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In week three of Sean “Diddy” Combs’ federal racketeering and sex trafficking trial, former employee “Mia” faced pointed cross-examination about why she stayed in his employ from 2009–2017 despite alleging physical and sexual abuse, coercion, and grueling work conditions. She described a “cycle of violence,” fear, and normalization of abuse, saying her “trauma brain” overrode logic and that leaving felt unsafe professionally and personally. The defense highlighted affectionate social media posts she made about Combs, which she said were performative, job-related, and part of maintaining safety and image. Mia recounted threats, career dependence, and fear of reputational destruction, noting attempts to “run away” and a 2017 severance settlement of about $200,000 to her after Revolt Films shut down. She said outreach from Combs’ camp after Cassie Ventura’s 2023 lawsuit felt like pressure to ensure she wasn’t a “threat.” The defense conceded Combs’ violence but challenged credibility and racketeering claims; Combs has pleaded not guilty and faces up to life if convicted. Mia, who says she suffers severe PTSD, resumes cross-examination Monday.

A confidential IAEA report concludes Iran conducted undeclared, coordinated nuclear activities at three sites—Lavisan-Shian, Varamin, and Turquzabad—using undeclared nuclear material, with related equipment stored at Turquzabad between 2009 and 2018. It cites uranium metal used in 2003 tests relevant to nuclear weapon initiation and says Iran’s cooperation remains “less than satisfactory.” The findings could prompt the IAEA Board of Governors to declare Iran in non-compliance for the first time in nearly 20 years, potentially leading to UN Security Council referral and further escalation by Iran. A separate report says Iran’s 60% enriched uranium stockpile has risen to 408.6 kg—enough for nine bombs if further enriched—drawing strong concern from the IAEA and calls for action from Israel. Iran rejects the report as politically motivated and signals it will respond to any board action, while indirect US-Iran talks on a potential deal continue via Oman.

ISIS claimed its first attacks against Syrian forces since a transitional government led by former jihadist Ahmed al-Sharaa took office, saying it killed and injured seven in a roadside bomb in Suwayda’s Talul al Safa desert. Local sources reported one Free Syrian Army fighter dead and three wounded in an ISIS ambush while tracking militants; the FSA operates with U.S. support near al-Tanf. ISIS also claimed another recent attack in the area, where it has long exploited rugged terrain despite losing territory in 2017. Syrian authorities recently seized IEDs and weapons from an ISIS-affiliated cell nearby. Analysts say ISIS likely maintains cells in southern Syria, while the new government faces pressure to curb a resurgence amid local sectarian tensions and limited state control in Suwayda.

China’s customs has seized at least 462 Pop Mart toys since April amid a frenzy for Labubu, a toothy plush designed by Kasing Lung that’s selling out instantly and fueling smuggling and resale. Shortages persist even in China, with blind boxes priced at 584 yuan reselling for 1,000–2,000 yuan. Celebrity endorsements and fashion-week appearances have driven demand, boosting Pop Mart’s 2024 gross profit by 125% and mainland China revenue to $1.09 billion. Fans increasingly turn to resellers, risking counterfeits, as authorities highlight seizures intended for profit but disclose few legal outcomes.

Mexican band Grupo Firme canceled a June 1 performance at California’s La Onda Fest after the U.S. government suspended the group’s visas, which are under “administrative review” by the U.S. Embassy. The move follows actions by the Trump administration to revoke visas of some Mexican regional musicians over “narco-corridos” that officials say glorify cartel violence. While the State Department declined specifics, the suspension aligns with broader sanctions against artists linked to such content. Grupo Firme has recently pledged not to perform songs that praise criminal groups, but it’s unclear how the visa review will affect their future U.S. performances.

A truck carrying about 70,000 pounds of honeybee hives overturned near Lynden, Washington, releasing an estimated 250 million bees. The driver was uninjured. Local deputies, public works, and more than two dozen beekeepers responded, working to recover and reset the box hives and allow bees to reunite with their queens over the next couple of days. Authorities advised the public to avoid the area; some deputies briefly sheltered in vehicles to avoid stings. The incident highlights bees’ vital role in pollinating over 100 crops and ongoing pollinator declines. The state beekeepers’ association called for a standardized emergency response for bee-related crashes, noting past incidents in Washington.

CNN reports a resurgence of the “r-word” online, driven by high-profile figures like Joe Rogan, Elon Musk, and Kanye West, whose provocative use of the slur has amplified it across platforms—especially X—where posts containing the term spiked after Musk’s January usage. Experts say this renormalization reflects a broader erosion of empathy and a tactic to boost engagement through transgression and outrage. Historically introduced as a “neutral” clinical term, the word became a slur amid systemic mistreatment of disabled people; decades of advocacy led to shifts like 2010’s Rosa’s Law replacing it with “intellectual disability.” Disability advocates warn that renewed casual use harms public attitudes and policy, with visibility making the term feel less shocking and more accepted, ultimately reinforcing stigma against marginalized communities.

CNN investigates a growing global network that tortures and kills cats for profit, fueled by zoosadism and spreading from encrypted Chinese groups to mainstream platforms like Telegram, X, and YouTube. Activists from the group Feline Guardians, operating undercover in China and abroad, document a surge in content—reporting a 500% increase in new videos from June 2024 to February 2025, with uploads averaging every 2.5 hours—and work to identify perpetrators. The networks treat abusers as celebrities, offer “torture to order” services for fees, and use coded language to evade detection. China’s lack of animal-cruelty laws and weak enforcement enable many creators, while consumers span the US, UK, Turkey, Japan, and beyond. Following CNN’s inquiries, YouTube removed channels hosting hundreds of such videos. Activists hope exposure will spur global law enforcement action, especially in China.

President Trump withdrew his nomination of tech billionaire Jared Isaacman to lead NASA, citing a “thorough review of prior associations,” and said he will soon name a replacement aligned with his “America First” agenda. The move came days before an expected Senate vote. Isaacman, a private astronaut and Shift4 CEO with ties to Elon Musk, had drawn skepticism from Democrats over potential favoritism toward Musk’s interests and had expressed support for prioritizing a human mission to Mars alongside Artemis. Records show Isaacman has donated to both parties. NASA referred inquiries to the White House; Musk recently left a White House role but said he remains an adviser.

A federal appeals court kept on hold President Trump’s directives for mass layoffs across more than a dozen federal agencies, rejecting the administration’s bid to pause a lower court’s block. In a 2-1 ruling, the 9th Circuit said the executive order authorizing sweeping reductions in force likely exceeds the president’s constitutional supervisory powers and noted that Congress, not the president, holds authority over such major reorganizations. The case, brought by unions, local governments, and outside groups, challenges Trump’s February order and implementing directives from OPM and OMB, alleging they unlawfully dictated agency downsizing. The ruling affects nearly all Cabinet departments. One judge dissented, arguing the president can direct agencies to conduct lawful RIFs. The administration signaled it will continue to fight, and the dispute may return to the Supreme Court.

CNN reports that President Trump was asked about a viral video appearing to show French President Emmanuel Macron being pushed by his wife, Brigitte, while deplaning in Vietnam. Macron quickly dismissed the clip. The segment features Trump’s brief reaction within a roundup of related political videos.

President Trump publicly backed Elon Musk during a White House send-off, praising him as a victim of unfair scrutiny and signaling continued influence despite Musk’s departure from government. Musk’s bid to slash $1 trillion from federal spending fell far short, with his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) claiming $175 billion in cuts amid inflated and erroneous savings claims. Musk, appearing with a black eye he said came from play with his son, shifted from earlier boasts that cuts were “easy” to acknowledging the work as difficult and tedious. He dodged questions about alleged drug use, attacked the press, and criticized “immense judicial overreach,” echoing the administration’s escalating attacks on the judiciary. Trump said Musk would remain involved informally and lauded the technocratic hires Musk placed in agencies, while media attention largely focused on Trump’s broader policy remarks.

The Department of Homeland Security published a sweeping list of over 600 “sanctuary jurisdictions,” threatening loss of federal contracts, but the compilation appears error-ridden and inconsistently defined. Conservative, pro-enforcement areas like Huntington Beach, CA; Hooker County, NE; and Kit Carson County, CO were included despite declaring themselves non-sanctuary or cooperating with ICE. Local officials across several states expressed confusion, suggesting mistakes may stem from outdated conservative think-tank lists, misinterpretation of unrelated “sanctuary” resolutions (e.g., gun rights or anti-abortion), or small counties lacking jails to host ICE interviews. DHS said the list is under active review. Some jurisdictions successfully got removed (e.g., Aurora, CO), while declared sanctuary cities like Santa Ana, CA were notably absent, underscoring the lack of a clear standard and the administration’s broader pattern of bureaucratic missteps.

NYC bodegas are raising prices on the iconic bacon, egg and cheese as inflation and volatile ingredient costs squeeze margins. At El Vacilon Grocery in East Flatbush, the sandwich went from $4.50 to $5 after egg prices spiked to over $8 per dozen earlier in 2025 (now around $3.96). Bacon, cheese, bread, labor, utilities, and taxes remain high, with payroll about half of overhead. Small bodegas, unable to buy in bulk like supermarkets, face tighter economics and shrinking sales; El Vacilon’s daily revenue has fallen from $3,000 to $2,000 over 25 years, and the owners say owning their building and rental income help keep them afloat. Despite challenges and competition, the bodega continues serving dozens of these no-frills sandwiches daily, a staple that reflects both NYC culture and the pressures of rising costs on small businesses and their customers.

After a brief India-Pakistan military clash, India has suspended participation in the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, seeking to pressure Pakistan over terrorism and push for a renegotiation of water-sharing terms it views as unfair. The treaty, long seen as a rare success that allocates most Indus basin waters to downstream Pakistan while permitting limited Indian use and hydropower, has withstood wars but now faces its most serious strain amid climate stress and rising demand. India’s move, including halting hydrological data sharing, alarms Pakistan, whose agriculture and flood management depend on upstream information. While India cannot quickly curtail flows without major infrastructure, prolonged disruption could harm Pakistan’s economy and raise regional and international risks. Politically, the suspension bolsters Prime Minister Modi at home as India seeks greater flexibility to meet its vast water needs and adapt to climate change.

Leipzig University returned the skulls of 19 Black Americans who died at New Orleans’ Charity Hospital in 1871–72 and were sent to Germany for phrenology research. Believed to be the first major international restitution of Black American remains from Europe, the repatriation followed a two-year collaboration led by Dillard University and New Orleans officials. Seventeen individuals were identified through records; most had migrated post-Civil War and died amid disease and overcrowding. Honored with a jazz funeral, the skulls were interred at the Charity Hospital Cemetery, now also a Katrina memorial site. The case highlights 19th-century racial science practices and growing moves to return human remains; Dillard may consider DNA testing despite risks to the fragile remains.

The Trump administration terminated a $258 million NIH program led by Duke and Scripps that was central to developing an HIV vaccine using broadly neutralizing antibodies, and also paused funding for a Moderna HIV vaccine trial. Officials said NIH will shift focus to existing approaches to eliminate HIV, while broader cuts have hit PrEP research, the CDC’s HIV prevention division, and PEPFAR prevention funding. Public health experts warn the move will derail vaccine progress, disrupt prevention efforts in the U.S. and abroad, and likely leave no new vaccine candidates entering trials in coming years, calling the decision shortsighted and potentially deadly.

The Trump administration released detailed plans to cut about $163 billion in federal spending next fiscal year, aiming to shrink government and reduce domestic programs. The proposal targets nearly every major agency, with steep reductions to foreign aid, tax enforcement, anti-poverty programs, and health research. Notable cuts include $33 billion each from Housing and Urban Development and Health and Human Services, a $12 billion Education Department cut with a Pell Grant maximum reduced to $5,710, rollbacks to WIC fruit and vegetable benefits, and an $18 billion NIH cut, including a roughly 40% ($2.7 billion) reduction to the National Cancer Institute. Democrats called the budget “dead on arrival,” criticizing missing revenue estimates and delayed Pentagon details. The White House also plans to seek rescissions of about $9 billion and is considering using impoundment to halt enacted funds, signaling a potential constitutional clash with Congress. Republicans are pursuing additional tax cuts that could further reduce spending.

President Trump said he will withdraw Jared Isaacman’s nomination to lead NASA, days before an expected Senate confirmation, after learning Isaacman had donated to Democrats. The reversal underscores Trump’s loyalty tests and comes as his administration proposes steep NASA budget cuts and a major overhaul of human spaceflight, including ending SLS/Orion after Artemis III and prioritizing Mars—aligning with Elon Musk’s interests. Isaacman, a billionaire entrepreneur and SpaceX private astronaut backed by Musk, had cleared committee with bipartisan support. The withdrawal leaves NASA without a confirmed administrator for months and tests Musk’s sway after his White House advisory role ended, while sparking pushback from some Republicans and Musk allies.

The Trump administration’s 2026 budget proposes cutting about 90% of funding for the U.S. Geological Survey’s Ecosystems Mission Area (EMA), from $293 million to $29 million, effectively dismantling a cornerstone federal program for ecological and climate research. The EMA conducts long-term studies on rangelands, wildfire risk, invasive species and wildlife diseases, water supply management, and crucial monitoring programs like bird banding and native bee identification. Scientists warn that eliminating the EMA would squander years of investment, erode baseline data needed for resource management, and undermine wildfire prevention, invasive species control, and water and public health protections. Over 70 scientific societies and universities are urging the Interior Department to preserve the program. The cuts align with Project 2025’s goal to shrink federal environmental roles and parallel broader reductions to climate science across agencies; Congress must still approve the budget.

The U.S. sent Iran its first written proposal for a new nuclear deal, calling for Tehran to halt all uranium enrichment and join a regional nuclear power consortium with Arab states and the U.S. The move came as I.A.E.A. reports showed Iran sharply increasing its stockpile of 60 percent enriched uranium to about 900 pounds—enough for roughly 10 bombs if further refined—while limiting monitoring. Iran signaled it would respond but has publicly rejected ending enrichment. The proposal was conveyed via Omani mediation, and the White House framed it as a strong, acceptable offer. The enrichment surge appears aimed at leverage amid talks, while Israel urges a hard line and has contemplated strikes. Disputes persist over Iran’s past nuclear activities and access for inspectors, with the I.A.E.A. warning the situation is of serious concern.

The article reports that U.S. science is faltering under the Trump administration’s visa restrictions and deep cuts to research funding, prompting international scientists and top graduates—traditionally drawn to American labs—to look elsewhere. Examples include halted or reduced grants at Harvard and Johns Hopkins, slowed NSF awards, and broader uncertainty deterring travel and collaboration. Scientists warn that limiting foreign talent and collaboration threatens the United States’ longstanding global leadership and could harm worldwide research, especially in areas like medicine and climate. European countries and others (Austria, Japan, Australia) are absorbing talent once headed to the U.S., raising fears that the unique, risk-embracing U.S. research culture—and the innovation and economic gains it drives—may erode.

Astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore recounted the tense start of their June 2024 Boeing Starliner test flight, when thruster failures jeopardized docking with the ISS and raised doubts about returning to Earth. With Mission Control’s help, they docked, but due to ongoing Starliner issues, NASA kept them aboard the station for nearly 10 months and returned them on a SpaceX capsule in March 2025. Though labeled “stranded,” they always had contingency spacecraft available. They stayed focused on problem-solving, avoided political controversy, and maintained rigorous exercise regimens, returning in strong health. Boeing later flew Starliner back uncrewed, and both astronauts say they’d fly Starliner again once technical issues are fixed, calling it a capable vehicle with unique strengths.

A coronial inquest into the 13 April Bondi Junction stabbings found that killer Joel Cauchi, a gifted student diagnosed with schizophrenia at 17, slipped through multiple systemic gaps before murdering six people and injuring 10 others. After years of stability, his psychiatrist gradually took him off antipsychotic medication, fully stopping by 2019 without a second opinion on cessation. His condition deteriorated: he left treatment, moved cities, sought a firearms clearance from doctors who lacked full history, and had escalating police contacts for erratic behavior. Family and police raised concerns, but understaffing and legal thresholds for involuntary treatment meant no intervention occurred. By 2024 he was homeless and isolated. The attack unfolded in minutes before he was shot by a responding officer. Families of victims described profound grief and argued the deaths resulted from cumulative failures across mental health care, information-sharing, and policing systems, prompting calls for reform to prevent similar tragedies.

Étienne-Émile Baulieu, the French scientist who developed the abortion pill mifepristone (RU-486), died at 98 in Paris. A resistance member in his youth and a pioneer in hormone research after working with contraceptive pill pioneer Gregory Pincus, Baulieu created a method to block progesterone, enabling a safe, low-cost alternative to surgical abortion. Despite decades of backlash and threats, he pushed for global authorization; the drug is now approved in over 100 countries and listed by WHO as essential medicine. French leaders praised him for advancing women’s freedom. In later years, he researched Alzheimer’s and treatments for severe depression. He received France’s Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour in 2023.

Loretta Swit, the Emmy-winning actress best known for playing Major Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan on M*A*S*H, has died at 87 at her New York home, likely of natural causes. A cornerstone of the series, she appeared in nearly every episode across its 1972–1983 run, including the record-breaking finale. Swit earned two Emmys and four Golden Globe nominations, and her portrayal evolved from comedic foil to a complex, intelligent character. Beyond M*A*S*H, she worked in TV, film, and theater, winning the Sarah Siddons Award, and was an artist and animal rights advocate. Co-star Jamie Farr remembered her as a lifelong friend.

North and South Korea are waging a covert information war: Seoul pushes outside media into the North via loudspeakers, radio broadcasts, and smuggled USBs, while Kim Jong Un intensifies efforts to block and punish access. Smuggled K-dramas, music, and news expose North Koreans to freer, more affluent lifestyles, undermining regime propaganda and inspiring some to defect or privately resist. However, Kim has tightened border controls, imposed harsh laws (including potential execution for distributing foreign media), and deployed “youth crackdown squads” to police language and behavior influenced by South Korean culture. Funding cuts to US-backed information efforts further threaten the flow of content. Despite growing caution and fear inside North Korea, testimonies suggest foreign media remains influential, especially among youth—but the regime may be gaining the upper hand.

Norway is moving to curb the “russebuss” party culture among graduating high-schoolers, which has expanded into weeks of late-night bus partying during exam season, bringing concerns about heavy drinking, drug use, sleep deprivation, declining grades, exclusion due to high costs, and safety. The government plans to shift celebrations to after exams, reduce commercialization and exclusion, and ban unsafe bus layouts (sideways seating/standing). Parents, schools, and officials broadly support reforms, citing the growing impact on younger students and spiraling budgets that push teens into debt. Some students argue the changes won’t solve inclusion issues and undermine a long-planned tradition.

Shakira canceled her Washington, DC concert at Nationals Park due to production complications stemming from a stage safety issue that also forced the cancellation of her prior Boston show. Venue officials and Live Nation cited structural elements not meeting standards discovered during pre-show checks. Nationals Park will issue automatic refunds. Shakira expressed disappointment and promised to return as soon as possible. She continues her Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran North American tour, with an Atlanta show slated for June 2. Fans reacted with both frustration and support.

Taylor Swift has bought back the master rights to her first six albums—Taylor Swift, Fearless, Speak Now, Red, 1989, and Reputation—ending a dispute that began when Scooter Braun acquired her former label, Big Machine, in 2019. Swift had responded by re-recording her catalog as “Taylor’s Versions,” releasing four so far with bonus content. She says re-recording Reputation has been delayed and may not be fully redone, though vault tracks could still come. Owning the masters gives her full control over licensing and distribution of the original recordings. The purchase price is undisclosed, with reports of $600m–$1bn deemed inaccurately high. Swift thanked fans and called the outcome a long-awaited dream fulfilled.

Elon Musk ended his 130-day stint as a “special government employee” leading the advisory Department of Government Efficiency (Doge) under President Trump, who said Musk is “not really leaving” and will continue informally advising. Doge claims $175bn in government savings, though a BBC analysis could verify only a fraction. Musk’s tenure drew controversy over sweeping cuts, including to USAID, prompting global protests and a slump in Tesla sales. At an Oval Office event, Trump praised Musk’s reforms and defended his own major tax-and-defense bill, while Musk vowed Doge would keep pursuing $1tn in reductions. Musk deflected questions about alleged drug use and a visible black eye.

An estimated 250 million honeybees escaped after a truck carrying about 70,000 lb of active hives overturned in Whatcom County, Washington, near the Canadian border. Authorities closed the area and warned the public to avoid the swarm while more than two dozen master beekeepers assisted emergency crews in resetting box hives. Officials said the bees are expected to re-hive and return to their queens within 24–48 hours, with most returning by morning. The effort aimed to save as many bees as possible; footage showed large swarms around the overturned truck.

Five members of the regional Mexican band Grupo Fugitivo, missing since Sunday, were found dead on the outskirts of Reynosa, a violent border city in Tamaulipas. Authorities say the musicians were kidnapped while driving to a gig and that nine alleged members of a Gulf Cartel faction have been arrested. Families reported ransom demands; local media said the bodies may have been burned. The case sparked public protests, including a bridge blockade to Texas. The killings highlight ongoing cartel violence and the fraught relationship between organized crime and regional music, including “narcocorridos,” which have drawn government scrutiny and sanctions in both Mexico and the U.S.

Archaeologists in Guatemala have uncovered a nearly 3,000-year-old Maya city named Los Abuelos in the Peten region, dating to the Middle Preclassic period (800–500 BC). The site features pyramids, monuments with unique regional iconography, and anthropomorphic sculptures of an “ancestral couple” likely linked to ancestor worship. Researchers also found a 108-foot pyramid with Preclassic murals and a unique canal system. Together with nearby sites, Los Abuelos forms a previously unknown urban triangle, prompting a reevaluation of early Maya ceremonial and socio-political organization in the area.

An Argentine court declared a mistrial in the case against seven health professionals accused of negligence in Diego Maradona’s 2020 death, ordering a new trial after Judge Julieta Makintach resigned amid ethics concerns tied to her participation in a forthcoming documentary about the case. The ruling voids proceedings since March and delays the timeline, with new judges to be selected by lottery. Defendants, including Maradona’s primary physician, psychologist, psychiatrist, coordinator, and nurses, face culpable homicide charges carrying up to 25 years, which they deny, arguing Maradona resisted treatment. The case has drawn intense public attention, blending medical testimony with personal allegations from Maradona’s family.

Wildfire smoke from more than 90 out-of-control fires across Canada is set to drift over the U.S. Friday through the weekend, degrading air quality across the Upper Midwest. A 3,000-mile smoke plume stretches from Montana to the Atlantic. Air quality alerts cover parts of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, northern Minnesota, and all of Wisconsin, with “unhealthy for sensitive groups” expected Friday from Madison to Duluth and “moderate” in Chicago, Minneapolis, St. Louis, Cincinnati, and Detroit. Conditions may worsen to “unhealthy” in parts of Minnesota on Saturday. Saskatchewan has declared a state of emergency, and tens of thousands have evacuated in Manitoba. The event echoes widespread smoke impacts seen in 2023.

World Boxing has introduced mandatory genetic sex testing for athletes competing in its events and has barred Algerian Olympic gold medalist Imane Khelif from women’s competitions until she undergoes the test. The policy, prompted partly by controversy following Khelif’s Paris Olympics win and prior disqualification by the International Boxing Association, requires a PCR-based test to detect the presence of a Y chromosome to determine eligibility. Testing begins July 1, 2025. World Boxing says the move aims to ensure safety and competitive fairness; the Algerian Boxing Federation has been notified, and CBS News has sought its comment.

An experienced Chinese paraglider, Peng Yujiang, was unintentionally lifted to 28,208 feet—near Everest’s height—after being trapped in a powerful cumulonimbus updraft (“cloud suck”) during a routine equipment test in Gansu Province. Without supplemental oxygen, he endured extreme cold and icing while disoriented in whiteout conditions, captured on a 360-degree camera. He survived but described the incident as terrifying and was issued a six-month flight suspension because the site and airspace weren’t pre-approved.

Karin Prien, the first Jewish member of Germany’s federal cabinet since WWII, reflects on hiding her identity as a child of Holocaust survivors and later embracing it as a political responsibility. Now Minister for Education, Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth, she aims to confront rising antisemitism—which she says has moved into the societal mainstream—by expanding Holocaust education to include Jewish life, Israel’s history, and the roots of antisemitism. Prien links educational equity and democratic resilience, advocates limiting smartphones in elementary schools due to online risks, and urges young Jewish Germans to stay and help uphold a safe, inclusive democracy.

Russell Brand pleaded not guilty in London’s Southwark Crown Court to five charges involving four women: two counts of rape, two counts of sexual assault, and one count of indecent assault. Prosecutors allege the incidents occurred between 1999 and 2005, with one in Bournemouth and three in London. Accusations include a 1999 hotel rape during a Labour Party conference, a 2001 incident at a TV station, a 2004 assault and forced oral sex at a birthday party, and offenses involving a radio station employee between 2004–2005. Brand, who is nearly 50, denied each charge; the identities of the alleged victims are protected under U.K. law.

Haribo recalled 1 kg bags of Happy Cola F!ZZ in the Netherlands after traces of cannabis were found in some candies. The Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Agency warned consumers not to eat the affected sweets due to potential dizziness. The issue currently involves three bags, but all stock with production code L341-4002307906 and best-before date January 2026 was recalled as a precaution. The alert followed a family in Twente becoming ill; police forensic tests detected cannabis. Haribo is cooperating with authorities to investigate the contamination’s cause.

In early 2024, Sophie (37) and Rocky (50) Goldie bought a neglected 37.5-acre Kentucky homestead for about $390,000 with a $1,790/month mortgage they aim to pay off in under five years. The property includes a combined 1840s log-cabin house, a small cabin, and two barns. Over the first year, they spent about $13,000 (mostly on tools) and hundreds of hours clearing trash, removing poison ivy and brown recluse infestations, and starting renovations on the kitchen, bathroom, and rooms. They’re building a self-sustaining setup with a garden, fruit and nut trees, over 30 animals, eggs and goat milk for food, and a planned canning room. Their top takeaway: two dedicated people can dramatically heal and transform neglected land, underscoring the responsibility and impact of stewardship. Personally, Rocky found identity beyond his long-held jobs after quitting to homestead full-time, and Sophie launched a skincare business inspired by their life there. They plan to stay indefinitely.

Jim Cramer’s Lightning Round highlights: He’s bullish on QXO, citing confidence in Brad Jacobs to drive the stock higher. He sees Gentex as undervalued despite its drop. He calls Energy Transfer a terrific company but prefers ONEOK. For Trade Desk, he wishes he’d urged buying after a weak quarter from CEO Jeff Green and remains favorable on the stock.

Tracee Ellis Ross says she actively cultivates joy, distinguishing it from fleeting happiness. She practices daily intention by writing shared gratitude and fear lists with friends, using small rituals (like making up tunes) to shift her mood. Ross reframes stress—calling a busy schedule “wonderfully full”—and focuses on perspective, noting joy is an attitude and lens for life. Her gratitude often includes simple moments and career abundance, helping her balance life’s mix of good and challenging experiences.

MicroStrategy’s bitcoin-treasury model is spreading to companies like Trump Media and GameStop, as well as a new bitcoin-native firm, Twenty One, yet Wall Street remains skeptical. Despite big allocation announcements—$2.5 billion for Trump Media and $500 million for GameStop—their shares fell sharply, while MicroStrategy’s stock has soared since 2022 as its bitcoin holdings topped $60 billion. Michael Saylor says short-term pressure from convertible financings is masking long-term benefits and describes a global surge in corporate interest. Policy shifts under the Trump administration—including a U.S. Strategic Bitcoin Reserve funded by seized coins and a halt to government bitcoin sales—are accelerating adoption. Saylor vows MicroStrategy will keep buying, arguing broader participation makes the network more robust, not less decentralized.

At Bitcoin 2025 in Las Vegas, stablecoins dominated the agenda amid accelerating U.S. policy shifts. Vice President JD Vance endorsed stablecoins as a “force multiplier” for U.S. economic power and backed the GENIUS Act to regulate issuers, with senators signaling an imminent cloture vote and House leaders aiming to pass stablecoin and broader market-structure bills before August. Lawmakers and industry leaders argued stablecoins would bolster dollar dominance and Treasury demand, as Tether—already a top buyer of U.S. debt—targets the global unbanked while major banks explore launching competing digital dollars. Regulatory momentum has turned, with the SEC retreating from enforcement-first tactics and engaging on tokenization; Robinhood’s CEO said the SEC could enable tokenized assets without new laws. Remaining debates include sharing yield with users and limits on officials’ participation in stablecoin markets.

SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce said meme coins like $TRUMP fall outside the SEC’s purview and investors shouldn’t expect agency protection, echoing the approach taken with NFTs. The stance reflects a broader rollback of Biden-era crypto enforcement under President Trump, whose family-linked $TRUMP token briefly surged to a $15 billion market cap before crashing. Democrats allege conflicts of interest as the Trump family deepens crypto ties. The SEC also dropped its case against Binance and rescinded SAB 121 to enable traditional custodians in crypto. Peirce denied political motives, saying the agency aims to write clear rules first, then enforce them.

Elon Musk says SpaceX aims to launch a Starship mission to Mars crewed by Tesla humanoid robots by late 2026, giving the plan a 50-50 chance due to technical hurdles, notably in-orbit refueling. Human landings could follow on the second or third flights, with a current target of 2028. The timeline aligns with a favorable Earth-Mars window at the end of 2026; if missed, the attempt would slip two years. Despite recent Starship test failures, Musk promises faster testing, while NASA plans to use Starship for a lunar landing as early as 2027.

Gerry Adams won a defamation case against the BBC over a 2016 Spotlight programme and article that implied he sanctioned the 2006 murder of British informant Denis Donaldson. A Dublin High Court jury found the BBC’s reporting conveyed that meaning, was not in good faith, and was neither fair nor reasonable. Adams, who denied involvement and called the allegations a grievous smear, was awarded €100,000 in damages and said he would donate any award to good causes. The BBC expressed disappointment, defended its journalism as in the public interest, and warned the verdict could hinder freedom of expression under Irish defamation law. A Garda investigation into Donaldson’s killing remains ongoing.

World Boxing has told Algerian Olympic champion Imane Khelif she cannot compete in the female category at the Eindhoven Box Cup (5–10 June) or any World Boxing events unless she undergoes genetic sex screening under new eligibility rules. Although the organization’s sex testing policy formally takes effect on 1 July, the executive board implemented the criteria early under emergency powers, citing athlete safety, fairness, and the backlash surrounding Khelif’s participation. The new “Sex, Age and Weight” policy—developed with medical experts—will include an appeals process. Khelif’s previous gender eligibility dispute surfaced before she won gold at the Paris Olympics.

Over 41% of Europe is experiencing drought, driven by record-warm March temperatures and below-average rainfall in northern and eastern regions. Severe “alert” conditions affect parts of southeastern Spain, Cyprus, Greece, Albania, Poland, and Ukraine, with broader drying across France, Germany, Poland, and Ukraine raising concerns for crop yields. North West England has officially entered drought. In Greece, overtourism intensifies water stress, especially on islands reliant on shipped or desalinated water, while agriculture remains the primary drain amid inefficiencies. Hot, dry conditions heighten wildfire risks, prompting Greece to expand firefighting resources. Climate change is making Mediterranean droughts more likely and intense, straining hydropower and contributing to significant economic losses, with experts warning of more extreme swings between drought and intense rainfall.

Canada is battling 175 wildfires, with 95 out of control, prompting states of emergency in Manitoba and Saskatchewan and 21,000 evacuations. The federal government is deploying the military to assist, as officials warn conditions will worsen amid hot, dry weather and no rain forecast. Smoke is already affecting U.S. air quality, with experts warning of cross-border resource strain later this season. Climate change is cited as intensifying wildfire risks by drying fuels, echoing severe seasons like 2023. Political tensions flared over U.S. disaster-response cuts as scientists warned of knock-on impacts.

Richard Satchwell, 58, was found guilty of murdering his wife, Tina Satchwell, whose skeletal remains were discovered in October 2023 buried under the stairs of their Co Cork home, six years after he reported her missing. During the five-week trial, jurors heard from over 50 witnesses. Satchwell claimed he accidentally killed Tina during a struggle on 20 March 2017 and later hid her body, but a state pathologist could not determine the exact cause of death due to decomposition. The jury returned a unanimous verdict, and sentencing is set for 4 June.

China and Thailand have inaugurated a 13-metre next-generation radio telescope in Chiang Mai, with a second under construction in Songkhla, to strengthen deep-space tracking and high-precision Earth monitoring. Jointly developed by Shanghai Astronomical Observatory and Thailand’s National Astronomical Research Institute, the facility supports more accurate GPS, climate research, and earthquake forecasting by measuring deep-space signals and subtle changes in Earth’s rotation and tectonic plates. The project, launched via a 2017 MoU and delayed by Covid-19, captured its first signal in 2024 and completed a 24-hour observation with precision benchmarks, marking deepened China–Thailand scientific cooperation on the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties.

China is rapidly deploying AI in “smart cities,” exemplified by Nanjing’s AI-directed drone patrols targeting blind spots and the broader “city brain” strategy adopted nationally since 2017. These systems aim to improve urban governance and manage the scale and complexity of city life. Despite advances, China faces familiar global challenges: safeguarding privacy, ensuring transparent data handling, and fostering genuine community participation. Analysts note that while implementation is ahead in China, best practices—such as stronger data governance and inclusive engagement—are needed everywhere, with some Beijing districts cited as emerging models.

China is intensifying its strategic outreach to Latin America, leveraging infrastructure investment and development financing to deepen ties as US policy uncertainty grows. At the recent China-CELAC ministerial meeting in Beijing, President Xi Jinping offered a US$9.2 billion credit line and framed China as a cooperative partner against “bullying” and unilateralism, implicitly criticizing the US. Analysts say Beijing’s “all carrot, no stick” approach and focus on megaprojects could further erode US influence in the region, especially amid tensions such as those surrounding the Panama Canal. Observers argue that if Washington maintains its current stance, closer China–Latin America relations may become “unstoppable.”

Hong Kong’s Dragon Boat Festival launched with enthusiastic crowds despite strong winds that could create bigger waves and affect race performance. At Stanley Main Beach, teams and residents packed the venue for the Stanley International Dragon Boat Championship. Paddlers, including a first-time team from the West Kowloon Cultural District that trained through seven two-hour sessions, vowed to do their best. Authorities expect a 14% increase in mainland Chinese visitors compared with typical weekends.

A 15-year-old Hongkonger, Hayden Yung, lives with Duchenne muscular dystrophy and faces daily barriers navigating the city in his wheelchair, from locked or unusable accessible toilets to limited wheelchair spaces, obstructed ramps, and inconsiderate passengers. He also contends with stigma, including intrusive questions and stares. Despite these challenges, Hayden remains determined to lead “ordinary days” and calls for better understanding of people with disabilities. Experts emphasize the need for targeted support for children with disabilities and their caregivers to improve accessibility and inclusion.

China is upgrading traditional mining with large-scale deployment of autonomous, battery-electric haul trucks to address labor shortages, safety risks, and efficiency needs. At the Yimin open-pit coal mine in Inner Mongolia—one of China’s largest—100 self-driving, photovoltaic-powered trucks now operate without human drivers, replacing a workforce that once required 1,200 drivers for 300 trucks. This rollout, supported by national policies since 2020 promoting “intelligent coal mines,” exemplifies Beijing’s strategy to modernize heavy industry through advanced technologies like autonomous driving amid an aging population and shrinking labor pool.

China launched the Tianwen-2 probe aboard a Long March 3B from Xichang to collect samples from near-Earth asteroid 469219 Kamoʻoalewa (2016 HO3) near Mars, with samples expected back in about two years. The mission is part of a broader 10-year plan that includes Tianwen-3 (a Mars sample-return around 2028) and Tianwen-4 (a Jupiter mission). China aims to glean clues about Earth’s formation and water origins from the asteroid’s stable orbit. Due to the U.S. Wolf Amendment, NASA cannot collaborate or receive samples. China continues expanding its independent space capabilities, including its Tiangong space station.

France will ban smoking in many outdoor public spaces starting July 1, including beaches, parks, gardens, bus stops, sports venues, and areas near schools. Violators face fines up to about $153, with enforcement by police and expected public self-regulation. Outdoor café terraces are exempt, and e-cigarettes aren’t included for now, though nicotine limits may be considered later. The move builds on existing indoor smoking bans and aligns with growing local restrictions. Daily smoking rates are at a historic low (23.1%), yet smoking still causes over 75,000 deaths annually. Public support is strong, though some critics cite concerns over personal freedom.

Police in St. Vincent and the Grenadines are investigating a 45-foot vessel that washed ashore on Canouan Island containing the decomposed remains of at least 11 people. Some remains were incomplete. Passports found onboard appear to be from Mali, but identities are unconfirmed. The remains were moved to St. Vincent for forensic analysis. Authorities are working with regional and international partners to determine the boat’s origin and the victims’ identities.

A U.S. federal judge awarded over $20 million to American traveler Sam Goodwin, who was detained and tortured for 63 days in Syria in 2019 while attempting to visit every country. The judgment, secured by law firm Miller & Chevalier under the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act’s terrorism exception, includes roughly equal compensatory and punitive damages, with a portion potentially payable through the U.S. Victims of State-Sponsored Terrorism Fund. Goodwin was held in solitary confinement at Syria’s Military Intelligence Branch 215 and threatened with transfer to ISIS before his release was arranged by Lebanese General Abbas Ibrahim with support from U.S. agencies and intermediaries. Goodwin said the ruling stands for victims of human rights abuses and serves as a warning to perpetrators. The firm has won similar cases against Syria, including a $50 million judgment in 2023, and is pursuing another on behalf of a missing American humanitarian.

Gen. Michael Langley, head of U.S. Africa Command, warned that jihadist groups in Africa—especially in the Sahel—are expanding rapidly and could soon gain the capacity to strike the U.S. He said AQIM has tripled in size since 2022, and JNIM has quadrupled, spreading across Mali, Burkina Faso, and parts of Niger. Terror groups seek access to West Africa’s coastline to diversify funding through smuggling and trafficking and to export attacks. The U.S. continues strikes against al-Shabab in Somalia and is competing with China and Russia for security influence in Africa, as more African soldiers train in Beijing’s programs that mirror U.S. IMET.

Chinese paraglider Peng Yujiang claimed an accidental ascent to over 8,000 metres after being caught in an updraft in the Qilian mountains, but his account is now in doubt after experts said parts of his viral helmet-cam video—distributed by CCTV and Reuters—appear AI-generated. An official report, based on Peng’s interview, said he started around 3,000 metres, rose more than 5,000 metres, became confused and briefly unconscious, and landed about 30km away after over an hour aloft, staying in radio contact with a friend. Authorities called the incident an accident but banned Peng and his friend (who posted the video) from flying for six months and said any record would not count due to lack of registration. While extreme altitude survival is possible—citing Ewa Wiśnierska’s 9,946m 2007 incident—the authenticity of Peng’s footage has cast significant doubt on his narrative.

A 30-year-old domestic tourist with reported mental illness jumped over barriers into a pit at Xi’an’s Terracotta Army museum, pushing and pulling the clay figures and damaging two to varying degrees before being detained by security. The pit is up to 5.4 meters deep. Despite the incident, the UNESCO World Heritage site, housing the 8,000-figure army from around 209 BC, remains open as usual while authorities investigate.

Médecins Sans Frontières reports a sharp rise in sexual violence against women and girls in Darfur amid the ongoing conflict between the RSF and Sudanese armed forces. In South Darfur alone, MSF treated 659 survivors from January to March 2025, over two-thirds raped, with 56% of assaults committed by armed actors. Attacks occur in homes, during displacement, and while gathering food, water, or farming; many involve multiple perpetrators and killings of men and boys before rapes. Following RSF gains and the seizure of the Zamzam displacement camp, incidents have escalated, with additional reports of abductions and disappearances. Women’s rights groups, including Siha, accuse the international community of neglect and note that the withdrawal of the UN-AU peacekeeping mission removed critical protections. MSF and advocates urge accountability, stressing that sexual violence is a war crime and part of a wider pattern of atrocities and famine-inducing siege tactics.

A massive rock and ice collapse from Switzerland’s Nesthorn mountain triggered a catastrophic landslide that obliterated the village of Blatten after residents had been pre-emptively evacuated. Nine million cubic metres of debris buried the area, destroyed landmarks, and blocked the River Lonza, creating flood risks for nearby villages. Scientists link the event to accelerated glacier retreat and permafrost thaw driven by global warming, which destabilize high mountains and make hazards harder to predict despite monitoring. While evacuation likely saved hundreds of lives, one person is missing and the community lost nearly everything. Experts warn Blatten may foreshadow more Alpine settlements at risk as Switzerland’s glaciers rapidly diminish.