Microsoft Windows systems are exposed to critical security threats due to vulnerabilities in .XRM-MS file handling and NTLM authentication protocols, potentially allowing information disclosure and spoofing. Security researcher John Page, also known as hyp3rlinx, identified these flaws, which could enable attackers to harvest NTLM hashes and impersonate users, raising concerns about data integrity and system trustworthiness. Unite Supports Blair's Stance on Net Zero, as the union's general secretary Sharon Graham emphasized that while the union backs the goal, it insists net zero cannot be achieved without substantial investment in new jobs. In a surprising move, this aligns Unite with former Prime Minister Tony Blair, placing them at odds with the current Labour leadership. Historic Pottery Company Closes After Over a Century in Business — Moorcroft Pottery, a renowned ceramics manufacturer based in Stoke-on-Trent, is going into voluntary liquidation, according to its directors. The closure marks the end of more than 100 years of craftsmanship and heritage in the pottery industry. Live traffic updates from Kent reveal that a two-car crash is partially blocking a major A-road, leading to delays and congestion in the area. Authorities are on the scene managing traffic flow and working to clear the vehicles involved. Commuters are advised to seek alternative routes where possible. Trump Seeks to Counter China's Influence with Ukraine Resources Deal, Firth Claims. Former President Donald Trump has reportedly adopted a more "pro-Ukraine stance," signaling a shift in tone by using language reminiscent of the Biden administration. Following months of negotiations, the Trump administration finalized a deal with Ukraine to jointly exploit the country's energy and mineral resources—a move seen by some as a strategic effort to undermine China's growing global influence. The Lebanese Army has dismantled over 90 percent of Hezbollah's infrastructure near the Israeli border, according to a senior security official. This significant step follows a November ceasefire agreement grounded in a UN Security Council resolution, which mandates that only Lebanese troops and UN peacekeepers operate south of the Litani River. President Joseph Aoun confirmed that the army now controls more than 85 percent of southern Lebanon and is fulfilling its duties without opposition. Despite this progress, Israel continues to occupy five strategic border positions, presenting the last obstacle to full army deployment in the area. The security official noted Hezbollah's cooperation with the disarmament efforts, stating the group had withdrawn and left the army to manage the dismantling of military facilities. The Infocon level has been set to Green, indicating a low threat level for cybersecurity. This follows recent analyses, including the use of tools like pngdump.py to examine bitstreams for steganographic threats hidden in image files. Takahisa Taura, known for his work on acclaimed titles like *Astral Chain*, has launched a new game studio following his departure from PlatinumGames. This move marks a significant new chapter in his career within the gaming industry. Preparedness updates for Thursday, May 1, 2025, include historical reflections on pivotal events and notable birthdays. On this day in 1328, the Wars of Scottish Independence concluded with the Treaty of Edinburgh-Northampton, as England formally recognized Scotland’s sovereignty. Also on May 1, in 1776, Adam Weishaupt established the secretive society known as the Illuminati. The date marks the birthday of Pastor Archie Mitchell, whose life was profoundly affected by both World War II and the Vietnam War, as well as the late Joel Rosenberg, a Canadian-born novelist and staunch gun rights advocate, born in 1954.