Basel final, highlighting a wide-open race. Sweden leads bookmaker odds with KAJ’s quirky sauna-themed Bara Bada Bastu—an accordion-driven, Swedish-language novelty from a Finnish-Swedish comedy trio bringing a mock sauna on stage. Austria’s JJ follows with Wasted Love, a dramatic pop-opera ballad about unrequited love, powered by his countertenor and striking storm-at-sea staging. France’s Louane offers Maman, an intimate torch song about grief and healing after her mother’s death, staged amid a real sandstorm and featuring a brief cameo of her daughter’s voice. The Netherlands’ Claude competes with C’est La Vie, a buoyant Afropop–chanson blend inspired by advice from his mother after their escape from DR Congo. The piece notes Eurovision’s usual preference for anthems of resilience over novelties, suggesting strong narratives and impactful staging could decide the night.

Five House Republicans joined all Democrats to block a procedural vote on President Trump’s signature tax-and-budget bill, demanding deeper spending cuts. The rebels want larger Medicaid reductions and a full repeal of Democratic green energy tax credits before backing the measure. The bill, which would extend Trump-era tax cuts and includes a no-tax-on-tips provision, faces criticism from Democrats for Medicaid and Affordable Care Act cuts and for favoring the wealthy. The Joint Committee on Taxation estimates the package would cost $3.72 trillion over 10 years. The setback marks a significant early legislative blow to the Trump administration, though the effort is not yet dead.

ICC chief prosecutor Karim Khan has taken temporary leave while an external investigation into sexual misconduct allegations concludes. He denies accusations, which reportedly include unwanted touching and abuse. His deputies will lead the office in his absence. The probe, conducted by the UN Office of Internal Oversight Services, began after claims were reported to the ICC’s governing body in October. Khan said stepping aside protects the court’s credibility and fairness. The investigation comes amid heightened scrutiny of the ICC following Khan’s request for arrest warrants related to the Israel-Hamas war, including for Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, which Israel rejects.

Mexico’s government accuses YouTuber MrBeast and production company Full Circle Media of violating filming permit terms at Mayan archaeological sites by using footage for commercial promotion of his chocolate brand and presenting misleading scenes (e.g., helicopter descent into a pyramid, handling an ancient mask). Authorities say permits allowed filming but not for-profit use or misinformation, and are considering sanctions. MrBeast’s team denies ads were shot on INAH-controlled sites, says the video aimed to highlight Mayan heritage, and calls the dispute political. President Claudia Sheinbaum has ordered an investigation. The video has over 60 million views.

Moody’s downgraded the US sovereign credit rating from AAA to Aa1, citing persistent increases in federal debt and interest costs, and the failure of successive administrations to curb ballooning deficits. This is the last major agency to strip the US of a perfect rating after S&P (2011) and Fitch (2023). Moody’s still notes the US’s economic resilience and the dollar’s reserve status but projects federal debt rising to about 134% of GDP by 2035 (from 98% last year). The downgrade could raise US borrowing costs. The move coincided with a setback for a major Trump spending bill in the House and data showing the US economy contracted at a 0.3% annual rate in Q1.

Hadi Matar, 27, was sentenced to 25 years in prison for the 2022 stabbing of novelist Salman Rushdie during a New York lecture, which left Rushdie blind in one eye and with lasting injuries. Convicted earlier of attempted murder and assault, Matar also received a concurrent seven-year sentence for injuring interviewer Henry Reese. In court, Matar denounced Rushdie over free speech, while prosecutors argued the attack was targeted. The assault occurred decades after Rushdie faced death threats over his novel The Satanic Verses. Rushdie later detailed his recovery in his memoir Knife.

A high-ranking Swedish diplomat, recently arrested and questioned by Sweden’s security service Säpo on suspicion of espionage, has been found dead, with police saying there were no suspicious circumstances. The diplomat, reportedly in his 50s and recently returned to Stockholm after long postings abroad, denied wrongdoing and was released on Wednesday but remained under investigation. He had alleged excessive force during his arrest; a probe into that complaint has begun. Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard expressed grief, while former minister Carl Bildt praised the diplomat’s competence. Unconfirmed reports linked the espionage inquiry to the abrupt resignation of national security adviser Tobias Thyberg, who quit after sensitive images surfaced, though the diplomat’s lawyer declined comment on that connection. Prosecutors said the espionage investigation remains open.

Australia’s Australian Reptile Park “milks” venom from deadly animals—especially Sydney funnel‑web spiders and venomous snakes—to supply a national antivenom program that has drastically reduced fatalities. Spider keeper Emma Teni extracts tiny amounts of funnel‑web venom from publicly donated spiders; about 200 spiders are needed for one vial. No one has died from a funnel‑web bite in Australia since the antivenom’s introduction in 1981. The park also collects snake venom (e.g., Eastern brown, taipan), which, like spider venom, is processed at CSL Seqirus in Melbourne. There, controlled venom doses are used to produce hyper‑immune plasma in animals (horses for snakes, rabbits for funnel‑webs), from which antibodies are isolated to make antivenoms. CSL Seqirus produces about 7,000 vials annually for various species, with distribution prioritized to rural and remote areas. The work highlights the paradox that Australia’s deadliest creatures are key to saving lives.

Two climbers—India’s Subrata Ghosh and the Philippines’ Philipp Santiago, 45—died on Mount Everest this week during summit attempts. Their bodies remain on the mountain, with organizers undecided on retrieval due to the danger and cost, especially in the “death zone.” The deaths come amid Everest’s peak May season and follow several recent fatal incidents on other Himalayan peaks. Nepal, home to eight of the world’s 10 highest mountains, has issued over 1,000 permits this season.

Patrick Lutts Jr., wanted in Orlando, Florida on manslaughter charges for a 1998 drunk-driving crash that killed two teenagers, was arrested in Toronto in February under the Canadian Extradition Act after living openly in the city for 21 years without legal status. Authorities located him following a November 2023 anonymous tip to Florida Crime Stoppers and subsequent surveillance. Lutts, whose blood alcohol level was allegedly over three times the legal limit at the time of the fatal crash, was also tied to a 2002 impaired driving incident in Connecticut and disappeared after missing a 2003 plea hearing. He is set to appear in a Toronto court later this month.

Calligraphy created by Korean independence activist Ahn Jung-geun while awaiting execution in 1910 is breaking auction records in South Korea, reflecting renewed interest among the ultra-wealthy in repatriating historic works. Ahn, who assassinated Japan’s former Prime Minister Ito Hirobumi in 1909 and was executed by Japanese authorities, produced hundreds of calligraphy pieces in prison—often at the request of Japanese officials who later preserved them. Recently, his “Green Bamboo” piece sold in Seoul for 940 million won (about $674,000) to members of the LS Group family, following a 2023 record sale of 1.95 billion won. Scholars note the preservation of Ahn’s works by Japanese captors highlights cultural and political contradictions of the era. Some buyers plan to make the pieces publicly accessible, further cementing Ahn’s legacy in South Korea’s cultural memory.

Chris Brown was arrested in England on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm related to an alleged 2023 attack at London’s Tape nightclub. Producer Abe Diaw claims Brown hit him with a bottle and then punched and kicked him, and has filed a £12 million ($16 million) lawsuit. Police, who did not name Brown per U.K. rules, detained a 36-year-old at a Manchester hotel after The Sun alerted them to his presence in the country. Brown’s representative has not commented. The singer, who has a history of legal issues including a 2009 felony assault conviction involving Rihanna, is set to begin an international tour next month.

Jarred Dwayne Shaw, a 34-year-old American basketball player in Indonesia and Dallas native, was arrested May 7 near Jakarta after authorities seized 132 cannabis-infused candies allegedly shipped from Thailand. Indonesia’s strict drug laws mean Shaw could face life imprisonment or the death penalty if convicted. Police say Shaw admitted the candies were intended for teammates and are investigating potential international drug links. Following the arrest, his team, Tangerang Hawks, fired him, and the Indonesian Basketball League issued a lifetime ban. Indonesia has a history of executing drug offenders and currently has hundreds on death row, including many foreigners.

Thai police arrested Abbot Phra Thammachiranuwat of Wat Rai Khing for allegedly embezzling over 300 million baht (about $9 million) in donations, with funds traced to an illegal online baccarat gambling network. He’s been charged with corruption and malfeasance; a second suspect was also arrested, and more involvement is being investigated. The case has sparked public backlash and debate on social media, with some vowing to donate to non-religious causes and others urging not to generalize about monks. Wat Rai Khing is a prominent temple near Bangkok, founded in 1851. The incident follows other recent controversies involving Thai Buddhist temples.

Mexican authorities arrested retired judge Lambertina Galeana for alleged involvement in the 2014 disappearance and presumed murders of 43 Ayotzinapa students. She is accused of ordering the destruction of security videos that reportedly showed the students being abducted outside a judicial building. The case, deemed a “state crime” by a 2022 truth commission that implicated the military and corrupt police alongside a drug cartel, remains largely unresolved, with only three students’ remains identified. The arrest follows broader efforts to hold officials accountable, including the 2022 detention of former Attorney General Jesús Murillo Karam.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa will visit the White House on May 21 to “reset” U.S.-South Africa ties amid controversy over a new U.S. policy granting refugee status to Afrikaners. The first group of 59 White South Africans arrived in the U.S., with U.S. officials citing “egregious discrimination,” a claim Ramaphosa rejects. Tensions stem from South Africa’s new law allowing land seizure without compensation in certain cases and concerns over attacks on farmers, which the South African government says are not racially motivated. A Trump executive order prioritizes Afrikaner resettlement, requiring applicants to be South African, Afrikaner or a racial minority, and able to demonstrate persecution or fear of it. The visit comes as South Africa navigates a coalition government after the ANC lost its parliamentary majority.

A massive bloom of the toxic algae Karenia mikimotoi off South Australia since March is killing over 200 marine species, including sharks, rays, crabs, and octopuses, with carcasses washing up on beaches across Kangaroo Island, Yorke Peninsula, and Fleurieu Peninsula. Spanning about 1,700 square miles, the unprecedented, prolonged event is linked to a marine heatwave and calm seas, likely worsened by climate change. The algae damages fish gills, causing suffocation, and authorities warn people to avoid discolored or foamy water. Scientists say the ecosystem may take time to recover, and weather shifts are needed to break up the bloom.

Elon Musk’s influence in the Trump White House is receding, but his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is entrenched and accelerating cost-cutting and restructuring across federal agencies. In its first four months, DOGE has driven mass layoffs and buyouts (at least 121,000 targeted), pushed agency consolidations, revamped legacy IT systems, and advanced a government-wide master database of sensitive personal data for immigration enforcement and fraud detection. Many DOGE-aligned staff are now embedded in senior roles—some temporary, others renewable or effectively permanent—positioning the effort to continue despite legal challenges and Cabinet pushback from figures like Marco Rubio and Scott Bessent. With Musk stepping back to focus on Tesla but pledging limited ongoing involvement, allies say the initiative’s momentum will persist, potentially with less public controversy. Administration and congressional supporters suggest DOGE is becoming institutionalized during the Trump years, even as questions remain about its scope, authority, and long-term oversight.

Axios published audio clips from President Joe Biden’s 2023 interview with Special Counsel Robert Hur about his handling of classified documents. The tapes, authenticated by DOJ, mirror previously released transcripts but reignite scrutiny of Biden’s memory after Hur’s report described him as “a well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory.” In the audio, Biden pauses on where he kept documents post–vice presidency, digresses to unrelated topics, struggles to recall the year of his son Beau’s death, and offers uncertain answers about retaining an Afghanistan memo before aides clarify he didn’t intend to keep it. Hur declined to charge Biden despite finding he willfully retained and disclosed classified materials; Biden and allies dispute Hur’s characterization. Republicans had sought the audio during their impeachment inquiry, but Biden asserted executive privilege; DOJ did not pursue contempt against then–AG Merrick Garland. The release coincides with a forthcoming book alleging Biden’s decline, which his team denies, emphasizing his effectiveness in office. Donald Trump said current DOJ leadership will decide on broader release.

BYD unveiled the Denza Z, a premium China-made electric sports car positioned to compete with Porsche and Mercedes-Benz. The launch took place at Auto Shanghai, highlighting China’s push into high-end EVs and signaling intensifying competition for Western luxury performance brands.

A CNN segment reports that current deepfake detection tools are increasingly ineffective as AI-generated fakes become more realistic. An industry expert, Perry Carpenter of KnowBe4, demonstrates how detectors can be bypassed and emphasizes user safeguards: verify sources, use multi-factor authentication, be skeptical of urgent or unusual requests, and cross-check through independent channels. The piece also corrects Carpenter’s title.

Former FBI Director James Comey deleted an Instagram post showing seashells arranged as “86 47” after Republicans alleged it was a threat against former President Donald Trump (the 47th president). CNN’s John Miller reports on the controversy surrounding the post and its interpretation.

An explosion outside the American Reproductive Centers fertility clinic in Palm Springs killed one person and injured at least four. The FBI labeled it an intentional act of terrorism and believes the clinic was targeted; a person of interest has been identified, and investigators suspect the deceased individual may have been responsible. Authorities say the incident appears isolated and the broader community is not at risk. The blast caused significant damage over a large area, but the clinic reported no staff injuries and said its lab and stored reproductive materials were unharmed. Federal, state, and local agencies are investigating, with related searches in nearby Twentynine Palms and increased patrols at fertility centers elsewhere. Motive remains unclear.

India will count caste in its next national census for the first time since 1931, reversing a post-independence policy that avoided caste enumeration to reduce divisions. The Modi government says the data will strengthen social and economic policy, but it has provided no timeline or methodology after repeated delays to the 2021 census. Supporters argue comprehensive caste data is essential to address persistent inequalities in education, health, and wealth, noting current policy relies on outdated or incomplete information; prior attempts, like a 2011 caste survey, were flawed and never fully published. The move follows political pressure after the 2024 election weakened the BJP and state-level surveys (notably in Bihar) revealed larger marginalized populations, fueling demands to adjust affirmative action quotas. Critics call the shift politically motivated ahead of state polls. The key challenge will be ensuring robust data collection and deciding how to translate findings into policy once the census is done.

At least 27 people were killed and dozens injured after multiple tornadoes and severe storms tore through the central U.S., with the worst impacts in Kentucky, Missouri, and Virginia. Kentucky reported at least 18 deaths—most in Laurel County—with significant destruction in London and widespread trauma and damage. Missouri saw at least seven deaths, including five in St. Louis, where officials estimate about 5,000 buildings were damaged; a church steeple collapse killed a longtime ministry leader. Two people died in Virginia from falling trees. The National Weather Service, facing staffing shortages, still issued numerous tornado warnings during the outbreak, which included at least 26 confirmed tornadoes as of Saturday. More severe weather is possible in the southern Great Plains early next week.

The released audio of Special Counsel Robert Hur’s 2023 interview with Joe Biden underscores concerns about Biden’s memory and cognitive sharpness that many voters already held. While the transcript was public in 2024, hearing Biden’s hesitant, meandering answers—struggling with dates (including Beau Biden’s death and his own vice-presidential tenure), drifting into long digressions, and needing aides to supply key details—makes Hur’s characterization of him as a “sympathetic, well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory” sound incontrovertible. The tapes challenge Democrats’ past public assurances of Biden’s acuity and force a reckoning between their defenses and the reality captured on audio. Hur, measured and professional in tone, repeatedly tries to refocus Biden on document handling, highlighting gaps in Biden’s recall about his post–vice presidency move and storage of papers. The episode leaves Democrats to confront political fallout as they reassess what they knew and presented about Biden’s fitness.

The article profiles Pope Leo XIV, formerly Father Robert “Bob” Prevost, tracing his journey from a devout Chicago upbringing and Augustinian formation to missionary leadership in Peru and high-level Vatican roles, culminating in his election as pope. Known for his low-key, administrative style and pastoral courage—illustrated by confronting Peruvian soldiers to protect seminarians—he developed a global perspective through years of frontline ministry, reconciliation work, and governance. Mentored and promoted by Pope Francis, Leo XIV brings linguistic fluency, cross-continental experience, and a disciplined spiritual life shaped by early doubts, rigorous education, and Augustinian values. Now leading 1.4 billion Catholics amid rising authoritarianism, technological upheaval, inequality, conflict, and climate change, he acknowledges the personal sacrifices of the papacy while prioritizing listening, service, and unity in a divided Church.

The Knicks crushed the Celtics 119-81 in Game 6 to reach their first Eastern Conference finals since 2000, setting up a rematch with the Pacers. New York dominated from the second quarter on, leading 64-37 at halftime and by as many as 45, with balanced scoring from Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby (23 each), Mikal Bridges (22), and Karl-Anthony Towns (21). The Knicks’ defense and transition effort overwhelmed a listless, injury-hit Boston team missing Jayson Tatum (Achilles), while role players underperformed and Jrue Holiday struggled. The Pacers enter the conference finals hot, having lost only twice this postseason. For Boston, the blowout loss and Tatum’s injury set up an offseason of potential roster changes amid cap constraints.

A bomb exploded outside the American Reproductive Centers fertility clinic in Palm Springs on Saturday, killing one person and injuring at least four. The FBI called it an intentional act of terrorism and said the clinic was specifically targeted, though whether it was domestic or international terrorism remains unclear. A person of interest has been identified, and authorities say there is no ongoing threat. The blast, believed to have occurred in or near a vehicle, caused extensive damage across several downtown blocks, shattering windows in nearby buildings. The clinic reported no staff injuries and said eggs and embryos were secure; it plans to reopen Monday. Planned Parenthood closed 19 Southern California centers as a precaution. The attack comes amid intensified political debate over IVF.

A small bloc of hard-right House Republicans derailed a key committee vote on a sweeping GOP domestic policy and tax package, exposing a core party rift over deficits and federal spending. Led by Rep. Chip Roy, the rebels demand deeper, structural cuts to social programs to balance the budget, rejecting what they call gimmicky, insufficient reductions designed to protect swing-district Republicans. Most GOP leaders prioritize renewing 2017 tax cuts—even if deficits rise—and seek politically safer, less visible trims. The clash also highlights a disconnect with President Trump, who wants a quick win and opposes politically risky entitlement changes. With narrow majorities and no Democratic support, GOP leaders must appease the deficit hawks without alienating moderates. After an embarrassing setback, leaders planned a renewed committee push, signaling possible concessions to keep the agenda alive.

The Secret Service questioned former FBI director James Comey after he posted an image of seashells forming “86 47,” a phrase critics use to mean removing the 47th president, which Trump and his allies said implied assassination. Comey voluntarily met with agents, then deleted the post, saying he hadn’t realized it could be associated with violence and opposes violence. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and DNI Tulsi Gabbard publicly condemned the post; Trump, citing past grievances with Comey, said he believed it called for his killing and left potential consequences to the attorney general. Critics argue the administration is overreacting to target a Trump adversary.

Cambodia has begun exporting fresh durians to China following customs approval in April, aiming to compete with regional leaders Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia. While China is the world’s largest durian market, analysts say Cambodia lacks established brand recognition compared with Thailand’s Monthong and Malaysia’s Musang King. Consumer caution is expected as Chinese buyers assess quality, though there is interest in Cambodia’s Ah Khak variety. The move follows a broader agreement signed by Xi Jinping and Cambodian officials, but winning market share will depend on building reputation and meeting quality expectations.

More Chinese middle-class parents are rethinking overseas education, shifting children from international to public schools to target top domestic universities, especially in STEM fields like AI. Drivers include rising geopolitical tensions, nationalism, high costs, visa and safety uncertainties, and weaker post-graduation job prospects abroad. Parents increasingly see domestic pathways—competitions and China’s elite universities—as offering better stability and opportunity, leaving overseas students in a more awkward position amid deteriorating international relations.

Chinese defence researchers are adapting low-cost rocket artillery into guided glider munitions to engage aerial targets. Led by Zhang Shifeng at the National University of Defence Technology, the Tianxing-1 features wings and adjustable fins, launching from ground platforms, climbing, then gliding to autonomously adjust course—akin to hypersonic glide principles but at much lower speeds (~200 m/s). While cheaper and mass-producible, its subsonic speed may limit effectiveness against fast aircraft or drones, but the concept could broaden air-defense options and alter battlefield dynamics.

US delisting threats against roughly 286 US‑listed mainland Chinese companies are prompting Hong Kong to position itself as the primary alternative listing venue. Deloitte China CEO Patrick Tsang views the situation as a major opportunity for Hong Kong’s markets and has proposed strategies to the Chief Executive’s Policy Unit, including streamlining listing procedures and securing financing support to facilitate a smooth “homecoming” of these firms. The push comes amid broader US-China financial decoupling and tariff tensions, with Hong Kong aiming to capture listings and liquidity that may exit the US.

Indonesia plans to cut up to 60% of its fuel imports from Singapore within six months, shifting to supplies from the US and Middle East to diversify and gain leverage in talks with Washington. Energy Minister Bahlil Lahadalia criticized Singapore’s “shameful” pricing, saying Indonesia pays Middle East–level prices despite its proximity and large market share. Although Indonesia produces oil, limited refining capacity makes it reliant on Singapore’s refining hub; the government ultimately aims to reduce imports from Singapore to zero.

The UK’s upcoming ban on so-called ninja swords—curved, single-edged blades 35–61cm with tanto tips, punishable by up to two years in prison—has sparked debate in Japan over knife ownership laws. The measure, dubbed Ronan’s Law after a 2022 teenage murder, also tightens online sales and bans sales to minors, as part of efforts to cut knife crime. A Japanese sword expert notes such “ninja swords” are rarely used in attacks in Japan, raising questions about whether similar restrictions would be effective or necessary there.

Chinese researchers identified a new bacterial strain, Niallia tiangongensis, that emerged on the Tiangong space station. Detailed in the International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology, the microbe shows enhanced resistance to oxidative stress and an ability to repair radiation-induced damage, suggesting unique adaptations to space. Understanding its mechanisms could inform better microbial control for long-duration missions and yield applications in space technology, agriculture, and medicine, helping protect astronaut health and spacecraft systems.

Jim Cramer’s Lightning Round takes: - Universal Technical Institute: Positive; aligns with labor needs in the AI era, can go higher. - Sezzle: Take profits; crowded BNPL space and stock is “too hot.” - Rocket Lab: Warming up; growing demand for launches makes it a decent story. - Archer Aviation: Avoid; “a bridge too far.” - CoStar Group: Not for him now; commercial real estate weakness, though it is profitable. - Viper Energy: Pass; “not my cup of tea.” - Fiserv: Concerned; calls it a “disaster” and wants more info. - Arista Networks: Prefer Cisco instead due to cheaper valuation.

Jim Cramer expects stocks to drift higher next week barring an escalation in U.S.-China trade tensions, downplaying the impact of a recent U.S. debt downgrade and seeing no recession risk. He’s watching Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang’s Computex keynote for new AI updates, noting Nvidia’s rebound above a $3 trillion market cap. Key catalysts include JPMorgan’s investor day and the Capital One–Discover deal close. For earnings: he’s long-term positive on Home Depot and Lowe’s; expects a solid Toll Brothers; suggests waiting on Palo Alto Networks due to typical post-earnings dips; likes TJX despite frequent sell-offs after good quarters; sees VF Corp as a rebuild under CEO Bracken Darrell; is cautious on Target’s outlook; views Medtronic as inconsistent; is optimistic on Snowflake; and is bullish on Ralph Lauren, Intuit, and constructive on Deckers.

Home Depot’s crucial sales period is underway with its Memorial Day outdoor event through May 28, featuring steep discounts to drive traffic. Gardening and outdoor categories generated $20.83 billion in FY2024 (about 13% of sales), and Q2 (May–July) is typically the company’s strongest quarter; analysts expect Q2 revenue up 5.3% to $45.48 billion. Near-term focus is on Q1 results amid unfavorable weather, weak sentiment, and mixed peer trends; consensus sees $39.3 billion revenue (+8% YoY) and EPS of $3.59 (down slightly). Longer term, performance hinges on housing turnover and mortgage rates; demand is showing early signs of improvement, and contractors report a pickup in larger projects ahead of anticipated Fed cuts. Tariff risks remain but may be easing; management says the company can navigate them. Shares are down ~2.5% YTD and about 12% below record highs.

Jim Cramer argues Cava still has upside if its regional-to-national expansion stays on track. Despite a post-earnings pullback—driven by unchanged same-store sales guidance and broader restaurant/tariff concerns—he viewed results as strong, noting higher-than-expected openings, effective marketing, and loyalty growth. He recommends long-term ownership, calling Cava a “compounder” with potential beyond its ~$11B market cap, and suggests buying on dips while warning the high P/E stock could underperform in “risk-off” markets.

Tesla changed its bylaws to require shareholders to own at least 3% of outstanding shares to file or maintain derivative lawsuits alleging breaches of fiduciary duty, a threshold effectively blocking most investor suits given Tesla’s $1T+ market cap. The move leverages a Texas law allowing such limits and follows Tesla’s 2024 reincorporation from Delaware to Texas after a Delaware court voided Elon Musk’s 2018 $56 billion pay package in a derivative case brought by a small shareholder. Tesla has appealed that ruling to Delaware’s supreme court.

The UK and U.S. are working to secure a lasting India-Pakistan ceasefire, promote dialogue, and establish confidence-building measures after recent cross-border missile exchanges following a deadly Kashmir attack. UK Foreign Minister David Lammy, visiting Islamabad, urged adherence to treaty obligations amid India’s suspension of the Indus Water Treaty and pledged continued cooperation with Pakistan on counterterrorism. He also criticized Russia for obstructing progress on a Ukraine ceasefire, saying Moscow is not serious about peace.

International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor Karim Khan has stepped aside pending an external investigation by the UN’s Office of Internal Oversight Services into allegations of sexual misconduct, which he denies. The move follows rising pressure from women’s groups and media reports detailing accusations first flagged internally in May 2024, shortly before Khan sought arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and Hamas leaders over alleged war crimes. Critics argue the scandal undermines the ICC’s integrity and the Israel-related cases, while Khan’s lawyers say the warrants were judge-approved and unrelated to the allegations. The ICC declined to comment on rescinding the warrants amid the ongoing probe.

U.S. energy officials are reassessing Chinese-made solar and battery inverters after experts found undocumented communication devices, including cellular radios, inside some units. These hidden components could bypass utility firewalls, enabling remote access to change settings or shut down equipment, potentially destabilizing power grids and causing blackouts. While the U.S. has not publicly acknowledged the discoveries, DOE says it is working on stronger disclosure requirements (e.g., Software Bills of Materials). The findings intensify national security concerns amid broader U.S.-China tensions, prompting legislative efforts to restrict purchases of Chinese batteries and potential moves to limit Chinese inverters. Utilities are beginning to source non-Chinese equipment. China denies security allegations, while experts warn the widespread deployment of Chinese inverters raises systemic risk.

A Fox News Digital report, citing a UN diplomatic source, claims the UN’s public budget-cutting push via its UN80 Task Force is a tactic to avoid real reforms until after the 2026 U.S. midterms, hoping a Democratic House would shield the organization from potential cuts under Trump. Internal memos reviewed by Fox show calls for efficiency reviews and potential relocations of functions, but also acknowledge past reform failures and long timelines (5–10 years) for structural changes. The UN Foundation denies orchestrating any strategy tied to U.S. elections. Secretary-General António Guterres’ office says reforms will proceed within its authority, though Guterres admitted the 2026 budget is already set and deeper changes would likely shift to 2027. The source argues the effort is largely performative, reflecting the UN’s historic difficulty in downsizing and consolidating.

A nine-and-a-half-month-old baby, KJ Muldoon from Pennsylvania, became the first person to receive a personalised CRISPR-based gene-editing therapy tailored to his specific mutation causing severe CPS1 deficiency, a rare metabolic disorder. Developed in seven months by researchers at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and the University of Pennsylvania, the treatment aims to correct a single-letter error in his DNA. Since receiving doses in February–April, KJ is eating more normally, needs fewer medications, and is meeting developmental milestones, though researchers caution it’s early to assess long-term impact. The case, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, is seen as a breakthrough that could accelerate bespoke gene therapies for other rare genetic diseases.

Hadi Matar, 27, was sentenced to 25 years in prison for the August 2022 stabbing of author Salman Rushdie, which left Rushdie blind in one eye and caused severe injuries. Convicted of attempted murder and assault, Matar allegedly sought to act on the 1989 fatwa issued by Iran’s Ayatollah Khomeini over Rushdie’s novel The Satanic Verses. Rushdie spent weeks in hospital and rehab and later detailed the attack in his 2024 memoir, Knife. Matar, who has pleaded not guilty, now faces a separate trial on terrorism-related charges, including providing material support to Hezbollah.

Thai authorities have charged 17 people, including construction tycoon Premchai Karnasuta, over the March collapse of a 30-storey Bangkok tower that killed at least 92 people after a 7.7 magnitude quake in neighboring Myanmar. Police say the building’s design violated regulations and initial tests found substandard steel in the wreckage. Fifteen suspects appeared in court; two will report later. The investigation continues, with four people still missing. The collapsed structure was intended to house the State Audit Office. Premchai, whose firm is cooperating, previously served prison time for wildlife poaching.