Merlin's Chess Adds a Fantasy Twist to the Classic Game with its upcoming launch on May 22 for the Meta Quest platform. Developed by Teleporter Realities, this reimagined version of chess features animated pieces that come to life and battle directly on the board. The game supports voice commands, hand tracking, and Touch controllers, offering both solo play against AI opponents and online matchmaking. With multiple game modes including Casual and Ranked options, customizable avatars, seasonal themes, and spectator features, Merlin's Chess brings a fresh, immersive dimension to the traditional strategy game. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is set to promote European unity during his first foreign trip since taking office, just one day after his historic defeat in the initial round of voting in the Bundestag. Sweden has increased its procurement of the Torped 47 system to bolster defense capabilities in the Baltic Sea region. Saab has secured a SEK 1.3 billion ($135 million) contract from the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) to deliver its Saab Lightweight Torpedo (SLWT) system, which includes torpedoes and launch tubes. Deliveries are set to begin in 2026. During the latest session of Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs), the range of voices posing questions to the Prime Minister reflected a predominantly Labour presence, with contributions from Matt Bishop, Matt Western, Jack Abbott, Michelle Scrogham, Meg Hillier, Elaine Stewart, Connor Naismith, Maureen Burke, and Kirsteen Sullivan. Liberal Democrats Tessa Munt and Roz Savage, Green Party’s Sian Berry, Independent Shockat Adam, and Conservatives Matt Vickers and Aphra Brandreth also presented their queries, highlighting the breadth of political scrutiny across party lines. Emmanuel Macron's five-day strategy to influence post-Brexit Britain is under renewed scrutiny as tensions rise ahead of the 'Great EU Reset' Summit on May 19. In late 2021, Macron's government threatened to cut off electricity to Britain and the Channel Islands amidst a dispute over fishing licences, attempting to pressure the UK into surrendering access to its waters while offering little in return. Despite Britain issuing nearly 1,700 licences to EU vessels—more than 700 of which went to French boats—France continued to claim unfair treatment, even though the majority of refusals involved vessels unable to prove historical fishing activity in British waters. With Keir Starmer set to negotiate closer UK-EU ties at the summit, concerns are mounting that concessions on fishing rights could again be on the table, potentially in exchange for access to the EU’s new €150 billion defence fund. Critics fear a repeat of past compromises that could undermine British sovereignty over its maritime resources. US and French forces recently conducted live-fire drills off the Atlantic coast as part of Exercise Chesapeake 2025. The joint training operation involved Marines and Sailors from the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit and Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261, in coordination with the U.S. Navy and French armed forces. The exercise was conducted under the Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force – Alert Contingency MAGTF, enhancing interoperability and rapid response capabilities between the allied nations. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear is actively positioning himself for a potential 2028 presidential run, meeting privately with donors, recording a podcast, and making frequent appearances at national events. With a former Kamala Harris communications staffer now consulting for him and a speaking engagement set at the Future Forward donor summit in California, Beshear is building momentum. Widely seen as a Democrat who can win in Trump-leaning states, his challenge lies in overcoming national obscurity as he prepares for broader ambitions.

In a rapidly evolving technological landscape, the traditional 'DX Strategy' needs revamping for the age of agentic AI. As businesses face sweeping changes spurred by generative AI, CIOs must shift from fixed digital transformation plans to adaptive models that prioritize customer-centricity, organizational agility, and advanced operational frameworks. Agentic AI not only enhances human capabilities but also redefines product design, customer experience, and internal workflows. Companies that leverage these intelligent systems to support proactive decision-making and streamline complex processes stand to lead the next wave of digital evolution. To remain competitive, organizations must reassess their digital strategies, integrate AI-driven collaborative tools, and reimagine their operating models for the AI-enabled future. A major science fiction convention is facing backlash after revealing the use of artificial intelligence to screen potential panelists. Renowned author David D. Levine criticized the decision, referring to AI as "planet-destroying plagiarism machines." The move has sparked controversy among fans and writers, many of whom are voicing concerns over the ethical implications and appropriateness of using AI in a community that often critically examines such technology. Developing a unified European cloud strategy is gaining momentum as efforts intensify to establish a cloud infrastructure independent of non-European providers. Advocates emphasize the need for a concrete roadmap supported by collaboration among key stakeholders, aligning with the latest EuroStack framework. The initiative aims to bolster Europe's cloud economy by fostering technological sovereignty and a coherent digital infrastructure across the continent. New evidence discovered at the home of Madeleine McCann prime suspect Christian Brueckner has intensified suspicions surrounding the convicted paedophile. German investigators uncovered a disturbing array of items at Brueckner's abandoned property in Neuwegersleben, including children's clothes, masks, chemicals, weapons, and a hard drive containing secret digital files. Among the most chilling finds were 75 children's swimsuits and written stories detailing child abduction scenarios. A grave-like area beneath which a wallet with USB sticks and memory cards was found led to a broader investigation involving 100 officers. The cache includes gruesome content and communications with other paedophiles suggesting Brueckner's obsession with young girls. Satellite data and photographs place Brueckner near the Arade Dam, close to where Madeleine disappeared in 2007. Authorities believe this new evidence bolsters their theory that Madeleine died soon after her abduction. Dozens of U.S. military aircraft were showcased in a striking display at Kadena Air Base in Okinawa on May 6, 2025, as the U.S. Air Force’s 18th Wing conducted a large-scale elephant walk to demonstrate combat readiness and joint force coordination. The event featured 24 F-35A Lightning IIs and eight F-15E Strike Eagles, highlighting the strategic presence and capabilities of American forces in the region. The Mastermind Behind the Revelry lives a quiet, modest life on the fringes of society, supplementing his Social Security checks with odd jobs. Yet, in the serene setting of his backyard, he recounts a surprisingly vibrant past—one filled with escapades and events that paint him as the unlikely orchestrator of a wilder world than his surroundings suggest. Forty-one countries are set to participate in NATO's Locked Shields 2025 cyber defense exercise, hosted by the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence in Estonia. This large-scale annual event aims to bolster international cooperation and readiness against sophisticated cyber threats.

**Former Raider Criticizes Team** — Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs has voiced his frustration over his time with the Las Vegas Raiders, citing frequent coaching and front office changes as a source of deep dissatisfaction. Despite leading the NFL in rushing in 2022 and posting three 1,000-yard seasons since being drafted in 2019, Jacobs said he felt repeatedly disrespected by the organization. Speaking on the "Bussin’ With the Boys" podcast, he highlighted a lack of continuity and a perception that he constantly had to re-prove himself. Though he expressed appreciation for Raiders owner Mark Davis, Jacobs said he was hurt by how the team handled his contributions, including using the franchise tag after relying heavily on his production. The Miami Marlins snapped their losing streak with a dramatic walk-off win over the MLB-leading Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday, as Jesus Sanchez delivered a bases-loaded single in extra innings to seal the victory, overcoming a home run by Shohei Ohtani. The Denver Broncos have invited Desmond Ridder, the University of Cincinnati’s all-time leader in passing touchdowns, to their rookie minicamp as they look to improve depth and experience in their quarterback room. A former third-round NFL draft pick, Ridder brings with him notable collegiate achievements, including 87 career touchdown passes and a flawless 26-0 home record at Nippert Stadium. Though his professional career has been marked by inconsistency across stints with the Falcons, Cardinals, and Raiders, the Broncos see potential value in his veteran presence as he competes for a roster spot alongside second-year quarterback Bo Nix under head coach Sean Payton. The endangered little tern has experienced one of its best breeding seasons in decades, marking an incredible comeback for the threatened shorebird. In Australia, scientists recorded the highest-ever number of fledglings, signaling a significant boost for the species' recovery. A new Republican proposal seeks to reduce the National Institutes of Health (NIH) budget, raising concerns among researchers and healthcare advocates about the future of medical research funding. Insiders at the NIH suggest that internal changes may be strategically aligning with anticipated budget cuts, potentially impacting development of treatments and cures. The proposal is expected to face intense scrutiny as it progresses through Congress. House Republicans have removed key Medicaid cuts from their reconciliation plan after moderates pushed back during a meeting with Speaker Mike Johnson. GOP leaders ruled out reducing the federal government’s 90% funding match for Medicaid expansion and scrapped a proposal to implement per capita spending caps for enrollees in expansion states. While work requirements for healthy adults remain part of the plan, these changes leave Republicans far short of their $880 billion, 10-year savings goal set for the Energy and Commerce Committee. The decision has sparked concern among conservatives seeking deeper cuts, while party leaders continue searching for alternative savings to fund a major tax package, including extensions of 2017 tax cuts. The Trump administration has initiated a federal review into recent antisemitic incidents at the University of Washington and its affiliated institutions. Announced Tuesday evening by the Departments of Education, Health and Human Services, and the General Services Administration, the investigation follows the arrest of approximately 30 pro-Palestinian protesters earlier in the week.

Meta has been awarded $167 million in punitive damages after a U.S. jury found Israeli spyware firm NSO Group illegally used its Pegasus malware to hack 1,400 WhatsApp accounts. The targeted accounts included diplomats, dissidents, and journalists utilizing encrypted messaging, prompting the court to side with Meta in its lawsuit over the spyware hack. Minimus Raises $51 Million to Enhance Application Protection. The startup, backed by YL Ventures and Mayfield, claims its curated software containers reduce software vulnerabilities by over 95%, significantly easing the burden on developers. By minimizing the need for excessive scanning and patching, Minimus aims to transform the traditional dynamic between development and security teams, offering a more streamlined and secure approach to application development. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced Tuesday that President Donald Trump will soon unveil a comprehensive cyber plan, describing it as a "grand cyber plan" aimed at strengthening national cybersecurity. The announcement comes amid criticism of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) for failing to prevent cyberattacks linked to China and as the administration proposes a $500 million budget cut to the agency. Noem emphasized that CISA’s core mandate is to "hunt and harden" against cyber threats. Five unconventional operational amplifier applications have recently taken the spotlight, showcasing the versatility of op amps beyond traditional amplification. Among these creative uses are comparators, flip flops, various oscillators, and even a pulse-width modulation (PWM) audio transmitter and receiver using optical signals. These unconventional circuits highlight the adaptability of op amps in analog design, often outperforming builds created from discrete components, and offering a fascinating challenge for electronics enthusiasts aiming to deepen their understanding. Sixers Assistant Coach Bobby Jackson is rejoining the Sacramento Kings staff alongside Head Coach Doug Christie for the upcoming NBA season. Jackson, a former standout for the Kings during his playing days and a longtime member of their coaching ranks, was previously identified as the most likely departure from Philadelphia's coaching staff. His strong personal and professional ties to Christie — his former teammate — made this reunion increasingly probable once Christie was named the Kings' full-time head coach. Jackson’s move leaves a key vacancy for the Sixers amid potential broader changes within their coaching ranks. U.S. May Finalize Major Trade Deals This Week, Says Bessent

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced that the United States could finalize major trade agreements with its top global partners as early as this week, following President Donald Trump’s implementation of “Liberation Day” tariffs on April 2. Bessent noted that 17 out of the nation's 18 key trading partners are currently in negotiations, with China being the lone exception. He projected that by year's end, 80% to 90% of these partners could have deals in place, addressing not only tariffs but also broader concerns such as currency manipulation and subsidized labor. The potential deals come as the U.S. trade deficit rose to $140.5 billion in March, a 14% increase from February, partly driven by companies accelerating imports in anticipation of new tariffs.

An activated Magento backdoor affecting up to 1,000 online stores has been discovered, compromising payment data through a dormant PHP backdoor hidden in widely used Magento extensions. The vulnerability, which remained undetected for six years, was activated on April 20 and has impacted hundreds of digital storefronts. Security firm Sansec reports that between 500 and 1,000 stores have been compromised, including one operated by a $40 billion multinational company. Nation-state hackers persist in exploiting weak passwords and gaps in multi-factor authentication, opting for simple attack vectors over advanced tools like AI. According to John Fokker, head of threat intelligence at Trellix, cybercriminals continue to prioritize easily exploited vulnerabilities, such as poor password hygiene and unpatched systems, as they offer the quickest and most cost-effective path to success. He advises CISOs to focus on patching, enforcing strong MFA, and improving network visibility to defend against these persistent threats. AI security and safety concerns took center stage at the RSAC 2025 Conference in San Francisco, where experts emphasized the importance of building artificial intelligence systems both quickly and competently. As discussions focused on the risks AI may present, industry leaders highlighted that developing secure and reliable models is critical to ensuring organizations can confidently adopt this rapidly evolving technology. Implementing AI agents in cybersecurity with emphasis on trust and transparency is becoming a reality, as these technologies are already transforming incident response and compliance across organizations. Salesforce Chief Trust Officer Brad Arkin highlighted how security teams can effectively integrate AI agents into their operations, addressing early hurdles while maintaining a strong focus on trust and explainability to ensure responsible deployment. After a challenging season that saw them miss the playoffs, the New York Islanders are poised for a fresh start as they secure the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming NHL Draft. Overcoming steep odds with just a 3.5% chance, the Islanders moved up from the 10th-best position to the top spot in the lottery. Islanders Expected to Select Canadian Defenseman with Top Pick, with many experts projecting 17-year-old Matthew Schaefer of the Erie Otters as their choice. Standing at 6-foot-2 and noted for his elite two-way play, Schaefer is widely regarded as a franchise-changing defenseman and the top-ranked North American skater. If selected, he would be the first player from Erie to go first overall since Connor McDavid in 2015. The draft is set for June 27–28 in Los Angeles. Increased error rates have been identified across multiple ChatGPT services, with users experiencing degraded performance in key components including login, image generation, advanced data analysis, and mobile platforms. OpenAI reports that mitigation efforts are currently underway to address these widespread disruptions. Cowboys All-Pro defensive back DaRon Bland is being considered a likely trade candidate following the 2025 NFL Draft. Despite a standout 2023 season in which he led the league in interceptions and returns for touchdowns, a more limited 2024 campaign plagued by injury has cast doubt on his long-term future in Dallas. The Cowboys’ selection of East Carolina cornerback Shavon Revel Jr. in the draft adds further competition in the secondary, especially with Bland entering the final year of his contract. While Dallas executive Stephen Jones has expressed interest in a possible extension, Bland’s trade value and the uncertain health of fellow corner Trevon Diggs make him one of the team’s most talked-about trade assets moving into the new season.

Analyzing Trump’s Campaign Promises — As President Donald Trump marks his 100th day back in office, scrutiny intensifies over which of his 2024 campaign promises have been fulfilled and which remain unaddressed. AllSides is closely monitoring legislative developments and comparing them to the goals outlined in the conservative Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025, offering insight into how closely the administration's actions align with its stated agenda. Cyber resilience requires new approaches to risk, identity, and AI trust, according to RSA CEO Rohit Ghai. Amid evolving threats including AI-driven attacks, geopolitical instability, and rapid technological disruption, Ghai emphasizes the need for organizations to rethink traditional security frameworks. He advocates for an overhaul of enterprise identity systems, moving beyond passwords, and adopting strategies to counter increasingly sophisticated AI-based threats. Deadly frontier encounters frequently involved Texans as the violent aftermath of the Civil War engulfed the state during Reconstruction. The arrival of federal troops to emancipate 250,000 enslaved people sent shockwaves through white Texan society, reeling from defeat, economic collapse, and the abrupt presence of Union soldiers—many of them Black—whose authority upended long-held social hierarchies. This turbulent period, marked by racist violence, has since been mythologized into a foundational narrative of American identity. Mapped: 13 trafficking routes used by grooming gangs to smuggle victims across the UK have been revealed in a landmark investigation by GB News in partnership with Crime Spotlight. The report details a harrowing network of abuse stretching nationwide, identifying 13 major trafficking corridors used to exploit girls as young as 11. Victims were often drugged and transported in appalling conditions by grooming gangs, primarily made up of men of Pakistani heritage, with some journeys spanning nearly 280 miles. Routes included Brighton to Preston, Rotherham to London, and Oxford to Bournemouth, among others. Despite the scale of offenses, just 500 convictions have occurred since 2007. Shadow Justice Minister Robert Jenrick called the revelations "crucial" and demanded a full national inquiry with the power to ensure justice and accountability. The report precedes a government “rapid audit” led by Baroness Louise Casey to examine the cultural and ethnic dimensions of the scandal. AI Provides Real-Time Commentary for Pong Games, bringing a new level of excitement to the classic arcade experience. Leveraging a large language model, the system simulates live sportscaster-style commentary for AI-driven Pong matches, recreating the energy of major sporting events. The setup includes multiple AI competitors, two virtual announcers, and a full 15-year tournament history culminating in a World Championship Final in the 16th year. Each in-game action is logged and prioritized to prompt dynamic commentary, enhancing the realism and engagement of the gameplay. Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković has urged continued U.S. commitment to Europe, emphasizing the importance of steadfast American support amid political instability during the second Trump administration. In an exclusive interview with Euronews, Plenković reinforced the need for strong transatlantic ties to maintain stability across the continent. Mysterious Celebrity Rumor #7 continues to swirl after last night's big event, where speculation was rife that a well-known designer—who is reportedly planning to transition to being a woman—would make a bold statement by dressing accordingly. Despite the buzz, the anticipated appearance never materialized, leaving fans and attendees abuzz with questions.

As President Donald Trump marks his 100th day in office, attention turns to monitoring his 2024 campaign promises. AllSides is providing real-time updates on which promises have been fulfilled and which remain unaddressed, while also examining how closely his actions align with the Heritage Foundation's Project 2025 agenda. Analyzing Trump's reductions to federal agencies and budget allocations, the administration—working in coordination with the Elon Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency—has rolled out a series of sweeping cutbacks aimed at significantly scaling down government spending. As of May 6, several departments have experienced major rollbacks, with billions in funding slashed and some programs fully dismantled. In certain instances, federal judges have intervened to halt the administration’s efforts, citing legal and procedural concerns. The actions mark a continued push by the administration to reshape the scope and function of the federal government. Galactic Traffic Control Introduces VR Environments and Mini Mode in a major update aimed at enhancing player immersion. Developed by GnomeCap Games, the mixed reality arcade title now features a fully immersive VR Mode and a new Mini Mode with three sizing options—Mini, Micro, and Mega—allowing for more flexible gameplay without requiring a room mesh. Originally launched in early access last December, the game challenges players to guide color-coded ships to matching ports using hand tracking or Touch controllers while avoiding obstacles. As GnomeCap prepares for the game's 1.0 release in the coming months, it’s also developing a new game mode, additional music tracks, and a complete visual overhaul. Galactic Traffic Control is currently available on Quest for $4.99. Enhancing drone flight by mimicking flying squirrels, a team of South Korean researchers has developed a highly maneuverable quadcopter that incorporates flexible membranes inspired by the patagium of flying squirrels. These membranes, used in conjunction with machine learning algorithms, allow the drone to make agile adjustments mid-flight, significantly improving obstacle navigation. By coordinating thrust and wing extension through a thrust-wing coordination control system, and training a recurrent neural network with simulations and supervised learning, the prototype demonstrated superior agility over traditional quadcopters, despite the trade-off of reduced range due to added weight and drag. Capitol Ink: Exploring Budgeting and Artificial Intelligence highlights the intersection of fiscal policy and emerging technologies, examining how artificial intelligence is influencing budget decisions and shaping the future of government spending. How to See the White Smoke: What to Know About Visiting Rome During the Conclave — Tens of thousands of travelers have flocked to Rome for the funeral of Pope Francis and the historic election of a new pope, turning the Vatican into a focal point for religious pilgrims and tourists eager to witness the white smoke that signals the choice of a new pontiff. DoorDash to Acquire UK Competitor Deliveroo in €3.55 Billion Deal, marking a major move for the U.S. food delivery giant as it expands its global footprint. The £2.9 billion cash acquisition will bolster DoorDash's presence across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, positioning the company as a stronger player in the international market.

As President Donald Trump marks his 100th day in office, attention turns to analyzing his extensive list of 2024 campaign promises. AllSides is actively tracking which pledges have been fulfilled and which remain outstanding, alongside examining how closely the administration's actions align with the Heritage Foundation's Project 2025, a conservative policy blueprint. "Age of Pirates: The Adventures of Captain Blood" was a canceled pirate-themed action adventure game developed by Akella in collaboration with 1C, originally envisioned to immerse players in high-seas exploits and swashbuckling drama. Falcons Face Limited Quarterback Options Ahead of Key Preseason Deadline, as veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins reportedly requested a trade or release during a meeting with team owner Arthur Blank back in March. However, with several potential landing spots drying up following offseason moves by teams like the Browns, Vikings, and Steelers, options for both Cousins and the Falcons to part ways are steadily narrowing. Having missed the opportunity to release Cousins before March 15—triggering a guaranteed $10 million roster bonus for 2026—the team now faces a final deadline as training camps approach in July. Despite the circumstances, Falcons General Manager Terry Fontenot emphasized the organization’s patient approach, stating they remain open to possibilities but ultimately will only act if a move aligns with the team’s best interests. The Open Document Format is celebrating its 20th anniversary, marking two decades since its approval by OASIS on May 1 as an XML-based standard derived from Sun Microsystems' StarOffice. While adopted by governments like the UK, India, and Brazil, as well as organizations such as NATO, proprietary formats from Microsoft Office still dominate. In response, Microsoft developed Office Open XML, later standardized through Ecma International. Eliane Domingos, Chair of the Document Foundation overseeing LibreOffice, hailed ODF as a symbol of user freedom, interoperability, and resistance to Big Tech’s commercial strategies. Omnissa Expands Focus to Manage Servers and Apple Watches as it charts a new course beyond its traditional role in endpoint device management. Following its acquisition of VMware’s end-user compute portfolio, the company has also declared hypervisor independence after previously relying on vSphere, signaling a broader shift into managing servers and Apple Watches. Germany's growing doubts about Friedrich Merz's leadership prospects come into sharp focus as he is set to be elected Chancellor today. Despite his promise to be the most pro-European chancellor in recent history, questions remain about whether his vision resonates with the German public. The film industry is voicing concern about the potential impact of the EU-US tariff dispute, as European filmmakers fear that recently enacted regulations requiring streaming platforms to feature a minimum quota of European content could be jeopardized. This anxiety follows President Donald Trump’s threat to impose tariffs on foreign-produced films, heightening tensions in ongoing transatlantic trade talks.

Rihanna announces she is expecting her third child, with partner A$AP Rocky confirming the news on the red carpet and telling reporters the couple are "happy." Ian Wilkinson, the only survivor of a mushroom lunch that claimed the lives of his wife and two relatives, recounted his harrowing experience and emergency medical care in a court testimony. Left seriously ill after the meal, Wilkinson's recovery came amid a tragic incident that has drawn national attention. A Ukraine drone attack disrupted operations at Moscow airports, prompting Russian authorities to activate air defense systems. According to Moscow's mayor, at least 19 Ukrainian drones en route to the capital were successfully destroyed, minimizing damage but causing temporary flight delays and heightened security measures. Stephen Miller Claims Corporate Media Prioritizes Cartel Members' Feelings Over American Lives

White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller criticized major news outlets Monday, claiming they are more concerned with the reputations of drug cartel members than with the lives of Americans lost to fentanyl overdoses. Speaking on Fox News' “The Ingraham Angle,” Miller responded to a recent CNN interview with a member of the Sinaloa Cartel, accusing the network of giving criminals a platform while ignoring the devastation caused by their drug trafficking. Highlighting the Trump administration's tough stance on cartels, Miller emphasized the link between cartels and deadly fentanyl, human trafficking, and illegal immigration, asserting former President Trump worked to secure the border and reduce these threats. Legendary Eagles quarterback Randall Cunningham has heaped praise on Super Bowl MVP Jalen Hurts, calling him intelligent, genuine, and thoughtful. Cunningham, known as one of the NFL’s original dual-threat quarterbacks, expressed admiration for Hurts’ character and leadership, noting the current Eagles star always makes time to respond to him. The 62-year-old former NFL MVP runner-up was in attendance at Super Bowl LIX, where Hurts led Philadelphia to a dominant 40-22 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs. Shedding his usual low profile, Cunningham proudly wore a personalized Eagles "Flysuit" and celebrated openly, embracing the performance of the quarterback he sees as the embodiment of greatness in today’s game. A former California Highway Patrol captain, Dennis Wally Woodbury, has been indicted for lewd conduct aboard a flight after allegedly consuming an entire bottle of champagne. According to the Department of Justice, the 49-year-old Azusa resident was on a JetBlue flight from Fort Lauderdale to Los Angeles on April 13 when he reportedly engaged in inappropriate behavior with two male flight attendants. Incidents included showing them explicit images, making crude gestures, unwanted contact, and exposing himself. Woodbury, who has since been dismissed from state service, faces a federal charge of abusive sexual contact within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the U.S., a felony punishable by up to two years in prison. He was released on $50,000 bond and is scheduled for arraignment on May 12 in Los Angeles. The U.S. Army has halted helicopter flights near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport following a series of close calls, including two recent incidents where commercial airliners were forced to abort landings due to the proximity of an Army Black Hawk helicopter. The helicopter, operated by the Army’s 12th Aviation Battalion, deviated from an approved route near the Pentagon, triggering a safety response from air traffic controllers. This decision follows heightened scrutiny after a January midair collision involving a military Black Hawk and a commercial jet that killed 67 people. The Army unit is currently under internal investigation, and the FAA has since imposed stricter airspace restrictions, aiming to prevent further incidents around one of the nation's busiest airports.

The United States is preparing to ban the Huione Group, a Cambodian company, from accessing the U.S. dollar financial system over its alleged involvement in laundering more than $4 billion in cybercrime proceeds. The U.S. Department of Treasury accuses the company of operating a vast illicit marketplace for cybercrime tools and facilitating financial transactions for North Korean and other cybercriminal organizations. TeleMessage shuts down following backlash over Trump adviser photo and a reported security breach. The government-approved messaging app, reportedly used by top advisers to former President Donald Trump, abruptly went offline Monday. The shutdown came after a hacker allegedly breached the app, prompting TeleMessage to suspend its messaging services "out of an abundance of caution." OpenAI Maintains Nonprofit Oversight Despite Transition to For-Profit Model, as its nonprofit parent organization continues to hold control over the company's direction even as its for-profit arm is restructured into a public benefit corporation. The move is presented as aligning with OpenAI's mission to develop artificial general intelligence (AGI) safely and responsibly. However, critics argue that the shift could weaken nonprofit oversight and introduce greater commercial influence, potentially compromising long-term AI safety goals. Lakers Receive Positive Update on Luka Dončić Following Private Meeting

The Los Angeles Lakers received encouraging news regarding Luka Dončić’s future after a private meeting involving head coach JJ Redick, team president Rob Pelinka, and Dončić's business team. According to NBA insiders, Dončić is “fully committed” to the franchise and is widely expected to sign a contract extension this offseason. While the Lakers could offer a four-year, $229 million maximum deal, experts believe a shorter three-year, $165 million deal with a player option is more likely, giving Dončić flexibility for future free agency. Despite concerns raised by Redick about the team’s conditioning—a comment perceived by some as directed at Dončić—the Slovenian star appears focused on winning championships in Los Angeles. Trump Pledges to 'Defend Women's Sports' During Speech to Cheering Alabama Graduates

President Donald Trump received roaring applause at the University of Alabama's graduation ceremony Thursday night with a strong vow to defend women's athletics. “As long as I'm president, we will always protect women’s sports. Men will not play in women’s sports,” he declared, drawing cheers from the crowd. Highlighting recent controversies involving gender eligibility in international competitions like Olympic boxing and domestic collegiate sports, Trump criticized what he described as "unfair advantages" in women's events. He cited specific cases, including female athletes losing records or facing injuries, and referenced a lawsuit involving a former Alabama volleyball player. Trump's remarks underscored his February executive order, which restricts participation in women’s sports to biological females—a move that prompted the NCAA to revise its gender eligibility policy.