Pete Hegseth Criticizes Resigning West Point Professor Over Trump-Era Education Changes — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth responded sharply to the resignation of West Point philosophy professor Graham Parsons, who announced his departure after 13 years, citing fundamental changes in the academy’s educational mission. In a public op-ed, Parsons criticized what he described as a politicized shift in West Point’s curriculum driven by Trump-era directives, claiming it undermines academic freedom and core educational principles. Hegseth, a vocal supporter of former President Trump, dismissed the resignation, stating bluntly on social media, “You will not be missed Professor Parsons.” Keir Starmer is weighing the possibility of deploying British troops on European Union military missions as part of a proposed Brexit defence agreement. A leaked draft of a new defence and security partnership, marked "classified and sensitive," outlines that British participation in EU civilian and military operations could occur at the invitation of the bloc. The agreement, to be discussed at the UK-EU summit on May 19 in London, would also pave the way for the UK to join the EU’s £127 billion Security Action For Europe (SAFE) scheme. This initiative aims to boost European arms procurement, and UK involvement could open doors for British defence firms to secure lucrative contracts. Farrell sends a clear message to players omitted from his latest squad, emphasizing that the door remains open for future selection, while rugby legend Jiffy predicts a breakthrough performance from a rising Welsh star expected to shine in the upcoming matches. 37signals finalizes its on-premises transition, officially shutting down its Amazon Web Services account in a move to cut costs. The company expects to save an additional $1.3 million annually after migrating its data out of the cloud. CTO David Heinemeier Hansson criticized the industry's push toward cloud computing, claiming it misled businesses into believing it was the only viable option. The Internet Storm Center has set the Infocon level to Green for Friday, May 9th, 2025, indicating a stable cybersecurity environment with no significant threats detected. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has overseen a test of short-range ballistic missiles and long-range artillery, in what state-run media described as a display of the country's nuclear counterattack capabilities. This latest demonstration underscores Pyongyang's continued focus on advancing its strategic weapons program. President Donald Trump has appointed former Fox News host and ex-prosecutor Jeanine Pirro as the interim U.S. attorney for Washington, D.C., placing a high-profile media personality and seasoned legal figure in a key federal prosecutorial role. Ireland rugby legend Brian O'Driscoll says Prendergast's Lions will have their time, but believes the 2025 British and Irish Lions tour to Australia has arrived too soon for the young talent. O'Driscoll suggested that while Sam Prendergast is a rising star, his peak Lions opportunity may come in future tours. Karl-Anthony Towns issued a caution to the Knicks after their historic NBA performance, reminding them that despite a 2–0 series lead, the job is far from finished. The Knicks became the first team in league history to mount consecutive 20-point comeback victories on the road in the playoffs, the latest a dramatic 91–90 win over the Celtics. Despite the feat, Towns tempered the moment, stating, “It means we’re up two-zip. It doesn’t really mean anything.” The Knicks' composure under pressure and balanced effort from Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, and Josh Hart showcased a team focused on execution rather than celebration, as they prepare for a pivotal Game 3 at Madison Square Garden.

A partial outage has affected the 1-800-CHATGPT service on WhatsApp, leading to degraded performance for users. Mitigation measures have been applied, and recovery is currently being monitored to restore full functionality. Warriors Receive Concerning Update on Draymond Green's Status for Timberwolves Game, as the veteran forward picked up his fifth technical foul of the postseason during Game 2, placing him just two infractions away from an automatic one-game suspension. With Stephen Curry already sidelined for at least a week due to a hamstring strain, Golden State’s margin for error has nearly vanished. Green’s continued availability is critical for a depleted Warriors squad relying heavily on his defensive leadership in a series where any additional absences could prove fatal to their narrow path toward victory. Patriots Encouraged to Support Marcus Jones with Former Bengals Starter

The New England Patriots are being urged to bolster their revamped defense by signing former Bengals and Steelers slot cornerback Mike Hilton to support incumbent Marcus Jones. While Jones performed admirably last season with a 76.1 PFF coverage grade, adding Hilton—who boasts a 77.3 coverage grade over the past two seasons—would secure valuable depth and bring physicality and versatility to the secondary. Hilton’s aggressive play style, ability to support the run, and effectiveness as a blitzer would help replace the departed Jonathan Jones, while also potentially freeing Marcus Jones to contribute more on offense, where his elite athleticism and big-play ability could be leveraged under returning offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. openSUSE participates in End of 10 campaign, aligning its Upgrade to Freedom initiative with a broader effort to reduce e-waste by encouraging users of aging Windows 10 systems to switch to Linux. The project aims to help users extend the life of their devices, especially those incompatible with Windows 11, by offering openSUSE and other Linux distributions as sustainable alternatives. In a surprising move, President Donald Trump has abruptly fired Carla Hayden, the Librarian of Congress, drawing swift condemnation from Democratic lawmakers who called the decision "callous" and "ignorant." Hayden, appointed by President Barack Obama in 2016 as the first woman and first African American to hold the role, was notified of her dismissal via email from the White House on Thursday evening. Critics, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, warned the decision reflects a broader pattern by Trump to undermine cultural institutions and reshape them with political allies. Lawmakers vowed to pursue legislative action to transfer appointment authority for the position from the president to Congress. Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, former Maryland Lieutenant Governor and niece of President John F. Kennedy, has praised Pope Leo XIV’s opening speech as a timely and important message. Townsend, the eldest daughter of the late U.S. Attorney General and Senator Robert F. Kennedy, reflected on the Pope’s remarks, emphasizing their significance amid current global challenges.

The UK’s National Cyber Security Centre has launched new cyber resilience initiatives in response to rising concerns over recent security breaches. Among this week's global cybersecurity developments, investigations continue into an Iberian blackout potentially linked to cyber activity, while Delta Airlines faces a lawsuit related to the recent CrowdStrike outage. Additionally, hackers have exploited flaws in GeoVision using the Mirai botnet, and both India and Pakistan have issued competing cybersecurity advisories. WatchGuard has appointed Vats Srivatsan, former COO of SentinelOne and chief strategy officer at Palo Alto Networks, as its interim CEO. Srivatsan replaces Prakash Panjwani, who had led the company’s expansion beyond traditional network security. In his new role, Srivatsan is charged with scaling WatchGuard's security platform for managed service providers. A cyberattack on PowerSchool has compromised the data of students and teachers, leaving schools vulnerable to further threats. Despite PowerSchool paying a ransom in exchange for the criminals' promise to delete the stolen information, the hackers reneged on the agreement and are now directly extorting affected schools. Canada’s Navy faces a steep decline as its aging fleet grapples with serious maintenance challenges and delayed modernization efforts. The Royal Canadian Navy’s 12 Halifax-class frigates, which form the core of its surface fleet, are nearing the end of their service life. Efforts to replace them with 15 new warships under the Canadian Surface Combatant project—based on the UK’s Type 26 design—have been plagued by escalating costs, now exceeding $80 billion, and significant delays. Trade Proposal Sends Rangers' $81.5 Million Star to Western Conference Team

With the New York Rangers looking to revamp their roster following a disappointing season that saw them miss the playoffs, star forward Artemi Panarin—currently in the final year of his seven-year, $81.5 million deal—has emerged as a potential trade candidate. A user-generated proposal using PuckPedia’s PuckGM tool suggests sending Panarin to the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for young forward Alex Laferriere and a 2025 first-round draft pick. Panarin, who scored 89 points in 80 games this season, would bring top-line scoring to the Kings, while the Rangers would gain youth, speed, and valuable draft capital as they pivot under newly hired head coach Mike Sullivan. The FAA has unveiled a plan to modernize the nation's aging air traffic control system, aiming to meet 21st-century demands and enhance safety. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced Thursday that the overhaul will bring critical upgrades to support a more efficient and secure aviation infrastructure. Moon dust, rarer than gold, has arrived in the UK from China, marking a historic moment as the first Moon samples collected in nearly 50 years and the first ever loaned by China make their debut on British soil. Ange Postecoglou has responded to his critics, acknowledging the backlash while firmly defending his tenure at Tottenham. Following the team's advancement to the Europa League final, Postecoglou highlighted the achievement as part of his ongoing pursuit to maintain his record of winning silverware in his second season at every club he's managed. The Senate rejects cryptocurrency proposal by a single vote, halting a groundbreaking measure aimed at regulating digital assets in the United States. In a surprise move, several Republicans crossed party lines to oppose the bill, effectively blocking its passage. The NHS is considering major cuts to address a significant budget shortfall, with essential services such as diabetes care, rehabilitation centres, end-of-life support, and talking therapies in England potentially at risk.

Blind Item Revelation #7: On April 24, 2025, it emerged that Andy Cohen is unable to discuss the dismissal of former Real Housewife Kenya Moore in detail, as potential lawsuits loom and there is even consideration of filing a police report related to the incident. Update: NJ/NYC Local 100GBase LR4 – A network engineer traveling in Weehawken, New Jersey, has issued an urgent request for two 100GBase LR4 1310nm QSFP28 optics, seeking local availability in the NYC/EWR area due to shipping delays. With only 10G optics found at nearby retailers like Microcenter, the call has gone out to the networking community for assistance or spare parts to fulfill the immediate need. The Food and Drug Administration on Thursday unveiled plans for the aggressive implementation of artificial intelligence in laboratories, outlining an agency-wide adoption timeline that features a pilot program for AI-assisted scientific review. In the 2025 Philadelphia primary, District Attorney Larry Krasner and former Municipal Court judge Patrick Dugan are vying for leadership of the city’s top prosecutorial office. Set for May 20, the Democratic primary features a stark contrast in philosophies: Krasner, seeking a third term, defends his progressive record focused on criminal justice reform, citing reduced homicide rates, increased exonerations of the wrongly convicted, and diversion programs aimed at reducing incarceration. Dugan, meanwhile, argues that Krasner’s tenure has fueled public dissatisfaction, pointing to earlier crime surges and calling for tougher prosecution of repeat offenders and structural changes within the DA’s office.

Krasner remains the apparent frontrunner, backed by polling and support from several labor groups and elected officials, though Dugan has outraised him and secured key endorsements from powerful unions. Despite their differences, both candidates back rehab-oriented programs for young offenders and share concerns about federal policies under Donald Trump. With no Republican challenger on the ballot, the winner of the primary is expected to secure the DA seat in November. Senate Democrats block Republican-backed crypto bill, voting 48-49 against a procedural motion that would have advanced the landmark legislation. The move marks a significant setback for Republicans, who had pushed the bill as part of their early policy agenda after securing control of Congress and the White House. Despite intense negotiations, GOP supporters failed to secure enough Democratic support to move the measure forward. Florida Highway Patrol Begins Enforcing Federal Immigration Laws on State Roads with Fox News in Tow. Under the state’s new initiative, Florida Highway Patrol troopers are now empowered to enforce federal immigration laws through a groundbreaking partnership with U.S. immigration authorities. Governor Ron DeSantis championed the move, calling it a model for the country as the state becomes the first to implement the 287(g) agreement at a highway patrol level. Fox News captured exclusive footage of troopers carrying out traffic stops that led to multiple detentions of undocumented individuals, including one man with a history of serious criminal offenses. State officials assert the program operates within legal bounds and with full transparency, signaling a significant shift in immigration enforcement at the state level. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries is criticizing Republicans over their internal struggles to reach a deal on the state and local tax (SALT) deduction cap. Jeffries pointed out that if no action is taken by the end of the year, the cap will expire, arguing that any GOP-backed efforts to maintain the cap would result in higher taxes for Americans rather than tax relief. Blackpink's Rosé has dropped her latest single, "Messy," along with a music video, offering fans a glimpse into the soundtrack of the upcoming "F1" movie starring Brad Pitt.

As the paperback edition of "The Canceling of the American Mind" hits shelves, its co-authors reflect on the evolving state of cancel culture, questioning whether its influence is beginning to wane a year and a half after the book's initial release. PowerSchool faces ongoing challenges as cybercriminals reneged on a data-deletion promise after receiving a ransom payment. The attackers had stolen sensitive information related to students and teachers, which they pledged to delete after payment—but instead, they've used it to further extort school employees, highlighting the persistent threats and vulnerabilities in data security. AI Models Adopt Human-Like Reasoning Capabilities as researchers pivot from building ever-larger models to developing more cognitively inspired systems. After years of rapid scaling and heavy investment in massive data centers, diminishing returns—highlighted by the underwhelming performance of OpenAI’s GPT-4.5—have prompted a shift toward making machines “think” more like humans. Techniques such as “chain of thought” (CoT), which guide models to solve problems step-by-step, have led to notable improvements in tasks requiring logic and reasoning. Leading AI models from OpenAI, Google, Anthropic, and others now incorporate such strategies, enabling them to break down complex problems and revise their approaches mid-process. However, these models still face challenges, particularly with tasks requiring intuitive human traits like common sense, analogical thinking, or theory of mind. Attempts to address these gaps include giving models feedback on their reasoning paths and exploring metacognition—the ability to reflect on and regulate their thought processes. While this push for deeper cognition may increase resource demands and raise accessibility issues, experts believe it’s essential for the next stage in AI evolution. Anonymous Report #7: The state actress faces repeated rejection as her singer boyfriend consistently declines her requests to appear with her in public. Yankees Receive Positive Update on Giancarlo Stanton's Return

The first-place New York Yankees have received encouraging news on Giancarlo Stanton, who is expected to return from the injured list as soon as he's eligible on May 27. Stanton, sidelined all season with elbow tendinitis in both arms, recently took live batting practice and is planning a minor-league rehab assignment. Despite his absence, the Yankees have thrived offensively, leading the American League in runs scored and receiving strong designated hitter production, particularly from breakout star Ben Rice. Stanton, a career .241 hitter with 162 home runs for the Yankees, is set to return exclusively as a DH, and manager Aaron Boone is confident he’ll only rejoin the lineup when fully ready. His return could further bolster an already potent offense, giving New York even more firepower heading into the heart of the season. Bill Gates commits to donating nearly his entire fortune to global health over the next 20 years, accelerating his philanthropic efforts that were initially intended to continue decades beyond his lifetime. This shift underscores his deepening commitment to addressing pressing global health challenges in the near term. David Beckham and Gary Neville's group has finalized the acquisition of Salford City, with the League Two club confirming the completed purchase on Thursday. The former England soccer stars lead the ownership team now in control of the franchise. Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin has accused Israel of committing war crimes in Gaza, describing the situation there as "hell on Earth." In remarks made during The Europe Conversation, Martin condemned the European Union's lack of action as the humanitarian crisis intensifies, with food and medicine reportedly blocked from entering the besieged region for nearly 60 days.

The Denver Broncos have made an unexpected decision regarding promising rookie running back RJ Harvey, naming the second-round draft pick their starting back heading into minicamp. The move signals a dramatic shift for a team desperate to revamp its ground game, which hasn't produced a 1,000-yard rusher since 2019. Harvey, a standout from UCF with back-to-back 1,400-yard seasons and 48 career touchdowns, has impressed the Broncos’ coaching staff with his explosive playmaking ability. With Denver choosing not to re-sign former lead back Javonte Williams, who joined the Cowboys, Harvey now steps into a featured role in Sean Payton's offense — a coach known for developing star running backs like Alvin Kamara. Mike Burgess Proposes Medicare Reform Without Reducing Benefits

Former Congressman and physician Mike Burgess is urging Congress to adopt Medicare reforms that curb wasteful spending without cutting benefits. Highlighting a practice where hospital systems acquire physician offices and reclassify them to charge significantly more for identical services, Burgess calls for site-neutral payment reforms to eliminate such pricing disparities. Citing potential savings of over $150 billion over the next decade, and more than $90 billion in reduced premiums and cost-sharing for beneficiaries, Burgess argues these changes would enhance fiscal responsibility while preserving patient choice and care quality. He emphasizes that the reform effort can support rural hospitals without enriching large healthcare conglomerates, appealing for bipartisan action to modernize Medicare and protect its future sustainability. Colin Cowherd believes Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford could surpass four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers in legacy, crediting Stafford’s decision to remain in Los Angeles as a key factor. While Rodgers boasts more individual accolades, both quarterbacks have won a Super Bowl, and since the 2021 playoffs, Stafford has statistically outperformed Rodgers in multiple categories, including win-loss record, completion percentage, and passer rating. Cowherd argues that if Stafford wins another Super Bowl, history may favor him over Rodgers. However, with Stafford turning 37 and the Rams potentially eyeing their quarterback of the future, it's uncertain whether his trajectory will lead to a second title or a shift into a veteran mentorship role. Constant-Fraction Discriminator Developed for Sub-Nanosecond Timing Precision: A new, cost-effective constant-fraction discriminator has been developed, offering remarkable timing accuracy with a standard deviation of just 60 picoseconds. The innovative design addresses the time-walk effect—where signal strength affects timing detection—by triggering at a consistent fraction of the signal pulse, rather than a fixed voltage threshold. Unlike traditional designs that require expensive high-speed operational amplifiers, this implementation uses only inexpensive integrated circuits, transistors, passive components, and a coaxial delay line. Originally created for use in gamma-ray spectrometers, this hacker-friendly approach is versatile and adaptable across a range of signal pulse lengths. Cloud Computing Overview: In recent years, cloud computing has evolved into an extensive and diverse catalog of services, playing an increasingly critical role in Europe's digital infrastructure. Though the facts surrounding cloud adoption and its challenges may be inconvenient or unsettling, they reflect a widely acknowledged reality. In a pointed critique titled "Capitol Ink | Scrooge McTrump," a recent political cartoon draws inspiration from Charles Dickens' classic character to portray former President Donald Trump in a less-than-flattering light, likening his actions and demeanor to that of Ebenezer Scrooge.

openSUSE Discontinues Support for Deepin Desktop Environment due to ongoing security concerns and violations of internal review protocols. The distribution's maintainers discovered that the Deepin packager had bypassed SUSE's mandatory security vetting by introducing a package that downplayed known risks and encouraged users to accept a questionable license agreement. This led the openSUSE team to remove Deepin entirely from the project, citing a compromised trust in its safe integration. The Pakistan military has recovered debris from a kamikaze drone near Walton Airport in Lahore, following its interception early Thursday morning. The incident occurred amid a series of Indian strikes reported across various locations in Pakistan. An explosion, reportedly linked to the drone, was heard in the Gopal Nagar and Naseerabad neighborhoods, coinciding with social media videos showing rising smoke. Russian hackers linked to the COLDRIVER group are reportedly using a fake ClickFix CAPTCHA as a social engineering lure to distribute a new malware strain known as LOSTKEYS. This sophisticated espionage tool is designed to steal files from specified directories and file types, while also transmitting system information and active processes back to the attackers. In a significant development for international rugby, new British and Irish Lions captain Maro Itoje held a private meeting with several Welsh rugby legends, signaling a unifying approach ahead of the team's upcoming tour. Meanwhile, the global rugby community is mourning the loss of a former All Black, marking a somber moment in the sport's latest chapter. More offenders may be tagged as the prisons minister defends a tough stance on crime, suggesting that electronic tagging could increasingly replace prison sentences for certain criminals in the future. Speaking to the BBC, the minister emphasized the need for effective, alternative measures to incarceration while maintaining public safety. World leaders are voicing concern over escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, as calls for peace grow louder. In London, Pakistan supporters gathered outside the High Commission of India, urging both nations to pursue diplomatic solutions and de-escalate hostilities. AI-Coded Software Becoming a Reality as Automation Advances — As artificial intelligence continues to revolutionize the tech industry, AI-powered coding tools are rapidly transforming software development. At Meta's recent LlamaCon AI event, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella revealed that AI currently writes up to 30% of company code. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg added that AI could handle 50% or more of software development within the next year. Tools like GitHub Copilot, ChatGPT, and Amazon Q Developer exemplify this shift, enabling developers to generate, test, and deploy code using natural language prompts in an intuitive, conversational interface known as "vibe coding." By 2028, it's anticipated that 75% of professional developers will adopt such AI-assisted tools. Industry experts suggest that widespread implementation could boost productivity by 30% and add $1.5 trillion to global GDP. While AI is expected to automate routine tasks, developers will remain essential for overseeing complex logic and maintaining high-quality standards, marking a profound transformation in the software development lifecycle. Sudo-rs Enables Secure Command Execution Without Buffer Overflows as Ubuntu 25.10 adopts the Rust-based version of the classic sudo utility by default. This move by Canonical aims to enhance memory safety and reduce vulnerability to memory-related security bugs by leveraging Rust’s protections against common issues like buffer overflows. Sotheby's has suspended the auction of a set of Buddha jewels, described as one of the most astonishing archaeological finds of the modern era, following an objection from the Indian government.

Two Columbia University safety officers were injured and at least three individuals were arrested on Wednesday after approximately 100 pro-Palestinian protesters forced their way into the campus library in what university officials described as "actions that are outrageous." Pro-Palestinian demonstrators occupied Columbia University’s Butler Library ahead of final exams, staging a sit-in during the school’s designated study days. The group, some of whom officials believe are not affiliated with the university, forced their way into the building, injuring two public safety officers during a crowd surge. Acting President Claire Shipman condemned the actions as "outrageous" and noted that individuals locked inside Room 301 refused to identify themselves or comply with requests to leave. The university subsequently requested NYPD assistance to secure the area, leading to the arrest of more than three dozen protesters. Mayor Eric Adams reiterated the city’s support for peaceful protest but warned against lawlessness. The demonstration is part of a broader campaign that began in April with the Gaza Solidarity Encampment, calling for Columbia to divest from companies linked to Israel—a movement that has led to multiple building occupations and hundreds of arrests. Republican Concedes to Democrat in North Carolina Supreme Court 2024 Race. After a six-month effort to challenge the election outcome, the Republican candidate for North Carolina's Supreme Court conceded on Wednesday, formally ending his bid to overturn the result against the Democratic victor. Microsoft Researchers Quantify Environmental Impact of Liquid Cooling Technology in Nature Publication

As next-generation technologies like large language models and generative AI demand ever-larger data centers, their environmental impact is drawing growing concern. In a groundbreaking study published in Nature, Microsoft researchers have quantified the environmental benefits of liquid cooling technologies for cloud data centers, highlighting their potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, energy consumption, and water usage.

Analyzing cold plate, single-phase immersion, and two-phase immersion cooling methods, the study showed that these systems can cut greenhouse gas emissions by 13% to 21%, energy use by up to 20%, and water consumption by as much as 82%, when compared to traditional air cooling. The findings suggest that when combined with 100% renewable energy, water savings increase by an additional 13% to 48%.

Each cooling method has distinct advantages. Cold plate cooling, which involves direct chip cooling using liquid-cooled metal plates, offers straightforward retrofitting potential. Single-phase immersion cooling, though requiring hydrocarbon oils, delivers strong sustainability performance with lower system complexity. Two-phase immersion provides the highest efficiency but relies on PFAS-based fluids, which face regulatory scrutiny for their environmental persistence.

The research emphasizes that liquid cooling not only improves efficiency and reduces costs but also supports high-density infrastructure critical for intensive AI workloads. Microsoft calls for comprehensive lifecycle assessments—including environmental, health, and safety analyses—when selecting a cooling method to ensure sustainable data center operations.

Ultimately, Microsoft researchers assert that all three liquid cooling techniques present viable, scalable solutions and will be essential in achieving emissions reduction targets while meeting surging computational demands.

In the wake of the April 22nd terrorist attack in Kashmir, India's limited military response through "Operation Sindoor" has raised questions about its effectiveness in deterring future Pakistan-sponsored terrorism. Analysts argue that a more forceful strategy may be necessary, including targeted eliminations of key perpetrators and imposing substantial economic costs on Pakistan. Such measures, modeled after Israel’s “Wrath of God” operations, could include unattributed disruptions aimed at Pakistan’s strategic assets. The debate now centers on whether India should intensify its response to Pakistani terrorism to ensure long-term security and deterrence. Sources reveal the Trump administration is considering a plan to send deportees to Libya, with officials proposing the use of a U.S. military aircraft to transport several individuals as early as Wednesday. Freddie Freeman triple powers Dodgers to victory over Marlins as he delivered a bases-clearing triple, nearly scraping the dirt with his bat to connect on a pitch low in the strike zone, helping the Los Angeles Dodgers cruise past the Miami Marlins on Wednesday in Miami. Papers highlight 9/11 tributes and Pakistan's pledge to retaliate, as commemorations also mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day, drawing attention to both current global tensions and historic moments of resilience. Medics face years of work identifying remains from Syria's mass graves, as the aftermath of the Assad regime's brutal crackdown left hundreds of thousands dead. The painstaking process of recovering and identifying victims highlights the vast scale of human loss and the long road ahead for justice and reconciliation. Lawmakers Consider Resetting Congressional Review Act Timeline to Overturn EPA Waivers

Republican lawmakers are exploring ways to reset the clock under the Congressional Review Act (CRA) in an effort to overturn Environmental Protection Agency waivers granted to California, which allow the state to enforce stricter vehicle emissions standards than federal guidelines. With the 60-day deadline to nullify regulations looming, Republicans see an opportunity to act, leveraging the CRA's provisions that let a new congressional session restart the disapproval timeline. Although the CRA has never previously been used to overturn EPA waivers—which the Government Accountability Office argues are not formal rules—EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin sent the waivers directly to Congress to trigger the review process. The House has already passed three measures targeting the waivers, with support from several Democrats, including Representatives Lou Correa and George Whitesides. The Senate has yet to vote, but Republicans contend the review period began on February 24, 2025, when they received the waivers, giving them additional time to act. Time is running out for Mikel Arteta to prove he can lead Arsenal to major success, as pressure mounts following their Champions League exit to Paris Saint-Germain. The disappointing loss has raised questions about Arteta's ability to turn progress into silverware, with expectations intensifying for the club to finally deliver under his leadership. During a House hearing on transgender athletes, Rep. Jasmine Crockett of Texas stirred controversy by asking a witness to participate in a “Trump or trans” game. Crockett, a Democrat, criticized the hearing—held by the Delivering on Government Efficiency subcommittee—as a political distraction, asserting it had "nothing to do with improving government efficiency" and accusing Republicans of using it to divert attention from their "demonic and disastrous" agenda. Maro Itoje is poised to be named British and Irish Lions captain, with the official announcement expected on Thursday ahead of the team's tour of Australia.

The UK has issued a warning on AI-driven threats to critical infrastructure, as the National Cybersecurity Center predicts a sharp rise in cyberattacks by 2027. The proliferation of AI-enabled technology is expected to give nation-state groups and other hackers greater access to offensive tools, making British infrastructure an increasingly attractive target for advanced threat actors. CrowdStrike Cuts 500 Jobs Amid Shift in Hiring Due to AI—The cybersecurity giant announced it will lay off 500 employees, or 5% of its workforce, as part of a drive to operate more efficiently. Citing the integration of AI technology that "flattens our hiring curve," the company aims to scale its operations with increased focus and discipline. This move marks the second-largest workforce reduction in the cybersecurity sector. Celebrity Secrets Uncovered #6: On April 23, 2025, media outlets across Norway reported the death of Queen Sonja, sparking nationwide concern. However, the reports were swiftly retracted, leaving many to question the accuracy of the initial claims and whether the Queen has been seen publicly since to confirm her well-being. Key updates on US sweepstakes casinos reveal a rapidly expanding industry riding a legal gray area—offering casino-style games like slots and blackjack using virtual currencies such as Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins instead of real money. These platforms, technically legal in most states, are now facing growing scrutiny from lawmakers in places like Maryland and West Virginia, with states such as Washington and Michigan already banning them outright. Players are drawn to the promise of winning real prizes without traditional gambling, while critics argue the system skirts regulatory oversight. As the popularity of sites like Stake.us, WOW Vegas, and Fortune Coins surges, the future of sweepstakes casinos hangs in delicate legal balance. The Justice Department has announced the largest fentanyl seizure in U.S. history, targeting a major drug trafficking network linked to the Sinaloa cartel. Led by the Drug Enforcement Administration, coordinated operations across New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Arizona, and Nevada resulted in the arrests of 16 individuals and the confiscation of over three million fentanyl pills, 11.5 kilograms of fentanyl powder, and large quantities of methamphetamine, heroin, and cocaine. Authorities also seized millions in cash and multiple firearms. Among those detained was Heriberto Salazar Amaya, a suspected cartel leader. The arrests and seizures are part of Operation Take Back America, a federal effort to dismantle organized crime and drug trafficking networks. Attorney General Pam Bondi emphasized the operation as a major blow against the cartel, while DEA Acting Administrator Robert Murphy described it as a battlefield victory in the ongoing fight against fentanyl distribution in American communities. A Korean research team has developed a next-generation proton exchange membrane that reduces toluene crossover, significantly boosting the efficiency of electrochemical hydrogen storage systems. Highlighting its potential impact, the breakthrough was featured as a cover article in the Journal of Materials Chemistry A. Why Yemen’s Houthi Rebels Remain Unstoppable: Despite a sustained U.S. airstrike campaign that began on March 15, the Iran-backed Houthi rebels have maintained their influence in Yemen. On May 6, President Donald Trump announced an end to U.S. attacks on the group, following mediation efforts by neighboring Oman that helped bring the conflict to a halt. The resilience of the Houthis underscores their deep entrenchment in Yemeni society and the limitations of military intervention alone in countering their power.