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A Vermont gardener, Kelly Wakefield, accidentally found a metal box stuffed with coins, antiques, a Civil War bullet, a map, and a note while cleaning a St. Albans park—one of several treasure chests hidden across the Northeast by Michael Cloherty O’Connell, a 61-year-old retired history buff. O’Connell funded multistate hunts tied to his two books—one for adults and one for kids—embedding clues to lead readers to historically significant sites, with total antiques he claims are worth over $100,000. Nearly 10 chests have been discovered. Wakefield’s find, near the site of the 1864 St. Albans Raid, connected back to clues she’d seen months earlier. O’Connell hopes the hunts get families outdoors learning U.S. history ahead of the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026.

The article profiles Han Song, a prominent Chinese science fiction writer and Xinhua journalist, whose bleak, satirical works often anticipate real events and interrogate China’s rapid modernization. Known for dystopian visions like “Subway,” “Hospital,” and “2066: Red Star over America,” Han focuses less on technology than on how people respond to power, progress, and pain. He navigates China’s official promotion of sci-fi as national soft power while producing socially ambivalent, censor-challenging narratives that critique both Chinese and Western ideologies. Now facing worsening health and early dementia, Han has turned inward, chronicling his decline on social media with the same unsparing gaze he applies to his fiction—questioning the promise of science and the costs of development, and suggesting that reality often outstrips science fiction in strangeness and darkness.

A third suspect, entrepreneur William Duplessie, 33, surrendered to NYPD and was charged with kidnapping, assault, unlawful imprisonment, and weapons possession in a case involving the three-week torture of Italian crypto investor Michael Valentino Teofrasto Carturan to obtain access to a multimillion-dollar Bitcoin wallet. Duplessie was held without bail after two earlier arrests: crypto investor John Woeltz, 37, who faces kidnapping, assault, and firearms charges, and Beatrice Folchi, 24, whose prosecution was deferred after initial charges. Carturan escaped a luxury NoLIta townhouse where he was bound, beaten, tased, and threatened; investigators found photos of torture, weapons, and blood. The case highlights a rise in “wrench attacks” targeting crypto holders. Duplessie, linked to the Swiss-based Pangea Blockchain Fund and with a history of lawsuits and traffic violations, disputes his involvement through counsel. The link between Duplessie and Woeltz remains unclear.

A string of violent kidnappings and attempts in France has targeted crypto entrepreneurs and their families, with tactics including ransom demands, assault, and even finger mutilation. Police have thwarted several attacks and arrested suspects, including 24 tied to an attempted abduction in Paris. The incidents have alarmed France’s growing crypto sector, which argues EU transparency rules—such as public address registrations and identity disclosures—may be exposing personal data that criminals exploit. Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau announced enhanced protections for crypto executives, including priority emergency access, elite police training, and home security audits. Some leaders, like Ledger’s founders, have significantly increased private security spending. Authorities link the crimes to a “gig economy” of organized crime, with contracted teams drawn from drug networks. While experts say little crypto has ultimately been stolen and funds can often be traced or frozen, the ability of criminals to identify and locate targets—possibly via data breaches—remains the central risk.

The article explores Waldsiedlung Krumme Lanke, a picturesque Berlin neighborhood originally built in 1940 as an elite housing estate for the SS, embodying Nazi “blood and soil” ideology. Today, residents grapple with its legacy amid a resurgent far right: some organize pro-democracy actions and seek transparency, while others prefer to forget. Historians highlight the settlement’s direct links to the Holocaust, including a resident who oversaw agriculture at Auschwitz, and note that postwar the homes were repurposed for victims and refugees in the American sector. The piece traces shifting German memory culture—from postwar repression and coexistence of perpetrators, bystanders, and victims to current efforts to confront history through place-based remembrance—underscoring the tension between the village’s fairy-tale charm and its origins in systematic violence.

Monemvasia, a medieval fortress town in southern Greece, is split over a proposed EU-funded $7 million cable car to the 12th-century church atop its steep rock. Authorities say it would improve access for people with limited mobility; critics, including local preservation groups and archaeologists, argue it would damage the protected landscape, fuel mass tourism, and ignore more urgent infrastructure needs like water quality and sewage. A legal challenge is pending in Greece’s top administrative court. Some residents, especially older visitors and business owners, support the plan for accessibility, while others fear it will erode the site’s identity and overwhelm the town.

A federal judge in Massachusetts, Brian E. Murphy, sharply criticized the government for failing to provide due process to eight deportees the administration attempted to send to South Sudan but is holding in Djibouti. He noted the logistical difficulties of conducting immigration proceedings overseas and said the men could be returned to the U.S. if remote hearings aren’t feasible. Murphy upheld his order that six men receive “reasonable fear” interviews and found the government violated notice requirements by giving less than 16 hours’ warning. Despite the men’s violent criminal convictions, he emphasized due process protections. The case, a class action, could affect migrants slated for removal to third countries, including high-risk destinations like South Sudan and Libya. The dispute has drawn political fire from the White House, which attacked the judge, as Murphy also ordered the government to facilitate the return of a deported plaintiff known as O.C.G.

A federal judge struck down President Trump’s executive order targeting the law firm WilmerHale, ruling it unconstitutional and aimed at punishing the firm for protected speech. Judge Richard J. Leon said the order’s sanctions—such as barring lawyers from federal buildings and suspending security clearances—were designed to intimidate WilmerHale and other firms, undermining the independence of the legal profession. The decision follows similar rulings protecting Perkins Coie and Jenner & Block, while some firms that accommodated Trump have faced internal turmoil. Despite an earlier temporary block, WilmerHale reported client losses due to the administration’s actions. The court emphasized that no president has previously issued such an order infringing on fundamental constitutional rights.

Sarah Milgrim, a 26-year-old Israeli Embassy staffer from the Kansas City area, was mourned at an overflowing funeral in Overland Park after she and her boyfriend, Yaron Lischinsky, were fatally shot outside a D.C. Jewish museum. Remembered as a unifier and “pursuer of peace,” Milgrim was praised for connecting people to Jewish life and Israel, serving as a liaison to progressive groups at the embassy, and working on Israeli-Palestinian dialogue while earning a master’s at American University. The attack, which the suspect said he committed “for Gaza,” cut short the couple’s plans to visit Israel, where Lischinsky intended to propose. Speakers, including local rabbis and her embassy supervisor, vowed to carry on her mission of peace amid a community long scarred by antisemitism and past violence.

SpaceX’s ninth Starship test reached space but failed during re-entry after a propellant leak caused the upper stage to spin out of control and break up over the Indian Ocean. While ascent issues from prior flights appear resolved—Starship achieved engine cutoff and retained heat shield tiles, and a previously flown Super Heavy booster was reused—the booster was lost during a landing simulation. Planned tests, including heat-shield evaluations and Starlink payload door operations, were not completed due to the spin. Elon Musk said flights will accelerate to every three to four weeks, though timelines have historically slipped. The mixed outcome underscores remaining challenges for Starship’s reusability and for meeting NASA’s Artemis lunar lander commitments and Musk’s broader Mars ambitions.

The State Department, under Secretary Marco Rubio, has temporarily paused new interviews for student and exchange visas while expanding scrutiny of applicants’ social media, building on a March directive requiring mandatory social media checks for certain cases. Existing interview appointments should proceed. The move aligns with broader Trump administration efforts to pressure universities over campus speech, particularly pro-Palestinian activism, and follows actions including revoking hundreds of visas and even a green card, some of which courts have temporarily blocked. Universities warn the pause could disrupt revenues and research reliant on international students and scholars. Separately, President Trump announced full pardons for reality TV stars Todd and Julie Chrisley, convicted in 2022 of bank fraud and tax evasion tied to over $30 million in loans, continuing his use of clemency to challenge prosecutions he frames as politicized.

The CDC, under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., will no longer recommend routine Covid vaccination for healthy children, arguing insufficient data supports annual shots. Experts agree most kids experience mild illness and many now have immunity from prior infection or vaccination, but note some children do become severely ill or die, and over a million U.S. children are estimated to have long Covid. Evidence shows initial vaccination reduced pediatric ER visits and hospitalizations; whether healthy children need yearly boosters is debated due to durable immunity in children and variant evolution. Risks are higher for infants under 6 months and for children with underlying conditions, though about half of hospitalized children had none. Vaccinating pregnant women reduces severe disease in mothers and hospitalizations in infants, yet the CDC also dropped that recommendation. Vaccine-associated myocarditis is rare, typically mild, and resolves quickly. Overall, many clinicians favor continued vaccination for higher-risk children and households, while acknowledging limited benefit for some healthy children; they emphasize that foregoing vaccination isn’t necessarily dangerous but reduces a layer of protection.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang, meeting Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in Kuala Lumpur, called for deeper China-Malaysia cooperation and protection of free trade and multilateralism amid rising global protectionism. He urged expanded trade and investment in the digital economy, green economy, and AI, and emphasized leveraging the inaugural China–Asean–GCC summit to enhance coordination, promote open regionalism, and boost economic ties. The visit underscores Beijing’s push to strengthen relations with Malaysia and Asean amid heightened US-China trade tensions.

Shanghai Jiao Tong University researchers developed a hybrid active-passive vibration isolation system for submarine engines that could reduce hull-transmitted noise by up to 26 dB. Using a steel–rubber–steel “sandwich” ring and 12 radially arranged piezoelectric actuators, the system dampens low-frequency mechanical vibrations—the main acoustic signature at low speeds. The study estimates that such noise reduction could more than halve hostile sonar detection range (a 10 dB cut can reduce detectability by ~32%). The peer-reviewed findings were published in the Chinese journal Noise and Vibration Control.

Xinjiang aims to boost tourism and diversify its economy by opening more to foreign visitors, despite ongoing Western sanctions over human-rights concerns. A new action plan targets at least 1 trillion yuan (US$138 billion) in annual tourism revenue and 400 million visits per year by 2030, building on a record 302 million visits in 2024. The plan emphasizes cross-border tourism and expanding trade in cultural goods and services. While foreigners can generally enter Xinjiang, some attractions still require special permits, and the region is not yet fully open to foreign nationals. Analysts say the push seeks to make Xinjiang’s economy more resilient to external pressures.

Japan’s pro-Pyongyang Korean community says Tokyo is deliberately undermining ethnic Korean schools by cutting local government funding, a move North Korea labels a human rights violation. Chosen Soren leaders argue support has dwindled yearly despite growing domestic opposition to the policy, reflecting what they call Japan’s political hostility toward the community. The dispute, rooted in Japan’s 1910–45 colonial rule and the postwar division of the Korean peninsula, highlights ongoing tensions over identity and loyalty among Koreans who remained in Japan after WWII.

Cathay Pacific says it has no plans to implement single-pilot operations, despite engaging with manufacturers on enhanced automation that could enable reduced-crew models in the future. The stance follows a call from the Hong Kong Aircrew Officers Association to reject single-pilot operations, citing safety concerns amplified by a recent incident involving a Lufthansa flight. Airbus is promoting single-pilot cruise capabilities for its A350 Freighter, slated for delivery from 2027, arguing technology can replace a second pilot on long-haul flights—an initiative facing strong opposition from pilot unions worldwide.

Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee criticized MTR Corporation for “inadequacies” in emergency response and contingency planning after multiple service disruptions, including a five-hour Tseung Kwan O line suspension. Despite a HK$19.2 million penalty to fund passenger rebates, Lee said the largely government-owned rail operator must do more to prevent incidents and outlined four areas for improvement, emphasizing prevention over post-incident fixes.

Hong Kong’s nine-month-old twin panda cubs at Ocean Park have been officially named Jia Jia (elder sister) and De De (younger brother), reflecting virtues in Chinese culture. The names were selected from over 35,700 public submissions in a contest announced by Culture, Sports and Tourism Secretary Rosanna Law. While “Elder Sister” and “Younger Brother” nicknames will remain in use, the cubs’ English names will follow the pinyin of their Chinese names. The twins and their mother, Ying Ying, are moving to the Alpine Zone of the Giant Panda Adventure, with public viewing open daily from 10am to 4:30pm.

Mainland Chinese authorities accused a Taiwan-backed hacker group, allegedly linked to the ruling Democratic Progressive Party, of conducting widespread cyberattacks on up to 1,000 sensitive networks across more than 10 provinces, targeting military, energy, infrastructure, and government systems. Guangzhou police said the group used basic techniques—phishing, exploiting public vulnerabilities, brute-force attacks, and simple Trojans—while masking origins via VPNs, foreign cloud servers, and botnets with IPs from countries like the US, France, and Japan. Activity reportedly intensified over the past year, with a recent Guangzhou tech firm breach traced to Taiwan by cybersecurity firm 360 Security Technology.

Malaysia is targeting the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) as a growth market for halal exports—ranging from cosmetics to pet food—leveraging its stringent halal certification recognized in over 47 countries. Malaysian firms see rising demand in oil-rich Gulf states, buoyed by consumer preference for trusted halal sources and boycotts of some Western brands amid the Gaza conflict. Businesses hope Asean-GCC free trade talks and streamlined Gulf port procedures will ease red tape and expand access, reflecting a broader shift in trade patterns amid US trade tensions. Malaysia and the GCC have agreed to begin free trade negotiations.

Taiwan is conducting a sweeping investigation of more than 747,000 civil servants, teachers, and military personnel to identify those holding mainland Chinese ID or residency, aiming to curb Beijing’s influence and espionage. Led by the Mainland Affairs Council following a directive from President William Lai, the first phase screened over 370,000 in sensitive roles; the second phase now extends to local officials and all public-school teachers. The effort targets individuals with access to sensitive information or influence and has drawn criticism from opponents who liken it to loyalty pledges.

The US State Department, under Secretary of State Marco Rubio, has ordered embassies and consulates to pause adding new student and exchange visitor (F, M, J) visa interview appointments as the Trump administration prepares expanded social media screening. Previously scheduled interviews will proceed. The move, reportedly outlined in a diplomatic cable first covered by Politico, is part of broader efforts to tighten vetting amid concerns about antisemitism and national security. A State Department spokesperson declined to confirm specifics but emphasized the importance of vetting, signaling potential delays for applicants.

The EU says Shein is violating consumer protection laws through fake discounts, pressure-selling tactics, misleading labels and sustainability claims, hidden contact details, and potentially deceptive reviews. Shein has one month to respond or face fines tied to its EU sales. The company says it is cooperating with authorities to comply with EU rules. The move follows broader criticism of Shein’s labor practices and supply chain transparency.

A Greek naval court has charged 17 coastguards over the June 2023 Pylos shipwreck, the Mediterranean’s deadliest migrant disaster in a decade, where up to 650 people died. The captain of the coastguard vessel LS-920 faces charges including causing a shipwreck, dangerous interference in maritime transport, and failure to provide assistance; senior officials are charged with exposing others to danger, and the crew with complicity. The case follows BBC investigations and survivor testimonies alleging the coastguard attempted a tow that capsized the overcrowded Adriana and later pressured survivors to stay silent—claims Greece has denied. The charges mark a significant step toward accountability; the accused will be questioned before a decision on a full trial.

Former DR Congo president Joseph Kabila has returned to the country after two years abroad, arriving in the rebel-held city of Goma. His return follows the senate’s decision to strip his immunity amid allegations he supported the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels, accusations he denies. Kabila criticized the government as a “dictatorship” in a now-deleted video, while authorities accuse him of war crimes and treason. Rebels welcomed his arrival; his party’s youth wing in Goma praised it. The PPRD was recently banned in Kinshasa over its stance on M23 advances. The M23 conflict, reignited in 2021, has intensified this year with major territorial gains and mass displacement. Kabila says he aims to help resolve the crisis.

A Liberian-flagged cargo ship, MSC ELSA 3, capsized off Kochi, Kerala, leaking oil and hazardous materials into the Arabian Sea. All 24 crew were rescued, but some of the ship’s 640 containers— including 13 with hazardous cargo and 12 with calcium carbide—have drifted toward shore, prompting evacuations and public warnings not to touch beached containers or oil. Authorities fear risks to residents and marine life along the biodiverse, tourist-heavy coast. The Indian Coast Guard has deployed pollution-control equipment and an aircraft with oil-spill detection to contain the spill; the vessel had over 84 tonnes of diesel and 367 tonnes of furnace oil on board. Fishermen have been advised to avoid the area.

Nepali sherpa Kami Rita, known as “Everest Man,” has set a new record by summiting Mount Everest for the 31st time. The 55-year-old reached the peak while guiding Indian army officials, surpassing his own record; his nearest rival, Pasang Dawa, has 29 ascents. Kami Rita first climbed Everest in 1994 and has summited nearly every year since, sometimes twice in a season. His achievement comes amid a busy climbing season with over 500 successful ascents and more than 1,000 permits issued, as Nepal faces concerns about overcrowding and environmental impacts, including new rules requiring climbers to pack out human waste. British climber Kenton Cool also set a non-sherpa record with his 19th summit.

North Korea has arrested a fourth official, Ri Hyong-son, a senior party military industry figure, over the failed launch of a 5,000-ton destroyer that tipped over and damaged its hull—an incident Kim Jong Un called a “criminal act.” Three Chongjin shipyard officials were detained earlier. State media says the vessel is being repaired under expert guidance. Analysts view the unusually public criticism and swift arrests as signaling the regime’s high priority on naval modernization and a bid to project resilience and intent to enhance military capabilities. Punishments for those found responsible remain unclear.

Iranian director Jafar Panahi returned to Tehran to cheers after winning the Cannes Palme d’Or for his film It Was Just Accident, his first Cannes visit in 15 years due to prior travel bans and imprisonments. The film, depicting torture in Iranian jails, sparked a diplomatic spat after France’s foreign minister called it a gesture of resistance, prompting Iran to summon a French diplomat. At Cannes, Panahi urged unity and freedom in Iran. His homecoming drew public support, with slogans linked to the 2022 protests heard at the airport.

South Korea will hold a snap presidential election on 3 June to replace Yoon Suk Yeol, who was impeached and removed after declaring six hours of martial law in December. The vote comes amid political turmoil, economic jitters, Trump-era US tariff threats, persistent tensions with North Korea, and a need to balance ties with China and the US, alongside a record-low birth rate. Opposition leader Lee Jae-myung is leading polls, followed by ruling party candidate Kim Moon-soo, with four other male candidates also running. Results are expected early on 4 June, and the winner takes office immediately. Yoon faces trial for insurrection and has been indicted for abuse of power after resigning from his party.

Swiss authorities found five skiers dead on the Adler Glacier near Zermatt after abandoned skis were spotted; identities and nationalities are pending, and an investigation is examining weather and avalanche factors. Separately, an avalanche on the Morgenhorn near Kandersteg buried three skiers, killing a 29-year-old Swiss man and lightly injuring two others.

Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa, 37, was sworn in for a full four-year term alongside Vice President María José Pinto, vowing to intensify efforts against drug trafficking, corruption, and violent crime while pursuing economic reforms and job creation with private sector support. Re-elected in April after first taking office in 2023, Noboa faces soaring violence and high unemployment, and relies on a fragile congressional majority to pass an “urgent” crime-focused bill facing opposition. International attendees included U.S. and regional leaders amid a U.S. assessment favoring Noboa. Analysts expect continuity in his security-heavy approach but urge broader focus on jobs, healthcare, education, and root causes of violence.

To mark Johann Strauss II’s 200th birthday and the European Space Agency’s 50th anniversary, ESA will beam a pre-recorded performance of “The Blue Danube” by the Vienna Symphony into deep space on May 31, synchronized with a live performance and public screenings in Vienna, Madrid, and New York. Transmitted from ESA’s deep-space antenna in Spain toward Voyager 1’s direction, the signal will travel at light speed—passing the Moon in 1.5 seconds and Neptune in four hours—symbolically correcting Strauss’ omission from the Voyager Golden Records. The event follows past space-bound music transmissions by NASA, including the Beatles and Missy Elliott.

Jorge Humberto “El Perris” Figueroa, a Sinaloa cartel leader with a U.S. bounty of up to $1 million for fentanyl trafficking and money laundering, was killed by Mexican army troops during a raid to arrest him, officials said. Figueroa, tied to the Chapitos faction led by Ovidio Guzmán and linked to the 2019 Culiacán clash that forced Ovidio’s temporary release, died amid an ongoing war between Sinaloa cartel factions that has left about 1,200 dead since September. The Chapitos are accused in a 2023 U.S. indictment of extreme torture methods. Rival leader Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada’s heirs have been battling the Chapitos; Zambada was arrested in a 2024 U.S. sting. Recent reports also noted 17 relatives of cartel leaders entered the U.S. under a deal involving Ovidio Guzmán.

A mobile “prison on wheels” is visiting U.K. schools to give children a realistic look at life behind bars, using authentic jail fixtures and booking procedures. Led by former police officer Mick Amos, the program aims to deter crime and spark frank discussions about drugs, violence, sexting, and legal responsibility—especially since children can be arrested from age 10 in the U.K. Students describe the experience as unsettling and eye-opening, reinforcing the consequences of criminal behavior. Funded by cash seized from criminals, the initiative also visits youth clubs and sports groups to broaden its impact.

The new Syrian government has agreed to help the U.S. locate and repatriate Americans missing in Syria, including Austin Tice and Majd Kamalmaz, according to U.S. special envoy Thomas Barrack. The pledge follows meetings between Barrack and Syria’s new leadership in Turkey and comes amid warming ties after Bashar al-Assad’s ouster. The Trump administration recently granted Syria broad sanctions exemptions, which Washington says aim to support the interim government, counter ISIS, and enable better conditions for Syrians. A Syrian source said the U.S. list includes 11 additional missing Syrian Americans.

An All Nippon Airways flight from Tokyo to Houston diverted to Seattle after a man attempted to open the exit doors mid-flight. Passengers and crew restrained him, and Port of Seattle Police determined he was experiencing a medical crisis, transporting him to a hospital. A second, unrelated unruly passenger was also removed in Seattle. The flight continued to Houston after a delay. Authorities have not specified potential charges.

A 28-year-old dual U.S.-German citizen, Joseph Neumayer, was arrested after allegedly attempting to firebomb the U.S. Embassy branch in Tel Aviv. He reportedly spat at a guard, fled, and left a backpack containing three Molotov cocktails. Authorities say he had posted online calling to “burn down the embassy” and made threats against President Trump. Neumayer was arrested in Israel, deported, and taken into custody by the FBI at JFK Airport. He is charged with attempting to destroy the embassy by fire or explosives and faces up to 20 years in prison. Officials condemned the alleged plot as violent and intolerable.

Forty-two people were killed in attacks across four villages in Benue state, central Nigeria, in violence blamed on itinerant Fulani herders. Ten died in Tyolaha and Tse-Ubiam on Saturday, and 32 in Ahume and Aondona on Sunday. A Catholic priest was critically wounded. The killings reflect ongoing clashes between herders and Indigenous farmers in Nigeria’s middle belt, driven by grazing disputes, climate pressures, and contested land use, with religious undertones. Benue, a key agricultural state, has seen repeated attacks despite a 2017 law banning open grazing that residents say remains poorly enforced. From 2020 to 2024, at least 2,347 casualties in 359 farmer-herder incidents were recorded nationwide, likely an undercount.

Documents show France’s Atomic Energy Commission spent over €90,000 to counter research indicating that French nuclear tests in Polynesia (1966–1996) exposed far more people to radiation than acknowledged. Following the 2021 book Toxique, which used declassified records to argue widespread contamination and underestimation of doses affecting compensation eligibility, the CEA printed 5,000 glossy booklets, sent a team to Polynesia, and promoted claims of limited contamination and transparency. France’s nuclear safety body later admitted uncertainties in CEA dose calculations, saying it’s impossible to prove exposures were below compensation thresholds. A parliamentary inquiry is examining the social, economic, and environmental impacts and whether France concealed contamination, amid criticism of limited CEA declassification compared with the army. Radiation-linked cancers remain prevalent; officials concede no nuclear test with fallout can be considered “clean.”

Japan has introduced new rules requiring parents to register the official phonetic readings of kanji in children’s names, aiming to curb “kirakira” (flashy) names with unconventional pronunciations. The revisions to the family registry act allow only recognized readings, seeking to reduce confusion in schools and public services and support digitalization of records. Parents using highly nonstandard pronunciations may be asked to justify or change the name. The move responds to decades of debate over quirky names inspired by brands, characters, or provocative terms, while balancing individual expression with administrative clarity.

A 19-year-old New Zealand man died from a critical head injury after playing an impromptu tackling game in Palmerston North linked to the viral “Run It Straight” challenge, which features full-speed, unprotected collisions. Police called the death a tragedy and warned of safety risks. The incident follows an Auckland Run It Straight event where two competitors suffered head injuries. Organisers RUNIT expressed condolences, stressing such contact sports should occur only under strict, medically supervised conditions and discouraging imitation. Sports scientists condemned the trend as high-risk and preventable, warning of serious brain trauma and urging the public to avoid activities intended to cause harm.

A Lowy Institute report warns that the poorest 75 countries face a record $22bn in debt repayments to China in 2025—most tied to Belt and Road loans—forming the bulk of $35bn due overall. As China shifts from major lender to debt collector, repayments are straining budgets for health, education, and climate efforts. Chinese lending has sharply fallen despite heightened needs, creating net outflows and adding to crises like Laos’s. The report flags potential political leverage, noting new loans to countries that recently switched recognition from Taiwan to Beijing, and continued financing for strategic partners and critical-mineral producers. China faces competing pressures to restructure unsustainable debts while managing its own economic slowdown, with opaque data suggesting true exposure may be higher than reported.

Presley Chweneyagae, the South African actor who rose to international fame with his lead role in the Oscar-winning 2005 film Tsotsi, has died at 40. His agency confirmed his death without disclosing the cause. Over a three-decade career across theatre, television, and film, Chweneyagae also co-wrote the acclaimed play Relativity. Tributes poured in from the South African government, the SA Film and Television Awards, and ANC leaders, praising him as a gifted storyteller and enduring icon of South African cinema and theatre.

Human Rights Watch accuses Uganda’s government of “state bigotry” and widespread abuses against LGBTQ+ people since enacting a harsh anti-gay law in May 2023, which includes the death penalty for “aggravated homosexuality.” The report details raids on NGOs, arbitrary arrests and detentions, entrapment via social media, extortion by police, and growing impunity for violence. Public officials’ homophobic rhetoric has fueled discrimination, with rights groups documenting hundreds of violations including evictions and assaults. Despite international condemnation and a legal challenge, Uganda’s constitutional court upheld key parts of the law in 2024. HRW urges authorities to end the clampdown and hate speech; activists say the law is unconstitutional and endangers basic rights.

Three years after the murders of British journalist Dom Phillips and Brazilian Indigenous expert Bruno Pereira in the Amazon, two projects honor their work and legacy. Phillips’s unfinished book, How to Save the Amazon, completed by friends and colleagues using his notes and drafts, is published on 27 May in the UK, US, and Brazil. It focuses on solutions led by Indigenous communities and other rainforest inhabitants. Contributors, many waiving fees, include reporters who knew Phillips, with an afterword by Indigenous leader Beto Marubo and activist Helena Palmquist. The Guardian is also launching Missing in the Amazon, a podcast series out 5 June, based on a three-year investigation that explores who Phillips and Pereira were and the causes they championed. The murders occurred amid the Bolsonaro administration’s environmental rollback; while deforestation has since fallen under President Lula, Marubo warns organized crime still threatens Indigenous defenders. Four suspects are in custody awaiting trial. Phillips’s widow, Alessandra Sampaio, says finishing the book preserves their voices and underscores the ongoing fight to protect the Amazon.

The Trump administration directed federal agencies to cancel all remaining contracts with Harvard, totaling about $100 million, escalating a broader campaign against the university that has already frozen or cut $2.65 billion in federal support. Citing alleged race discrimination in admissions and insufficient protection of Jewish students, officials reiterated demands Harvard has rejected, including turning over international student conduct records and permitting audits on “viewpoint diversity.” Harvard, which says it is complying with the Supreme Court’s affirmative action ruling and addressing antisemitism, has sued over earlier funding freezes and called recent actions retaliatory. The administration also moved to revoke Harvard’s ability to enroll international students, currently paused by a judge, and has threatened additional cuts and revoking tax-exempt status. Harvard warns the funding losses will harm research with broad societal impacts.

Endurance swimmer Lewis Pugh, 55, became the first person to circumnavigate Martha’s Vineyard, completing a 60-mile swim over 12 days in 47°F water to raise awareness for shark conservation as “Jaws” approaches its 50th anniversary. Battling cold, rough seas, and a nor’easter, he swam about 24 hours total with minimal gear and safety support using a non-harmful shark deterrent; no sharks were seen. Pugh, a UN Patron of the Oceans, highlighted the killing of nearly 100 million sharks annually, calling it “ecocide,” and urged shifting public perception from fear to protection. He plans to push policymakers on shark protections following the feat.

Rebecca Black stole the spotlight at the American Music Awards’ Las Vegas return with a playful “shotgun wedding” look: an ivory silk taffeta, corseted mini-dress styled with a bridal veil and monogrammed sailor hat by designer Erik Charlotte. Embracing campy, party-girl aesthetics tied to her openly queer identity and hyperpop/DJ reinvention, Black joked about the bridal theme and said she aimed to look like an angel. Amid a subdued red carpet with many absences, her irreverent ensemble stood out, aligning with Vegas glitz seen on attendees like Jennifer Lopez and Ciara. Black served as the AMAs’ official after-party DJ, making her runway-style bridal moment a fitting event closer.

SpaceX’s ninth uncrewed Starship test launched successfully from Texas, reusing a Super Heavy booster for the first time, but the spacecraft lost control during reentry and likely broke apart over the Indian Ocean after contact was lost. The flight progressed farther than the last two attempts but missed key objectives, including deploying test satellites and relighting engines in space. The FAA is investigating the anomaly; no injuries or public damage were reported. Elon Musk cited tank pressure leaks during coast and reentry, noted minimal heat-shield tile loss on ascent, and aims to accelerate the launch cadence to every 3–4 weeks. Starship remains pivotal for NASA’s lunar plans and Musk’s Mars ambitions, with SpaceX largely funding tests that cost an estimated $50–$100 million each.

President Trump escalated his feud with Harvard University, accusing it of “judge shopping” and threatening to redirect $3 billion in federal grant funding from the school to trade programs. The move follows the administration’s ban on Harvard enrolling international students—temporarily blocked by a federal judge—and threats to revoke the university’s tax-exempt status. Harvard, which has sued over a $2.2 billion federal funding freeze and the international student ban, has both cases before Judge Allison Burroughs, who previously ruled on Harvard-related cases. Trump also demanded the “names and countries” of Harvard’s international students, intensifying tensions as the university heads into commencement week and prepares for court hearings that could determine its ability to enroll foreign students.

President Trump asked the Supreme Court to allow his administration to deport migrants to third countries—such as South Sudan—without prior notice or a chance to claim fear of persecution or torture there. A federal judge, Brian Murphy, had blocked the policy, requiring written notice, a reasonable-fear interview with at least 72 hours’ notice, and time to challenge removals. The administration argues these requirements aren’t in law and claim diplomatic assurances prevent torture, warning that court orders force them to either detain migrants at a foreign military site or return them to the U.S. The 1st Circuit refused to pause Murphy’s ruling amid concerns about wrongful removals, especially given reported plans to send migrants to volatile countries like Libya and Saudi Arabia.

President Donald Trump issued full pardons to reality TV stars Todd and Julie Chrisley, who were convicted in 2022 of defrauding banks of over $30 million and committing tax crimes. Trump informed their daughter Savannah Chrisley by phone from the Oval Office, joined by pardon adviser Alice Johnson. The White House said the sentences were “far too harsh” and framed the move as correcting an unjust prosecution. Todd was serving 12 years in Florida and Julie seven years in Kentucky; both had maintained their innocence and were appealing. Savannah Chrisley has publicly supported Trump, including speaking at the Republican National Convention and campaigning for him.

The DOJ charged American-German citizen Joseph Neumeyer, 28, with attempting to destroy the U.S. Embassy branch office in Tel Aviv using Molotov cocktails. Neumeyer allegedly posted threats on Facebook on May 19, including calls to burn the embassy and assassinate public figures, then arrived at the site with a backpack of incendiary devices, spat on a guard, and fled, leaving the bag behind. Israeli police secured the devices; no one was injured. Neumeyer, a Colorado resident who arrived in Israel in April, was arrested at his hotel, deported to the U.S., and detained after a New York court appearance. He faces up to 20 years in prison.

During a May 19 screening of Final Destination: Bloodlines at Cinema Ocho in La Plata, Argentina, part of the theater’s ceiling collapsed, injuring several attendees but causing no fatalities. One attendee, celebrating her birthday with her 11-year-old daughter, was hit by debris but avoided serious head injury. Social media images showed a large hole and scattered debris; heavy rain was reportedly a factor. The theater has not issued an official statement.

German researchers from the University of Göttingen found signatures of precious metals, including gold and ruthenium, in Hawaiian volcanic rocks, indicating material is leaking from Earth’s core into the mantle. Using improved isotope analysis of ruthenium, they showed that super-heated mantle plumes originating at the core-mantle boundary can reach the surface and form ocean islands like Hawaii. The findings challenge the idea that the core is isolated and offer new insight into Earth’s internal dynamics and the deep origin of metals important for technology and renewable energy.

Philippine lawmaker Rufus Rodriguez criticized the U.S. State Department’s updated travel advisory for the Philippines as unfair and harmful to tourism, especially in Mindanao. The May 8 advisory rates the country at Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution), with Level 4 (Do Not Travel) for the Sulu Archipelago and Marawi City and Level 3 (Reconsider Travel) for much of Mindanao due to terrorism, kidnappings, and violent crime. Rodriguez urged the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs to summon the U.S. ambassador and called on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and tourism officials to respond, arguing many areas are safe and the warning damages the country’s image.

Fox News reports that during an Oval Office meeting, former President Donald Trump confronted South African President Cyril Ramaphosa with videos and clippings about violent crime and farm murders, drawing unexpected support from some South Africans and analysts. Citing high homicide rates—about 76 killings per day and low conviction rates—commentators argued U.S. pressure could push Pretoria to address crime more seriously. Analysts tied the crisis to state dysfunction, corruption, and the ANC’s weakening political position, noting South Africa’s closer ties with BRICS countries. A union leader present said the problem is broader than race, highlighting pervasive violence against vulnerable groups. The piece also notes a potential policy shift to allow Starlink for rural security.

Fox News reports that President Trump has moved to normalize U.S. relations with Syria by lifting sanctions and meeting Syria’s new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa of HTS, marking a major policy shift aimed at countering Iran. Iran expert Behnam Ben Taleblu calls it a high-risk, high-reward gamble: success could curb Tehran’s influence and encourage Syrian-Israeli ties; failure could empower a jihadist-led government and invite Iranian proxy expansion amid Syria’s instability. With Syria fractured and at risk of renewed civil war, the expert warns Tehran will exploit vulnerabilities and play a long game, while the U.S. must press Damascus to address diverse grievances—despite Trump’s opposition to nation-building.

Tens of thousands traveled to Alba de Tormes, Spain, to view the remains of 16th-century mystic and reformer Saint Teresa of Avila, displayed in a silver casket for the first time in over a century. The exhibit drew emotional reactions from worshippers but sparked controversy, with the Bishop of Salamanca arguing it fuels “morbid curiosity.” Supporters and scholars countered that public veneration of relics is longstanding in Catholic tradition and that Teresa’s largely incorrupt body has historically been seen as a sign of sanctity. The display concluded with the casket resealed and carried in a procession.

Archaeologists in Luxor’s Dra Abu el-Naga necropolis have uncovered three New Kingdom-era tombs (c. 1550 BC) belonging to prominent officials. One, largely destroyed, is tied to Amum-em-Ipet from the Ramesside period; the others date to the 18th Dynasty and belonged to Baki, a grain silo supervisor, and an individual named S, a Temple of Amun supervisor, scribe, and mayor of the northern oases. Inscriptions identifying the owners and artifacts, including statues, were found, with further study planned. Egypt’s antiquities ministry hailed the discovery as a major scientific and archaeological achievement expected to bolster cultural tourism.

ESA will beam Johann Strauss’s The Blue Danube into deep space on 31 May to mark Strauss’s 200th birthday and ESA’s 50th anniversary. A pre-recorded rehearsal by the Vienna Symphony will be transmitted from ESA’s Cebreros antenna in Spain while a live performance is streamed with free public screenings in Vienna, Madrid, and New York. The signal is expected to pass the Moon in 1.5 seconds, Mars in 4.5 minutes, Jupiter in 37 minutes, Neptune in four hours, and reach NASA’s Voyager 1 in about 23 hours. Vienna officials say the broadcast corrects the omission of Strauss from the 1977 Voyager Golden Records. NASA has previously sent The Beatles’ Across The Universe and Missy Elliott’s The Rain into space.

North Korea is repairing a new 5,000-ton warship that capsized and took on water during its launch at Chongjin, an incident Kim Jong Un labeled a “criminal act” that shamed the state. KCNA said work is underway to restore the ship’s balance on schedule. An internal inspection found no bottom hull breaches, but scratches on the starboard side and seawater intrusion through a rescue channel; damage was deemed not serious. Authorities arrested the shipyard’s chief engineer, the hull workshop head, and a deputy manager. Kim ordered the vessel restored before a ruling party meeting in June. Satellite imagery shows the ship on its side under blue tarpaulin.

Europe is reassessing nuclear power to boost energy independence alongside renewables. Denmark will analyze advanced nuclear options like small modular reactors while keeping its focus on wind and solar and not returning to traditional plants. Spain signaled possible extensions of nuclear beyond 2035 despite a planned phaseout, amid debate after a major blackout not attributed to renewables. Germany has dropped opposition to treating nuclear on par with renewables in EU policy, aligning more with France. Supporters cite nuclear’s low-carbon, reliability benefits; critics highlight rising costs, safety, and waste. Analysts note falling wind/solar costs but growing grid-balancing expenses, while new nuclear remains hard to finance and slow to deploy—risking prolonged reliance on natural gas if clean power investments don’t scale. EU data show wind and solar hit 30% of generation and overtook fossil fuels, with nuclear up 3.1% year over year.

Samantha Mui, 34, left corporate roles to found Thirsty Dumpling, a DIY dumpling kit and cooking class business launched in November 2023. Motivated by burnout, student debt, and the deaths of her father and grandmother, she sought work aligned with her values and happiness. Mui now earns up to $10,000 per hour teaching large group classes and has authored the cookbook “Melting Pot.” Her key lessons: trust your gut, value your time, avoid unpaid work that drains energy, and ensure “win-win” exchanges. She says entrepreneurship feels authentic and fulfilling compared to her former corporate path.

Ultra-wealthy investors are increasingly moving physical gold to Singapore amid rising economic and geopolitical risks. The Reserve, a major Singapore vault, reports an 88% jump in storage orders and a 200% surge in bar sales year over year through April, with 90% of new clients from abroad. Demand is driven by distrust of banks and counterparty risk after episodes like the SVB collapse, prompting a shift from paper gold to allocated physical bars. Singapore’s political stability, reputation as the “Geneva of the East,” and status as a global transit hub make it a preferred storage location over alternatives like Switzerland and Dubai. Despite recent price cooling, gold remains near record highs, with some predicting $5,000/oz next year, though vaulted gold is less suitable for short-term traders due to higher transaction and logistics costs.

The EU has approved the Security Action for Europe (SAFE), a €150 billion loan program to boost defence spending amid concerns over Russia and US reliability. Backed by the EU budget and finalized by member states with Hungary abstaining, SAFE allows up to 35% of procurement value to come from non-EU manufacturers and Ukraine, while prioritizing European industry and strategic autonomy. It is part of a broader package, including relaxed budget rules, that could unlock up to €800 billion in defence spending. A new EU-UK defence partnership was also announced, though UK industry would need a separate deal to access SAFE fully.