In other news

Spain’s Consumer Rights Ministry ordered Airbnb to block 65,935 holiday listings for alleged rule violations, including missing or incorrect license numbers and unclear ownership details. The move comes amid a housing affordability crisis and growing protests over the impact of short-term rentals in cities like Madrid and Barcelona. Airbnb said it will appeal, arguing the ministry lacks authority and used an indiscriminate approach. A court backed the government’s order, with 5,800 listings to be removed immediately and more to follow nationwide. Barcelona previously announced plans to phase out all 10,000 licensed short-term rentals by 2028.

Researchers reviewing camera footage on Panama’s Jicarón Island documented at least 11 cases (2022–2023) of young male capuchin monkeys abducting infant howler monkeys—a behavior not seen before in the animal kingdom. Initially thought to be adoption, the behavior appeared to spread as a social “fad” among several subadult males after one individual, nicknamed “Joker,” began carrying infants. The capuchins showed no predation or aggression, and some handled the babies gently, suggesting confused caregiving instincts; however, most abducted infants likely died from starvation, with some dead infants still being carried. The study highlights rapid cultural transmission in capuchins and rare cross-species “fad” behaviors, published in Current Biology.

Magnus Carlsen drew an online freestyle chess match against “The World,” a team of over 143,000 players on Chess.com, after a threefold repetition on move 32. Each side had 24 hours per move, with Team World voting on moves. Despite predictions of a Carlsen win, coordinated, solid play secured the draw. The game, which used randomized piece placement (freestyle), was the first of its kind featuring a world champion and set participation records, following earlier “vs. The World” matches by Kasparov (won, 1999) and Anand (won, 2024). Carlsen praised the world team’s sound strategy.

A Sri Lankan express train struck and killed a young elephant near Habarana and derailed, despite new safety measures introduced after a February crash on the same route that killed seven elephants. No passengers were injured. Authorities had imposed speed limits, adjusted timetables, and cleared vegetation to improve visibility, but collisions persist. Sri Lanka has recorded 139 elephant deaths from trains over 17 years, amid a broader human-elephant conflict that has killed 1,195 people and 3,484 elephants in the past decade. Similar problems exist in India, which has introduced speed limits and AI-enabled rail surveillance in some areas.

Elon Musk said he plans to remain Tesla’s CEO for at least the next five years, dismissing doubts during a video appearance at the Qatar Economic Forum. His comments follow a Wall Street Journal report claiming Tesla’s board was exploring CEO replacements, which Tesla’s chair called “absolutely false.” The company has faced pressure over Musk’s involvement with the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency and broader federal staff-cut efforts.

Gunmen killed seven males, including minors, in a plaza in San Felipe, Guanajuato, early Monday. Police found cartel-style banners referencing the Santa Rosa de Lima gang, which is battling the Jalisco New Generation Cartel in Mexico’s deadliest state. The Mexican Catholic Church condemned the attack as a sign of social breakdown and impunity. Guanajuato has led Mexico in homicides, with ongoing cartel violence including recent mass shootings, clashes with security forces, and killings of police and civilians. The U.S. State Department advises reconsidering travel to the state due to cartel-related violence.

A wildlife sanctuary on the outskirts of Culiacan, Mexico, is evacuating around 700 animals—including lions, tigers, jaguars, monkeys, and elephants—amid escalating cartel warfare between rival Sinaloa factions. The Ostok Sanctuary, which houses former circus animals and “narco pets,” has faced armed attacks, death threats, blocked access to supplies, and conditions that have left animals stressed, underfed, and in some cases dead. Staff report frequent gunfire nearby, thefts, and direct threats; a critical incident occurred when an injured elephant couldn’t receive specialist care due to security fears. Under National Guard escort, the sanctuary is relocating the animals to a reserve near Mazatlan, though violence has been spreading there as well. The crisis reflects a broader surge in cartel brutality across Mexico, with civilians—and now rescued wildlife—caught in the crossfire.

Spain’s transport ministry found that a Lufthansa Airbus A321 flying from Frankfurt to Seville on Feb. 17, 2024, operated on autopilot without pilot supervision for about 10 minutes after the co-pilot suddenly became incapacitated while the captain was out of the cockpit. The captain was initially unable to re-enter due to cockpit door protocols; after about two minutes, the co-pilot briefly regained consciousness and opened the door. The co-pilot, later assessed with a likely undetected neurological condition, had inadvertently triggered minor control inputs, which the autopilot corrected. The captain diverted to Madrid, landing safely. The co-pilot’s medical certificate was suspended, with officials noting the condition would not typically be caught unless symptomatic during exams.

Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada’s personal secretary, Ximena Guzmán, and adviser, José Muñoz, were shot dead by motorcycle gunmen in the capital’s Moderna neighborhood. Brugada called it a “direct attack” and vowed no impunity; authorities are reviewing surveillance footage. President Claudia Sheinbaum condemned the killings and pledged support, with National Security Minister Omar García Harfuch aiding the investigation. The attack, rare for Mexico City, follows a series of recent political murders across Mexico amid ongoing cartel-related violence.

Minneapolis indie artist Mother Soki (Annie Tammearu) went viral after posting a rough demo of her song “Rivet Gun” on TikTok, where it was shared over 100,000 times in 30 hours and later drew support from pop star Ellie Goulding. The track has since reached 1.5 million Spotify streams, leading to Mother Soki signing with indie label Mom + Pop. Created with collaborators Jack Pfeffer, Elijah Herchert, and Mo Todd, the song’s rapid rise underscores her embrace of collaboration and momentum; she’s now working on a music video and additional tracks for an album.

Israel covertly recovered about 2,500 items from Syrian intelligence archives related to famed spy Eli Cohen, 60 years after his 1965 execution in Damascus. The trove includes documents, recordings, photos, personal effects, false IDs, Mossad mission briefs, Cohen’s handwritten letters and will, and materials documenting his widow Nadia’s appeals for his release. Cohen, who infiltrated Syria’s elite as “Kamal Amin Taabet,” provided intelligence credited with aiding Israel’s 1967 war success before being captured and hanged. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu presented items to Nadia Cohen and said Israel is still working to retrieve Cohen’s remains.

Hawaii’s coral reefs are rapidly bleaching due to record ocean heat, reflecting a global crisis affecting 84% of reefs, according to NOAA. Warmer waters expel symbiotic algae, turning corals white and accelerating mortality from years to weeks. Scientist Greg Asner, who maps bleaching via the Allen Coral Atlas, notes impacts are even worse in the Caribbean, Florida, the Great Barrier Reef, and the Galápagos. Bleaching erodes marine biodiversity and natural coastal protection, risking billions in flood damage. While efforts like reef-safe sunscreen education and coral nurseries offer hope, meaningful recovery depends on curbing fossil fuel-driven warming.

The White House said Joe Biden had no prior prostate cancer diagnosis before last week and last underwent a PSA test in 2014. Spokesman Chris Meagher did not explain why Biden wasn’t regularly screened during his presidency, while Biden’s doctor did not comment. Experts note major guidelines generally advise against PSA screening for men over 70, though some—like Donald Trump—opt to continue testing. Biden, 82, has stage 4 prostate cancer with a Gleason score of 9 and bone metastases, making it incurable but manageable. The case has sparked debate over whether presidents, especially older ones, should receive heightened, independent medical evaluations.

Chengdu, a historically laid-back inland city, has become one of China’s fastest-growing urban centers, with its population up 30% to 21.5 million and housing prices rising faster than any other major city despite a nationwide property slump. Its appeal reflects growing disillusionment among young Chinese with the high-cost, high-stress coastal megacities and a slowing economy that offers fewer rewards for grueling work. While Chengdu offers lower salaries and fewer career ladders, it provides a more affordable, less pressured lifestyle, vibrant culture (including LGBTQ, hip-hop, e-sports), strong services and tourism sectors, and relatively stable living—an allure amplified post-Covid. The city’s rising real estate, burgeoning entertainment and tech niches, and alignment with potential government shifts toward inland strategic industries underscore how lifestyle and affordability are reshaping migration and economic dynamics in China.

Taiwan appointed Freddy Lim—frontman of the metal band Chthonic, former legislator, and ex-chair of Amnesty International Taiwan—as its envoy to Finland. The choice highlights Finland’s deep metal culture and Lim’s longstanding ties to its music scene, but is also rooted in his human rights advocacy and international experience. Lim, a prominent figure from Taiwan’s Sunflower Movement and later a lawmaker with the New Power Party and Democratic Progressive Party, plans to strengthen economic and diplomatic ties with Finland and seek greater support for Taiwan amid ongoing Chinese pressure, including Taiwan’s exclusion from bodies like the WHO. Some opposition legislators questioned his suitability, citing his exemption from military service.

The Senate unanimously passed the No Tax on Tips Act, set to be included in a broader budget bill for 2026–2028, exempting restaurant workers’ tip income from federal income tax via an above-the-line deduction. Tipped employees—including servers, bartenders, baristas, and food delivery drivers—could deduct up to $25,000 in tips (phasing out above $160,000 in annual income; thresholds will rise). Tips must still be tracked and reported, and they remain subject to payroll taxes (FICA, Medicare, unemployment). The measure does not change the federal tipped minimum wage, tip pooling rules, or prohibitions on tipping most back-of-house workers. It likely won’t curtail tipping prompts and could incentivize businesses to encourage tipping to attract staff. Employers keep the existing 45B tip credit; the bill would extend a similar credit to beauty businesses. Cash vs. card tips are treated the same for tax purposes, though cash can lower processing fees and may risk underreporting.

Israeli soldiers fired warning shots to disperse a large delegation of Western diplomats, Palestinian officials, and journalists touring Jenin in the West Bank. No injuries were reported. The Israeli military said the group deviated from an approved route; Palestinian officials disputed this, saying the path was pre-coordinated. The incident, near the site where journalist Shireen Abu Akleh was killed in 2022, heightened tensions amid growing international criticism of Israel. France and Canada summoned Israel’s ambassadors, calling the conduct unacceptable and demanding an investigation, while the EU urged accountability.

A New York Times investigation reveals that Russia covertly used Brazil as a long-term staging ground to manufacture deep-cover “illegal” spies with authentic Brazilian identities, businesses, and personal lives, before deploying them to the U.S., Europe, and the Middle East. Triggered by the 2022 exposure of GRU officer Sergey Cherkasov—who posed as Brazilian “Victor Muller Ferreira” and sought an ICC internship—Brazil’s Federal Police launched Operation East, combing millions of records to find “ghosts”: genuine Brazilian documents tied to people who never actually existed. Working with intelligence from the U.S., Israel, the Netherlands, Uruguay, and others, Brazilian agents identified at least nine Russian officers operating under Brazilian covers; six were previously unknown publicly. The probe disrupted Moscow’s illegals program, leading to arrests, forced returns to Russia, and the likely permanent loss of these operatives’ ability to work abroad. The crackdown reflects a broader global hardening against Russian espionage after the invasion of Ukraine.

At a heated Senate hearing on the State Department budget, Secretary of State Marco Rubio sparred with Democrats who said they regretted confirming him and accused him of enabling President Trump’s dismantling of U.S. foreign aid and U.S.A.I.D. Rubio defended deep cuts and the agency’s merger into State as efficiency moves, denied ceding ground to China, and said aid would continue where aligned with U.S. interests. He disputed claims of illegality and misleading aid-efficiency figures, while Democrats cited humanitarian harms, including famine risks, and accused him of abetting due-process violations in immigration enforcement. Republicans praised Rubio’s record and growing influence, noting his concurrent role as acting national security adviser. Rubio offered little new policy detail, hedging on future Ukraine funding and acknowledging risks in easing Syria sanctions.

The article examines text messages from 2021 between Russian deep-cover operatives Artem and Irina Shmyrev, revealing the personal strain and disillusionment behind elite spy work. Trained for years and deployed separately—Irina in Greece, Artem in Brazil—the pair grapple with isolation, bureaucratic pressure, and the gap between expectations and reality. Their chats show Artem’s frustration over stalled progress, money troubles, and loneliness, and Irina’s blunt pushback, highlighting mental strain and the unglamorous nature of their assignments. Hints of their tasks include translation, online ad campaigns, monitoring American students, and building covers (Artem as a 3-D printer), with tensions over how to present results to Moscow. The messages underscore that, contrary to myth, deep-cover espionage can be tedious, isolating, and psychologically taxing, especially when partners are separated.

The article profiles the last remaining Lucille Roberts gym, a women-only location in Forest Hills, Queens, once part of a 50+ location chain that helped popularize women’s fitness in New York with low prices, bold ads, and a feminist, community-oriented ethos. Loyal longtime members—many in their 50s to 70s—value the supportive, women-centered environment and classes over trendier options. Founded in 1970 by Lucille Roberts, an early fitness pioneer who marketed affordable, accessible gyms for everyday women, the chain flourished through the ’80s and ’90s before dwindling after her death and a 2017 sale to NYSC’s parent company. The final club will be rebranded “Lucille by NYSC” and renovated with more strength equipment while keeping some signature hot-pink branding and empowering slogans, signaling an update to a nostalgic institution.

A federal judge ruled that President Trump illegally fired two Democratic-selected members of the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board without cause, ordering their reinstatement. Judge Reggie B. Walton said Congress intended the independent watchdog to be insulated from presidential pressure, citing its role overseeing counterterrorism policies. The firings had paralyzed the board by leaving it without a quorum. Although the statute lacks explicit “for-cause” removal language, the court held that existing precedent protecting independent agency officials applies. The Justice Department did not comment.

The U.S. has formally accepted a Boeing 747 from Qatar, valued around $200 million, with the Air Force tasked to rapidly retrofit it as a potential new Air Force One for President Trump. The plane, originally outfitted for Qatar’s royal family, will require extensive and costly security modifications—potentially $1 billion or more—and could take longer than completing the two replacement Air Force One jets already under a $3.9 billion Boeing contract, with the first due in 2027. Lawmakers from both parties raised national security, influence, and cost concerns, including fears of rushed work and possible surveillance risks. Congress has not approved funding or formally accepted the gift as required by the Constitution, and operating three presidential aircraft could cost about $135 million annually per plane. The Air Force says contract details for the retrofit are classified; L3Harris is under consideration. Qatar denies any intent to influence U.S. policy.

The EU has proposed a flat €2 fee on small parcels shipped directly to consumers, ending customs-free treatment for packages under €150. A lower €0.50 fee would apply to parcels sent to warehouses. Aimed at offsetting customs costs and improving safety checks, the measure targets a surge of low-value shipments—4.6 billion in 2023, over 90% from China—affecting platforms like Shein and Temu. The move follows U.S. tariff changes on similar parcels and responds to European retailers’ complaints about unfair competition. Revenue would also support the EU budget.

At Sean “Diddy” Combs’ sex-trafficking trial, male exotic dancer Sharay “The Punisher” Hayes testified he realized his client was Combs after seeing “Welcome Sean Combs” on a hotel TV. Hayes described 8–12 encounters where he was hired to perform sexual acts with Cassie Ventura while a veiled Combs watched and directed, noting Cassie sometimes appeared uncomfortable and sought Combs’ consent for activities. Cassie’s mother, Regina Ventura, testified that photos showed bruises she said came from Combs, and that she paid $20,000 at his demand—money later returned without explanation. A Homeland Security agent detailed items seized in a March 2024 raid on Combs’ Miami mansion, including enhanced AR-15 rifles with altered serial numbers, loaded magazines, lingerie, and baby oil. The defense challenged a former assistant’s credibility. The trial continues, with potential testimony from Kid Cudi and Combs facing up to life in prison if convicted.

New satellite data show tropical primary forests were lost at the fastest rate on record in 2024—about 67,000 sq km (18 football pitches a minute). For the first time, fires—exacerbated by record Amazon drought linked to climate change and El Niño—overtook agricultural clearing as the main cause, especially in Brazil and Bolivia. The losses emitted an estimated 3.1 billion tonnes of CO2, comparable to the EU’s annual emissions, raising fears the Amazon is nearing a tipping point toward permanent “savannisation.” In contrast, Indonesia and parts of Southeast Asia reduced primary forest loss, credited to strong, consistent anti-burning policies and enforcement. Experts stress sustained policy commitment and new incentive schemes—such as payments for maintaining forests—will be crucial, with COP30 in the Amazon seen as a key moment to advance protection efforts.

Former DR Congo Prime Minister Augustin Matata Ponyo was sentenced by the Constitutional Court to 10 years of forced labor for embezzling about $245 million from the Bukanga-Lonzo Agro-Industrial Park project, intended to combat food shortages. Former central bank governor Deogratias Mutombo received five years of forced labor. Both are barred from public service for five years after their terms. Matata, who led the government from 2012 to 2016 and later opposed President Félix Tshisekedi, denies the charges; his lawyer called the ruling politically motivated. The case stems from a 2020 investigation into the failed project, once expected to create 22,000 jobs in a country with severe food insecurity. Forced labor is legal in DR Congo when court-ordered.

Former French surgeon Joel Le Scouarnec, already jailed for child sex crimes, admitted in court to abusing all 299 identified victims between 1989 and 2014—over 250 under 15—and said he feels “responsible” for the deaths of two victims who later died by suicide or addiction. Investigators identified victims through his detailed diaries, with many survivors having no memory of the abuse until informed by police. During the trial, Le Scouarnec apologized and acknowledged the harm, while victims described lifelong trauma. The case has spotlighted institutional failures, including an ignored early-2000s FBI alert about his access to child abuse sites and poor coordination within the medical order. Despite being France’s largest child abuse trial, victims say it has drawn limited public and political attention. A verdict, with a possible additional 20-year sentence, is due on 28 May.

George Wendt, best known for playing Norm Peterson on all 275 episodes of the sitcom Cheers (1982–93), has died at 76. He died peacefully in his sleep at home, his family said. Wendt earned six consecutive Emmy nominations for his role and reunited with castmates at the 2024 Emmys. His film credits include Dreamscape, Forever Young, and Gung Ho, and he appeared in Michael Jackson’s Black or White video. Married to actor Bernadette Birkett since 1978, he had three children and was the uncle of Jason Sudeikis. Tributes poured in from co-star Ted Danson, the Cheers Boston bar, and fellow actors, celebrating his warmth, humor, and legacy.

Indian writer-lawyer-activist Banu Mushtaq has won the International Booker Prize for Heart Lamp, the first Kannada-language work to receive the honor. Translated into English by Deepa Bhasthi, the anthology spans 12 stories written between 1990 and 2023 and portrays the lives, struggles, and resilience of Muslim women in southern India. Mushtaq’s own experiences with patriarchy, conservatism, and activism inform her nuanced characters. A veteran of journalism and the Bandaya movement, she later became a lawyer and continued writing despite threats and a fatwa. Her broader body of work includes multiple short story collections, an essay collection, and a novel, with prior accolades such as the Karnataka Sahitya Academy Award and the PEN Translation Prize for Haseena and Other Stories.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that Syria’s transitional authorities could collapse within weeks, risking a return to full-scale civil war. He defended President Trump’s recent lifting of US sanctions to enable aid and regional support for the new administration led by Ahmed al-Sharaa, a former al-Qaeda–linked HTS leader who remains designated a terrorist by the US and others. The move, echoed by the EU’s decision to lift economic sanctions, comes amid renewed sectarian violence that has killed over 1,000 people in recent months and deep minority distrust. Rubio argued engagement offers a chance to stabilize Syria, whereas withholding support would likely ensure failure.

Spain’s government has ordered Airbnb to remove nearly 66,000 listings it says violate tourist accommodation rules, amid growing backlash over over-tourism and soaring housing costs. A Madrid court has already mandated the immediate removal of 4,984 listings, with properties flagged across Madrid, Andalusia, Catalonia, Valencia, the Basque Country, and the Balearic Islands for lacking proper license details or owner status. Officials call it a win for housing rights as rent prices have doubled in a decade. Local authorities are also tightening controls, with Barcelona planning to phase out 10,000 tourist apartments by 2028. Airbnb plans to appeal, arguing hosts are responsible for listing data and that housing shortages stem from lack of supply, not short-term rentals. Protests against over-tourism are escalating, notably in the Canary Islands and Majorca, as Spain nears 100 million annual visitors.

Severe storms and torrential rain have caused deadly flooding in France’s Var region on the French Riviera, killing three people. An elderly couple in Le Lavandou were swept away as waters rose rapidly, while another person died after a car was driven onto a flooded road in Vidauban. Le Lavandou recorded 256mm of rain in an hour, leading to torn roads, damaged bridges, and ongoing power and water outages; access remains restricted due to flooding. Rail services were disrupted with damaged tracks and cancellations, and over 500 emergency calls were reported as hundreds of rescuers were deployed. Weather alerts have since been downgraded, but more than 600 homes remain without electricity.

Zhejiang province, home to Alibaba and DeepSeek, unveiled a sweeping AI policy to become a global innovation hub by 2027. The plan targets over 1 trillion yuan in operating revenue from AI supply-chain firms (LLMs, cloud, semiconductors), nearly doubling China’s current AI output. Measures include >10 billion yuan in AI-focused venture capital, subsidies for R&D-heavy start-ups, up to 30 million yuan for foundational and vertical AI projects, and consumer incentives (15% discounts up to 2,000 yuan) for intelligent devices. The strategy aligns with Beijing’s push for tech self-reliance by prioritizing domestic software and hardware adoption.

A University of Chicago-led study, published in Nature and led by China-born biochemist Yang Kaiting, found that high-dose radiotherapy—though effective at destroying local tumors—can unintentionally promote the growth of distant metastatic tumors that were not directly irradiated. The research highlights a paradoxical, systemic effect of radiation, suggesting that aggressive dosing may sometimes worsen cancer spread and underscoring the need to better understand and optimize radiotherapy strategies. Yang, formerly at UChicago and now a professor at South China University of Technology, led the work at the university’s cancer center.

China’s home-grown C919 narrowbody jet is marking two years of commercial service with expanded routes and a growing reputation for reliability. Its network now spans 16 cities, including new additions Shenzhen and Xiamen, and it operates a daily cross-border service between Shanghai and Hong Kong. With coverage of all four top-tier mainland cities and major economic hubs like Chongqing, Chengdu, Wuhan, and Hangzhou, China is leveraging the C919’s momentum to seek more orders domestically and internationally as it aims to compete with Boeing and Airbus.

The article compiles seven recent China-related science and defense highlights. Key points include: China’s PL-15E air-to-air missiles reportedly produced on a robotic assembly line, resurfacing after Pakistan claimed to use them to down Indian jets; Pakistan’s “ABC” data-sharing combat concept integrating ground radars, fighters, and AWACS (“locked by A, launched by B, guided by C”); and a claimed Chinese tech breakthrough enabling Pakistan to launch hypersonic strikes from a JF-17 against Indian air defenses. Other highlights (not fully detailed in the excerpt) include a new bacterial strain discovered aboard China’s Tiangong space station and major infrastructure advances such as work toward the world’s tallest dam, reflecting China’s push in aerospace, defense technology, space microbiology, and large-scale engineering.

Belgian prosecutors have asked the European Parliament to lift the immunity of five MEPs—Daniel Attard (Malta, Socialist), Nikola Minchev (Bulgaria, centrist), and Italians Salvatore De Meo, Fulvio Martusciello, and Giusi Princi (all EPP)—as part of a two-month inquiry into alleged bribery by Huawei. The lawmakers are accused of accepting gifts in exchange for lobbying for Huawei’s interests. The Parliament’s legal affairs committee will assess the request before a full plenary vote. Huawei denies wrongdoing, citing a zero-tolerance policy on corruption.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio pushed back against Democratic senators’ claims that deep cuts to USAID and other foreign aid under President Trump’s second term are eroding U.S. soft power and letting China overtake the U.S. in global development. Testifying before Congress, Rubio argued China lacks both the capacity and willingness to lead in humanitarian assistance, characterizing Beijing’s Belt and Road as predatory lending rather than aid. He insisted the U.S. is not retreating internationally, citing extensive recent travel and engagement, and rejected the notion that China could replace the U.S. in areas like global health, food aid, and development.

Taiwanese President William Lai’s first year has been marked by growing challenges at home and abroad. A US-China trade breakthrough sidelined Taipei, exposing limits of Lai’s Washington-focused strategy, while US tariffs on Taiwanese goods and lukewarm responses to his defense buildup undercut his claims of strong US ties. Domestically, an opposition-controlled legislature has stalled key initiatives and branded him a “dictator,” shaping public discourse. Recruitment struggles hamper military readiness, and analysts say Lai’s perceived inflexibility compared with predecessors has worsened gridlock and left him on a continued collision course with Beijing.

India is accelerating arms sales to Armenia to counter the growing Turkey-Azerbaijan-Pakistan alignment that has backed Islamabad amid recent India-Pakistan tensions. Since 2020, Delhi-Yerevan defense ties have deepened as Armenia shifts from reliance on Russian arms. India is reportedly delivering a second batch of Akash-1S air defense systems under a 2022 deal, along with howitzers and Pinaka rocket systems, after the first delivery in November 2024. Indian analysts say the move won’t significantly impact already strained ties with Turkey and Azerbaijan, which openly supported Pakistan following India’s Operation Sindoor airstrikes. The arms push reflects broader Eurasian realignments after the Ukraine war.

The European Central Bank warns a “fundamental regime change” may be underway as investors reassess the risk of U.S. assets amid tariff-driven trade tensions, leading to atypical shifts away from traditional safe havens like U.S. Treasuries and the dollar. In its Financial Stability Review, the ECB notes elevated valuations and rising uncertainty could spur a market correction and broader shifts in global capital flows with far-reaching consequences. ECB Vice President Luis de Guindos said uncertainty around U.S. trade, fiscal, and regulatory policies is driving volatility; tariffs are seen as detrimental to growth, with mixed inflation effects in the short term and potentially inflationary impacts if supply chains fragment over the long term. The EU has cut its 2025 growth forecasts, while inflation is expected to fall below the ECB’s 2% target in 2026.

Asia-Pacific stocks mostly rose Wednesday despite Wall Street ending a six-day rally. Japan’s Nikkei slipped 0.23% as export growth slowed for a second straight month amid sweeping U.S. tariffs; Moody’s warned Japan’s manufacturers face a tough outlook with tariff uncertainty. South Korea’s Kospi and Kosdaq gained, Australia’s ASX 200 advanced, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng rose, and China’s CSI 300 was flat. The Bank of Indonesia is set to decide policy, with HSBC expecting a restart of rate cuts due to weak growth and a softer rupiah. U.S. futures were slightly lower after tech-led declines Tuesday; the S&P 500, Nasdaq, and Dow all fell. Morgan Stanley forecast global growth slowing from 3.5% in 2024 to 2.5% in 2025 on tariff-related shocks, with sharper U.S. deceleration and weaker euro area and China. CATL shares climbed again after a large Hong Kong IPO. LME’s CEO noted tariff uncertainty is creating arbitrage opportunities in base metals, particularly copper.

European stocks were set for a flat to slightly lower open, with small moves indicated for the FTSE, DAX, CAC 40, and FTSE MIB. Investors are watching earnings from Marks & Spencer, SSE, Currys, and JD Sports, and awaiting U.K. April inflation data at 7 a.m. London time. In Asia, markets were mostly higher except Japan’s Nikkei, which dipped amid weaker export data and ongoing U.S. tariff pressures. U.S. futures edged lower after Wall Street snapped recent winning streaks across the S&P 500, Nasdaq, and Dow.

Marks & Spencer said a sophisticated cyberattack over Easter will cut around £300 million from 2025/26 operating profit—about 30.5% of last year’s £984.5 million—after disrupting food supplies and halting online sales. The incident, attributed to human error, has already wiped over £1 billion off M&S’s market value and online disruptions may persist into July. M&S plans to accelerate its tech transformation, compressing a two-year program into six months, and expects to offset some impact via cost management, insurance, and other actions. Despite otherwise strong annual results (operating profit up 17% before items), the cyberattack overshadowed performance; shares were slightly higher on the day.

Target reports fiscal Q1 2025 results Wednesday, with Wall Street expecting EPS of $1.64 and revenue of $24.32 billion (LSEG). The retailer faces multiple headwinds: potential tariff-related cost pressures, flat revenue trends over the past four years, weak discretionary categories (e.g., home décor), and backlash over scaled-back DEI initiatives. Unlike Walmart (planning price hikes due to tariffs) and Home Depot (not planning hikes), Target flagged “meaningful” Q1 profit pressure amid soft February sales and consumer uncertainty. For FY2025, Target guides to roughly flat comparable sales, about 1% net sales growth, adjusted EPS of $8.80–$9.80, and a modest operating margin improvement.

Japan’s export growth slowed to 2% in April, the weakest since October, as U.S.-bound shipments fell 1.8%—the first drop this year—amid steep U.S. tariffs on autos, steel, and aluminum. Transport equipment exports to the U.S. fell 4.1% by value, narrowing Japan’s U.S. trade surplus to 780.6 billion yen. Imports declined 2.2%. Economists expect net exports to drag on Q2 GDP and see the BOJ delaying its next rate hike to October. Japan’s economy shrank an annualized 0.7% in Q1, and uncertainty from shifting U.S. trade policy is weighing on manufacturers. Bilateral talks continue, but a return to pre-Trump terms is seen as unlikely.

UK inflation rose to 3.5% in April, above expectations of 3.3%, reversing recent cooling. Core inflation climbed to 3.8% from 3.4%. The main drivers were housing and household services, transport, and recreation, while clothing and footwear eased pressures. Energy costs rose 6.7% year over year, and water and sewerage charges jumped 26.1% in April, the largest monthly increase since at least 1988. The surprise uptick, tied to the higher energy price cap and one-off factors (tax changes, Easter timing, weather), complicates the Bank of England’s rate-cut path after its recent cut to 4.25%. While the BOE had flagged a temporary inflation rise, the stronger core reading may stiffen resistance to rapid easing, though some economists still expect gradual cuts later this year as underlying inflation trends lower.

Sky News reports that gangs now control about 90% of Port-au-Prince, with daily gun battles confining civilians and police to limited safe areas. A filmed encounter shows police armored vehicles taking heavy fire near territory controlled by gang leader Jimmy “Barbecue” Cherizier. The violence has displaced hundreds of thousands, forcing many into overcrowded, unsafe camps—including a church compound sheltering 10,500 people—amid widespread abandonment of government facilities. The remaining 10% of the city not under gang control is jammed with people and traffic, creating intense claustrophobia and a sense of international neglect as residents live under pervasive threat.

Salvage teams have recovered the first pieces of the superyacht Bayesian—the main boom, anchor, and a sail pole—months after it capsized off Sicily on 19 August 2024, killing seven people including British tech tycoon Mike Lynch and his daughter Hannah. Following a diver’s death during the operation, Dutch firms HEBI and SMIT Salvage are increasing use of remote-controlled tools, which will delay completion beyond the previously expected end-of-May timeline. The recovered parts will be taken to Termini Imerese for prosecutors investigating the incident. A recent MAIB interim report indicated the yacht may have been vulnerable to high winds—gusts exceeded 70 knots—and that these vulnerabilities were not documented in the vessel’s stability information. UK inquests are underway for the British victims; 15 people survived.

Former GCHQ director Sir Jeremy Fleming joins Sky News’ podcast “The World with Richard Engel and Yalda Hakim” to discuss global security challenges, including the wars in Gaza and Ukraine, U.S. foreign policy under Donald Trump, China’s growing threat, AI risks, and cyber warfare. He weighs in on prospects for a Ukraine outcome, a potential Iran nuclear deal, and the main threats to UK national security, and answers listener questions on espionage, cyber conflicts, and even who could be the next James Bond. Episodes air weekly across podcast platforms.

Hard-right populist George Simion will challenge Romania’s presidential election result after losing the runoff to pro-EU Bucharest mayor Nicusor Dan, who won 54% to Simion’s 46% amid a high 64.7% turnout. Simion claims “irrefutable” foreign interference by France, Moldova, and others, echoing Telegram founder Pavel Durov’s suggestions of Western pressure to curb conservative voices. He has asked Romania’s Constitutional Court to annul the result and urged supporters to use Telegram and petition the court. The dispute follows a tumultuous election cycle, including the court’s earlier annulment of a first-round vote that had favored far-right candidate Calin Georgescu. Dan, an independent and anti-corruption advocate who supports Ukraine, called for unity as he prepares to assume office, while Romania braces for further political and legal turmoil.

Indian authorities have launched a manhunt for Pankaj Lamba, 23, accused of murdering his wife, 24-year-old Harshita Brella, in Corby, UK, on 10 November 2024. Her body was found four days later in a car boot in Ilford, with a post-mortem confirming death by strangulation. Northamptonshire Police believe Lamba fled to India; Delhi Police have issued a lookout circular, declared him a proclaimed offender, and offered a 50,000 rupee reward for information. CCTV reportedly shows him withdrawing large sums of cash in Delhi on 4 March. His phone was later found with a rickshaw driver. Some family members in India have been questioned; his parents were arrested under dowry death-related charges. The couple had an arranged marriage and moved to the UK in April 2024. Brella’s family has criticized the pace of the investigation.

Sky News and Tortoise Media are launching “The Wargame,” a five-part podcast (from 10 June) that simulates a Russian attack on the UK to test national resilience and decision-making. Prominent former officials role-play a British government, including Sir Ben Wallace as prime minister, Jack Straw as foreign secretary, Amber Rudd as home secretary, and James Heappey as defence secretary, with Lord Mark Sedwill as national security adviser and Gen Sir Richard Barrons as chief of the defence staff. A Russia expert team, led by Keir Giles as the Russian president, opposes them. Designed by Oxford’s Rob Johnson, the low-probability, high-impact scenario mirrors real government wargames (without classified content) and examines UK preparedness and ally reliability ahead of the UK’s Strategic Defence Review and a NATO summit. Episodes drop 10, 17, and 24 June across Sky News platforms.

Severe thunderstorms triggered flash floods in France’s Var region, leaving three dead and two missing, according to reports. An elderly couple died when their car was swept away in Le Lavandou, and another person drowned in their vehicle in Vidauban. Le Lavandou and Bormes-les-Mimosas were hardest hit, with major infrastructure damage, widespread power and water outages, and parts of the area left inaccessible. In Cavaliere, 250mm of rain fell in an hour, causing a parking lot collapse and prompting dozens of rescues. About 200 firefighters and 35 gendarmes responded, as Meteo-France issued an orange alert for rain, flooding, and thunderstorms.

CNN profiles Christina Ernst, a 28-year-old Chicago-based Google software engineer who creates whimsical, tech-enabled fashion under “She Builds Robots.” Ernst’s viral projects include a self-twirling dress, candle-lit corset, stained-glass illuminated gown, a Medusa dress with AI eye-contact, and a motion-synced “Ratatouille” hair-pulling headband. Her aim is to inspire young women to explore STEM by blending coding, robotics, and fashion, offering tutorials and free classes during a Chicago Public Library residency. Citing the historical ties between textiles and computing, she emphasizes experimentation and embracing failure, often iterating through many prototypes. While not pursuing fashion commercially, she uses “fashioneering” as a gateway to make technology feel magical and accessible.

Israeli soldiers fired warning shots near a large delegation of European and Arab diplomats visiting the area by the Jenin refugee camp in the occupied West Bank, prompting widespread international condemnation. The visit, coordinated in advance, aimed to assess humanitarian conditions amid a major Israeli military operation. The Israel Defense Forces said the group strayed from an approved route and entered an unauthorized area, while the Palestinian Authority and UN officials disputed this, calling the shooting unlawful and emblematic of excessive force. The EU and multiple countries—including France, Italy, Spain, Canada, Finland, the UK, and several Arab states—summoned Israeli ambassadors or condemned the incident, demanding a thorough investigation and accountability. No injuries were reported.

Indian author Banu Mushtaq and translator Deepa Bhasthi won the 2025 International Booker Prize for “Heart Lamp,” a Kannada short story collection spanning 1990–2023 that explores women’s lives, faith, caste, power, and oppression in southern India. It’s the first short story collection to win the prize. Bhasthi, who curated and preserved the region’s multilingual texture in translation, is the first Indian translator to win since the prize’s 2016 format change. The £50,000 award is split between author and translator.

Liam O’Hanna (Mo Chara) of Irish hip-hop group Kneecap has been charged by London’s Metropolitan Police with a terrorism offense for allegedly displaying a Hezbollah flag at a November 21, 2024 London show, in a way that suggested support for the proscribed group. The charge followed a counterterrorism investigation triggered by an online video, with the Crown Prosecution Service authorizing the case. O’Hanna, 27, is due in Westminster Magistrates’ Court on June 18. Kneecap, vocal critics of Israel’s war in Gaza, have faced broader scrutiny over videos purportedly showing support for Hamas and Hezbollah and calls to harm British politicians—claims the band disputes as out-of-context smears. They previously apologized over a separate 2023 clip invoking violence against MPs. CNN has sought comment from the band’s management.

US intelligence indicates Israel is preparing for a possible strike on Iranian nuclear facilities, amid ongoing but stalled Trump administration negotiations with Tehran. Intercepted communications and military movements, including air munitions shifts and exercises, suggest planning, though officials stress no final Israeli decision has been made and some signs may be coercive signaling. Israel sees a window with Iran militarily weakened, but lacks full capacity to cripple Iran’s program without US support; Washington is unlikely to assist absent major Iranian provocation. Israeli leaders may act to derail any US-Iran deal that permits uranium enrichment, a core sticking point as the US demands zero enrichment and Iran refuses. A strike would risk regional escalation and a break with Trump, though Israeli decisions likely hinge on the outcome of negotiations. US assessments say strikes could set back but not eliminate Iran’s nuclear progress.

Tottenham Hotspur beat Manchester United 1-0 in Bilbao to win the Europa League, securing their first trophy since 2008 and first European title since 1984. Brennan Johnson scored late in the first half, while Micky van de Ven’s acrobatic goal-line clearance and key saves from Guglielmo Vicario preserved the lead. The victory grants Spurs a Champions League spot despite a poor Premier League season, and marks a landmark for captain Son Heung-min as the first South Korean to captain a club to a major European trophy. Manager Ange Postecoglou’s second-season promise to “win something” was fulfilled.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian reaffirmed Iran’s willingness to negotiate over its nuclear program while insisting on its “legal rights,” including uranium enrichment for civilian and research purposes. Four rounds of indirect U.S.-Iran talks have occurred without a deal, with key technical issues—especially enrichment levels and stockpiles—unresolved. Iran is enriching up to 60%, beyond the 2015 deal limits. Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said no written U.S. proposal has been received and vowed enrichment will continue under the NPT. Donald Trump signaled openness to trade with Iran if a deal is reached, with potential sanctions relief anticipated.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei rejected U.S. demands that Iran halt all uranium enrichment, calling them “utter nonsense” and saying Iran will pursue its own policies without permission. He expressed skepticism that ongoing indirect nuclear talks would succeed, citing past failures. Reports of a potential fifth round of talks in Rome remain uncertain, with Iran’s foreign minister saying no date has been accepted due to what Tehran views as illogical U.S. positions. The dispute comes amid concerns over Iran’s enrichment to near-weapons grade and expanded missile capabilities, despite its minimal reliance on nuclear energy for power.

A Lufthansa Airbus A321 flying from Frankfurt to Seville on Feb. 17, 2024, operated on autopilot for over 10 minutes without a conscious pilot after the copilot suddenly fainted while the captain was out of the cockpit. The captain, initially unable to re-enter, regained access after an emergency code sequence just as the copilot manually opened the door despite being ill. The captain diverted to Madrid, where the copilot received medical attention and was later diagnosed with a previously undetected neurological condition. No passengers were harmed. Lufthansa cooperated with Spanish investigators and conducted its own safety review.

Michael A. Ledeen, an American historian and Reagan-era adviser on terrorism, died at 83 after a series of small strokes. A key Cold War strategist, he helped secure European deployment of U.S. Pershing missiles, contributing to pressure on the Soviet Union. A fierce anti-communist influenced by Sidney Hook, Ledeen later focused on confronting Iran’s Islamist regime and other authoritarian threats, advocating nonviolent support for dissidents rather than military intervention. A scholar at AEI, author on national security and Iran-Contra, and mentor to many in Washington, he was praised by figures including Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu. He is survived by his wife, Barbara, daughter Simone, and sons Gabriel and Daniel.

The UK and EU announced their largest post-Brexit package, easing trade barriers and deepening defense ties amid pressure from President Trump’s tariffs and NATO spending demands. The deal streamlines food and travel rules, grants EU fishing access off the UK coast, and gives Britain access to an EU defense loan program worth about $170 billion for joint procurement. The UK also secured a cap limiting U.S. car tariffs to 10% on up to 100,000 exports, while the EU still faces broader U.S. tariffs and forecasts slower growth. Leaders framed the agreement as a strategic reset to bolster European security and cooperation, though UK hard-right figures criticized it.

The UK and EU struck a post-Brexit deal focused on defense cooperation, fishing rights, and easing trade frictions. Announced at a London summit between Prime Minister Keir Starmer and EU leaders, the agreement reportedly grants EU boats access to UK waters until June 30, 2038, and aims to reduce red tape on food trade. A proposed youth mobility scheme is under discussion but politically sensitive. Starmer insists the UK won’t rejoin the single market, customs union, or free movement. Reform UK and Conservatives criticized the pact as a surrender of sovereignty, especially on fisheries. The deal comes amid expectations of shifting U.S. policy under President Trump and seeks to reset UK-EU relations.

A new report warns that climate change and biodiversity loss are amplifying the EU’s “chocolate crisis,” with cocoa among six key commodities largely sourced from environmentally vulnerable countries. Using Eurostat trade data and indices for climate readiness and biodiversity intactness, researchers found over two-thirds of the EU’s cocoa, coffee, soy, rice, wheat, and maize imports in 2023 came from countries poorly prepared for climate impacts; for cocoa specifically, 96.5% of imports came from low-readiness countries and 77% from areas with degraded biodiversity. West Africa, the EU’s main cocoa source, faces overlapping risks, contributing to price spikes and supply shortages. The report urges major chocolate companies to invest in climate adaptation, biodiversity protection, and fair pricing for farmers as a supply-chain risk strategy. Experts caution that EU food resilience is weaker than assumed and advocate dietary shifts away from animal feed–heavy supply chains to reduce vulnerability.

Global forest loss hit a record high in 2024, with fires—worsened by global heating—overtaking agriculture and logging as the leading cause of tropical deforestation for the first time. Analysis by the University of Maryland (Global Forest Watch) shows forests worldwide lost an area the size of Italy. Brazil accounted for 42% of tropical primary rainforest loss (over 25,000 sq km), driven by severe drought and fires; Bolivia ranked second with more than 14,000 sq km lost amid policies favoring agricultural expansion. The DRC and Congo-Brazzaville also hit record losses. Despite a COP26 pledge to halt deforestation by 2030, countries are far off track and would need 20% annual reductions from 2024 levels. Experts warn of a dangerous fire-climate feedback loop. Some progress continues in Indonesia and Malaysia, where primary forest loss remains relatively low.

Former foreign detainees and hostages, including Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, Jason Rezaian, and Vladimir Kara-Murza, have urged UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to take urgent, decisive action to secure the release of British citizen and pro-democracy media mogul Jimmy Lai, 77, who has spent 1,602 days in solitary confinement in Hong Kong under the national security law. Citing fears for his health and prolonged trial delays, they called for a meeting with Starmer and for the UK to apply meaningful pressure on China, arguing that robust government action is essential. The UK government says Lai’s case is a priority and has called for his immediate release.

Japan’s agriculture minister Taku Etō resigned after public outrage over comments that he doesn’t buy rice because supporters give it to him, amid a sharp rise in rice prices nearly doubling over the past year. His remarks, made at a fundraiser, deepened pressure on Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba ahead of July upper house elections, as the government struggles with a cost-of-living crisis. Shinjirō Koizumi was appointed as his replacement. The rice shortage is linked to poor harvests from heat, panic-buying after a quake warning, and suspected hoarding. Public dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of the crisis is high, and Japan even imported rice from South Korea for the first time in 25 years. Etō apologized, acknowledging his comments were inappropriate.

Hundreds of animals—including elephants, lions, tigers, crocodiles, and exotic birds—were relocated from the Ostok animal refuge near Culiacán, Sinaloa, to a coastal ranch in Mazatlán due to escalating cartel violence and threats to staff. Director Ernesto Zazueta described the operation as a “21st-century Noah’s Ark,” citing insecurity, theft, and supply disruptions that harmed animal welfare amid a bloody intra-cartel war. About 700 animals were moved by road, with sedatives used for dangerous species and heavy equipment for elephants. Many of the big cats had been previously seized from cartel-linked properties. Zazueta said the transfer underscores the dire situation in Culiacán: “If animals can no longer live in Culiacán, who can?”

New Zealand’s deputy prime minister and foreign minister, Winston Peters, warned the Pacific must not become a military zone amid rising US–China competition. Ahead of talks with Australia’s Penny Wong, he said the region should remain peaceful and not a site for great-power rivalry. Peters cited recent tensions, including China’s opaque deal with the Cook Islands and surprise live-fire drills in the Tasman Sea, which prompted concern in Wellington and Canberra. While emphasizing New Zealand’s strong but frank relationship with China, he called this the most uncertain period in 80 years and stressed intensified face-to-face engagement with Pacific nations and close cooperation with Australia on defense, security, and development.