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Five years after George Floyd’s murder, the surge of racial justice activism has given way to a swift backlash. Public support for Black Lives Matter has declined since its 2020 peak, and many perceive little concrete improvement for Black Americans. The Trump administration has set the tone with policies dismantling DEI initiatives, easing federal police oversight, targeting perceived anti-white bias, and making exceptions for white South African refugees while broader resettlement remains stalled. Police killings have increased, symbolic markers like D.C.’s Black Lives Matter Plaza are gone, and “law and order” politics have reasserted themselves. Scholars and activists like Manisha Sinha and Ibram X. Kendi argue that backlash is intentional and cyclical resistance is expected, though not inevitable. Personal costs to activists and a sharp shift in elite rhetoric underscore how quickly the post-2020 reform momentum has reversed.

Sam Freedman, a longtime New York Times journalist and Columbia Journalism School professor, is retiring after 35 years and a renowned book-writing seminar that produced 113 book contracts and 95 published titles from roughly 675 students. Launched in 1991, his class demystified book proposals and narrative craft with rigorous, exacting standards—emphasizing relentless reporting, structure (N = C + E + P + T), and discipline over “muse” or talent. Former students credit his tough-love mentorship and industry connections with catalyzing their careers; the school does not plan to continue the course in its current form, marking the end of an era. Freedman, author of 10 books, viewed the seminar as a legacy that would outlive him.

Yaron Lischinsky, a 30-year-old research assistant at the Israeli Embassy in Washington, was quietly buried in his hometown of Beit Zayit, Israel, after he and his partner, 26-year-old Sarah Milgrim, were fatally shot outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington. The suspected gunman, Elias Rodriguez, allegedly shouted “Free, free Palestine!” during his arrest and faces murder and terrorism-related charges; authorities are investigating the attack as a hate crime. Lischinsky and Milgrim were known as bridge-builders in their professional work. His low-profile funeral, attended by Israel’s foreign minister Gideon Saar, reflected the family’s desire for privacy and blended elements of his mixed religious background. Israeli officials plan a memorial and tree-planting in their honor, while Milgrim’s funeral is set near her Kansas City-area hometown.

U.S. prosecutors charged Joseph Neumeyer, a 28-year-old American and dual U.S.-German citizen, with attempting to firebomb a U.S. Embassy branch office in Tel Aviv after he arrived at the building with Molotov cocktails. Neumeyer had posted threats on Facebook, including calls to kill former President Trump and Elon Musk, and announced plans to burn down the embassy. Detained in Israel with bottles containing ethanol, he was deported to the U.S., appeared in Brooklyn federal court, and is being held without bail. The incident follows heightened tensions after two Israeli Embassy employees were killed in Washington, D.C.

Two leading Senate fiscal conservatives, Ron Johnson and Rand Paul, signaled they will push major changes to the House-passed bill advancing President Trump’s domestic agenda, arguing it increases deficits and lacks serious debt reduction. Johnson warned there are enough GOP senators to stall the bill unless deeper spending cuts are made, while Paul called for cuts to Medicaid, Social Security, and food assistance. Their stance complicates passage, as House Speaker Mike Johnson cautioned that significant Senate revisions could unravel fragile House support. Some Republicans, including Josh Hawley, oppose the bill’s Medicaid cuts and rollbacks of clean energy credits, saying they would harm working families.

The article reports that the Trump administration is reshaping federal civil rights enforcement to target perceived discrimination against white men while dismantling diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Agencies have opened investigations into Chicago’s hiring practices, Chicago Public Schools’ Black Students Success Plan, and Harvard University’s tenure decisions, alleging bias against non-Black applicants and particularly white men. Critics call the approach hypocritical, noting the administration’s simultaneous ban on “disparate impact” analysis even as outcome statistics are used to justify probes. The EEOC, led in this push by Acting Chair Andrea Lucas, has also scrutinized major law firms’ diversity recruiting. The White House frames the agenda as promoting merit and equality; civil rights advocates say it weaponizes civil rights law to punish DEI and recast white men as the primary victims of discrimination.

Minnesota crushed Oklahoma City 143-101 in Game 3 to cut the Western Conference finals deficit to 2-1. The Timberwolves blitzed the Thunder with a 34-14 first quarter, shot 57.3% from the field and 50% from 3, and led by as many as 45. Anthony Edwards scored 30 (16 in the first), with Julius Randle adding 24 and the bench contributing 45. Minnesota’s defensive adjustments—multiple defenders on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, giving drivers more space to avoid fouls, and timing help from bigs—held the MVP to 14 points and broke OKC’s rhythm. Offensively, Edwards varied his pick-and-roll angles to create cleaner pull-ups and downhill lanes. The Thunder shot 40.7% overall, 31.8% from 3, turned it over early, and never recovered despite deep rotations. Game 4 looms with OKC needing to speed up its half-court pace, crack Minnesota’s pressure schemes, and contain Edwards to avoid a tied series.

The author describes being terrified yet compelled by HBO’s The Last of Us, finding that the show’s zombie horror offers a paradoxical relief from real-world anxieties. She reflects on how immersing in fictional catastrophe can distract from personal and societal stresses, recalling a therapist’s advice to use horror as a temporary escape during her own miscarriages. Despite lacking a support system of fellow fans and her husband’s blasé attitude, she keeps watching for the catharsis and perspective it provides. As the season ends, she feels both relief and sadness, fearing the loss of a dependable, if harrowing, refuge from reality.

Susan Brownmiller, feminist author, journalist, and activist, died at 90. Her landmark 1975 book, “Against Our Will: Men, Women and Rape,” reframed rape as a crime of power rather than passion, traced its history from antiquity to modern warfare, and catalyzed reforms: the rise of rape-crisis centers, popularity of self-defense, marital rape criminalization, abolition of corroboration requirements, and adoption of rape shield laws. Widely praised as groundbreaking scholarship and ranked by the New York Public Library among the century’s most important books, it also drew fierce criticism for its sweeping claim that rape functions as a tool by which “all men keep all women in a state of fear,” provoking debate across the political spectrum, including critiques from Angela Davis and conservative commentators. In later years, Brownmiller stood by her thesis but sparked controversy for arguing that young women should heed risks and take responsibility for self-protection. Born in Brooklyn in 1935, she drew on lessons from Jewish history about violence and oppression to shape her life’s work.

After striking agreements with the Trump White House to avoid punitive executive orders in exchange for nearly $1 billion in collective pro bono commitments, elite law firms like Skadden, Kirkland & Ellis, and Paul Weiss are facing a surge of requests—especially from veterans and conservative groups—to provide free legal help aligned with issues Trump promoted. Greta Van Susteren publicly pressured Skadden to represent a veteran in a civil rights dispute after the firm declined full representation. Conservative organizations, including the Heritage-affiliated Oversight Project, are seeking millions in pro bono support for their litigation. Firms are grappling with how to honor the commitments without ceding control over case selection, alienating staff, or redefining pro bono beyond traditional public-interest priorities. Some internal pushback has emerged, with junior lawyers at Kirkland reportedly refusing to work on matters tied to the White House deal. While the administration has not directly assigned cases, the agreements have prompted confusion, heightened public outreach, and concerns over politicizing pro bono work.

The article details how President Trump and his family have monetized the presidency on an unprecedented scale, with muted public and political backlash. Recent ventures include a $28 million Melania film deal funded by Jeff Bezos, $320 million in fees from a new Trump-branded cryptocurrency, billion-dollar overseas real estate deals, a $500,000-per-member Washington club, and a $200 million luxury jet from Qatar for Trump’s use and future library. Despite comparisons to historic scandals, oversight is minimal due to Trump’s dismantling of accountability mechanisms and consolidation of loyalists across government, plus Republican control of Congress. Public outrage appears limited or exhausted, though the Qatar jet prompted broader concern. The White House argues Trump is too wealthy to be influenced and complies with applicable laws, which largely exempt the president. Critics say the normalization of such behavior reflects a profound shift in ethical standards and the erosion of traditional checks on presidential self-enrichment.

Vietnam fast-tracked a $1.5 billion Trump-branded golf and real estate project near Hanoi—along with a planned Trump tower in Ho Chi Minh City—by bypassing multiple legal requirements, including land acquisition, financing, environmental reviews, and public consultation. Officials cited “special attention” from President Trump and his administration, tying the project’s urgency to high-stakes trade talks and the threat of U.S. tariffs on Vietnamese exports. The rush, which normally takes years but advanced in months, granted unusually generous concessions and conflicted with planning rules and flood-risk concerns. Local residents, pressured to sign consent letters, fear losing ancestral farmland and inadequate compensation. Eric Trump led the groundbreaking alongside Vietnam’s prime minister, underscoring how the blurred line between Trump’s presidency and business interests is influencing foreign governments to favor Trump-branded ventures.

Two weeks after de-escalating from near-war, India and Pakistan have launched global lobbying campaigns to shape international opinion on their Kashmir conflict. India has sent seven delegations to about 30 countries to spotlight Pakistan’s alleged support for militants and its purported role in the April 22 Kashmir attack, while countering perceptions—amplified by US President Donald Trump—that both sides are equals and open to third-party mediation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi ruled out talks with Pakistan and vowed military reprisals for future attacks, and India’s foreign minister said the May 10 truce was bilaterally negotiated, not brokered by Trump. Analysts say Trump’s mediation messaging benefits Pakistan in the post-conflict narrative battle.

A US-funded report by transnational crime expert Jacob Sims identifies Cambodia as the global epicentre of a rapidly expanding, Chinese-led cybercrime industry, potentially the world’s most powerful criminal network. Enabled by state-sanctioned corruption, the multibillion-dollar scam economy threatens global economic and political stability and is poised for further explosive growth. Building on UN findings, the report highlights how Southeast Asian syndicates have evolved from drugs and gambling to industrial-scale online fraud supported by trafficking, money laundering, and tech expertise. Professionalized recruitment lures youth from 60+ countries with fake jobs; many are coerced into forced labor, facing extortion, torture, and even murder.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang, during a visit to Jakarta, pledged to work with Indonesia to confront risks and promote shared development. In talks with President Prabowo Subianto, Li proposed deeper cooperation across politics, economy, cultural exchange, maritime affairs, and security. Addressing business leaders, he promised China would further open its economy and improve the investment climate, urging stronger industrial integration and free trade amid rising global protectionism and geopolitical turbulence. Li advocated resolving disputes through dialogue and pursuing win-win cooperation for regional prosperity.

China’s newest and most advanced aircraft carrier, the Fujian, completed an “intensive” eighth sea trial, state media reported. The carrier, China’s first with electromagnetic catapults, is expected to significantly boost the navy’s offshore defense and long-range escort capabilities once in service. J-35 fifth-generation stealth fighters conducted tests and flights, though it was not confirmed if they were launched via the Fujian’s catapults. Maritime advisories indicated the carrier departed Shanghai’s Jiangnan Shipyard for open waters, and previous trials showed signs of catapult testing and touch-and-go landings on its deck.

China’s high-speed rail is drawing travelers away from airlines, especially on the busy Beijing–Shanghai corridor. In 2024, around 52 million rail trips were made between the two cities versus 8.6 million flights. Business travelers favor bullet trains for their roughly four-hour journey time, reliability, flexible schedules, comfortable cabins, stable internet, and charging access. Airlines warn their market is being eroded and are responding with fare cuts and perks like free limousine services. The Beijing–Shanghai High-speed Railway has become highly profitable for the state operator despite early operational issues.

Hong Kong’s New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme attracted HK$16.5 billion from 543 approved applicants over 14 months since its March 2024 launch, with 36% (HK$6 billion) going into SFC-authorised funds, 28% (HK$4.6 billion) into equities, and 13% (HK$2.2 billion) into debt securities. The scheme has received 1,257 applications and granted 512 formal approvals. InvestHK expects current applications to bring total investment above HK$37 billion, bolstering the city’s status as an international investment hub. The programme offers a residency pathway for those investing at least HK$30 million in approved assets.

Shanghai’s luxury housing market is defying China’s broader property slump, with wealthy buyers flocking to prime projects as safe-haven assets. All 64 units released at One Central Park in Huangpu sold out in a day for 4 billion yuan, at an average 185,000 yuan per sq m, with a top duplex exceeding 246,000 yuan per sq m. The project’s 2025 sales have topped 10.8 billion yuan, the first in China to surpass 10 billion this year, and demand was strong enough to trigger a points-based allocation to curb speculation. Citywide, new-home sales jumped 72% week on week and average prices hit a record 107,746 yuan per sq m, with other premium launches from Swire and Greentown also selling out rapidly.

Chinese firms are leveraging US-China tensions to accelerate global growth by replacing US services and riding the wave of Chinese companies’ overseas expansion. Rising data-security and geopolitical concerns are pushing Chinese state-owned and private enterprises to adopt domestic alternatives, creating openings for companies like Hangzhou-based eSignGlobal. The digital signature provider, partnered with Alibaba Cloud and serving millions of users, says its revenue has more than tripled this year. HSBC reports that Chinese companies are still early in their internationalization, leaving significant room for further expansion.

Hainan’s Lecheng “medical special zone” is enabling Chinese patients to access cutting-edge, experimental therapies—such as personalized mRNA cancer vaccines, stem cell treatments, and gene therapies—before they reach the broader market. The enclave hosts over 30 advanced hospitals and offers modern, patient-centric facilities, contrasting with typical mainland wards. A highlighted case involves a 50-year-old lung cancer patient receiving LK101, an mRNA vaccine aimed at reducing relapse risk, exemplifying how Lecheng is accelerating access to innovative cancer treatments in China.

Chinese military scientists report a breakthrough in electromagnetic weapon design: a capacitor-free coilgun powered directly by lithium batteries, enabling a sustained firing rate of 3,000 rounds per minute. Demonstrated by state arms maker CSGC in April, the system reportedly shatters car windows and door panels in seconds. A peer‑reviewed paper in China’s Journal of Gun Launch & Control attributes the advance to removing capacitors—the traditional bottleneck due to recharge lag—that previously limited coilguns, including US commercial models like the GR-1 “Anvil,” to about 100 rounds per minute. The development could significantly alter future small-arms and close-quarters combat capabilities.

South Korea’s Warmth Mailbox, launched in 2017 by the charity Ongi, invites people to submit handwritten letters about their worries to drop-off boxes nationwide. Trained volunteers write two- to three-page handwritten replies offering empathy and reflection. In a hyper-digital, competitive society where mental health stigma persists, the analogue, personal exchange has grown across coffee shops, campuses, hospitals, and more, providing a meaningful outlet for connection and combating loneliness.

Korean-Chinese cuisine, born from Chinese immigrant communities in Korea, has become a national staple with restaurants (joongguk jib) found everywhere—even on tiny Marado island. Its core dishes are jajangmyeon (noodles in black bean sauce) and jjambbong (spicy seafood noodle soup), which evolved to suit Korean tastes and local ingredients; one pathway of evolution included influences via Japan. Like American-Chinese food, this hybrid cuisine reflects diaspora adaptation, shaping everyday dining and popular culture in South Korea.

Former DR Congo president Joseph Kabila condemned President Félix Tshisekedi’s government as a “dictatorship” in a rare 45-minute address after the Senate lifted his immunity to allow treason and war crimes charges tied to alleged links with M23 rebels. Speaking from an undisclosed location, Kabila accused authorities of political persecution, constitutional violations, economic mismanagement, and outsourcing security to militias and foreign forces. He criticized bans on his party and asset seizures, urged withdrawal of all foreign troops, and outlined a 12-point plan to end eastern insecurity. The government has not responded. Analysts warn prosecuting Kabila could further destabilize the country amid ongoing M23 conflict and tentative DR Congo–Rwanda peace efforts. Reactions to his speech were mixed, with critics noting parallels to accusations against his own 2001–2019 rule.

The EU’s trade chief, Maros Sefcovic, said the bloc seeks a US trade deal based on mutual respect, not threats, after President Trump vowed to impose 50% tariffs on all EU goods starting 1 June unless talks progress. Trump, citing an uneven trade relationship, maintained a 10% baseline tariff and existing 25% duties on EU steel and aluminum, while pausing broader hikes for three months. EU leaders urged de-escalation but pledged to defend their interests, with potential retaliatory measures on hold. Markets in the US and Europe fell on the renewed tariff threats.

The article reports on backlash to the Trump administration’s refugee policies after it paused most refugee admissions—leaving about 120,000 conditionally approved refugees in limbo—while fast-tracking entry for white South African Afrikaners under a special order citing “racial discrimination” and alleged “genocide.” Refugees like “Pacito,” a Congolese man stranded in Kenya after his US flight was canceled, and a Palestinian family in Egypt, question the fairness of prioritizing Afrikaners despite extensive vetting already completed by others. Advocacy groups argue admissions should be based on credible persecution across all groups. The policy shift coincides with broader Trump actions: cutting foreign aid (including HIV/Aids programs in South Africa), revoking visas, deportations, ending protected status for Afghans, and escalating tensions with South Africa over land reform. Data cited undercuts claims of a targeted genocide against white South Africans, while conflicts in places like the DRC and Gaza continue to produce large-scale civilian harm.

Jay Emmanuel-Thomas, once a highly rated Arsenal youth captain tipped by Arsene Wenger, saw a promising career fade after moves across lower-league English clubs and abroad. While playing in Thailand in 2019, he is believed to have formed criminal links that later led to a drug-smuggling plot. In September 2023, Border Force intercepted £600,000 worth of cannabis at Stansted Airport carried by his girlfriend and her friend, whom he had duped into believing they were transporting gold after arranging an all-expenses trip. The former Aberdeen and Greenock Morton striker acted as intermediary between Thai suppliers and UK dealers, having orchestrated a similar trip in July. Initially denying the charges, he pleaded guilty in May 2024. Charges against the two women were dropped. Emmanuel-Thomas awaits sentencing.

Canada’s new Prime Minister Mark Carney has invited King Charles III to deliver the Speech from the Throne, a rare move intended to assert Canada’s sovereignty and distinguish it from the U.S., particularly amid tensions with President Trump over tariffs and remarks suggesting Canada should be a U.S. state. The visit underscores Canada’s constitutional monarchy and signals a more pro-Crown stance from a Liberal government, contrasting with past efforts to downplay royal ties. While Canadians are largely indifferent or critical of the monarchy—especially in Quebec and among those focused on Indigenous reconciliation—the high-profile event serves as political theatre aimed at both domestic and international audiences, potentially leveraging Trump’s affinity for the monarchy and aligning Canada more closely with Europe. It will be the King’s first visit to Canada as monarch and a symbolic reaffirmation of Canada’s distinct identity.

Michael Schumacher’s Ferrari F2001, the car he drove to victory at the 2001 Monaco Grand Prix and to clinch his fourth world title after winning in Hungary, sold at auction for €15.98m (£13.43m). Sold by RM Sotheby’s before Monaco GP qualifying, it’s the most expensive Schumacher-driven car ever auctioned and the fourth most expensive F1 car overall. The previous Schumacher record was £9.75m for an F2003. Ferrari aims to echo past success with Charles Leclerc starting second for Sunday’s race.

The article reports a surge of young American men converting to Russian Orthodox Christianity, particularly within the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia (ROCOR). Drawn by a message of traditional gender roles, discipline, and what they view as a “masculine” alternative to modern Western culture, many converts embrace large families, oppose contraception, homeschool to avoid progressive social topics, and consume online content from influential priests like Father Moses McPherson. Data and clergy accounts suggest post-pandemic growth across Orthodox parishes, with men comprising a rising share of adherents. Some converts admire Russia’s public religiosity and challenge mainstream U.S. narratives on Russia and the Ukraine war, while critics within Orthodoxy warn that certain converts conflate the faith with authoritarian or “anti-woke” culture.

A suspected arson attack on an electricity substation and deliberate damage to a pylon caused widespread power cuts in Cannes and nearby areas on the final day of the Cannes Film Festival, affecting about 160,000 homes. The outages disrupted shops, restaurants, and several morning film screenings, though organizers switched to private generators and confirmed the closing ceremony would proceed as planned. Prosecutors are investigating the incidents, which included a substation fire in Tanneron and the cutting of pylon legs near Villeneuve-Loubet. Despite disruptions, the festival is set to conclude with Juliette Binoche’s jury announcing the Palme d’Or.

BBC journalist Anna Holligan’s custom e-cargo “Bike Bureau” was stolen in Amsterdam, leaving her without the solar-powered mobile studio she used to report live while parenting. The theft, despite heavy locks, highlights rampant bike crime in the Netherlands (86,000 reported stolen last year). Her bike symbolized sustainable, flexible journalism and visible working motherhood, inspiring audiences and colleagues. While unlikely to recover it, Holligan says the loss underscores issues of urban safety and cycling infrastructure, but also the supportive community and the lasting impact the bike had on her work and family life.

Andriy Portnov, a controversial former Ukrainian official and ally of ex-president Viktor Yanukovych, was shot dead in Madrid after dropping his children at the American School. Widely seen in Ukraine as an architect of a corrupt, pro-Russian legal system, he was known for targeting journalists and activists with legal pressure and threats, and was sanctioned by the US for manipulating the judiciary. After fleeing Ukraine in 2014, he lived in Moscow, attempted to influence Ukrainian media, briefly returned in 2019, and left again after Russia’s 2022 invasion. His killing has prompted little sympathy in Ukraine and intense speculation over motives—ranging from Russian or criminal retribution to economic disputes—while Ukrainian authorities distance themselves from involvement. Observers warn his network may still permeate Ukraine’s judiciary, underscoring the need for deeper reforms.

France’s landmark trial of Joel Le Scouarnec, a retired surgeon who admitted to raping or sexually assaulting 299 people—mostly children—has concluded amid victim anger over widespread public indifference. Victims formed a campaign group accusing authorities of ignoring a “laboratory of institutional failures,” including years of warnings overlooked by medical officials and the state despite an FBI alert in 2004. Observers cite a societal “omertà” around child abuse, deference to elite professionals, and the lack of a single emblematic figure to galvanize attention, unlike the Pelicot case. Testimony detailed extreme abuse, institutional cover-ups, and mishandling of victims, fueling calls for a parliamentary commission and systemic reforms. Le Scouarnec, 74, is expected to spend the rest of his life in prison.

A Paris court convicted eight of 10 defendants in the 2016 armed robbery of Kim Kardashian, acquitting two accused of sharing her whereabouts. Ringleader Aomar Aït Khedache received eight years (five suspended) and, like three others given seven-year terms with five suspended, will not return to prison due to time served and age. Other defendants received suspended sentences or fines. The court cited the defendants’ advanced ages and the nine-year gap since the crime in imposing lighter penalties, while acknowledging Kardashian’s lasting trauma. Only a diamond-encrusted cross was recovered from the stolen jewelry.

A 443-foot container ship, NCL Salten, ran aground just feet from a cabin in Trondheim fjord, Norway, likely because the sole helmsman on the bridge fell asleep, according to police and local media. The incident occurred around dawn as the cabin’s owner slept; no injuries were reported among the 16 crew. The grounding damaged a heating pipe but narrowly missed the house. The ship, which has reportedly grounded twice before (2023 and 2024), remains stuck despite refloating attempts. Police and the shipping company are investigating.

China criticized the Trump administration’s move to ban international students from Harvard, saying it harms U.S. credibility and international standing. The policy, driven by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s accusations that Harvard fosters antisemitism, violence, and CCP ties, sparked intense reaction in China and uncertainty among students. Harvard sued, calling the action unlawful and a First Amendment violation that would immediately affect over 7,000 visa holders—about a quarter of its student body—and sought a restraining order. As panic spread among affected students, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology offered unconditional transfers and streamlined admissions. The controversy taps into long-running U.S.-China tensions over student visas and safety concerns, with some Chinese students already choosing alternatives to the U.S.

Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa, 37, was sworn in for a full four-year second term alongside Vice President María José Pinto, pledging to intensify efforts against drug trafficking, corruption, and violent crime while implementing reforms to boost jobs and investment through private-sector collaboration. His inauguration in Quito drew regional leaders and U.S. representatives amid signals Washington views his leadership favorably. Re-elected in April over Luisa González—whose fraud claims were rejected—Noboa’s party holds a fragile congressional majority crucial for advancing an urgent crime-focused bill facing opposition. Analysts expect continuity in his hardline security approach, but warn he must also address root causes of violence, including unemployment and weak social services, in a country grappling with soaring crime and limited formal employment.

CBS News reports that during an Oval Office meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Donald Trump used misleading images and claims to support the narrative of a “White genocide” in South Africa. He showed a Reuters image actually taken in the Democratic Republic of Congo, misrepresented symbolic white crosses from a 2020 protest as graves of White farmers, and highlighted clips of fringe politician Julius Malema singing a controversial anti-apartheid chant that courts have ruled is not hate speech. Official data show farm murders involve both Black and White victims amid broader high crime, and Ramaphosa denied any genocide, noting most murder victims in South Africa are Black.

Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi won the Palme d’Or at the 78th Cannes Film Festival for his revenge thriller “It Was Just an Accident,” marking a major victory for the dissident director long barred from travel and filmmaking in Iran. Presented the award by Cate Blanchett, Panahi received a standing ovation. The win continues indie distributor Neon’s streak to six consecutive Palme d’Or titles. Despite a major power outage suspected as arson earlier in the day, the ceremony proceeded. Other top honors included the Grand Prix for Joachim Trier’s “Sentimental Value,” best director for Kleber Mendonça Filho (“The Secret Agent”), best actor for Wagner Moura, best actress for Nadia Melliti (“The Little Sister”), a split jury prize for “Sirât” and “Sound of Falling,” best screenplay for the Dardenne brothers (“Young Mothers”), and best first film for Hasan Hadi’s Iraqi feature “The President’s Cake.” Geopolitics loomed over the festival, with filmmakers dismissing a floated U.S. tariff proposal on foreign films.

Mexican authorities say Jorge Humberto “El Perris” Figueroa, a Sinaloa Cartel leader with a $1 million DEA bounty for fentanyl trafficking and money laundering, was killed in a raid to arrest him. Figueroa, tied to the 2019 Culiacán clash after Ovidio Guzman’s brief arrest, was aligned with the Chapitos faction amid a violent power struggle with rivals linked to Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada. Sinaloa state has seen about 1,200 deaths since September from this internal war. Ovidio Guzman was re-arrested in 2023 and extradited to the U.S.; reports also note a recent deal allowing 17 cartel family members to enter the U.S.

Costa Rican police chased a vehicle on the Pacific coast and seized crack cocaine, marijuana, knives, plastic spurs—and five capybaras, a non-native species illegal to possess or transport in the country. Two men with criminal records were arrested. Authorities called it the first recorded case of illegal capybara trafficking in Costa Rica. The animals were handed to conservation officials for veterinary evaluation and will be placed in a refuge for education programs, as they cannot be released locally. The bust follows a recent incident involving a drug-smuggling cat at a Costa Rican prison.

A major power outage in southeast France on the final day of the Cannes Film Festival temporarily disrupted events and city services, with authorities investigating suspected arson at an electrical substation that weakened the grid. About 160,000 households lost electricity, traffic lights failed in Cannes and Antibes, shops closed, and some screenings were briefly suspended. Power was restored by mid-afternoon, the Palais des Festivals switched to independent power, and all festival events proceeded as planned. The Palme d’Or was awarded to Jafar Panahi’s “It Was Just an Accident.” Authorities are pursuing those responsible for the damage.

President Trump announced a “planned partnership” between U.S. Steel and Japan’s Nippon Steel, saying U.S. Steel will keep its headquarters in Pittsburgh and claiming the deal will create at least 70,000 U.S. jobs and add $14 billion to the economy. The arrangement follows Biden’s earlier move to block Nippon’s $15 billion acquisition on national security grounds; under Trump it underwent another CFIUS review. Details of ownership remain unclear. U.S. Steel and Nippon praised the decision, highlighting planned investments and technology upgrades. U.S. Steel shares surged on the news. The United Steelworkers, which opposed the original sale, did not immediately comment.

Belgium’s Princess Elisabeth, 23, may be unable to return for her second year at Harvard due to a Trump administration move revoking the university’s ability to enroll international students. Harvard, which has over 6,800 foreign students, is suing the administration, seeking a temporary restraining order and arguing the action violates the First Amendment and harms thousands of visa holders. The Belgian Royal Palace says it’s assessing the impact on the princess, who recently completed her first year in a Master in Public Policy program after earning a history and politics degree from Oxford. The U.S. decision has drawn criticism from China and international attention.

Germany’s defense minister, Boris Pistorius, said compulsory military service could be reinstated if a new volunteer-based recruitment model doesn’t meet targets. The government aims to pass a military service bill by early 2026, initially focusing on voluntary enlistment and expanding reservist activation. Germany suspended the draft in 2011 but faces troop shortages amid heightened security concerns following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. If volunteer numbers fall short and capacity allows, mandatory recruitment may be introduced.

The U.S. and Iran resumed nuclear talks in Rome, but a major rift persists over uranium enrichment. Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi and Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei rejected any deal that requires “zero enrichment,” insisting enrichment for civil purposes must continue. A senior U.S. official said discussions were “constructive” with progress made and more meetings planned, facilitated by Oman. The U.S. is reportedly pushing for a civil nuclear program in Iran without enrichment, which experts argue is the safest nonproliferation approach given Iran’s stockpile of near-weapons-grade uranium and missile advances. Analysts say Iran is negotiating to ease pressure, deter an Israeli strike, and avoid European snapback sanctions, suggesting the U.S. holds leverage.

A major power outage hit southeastern France on Saturday, disrupting the final day of the Cannes Film Festival and affecting about 160,000 households in Alpes-Maritimes. The blackout followed a substation fire near Cannes and a fallen high-voltage line; police are investigating possible arson. Power was restored by mid-afternoon, and festival organizers switched the Palais des Festivals to an independent supply, confirming all events, including the Palme d’Or ceremony, would proceed. The outage caused traffic light failures, shop closures, cash-only sales, and brief train and screening disruptions. Authorities condemned the damage and pledged to find those responsible.

A 443-foot cargo ship, the NCL Salten, ran aground just 16 feet from a home in Byneset near Trondheim, Norway. Homeowner Johan Helberg slept through the incident and learned of the ship’s presence from a neighbor. Authorities say the watch officer, a Ukrainian man in his 30s, fell asleep on duty and has been charged with negligent navigation. No injuries or spills occurred; minor property damage was reported. Attempts to refloat the vessel at high tide failed, and geotechnical assessments are underway. The ship previously grounded in 2023. The shipping company is cooperating with the investigation.

Nearly a third of the 260 miners trapped underground at Sibanye-Stillwater’s Kloof gold mine west of Johannesburg were brought to the surface on Friday after a hoist system was damaged. By early afternoon, 79 had been rescued, with the remaining 181 provided food and awaiting safe hoisting. No injuries or fatalities were reported, though concerns were raised about miners going nearly 24 hours without food or water, including those with chronic conditions. Families expressed anxiety as the operation continued. The Kloof mine is one of Sibanye’s deepest and accounts for 14% of its gold output.

Former President Trump secured roughly $2 trillion in deals with Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar, including major AI partnerships and chip sales by U.S. firms like Nvidia and Google, aiming to deepen U.S. tech ties in the Gulf and counter China’s regional influence. Bipartisan lawmakers and experts warn that reversing a Biden-era ban on AI-capable chip sales to Saudi Arabia and the UAE risks Chinese access to advanced U.S. technology via leakage or indirect channels, citing entities like UAE’s G42. The House China committee introduced legislation to tighten controls. Supporters argue the agreements could lock in U.S. leadership in AI and rebuild strategic ties with Gulf states, while critics insist on rigorous safeguards to prevent tech transfer to the CCP.

A bombing at a Palm Springs fertility clinic has heightened anxieties around IVF, but experts say a bigger threat comes from conservative pushes for “natural” conception and fetal personhood laws. While Trump promotes a “baby boom” and is reviewing an executive order on protecting and lowering IVF costs, key medical advocates like the American Society for Reproductive Medicine say they’ve been excluded from policy talks and warn that “restorative reproductive medicine” rhetoric—backed by conservative groups—could undermine IVF. The approach overlooks many infertility causes and LGBTQ family needs. Recent state-level moves advancing fetal personhood, exemplified by Alabama’s 2024 ruling that treated frozen embryos as persons and temporarily halted IVF, show how anti-abortion strategies can endanger fertility care. Legal scholars argue the same movement targeting abortion rights poses the most significant ongoing risk to IVF access.

A severely intoxicated man was detained after climbing onto and breaking the left armrest of a nationally treasured Nguyen Dynasty throne inside Hue’s Thái Hòa Palace, part of the UNESCO-listed Imperial City. Photos showed fragments, including a dragon-headed piece, on the floor. Authorities sent the man for psychiatric evaluation due to signs of instability and are tightening security across the monument complex to better protect artifacts and national treasures.

A team climbed Mount Everest in under a week by using xenon, an anesthetic gas, to accelerate acclimatization and reduce altitude sickness. Supporters say the method enables rapid ascents without weeks of staging. Critics, including altitude and medical experts, warn it’s risky: xenon can impair judgment, mask dangerous symptoms, and lacks robust evidence for safe use at extreme altitude. The controversy highlights growing pressure for speed records on Everest and concerns over experimental biohacking in high-risk environments.

CNN’s Jake Tapper pressed House Speaker Mike Johnson on which Americans would lose Medicaid under President Trump’s proposed “big, beautiful bill.” Johnson defended the plan, saying the cuts target “waste, fraud, and abuse” rather than legitimate beneficiaries. The segment highlights GOP claims that reforms would curb improper use of Medicaid, while raising questions about who might actually be affected if eligibility or program rules tighten.

A Paris court found eight people—dubbed the “grandpa robbers” due to their ages—guilty for the 2016 gunpoint robbery of Kim Kardashian at the Hotel de Pourtales during Paris Fashion Week. The group, disguised as police, tied her up and stole about $6m in jewelry; most pieces were never recovered. Ringleader Aomar Ait Khedache, 69, received an eight-year sentence (five suspended), and others got similar partially suspended terms. Due to their ages, time already served, and the nine-year delay to trial, none will return to prison. A ninth person was convicted on weapons charges; a tenth was acquitted. Kardashian, who described the raid as “terrifying” and said she thought she would be raped and killed, thanked authorities and emphasized the lasting trauma.

Norwegian police charged a Ukrainian second officer in his 30s with negligent navigation after a 135m cargo ship ran aground in a homeowner’s front garden near Trondheim. The officer, on watch alone at the time, told investigators he fell asleep, causing the grounding. No injuries were reported. Authorities are examining compliance with work and rest-hour regulations and are working to relocate the vessel.

Fears of a renewed US-EU trade war have surged after President Trump threatened a 50% tariff on EU goods and a 25% tariff on Apple, criticizing stalled talks and EU policies. The European Commission and several EU leaders rejected the threats, signaling readiness to defend their interests while seeking de-escalation. US demands reportedly include adopting US food safety standards and scrapping digital services taxes; the EU floated increased purchases of US LNG and soybeans and cooperation on steel overcapacity. Markets fell on the remarks, with Apple shares down 3% and the dollar weakening.

Despite securing major trade deals with the U.S., India, and the EU, U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s popularity has sunk to record lows, with 69% viewing him unfavorably, including rising discontent among Labour voters. Voters remain squeezed by higher inflation, steep utility costs, and business concerns over Labour’s tax increases, immigration limits, wage hikes, and labor reforms seen as “anti-growth.” Economists and business leaders credit the government’s foreign policy and trade progress, but say domestic policy is dragging sentiment. Starmer’s perceived lack of charisma and a cabinet seen as uninspiring further hurt his standing, with critics warning of potential internal Labour unrest if polls worsen.

Jim Cramer and the CNBC Investing Club argue against “selling America” despite Europe’s recent outperformance. Short term, European stocks—helped by easier ECB policy and cheaper valuations—have attracted flows as U.S. markets face tariff threats, higher yields, and a U.S. debt downgrade. However, they stress the U.S. market’s long-term superiority, scale, liquidity, higher returns on capital, and global revenue exposure of S&P 500 firms. The takeaway: don’t dump big tech wholesale; be more selective. Favor domestic, pricing-power names resilient in a slowdown, trim riskier positions, and use pullbacks to buy quality U.S. stocks rather than rotating fully into Europe or China.