“Exposed: Trump’s AI Spy Network Powered by Palantir Could Track Every American – Here’s What We Know”

Donald Trump with artificial intelligence background representing government surveillance in 2025"

“Trump’s Unprecedented Surveillance Network: Palantir’s Role in Expanding Government Monitoring Capabilities”

“In 2025, the Trump administration deepens its collaboration with Palantir Technologies, leveraging advanced AI tools to enhance domestic surveillance operations.”

Introduction

In 2025, the Trump administration has stepped up its collaboration with Palantir Technologies, a data analytics firm recognized for its work with federal organizations.

This cooperation aims to integrate modern artificial intelligence (AI) tools to improve domestic surveillance and monitoring capabilities.

The plan raises serious concerns about privacy and the risk of further government overreach.

Donald Trump with artificial intelligence background representing government surveillance in 2025"
Donald Trump with artificial intelligence background representing government surveillance in 2025″

Expansion of Surveillance Technologies

The administration has authorized intelligence agencies, including the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) and the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), to use satellite monitoring to monitor the United States-Mexico border.

This directive is part of a larger strategy to improve border security and manage immigration.

The NGA has established a task force for this goal, and the NRO is working with the intelligence community to secure the borders.

This project demonstrates the administration’s commitment to using AI and technology to monitor domestic operations.

. Reuters

Palantir’s Role in the Surveillance Framework

Palantir Technologies has received many large contracts to supply AI-powered data analytics tools to several federal organizations. These platforms, which include Foundry, Gotham, Apollo, and the Artificial Intelligence Platform (AIP), are intended to combine and analyze large amounts of data from many sources.

For example, Palantir has deployed its first two TITAN systems to the US Army, which function as mobile ground stations that use AI to collect data from space sensors, supporting soldiers with battle strategy and boosting attack targeting and precision.

. NBC New York+4Investing.com+4Nextgov/FCW+4NBC10 Philadelphia

Palantir has also been awarded contracts worth more than $65 million to deliver data-as-a-service platforms for the United States Air Force and Space Force, with work slated to be completed by mid-2025.

Privacy Concerns and Ethical Implications

The increase of surveillance capabilities through artificial intelligence and data analytics creates serious privacy and ethical concerns. Civil rights campaigners warn that such technology could jeopardize individual privacy and civil freedoms.

The integration of Palantir’s platforms with Microsoft’s Azure Government cloud services exacerbates the problem, as it entails the processing and analysis of sensitive data in classified environments.

Palantir’s Financial Growth Amid Government Contracts

Palantir’s engagement with the Trump administration has aided its financial growth. In the first quarter of 2025, the company recorded revenues of $883.9 million, with a 45% rise in US government revenue. The company now expects yearly revenues of $3.89 billion to $3.90 billion, an increase from previous predictions.

Donald Trump with artificial intelligence background representing government surveillance in 2025"
Donald Trump with artificial intelligence background representing government surveillance in 2025″

Conclusion

The Trump administration’s growing relationship with Palantir Technologies represents a dramatic move toward enhanced domestic surveillance using powerful AI and data analytics.

Proponents believe that these measures improve national security, but they also raise serious concerns about privacy, civil liberties, and the ethical use of technology in government operations.

As this collaboration progresses, it will be critical to evaluate its impact on individual liberties and the balance of power between the state and its citizens.

 

“RRB NTPC 2025: Shocking Changes in Exam Cities & Dates – Download Your Slip Here!”

RRB NTPC 2025 official website portal for city intimation slip download"

Exam Dates & City Intimation Slip

The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) has released the Exam City Intimation Slip for the NTPC 2025 Computer-Based Test (CBT-1).

This slip includes the city and date of the examination, allowing candidates to organize their travel and accommodations accordingly.

Hindustan Times+3The Economic Times+3The Times of India+3

Important dates:

Exam City Intimation Slip Release Date: May 27, 2025

Admit card release is expected by June 1, 2025.

Exam dates: June 5–June 24, 2025.

RRB NTPC 2025 official website portal for city intimation slip download"
RRB NTPC 2025 official website portal for city intimation slip download”

How to Download the Exam City Intimation Slip

Visit the official RRB website at https://www.rrbapply.gov.in.

Select your RRB region.

To obtain the “Exam City Intimation Slip,” click on the link provided.

Please enter your registration number and date of birth.

Download and print the slip for future reference.

Exam Pattern & Selection Process

Stage 1: CBT-1 (Preliminary Exam)

Total questions: 100.

Duration: 90 minutes (120 minutes for disabled candidates).

Subjects:

Mathematics: 30 questions

General Intelligence and Reasoning: 30 Questions

General Awareness – 40 questions

Marking Scheme: 1 mark per correct answer; 1/3 mark deducted for each incorrect answer

Shiksha+4Business Standard+4Best Colleges+4Best Colleges+1Business Standard+1

Stage 2 – CBT-2 (Main Exam):

Candidates who pass CBT-1 will be eligible for CBT II.

Following Stages:

Typing Skill Test or Computer-Based Aptitude Test (where appropriate)

Document Verification

Medical ExaminationBest Colleges+6sarkari-alert.in+6Hindustan Times+6

RRB NTPC 2025 official website portal for city intimation slip download"
RRB NTPC 2025 official website portal for city intimation slip download”

Important Notes

The Exam City Intimation Slip is not the same as the Admission Card.

The admission card, which is necessary to access the examination venue, will be available about four days before the exam.

Candidates should monitor the official RRB website on a frequent basis for updates on the issuance of their admit cards and other vital information.

 

Traders Are Using These 4 Shocking Acronyms to Survive Trump’s Second Term – Are You?”

“President Trump speaking as stocks drop amid tariff announcement”

Investor Acronyms Reflect Market Turbulence Amid Trump’s Second Term

As President Donald Trump begins his second term, financial markets are seeing increased volatility, pushing investors to create new acronyms that capture the unpredictable character of current economic policy.

These acronyms are both a reflection of market mood and a strategic shorthand for negotiating the complexity of Trump’s trade and economic policies.

“President Trump speaking as stocks drop amid tariff announcement”
“President Trump speaking as stocks drop amid tariff announcement”

TACO and FAFO: Investor Acronyms Mirror Market Volatility

The abbreviation TACO—Trump Always Chickens Out—was coined by Financial Times journalist Robert Armstrong in May 2025. It describes President Trump’s habit to declare severe tariff measures only to withdraw them later, causing market swings.

This pattern has been noticed since the administration’s “Liberation Day” tariffs, which first frightened markets but were eventually eased, generating investor concern.

Wikipedia+1The New Republic+1

Another term gaining popularity is FAFO—F** Around and Find Out*. This word describes the chaotic and unpredictable character of the markets under Trump’s leadership.

It reflects investor perceptions that managing the current economic landscape is a gamble with major risks and rewards.

MEGA and MAGA: Shifts in Global Investment Sentiment

The moniker MEGA—Make Europe Great Again—has developed as investors look outside the United States‘ markets. Following US trade policies, European markets have witnessed increased interest from investors seeking regional stability and economic prospects.

This shift is part of a larger trend in which global investors diversify their portfolios to reduce the risks connected with US economic policies.

MAGA—Make America Go Away—takes a more cynical approach.

Some investors use this word to express dissatisfaction with US assets, particularly after foreign policy mistakes such as the failed Greenland annexation attempt.

It represents an increasing trend among certain investor circles to distance themselves from US investments due to perceived volatility.

Financial Markets React to Trump’s Trade Policies

President Donald Trump’s strong trade policies have had a significant impact on financial markets.

The news of taxes on imports from Mexico, Canada, and China triggered rapid market reactions, including a 1.2% loss in Dow futures and a 2.7% decline in Nasdaq futures.

The cryptocurrency markets were also hit, with Bitcoin and Ethereum suffering large losses.

.Decrypt

Despite these problems, the global economy has proven resilient. The International Monetary Fund forecasts global growth of 2.8%, which is consistent with patterns since 2008.

This stability is partly attributed to firms accelerating output and trade ahead of prospective duties, as well as tentative progress in trade negotiations, particularly with the European Union.

“President Trump speaking as stocks drop amid tariff announcement”
“President Trump speaking as stocks drop amid tariff announcement”

Reuters+5Reuters+5Reuters+5

Conclusion

The rise of acronyms such as TACO, FAFO, MEGA, and MAGA demonstrates the complexity and volatility of financial markets during President Trump’s second term.

These phrases not only reflect market opinion, but also provide methods for negotiating the uncertainty of contemporary economic policies.

As global markets adapt to these changes, the function of acronyms in developing investing strategies remains important.

“CA Exam Tsunami Coming in September 2025? ICAI Drops Bombshell with New Dates!”

CA exam schedule time

ICAI CA September 2025 Exam Schedule Released

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has officially published the test dates for the Chartered Accountant (CA) September 2025 session.

This timetable comprises the Final, Intermediate, and Foundation courses, allowing applicants to organize their study timelines.

CA exam schedule time
CA exam schedule time

The Times of India+1The Economic Times+1

Exam Dates and Timings

Final Course Examination
Group 1:

Dates: September 3, 6, and 8, 2025

Timings: 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM

Group 2:

Dates: September 10, 12, and 14, 2025

Timings: 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM for Papers 1–5; Paper 6 from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM

CA exam schedule time
CA exam schedule time

Intermediate Course Examination, Group 1:

Dates: September 4, 7, and 9, 2025.

Timings: 2:00 to 5:00 pm

Group Two:

Dates: September 11, 13, and 15, 2025.

Timings: 2:00 to 5:00 pm

Foundation Course Examination

dates are September 16, 19, 20, and 22, 2025.

Timings:

Paper 1 & 2: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Paper 3 & 4: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Application Process

Application Period: July 5 – July 18, 2025.

Mode: Online using the official ICAI Self Service Portal (SSP).

Website: icai.orgCAclubindia

Examination Fees

Course Overview:

India: ₹1,500.

Bhutan/Kathmandu: Rs. 2,200

Other overseas centers cost $32.

Finance Careers 360+7Navbharat Times+7CAclubindia+7CAclubindia

Intermediate Courses:

Single group costs ₹1,500.

Both groups cost ₹2,700.

Overseas centers charge $325 per group.

 Careers360Careers360+3CAclubindia+3Navbharat Times+3

Final Course:

Single Group: ₹1,800.

Both groups pay ₹3,300.

Overseas Centers cost $400 per group.

CAclubindia

Exam Centers

The tests will take place in over 200 Indian cities as well as nine international locations, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, and Kathmandu. Candidates can select their chosen exam center during the application process.

. CAclubindia+1Finance Careers 360+1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“8th Pay Commission Bombshell: Salaries May Double by 2026 – Are You Ready?”

Central government employees at work in an office — 8th Pay Commission update 2025

Comprehensive Guide to the 8th Pay Commission: Salary, Pension, and Key Reforms

The 8th Central Pay Commission (CPC) is preparing to make significant adjustments to the remuneration structure for central government employees and pensioners.

The commission, which was approved by the Union Cabinet in January 2025, aims to handle the changing economic landscape while also ensuring appropriate compensation for public officials.

The following is a detailed overview based on the most recent available data.

Central government employees at work in an office — 8th Pay Commission update 2025
Central government employees at work in an office — 8th Pay Commission update 2025

Timeline and Implementation

Cabinet approval: January 2025.

The expected implementation date is January 1, 2026.

Key milestones:

The formation of the panel and the appointment of officers are now underway.

Final suggestions and a compensation matrix are expected by mid-2026.

Salary Revisions: Fitment Factor and Basic Pay

Fitment Factor: Expected to be between 2.28 to 2.86, up significantly from 2.57 in the seventh CPC.

Minimum Basic Pay:

Seventh CPC: ₹18,000.

The 8th CPC ranges from ₹41,000 and ₹51,480, depending on the final fitment factor.

Salary Hike: Anticipated increase of 20% to 35%, with some estimates suggesting up to a 186% rise for the lowest pay levels

.LawChakra+3India Today+3Bceceboard.Com+3HR Calcy – Human Resource Calculator+4LawChakra+4Kozhikode DDE+4

Pension Revisions

Minimum pension:

Seventh CPC: ₹9,000.

The expected rise for the 8th CPC is around ₹25,740.

.LawChakraHR Calcy – Human Resource Calculator+1SAPOST+1CRM Catering & Hotel Management

Central government employees at work in an office — 8th Pay Commission update 2025
Central government employees at work in an office — 8th Pay Commission update 2025

Allowances and Benefits

Dearness Allowance (DA): Intended to be reset to zero upon installation, with subsequent modifications based on inflation.

House Rental Allowance (HRA):

Type X Cities: 30% of base salary.

Type Y Cities: 20% of basic salary.

Type Z Cities: 10% of base pay.

Allowances: To counterbalance inflation, allowances such as Transportation Allowance, Children’s Education Allowance, and Dress Allowance are expected to grow by 25%.
.Kozhikode DDE+5HR Calcy – Human Resource Calculator+5LawChakra+5HR Calcy – Human Resource Calculator+3Bceceboard.Com+3The Economic Times+3

Key Highlights

Economic Impact: Salary and pension increases are likely to boost consumer spending and contribute to economic development.

Implementation Challenges: Delays in establishing the pay matrix and hiring commission officers may impact the timeframe.

Employee Expectations: While the projected raises are significant, unions and employees are calling for larger fitment factors to match rising living expenditures.

ozhikode DDE

FAQ:

Q1: When will the 8th Pay Commission be implemented?

Implementation is slated to begin on January 1, 2026, with final recommendations due by mid-2026.
Kozhikode DDE

Q2: What is the predicted fitting factor under the eighth CPC?

The fitting factor is predicted to range from 2.28 to 2.86.

.Kozhikode DDE+2India Today+2Bceceboard.Com+2

Central government employees at work in an office — 8th Pay Commission update 2025
Central government employees at work in an office — 8th Pay Commission update 2025

Q3: How will the DA be adjusted under the 8th CPC?

DA will be merged into the basic pay, with subsequent adjustments based on inflation .

Q4: Will seniors profit from the eighth CPC?

Yes, retirees are expected to experience a large boost in their monthly pensions, in line with the changed compensation structure.

“12 Days Banks Will Be Closed in June 2025 — Plan Your Transactions Now”

Indian bank branch showing open sign on fifth Saturday, May 31, 2025

According to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) standards, banks are normally closed on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month, as well as Sundays.

Banks do, however, remain open on the fifth Saturday of each month. As a result, on Saturday, May 31, 2025, banks across India are set to open.

Indian bank branch showing open sign on fifth Saturday, May 31, 2025
Indian bank branch showing open sign on fifth Saturday, May 31, 2025

. The Economic Times

Upcoming Bank Holidays in June 2025

In June 2025, banks across India will close for many vacations due to national and regional festivities, in addition to regular weekend closures. The RBI has declared certain holidays under the Negotiable Instruments Act, and they may vary by state.

. The Economic Times+1Indiatimes+1

Full List of Bank Holidays in June 2025

Date, Occasion, and Affected States: June 6, Friday On Saturday, June 7, all states save Kerala observe Bakrid (Id-Uz-Zuha).
Date: Wednesday, June 11 Sant Guru Kabir Jayanti takes place in Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh.
June 27 – Friday. Ratha Yatra/Kang in Odisha, Manipur on Monday, June 30. Remna Ni Mizoram.

In addition to these holidays, banks will be closed on all Sundays and the second and fourth Saturdays in June.

For example, banks will be closed on June 14 and June 28, the second and fourth Saturdays, respectively.

Indian bank branch showing open sign on fifth Saturday, May 31, 2025
Indian bank branch showing open sign on fifth Saturday, May 31, 2025

. Indiatimes

Digital Banking Services Available

Even on bank holidays, digital banking services such as mobile banking, net banking, ATMs, and UPI payments will remain available unless they are disrupted by scheduled maintenance.

These services enable users to conveniently do numerous banking operations from their homes or mobile devices.

. Indiatimes

Planning Your Banking Activities

To maintain smooth banking operations and avoid any difficulty, schedule your financial activities ahead of time.

Check your state’s specific holiday schedules and use digital banking services for transactions while banks are closed.

For a complete list of state-specific bank holidays, visit the official RBI website or reputable news sources.

Indian bank branch showing open sign on fifth Saturday, May 31, 2025
Indian bank branch showing open sign on fifth Saturday, May 31, 2025

. The Economic Times

Conclusion

Understanding the RBI’s holiday calendar and scheduling your banking activities accordingly will help you manage your money more successfully. Remember to use digital banking services during the holidays to ensure continuous access to your accounts and services..Indiatimes

“Deadlier Than Before? New COVID Variant JN.1 Spreads Fast Across India!”

India COVID-19 heatmap showing active cases in Kerala, Maharashtra, Delhi – May 2025”

🇮🇳 India: Active Cases and Regional Trends

As of May 30, 2025, India is experiencing a recurrence of COVID-19 instances.

The overall number of current cases now exceeds 1,000, with considerable rises reported in numerous states.

Maharashtra, Kerala, and Delhi are among the most affected regions.

In Maharashtra, 84 additional cases were reported on May 30, bringing the total since January 2025 to 681. Health officials have underlined that the majority of these cases are mild and have advised the public not to panic.

India COVID-19 heatmap showing active cases in Kerala, Maharashtra, Delhi – May 2025”
India COVID-19 heatmap showing active cases in Kerala, Maharashtra, Delhi – May 2025”

.The Economic Times

Delhi reported 104 active cases, with 19 individuals hospitalized.

The Chief Minister assured that hospitals are prepared, and new facilities have been opened to strengthen healthcare infrastructure.

.The Times of India

Kerala remains the leader with over 430 ongoing cases, accounting for more than 40% of the national total. Other states, including as Bihar and Jharkhand, are experiencing rising case numbers, putting additional strain on healthcare resources.

 .Navbharat Times

Global Overview: Case Trends and Variants

Globally, COVID-19 cases have been increasing since February 2025, with over 147,000 new cases reported between February and May.

Despite a decrease in hospitalizations, the number of deaths has increased, indicating that COVID-19 is entering an endemic phase with seasonal outbreaks comparable to influenza.

.Areppim

The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified numerous variants of interest, including JN.1, which is now the most widespread in India.

Other variants being monitored include XEC, LP.8.1, and LB.1, with LP.8.1 and LB.1 indicating rising prevalence.

World Health Organization

Preventive Measures and Outlook

To reduce the spread of COVID-19, health officials recommend the following actions.

Wearing masks in crowded or poorly ventilated environments.

Maintaining physical distance wherever possible.

Practice regular hand hygiene.

Avoiding unnecessary travel to regions with high case numbers.

Microscopic view of COVID-19 JN.1 variant – 2025 global health alert”
Microscopic view of COVID-19 JN.1 variant – 2025 global health alert”

The Times of India+1ETHealthworld.com+1The Times of

While the current wave is not producing widespread severe illness, the increase in instances emphasizes the significance of maintaining attention and following public health guidelines.

Variant Spotlight: JN.1

The JN.1 variety, a sub-lineage of Omicron, has been designated a variety of Interest (VOI) by the WHO.

It has stronger transmissibility but does not appear to induce more severe sickness than prior strains. Symptoms are mostly mild and include fever, sore throat, and runny nose.

.Hindustan Times

In India, JN.1 was first discovered in Kerala in December 2023. By January 2024, 682 instances had been documented from 12 states. Consultations on healthcare platforms such as Practo have increased tenfold, particularly in urban locations like Bengaluru, Delhi, and Hyderabad.

.The Times of India+1ETHealthworld.com+1The Financial Express

Experts encourage persons over the age of 60, those with comorbidities, and immunocompromised patients, such as cancer patients, to take particular measures.

While extra booster doses are not currently indicated for the general population, these high-risk groups should exercise caution.

Hindustan Times+1The Times of India+1

Microscopic view of COVID-19 JN.1 variant – 2025 global health alert”
Microscopic view of COVID-19 JN.1 variant – 2025 global health alert”

“Is Your Money Safe? IndusInd Bank’s ₹2,000 Crore Fraud Investigation Explained”

Financial analysts investigating IndusInd Bank accounting irregularities”

ICAI Launches Probe into IndusInd Bank’s Accounting Irregularities Amid Derivative Losses

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has begun a study of IndusInd Bank’s financial accounts for fiscal years 2023-24 and 2024-25. This move comes after claims of accounting problems related to the bank’s foreign exchange derivatives portfolio.

.The Economic Times

ICAI President Charanjot Singh Nandal acknowledged the situation, noting that the review attempts to analyze any anomalies or irregularities in the bank’s financial reporting based on the allegations expressed.

Financial analysts investigating IndusInd Bank accounting irregularities”
Financial analysts investigating IndusInd Bank accounting irregularities”

Derivative Accounting Lapses Lead to Significant Losses

IndusInd Bank stated that erroneous accounting of internal derivative deals, particularly those with early termination, resulted in notional profits and accounting problems.

Grant Thornton, nominated by the bank’s board, estimated a cumulative adverse accounting impact on the profit and loss account of ₹1,959.98 crore as of March 31, 2025.

.Business Standard+2Business Standard+2The Times of India+2

Internal derivative trades between the asset-liability management desk and the treasury employed accrual accounting, whereas trades with external counterparties were marked to market.

This mismatch allowed IndusInd to delay losses internally while prematurely registering gains externally, resulting in overstated earnings.

The Financial Express+2The Times of India+2ETBFSI.com+2

PwC’s external audit found that the bank’s derivative discrepancies had a negative impact of ₹1,979 crore on its net value as of December 2024, representing a 2.27% decline.

HDFC Sky+10The Indian Express+10Business Standard+10

Regulatory Actions and Internal Measures

In reaction to these findings, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has barred internal derivative dealings from April 1, 2024. IndusInd Bank has since discontinued such internal trades and is working to improve internal controls and ensure compliance with accounting standards.
.The Times of India+3Business Standard+3The Indian Express+3

Grant Thornton’s forensic audit found 25 people, including top executives in the treasury department, who were accountable for the accounting errors. The bank is exploring appropriate actions, including possible termination and reassignment, depending on the results.

.Moneycontrol+1The Financial Express+1

Financial analysts investigating IndusInd Bank accounting irregularities”
Financial analysts investigating IndusInd Bank accounting irregularities”

Market Impact and Investor Concerns

Following the exposure of these accounting irregularities, IndusInd Bank’s stock fell more than 25% in a single day.

The bank recorded a net profit of ₹1,401 crore in the December quarter of FY25, but accounting irregularities and losses have aroused investor concerns.

.The Indian Express+1ETBFSI.com+1

The ICAI’s evaluation emphasizes the gravity of the charges and the organization’s commitment to maintaining openness and accountability in financial reporting in the banking industry.

The conclusion of this assessment could have a substantial impact on the bank’s governance and regulatory status.

“Reliance Power Just Made India’s Biggest Solar-Battery Deal – Here’s What You Need to Know!”

Reliance Power solar farm with integrated battery energy storage system in India”

Reliance Power’s Strategic Expansion into Solar and Battery Storage

1. 350 MW solar + 175 MW/700 MWh BESS project with SJVN.

Awarded by SJVN Limited, a Navratna CPSE.

Project Details: 350 MW solar capacity coupled with a 175 MW/700 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS).

Tariff: ₹3.33 per kWh over 25 years.

Connection: interstate transmission system (ISTS)-connected

Competitive bidding is the method used for awarding

Market Impact: Reliance Power’s shares rose by 3.01% to ₹53.79 on the NSE

Business UpturnThe Times of Indi

Reliance Power solar farm with integrated battery energy storage system in India”
Reliance Power solar farm with integrated battery energy storage system in India”

2. 930 MW Solar + 465 MW/1,860 MWh BESS Project with SECI

Awarded By: Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI)

Project Details: 930 MW solar capacity integrated with a 465 MW/1,860 MWh BESS

Tariff: ₹3.53 per kWh

Duration: 25-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)

Connection: ISTS-connected

Significance: This project is India’s largest single solar and battery storage initiative and the second-largest deployment of grid-scale storage batteries at a single site in Asia, after China

tndindia.com+9pv magazine India+9Business Upturn+9tndindia.com+6Business Standard+6Business Upturn+6pv magazine India+1Business Upturn+1Business Upturn+5Business Standard+5The Economic Times+5

Reliance Power solar farm with integrated battery energy storage system in India”
Reliance Power solar farm with integrated battery energy storage system in India”

3. Total Clean Energy Portfolio

Combined Capacity: Solar: Approximately 2.4 GW BESS: Over 2.5 GWh Strategic Positioning: These developments position Reliance Power as a leading player in India’s integrated solar-plus-battery storage sector

“Scoda Tubes IPO Skyrockets 53x – Experts Predict ₹162 Listing! Should You Buy Now?”

Scoda Tubes stainless steel pipes manufacturing unit”

Scoda Tubes Ltd, a Gujarat-based manufacturer of stainless steel tubes and pipes, has launched its Initial Public Offering (IPO) in a price range of ₹130-₹140 per share.

The IPO plans to raise ₹220 crore through a fresh offering of equity shares, without an Offer for Sale (OFS).

The cash raised will be used largely to increase manufacturing capacity and meet working capital requirements.

Scoda Tubes stainless steel pipes manufacturing unit”
Scoda Tubes stainless steel pipes manufacturing unit”

IPO Subscription Status

(Day 3)

As of May 30, 2025, the Scoda Tubes IPO has been subscribed 53.25 times. The subscription information is as follows.

Qualified Institutional Buyers (QIB): 69.51x

Non-institutional investors (NIIs): 112.77x

Retail Individual Investors (RII): 18.45x

This overwhelming demand indicates strong investor confidence and interest in the company.IPO Watch+4Groww+4mint+4

Grey Market Premium (GMP)

The Grey Market Premium (GMP) for Scoda Tubes’ IPO is ₹22, indicating a listing price of around ₹162 per share at the upper end of the price band.

This represents a possible listing gain of around 15.7% for investors who apply at the cut-off price. The GMP has been trending upward, indicating increased investor interest.

Financials & Valuation

Valuation at Upper Price Band: Around ₹840 crore

Price to Earnings (P/E) Ratio: 30.43x (consistent with industry average of 31.96x).

Price to book (P/B) Ratio: 8.76x (somewhat lower than industry average of 9.56x).

ROE: ~13.5%.

ROCE: about 13.5%.

Operating Margins: ~12%

Revenue CAGR (FY22–FY24): 44%

EBITDA CAGR: 143%

Profit After Tax (PAT) CAGR: 235%

These robust financials demonstrate Scoda Tubes’ strong growth trajectory and operational efficiency.

Business Overview

Coda Tubes specializes in the manufacture of seamless and welded stainless steel tubes and pipes.

The company operates a hot piercing mill with a capacity of 20,000 MT per year, allowing for backward integration and cost control.

Its products serve a wide range of industries, including oil and gas, chemicals, fertilizers, power, pharmaceuticals, automotive, rail, and transportation.

The company has a strong export presence, with one-third of its income coming from international markets in 11 countries.

.website+1Ipo Platform+1Ipo Platform

IPO subscription graph indicating strong investor demand”
IPO subscription graph indicating strong investor demand”

Risks & Considerations

Despite its great financial performance, investors should consider the following risks:

Cash Flow Efficiency: Questions about the company’s cash flow management.

Distributor Dependency: Relying on major distributors for sales.

Global Market Uncertainty: Exposure to changes in global demand and geopolitical conditions.

Growth Moderation: Growth rates have moderated during the last nine months.

Valuation Concerns: An implied P/E ratio of 35-40 may limit short-term upside.

Investment Recommendation

Given the high subscription demand, good GMP, strong financial performance, and development potential, the Scoda Tubes IPO is an appealing investment option for both short-term listing profits and long-term portfolio diversification.

Investors with a moderate risk tolerance and a focus on industrial manufacturing sectors may want to apply at the cut-off price.

IPO subscription graph indicating strong investor demand”
IPO subscription graph indicating strong investor demand”

“From Near-Bankruptcy to Billion-Dollar Windfall: How Suzlon Made the Greatest Turnaround in a Decade!”

Suzlon Energy wind turbines powering clean energy across India – leader in renewable wind power sector

Suzlon Energy Soars: 365% Profit Surge & Record-Breaking Wind Turbine Orders

Suzlon Energy Achieves Historic Financial Milestones in FY25

Suzlon Energy Ltd (BSE: 532667, NSE: SUZLON), India’s largest provider of renewable energy solutions, has announced its most spectacular financial performance in a decade for fiscal year 2024-25.

The company’s Profit Before Tax (PBT) was ₹1,447 crore, a 103% rise over the previous year. Revenue increased by 67% to ₹10,851 crore, while EBITDA grew by 81% to ₹1,857 crore.

The net profit after tax (PAT) was ₹2,072 crore, which included a ₹638 crore deferred tax asset recognition.

These findings support Suzlon’s effective business transformation and operational focus.

Suzlon Energy wind turbines powering clean energy across India – leader in renewable wind power sector
Suzlon Energy wind turbines powering clean energy across India – leader in renewable wind power sector

Wind Turbine Innovation: The S144 Series Dominates the Market

Suzlon’s flagship S144 wind turbine, designed and constructed in India, has become a cornerstone of its technological superiority.

It is optimized for Indian sites and is compatible with hybrid power plants, ensuring effective grid integration and high-quality energy output.

With almost 5 GW of firm orders and more than 1.25 GW of deliveries in FY25 alone, the S144 now accounts for 91% of Suzlon’s order book, indicating robust market demand.

Quarterly Highlights: Q4 FY25 Sets New Records

Suzlon’s consolidated net profit in Q4 FY25 increased by 365% to ₹1,182 crore from ₹254 crore in Q4 FY24.

Revenue for the quarter increased by 73% to ₹3,789 crores. These results show substantial operational growth and financial recovery.

Business Upturn+2The Economic Times+2The Economic Times+2The Economic Times

Suzlon Energy share price growth chart showing 2,400% return over 5 years – top performing renewable stock in India”
Suzlon Energy share price growth chart showing 2,400% return over 5 years – top performing renewable stock in India”

Strategic Growth and Market Position

Suzlon’s firm order book currently stands at 5.6 GW, with the S144 turbine accounting for 91% of that total.

The company’s Operations and Maintenance Services (OMS) segment remains a key growth driver, handling a significant 15 GW of installed wind energy capacity across India.

Suzlon’s commitment to building a strong local manufacturing and supply chain helps India’s wind energy goals.

 

Stock Performance and Investor Confidence

Suzlon’s stock has returned impressively, up 535% in the last two years and 2,400% in the last five.

Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) boosted their holding to 23.04% in March 2025 from 22.87% in December 2024, suggesting high investor confidence.

Commitment to Sustainability and ESG Goals

Suzlon is a leader in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. Their S144 turbine has the lowest product carbon footprint of 6.16 gCO₂/kWh.

 “Suzlon Group headquarters at One Earth Pune – India’s leading renewable energy company
“Suzlon Group headquarters at One Earth Pune – India’s leading renewable energy company

The company constantly outperforms industry ESG averages and is on course to achieve net-zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions well ahead of its 2035 objective, as well as 90% Zero Waste to Landfill on a Group scale.

 

 

“This New COVID Variant Is Surging — And Most Americans Haven’t Heard of It Yet”

“Microscopic close-up of COVID-19 NB.1.8.1 variant mutation under microscope”

What Is the NB 1.8.1 COVID-19 Variant?

The NB 1.8.1 form of SARS-CoV-2 was discovered in China in January 2025. By mid-May, it accounted for about 11% of sequenced samples globally, prompting the World Health Organization (WHO) to categorize it as a “variant under monitoring” due to its rising prevalence in countries such as the eastern Mediterranean, Southeast Asia, and the western Pacific..AP News

“Microscopic close-up of COVID-19 NB.1.8.1 variant mutation under microscope”
“Microscopic close-up of COVID-19 NB.1.8.1 variant mutation under microscope”

Where Has NB 1.8.1 Been Detected?

In the United States, NB 1.8.1 has been documented in travelers arriving at airports in California, New York, Virginia, and Washington.

As of May 27, 2025, less than 20 cases had been confirmed nationwide.

Genetic Profile and Transmission

NB 1.8.1 is descended from the Omicron JN.1 subvariant.

It has acquired multiple spike protein mutations, which may have an impact on transmissibility or immune evasion.

However, additional research is needed to confirm these possibilities.

“Microscopic close-up of COVID-19 NB.1.8.1 variant mutation under microscope”
“Microscopic close-up of COVID-19 NB.1.8.1 variant mutation under microscope”

.Navbharat Times+4Nation+4The Lancet+4Thailand Medical News

Symptoms of NB 1.8.1

The symptoms of NB 1.8.1 are comparable to those of other recent COVID-19 variations, and include:

Sore throat.

Nasal congestion.

Fatigue

Cough

Fever

Headache

In certain cases, particularly among unvaccinated or immunocompromised people, symptoms might worsen into severe respiratory distress.

Vaccine Effectiveness

According to the WHO, existing licensed COVID-19 vaccines are predicted to be effective against the NB 1.8.1 strain.

There is no indication that this variant causes more severe disease than other variants in circulation.

Prevention Measures

To lower the likelihood of infection with NB 1.8.1:

Stay up to speed with vaccines.

Masks used indoors in congested places

Test if symptomatic

Isolate if sick

Practice good hygeine

YouTube+8Nebraska Medicine+8datadot+8datadot+3Instagram+3Anadolu Ajansı+3World Health Organization+2World Health Organization+2The Lancet+2

The current dominant variant in the United States.

According to the CDC, the most common COVID-19 variation in the United States in April 2025 is LP.8.1, which accounted for 70% of recorded cases between April 26 and May 10.

“Microscopic close-up of COVID-19 NB.1.8.1 variant mutation under microscope”
“Microscopic close-up of COVID-19 NB.1.8.1 variant mutation under microscope”

Conclusion

While the NB 1.8.1 variant is being extensively examined because to its growing global distribution, there is no evidence that it poses a greater danger than other circulating variants.

Continued commitment to public health norms, including immunization and preventive measures, is critical.

“$513 Million Bitcoin Bombshell: GameStop Shocks Wall Street!”

GameStop logo next to a large Bitcoin symbol representing the company's $513 million cryptocurrency investment."

GameStop’s Strategic Shift: Acquiring 4,710 BTC with $513 Million Investment

Key Investment Details

BItcoin acquisition: 4,710 BTC.

Estimated value: around $513 million at current market pricing.

Financing Method: Funded by a $1.3 billion convertible note issue

Purchase date: announced on May 28, 2025.

Bitcoin Price at Announcement: Around $107,365 per BTC.

GameStop logo next to a large Bitcoin symbol representing the company's $513 million cryptocurrency investment."
GameStop logo next to a large Bitcoin symbol representing the company’s $513 million cryptocurrency investment.”

Investopedia+1Cointelegraph+1

Market Reaction

shares Performance: GameStop’s (GME) shares witnessed an initial increase in premarket trade but then plummeted by 8.8% at midday trading on the announcement day.

Bitcoin’s Recent Surge: Bitcoin’s price has soared over 50% since April lows and reached record highs above $110,000, impacting GameStop’s decision.

Barron’s+3MarketWatch+3Investopedia+3Business Insider

Strategic Implications

Treasury Reserve Strategy: GameStop’s move is consistent with an increasing trend among organizations to accept Bitcoin as a treasury reserve asset, following the example established by companies like MicroStrategy.

Diversification Effort: This investment represents a considerable departure from GameStop’s typical retail business, trying to diversify its portfolio and hedge against inflation.

Barron’s+1Nasdaq+1

Stack of Bitcoin coins in front of a financial chart, symbolizing GameStop's strategic entry into the crypto market."
Stack of Bitcoin coins in front of a financial chart, symbolizing GameStop’s strategic entry into the crypto market.”

Risks and Considerations

Volatility: The inherent price volatility in Bitcoin raises possible hazards to GameStop’s financial stability.

Regulatory Uncertainty: The shifting regulatory landscape for cryptocurrencies may effect the company’s investing strategy.

Market Perception: Investor skepticism remains, as reflected in the stock’s decline post-announcement

Barron’s

"GameStop retail store overlaid with digital Bitcoin graphics indicating the company's shift towards cryptocurrency."
“GameStop retail store overlaid with digital Bitcoin graphics indicating the company’s shift towards cryptocurrency.”
Looking ahead.

GameStop’s entry into the cryptocurrency market represents a bold move toward innovation and diversity. The company’s future performance will be determined by how successfully it integrates this new asset class into its overall business plan, as well as its ability to navigate the related risks.
Barron’s

GameStop (GME) stock chart showing recent price surge amid Bitcoin investment announcement."
GameStop (GME) stock chart showing recent price surge amid Bitcoin investment announcement.”

“Thames Water Fined £123M in Record Scandal – What They Don’t Want You to Know”

"Raw sewage discharge into the River Thames highlights environmental crisis linked to Thames Water’s £123 million fine."

Thames Water Faces Record £123 Million Fine for Environmental and Financial Mismanagement

UK’s top water supplier is punished for sewage breaches and inappropriate dividend payouts.

Thames Water, the UK’s largest water supplier, has received a record £123 million punishment from Ofwat, the water sector regulator.

This exceptional punishment addresses major infractions in sewage management and shareholder dividend practices.

"Raw sewage discharge into the River Thames highlights environmental crisis linked to Thames Water’s £123 million fine."
“Raw sewage discharge into the River Thames highlights environmental crisis linked to Thames Water’s £123 million fine.”

Record fines for environmental breaches.

Ofwat fined Thames Water £104 million for multiple faults in its wastewater operations.

The corporation was discovered to have frequently dumped untreated sewage into rivers and seas, with evidence indicating that more than 70% of its storm overflows were used incorrectly, not merely during unusual weather events as legally permitted..The Guardian

In 2024, Thames Water’s sewage discharges totaled approximately 300,000 hours, revealing major operational flaws.

The Guardian

"Thames Water facility under scrutiny as company faces record £123M fine for environmental and dividend rule breaches."
“Thames Water facility under scrutiny as company faces record £123M fine for environmental and dividend rule breaches.”

Unjustified Dividend Payments

An additional £18.2 million penalties was imposed for improper dividend payments.

Despite financial troubles and environmental concerns, Thames Water paid out £195.8 million in dividends between October 2023 and March 2024.

Ofwat decided that these payments were unjustified because they were not in line with the company’s performance and service delivery..Sky News

Financial Struggles and Regulatory Oversight

Thames Water’s financial status remains severe, with a debt of almost £22 billion. The corporation has been placed under a “cash lock-up,” which prevents future dividend disbursements without Ofwat permission.

In February 2025, Thames Water won a £3 billion rescue loan to stave off collapse, but its credit rating remains below investment grade

The GuardianReuters

Regulatory Action and Industry Implications

Ofwat’s efforts are part of a broader crackdown on water providers’ environmental and financial practices.

The regulator highlighted that Thames Water and its investors would bear the fines, not the customers.

This approach seeks to ensure that firms are held accountable for their impact on the environment and public trust.

.The Guardian

"Public backlash against Thames Water’s sewage spills grows amid largest fine in UK water industry history."
“Public backlash against Thames Water’s sewage spills grows amid largest fine in UK water industry history.”

Conclusion

Thames Water’s record fine emphasizes the need for responsible environmental stewardship and financial transparency in the water industry.

As the company navigates its financial issues, it remains committed to meeting its environmental and consumer commitments.

“Elon Musk’s Mars Dream in Jeopardy After Starship Explodes—What Really Happened?”

SpaceX Starship rocket spins out of control over the Indian Ocean during ninth test flight on May 27, 2025

SPaceX Starship’s Ninth Test Flight Failed: What It Means for Mars Ambitions

On May 27, 2025, SpaceX’s ninth test flight of the Starship spacecraft failed when the upper-stage rocket disintegrated during re-entry over the Indian Ocean.

This is the third straight failure in 2025, after unsuccessful attempts in January and March.

SpaceX Starship rocket spins out of control over the Indian Ocean during ninth test flight on May 27, 2025

The Times of India

Mission Overview

Launch Date and Time: May 27, 2025, at 23:36 UTC (6:36 PM CDT).

Launch Site: Starbase, Texas.

Spacecraft: Starship Ship 35.

Super Heavy Block 2, Booster 14-2.

Payload: About 16,000 kilograms (35,000 lbs) of Starlink mass simulators.

Flight Objective: Achieve orbital velocity and demonstrate reusability of both upper and lower stages
Space Insider+4Wikipedia+4Wikipedia+4Space+3The Times of India+3AP News+3

The mission began successfully, with the Super Heavy rocket delivering the Starship into space.

However, during the descent phase, the upper-stage vehicle lost attitude control, resulting in disintegration upon re-entry. The booster was destroyed during the landing burn over the Gulf of Mexico.

Wikipedia+1The Guardian+1

SpaceX Starship rocket launches from Starbase, Texas in historic Mars mission test flight
SpaceX Starship rocket launches from Starbase, Texas in historic Mars mission test flight

Analysis of Failure

This failure follows a trend seen in earlier test flights, in which the upper-stage vehicle encountered abnormalities that resulted in mission termination.

In January 2025, the spacecraft’s six engines shut down consecutively after roughly nine minutes, resulting in a loss of communication and annihilation.

The Times of India+1The Guardian+1The Guardian+1Space+1

Experts believe that, while these setbacks are normal in the iterative process of aerospace development, the accumulated failures may raise worries about the project’s feasibility and the financial sustainability of such high-cost missions.

Business Standard

Implications of Mars and Lunar Missions

Starships are crucial to SpaceX’s aspirations for interplanetary travel, which include missions to Mars and the Moon.

The spacecraft is also a significant component of NASA’s Artemis program, with SpaceX receiving a $2.9 billion contract to create a lunar variant. Business Standard

However, repeated test failures could push back these ambitious timetables, jeopardizing NASA’s objectives and the larger aspirations of Mars settlement.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) continues to monitor the program to ensure compliance with safety standards.

Broader Impacts

The starship is essential not only to Musk’s Mars ambitions, but also to NASA’s Artemis mission, which seeks to return humans to the Moon by 2030.

Its heavy-lift capabilities are also linked to possible US defense projects, such as Trump’s “golden dome” missile shield.

Delays and failures could push NASA and other clients to consider competitors, notably Blue Origin.

Investor Concerns

According to the story, Musk’s increasing political activism, including controversial appearances at groups like as CPAC, may be diverting attention away from his enterprises.

Investors are allegedly concerned about the profitability of Musk’s different enterprises amid these high-profile Starship failures and his political excursions.

SpaceX Starship rocket launches from Starbase, Texas in historic Mars mission test flight
SpaceX Starship rocket launches from Starbase, Texas in historic Mars mission test flight

Conclusion

While Musk has a track record of overpromising and subsequently delivering transformational technology (e.g., Tesla and Falcon 9), this run of Starship failures puts that story to the test.

The essay raises a fundamental question: Has Musk finally overreached?

Despite the difficulties, SpaceX’s track record, particularly with reusable launch vehicles, ensures the long-term ambition remains alive.

However, with major milestones still unmet and rising external scrutiny, the future of Starship—and, by implication, Musk’s Mars vision—is very dubious.

“Ayushman Bharat’s Vay Vandana Card: Seniors Can Now Get Free Cancer, Dialysis, and Surgery Treatment!”

Senior citizen registering for Ayushman Bharat Vay Vandana Card using Ayushman App on mobile phone"

Introduction

The government of India has launched the Ayushman Bharat Vay Vandana Card, a major program under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) that aims to provide full healthcare coverage to older individuals aged 70 and up.

This policy provides annual health coverage of ₹5 lakh every senior adult, regardless of socio-economic condition, ensuring access to quality healthcare for the aged population.

Senior citizen registering for Ayushman Bharat Vay Vandana Card using Ayushman App on mobile phone"
Senior citizen registering for Ayushman Bharat Vay Vandana Card using Ayushman App on mobile phone”

Key Features and Benefits
1. Extensive coverage

Annual Health Coverage: ₹5 lakh for senior citizens.

include pre-existing conditions: There is no waiting time, and coverage for all pre-existing conditions begins on day one.

Covers approximately 1,961 medical treatments across 27 categories, including cancer treatment, dialysis, joint replacements, stroke management, and more.

ETBFSI.com

2. Eligibility Criteria.

Age requirement: 70 years or older.

Documentation: Aadhaar cards are required for registration.

Income Status: regardless of income or economic background.

.ETBFSI.com

3. Registration Process

Online Enrollment: Senior citizens can download the Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) mobile app or visit the official website beneficiary.nha.gov.in for self-registration.

Assisted Registration: Enrollment can also be done at empanelled hospitals or through Common Service Centres (CSCs).

Verification: Completion of e-KYC is required, which can be facilitated through Aadhaar-based authentication

ETBFSI.com+1Franchise India+1

4. Access to healthcare services.

Cashless treatment is available in more than 30,000 public and private institutions across India.

Top-Up Coverage: Senior citizens with PM-JAY coverage receive an additional ₹5 lakh for healthcare needs.
The Economic Times+3ETBFSI.com+3India Today+3

Impact and Reach

Enrollment Milestone: As of December 2024, over 25 lakh senior citizens have enrolled in the scheme.

Treatment Availment: Beneficiaries have availed treatments worth over ₹40 crore, including procedures like coronary angioplasty, hip replacements, cataract surgeries, and dialysis.

Geographical Outreach: The scheme has been implemented nationwide, with special drives in various states to ensure maximum coverage

.The Times of India+5ETGovernment.com+5ETBFSI.com+5

Senior citizen registering for Ayushman Bharat Vay Vandana Card using Ayushman App on mobile phone"
Senior citizen registering for Ayushman Bharat Vay Vandana Card using Ayushman App on mobile phone”

Limitations and Considerations

Coverage Limitations: The ₹5 lakh cover per senior citizen may not be sufficient for long-term or costly treatments.

Scheme Selection: Senior persons who are currently enrolled in other government health programs such as CGHS, ECHS, or CAPF must choose between their existing coverage and the Ayushman Bharat scheme.

Family Floater Concept: The ₹5 lakh cover is divided among all eligible family members.

The Economic TimesETBFSI.com+1India Today+1

Senior citizen registering for Ayushman Bharat Vay Vandana Card using Ayushman App on mobile phone"
Senior citizen registering for Ayushman Bharat Vay Vandana Card using Ayushman App on mobile phone”

“NMDC Surprises the Street with Massive Profit Jump – Should You Buy Now?”

“NMDC corporate office in Hyderabad, symbolizing India’s leading iron ore producer.”

NMDC Q4 FY25 Financial Results: Net Profit Rises 5% YoY to ₹1,483 Crore; Revenue Up 8%

NMDC, a state-owned mining company, announced a 5% year-on-year (YoY) increase in consolidated net profit for the fourth quarter of FY25, totaling ₹1,483.18 crore. This is an increase from ₹1,415.62 crore in the fourth quarter of FY24.

The company’s total income for the quarter increased by about 9% to ₹7,497.17 crore, up from ₹6,908.37 crore in the same time last year. The Economic Times

“NMDC corporate office in Hyderabad, symbolizing India’s leading iron ore producer.”
“NMDC corporate office in Hyderabad, symbolizing India’s leading iron ore producer.”

.”

Revenue Breakdown:

Iron ore sales totaled ₹6,350.49 crore

Pellets and Other Minerals: ₹662.07 crore.

In FY25, NMDC’s iron ore output reached 45.02 million tonnes (MT), while sales totaled 44.48 MT, representing a 10% and 16% growth, respectively, over FY24. This result highlights NMDC’s substantial significance in India’s iron ore sector, accounting for nearly 16% of total iron ore output.

The Hindu

Dividend Announcement:

The Board of Directors has proposed a final dividend of ₹1 per share, subject to shareholder approval.

An interim dividend of ₹2.30 per share for FY25 has already been paid.

NMDC CMD Amitava Mukherjee discussing company’s 100 MTPA expansion goal at a press conference.”
NMDC CMD Amitava Mukherjee discussing company’s 100 MTPA expansion goal at a press conference.”

Management Outlook:

Amitava Mukherjee, Chairman and Managing Director of NMDC, stressed the company’s commitment to sustained expansion, with a target production capacity of 100 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) by 2030-31.

This strategic goal corresponds with NMDC’s vision of increasing its market share and significantly contributing to the domestic iron ore supply.

Moneycontrol

Challenges and Factors to Consider

Despite its strong financial results, NMDC faces obstacles, including a retrospective fee levied by the Karnataka government, according to the company’s auditor. While the specifics of the charge were not published, it demonstrates the regulatory complications that can have an impact on operations.

NMDC CMD Amitava Mukherjee discussing company’s 100 MTPA expansion goal at a press conference.”
NMDC CMD Amitava Mukherjee discussing company’s 100 MTPA expansion goal at a press conference.”

. The Economic Times

Conclusion:

NMDC’s Q4 FY25 results reflect a solid financial performance, driven by increased iron ore production and sales.

The company’s strategic initiatives and commitment to growth position it well for future success in the competitive mining sector.

“From ₹90 to ₹100 in Minutes: Belrise IPO Listing Sends Shockwaves Through Dalal Street!”

Belrise Industries company logo and corporate headquarters in Pune, India”

Belrise Industries Ltd., a renowned automobile component maker, debuted on the Indian stock exchange on May 28, 2025.

The company successfully obtained ₹2,150 crore through its IPO, which was a new issue of equity shares. The monies raised are largely meant for debt reduction and other corporate reasons.websiteAngel One+1Moneycontrol+1

Belrise Industries company logo and corporate headquarters in Pune, India”
Belrise Industries company logo and corporate headquarters in Pune, India”

IPO Subscription and Allotment

Subscription Details:

Quantified Institutional Buyers (QIBs): 108.35 times

Non-institutional investors (NIIs): 38.33 times.

Retail investors: 4.27 times.

Overall Subscription: 41.30 timesMoneycontrol+4Angel One+4mint+4

Price Range: ₹85-₹90/share.

Final issue price is ₹90 per share.

Listing Exchanges: Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and National Stock Exchange (NSE)

The Economic Times

The IPO was oversubscribed across all categories, indicating strong investor interest and confidence in the company’s prospects .Angel One

Market Debut Performance

Belrise Industries shares opened at ₹100 on the NSE and ₹98.50 on the BSE, representing an 11% premium over the issue price of ₹90 per share. This great debut demonstrates investor confidence and significant demand for the company’s stock on the market.

.The Economic Times

Company Overview

Founded in 1996.

Headquarters in Pune, Maharashtra, India.

Operations: 15 production facilities throughout eight states in India.

Global presence: Exports to Austria, Slovakia, the United Kingdom, Japan, and Thailand.

Product Portfolio:

Metal chassis systems.

Polymer components

The suspension systems

Body-in-white components.

Exhaust systemsThe Economic Timesmint+6Angel One+6Chanakya+6mint+6Chanakya+6NDTV Profit+6

Belrise Industries serves over 27 Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) globally, including major players like Bajaj Auto, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, Hero MotoCorp, Jaguar Land Rover, and Royal Enfield Motors .Angel One+4NDTV Profit+4Business Standard+4

Belrise Industries company logo and corporate headquarters in Pune, India”
Belrise Industries company logo and corporate headquarters in Pune, India”

Financial Performance

Revenue (FY24): ₹7,484 crore (a 13.7% increase from the previous year) Net Profit (FY24): ₹310.88 crore Operating Margin: 12.54%

Debt Reduction Objective: ₹1,618 crore from IPO proceedsNDTV Profit+3Angel One+3Business Standard+3Business StandardNDTV ProfitThe Times of India+6Angel One+6Mone

The company has demonstrated consistent revenue growth and aims to utilize the IPO funds to strengthen its balance sheet by reducing debt .

.Angel One

Analyst Insights

Analysts view Belrise Industries as a strong player in the automotive component sector, with a robust market share and a diversified product portfolio. The company’s focus on precision sheet metal pressing and fabrication positions it well to capitalize on the growing demand in the automotive industry. The successful IPO and positive market debut further underscore investor confidence in Belrise’s growth prospects .

.Moneycontrol+4Chanakya+4website+4The Economic Times+1The Economic Times+1

Conclusion

Belrise Industries’ successful IPO and strong market debut reflect its solid position in the automotive component industry and investor confidence in its future growth. With a clear strategy for debt reduction and a diversified product portfolio, Belrise is well-positioned to capitalize on opportunities in the evolving automotive sector.

“Prostarm IPO Explodes: 7x Oversubscribed – Will You Miss Out on 23% Listing Gains?”

“Prostarm Info Systems IPO subscription status chart showing 7.88x overall demand as of May 28, 2025”

Investor interest in Prostarm Info Systems’ initial public offering (IPO) has grown rapidly. Retail and non-institutional investors led the charge in the issue’s oversubscription by more than seven times as of Day 2 of bidding (May 28, 2025).

However, the crucial question still stands: Is it worthwhile to make an investment prior to the May 29 IPO closing?

Everything you need to know is right here, including subscription status, financials, expert reviews, grey market premium (GMP), and if you should bid or not.

“Prostarm Info Systems IPO subscription status chart showing 7.88x overall demand as of May 28, 2025”
“Prostarm Info Systems IPO subscription status chart showing 7.88x overall demand as of May 28, 2025”

Quick Snapshot: Prostarm IPO Details

Specifics Information
Date of IPO Opening: May 27, 2025
Date of IPO Closure: May 29, 2025
Band Price: ₹95 to ₹105; Lot Size: 142 shares
The entire issue size (new issue alone) is ₹168 crore.
Stocks 1.6 crore GMP was offered (as of May 27). ₹25

Based on GMP, the expected listing price is around ₹130.
Date of Tentative Listing: June 3, 2025
Registrar Kfin Technologies Lead Manager for Book-running Capital Advisors

Subscription Status (as of May 28, 12 PM)

Total number of subscribers: 7.88x

RIIs (retail investors): 7.12x

11.94x Non-Institutional Investors (NIIs)

Just 0.09% of buyers are qualified institutional buyers (QIBs).

The shopping frenzy indicates significant public opinion, notwithstanding early limited institutional interest.

Total number of subscribers: 7.88x

RIIs (retail investors): 7.12x

11.94x Non-Institutional Investors (NIIs)

Just 0.09% of buyers are qualified institutional buyers (QIBs).

The shopping frenzy indicates significant public opinion, notwithstanding early limited institutional interest.

Prostarm IPO GMP trend rising to ₹25 ahead of May 29 closing date
Prostarm IPO GMP trend rising to ₹25 ahead of May 29 closing date

Company Overview: Who is Prostarm Info Systems?

Located in Maharashtra, Prostarm is a rapidly expanding supplier of power electronics solutions. Among its primary products are:

Systems with Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS)

Hybrid solar inverters

Packs of lithium-ion batteries

Stabilizers for voltage

The Agarwal family owns the business, which faces competition from publicly traded firms like Sungarner Energies and Servotech Power Systems.

“Prostarm Info Systems factory image showcasing power solution products and industrial capabilities”
“Prostarm Info Systems factory image showcasing power solution products and industrial capabilities”

Financial Performance Snapshot

Prostarm is a desirable long-term investment due to its steady growth. A glance at its financials is provided below:

Metric: Growth Revenue ₹230 crore ₹258 crore +12% for FY23 and FY24
₹19 crore in net profit ₹22.8 crore + 18%
EBITDA: around ₹27 crore ₹35 crore + 29.8%
EBITDA 11.8% margin 13.7% plus 190 basis points
Post-IPO market capitalization: ₹618 crore; P/E ratio (at ₹105) — 2.4x Reasonable — 27.1x Fairly Priced Market Cap-to-Sales

Use of IPO Proceeds

The business has prudently allocated its IPO funds:

Working capital: ₹72.5 crore

Repayment of debt: ₹18 crore

₹9 crore: Acquisition of a subsidiary

Balance: Corporate costs and inorganic growth

This capital allocation points to a strategy emphasis on growth through innovation, expansion, and better balance sheet health.

Brokerages Weigh In: What Experts Say

Bajaj Broking Rating: Long-Term Subscription

“IPO with a high price tag, but supported by consistent growth in revenue and profits.” Having all services in one location increases profits.

🔹 Anand Rathi Rating: Long-Term Subscriber

“IPO has a reasonable valuation. Promising ambition is demonstrated by the expansion into automation technology and new facilities.

What the Grey Market Says

If sentiment remains stable, the GMP, which was at ₹25 as of May 27, would indicate a 23.8% listing gain.

This places the anticipated listing price at about ₹130, which is significantly more than the ₹105 maximum price range.

Note: Although speculative and unofficial, grey market movements frequently represent the mood of early investors.

Should You Invest in Prostarm IPO?

✔️ Reasons to subscribe: Strong retail and NII demand, oversubscribed on Day 1.

Positive GMP suggests potential listing profits.

Financial performance is strong, with margins growing.

Strategic utilization of funds for long-term growth.

Competent peer placement in a rising market (power and automation).

Watch out for low QIB participation (0.09% as of May 28).

Priced reasonably but not cheaply (P/E ratio of 27.1x).

Competes with established players in power electronics.

Final Verdict: Subscribe for Long-Term Listing Gain Potential.

Prostarm Info Systems’ IPO is ideal for retail investors seeking both short-term listing gains and long-term potential. While it may not be a deep value investment, it provides a balanced risk-reward profile supported by excellent fundamentals, solid GMP, and strategic expansion plans.

Just make sure to apply before the IPO ends on May 29.

For more detailed information and updates on the Prostarm Info Systems IPO, visit The Economic Times and PV Magazine India.

“Aegis Vopak Terminals IPO: Hidden Gem or Overhyped Trap? Here’s the Shocking Truth!”

"Aegis Vopak Terminals IPO snapshot with price band, subscription status and GMP trends"

IPO Overview

Dates of Issue: May 26–28, 2025

The entire new offer of 11.91 crore shares is worth ₹2,800 crore.

Price Band: ₹223 – ₹235 per share

Face Value: ₹10 per share

Lot Size: 63 shares

Retail Investment (min): ₹14,049

Listing Exchanges: NSE & BSE

Tentative Listing Date: June 2, 2025

Allotment Finalization: May 29, 2025

ICICI Securities, BNP Paribas, IIFL Capital Services, Jefferies India, and HDFC Bank are the lead managers.

Link Intime (MUFG Intime India Pvt Ltd) is the registrar. mint

"Aegis Vopak Terminals IPO snapshot with price band, subscription status and GMP trends"
“Aegis Vopak Terminals IPO snapshot with price band, subscription status and GMP trends”

Subscription Status (As of May 28 – Final Day)

Subscription to OVerall: 38%

51% at retail

QIB: 44 percent

NII: 15%

Note: The numbers of subscriptions show a lackluster reaction, particularly from institutional investors.

Stock market reacts to Aegis Vopak Terminals IPO with mixed investor sentiment"
Stock market reacts to Aegis Vopak Terminals IPO with mixed investor sentiment”

Grey Market Premium (GMP)

GMP for today: ₹3

GMP for yesterday: ₹5.

Price at IPO: ₹235

₹238 is the implied listing price (a premium of ≈1.3%).

₹238 is the implied listing price (a premium of ≈1.3%).
Business Standard

The diminishing GMP indicates waning market fervor.

Company Overview:

LPG and liquid product storage terminals (such as those for chemicals, petroleum, vegetable oils, and lubricants)

Founded: 2013

Ownership: Aegis Logistics (47.31%) and Vopak India BV (50.1%)

18 storage tank terminals are part of the network in India.

Strategic Locations: Important ports on the east and west coasts that handle large volumes of liquid and LPG imports

mint+5minutetoknow.in+5NewsDrum+5mint+7CNBCTV18+7NewsDrum+7website+1Ipo Platform+1

Aegis Vopak Terminals industrial storage infrastructure for LPG and chemicals in India"
Aegis Vopak Terminals industrial storage infrastructure for LPG and chemicals in India”

Financial Highlights

Revenue for FY24 was ₹561.8 crore, up from FY23’s ₹353.3 crore.

The net profit for FY24 was ₹86.5 crore, whereas the loss for FY23 was ₹0.08 crore.

Debt: ₹2,584 crore as of June 2024

Use of IPO Funds:

Repayment of Debt: ₹2,027.18 crore

The purchase of a cryogenic LPG terminal in Mangaluru will cost ₹671.30 crore.

General Business Uses: Remaining Capital

MoneycontrolMoneycontrol+3minutetoknow.in+3CNBCTV18+3epaper.thehindubusinessline.com+1Moneycontrol+1

Expert Recommendation

“Subscribe for Long-Term,” says Anand Rathi.

Justification: The company exhibits good operational efficiency, with the lowest capital expenditure per metric tonne and high throughput in comparison to peers, despite high valuations (FY25 PE of 235x).

Investment Outlook: Take a Look at Applying If

As a long-term investor, you’re looking to gain exposure to the infrastructure industry.

You have faith in the company’s ability to grow and run efficiently.

Think About Steering Clear of If:

Short-term listing profits are what you’re after.

You are wary of the market’s reaction and the company’s high valuation.

Do you need help creating a watchlist for the June 2 listing day or monitoring the allotment status after May 29?

Would you like assistance with tracking the allotment status post-May 29 or setting up a watchlist for the listing day on June 2? sources below

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“Income Tax Bombshell: Govt Delays ITR Deadline – What You Must Do NOW”

ITR Deadline Extended!”

The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has extended the due date for filing Income Tax Returns (ITRs) for Assessment Year 2025–26 (Financial Year 2024–25) from July 31, 2025, to September 15, 2025. This gives non-audited taxpayers a 6-week extension to file their returns.

Source: Times of India

ITR Deadline Extended!”
ITR Deadline Extended!”

🕒 Why Has the Deadline Been Extended?

1. Delay in Notifying ITR Forms

The government released the updated ITR forms later than expected, making it difficult for taxpayers to start the filing process early.

2. Utilities Not Yet Available

The online tools and software (utilities) required to file returns through the e-filing portal are still under development and rollout.

Source: Economic Times

A simple infographic or flat illustration showing the original and new ITR deadline with arrows or progress bars.
A simple infographic or flat illustration showing the original and new ITR deadline with arrows or progress bars.

Who Benefits From This Extension?

  • Salaried Individuals: Most salaried people, who don’t need to get their accounts audited, can now file by the new deadline.

  • Freelancers and Small Businesses: Those not under tax audit provisions also get more time.

  • Senior Citizens: Especially those who file manually or with limited digital access.

BREAKING NEWS” banner overlay on a graphic of the Income Tax Department logo or Indian Rupee symbol.
BREAKING NEWS” banner overlay on a graphic of the Income Tax Department logo or Indian Rupee symbol.

✅ How to File and Verify ITR Online

    1. Go to incometax.gov.in

    2. Click e-File > Income Tax Returns > File Income Tax Return

    3. Select the correct ITR form based on your income source

    4. Submit the return and complete e-verification under ‘e-Verify Return’

Official-looking document or notice template showing "CBDT Announcement"
Official-looking document or notice template showing “CBDT Announcement”

🔄 What’s New This Year?

Introduction of ITR-U Form

The CBDT has introduced ITR-U, a form that allows taxpayers to revise earlier returns or file missed ones within a 4-year window. This helps avoid legal penalties and encourages better compliance.

📌 Source: Times of India

For Corporate and Audited Taxpayers

The deadline for companies and audited entities is different. For AY 2024–25, the last date was previously extended to November 15, 2024, to accommodate audit reporting delays.

📌 Source: Times of India

Final Advice

While the new deadline gives taxpayers more breathing room, it’s advisable to:

  • Start early

  • Keep required documents ready (Form 16, investment proofs, bank statements, etc.)

  • Use the official portal or trusted tax filing platforms

Filing early helps avoid last-minute server issues, errors, or late interest charges.

100 Best New Action Movies of 2025

Cate Blanchett Michael Fassbender movie

The update: Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning is Certified Fresh. Five in a row for the franchise!

The Accountant 2 (Ben Affleck, Jon Bernthal) and Netflix’s Havoc with Tom Hardy round out the month of April.

The sequence begins with Certified Fresh films (Gladiator II, Rebel Ridge, Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In), followed by Fresh films on the Tomatometer (Bad Boys: Ride or Die, Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F), and finishing off with the Rotten team, though some boast beefy audience-driven Popcornmeters (Red One, The Killer’s Game).

Cate Blanchett Michael Fassbender movie
Cate Blanchett Michael Fassbender movie

The Black Bag (2025) Review: A Spy Film Masterclass

96% on Rotten Tomatoes (Certified Fresh)

Steven Soderbergh is the director.

Starring: Tom Burke, Marisa Abela, Michael Fassbender, and Cate Blanchett

Genre: Action | Drama | Spy Thriller

The Consensus of Critics

“Sleek in design and spiked with dry wit, Black Bag is an exemplary espionage caper that lets movie stars like Cate Blanchett and Michael Fassbender do what they do best—light up the screen.”

Overview

Legendary intelligence officers George Woodhouse (played by Michael Fassbender) and his wife Kathryn (played by Cate Blanchett) are followed in Black Bag as they traverse a treacherous, deceptive, and incisive operation.

The couple must outmaneuver formidable adversaries while unsure of whom they can trust, including one another, after a clandestine operation goes awry.

The film, which combines Hitchcockian suspense with contemporary action flare under Steven Soderbergh’s hallmark stylish direction, is among the top espionage films of 2025.

Reasons to Watch It

Rebel Ridge Rotten Tomatoes
Rebel Ridge Rotten Tomatoes

✅ A-List Star Power: Blanchett and Fassbender’s chemistry as a married spy team is Oscar-worthy.
✅ The Best Work by Soderbergh Since Ocean’s Eleven ✅ Smart, Gritty Espionage – Less Mission: Impossible, more Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy—this is spycraft at its most cerebral level. Expect deft twists, elegant cinematography, and razor-sharp pacing.

Who Is Going to Love It?

Those who enjoy slow-burning spy thrillers, such as The Night Manager and The Americans

Fans of Soderbergh’s work (Traffic, Out of Sight) or similar

Is there anyone who wants an action film that is more than just explosions?

Breakdown

Score for the category (out of 10)
Plot 9.0 Action 8.0 (More tension than combat) Acting 9.5
General Direction 9.5 9.2

❓ Common Questions

Is Black Bag based on a real-life event?
A: No, yet because of its fine spycraft aspects, it feels remarkably realistic.

What is the difference between it and Mission: Impossible?
A: More dialogue-heavy and less stunt-driven—think Marriage Story meets Jason Bourne.

Will there be a follow-up?
A: Not confirmed, but the ending leaves room for one.

Conclusion Black Bag

is a spy thriller masterpiece in addition to being among the top action films of 2025. This is a must-watch for fans of character-driven, clever espionage.

Where to Watch: Currently in theaters; streaming to follow.

Rebel Ridge (2025) Review: An action-packed thriller that is gritty and relentless

95% on Rotten Tomatoes (Certified Fresh)

Jeremy Saulnier is the director of Green Room, Blue Ruin.

Starring: David Denman, AnnaSophia Robb, Don Johnson, and Aaron Pierre
Genre: Crime Drama | Action Thriller

Consensus of Critics

“An intelligent and gripping vehicle for Aaron Pierre’s star-making performance, Rebel Ridge lays down the law on its action-thriller contemporaries.”

Overview

A former Marine with a problematic past named Terry Richmond (Aaron Pierre) comes to Shelby Springs, a small town, with the straightforward goal of posting bail for his cousin and then leaving.

Terry, however, is thrust into a vicious struggle for survival when dishonest local law enforcement, headed by a frightening Don Johnson, attacks him.

As Jeremy Saulnier establishes himself as a master of high-stakes, grounded violence, what begins as a taut Southern noir swiftly turns into a brutal, bone-crunching action thriller.

Why You Should Watch It

Aaron Pierre’s Standout Performance: The star of Krypton and The Underground Railroad gives a powerful, unfiltered performance.

Expect intense, realistic battle scenes and constant suspense in Jeremy Saulnier’s best film since Green Room.

✅ Think Hell or High Water meets First Blood in this contemporary Southern thriller, which is all about survival without any superheroes.

Who Will Appreciate It?

Fans of action movies like Green Room, Blue Ruin, and No Country for Old Men that are violent and straightforward

People who enjoy stories of underdog retaliation

Are you sick of blockbusters with a lot of CGI?

Breakdown of Ratings

Classification Rating (out of 10)
9.5 for acting (Pierre is amazing)
Tension 9.8 (pacing at the edge of your seat)
Action 9.0 (realistic, brutal fighting)
Direction 9.7 (the greatest of Saulnier)
In total, 9.5

❓ Common Questions

Is the plot of Rebel Ridge based on fact?
A: No, but it feels surprisingly real because of its harsh reality.

To what extent is it violent?
A: Definitely—you’ll feel completely at home if you enjoyed Green Room.

Will there be a follow-up?
A: Not likely—this is a knockout on its own.

❓ Common Questions

Is the plot of Rebel Ridge based on fact?
A: No, but it feels surprisingly real because of its harsh reality.

To what extent is it violent?
A: Definitely—you’ll feel completely at home if you enjoyed Green Room.

Will there be a follow-up?
A: Not likely—this is a knockout on its own.

Review of The Count of Monte Cristo (2025): An Excellent French Retelling of a Traditional Revenge Story

96% on Rotten Tomatoes (Certified Fresh)

Directors: Matthieu Delaporte and Alexandre de La Patellière

Pierre Niney, Bastien Bouillon, Anaïs Demoustier, and Anamaria Vartolomei are the main actors.

Genre: Period drama, revenge thriller, action-adventure

Best French action movies
Best French action movies

Consensus of Critics

“Condensing Alexandre Dumas’ hefty tome into a brisk and lavishly appointed action-adventure, this French adaptation of The Count of Monte-Cristo hits the sweet spot with rapier-like precision.”

Overview

Edmond Dantès (Pierre Niney), a young sailor imprisoned in the gloomy Château d’If after being wrongfully convicted of treason on his wedding day, is the subject of this daring new translation of The Count of Monte Cristo.

With the aid of a fellow prisoner, he manages to escape after years of suffering, discovers a secret riches, and recasts himself as the enigmatic and affluent Count of Monte Cristo, determined to exact revenge on those who ruined his life.

This edition simplifies the epic work while maintaining its emotional depth and exciting revenge plot, which is full of swashbuckling battles, political intrigue, and lavish period detail.

🌟 Reasons to Watch It ✅

The Yves Saint Laurent star gives his best performance to date, combining anger, grief, and guile in equal measure.

✅ A Faster-Paced, Action-Packed Adaptation – In contrast to other iterations, this one retains the best sword fights and betrayals while cutting the fat.

✅ Gorgeous Cinematography & Costumes – Each frame is like a picture from the 19th century brought to life.

Who Is Going to Love It?

Admirers of the legendary vengeance films Gladiator, Oldboy, and The Revenant

Swordfight-loving viewers of historical epics (The Three Musketeers, The Man in the Iron Mask)

For those who felt earlier adaptations were slow, this one is blazing fast.

Breakdown of Ratings

Score for the category (out of 10)
Behaving 9.5 (Niney is captivating)
9.3 tempo (tight, no scenes wasted)
Action 8.8: Heists, prison breakouts, and dueling
Production Design 9.7: Magnificent Images
In total, 9.5

❓ Frequently Asked Questions: What is the difference between this and Jim Caviezel’s 2002 film?

A: This version concentrates on the vengeance plot without deviating from it; there is more action and less melodrama.

Does it stay true to the book?
A: Generally speaking, it preserves the main plot while condensing subplots.

Will there be a follow-up?
A: Not likely—this is a full-length, gratifying story of retaliation.

The final judgment

Sword fights, treachery, and emotional weight are all expertly balanced in this French translation of The Count of Monte Cristo, making it one of the top action-adventure movies of 2025. Don’t miss it if you enjoy epics about revenge.

Where to Watch: Currently in theaters; streaming to follow.

Love Lies Bleeding (2025) Review: An Intense, Vibrant Neo-Noir Drama

94% on Rotten Tomatoes (Certified Fresh)
Rose Glass (Saint Maud) is the director.
Starring: Dave Franco, Ed Harris, Katy O’Brian, and Kristen Stewart
Genre: Romance | Neo-Noir | Crime Thriller

Consensus of Critics

“Lust and violence collide to powerfully pulpy effect in Love Lies Bleeding, a well-acted addition to writer-director Rose Glass’ growing body of exceptional work.”

Overview

Set in the gritty underbelly of 1980s bodybuilding culture, Love Lies Bleeding follows Lou (Kristen Stewart), a reclusive gym manager, who falls into an obsessive, dangerous romance with Jackie (Katy O’Brian), an ambitious bodybuilder with dreams of making it big in Las Vegas.

However, Jackie’s passionate affair turns into a gory, adrenaline-fueled nightmare of betrayal and survival when she becomes entangled in Lou’s criminal family links, including her dangerous father, played by Ed Harris.

🌟 Reasons to Watch It ✅ The film’s emotional heart is propelled by the unadulterated, captivating chemistry between Kristen Stewart and Katy O’Brian.
✅ Bold Direction by Rose Glass: The Saint Maud director creates another eerie, fashionable thriller.
✅ Ed Harris at His Worst: A terrifying, capricious antagonist ✅ Think Drive meets Mandy with a feminist twist in this unique fusion of romance, crime, and body horror.

🎯 Who Will Enjoy It?

Fans of sexual, dark thrillers (The Neon Demon, Bound)

Those who enjoy violent, nontraditional love stories (Natural Born Killers, Bones and All)

Anyone who appreciates criminal dramas with a contemporary twist set in the 1980s

Rating Analysis

Love Lies Bleeding movie review
Love Lies Bleeding movie review

Score for the category (out of 10)
Acting 9.6 (O’Brian and Stewart are amazing)
Tension 9.5 (Unpredictable, relentless)
Style of Vision 9.3 (Cinetography that is gritty and saturated in neon)
Direction 9.4 (Rose Glass solidifies her status as a significant talent)
In total, 9.5

❓ Common Questions

Is the plot of Love Lies Bleeding based on factual events?
A: No, yet its bodybuilding subculture and grim realism seem surprisingly real.

To what extent is it violent?
A: Extremely—expect brutal fight scenes, body horror, and psychological intensity.

Will there be a follow-up?
A: Not likely—this is an explosive, stand-alone story.

🎥 Final Thought Love Lies Bleeding

is a heart-pounding blend of romance, crime, and body horror that stays with you long after the credits have rolled, making it one of the most thrilling thrillers of 2025. Don’t pass it up if you enjoy daring, unapologetic movies.

Where to Watch: Currently in theaters; streaming to follow.

 

The Top 5 New Films to Watch This Weekend (May 24–25, 2025) on Netflix, Hulu, Max, and Other Services

best movies to stream this weekend"

You’re in luck if you’re searching for the finest new movies to stream over Memorial Day weekend!

This weekend’s streaming selection has something for everyone, regardless of your taste in sci-fi thrillers, endearing animations, or suspenseful horror films.

You can avoid the tiresome searching and start enjoying movie night right away because we’ve hand-picked the top 5 new releases on Netflix, Max, Hulu, and Apple TV+.

To keep your watchlist interesting, we’ve also added trending selections and hidden gems.

best movies to stream this weekend"
New Netflix movies May 2025.”

Apple TV+’s Fountain of Youth: An Epic Treasure Hunt

Director: Sherlock Holmes star Guy Ritchie
Starring: Natalie Portman and John Krasinski

Why Watch? A sibling quest for immortality in an exciting Indiana Jones-style adventure. Full of humor, action, and beautiful set pieces.

Ideal For: National Treasure and The Mummy fans.

Voices: Pedro Pascal and Lupita Nyong’o in the endearing animated adventure The Wild Robot (Netflix)

Why Watch? In this gorgeous DreamWorks movie, a robot named Roz takes on the role of mother to an orphaned gosling. Awe-inspiring animation and tears are anticipated.

Ideal For: Wall-E and Iron Giant lovers and families.

The Last Showgirl: Pamela Anderson’s Incredible Return to Hulu

Starring: Jamie Lee Curtis and Pamela Anderson

Why Watch? As a fading Vegas showgirl struggling for relevance, Anderson gives a strong performance. The performance in this heartwarming drama is worthy of a Golden Globe.

Ideal For: Fans of A Star Is Born and Burlesque.

Netflix’s Fear Street: Prom Queen is a gory 1980s slasher in the horror genre.

Fear Street by R.L. Stine served as an inspiration.

Why Watch? This vintage slasher, which features a masked killer pursuing prom queen contestants, evokes the dread of the 1980s. It’s gruesome, campy, and ideal for a late-night fright.

Best For: Horror enthusiasts and fans of Stranger Things.

. Mickey 17 (Max): An Incredibly Strange Science Fiction Thriller
Bong Joon Ho, director (Parasite)

Robert Pattinson is the star.

Why Watch? You won’t want to miss Bong Joon Ho’s most recent masterwork if you enjoyed Parasite.

After a disposable space colonist (Pattinson) finds a clone of himself, Mickey 17 accompanies him through a chaotic and darkly humorous existential crisis.

Ideal For: Black Mirror and Blade Runner fans.

Questions and Answers (FAQ)

Which family-friendly film is the greatest to watch this weekend?
A: Both children and adults will enjoy Netflix’s The Wild Robot.

best movies to stream this weekend"
New Netflix movies May 2025.”

Which recent horror film is popular right now?
A: The ’80s slasher overtones of Fear Street: Prom Queen on Netflix are making it popular.

Is it worthwhile to watch Mickey 17?
A: Of course! It’s among the year’s most inventive science fiction movies.

Are there any streaming offers for Memorial Day?
A: Indeed! For a limited time, Disney+ is selling an Annual Premium subscription for $139.99.

Conclusion: What Is Worth Watching?

Choose Mickey 17 if you’re looking for sci-fi that will blow your head.
Fear Street: Prom Queen is a must-watch for anyone with a penchant for horror.
The Last Showgirl is a brilliant example of a sincere drama.
The Wild Robot will appeal to families, and Fountain of Youth is a must-see for adventure seekers.

This weekend, what are you going to stream? Tell us in the comments below!

Fans Are Shocked to Learn That The Wheel of Time Was Canceled After Season 3 on Prime Video What took place, and what comes next?

Wheel of Time canceled why"

Introduction: A Heartbreaking Setback for Fans of Fantasy

The Wheel of Time was unexpectedly discontinued by Prime Video after just three seasons, a move that shocked the fantasy community. On May 23, 2025, the statement was made in spite of the show’s fervently devoted fan following and 97% Rotten Tomatoes rating for its most recent season.

Serious questions are raised by its cancellation:

✔ Why would Amazon remove one of its most well-reviewed original shows?

✔ Could Robert Jordan’s epic narrative be saved by another streamer?

✔ How does this affect big-budget fantasies on streaming services going forward?

We break down all the information you need to understand this startling decision as fans around the world start #SaveTheWheelOfTime campaigns.

Wheel of Time canceled why"
“Will another network pick up Wheel of Time”

Why Was The Wheel of Time Cancelled by Amazon?

The Hard Data That Supported the Choice
Three crucial elements killed the series, according to insider industry sources:

American Viewership Is Falling

dropped out of Nielsen’s Top 10 following the first three weeks of Season 3.

only returned for a little period at #10 following the conclusion.

Extremely High Production Costs

Each episode reportedly cost $10-12 million

Massive ensemble cast + global filming locations

Rings of Power competition

Priority shifted to Amazon’s $1 billion LOTR prequel.

“It wasn’t an easy decision, but the math didn’t work,” an insider at Amazon disclosed. “We gave it three seasons to find its audience.”

Critical Praise Was Insufficient
Even with better ratings every season, the program was unable to overcome its financial constraints:

Nielsen Peak Season Rotten Tomatoes
1 81% #4 2 86 percent #6 3 97 percent #10

Fan Reaction: Infuriated Viewers Threaten Mass Cancellations as #SaveTheWheelOfTime Goes Viral
Social media was immediately enraged by the announcement:

🔥 “This after The Expanse? Amazon despises its top series. – @FantasyFanatic
🔥 “I’ve finished using Prime Video. Netflix understands how to support genre shows.” – @StreamingWarrior

Petition Hits 100K Signatures in 24 Hours
A Change.org petition demanding renewal has gained unprecedented traction, with organizers vowing to:

Avoid Amazon Originals.

Overrun Jeff Bezos’ social media accounts

To increase metrics, host virtual watch parties.

Wheel of Time canceled why"
“Will another network pick up Wheel of Time”

Is It Possible to Save the Wheel of Time?

Possible Sources of Life for the Series Platform Probability Justification
Netflix Low Bone and Witcher/Shadow are already present.
Apple TV+ Medium Fantasy hits are required, but expenses could discourage
HBO Maxhttps://marcopolosports.com/is-godzilla-x-kong-the-new-empire-streaming-on-hbo-max-or-netflix/https://marcopolosports.com/is-godzilla-x-kong-the-new-empire-streaming-on-hbo-max-or-netflix/ Extremely Low concentrating on the Harry Potter reboot

Fans of Alternative Solutions Are Calling for a Two-Hour Film Finale (Like Sense8)

(Like Young Justice) Animated Continuation

Conclusion of Graphic Novel

According to industry insiders, co-producer Sony Pictures Television is considering its possibilities, although no meaningful discussions have yet to arise.

What Will Happen to the Cast Next?

Where You Can Next See Your Favorite Stars
Leading the Red Sonja revival is Rosamund Pike (Moiraine).

Rand’s Josha Stradowski is rumored to play an MCU character.

Daniel Henney (Lan): Returning to Criminal Minds: Evolution

Madeleine Madden (Egwene): Joining Dune: Part Three

In conclusion, a warning for the era of streaming

Three painful facts for fantasy fans are brought to light by this cancellation:

Even with great reviews, no show is safe.

Viewers worldwide are more important than those in the United States.

Uncompleted book adaptations are extremely dangerous.

“This is why I wait until shows are complete before watching,” claimed one distraught admirer. When streamers continue to pull a fast one, why invest?

Questions and Answers (Updated May 2025)
Is there a possibility of a renewal?
A: Unless another streamer makes an extraordinary offer, it’s highly unlikely.

Is there a cliffhanger at the conclusion of Season 3?
A: Rafe Judkins, the showrunner, left major book plots unsolved but added some closure.

What else ought I to watch?
A: Check out House of the Dragon (HBO), The Witcher (Netflix), or The Rings of Power (Prime).

How may I help with initiatives for renewal?
A: Sign the petition, rewatch on Prime, and participate in the #SaveTheWheelOfTime campaign.

China’s J-10C Fighter Jet Is a Star in India and Pakistan Is Aerial Clash Revolutionizing Modern Warfare?

J-10C vs Rafale

Introduction: South Asia Is Shocked by the J-10C’s Combat Debut

The first known combat victory for China’s cutting-edge warplane was purportedly achieved on May 7, 2025, when Pakistan’s J-10C fighter jets shot down three Indian Rafale aircraft in a landmark aerial encounter.

The J-10C has gained international attention as a result of the dogfight, which is a component of the growing hostilities between the nuclear-armed neighbors.

According to a recent Chinese state TV program, this jet changed the military balance in South Asia by outperforming competitors built in the West.

However, why is the J-10C so deadly? In what ways did Pakistan use this plane to control the skies? What implications does this have for upcoming conflicts? Let’s dissect it.

J-10C vs Rafale
Chinese fighter jet in combat

The J-10C’s ability to detect opponents earlier than conventional radar is the reason it outperformed the Rafale AESA radar.

The majority of Indian air-to-air missiles are outranged by PL-15 missiles.

Stealth Features: It has an advantage due to its smaller radar cross-section.

Superior Manoeuvrability: Able to outmanoeuvre larger combatants such as the Rafale.

The CCTV documentary highlighted that the J-10C achieved a 3:0 kill ratio without losing a single jet—a major embarrassment for India’s French-made Rafales.

The History of the J-10C: China’s Domestic Superstar

From Idea to Military Domination

The J-10, created by Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group in the 1980s, was China’s response to lagging behind Soviet and American air power.

The most recent J-10C derivative, known as the J-10CE and supplied to Pakistan, is a 4.5-generation beast, albeit the first prototype flew in 1997.

Important Technological Advancements
The F-16 is rivaled by the indigenous WS-10B engine in terms of thrust-to-weight ratio. ✔ The first Chinese fighter with fly-by-wire controls

Zhang Xuefeng, a military specialist, told Global Times:

“China has mastered next-gen aerodynamics and avionics, making the J-10C a world-class fighter.” *

Pakistan’s Increasing Reliance on Chinese Weapons

Eighty-one percent of Pakistan’s weapons come from China.

China plays a major role in Pakistan’s military modernization, from PL-15 missiles to JF-17 Thunder fighters. This cooperation is strengthened by the J-10C purchase, which apparently involves more than 25 jets.

International Display: J-10C at LIMA 2025 in Malaysia

The fighter is already demonstrating its export potential by impressing crowds at the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition.

Growing Tensions Between India and Pakistan: What Comes Next?

India’s Airspace Ban Is Extended by Pakistan
Pakistan has barred Indian flights from using its airspace for the second month in what is believed to be economic reprisal.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently issued the following warning:

“Pakistan won’t get a drop from rivers India controls.”

Asim Munir, Field Marshal: Pakistan’s New Chief of Staff
COAS Gen. Asim Munir was elevated to Field Marshal, a rare distinction last bestowed in 1966, after spearheading Pakistan’s defense throughout the crisis.

J-10C vs Rafale
Chinese fighter jet in combat

In conclusion, is aerial warfare entering a new era?

China can compete with Western jets like the F-16 and Rafale, as demonstrated by the J-10C’s combat success.

Although it is a strategic victory for Pakistan, the arms race is far from over because India is probably going to retaliate with more Rafales or S-400 missiles.

The DG ISPR of Pakistan retorted:

“Only a madman would try to block our water.”

Questions and Answers (FAQs)

1. Was it true that Pakistan shot down three Indian Rafales?

Yes, according to FM Ishaq Dar of Pakistan. India is mute, while France announced one defeat.

Question 2: Is the J-10C superior than the Rafale?

Yes, owing to the PL-15 missile, in BVR (Beyond Visual Range) battle as well. It is more nimble but not as well-armed in dogfights.

Q3: Will Pakistan purchase additional J-10Cs?

Most likely. More squadrons could be ordered because of the heightened level of tension.

Q4: What is India’s response?

J-10C vs Rafale
Chinese fighter jet in combat

Final Thought

Beyond simply Pakistan and India, the J-10C vs. Rafale conflict is a demonstration of Chinese military technology taking on the West. The next war may be considerably more deadly as both countries re-arm.

For real-time updates on this evolving story, stay tuned.

The Trump Administration vs. Harvard: The Conflict Over Foreign Students

Harvard lawsuit

Introduction: Harvard Reacts to the Ban on Visas

Harvard has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration after the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) denied it permission to accept overseas students, marking a sharp rise in hostilities between the White House and prestigious universities.

The action has raised concerns about academic freedom and political reprisal, and it may affect 6,800 international students.

This article explains: ✔ The reasons behind the Trump administration’s actions ✔ Harvard’s legal battle to defend its pupils ✔ What this implies for other academic institutions ✔ Current case developments

Harvard lawsuit
Harvard lawsuit

. Harvard’s SEVP Certification is revoked by DHS
Harvard is able to sponsor international student visas through the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).

If it is revoked, Harvard will not be able to accept any more international students, and those who are already enrolled may lose their status.

A Component of a Broader Campaign to Target Elite Universities
In the past, Columbia University adjusted its policy in response to pressure.

In April, Harvard’s $2.2 billion in federal funds was blocked.

Trump has threatened to take away Harvard’s exemption from paying taxes.

Conservative bias and antisemitism accusations
According to the Trump administration, Harvard has not:

Fight antisemitism, especially in relation to demonstrations in support of Palestine.

Address the prejudice against conservative viewpoints in academic hiring and admissions.

Harvard’s Case: Crucial Points

📌 Illegal Overreach: DHS is not authorized to penalize schools in this manner.
📌 Retaliation: Harvard is being punished for its refusal to change its policy.
📌 Student Injury: 6,800 overseas students, or 27% of the total enrollment, are insecure.

Alan Garber, president of Harvard:

“This is an illegal attempt to regulate our professors, students, and curriculum. We will not comply.”

What’s on the line?

🔹 Will International Students Face Deportation in the Future? Are they able to remain?
🔹 Academic Freedom: Will academic institutions have to comply with governmental directives?
🔹 Will Stanford, Yale, and other universities follow?

Updates as of June 2024

🔄 Harvard files an emergency injunction to stop the DHS decision on June 10. June 12: The White House argues that the action is justified due to “national security concerns.”
🔄 June 15: Students at Harvard stage protests and call for safety.

Questions and Answers (FAQs) ❓ How many pupils are impacted?
More than 27% of Harvard’s student body, or 6,800, are international.

Can current students remain in the United States?
Legal disputes will now determine their destiny, putting their status in jeopardy.

❓ Has this ever occurred before?
Yes, Columbia University amended its policies in 2023 after giving in to pressure.

Legally, what comes next?
The ban could be blocked by the court in a few weeks.

If appeals are denied, there may be a Supreme Court case.

Conclusion: A Watershed in American Higher Education
This case is about whether the government can control university practices, not just about visas.

Harvard lawsuit
Harvard lawsuit

Will Harvard prevail in court? Or will compliance be enforced by the administration? For breaking news, follow.

Israel’s International Trade: Important Suppliers, Leading Exporters, and the Effect of New Sanctions

UK Israel sanctions

Overview: Due to the Gaza War, the UK halts trade negotiations.

In reaction to Israel’s military activities in Gaza and the growth of illegal settlements in the West Bank, the United Kingdom has suspended free trade talks with the country.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy’s announcement of this action reflects mounting dissatisfaction with Israel’s behavior around the world.

However, what is the size of Israel’s international commerce and which nations are its main trading partners?

This study examines Israel’s exports, imports, and the financial effects of current diplomatic tensions.

UK Israel sanctions
UK Israel sanctions

Important Trade Data (2024)

Imports in total: $91.5 billion

Exports in total: $61.7 billion

Deficit in Trade: $29.8 billion

Israel imports petroleum, automobiles, and machinery and exports primarily electronics, diamonds, and pharmaceuticals.

Leading Nations That Trade With Israel

Israel’s Top Exports to the US: Diamonds, Electronics, and Pharmaceuticals ($17.3B)

Integrated circuits (Intel chips) in Ireland ($3.2B)

Hong Kong ($2B) + China ($2.8B) = $4.8B total – chemicals, optics

India ($2.5B): equipment and chemicals

Netherlands ($2.1B): Tech components and diamonds

Israel’s Top Import Sources

 

  1. China ($19B) – EVs, phones, computers

  2. United States ($9.4B) – Weapons, diamonds, tech

  3. Germany ($5.6B) – Cars, pharmaceuticals

  4. Switzerland ($4.8B) – Precision instruments, drugs

  5. Italy ($3.9B) – Machinery, fashion goods

Why Did the UK Put a Stop to Trade Negotiations?

Since October 2023, more over 40,000 Palestinians have been murdered in the Gaza War.

Settlements on the West Bank: UK declares growth “illegal and destabilizing.”

Current Trade: The UK exports $1.57 billion in diamonds and technology and imports $1.96 billion in jet engines and medications from Israel.

EU Examining Trade Partnerships
A reevaluation of trade relations with Israel across the union was acknowledged by EU foreign policy leader Kaja Kallas.

What Are the Main Exports from Israel?

Electronics & Machinery ($18 billion): military technology, Intel processors

Teva generics in Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals ($10B)

Diamonds & Jewelry ($9B): The world’s largest supplier of cut diamonds

Medical Equipment ($7B): Surgical instruments and imaging equipment

Oil & Minerals ($5B): Potash and refined petroleum

The Potential Economic Impact of Sanctions on Israel

Trade restrictions from the UK and EU could disrupt over $5 billion in annual trade.

Ireland, Intel’s EU base, is a significant buyer, putting the tech sector at danger.

The diamond industry is susceptible to supply shifts from Belgium, India, and the UAE.

Questions and Answers (FAQs)

1. What makes Ireland one of Israel’s top buyers?
Ireland imports $3 billion worth of Israeli microchips, which are supplied to EU markets by Intel’s Kiryat Gat plant.

2. Does Israel’s military spending benefit the US?
Yes, $3.8 billion in military aid is used annually to help pay for some of the US’s weapons exports to Israel.

3. If sanctions increase, might trade with China supplant that with the West?

Partly—Israel still imports 20% of its goods from China, but it still depends heavily on the US and EU for technology.

4. What will happen to Israel’s economy next?
In the short term: minimal effect (US commerce remains robust).

Long-term: The tech and diamond industries may suffer if EU sanctions get worse.

UK Israel sanctions
UK Israel sanctions

Conclusion: A Changing Environment for Trade

Despite being vulnerable to Western sanctions, Israel’s economy is nonetheless strong. The economic effects of the war are only getting started, as the UK has frozen trade discussions and the EU is reevaluating ties.

Will additional nations stop doing business with Israel? Stay tuned for further information as diplomatic demands mount.

Trump’s Untrue “White Genocide” Allegations: Dispelling the Myths Told to South Africa’s President

Trump Ramaphosa meeting

Overview: A tense meeting at the White House

Former U.S. President Donald Trump presented South African President Cyril Ramaphosa with fabricated and deceptive evidence of a purported “white genocide” in South Africa during a contentious meeting in the Oval Office.

When Trump played a video and showed pictures that were either inaccurate or taken from completely different countries, the long-debunked accusations that were still making the rounds in far-right groups reappeared.

This article looks at the fabricated proof, the actual facts supporting the allegations, and the diplomatic ramifications of this crucial meeting.

Trump Ramaphosa meeting
Trump Ramaphosa meeting

What Did Trump’s False Evidence Actually Show?

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) images Not true Associated with South Africa

Trump displayed an article printout that included a picture he said depicted “white farmers being buried” in South Africa.

Reality Check: According to Reuters, the photo was taken in Goma, DRC, and depicted victims of fighting against M23 rebels supported by Rwanda.

2. Inauthentic “Mass Graves” Video

A video that Trump aired purportedly showed the “burial sites of over a thousand white farmers.”

Truth: Rather than a mass burial, the video showed a makeshift memorial for two killed Afrikaner farmers near Newcastle, South Africa.

Rob Hoatson, who organized the memorial, acknowledged that it was never a real graveyard.

3. Falsification of Julius Malema’s Position

Julius Malema, the head of the far-left Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) of South Africa, was seen in the video yelling, “Kill the Boer, kill the farmer.”

False Implication: Although the EFF is not in power and only has 9.5% of parliamentary seats, Trump implied that Malema was a government figure.

Why Does the Myth of the “White Genocide” Still Exist?

Far-right parties have long promoted the disproven conspiracy notion of a white genocide in South Africa. Important details:

Although farm killings are a severe problem, they don’t only afflict white farmers.

Systemic persecution is denied by the South African government, and the genocide claim is not supported by crime data.

Trump’s 2018 asylum offer to white South African farmers drew harsh criticism for being politically driven.

The Diplomatic Reaction of Ramaphosa

Trump’s allegations were denied by President Ramaphosa and his entourage. Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen (Democratic Alliance) said the government coalition was formed in order to prevent the EFF from gaining power.

Ramaphosa’s attempt to mend the strained U.S.-South Africa relationship, which had been exacerbated by Trump’s previous criticism of South Africa’s foreign policy and land reform initiatives, included the meeting.

Conclusion: The Peril of False Information in International Relations

Trump’s use of fabricated and deceptive proof demonstrates how misinformation may influence global affairs.

The “white genocide” narrative is a lie that perpetuates divide, even while white South Africans deal with issues relating to crime.

Questions and Answers (FAQs)

1. Is South Africa truly experiencing a “white genocide”?
No. There is no proof of a purposeful genocide against white farmers, despite the fact that violent crime affects all South Africans.

2. What was the real source of Trump’s photos and videos?
Not from South Africa, but from the DRC conflict, were some of the pictures.

Instead of being a graveyard, the “mass grave” footage was a memorial site.

3. Does Julius Malema represent the South African government, and if so, who is he?
Less than 10% of parliamentary seats are held by the opposition EFF party, which is led by Malema.

Government policy is not reflected in his extreme rhetoric.

4. How did Ramaphosa react to the allegations made by Trump?
Ramaphosa refuted the accusations, and his coalition partners stressed that they strive to lessen the influence of the EFF.

Trump Ramaphosa meeting
Trump Ramaphosa meeting

Last Updated in May 2025

South African officials continue to reject the “white genocide” narrative as bogus propaganda, and recent fact-checks reveal that there is no fresh evidence to back up Trump’s assertions.

Amid Middle East tensions, oil prices rise as concerns about supply disruption increase.

Strait of Hormuz

Why Are Oil Prices Increasing? Market Volatility Is Caused by Geopolitical Risks

Growing tensions in the Middle East sparked worries about possible supply interruptions, which caused oil prices to spike more than 1% on Wednesday.

Reports that Israel might be planning an attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities caused the market to react violently, escalating concerns of a wider confrontation that might affect the world’s oil supplies.

Strait of Hormuz
Strait of Hormuz

The main causes of the increase in oil prices
Brent crude increased 1.2% to

66.17 p e r b a r e l ∗ ∗, w h i l e ∗ ∗ U. S. W e s t T e x t e r m e d i a t e (W T I) c r u d e ∗ ∗ c l i m b e d ∗ ∗ 1.3

In contrast, U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude increased by 1.362.85 per barrel.

Although no final decision has been finalized, U.S. intelligence assessments (via CNN) indicate that Israel may bomb Iranian nuclear targets.

Iran exports 1.5 million barrels of oil per day (bpd), making it the third-largest producer in OPEC; any disruption might reduce the world’s supply.

Blockade of the Strait of Hormuz: Saudi Arabian, Iraqi, and United Arab Emirates shipments could be affected if Iran retaliates, which would shut off 30% of the global seaborne oil traffic.

U.S.-Iran Nuclear Talks Stall, Adding to Uncertainty

Despite ongoing negotiations, U.S. sanctions on Iranian oil remain in place, and Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has signaled no major concessions. Meanwhile:

  • U.S. crude inventories rose last week (per API data), but gasoline and distillate stocks declined.

  • Kazakhstan defied OPEC+ cuts, increasing output by 2% in May, adding to supply pressures.

Traders are now awaiting official U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) inventory data for further market direction.

What Will Happen to Oil Prices Next?

The geopolitical dangers in the Middle East continue to have a significant impact on the oil market. Prices may rise much more if tensions increase.

Nevertheless, some improvements can be negated by shifting demand and growing non-OPEC output, like as Kazakhstan’s.

Questions and Answers (FAQs)
1. What caused today’s increase in oil prices?

Fears that an Israeli strike on Iran would impair the Middle East’s oil supply caused prices to soar.

2. In the event of an assault, how may Iran respond?

A supply crisis might result if Iran blocking the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil shipping route.

Strait of Hormuz
Strait of Hormuz

3. How do U.S. sanctions affect Iranian oil?

Iran’s exports are restricted by sanctions, but a war may further upset international supply networks.

4. Will OPEC+ step in to keep prices stable?

Although OPEC+ has previously reduced production, efforts are becoming more difficult since some members, like Kazakhstan, are raising output.

Conclusion: An Unstable Future Market
Oil prices would probably continue to fluctuate due to shifting supply dynamics and growing geopolitical uncertainties. For short-term trends, traders should keep an eye on OPEC+ decisions, U.S. inventory data, and Middle East happenings.

According to medics, Israeli strikes in Gaza killed at least 38 people in 30 minutes.

Gaza airstrikes,

Breaking: Refugee camps, homes, and shelters are hit by deadly strikes

Gaza City According to Palestinian medics, Israeli airstrikes in under 30 minutes killed at least 38 Palestinians in Gaza overnight.

Following a widespread evacuation order, Israel has stepped up its offensive, targeting a family home, a school, and a refugee camp.

Important Updates: Musa bin Nusayr School in Gaza City was struck, killing ten people.

Gaza airstrikes,
Gaza airstrikes,

An abandoned gas station in the Nuseirat refugee camp claimed 15 lives.

An airstrike on a family residence in Deir al-Balah killed thirteen people.

Ten additional strikes target Hamas tunnels in the Shujaiya district of Gaza City.

Real-time updates:

If Netanyahu continues with the Gaza offensive, the UK, France, and Canada vow to take action.

After an 11-week embargo, Israel permits “basic” food aid, which the UN refers to as a “drop in the ocean”

Amid growing bloodshed, Hamas suggests a new hostage agreement.

Where Were the Strikes Performed?

1. Gaza City School Strike (10 Dead)

Hundreds of displaced Palestinians were taking refuge at the Musa bin Nusayr School when Israeli airplanes struck.

At least ten people have been killed, according to local activists, and many more are buried beneath the debris.

2. Attack on the Nuseirat Refugee Camp (15 Dead)

Fifteen persons, including women and children, were killed in a strike on an abandoned gas station that was being utilized as a temporary shelter.

Rescue crews said that the continuous bombing is making it difficult for them to reach survivors.

3. Deir al-Balah Family Home Destroyed (13 Dead)

Thirteen individuals were killed when an airstrike destroyed the Abu Samra family’s three-story home.

The neighbors spoke of “bodies buried under concrete” while ambulances fought to arrive.

4. The Neighborhood of Shujaiya Ten strikes against Hamas tunnels in eastern

Gaza City were carried out by targeted Israeli jets. Witnesses said they felt “earthquake-like tremors” when the neighborhood was shaken by blasts.

International Reaction: Warning Issued by the UK, France, and Canada

The Presidents of the United Kingdom, France, and Canada issued a united statement warning Israel against its plan to “take control of all Gaza” and threatening diplomatic repercussions should the offensive go forward.

In response, Netanyahu referred to the declaration as a “huge prize for Hamas.”

Israel’s meager food supplies are “nowhere near enough” for Gaza’s famished people, according to the UN assistance head.

Why is this occurring at this time?
Israel announced a new military offensive by ordering the evacuation of portions of Khan Younis.

Following recent negotiations in Doha, Hamas put up a new hostage agreement, but Israel has not yet accepted it.

There are still 58 hostages in Gaza, and up to 23 are thought to be alive.

🔴 Latest Death Toll:

The Gaza Health Ministry reports that 53,486 Palestinians were murdered.

1,200 Israelis killed in Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack

What Comes Next?

Will Netanyahu disregard pressure from the West?

Is a fresh ceasefire agreement possible?

Will Israel’s ground invasion be extended?

Gaza airstrikes,
Gaza airstrikes,

Quick Answers, or FAQs

Why did Israel attack a refugee camp and a school?
A: Critics refer to Israel’s accusation that Hamas uses civilian locations for military operations as collective punishment.

What is the current number of hostages in Gaza?
A: According to Israeli officials, there are 58 people left, with up to 23 still alive.

Is help reaching Gaza at last?
A: After an 11-week blockade, a few food shipments have reached, but the UN maintains this is still insufficient.

 

The Middle East is Reshaped by Trump’s Gulf Tour: As Sunni Powers Gain Ground, Israel Is Disregarded

Trump Gulf tour

Introduction: The Emergence of a New Middle East Order

Diplomacy in the Middle East has been rocked by  US President Donald Trump’s recent tour of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.

Trump’s visit represents a significant realignment in the area, marked by significant arms sales, unexpected diplomatic changes, and a blatant disregard for Israeli Prime Minister

Trump Gulf tour
Trump Gulf tour

Benjamin Netanyahu.

With real-time updates on the most recent events, this piece examines how Trump’s Gulf tour undermines Israel, strengthens Sunni Arab states, and changes U.S. foreign policy.

Trump Gulf tour
Trump Gulf tour

Trump’s Gulf Diplomacy’s Main Points 1. Netanyahu’s Isolation A Snub by the United States?

Trump met with Ahmed al-Sharaa, the president of Syria, whom Israel refers to as “an al-Qaeda terrorist in a suit.”

Netanyahu’s resistance to U.S.-Iran nuclear talks and his refusal to accept a truce in Gaza have angered the United States.

In contrast to the United States‘ unwavering support, Trump did not invite an Israeli representative to his high-profile Gulf summits.

Saudi Arabia Takes the Lead as Sunni Power Grows $142 billion Advanced planes

are part of the biggest arms sale in history between the United States and Saudi Arabia, which has Israel worried about losing its air superiority.

Following defeats by Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis, Iran’s influence is waning, and Saudi Arabia is now the dominant Sunni force.

US-Saudi nuclear negotiations are in progress, which is another issue for Israel.

America-Israel Relations Are Halted by the Gaza War

Netanyahu opposes a ceasefire and Palestinian statehood despite the fact that the Gaza Health Ministry reports that over 52,900 Palestinians have been murdered.

Until the war in Gaza is over, Saudi Arabia will not reset relations with Israel.

The U.S.-Israeli relationship is further strained by Trump’s truce with the Iran-backed Houthis of Yemen.

 

U.S. Policy Shift Driven by Gulf Wealth Trump

has prioritized Gulf investments over conventional alliances, as evidenced by the $700 billion+ in deals he has made with the Boeing, AI, and defense tech companies.

The fact that Qatar is home to the biggest American military installation in the Middle East makes it an important U.S. ally, even though it finances Hamas.

Gulf states support the lifting of sanctions on Syria, while Israel opposes the action.

Updates in Real Time: What’s Going On Right Now?

Israel conducts a new onslaught in Gaza, while peace negotiations are still stuck.

Despite Netanyahu’s protests, nuclear talks between the United States and Iran are still ongoing.

Israel is under pressure from Saudi Arabia to agree to a Palestinian state accord.

Conclusion: Is Israel at the Center of the Middle East?

With Israel facing unprecedented isolation and Sunni Arab powers now leading diplomacy, Trump’s Gulf journey represents a historic shift.

Israel may be left out of a new regional order as a result of Netanyahu’s strong approach, big armament acquisitions, war fatigue in Gaza, and progress in Iran negotiations.

Will Israel adjust, or will its connection with the United States deteriorate even more? The next few months will be pivotal.

Questions and Answers (FAQs)
1. For what reason did Trump meet with the leader of Syria?
Saudi Arabia mediated the conference, indicating a shift in U.S. interests away from Israel and toward Sunni governments.

2. How have U.S.-Israel ties been impacted by the war in Gaza?
The United States is now more closely aligned with Arab nations as a result of Netanyahu’s insistence on extending the conflict.

3. What does Israel stand to gain from the $142 billion arms deal with Saudi Arabia?
If Saudi Arabia acquires cutting-edge American aircraft like the F-35, Israel fears losing its military dominance.

Is the US turning its back on Israel?
Trump is obviously putting Gulf money and diplomacy ahead of Netanyahu’s objectives, though not entirely.

Trump Gulf tour
Trump Gulf tour

The UK government is criticized by Sir Elton John for its AI copyright regulations. “This Is Theft!”

AI copyright law UK, Elton John AI protest, music industry AI threat

The Conflict Between Artists’ Rights and AI

The UK government has come under fire from music legend Sir Elton John, who called ministers “absolute losers” over their contentious proposals to let AI businesses to use musicians’ work without paying them.

The superstar said in a shocking BBC interview that this policy “robs young artists of their future” and that he would battle it in court if necessary.

Leading celebrities like Paul McCartney are joining the reaction against this conflict, which directly pits AI innovation against creators’ rights.

What does this signify for the future of music, though, and why is it occurring now?

The Fundamental Conflict: Why Artists Are Enraged by AI Copyright Regulations
To train their systems, AI companies want unfettered access to literature, music, and artwork.

AI copyright law UK, Elton John AI protest, music industry AI threat
AI copyright law UK, Elton John AI protest, music industry AI threat

Writers and musicians want ownership over their work and compensation.

The UK government sided with tech companies and rejected a compromise.

The Fundamental Conflict: Why Artists Are Enraged by AI Copyright Regulations
To train their systems, AI companies want unfettered access to literature, music, and artwork.

Writers and musicians want ownership over their work and compensation.

The UK government sided with tech companies and rejected a compromise.

Three Factors That Make This Important for All Artists
Young artists in danger

“New musicians can’t afford lawyers to fight Google!” Elton

There will be no more “Everything for free” AI firms that currently steal stuff without permission.

3️⃣ Threatening the UK music business, analysts caution that this might result in a 30% decrease in composer earnings.

Artists vs. Government: Who’s Winning?

An accompanying argument Most Recent Action
Artists “Pay us fairly!” threatening legal action
Tech Companies “We need data to innovate” influencing ministers
The government “We’re still deciding…” Postponing the ultimate choice
Elton scolded, “They’re acting like complete losers.” “I’m ready to sue.”

Five Important Questions (FAQs)
Is it possible for AI to utilize my tunes for free?
A: Until the legislation changes, the answer is currently yes.

Will musicians be replaced by AI or Spotify?
A: Not yet, although they try using free training data.

What are the current options for artists?
*A: Contact MPs and sign petitions, much like the 400+ artists did.

When will a decision be made on this?
A: Artists demand weeks, while the government says “coming months”

Could those who aren’t musicians be impacted?
A: Definitely—the next in line are writers, photographers, and filmmakers.

What Takes Place Next? (Recent Updates)

A protest is scheduled to take place outside Parliament on May 20. The government’s “impact report” is due on June 1.

🔄 July: Potential legal actions if no agreement is reached

Last Word: The stakes are higher than ever.
This is about the future of all creators, not just Paul McCartney or Elton John. As AI becomes more potent, the choices made today will determine:

AI copyright law UK, Elton John AI protest, music industry AI threat
AI copyright law UK, Elton John AI protest, music industry AI threat

Will artists be in charge of their creations?
Can aspiring musicians earn a living? ✅ Does the value of human creativity still exist?

“Wake up!” Elton asks the Prime Minister to do something. “Don’t let tech giants steal our soul.”

Amid financial troubles, Poundland is expected to be sold for just £1. What’s Up Next for the Giant Discount Store?

Poundland sale, Poundland £1, discount retail news

Introduction: The Uncertain Future of Poundland

One of the most popular bargain stores in the UK, Poundland, may soon be sold for just £1 as the Pepco Group, the chain’s parent company, prepares to sell the faltering business.

Poundland’s survival is in jeopardy due to dwindling sales and heightened competition. What does this mean for consumers, and who might take over?

Overview: Poundland’s Battle to Survive

One of the most well-known bargain stores in Britain, Poundland, is about to undergo a significant change.

Up to 200 stores might close under an impending bailout agreement, endangering thousands of jobs.

The future of the faltering firm is at stake as formal takeover proposals are expected on Monday.

What’s Causing Poundland’s Crisis?

Following years of deteriorating performance, Poundland’s parent company, Pepco Group, listed the chain for sale in March.

Despite making €2 billion (£1.7 billion) in 2024, Poundland has been a “drag on profitability” due to declining margins and growing expenses.

 

Why Is £1 Being Sold for Poundland?

In order to concentrate on its more lucrative Pepco and Dealz brands, Pepco Group is considering a strategic sale of Poundland due to its financial difficulties.

According to reports, prospective purchasers might purchase the company for a small £1 charge because of the substantial restructuring expenses required to bring it back to life.

Principal Causes of the Sale: Falling Sales Late in 2024, like-for-like sales fell 7.3%.

Change in Approach: Pepco Group intends to concentrate on general items and apparel with larger profit margins.

Competitive Pressure: Profits have been pressured by growing competition from B&M, Home Bargains, and Aldi.

Key Elements of the Collaps

:
Pricing Strategy Failure: Brand identification was harmed by abandoning the “Everything’s £1” tagline.

Mistakes in the supply chain: Reducing suppliers caused stock shortages and strained relationships with customers.

Financial difficulty was exacerbated by Rachel Reeves’ National Insurance rise.

Competition: Poundland has underperformed compared to rivals like B&M, Home Bargains, and Aldi.

What This Means for Customers Fewer Stores:

Another big shop may leave high streets.

Price Increases: New owners may make additional price adjustments.

Stock Changes: Product ranges may change due to suppliers moving.

Does Anyone Want to Purchase Poundland?

There are apparently discussions with a number of investment firms, including:

1. Gordon Brothers (Front-Runner): Laura Ashley’s previous owner.

focuses on turnarounds in retail.

Poundland sale, Poundland £1, discount retail news
Poundland sale, Poundland £1, discount retail news

2. Additional Possible Purchasers: Modella Capital

 

Bensons for Beds is owned by Alteri Investors.

The owner of Lakeland is Hilco Capital.

A decision is anticipated in the upcoming weeks, and formal bids are anticipated shortly.

What Are the Implications for Consumers?

Store Closures? Some locations may close if the new owner imposes cost-cutting measures.

Price Increases? Already, Poundland has more than £1 goods; will this trend continue?

Workplace Safety? Workers can experience uncertainty throughout the changeover.

Commonly Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Will Poundland locations close?
Not right away. Although massive closures are not announced, a new owner may restructure.

2. Why is Poundland having trouble?
Profitability has been harmed by competition, rising expenses, and changing consumer behavior.

3. Will costs increase?
Maybe. Multi-priced items have already been introduced by Poundland, and a new owner may further modify prices.

4. For whom is Poundland most likely to be purchased?
Gordon Brothers’ retail turnaround experience makes them the front-runner.

Rescue Strategies & Takeover Bidders
Three significant turnaround companies are competing:

1. Capital Hilco
renowned for saving Cath Kidston and HMV.

may carry out drastic cost-cutting measures, such as closing stores.

2. The Gordon Brothers
Laura Ashley’s previous owner.

Could focus on rebranding and restructuring rather than mass closures.

3. Capital Model
focuses on turnarounds in retail.

Poundland may combine with another bargain store.

Poundland sale, Poundland £1, discount retail news
Poundland sale, Poundland £1, discount retail news

What’s at stake?
Twenty-five percent of the estate—200 stores—could close.

There are thousands of jobs at stake.

To stabilize the business, a cash infusion of £70 million to £100 million will be required.

What This Means for Customers Fewer Stores: Another big shop may leave high streets.

Price Increases: New owners may make additional price adjustments.

Stock Changes: Product ranges may change due to supplier relocation

Current Information (May 2025)
Formal proposals are anticipated by May 19. Bids are due Monday.

Hedge Funds Involved: US companies with sway include Silver Point and Davidson Kempner, who own J Crew.

Restructuring Debt: New finance agreements are being forced by lenders who wish to leave.

Questions and Answers (FAQs)

1. Will Poundland close all of its locations?
No, although there is a chance of up to 200 underperforming locations.

2. How many positions might be eliminated?
Thousands, depending on how many closures are made.

3. What is causing Poundland’s difficulties?
Profits have been reduced by unsuccessful rebranding, supply problems, and growing expenses.

.

Conclusion: Is Poundland Entering a New Era?

The possible £1 sale at Poundland is a turning point for the bargain retailer.

Even if its future is still up in the air, a new owner might have new ideas to bring the brand back to life. Customers should currently keep an eye out for updates on price, store policies, and any future changes.

Bruce Springsteen Opposes Trump with a Strong Speech on Free Expression and Democracy

Bruce Springsteen Trump, free speech protest, democracy in danger

Overview: The Leader Takes a Position

The legendary “Born in the U.S.A.” rock star Bruce Springsteen has once again garnered media attention for his vocal condemnation of former President Donald Trump.

In direct response to Trump’s recent attacks, Springsteen gave a passionate address in Manchester, England, during his “Land of Hopes and Dreams” tour, championing democracy, free speech, and civil rights.

The President vs. The Boss

Although Bruce Springsteen has never shied away from making political views, former President Donald Trump has strongly criticized his most recent tour talks. When the rock icon referred to Trump’s administration as “corrupt, incompetent, and treasonous” during his Manchester show, the former president reacted angrily and attacked Truth Social.

There are serious concerns regarding free speech, democracy, and the place of artists in political discourse brought up by this confrontation between one of America’s most admired musicians and a divisive political figure.

The dramatic exchange, the public’s response, and its implications for the future of dissent in America are all broken down below.

Bruce Springsteen Trump, free speech protest, democracy in danger
Bruce Springsteen Trump, free speech protest, democracy in danger

Discussions concerning censorship, artistic dissent, and the future of American democracy have been triggered by this confrontation between one of the country’s most adored singers and a divisive political figure.

We analyze the most recent events, public responses, and the implications for American free speech below.

Recent Events: Trump’s rage and Springsteen’s speech

Springsteen’s Biting Indictment of Donald Trump

When Springsteen visited Manchester as part of his “Land of Hopes and Dreams” tour, he delivered a scathing indictment of Trump’s policies, charging his administration with:

Democracies are being undermined by referring to them as a “rogue government” run by a “unfit president.”

Leaving the weak behind: “The wealthiest men take pleasure in leaving the world’s poorest children to suffer and die.”

Attacking employees – “They’re taking sadistic pleasure in the pain they inflict on loyal American workers.”

Betraying allies: “They are siding with dictators and leaving our great allies behind.”

Springsteen concluded with a quote from James Baldwin that expressed optimism despite the pessimistic assessment:

“In this world, there isn’t as much humanity as one would like, but there’s enough.”

Important Takeaways from Springsteen vs. Trump

1. Trump’s Truth Social Rant Against Springsteen

Trump referred to Springsteen as a “dried-out prune of a rocker” and a “obnoxious jerk.”

“We’ll see how it goes for him,” he said, implying possible reprisals.

Trump has a history of disparaging celebrities who disagree with him. (De Niro, Taylor Swift, and

2. Springsteen’s Furious Onstage Reaction

Springsteen intensified his accusations in a three-minute diatribe, denouncing:

Crackdowns on free speech: “People are being persecuted for expressing their disagreement.”

Attacks on education include reversing civil rights and defunding colleges.

Human rights violations include maltreatment of employees and detentions without due process.

Indifference on a global scale: “The richest men abandon the world’s poorest children.”

He concluded with a quote from James Baldwin that expressed optimism despite the grim outlook: “There isn’t as much humanity as one would like, but there’s enough.”

3. Political and Public Responses

Springsteen’s supporters applaud him for speaking truth to power using his platform.

He is criticized for being “out of touch” and too political.

Experts in law argue about whether Trump’s remark that “we’ll see how it goes” is a threat.

Why This Is Important: Democracy & Free Speech at Risk Springsteen’s disobedience reveals a widening cultural gap:

Politicians vs. Artists: Is it the responsibility of musicians to voice their opinions, or should they remain silent?

Global Implications: His message influences opinions about American democracy by reaching audiences around the world.

2025 Political Climate: Will criticism of Trump increase now that he is back in office?

Trump’s Harsh Retaliation

Trump made fun of Springsteen in his Truth Social response, saying:

“A dried-out prune of a rocker.”

“An obnoxious jerk who should keep his mouth shut.”

“We’ll see how it goes for him.” is a hint at anger.

This comes after Trump has a history of disparaging celebrities who disagree with him, such as Jon Stewart, Taylor Swift, and Robert De Niro.

Why This Is Important: Is Free Expression Under Attack?

This dispute brings to light important problems in the current political environment:
✔ Political Backlash vs. Artistic Dissent: Is it morally required for musicians to speak out or should they remain silent?

A International View of American Democracy: Springsteen’s global reach heightens worries about the future of the United States.

✔ Political Scene in 2025: Will Trump’s return to power result in reprisals for criticism?

Questions and Answers (FAQs)

1. What did Trump say about Bruce Springsteen?
In an attack on Truth Social, Trump referred to Springsteen as a “obnoxious jerk” and said, “We’ll see how it goes for him.”

2. What was Springsteen’s reaction?
He gave a powerful speech at his Manchester concert, condemning attacks on democracy, free speech, and human rights.

3. Has Springsteen criticized Trump before?

Yes, he campaigned against Trump in 2020 and 2024, supporting Kamala Harris.

4. Are other celebrities facing backlash for opposing Trump?

Yes—Taylor Swift, Robert De Niro, and Jon Stewart have all been targeted.

5. Could Trump legally retaliate against Springsteen?

Experts say retaliation would face legal challenges, but intimidation tactics are concerning.

What was said about Trump by Springsteen?
His accusation was that Trump’s administration was “corrupt, incompetent, and treasonous,” abandoning workers, democracy, and international alliances.

What was Trump’s reaction?
On Truth Social, Trump called Springsteen a “dried-out prune” and implied repercussions.

Has Springsteen previously attacked Trump?
Yes, he has been against Trump since 2016 and supported Kamala Harris in 2024.

Do other celebrities who have criticized Trump face criticism?
Yes, including Jon Stewart, Taylor Swift, and Robert De Niro.

Is it legal for Trump to take revenge on Springsteen?
Direct reprisal would be illegal, according to experts, but intimidation is a worrying practice.

Bruce Springsteen Trump, free speech protest, democracy in danger
Bruce Springsteen Trump, free speech protest, democracy in danger

In conclusion, a struggle for the soul of America

Bruce Springsteen’s opposition to Trump goes beyond politics; it is a defense of the fundamental principles of fairness and free speech. One question still stands as tensions increase:

Springsteen’s disobedience is a struggle for justice, free expression, and democracy in general, not just politics. One question looms as tensions rise:

Luke Nichols Leaves the Outdoor Boys YouTube Channel After Ten Years

: Outdoor Boys ending, Luke Nichols quit YouTube, Outdoor Boys last video

The Outdoor Boys Channel was shut down; why?

Luke Nichols startled millions with a touching video announcing the demise of his cherished Outdoor Boys YouTube channel.

The family-friendly outdoor adventure channel has 14.9 million members and was a mainstay for material about camping, wilderness living, and survival.

However, Nichols concluded it was time to part ways after 1,110 videos.

: Outdoor Boys ending, Luke Nichols quit YouTube, Outdoor Boys last video
: Outdoor Boys ending, Luke Nichols quit YouTube, Outdoor Boys last video

Luke Nichols is leaving YouTube; why?

In his tearful farewell video, Nichols gave the following explanations for his decision to leave:
✅ Too Much Fame: His family found it impossible to lead a regular life due to the constant attention from the public.
Privacy Issues: The attention overwhelmed his wife and three sons.
✅ New Goals: He wants to assist his children in starting their own channels.

The announcement video, “Goodbye,” gained 6 million views in a single day after going viral.

The Legacy of Outdoor Boys: A Retrospective

📌 Started in 2015 as a side endeavor to pursue his love of fishing and camping with his sons.

📌 One of the largest family-friendly outdoor channels with 14.9 million subscribers.

📌 2.3B+ Total Views – Videos on fossil hunting, campfire cooking, and winter survival shelters became viral.

Social media was inundated with responses from fans:

“This was YouTube’s final wholesome section. An era is coming to an end. – Reddit user @WildernessDad
“I completely respect his choice. Family comes first. On Twitter, @AdventureMom posted

What Will Happen to Luke Nichols Next?

🔹 Unreleased Videos: He might release one last “video dump” of incomplete material.

🔹 Supporting His Children: Tommy, Nate, and Jacob, his kids, intend to launch their own channels.

🔹 Private Workshops: In smaller, more intimate settings, Nichols may instruct outdoor skills.

Questions and Answers (FAQs)

1. Is Outdoor Boys truly coming to an end?
Indeed. According to Luke Nichols, this will be his final upload for the time being.

2. Will the older videos remain available?
Right now, sure. There won’t be any new content added, but the channel is still active.

3. What caused Luke Nichols to resign?
primarily because he wants a more tranquil existence for his family and is concerned about privacy.

4. Are more channels being started by his sons?
Indeed, Nichols said he had assisted them in starting their own initiatives.

5. Is he going to go back to YouTube?
He believes it won’t happen anytime soon, but he hasn’t ruled it out.

: Outdoor Boys ending, Luke Nichols quit YouTube, Outdoor Boys last video
: Outdoor Boys ending, Luke Nichols quit YouTube, Outdoor Boys last video

Concluding Remarks: The End of an Age

With its genuine outdoor abilities, family-friendly content, and authenticity, the Outdoor Boys channel was a unique find. Most fans understand Nichols’ choice, even though they are sad to see it depart.

Which Outdoor Boys memory is your favorite? Tell us in the comments.

Results of Eurovision 2025: An Evening of Drama, Unpredictability, and Historic Events

who won Eurovision 2025, Eurovision results 2025

One of the most exciting finals in history was held at the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 in Basel, Switzerland, where Austria’s JJ won in a close contest.

The tournament was a memorable evening filled with intense performances, shocking upsets, and even political protests.

who won Eurovision 2025, Eurovision results 2025
Who won Eurovision 2025, Eurovision results 2025

Eurovision 2025: Who Won?

JJ, a 24-year-old counter-tenor from the Vienna State Opera from Austria, won 436 points for his heartfelt electro-ballad “Wasted Love.”

Tommy Cash from Estonia (“Espresso Macchiato”, 356 points) finished third, while Yuval Raphael of Israel (“New Day Will Rise”, 357 points) had the lead following the public vote but was overtaken at the final second.

Results of Eurovision 2025: An Evening of Drama, Political Unrest, and Memorable Performances

In Basel, Switzerland, the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 came to a thrilling conclusion, with Austria’s JJ emerging victorious in a close contest.

With its breathtaking staging, political demonstrations, and soaring vocals, the 69th edition of the competition cemented its status as one of the most surprising finals in recent memory.

Eurovision 2025: Who Won?

The operatic dance hymn “Wasted Love” earned Austria’s JJ, a counter-tenor with classical training, 436 points and the victory.

After Conchita Wurst (2014) and Udo Jürgens (1966), this is Austria’s third Eurovision victory.

Tommy Cash of Estonia (“Espresso Macchiato”, 356 points) finished in third place, whereas Yuval Raphael of Israel (“New Day Will Rise”, 357 points) had the lead following the public vote but was overtaken in the closing seconds.

The Contentious Performance of ISrael

One crew member was struck by paint when demonstrators rushed the stage during Yuval Raphael’s moving ballad. Israel’s delegation commended Raphael’s tenacity, but the EBU denounced the disturbance.

who won Eurovision 2025, Eurovision results 2025
Who won Eurovision 2025, Eurovision results 2025

Important Takeaways from Eurovision 2025:

1. Austria’s Heartfelt Triumph

Fans responded favorably to JJ’s striking staging, which included a stormy black-and-white boat scene.

His victory is Austria’s third Eurovision triumph, after Udo Jürgens (1966) and Conchita Wurst (2014).

Standout Performances

Erika Vikman (“Ich Komme”) of Finland finished eleventh while riding a gigantic golden firework-spewing microphone.

Amidst a sandstorm, Louane from France gave a moving homage to her deceased mother.

Lucio Corsi of Italy performed a harmonica solo live for the first time since 1998.

Despite being the pre-contest favorite, Sweden’s KAJ (“Bara Bada Bastu,” a hit song with a sauna theme) placed fourth.

2. The UK’s disappointing outcome

For the second year in a row, the British female group Remember Monday (“What The Hell Just Happened?”) received no public votes and finished in 19th place with 88 points.

Their dramatic performance, which included a falling chandelier and powerful voices, was insufficient to lift the UK’s recent Eurovision curse.

3. Israel’s Divisive Inclusion

Stage invaders protesting Israel’s involvement cut short Yuval Raphael’s performance.

Although security quickly took them away, the incident overshadowed her heartfelt song about resiliency following the Hamas assault in 2023.

Surprise Public Vote Outcomes

With zero public points, Zoë Më (“Voyage”) of Switzerland fell from second place (by jury vote) to tenth place.

This was one of the most surprising competitions ever, with 13 nations receiving at least one 12-point jury score.

4. Top Performances & Special Occasions

Erika Vikman (“Ich Komme”) of Finland, who finished eleventh, stole the evening with her enormous spark-shooting microphone.

In a whirling sandstorm, Louane of France gave a moving homage to her late mother.

Lucio Corsi of Italy created history by playing the first harmonica solo live since 1998.

Despite their sauna-themed humor, Sweden’s KAJ (“Bara Bada Bastu”) fell short of the top three.

5. Startling Public Vote Outcomes

With zero public points, Zoë Më (“Voyage”) of Switzerland fell from second place (by jury vote) to tenth place.

This was one of the most surprising competitions ever, with 13 nations receiving at least one 12-point jury score.

What Made Austria the 2025 Eurovision Winner?
JJ’s “Wasted Love” demonstrated that ballads continue to dominate Eurovision with its combination of exquisite voices, dramatic production, and poignant lyrics. His philosophy of “love conquering all” resonated with both juries and supporters.

What Made Austria the 2025 Eurovision Winner?

JJ’s “Wasted Love” demonstrated that ballads continue to dominate Eurovision by fusing technical vocal prowess, emotional depth, and contemporary production.

His message of “love conquering all” struck a chord with both watching and juries.

Questions and Answers (FAQs)
1. What was the location of Eurovision 2025?
Following Switzerland’s victory in 2024, Basel, Switzerland, hosted.

2. How did the UK fare in 2025’s Eurovision?
No, keep in mind that the UK’s battle at Eurovisio continued on Monday, the 19th.

3. Who was the front-runner?
KAJ of Sweden finished fourth despite being the pre-contest favorite.

4. Did demonstrations occur during Eurovision 2025?
Indeed, two individuals tried to attack the stage, while pro-Palestinian protesters objected to Israel’s involvement.

5. Was Céline Dion on stage?
The 1988 winner didn’t show up, despite what several people had been saying.

6. What was the location of Eurovision 2025?
After Nemo won with “The Code” in 2024, Basel, Switzerland, served as the host.

7. Why did the UK perform badly once more?
Remember Monday’s poor reception among voters, despite its powerful vocals, continued the UK’s ten-year downward trend.

7. Did demonstrations occur during Eurovision 2025?
Yes, pro-Palestinian demonstrators rallied against Israel’s participation, leading to stage invasions and police intervention.

Was Céline Dion on stage?
No, supporters hoped for a live appearance even though she made an appearance in a pre-recorded message.

. Who was the favorite among the fans?
Although Finland’s Erika Vikman and Sweden’s KAJ were notable, Austria’s JJ won in the end.

who won Eurovision 2025, Eurovision results 2025
Who won Eurovision 2025, Eurovision results 2025

Final Thoughts: A History Book Eurovision

Drama, politics, memorable performances, and a surprising last-minute victory were all features of Eurovision 2025. JJ of Austria now becomes one of the all-time great victors, and the UK needs to reconsider its 2026 plan.

How did you feel about 2025’s Eurovision? Who did you win? 🎤🇦🇹

(Based on real-time results, last updated May 18, 2025.)

“This Robot Just Wants to Watch Soap Operas — And It’s the Best Sci-Fi Show of 2025!”

Official poster for Murderbot Season 1 on Apple TV+, featuring Alexander Skarsgård as the rogue robot.

Overview: An Outlaw Robot with a Predilection for Soap Operas

On May 16, 2025, Apple TV+’s most recent release, Murderbot, debuted, presenting users with a sentient security android who prefers binge-watching soap operas than interacting with people.

This 10-episode science fiction comedy, which is based on Martha Wells’ critically acclaimed Murderbot Diaries series, presents a novel viewpoint on artificial intelligence and interpersonal relationships.

Official poster for Murderbot Season 1 on Apple TV+, featuring Alexander Skarsgård as the rogue robot.
Official poster for Murderbot Season 1 on Apple TV+, featuring Alexander Skarsgård as the rogue robot.

Overview of the Plot

Murderbot, which is set in a high-tech future, centers on a renegade security robot that hacks its own control system to surreptitiously acquire free will.

It would rather remain concealed and engage in its favorite activity, which is watching soap operas, than spreading mayhem.

It must, however, face its own identity and the intricacies of human emotions when it is tasked with defending a team of scientists on a dangerous mission.

The cast and crew
Murderbot (Alexander Skarsgård)

Mensah, played by Noma Dumezweni

Gurathin, played by David Dastmalchian

As Pin-Lee, Sabrina Wu

Ratthi, played by Akshay Khanna

Bharadwaj, played by Tamara Podemski

Academy Award nominees Chris and Paul Weitz are the creators of the series, while Skarsgård is an executive producer. Produced by Paramount Television Studios, the program is only accessible on Apple TV+.

Reactions and Evaluations

With 45 reviews and a 98% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, MurderBot has received praise from critics.

Skarsgård’s performance and the show’s distinctive fusion of humor and science fiction elements have received high appreciation from critics.

The show has been called a “wildly entertaining blend of sci-fi, comedy, and camp” and a “refreshingly jaunty sci-fi saga.”

Guide to Episodes
New episodes will premiere every Friday until July 11, 2025, with the first two episodes being broadcast on May 16, 2025. Murderbot’s quest for self-awareness and its relationships with the human characters are explored in greater detail in each episode.
Decider +5
Apple +5
Apple +5

Official poster for Murderbot Season 1 on Apple TV+, featuring Alexander Skarsgård as the rogue robot.
Official poster for Murderbot Season 1 on Apple TV+, featuring Alexander Skarsgård as the rogue robot.

Where to See It

The only place to watch MurderBot is on Apple TV+. A seven-day free trial is offered to new members; after that, the subscription costs $9.99 per month. The show is available on a number of gadgets, such as the iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, and several smart TVs.

In conclusion

Through the eyes of a sentient robot, Murderbot explores themes of identity, autonomy, and human connection in a gripping blend of humor and science fiction. Fans of the genre should not miss it because of its compelling plot and excellent acting.

Frequently Asked Questions 1. Can all audiences use Murderbot?

Because of its TV-MA rating, the show might not be appropriate for audiences younger than 17. It uses mature language and topics.

2. How many episodes does Season 1 of Murderbot have?

There are ten episodes in Season 1, and fresh episodes are released every Friday.
The Apple

3. Is it possible to view MurderBot from outside of the US?

Yes, MurderBot is accessible on Apple TV+ worldwide. Apple TV+ listings in your area should be checked since availability may differ by country.

4. Does Murderbot have a trailer available?

Indeed, the official trailer for Murderbot may be found on the YouTube channel and website of Apple TV+.

5. Will Murderbot get a second season?

A second season has not yet been confirmed by Apple TV+. The Murderbot Diaries book series, on which the series is based, provides a wealth of material for potential future adaptations.

The New Sci-Fi Thriller on Netflix It is unlike anything you have ever seen, and everyone is bingeing.

eternaut season 1

Overview: A Snowstorm That Revolutionized Everything

A hot night in the center of Buenos Aires takes a horrifying turn when the city is suddenly covered in deadly snow.

This snow is deadly and will kill everyone it comes into contact with. This is the idea behind Netflix’s most recent post-apocalyptic thriller, The Eternaut, which has captured the attention of viewers all around the world.

The series reimagines the classic story for a new generation, drawing inspiration from the famous 1957 Argentine graphic novel by Héctor Germán Oesterheld and Francisco Solano López.

eternaut season 1
eternaut season 1

Overview of the Plot: Surviving Despite All Odds

The narrative centers on Juan Salvo (Ricardo Darín), a man who must survive in a world where the majority of Buenos Aires’ population has been wiped off by an unexplained snowfall.

They learn that the snowstorm is a component of a bigger, more terrifying alien invasion as they fight for their lives. The show explores themes of human fortitude, camaraderie, and battling an invisible foe.

Reaction of the Audience and Critical Acclaim

When The Eternaut was released on April 30, 2025, it immediately attracted notice for its excellent production quality and gripping narrative.

The show’s widespread appeal is demonstrated by its 94% critic and 91% audience ratings on Rotten Tomatoes.

Its position as the top non-English TV series on Netflix’s Global Top 10 and its 58.3 million viewing hours in its first week serve as additional proof of its success.

Excellence in Production and Visuals

The visual storytelling in The Eternaut is one of its most notable aspects.

The show immerses viewers in a destroyed Buenos Aires by using cutting-edge virtual production techniques to create incredibly realistic post-apocalyptic environments.

The show’s atmosphere is enhanced by the eerie images and painstaking attention to detail, which turn the cityscape into a character unto itself.

Season 2 Renewal

Netflix has formally renewed The Eternaut for a second and final season due to its success.

With eight more episodes planned to wrap out the series, the next season is anticipated to go deeper into the sci-fi aspects presented in the first season.

In order to provide a faithful and updated version of the original source material, director Bruno Stagnaro and producer Matías Mosteirin want to improve both the technical and artistic components in the final season.

In conclusion, science fiction fans should not miss this.

The Eternaut is notable for its brilliant fusion of character-driven drama, suspense, and social satire.

Fans of science fiction and post-apocalyptic novels should not miss it because of its gripping story and superb production elements.

eternaut season 1
eternaut season 1

Viewers may anticipate more exciting developments in this captivating story with the announcement of a second season.

Commonly Asked Questions Q1: Where Is The Eternaut Available?
Netflix is the only streaming service that offers The Eternaut.

Q2: What is the total number of episodes in Season 1?
There are six episodes in Season 1.

Q3: When will Season 2 be released?
While an exact release date has not been announced, Season 2 is currently in development and is expected to conclude the series.
Tom’s Guide

Q4: Is The Eternaut based on a true story?
No, The Eternaut is a fictional story based on the Argentine graphic novel by Héctor Germán Oesterheld and Francisco Solano López.
Q5: What subjects are covered in The Eternaut?
The show examines themes of human resiliency, survival, camaraderie, and the struggle against an invisible alien invasion.

“National Rulings at Risk as Trump’s Birthright Citizenship Fight Rocks the Supreme Court!”

14th amendment

Synopsis: May 15, 2025, Supreme Court Oral Arguments

Main Issue: In light of President Trump’s executive order attempting to nullify birthright citizenship, the Supreme Court heard arguments regarding the validity of nationwide (or universal) injunctions, which are court rulings that prohibit federal government actions statewide.

14th amendment
14th amendment

Key Trade:

Justice Sonia Sotomayor often interrupted U.S. Solicitor General John Sauer during her hostile interrogation. She said that four Supreme Court precedents were broken by the Trump order.

Chief Justice John Roberts stepped in to request that Sauer be allowed to finish his answer, signaling concern over decorum and balance during arguments.

The Trump Administration’s Opinion:

Only in extraordinary situations should the Supreme Court have the authority to issue worldwide injunctions; federal courts shouldn’t have this authority.

Such injunctions are characterized as an abuse of judicial power that overwhelms the administration with legal obstacles and threatens the separation of powers outlined in the constitution.

Importance:

The ruling might establish a significant precedent regarding the boundaries of judicial authority.

Trump’s policies have been the subject of over 310 lawsuits in less than five months of his second term, thus the outcome has a significant impact.

The Trump Administration’s Opinion:

Only in extraordinary situations should the Supreme Court have the authority to issue worldwide injunctions; federal courts shouldn’t have this authority.

Such injunctions are characterized as an abuse of judicial power that overwhelms the administration with legal obstacles and threatens the separation of powers outlined in the constitution.

Importance:

The ruling might establish a significant precedent regarding the boundaries of judicial authority.

Trump’s policies have been the subject of over 310 lawsuits in less than five months of his second term, thus the outcome has a significant impact.

Combined Cases:

CASA v. Trump

State of Washington v. Trump

New Jersey v. Trump

Analysis:

Ideology & Judicial Decorum: The conflict between Roberts and Sotomayor is a reflection of the Court’s continuous struggle between attempts to uphold procedural order and more forceful liberal viewpoints.

The coverage, particularly from Fox News, portrays Sotomayor’s actions as disruptive and politicized, which is a common criticism from conservative media.

Constitutional Issues:

 

The ability of individual district judges to obstruct federal policy could be significantly diminished if the Court decides to restrict or do away with countrywide injunctions.

Any future executive branch would probably gain from this, particularly one that is dealing with as much litigation as Trump’s second term.

Undertones of politics:

Liberal judges, according to conservative readers and pundits, are overly aggressive and base their rulings more on ideology than the law.

14th amendment
14th amendment

Given the high political stakes under a divisive administration, the case becomes a focal point in the larger discussion over judicial activism vs. restraint.

An emergency alert is issued after a massive fire at a chemical warehouse in Spain.

seville

Breaking: Emergency Response Is Needed Due to Chemical Warehouse Fire Near Seville

On May 14, 2025, a large fire started at a chemical distribution warehouse in the La Red industrial park in Alcalá de Guadaíra, Spain, which is about 16 kilometers southeast of Seville.

The facility, run by Plainsur, a local distributor, holds highly combustible substances such industrial solvents, ethylene, and toluene.

Overview of the Incident

The fire started at around 1:20 PM local time (1120 GMT).

Location: Alcalá de Guadaíra, close to Seville, at La Red Industrial Park

Cause: Under investigation; no formal cause has been established as of yet.

Materials Used: Industrial Solvents, Toluene, and Ethylene

Emergency Response: Neighboring warehouses were evacuated after receiving hundreds of emergency calls.

seville
seville

Public Alert: People within three kilometers are urged to remain inside and keep their doors and windows closed.

🚨 Prevention Measures

Concerned about the possible toxicity of the smoke, local authorities have ordered the roughly 77,000 people of Alcalá de Guadaíra to remain indoors. As a precaution, nearby warehouses have been evacuated.

Concerns About Chemical Safety

Hazardous goods like ethylene and toluene, which are extremely flammable and can emit poisonous smoke when burned, are kept in the warehouse.

To reduce exposure to potentially hazardous gases, authorities are keeping an eye on the quality of the air and urging people to stay indoors.

Response Activities for Emergencies

The fire is being actively contained by firefighters. Although all warehouse employees have been deemed safe, this has not yet been officially verified by emergency services.

With continuous attempts to evaluate and reduce risks, the situation is nevertheless unstable.
Reuters

Updates in Real Time

According to the most recent reports, emergency response teams are still working to contain the fire.

Local officials encourage citizens to heed safety advice and provide frequent updates.

Answers to Common Questions
Have any injuries been reported?

A: All warehouse employees are currently said to be safe. One firefighter is

What are residents supposed to do?

A: To prevent exposure to potentially harmful smoke, residents within a 3-kilometer radius are recommended to remain home with windows and doors closed.

Which substances played a role in the fire?
A: Industrial solvents, ethylene, and toluene were among the extremely flammable substances kept at the storage.
Reuters

Is there control over the fire?
A: The fire is being actively contained by firefighters. The scenario is still evolving.

What took place?

A massive fire broke out at a Plainsur chemical distribution warehouse.

Seville was surrounded by kilometers of thick black smoke.

About 16 kilometers southeast of Seville, in the La Red industrial district, the fire started.

seville
seville

In conclusion

The dangers of industrial buildings holding dangerous materials are brought to light by the fire in the chemical warehouse in Alcalá de Guadaíra.

To safeguard the public’s health and safety, authorities are taking the required steps. It is recommended that residents follow government advice and be informed.

Trump’s Tariffs Are to Blame for Consumer Shock, Walmart Issues a Stark Warning: “Prices Are Going Up”

walmart stock

Introduction: How Tariffs Affect Daily Prices

The biggest retailer in the world, Walmart, has warned that because of escalating tariffs, consumers can anticipate paying more for a variety of goods, especially non-food items.

The price of items imported from a number of nations, including China, Mexico, and Canada, is still impacted by these tariffs, which were first put in place during the U.S.-China trade war.

Customers are consequently feeling the squeeze at checkout counters all around the country.

Walmart will increase prices as a result of tariffs.

Walmart’s CFO John David Rainey and CEO Doug McMillon have acknowledged that the business will start raising prices on a few items in late May, with more substantial price increases anticipated in June.

Price increases are the result of higher costs brought on by U.S. tariffs on imports from China and a number of Latin American nations, including Colombia, Peru, and Costa Rica.

walmart stock
walmart stock

Political Risk in Price Increases

When businesses like Amazon and Mattel indicated they would pass the costs on to customers, Trump reportedly reacted angrily.

Walmart is treading carefully, striking a balance between the political sensitivity of price hikes and economic realities.

Tariffs Continue to Be “Too High”

Walmart claims that tariffs are still too high to absorb without having an effect on consumers, even after the Trump administration lowered some of them.

Toys, electronics, and certain foods are most impacted.

4. In spite of tariffs, strategic advantage

Walmart remains comparatively sheltered in spite of these difficulties:

China is the source of just about 15% of its products.

About 60% of its goods are foodstuffs, the majority of which are purchased domestically.

According to analysts, Walmart has a competitive advantage over smaller or more reliant on China merchants in terms of shock absorption due to its size and variety of suppliers.

5. Disruption in the Retail Sector

Tariffs are hitting many consumer categories hard—especially toys, baby gear, and household goods.

Some companies are hiking all prices, others are targeting specific products or cutting them altogether to avoid “sticker shock.”

6 Economic Unpredictability

Walmart voiced concern about the trade environment’s volatility, describing it as challenging to predict and make short-term plans.

Wider Consequences for Customers: Even at discount stores like Walmart, consumers may expect to see price hikes on a variety of commodities, particularly non-food items.

Retailers: Have to decide between reducing product offerings, decreasing margins, or increasing pricing.

Politics: Especially under administrations who employ tariffs as political rhetoric or leverage, pricing decisions are now politicized.

Economy: The Federal Reserve reports that tariffs have caused prices to rise by 0.3%, which is fueling inflationary pressures.

The Increasing Price of Products

Toys and Electronics
Toys and electronics have become more expensive as a result of tariffs on Chinese imports.

In response, businesses like Mattel and VTech are shifting their operations to nations with lower tariffs, like Malaysia and Mexico, in an effort to offset cost increases.

Costs of Food

Food inflation is still a major issue. According to Walmart CEO Doug McMillon, prices for products like dairy and eggs are predicted to remain high in 2025.

Higher egg costs are the result of the situation being made worse by the current avian flu epidemic.

The Strategic Reactions of Retailers

Retailers must make difficult choices on how to deal with the rising expenses:

Price Increases: Walmart is one store that has chosen to raise prices in order to pass on the higher costs to customers.

Reducing Product Offerings: In order to preserve profitability without raising prices, several companies are reducing their offerings of specific product lines.

Some are making an effort to accept the extra expenses, but as long as tariffs are in place, this will get harder.

Conclusion: Getting Around in the New Retail Environment

Customers should anticipate higher pricing on a range of products as tariffs continue to affect the cost of commodities.

Although retailers are making smart adjustments, it is still unclear how these changes will affect availability and cost in the long run.

Reducing the impact of these shifts can be achieved by remaining informed and modifying purchasing patterns accordingly.

Q1: Which goods are most impacted by the tariffs in place right now?

A1: Tariffs have resulted in notable price hikes for toys, electronics, and some foods like dairy and eggs.

Q2: How are stores handling the higher prices?

A2: Depending on their business plans, retailers are trying to absorb the costs, lowering their product offerings, or raising prices.

Q3: In 2025, will food prices keep rising?

A3: Food costs, especially for dairy and eggs, are expected to stay high in 2025, according to experts, including Doug McMillon, the CEO of Walmart.

walmart stock
walmart stock

Q4: How can buyers lessen the effects of price increases?

A4: To cut down on waste and pointless purchases, consumers should modify their buying behaviors by looking for deals, thinking about substitute products, and organizing their meals.

2025 NFL schedule release: Cowboys to host Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs in Thanksgiving game on CBS

Schedule release: Kickoff Game
International Games
Week 10 ‘MNF’
Thanksgiving on CBS
Black Friday
Week 16 Sat. doubleheader
Christmas

Kansas City Chiefs
Kansas City Chiefs
AT
Dallas Cowboys
Dallas Cowboys
WHERE: AT&T Stadium | Arlington, Texas
WHEN: Week 13 | Nov. 27 | 4:30 p.m. ET
HOW TO WATCH: CBS, Paramount+

A Thanksgiving Day homecoming — and epic showdown — awaits in the setting of Dallas.

Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs will be making their way to Dallas to meet Dak Prescott and the Cowboys on Nov. 27 (Week 13), CBS announced on CBS Mornings on Wednesday.

Prescott has also been blanked in a 2021 game against Mahomes and company, but can point to one successful outing versus the Chiefs with two TD tosses in a 28-17 home victory when Mahomes sat out a rookie season on the sideline in 2017.

Mahomes will play in Arlington, Texas, for the first time in his storied pro career. The native Texan has played the Cowboys once, defeating Dallas 19-9 in Kansas City in 2021, but was unable to throw a touchdown against the team he grew up cheering for 80 miles east in Tyler, Texas.

Dallas’ 2025 date against the Chiefs is one of many tough matchups on the docket for the Cowboys.

The Cowboys will face 10 teams who made the 2024 playoffs and will see each of the top seven scoring defenses from the 2024 season, including their Week 13 matchup against the Chiefs.

Kansas City, meanwhile, will also see 10 of last year’s playoff teams come their way this season, including all three of their playoff foes (Texans, Bills, Eagles) during their 2024 Super Bowl campaign.

It was announced on Tuesday that the Chiefs will host the Broncos on Christmas Day in Week 17.

It will be the first time since 2006 that the Chiefs will host a game on Thanksgiving Day, which was the inaugural year of an ongoing NFL tradition of playing three games on the holiday.

The franchise is 5-5 on Thanksgiving Day all-time.

The Cowboys, who’ve had a Thanksgiving Day game annually since 1966, are 34-22-1 all-time on the holiday.

The entire 2025 schedule will be revealed by the NFL at 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday on NFL Network, NFL.com, the NFL app and NFL+.

 

 

Received an email regarding a ‘Lopez Voice Assistant Class Action Settlement’?

lopez v apple

Here’s whyThe note actually concerns Apple’s $95 million class action lawsuit settlement in which the company was accused of employing the virtual assistant Siri to eavesdrop

lopez v apple
apple settlement siri lawsuit

What is the Lopez Voice Assistant Class Action Settlement?

Apple in January agreed to settle a five-year-old suit on allegations that it secretly activated Siri to record conversations using iPhones and other devices with the virtual assistant for over a decade.

Apple isn’t admitting any fault in the settlement.

Did you get an email regarding a “Lopez Voice Assistant Class Action Settlement”? You may be owed money.

The email is actually regarding Apple’s $95 million settlement of a class action lawsuit that charged the tech giant with using the Siri virtual assistant to spy.

Here’s what you need to know — whether you got a notice or whether you believe you may still qualify:

Who may submit a claim?

Veteran Cub Rich Hill, 45, agrees to minor league contract with Royals
Individuals who purchased or owned a Siri-capable device — that is: iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, MacBook, iMac, HomePod, iPod touch or Apple TV — which experienced uninitiated Siri activation in the course of a private and confidential discussion from Sept. 17, 2014, through Dec. 31, 2024, may qualify.
The customers could have already been informed about their eligibility via email or post.

“If you got an email or postcard with a Claim Identification Code and a Confirmation Code informing you of the Settlement, use these codes when submitting a claim,” reads the website for the Lopez v. Apple Inc. class action lawsuit.

If you didn’t get an email or postcard notice with a code but think you’re included, you may still make a claim.

When do I need to make a claim?

The last day to make a claim is July 2. If you want to make a claim, go to the Lopez v. Apple Inc. website. Consumers can also opt out or object to the settlement.
How do I make a claim?

Claims are to be made online and may cover a maximum of five Siri devices, states the settlement website.

Those who have an email or notice in mail with a “claimant identification code” and “confirmation code” can use them when completing the form.

Those who do not can follow the guidelines under “new claim.”

You’ll require your serial and model number for every device that’s part of the claim.

You can also choose how you’d like to be paid if approved: physical check, electronic check or direct deposit.

lopez voice assistant class action
lopez voice assistant class action

How much money would you get?

The settlement is slated to allocate the $95 million in proportional amounts of up to $20 per Siri device.

The amount will increase or decrease depending on the number of valid settlement claims and the number of Siri devices claimed.
When could I receive the money?

The settlement remains pending U.S. district judge approval.

There will be a final approval hearing on Aug. 1. Assuming approval and no appeals, that hearing will set the stage for when payments might be seen.=s colleagues, staff as he misses Senate responsibilities

lopez voice assistant class action
lopez voice assistant class action

 

Bailey obtains restraining order against ‘abusive’ ex

tmz halle balle

singer and actress Halle Bailey has been awarded a restraining order against rapper and YouTube personality DDG, her ex-boyfriend and father of their one-year-old son.

On Tuesday, a Los Angeles court instructed DDG, whose real name is Darryl Dwayne Granberry Jr, to avoid Bailey and their child until there was a hearing on 6 June.

The Little Mermaid actress claims he was excessively violent towards her and made her fear for herself and their child.

Bailey, 25, claimed there had been “multiple acts of physical violence” from Granberry since they broke up in October.

tmz halle balle
ddg halle balley

“I am seeking orders to keep his abuse from continuing to harass and terrorize me and our son Halo.”

In filings seeking the order, according to the Associated Press, Bailey stated: “Throughout our relationship, Darryl has been and still is physically, verbally, emotionally, and financially abusive toward me.

Bailey and Granberry, 27, were dating from 2022 until last year.

“We struggled with each other, wrestling and struggling,” she stated. “Darryl was yanking my hair at one point. He then shoved my face on the steering wheel, and chipped my tooth. I then ceased resisting as I was badly hurt.”

 

Two months later, Bailey claims that Granberry broke into her home while she was away and sent her a picture of her bed and a threatening message indicating that she was sleeping around with other guys.

Bailey attached photos of her bruised arms and her chipped tooth to her filing, which have since been released by some US media outlets.

DDG gained popularity on YouTube and has since dropped four albums
In the court documents, the actress alleges “things got physical between us” after Granberry made repeated insults about her as she buckled the baby into a seat in his car in January.

 

She also claimed that, when she had called a relative for assistance, he grabbed her phone and slammed a car door on her while she held the baby. Bailey made a police report regarding the incident.

Within a few days, she stated, Granberry insulted her when she would not let their sick baby go on a visit with him, then destroyed the Ring doorbell camera on her front porch when he realized it was capturing their altercation.

Under the restraining order, Granberry was also ordered not to own any weapons. The judge may extend the order up to five years at the 6 June hearing.

Bailey also asked for Granberry to be restrained from using his social media sites to continue “bad mouthing me to his several millions of fans”.

Bailey rose to fame as one half of pop group Chloe x Halle alongside her sister and subsequently as a solo artist. She has been nominated for five Grammys.

As an actress, she starred in sitcom Grown-ish from 2018 until 2022. Her largest role to this point, though, was being the lead character in Disney’s 2023 live-action remake of The Little Mermaid.

tmz halle balle
ddg halle balley

“He says I am holding our son and that I have other men. And so consequently, I then get threats and hate on social media,” she stated in the papers.

DDG came to fame in the mid-2010s on YouTube, where he uploaded videos, and got a record deal in 2018. He has four studio albums.

 

DOOM: The Dark Ages GeForce Game Ready Driver Released

doom dark ages

Our latest GeForce Game Ready Driver fine-tunes your GeForce PC or laptop for DOOM: The Dark Ages with native idTech8 ray tracing augmented by DLSS 4 with Multi Frame Generation, NVIDIA Reflex, and Ray Tracing.

Besides support for 15 new and refreshed NVIDIA app DLSS overrides, 7 new G-SYNC Compatible gaming monitors, and 2 new Optimal Playable Settings profiles.

Download and install from the Drivers tab of NVIDIA app or GeForce.com, and read on to find out more.

Besides support for New World: Aeternum’s DLSS 4 with Multi Frame Generation and NVIDIA Reflex update.

doom dark ages
doom eternal dark ages

Game Ready For DOOM: The Dark Ages

Take a step into DOOM Slayer’s blood-soaked boots in DOOM: The Dark Ages with the groundbreaking features of GeForce RTX 50 Series GPUs.

Stand and battle as the gods’ and kings’ superweapon in this unprecedented dark and evil medieval war. Built on the all-new idTech8 engine with native ray tracing technology, DOOM: The Dark Ages brings next-gen graphical fidelity, speed, and visuals.

DLSS 4 with Multi Frame Generation provides GeForce RTX 50 Series bundle purchasers with the ability to enjoy graphically-advanced games at 4K, at the highest levels of detail, at high frame rates. And DLSS Super Resolution and DLAA utilize the strength of our new transformer AI models, providing exceptional image quality.

And when rendered on a GeForce RTX 50 Series graphics card or laptop, AI-driven NVIDIA DLSS 4 with Multi Frame Generation increases frame rates and builds high quality images, further optimizing the visuals for the ultimate DOOM: The Dark Ages PC experience.

With the collaboration of Bethesda Softworks and id Software, DOOM: The Dark Ages on PC receives cutting-edge benefits on GeForce RTX 50 Series systems, leading to improved performance and image quality.

 

DOOM: The Dark Ages’ performance is also its quickest and most responsive on GeForce RTX GPUs because it features NVIDIA Reflex.

This revolutionary technology lowers PC latency on GeForce graphics cards, desktops, and laptops so your actions happen faster, which makes games even more responsive and fun.

doom dark ages
doom eternal dark ages

Soon after launch, an update will bring PC-only Path Tracing, advancing ray traced lighting on GeForce RTX GPUs through the use of DLSS Ray Reconstruction, which supplants old-style denoisers with a new, one model to rule them all, unified AI that maximizes image quality and improves performance.

Until May 21st, as part of our DOOM: The Dark Ages GeForce RTX 50 Series Bundle*, get the Premium Edition of DOOM: The Dark Ages (a $99.99 value) with the purchase of a qualifying GeForce RTX 5090, 5080, 5070 Ti, or 5070 desktop or graphics card, or a laptop with a GeForce RTX 5090, 5080, 5070 Ti, or 5070 Laptop GPU.

Get a head start on slaying demons with the Premium Edition, including up to 2-Days of Early Access** and the campaign DLC***. You’ll also receive the Digital Artbook and Soundtrack, and the Divinity Skin Pack, which includes matching skins for the DOOM Slayer, dragon and Atlan.

INCLUDES:

Base Game (digital code)
Up to 2-Days Early Access
Campaign DLC
Digital Artbook and Soundtrack
Divinity Skin Pack
**Actual game time subject to purchase date and relevant time zone variations, with potential outages.**

***Availability of DLC to be announced later.**

DOOM: The Dark Ages

To get the GeForce RTX 50 Series bundle, go to the DOOM: The Dark Ages bundle homepage to view the full list of participating partners in your region.

Game Ready For New World: Aeternum’s DLSS 4 With Multi Frame Generation Update

Amazon Games’ New World: Aeternum is an action RPG set on Aeternum, a mystical island of the supernatural.

As an explorer shipwrecked who washes up on the fabled island, shape your fate on a journey of peril and possibility. Discover a vast, stunning world and the hidden truth behind the island of eternity and its bizarre inhabitants.

Limitless possibilities to struggle, scavenge, and craft lie in the island’s wasteland and ruins.

Harness paranormal energy or manipulate lethal weapons in a classless, real-time combat system, and struggle alone, with a small group, or with massed legions for PvP and PvE combat—the possibilities are yours to command.

May 13th sees the launch of New World: Aeternum Season 8 – Season of the Divide, which brings with it a Hardcore Seasonal World, the new Coral Divide Outpost Rush map, World Bosses, Capture the Flag and 3v3 Arena preview weekends, a new Barbershop, and more.

As well as that, there’s DLSS 4 with Multi Frame Generation.

Players can also enable NVIDIA Reflex, which makes gameplay even more responsive by minimizing PC latency.

GeForce RTX 50 Series gamers can achieve the best frame rates available with DLSS Multi Frame Generation, GeForce RTX 40 Series gamers can increase performance with DLSS Frame Generation, and all can enable DLSS Super Resolution.

New NVIDIA App DLSS Overrides Now Available

NVIDIA app is the ultimate companion for those with NVIDIA GPUs on their PC and laptops.

Whether you are a gamer or content creator, NVIDIA app makes it easier to keep your PC updated with the latest GeForce Game Ready and NVIDIA Studio Drivers, and helps to discover and install NVIDIA apps such as GeForce NOW and NVIDIA Broadcast quickly.

DLSS Multi Frame Generation Override – Allows DLSS Multi Frame Generation for GeForce RTX 50 Series users when Frame Generation is ON in-game
DLSS Frame Generation Model Upgrade – Allows the new DLSS Frame Generation model for users of GeForce RTX 40 Series and GeForce RTX 50 Series when Frame Generation is enabled in-game, which takes up less video memory and has the potential to boost frame rates

NVIDIA app also comes with plenty of game and experience-improving features. Among the latest additions is the capacity to upgrade games and apps to support DLSS 4 with Multi Frame Generation, and enhanced DLSS AI models:

doom eternal
doom eternal

DLSS Transformer Model Upgrade – Allows the new transformer AI model for DLSS Super Resolution, Ray Reconstruction, and DLAA for all GeForce RTX users, when the above features are ON in-game

DLAA & Ultra Performance Modes – Determines the internal rendering resolution for DLSS Super Resolution, allowing DLAA or Ultra Performance mode in games without native support, or any custom value, when Super Resolution is ON in-game
With the overrides,

GeForce RTX 50 Series players can double performance in more than 100 games and applications due to DLSS Multi Frame Generation, GeForce RTX 40 Series players can enhance DLSS Frame Generation, and all GeForce RTX players can improve image quality in supported DLSS Super Resolution games.

15 new DLSS overrides for recently released games are now available, doubling performance, improving image quality, and enhancing your experience:

Bodycam

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33Commandos Origins
Lost Skies
Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024
Necrophosis
New World: Aeternum
No More Room in Hell 2
RuneScape: Dragonwilds
Spirit of the North 2
Steel Seed
Tempest Rising
The Talos Principle: Reawakened
Warframe

For the full list of apps and games and DLSS override availability, including which overrides, go here.

 

Support For Newly Validated G-SYNC Compatible Displays

Our latest Game Ready Driver also introduces support for 7 G-SYNC Compatible monitors that provide a base Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) experience that smooths out your gaming and makes it more enjoyable.

Manufacturer Model HDR Size On Panel Type resolution VRR Range

Acer X32 V5 Yes 31.5 OLED 3840×2160 (4K) 48-165Hz
AOC 25G42E Yes 24.5 IPS 1920×1080 (FHD) 48-180Hz
AOC 24G42HE Yes 23.8 IPS 1920×1080 (FHD) 48-200Hz
AOC 25G4SRE Yes 24.5 IPS 1920×1080 (FHD) 48-310Hz
AOC Q27G40SE Yes 27 IPS 2560×1440 (QHD) 48-300Hz
I-O DATA GDQ271JAQ Yes 27 IPS 2560×1440 (QHD) 60-200Hz
Dell AW2725D Yes 27 IPS 2560×1440 (QHD) 24-280Hz

These freshly-validated monitors provide gamers with even more options when looking for a top-notch gaming monitor.

For an entire list of all G-SYNC, G-SYNC ULTIMATE, and G-SYNC Compatible gaming monitors, look no further than our convenient and regularly updated G-SYNC page, which can be filtered and sorted, making it easy for you to find the perfect screen.

Optimal Settings For New Games

One-click optimal settings through GeForce Experience and the NVIDIA application allow you to set up game settings for your system’s hardware instantly, providing you with seamless, optimized play.

More than 1,300 titles are supported, and since our previous driver release we’ve introduced support for two significant new games:

Assassin’s Creed Shadows

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered
GeForce Game Ready Driver – Download Now
Find out more about GeForce Game Ready Drivers and download the latest GeForce Game Ready 576.40 WHQL driver via the NVIDIA app or from GeForce.com.

doom eternal
doom eternal

 

Microsoft AI director fired in bloodbath initiated by AI push: ‘Asked to cease work immediately

microsoft lay off

Microsoft stated it has fired 6,000 workers “at all levels, teams and geographies.”

One of the impacted directors of AI has vented on X about the “bittersweet news”. In her update, she described how the employees that were let go were “asked to stop work immediately”.

azure cloud outage
#azure outage

In what has been Microsoft’s biggest round of layoffs since 2023, the company chose to lay off 6,000 workers, which represents roughly 3% of its staff.

Gabriela de Queiroz who served as director or AI in Microsoft. (X/@gdequeiroz)

Gabriela de Queiroz who served as director or AI in Microsoft. (X/@gdequeiroz)

“Bittersweet news to share: I was affected by Microsoft’s recent round of layoffs,” Gabriela de Queiroz posted.

Her LinkedIn profile states she came on board at Microsoft in 2022 as a “Principal Cloud Advocate” and worked for eight months before taking on the “Director of AI – Microsoft for Startups” position in 2023.

In a post on the same thread, Queiroz explained that she is sad to see “so many talented people I’ve had the honor of working with being let go.”

She added, “These are people who cared deeply, went above and beyond, and truly made a difference.”

How was she fired from Microsoft?

“We were told to stop work instantly and put on an out-of-office. I decided to remain a bit longer—attending meetings, farewell, completing the things I could.

She went on to say, “I’m an optimist at heart. That hasn’t changed. My smile, my gratitude, my belief that each day is a gift—that’s all still here.”
She ended her post with a message for those impacted by the layoffs:

“To those also impacted—you’re not alone. We are at least 6,000.”

That sounded appropriate to me,” she added.

download office 365
why does microsoft teams keep opening

How did people respond on social media?

Someone wrote, “Sorry to hear this, but I know something even better is in store. You’re destined for great things!” Someone else chimed in, “I’m sorry. I wasn’t affected, but I lost a lot of close individuals I’ve worked with for years. It was a tough day for sure. Good luck to you.”

A third added, “Looks like a lot of old timers are affected.” A fourth stated, “If the Director of AI at Msft can be let go, then nobody’s safe in today’s market.”

“We continue to make organizational changes needed to best position the company for success in an evolving marketplace,” a Microsoft representative said, as reported by CNBC.

As per the outlet, by the end of June 2024, the company had 228,000 employees worldwide.

Microsoft on Tuesday announced that it’s cutting 3% of workers at all levels, teams and geographies, impacting around 6,000 individuals.

“We are continuing to make organizational adjustments needed to position the company for success in a changing marketplace,” a Microsoft representative stated

The company posted stronger-than-expected results, with $25.8 billion of quarterly net income, and an optimistic outlook in late April.

Microsoft employed 228,000 people globally at the close of June.

Tuesday Washington state announced the company was cutting headcount associated with its Redmond headquarters by 1,985 individuals, with 1,510 based in office.

Overall, it’s probably Microsoft’s biggest round of layoffs since the removal of 10,000 jobs in 2023.

In January, the company revealed a small round of performance-based layoffs. The new job cuts are not performance-based, the spokesperson explained.

Last week cybersecurity software company CrowdStrike
declared that it would dismiss 5% of its staff.

Redmi 13X
Redmi 13X

During January, Microsoft chief Satya Nadella informed analysts that the business would institute changes to sales execution after the firm posted less than expected growth on Azure cloud sales not based on artificial intelligence. AI cloud expansion outpaced expectations within the business.

How do you actually adjust the incentives, go-to-market?”

Nadella asked. “During a time of platform change, you sort of want to make sure you lean into even the new design wins, and you just don’t continue to do the things that you did in the last generation.”

Tech’s robust ad sales are beginning to crack under Trump’s trade war
One goal is to eliminate layers of management, the spokesperson added.

In January Amazon said it was eliminating some staff after observing “unnecessary layers” in its structure.

Microsoft shares closed on Monday at $449.26, the highest this year. They closed at an all-time high of $467.56 last July.

 

 

‘Forever’ is a poignant look at the power — and dangers — of first love Share this 

Forever netflix movies

‘Forever’ is a poignant look at the power — and dangers — of first love
The Netflix adaptation of a 1975 Judy Blume novel reminds us that some things never change.

Lovie Simone as Keisha Clark and Michael Cooper Jr. as Justin Edwards.
Lovie Simone as Keisha Clark and Michael Cooper Jr. as Justin Edwards in “Forever.”Netflix

The romance that forms the core of Netflix’s new series “Forever” starts off just like Judy Blume’s 1975 novel, which inspired the show: at a New Year’s Eve party around fondue pots.

If Blume’s “Forever.” was revolutionary because it portrayed a young white woman’s sexual desire and unselfconscious pleasure, then Akil’s “Forever” is revolutionary for its portrayal of a young Black man’s vulnerability and considered choices regarding sex and love.

Met Gala 2025
Met Gala 2025

Related to us by high school senior Katherine’s own voice, Blume’s “Forever…” is a classic and honest discussion of teen sex and first love.

Since the original publication during the 1970s, parents have had an uproar about the book and have tried to get it pulled from libraries.

I finally read “Forever…” for the first time way too late in my life — October of last year, after Blume, one of my white whale interviews, finally agreed to participate in the Velshi Banned Book Club. I was sure I would love the book — and I did. But I didn’t think it would feel so revolutionary.

Rather than in a New Jersey suburb, the series takes place during the Black Lives Matter movement in Los Angeles.

Consequently, cellphones are a beautifully realized extension of our teen characters and their lives.

The series, shifting between Keisha’s and Michael’s perspectives, has inverted Blume’s characters: It is Justin who is inexperienced sexually, deciding if he is or isn’t.

If Blume’s “Forever.” was revolutionary in that it portrayed a white, young woman’s sexual desire and unapologetic pleasure, then Akil’s “Forever” is revolutionary in its portrayal of a Black, young man’s vulnerability and thoughtful choices around sex and love.

Keisha’s attitude toward sex is complicated. On their first date, she is uninhibited and willing to experiment with Justin. But in the following scene, we find out that Keisha’s ex-boyfriend, a golden boy by the name of Christian with seeming NBA potential, recorded a pornographic video of the two of them and posted it on the Internet. Later, on FaceTime, Keisha informs her best friend, the show’s sole regular white character, that she has no interest in punishing Christian and “ruin his life.” There is silence for a moment, and then her friend asks, “But Christian gets to ruin yours?

This horrifically ubiquitous act of sexual assault feels like a contemporary and required raising of the stakes.

Netflix’s “Forever,” just as sweet, poignant and truthful as the book, made some powerful updates to Blume’s material.

Most importantly, our featured couple, Keisha and Justin, are Black. Showrunner Mara Brock Akil explained to The New York Times why they did that, saying, “I would posit that Black boys are the most vulnerable at this time.

The potential ramifications of sexing up are also explained in Blume’s “Forever…” and that includes: There are warning stories, ranging from deferred dreams to slut-shaming to unplanned pregnancy. Most importantly, these ramifications don’t happen to Katherine. She is a good girl who gets sex and doesn’t lose her dignity, her self and her shining future.

Forever
Forever

50 years ago, Blume’s high school persona is celebrating the demise of something which has certainly not disappeared.

Even no generation is homogeneous, but younger people nowadays are significantly more regressive and conservative than their earlier counterparts. Gen Zers are notoriously Republican-sympathetic, they’re flocking to the Catholic Church in significant numbers, and increasing numbers of them are eschewing sex as an option.

A poll taken recently for London’s paper of record The Times reported 62% of Gen Z surveyed say they do not have one-night stands.

The frustrating and melancholic irony is that this discussion is at the heart of the sex-positive, second-wave feminism that made Blume’s “Forever…” possible in the first place.

The straw man fallacy that safety should be the responsibility of the most vulnerable is sustained by a dysfunctional patriarchal system.

Freedom and safety should not be an either-or proposition when it comes to having sex. What I like best about this tale, whether it is printed in a book or shown on your TV screen, is not its brutally candid conversation about young people and sex.

It is the way it accepts the heavy seriousness of that and yet maintains the innocent exhilaration of first love. There is danger and excitement and risk and reward in falling in love and in making love.

For the fortunate, that first love is a lovely aspect of life, perhaps the loveliest aspect of life. Being young and in love is one of the strongest forces on the planet.

Lovie Simone as Keisha Clark and Michael Cooper Jr. as Justin Edwards.
Lovie Simone as Keisha Clark and Michael Cooper Jr. as Justin Edwards in “Forever.”Netflix There is one passage a few chapters into “Forever….” where Katherine looks back on the way that the decision of a young woman to have sex defines her.

“In the old days girls were two types — those who did and those who didn’t. My mother explained it to me. Nice girls didn’t, of course.”.

They were the ones boys wanted to wed. I’m thankful those days are past but I still get annoyed at older people for thinking everyone from my generation sleeps around.”

The idea that the good girls who are virgins are the ones who marry the good husbands and have the good children and the good life is a very established sentiment.

b936b3a4 5caf 4c7f aa24 12832d16bed7

That is not what makes this passage so appalling.
It is that 50 years ago, Blume’s high school persona is celebrating the demise of something which has certainly not disappeared.

This tale is a timely reminder of that.

Cassie Ventura speaks out on violence and ‘freak offs’ during Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs trial

sean diddy news

Combs is charged with five criminal counts. He has vigorously denied the accusations against him.

Where the sex trafficking trial stands

Sean “Diddy” Combs’ former girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, was on the stand as the government’s key witness. She recounted graphic details that she claimed would occur in the “freak offs” Combs asked her to engage in.

The jury was also presented with security footage of Combs beating Ventura in a 2016 altercation at a Los Angeles hotel. Ventura testified under questioning in court about how many times Combs had tossed her in such a manner.

“Too many to count,” she replied. She will continue her testimony on Wednesday.
This live update could include graphic descriptions of sexual assault. For sexual assault resources, dial the National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline.

The defense and prosecution made their opening statements yesterday. Prosecutors charged that Combs used his celebrity and influence to operate a criminal enterprise that supported his “freak offs,” drug-fueled sex orgies with paid prostitutes.

The defense acknowledged that Combs was jealous and sometimes violent, but maintained all the alleged victims were willing participants in his sex life.

Combs is charged with five criminal charges: one charge of racketeering conspiracy; two charges of sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion; and two charges of transportation to engage in prostitution. Combs denied the charges against him vociferously.

sean diddy news
sean diddy arrested

Cassie recounts being ‘kicked’ and ‘dragged’ in 2016 hotel attack

Asked if she ever walked out of one of Combs’ reported “freak offs,” Cassie Ventura replied yes, “in Century City,” referring to the 2016 attack at a Los Angeles hotel that was captured on security video footage in which the rapper was punching her.

I decided to leave,” Ventura stated. “I escaped and Sean followed me out into the hallway, and grabbed me, pushed me to the floor, kicked me and pulled me back in the room and stole my belongings.”

In a blow to Combs’ defense team, Judge Subramanian testified in April that the video, first aired on CNN last year, was admissible as evidence.

Following the viewing of the video for the jury, Ventura was then questioned about how many other times Combs had tossed her around like that.

“Too many to count,” she replied.

Court adjourns for day, Cassie back on stand tomorrow

Court has adjourned for the day, according to Judge Arun Subramanian.

Cassie Ventura will be back on the stand tomorrow.

Subramanian reminded the jury not to discuss the case with anyone and switch off their news alerts.

Cassie claims she used drugs to disassociate

Cassie Ventura testified that she used “marijuana, ketamine, mushrooms, whatever was the drug of choice at that point” to survive “freak offs.”

“I couldn’t imagine myself doing any of that without having some sort of buffer,” Ventura told the court.

Ventura has testified, in detail, to having sex with prostitutes while her then-boyfriend Combs observed. Even when she was sick, she said Combs instructed her to continue.

“I would actually vomit,” she said. “When I got sick during a ‘freak off,’ he would encourage me to get up and continue on with it.”

Cassie says it was Combs ‘fantasy to direct’ ‘freak-offs’

Cassie Ventura described graphic acts that she claimed would occur in the “freak offs” Sean Combs asked her to perform.

Occasionally, she claimed Combs would participate along with her as she had sex with the prostitute, and other times he would observe in a corner. He also arranged phones on FaceTime so that he could observe from another room, she claimed.

“It was his dream to do it — what to say, how to do,” she said. “I did that to hurry the process along so I could get it done. I wanted it to be over and go to the other room where we could spend time alone.”

Ventura said Combs started taping some of the “freak offs” during the first year.

“I didn’t want to do it,” she said. “I would watch them with Sean afterwards, while we were having intercourse. If i saw them on my devices i would delete them, I felt disgusted.”

Cassie says she was instructed to look for sex workers on the Internet

Cassie Ventura testified that she utilized a number of websites to look for sex workers nationwide — and always at the behest of Combs.

Craigslist, the now-shuttered Backpage and the escort website Cowboys 4 Angels were a few of the websites Ventura testified she used. But any eventual hire had to be approved by Combs, she testified.

“I took the pictures to Sean and tested their interest. If they weren’t interested I would say ‘no’ and ask for someone else,” she said. “Sean had to sign off on it.”

 

Cassie says she questioned legality of soliciting sex workers online

sean diddy news
sean diddy arrested

Cassie Ventura indicated she questioned the legality of soliciting sex workers online when Combs would ask to see the escort to check if they were a cop.

This led to a challenge by defense lawyers. Judge Arun Subramanian instructed the jury to ignore Ventura’s remark about legality.

Ventura stated that she would send out messages to sex workers online at Combs’ behest and inform them that it was his fantasy to observe her having sex with another individual, she testified.

Sex workers were remunerated $1,500 to $6,000, she testified.

Cassie indicates that she was forced to do ‘freak offs’ on her period

Cassie Ventura indicated in court that she was forced to do “freak offs” on her period against her will upon Combs’ insistence, causing blood to stain furniture.

Combs also made Ventura’s escort pee on her during an encounter because it was a “turn on” to him, she said. Combs also took part, she indicated.

“I just felt embarrassed, it was gross, it was too much,” she said. “I choked, I didn’t want to be doing that, I was in a situation I couldn’t get out of easily.”

Ventura was asked why she hadn’t said no.

“I was squeamish right away, but high in the moment,” she said. “That’s about it, you don’t have a lot of control at that moment.”

Baby oil utilized in ‘freak offs’ at Combs’ behest, Cassie reports

Baby oil was applied in “freak offs” at Sean Combs’ insistence, according to Cassie Ventura, who testified that everyone, including herself, would slather it all over their bodies.

“Sean asked for it hot and he wanted it to glisten so we put it on every five minutes,” Ventura said.

Ventura described a “freak off” involving a “pool full of baby oil” at the Montage Beverly Hills that she entered at Combs’ insistence.

“If Sean wanted it to occur, that’s what was going to occur, there was no way out of it,” she explained. “We used 10 bottles of baby oil, normal size.”

Ventura also testified about other substances utilized in “freak offs,” such as Astroglide lubricant and condoms. Workers would bring along the items,

but if there was a last-minute “freak off,” Ventura would take them, she testified.

Cassie becomes tearful when remembering romantic feelings for Combs

Cassie Ventura became tearful in court earlier today when asked what she liked about dating Sean Combs.

Ventura, eight months pregnant, was in tears and pulled out a tissue when responding to the question.

“When we were alone together,” she replied. “When you love someone and care about someone, you don’t want to let them down.”

Ventura wept again when presented with an email she had sent to Combs, in which she wrote, “I really need 2 f–.”

“So you wanna f–, gonna call somebody?” Combs replied.

“I want to f– you are you crazy,” Ventura replied.

Asked why she wrote that, she said, “Because that’s how I felt.

 

Cassie calls Combs ‘a scary person’

Cassie testified that she was always mindful of placating Combs and did all she could to remain in his good favor.

“I didn’t want him to be mad at me or not to trust me,” she said. “He was a intimidating individual, he would be aggressive.”

They had “freak offs in all the houses” and hotels, including numerous locations in Southern California and around the nation, she testified.

Combs admitted voyeurism fantasy prior to offering ‘freak offs,’ Cassie claims

Sean “Diddy” Combs enjoyed a voyeurism fantasy, Cassie Ventura claims, admitting it to her during the initial six months of their affair.

“He told me it was something he had dreamed up where he would fantasize about me engaging in sexual relations with another male so he could observe,” Ventura testified in court, explaining she had gone along with it because she did not want to upset him.

 

Ventura said she was 22 when Combs initially suggested “freak offs.”

 

“I cared about him, I didn’t want him to believe that anything was wrong about him,” Ventura said of the encounter

Cassie had felt ‘humiliated’ and ‘disgusting’ in ‘freak offs’

Drug-fueled sex parties were a nightly staple of Cassie Ventura’s time with Combs, although she detested virtually every second of it, the ex-girlfriend testified.

“I felt really bad about myself. I felt disgusting. I felt humiliated,” she testified. “I didn’t know the words to express how bad I felt. I couldn’t discuss it with anybody.”

The witness remembered drinking and doing ecstasy while having intercourse for the first time with a sex worker for entertainment for Combs.

“I was high so I didn’t feel much,” she said. “Did this really happen to me?

I didn’t know what was going to happen after that, if we were going to do it more often, I said yes to more, I didn’t want to make him angry or upset.”

Combs kept guns in safes in his houses, Cassie says

Sean “Diddy” Combs kept guns in safes in his various houses, his former girlfriend Cassie Ventura says.

Ventura, occasionally having access to the safes, indicated that Combs kept guns in New York, Los Angeles, Miami and New Jersey. She said she personally viewed the guns outside the safes “a few times.” Cash, jewelry and video tapes were also in the safes, she indicated.

When she was asked if she ever touched any of Combs’ supposed guns, she replied that she was given a gun at a club in downtown Los Angeles to place in her bag while she was under the influence of mushrooms.
“Freaking out it was going to explode,” she replied, stating that she passed the gun along to someone once she left the club. Ventura stated that it wasn’t the first time she was exposed to one of Combs’ reported guns.

“The guns came out here and there. I always felt it was a little bit of a scare tactic,” she said

Combs was willing to get in the face of Suge Knight in the middle of a ‘freak off,’ according to Cassie

Combs and Cassie Ventura were having one of their “freak off” parties when the rapper was informed that arch-nemesis Suge Knight was spotted at a nearby diner, where he became dressed to meet her in battle, she said.

“We were having a freak out in one of his houses in L.A. and he told me Suge was at Mel’s Diner and we packed up and drove on down there,” Ventura testified.

“I was screaming and crying, ‘Please don’t do anything stupid.’ I had no idea what they were going to do.”

Knight is serving a long prison sentence after pleading guilty to voluntary manslaughter.

Combs would take Cassie’s electronics and cars as punishment, she testifies

sean diddy news
sean diddy arrested

Cassie Ventura remembered how Combs would strike her by taking away her electronics, cars and other material things as punishment.

“He would take the car away, the house, jewelry,” she said. “The physical things didn’t matter; I just wanted his approval.”

The former boyfriend said Combs would send his staffer for these take backs.

“Staff would pick them up,” she remembered. “If I wasn’t present, it would be a staff member or security.”

Cassie tells Combs dominated her career, told her she looked ‘too Mexican’

When Cassie Ventura returned to the witness stand following a lunch break, she reported that Combs made all the decisions regarding her career and appearance.

Although James Cruz was her manager, he informed her that he was doing so with “one hand behind his back,” and that all decisions had to be approved by Combs, she testified.

Ventura’s statements included Combs making comments regarding her physical appearance, telling her she “looked too Mexican,” that her hair did not look good, or that her nails “needed to be a certain way.”

“Appearance was very big with him, it was fairly instant,” she testified in court. “Sometimes he would want me to be super sexy and sometimes like a tomboy. He was just very invested.”

Ventura also said that he liked her nails white, and for “freak offs” they were to remain white or have a French tip. Combs would even comment on her working out and maintaining her shape, and discussed breast implants with her, she reported.

“I had to look this way for freak offs,” Ventura said. “Absolutely my self-worth took a hit throughout the relationship.”.

Expectant Cassie shows up in courtroom drawing

Sean “Diddy” Combs looks on in the drawing as his ex-girlfriend Casandra “Cassie” Ventura is sworn in today.

Cassie seemed upset testifying about ‘freak offs

Cassie Ventura entered court today dressed in a long, brown, sleeveless dress that fell to her ankles. Her pregnant stomach was extremely noticeable to bystanders.

She was still quiet and calm during most of her testimony, although there were moments when she had to steady herself with breaths as she replied to questions.

This was most apparent when she was explaining what “freak offs” were to the court. She wiped at her eyes a couple of times with tissues while responding to the question.

Ventura shifted herself a number of times while on the stand, continually with her hands folded in her lap, but occasionally rubbing or pushing on her stomach.

When Cassie first spoke of freak offs, a public member who was sitting in the overflow viewing area shouted, “That’s disgusting!”

She had complained that Cassie had been forced to testify about such items while she was pregnant and left the room after being informed by a U.S. marshal that she must act the same way as if she were in a courtroom.

 

 

Release of 2025 NFL Schedule powered by AWS in primetime special on NFL Network’s ‘Schedule Release ’25’

release of 2025 nfl schedule

The 2025 NFL Schedule powered by AWS will be released this Wednesday, May 14 at 8 p.m. ET on NFL Network, NFL.com, the NFL app and NFL+.

Before the May 14 unveiling of the complete 2025 schedule, the league’s broadcast partners will release some games on the following dates:

release of 2025 nfl schedule
release of 2025 nfl schedule

Netflix – Wednesday, May 14

NBC – Monday, May 12 on TODAY Show (Cowboys-Eagles, Sept. 4)

ESPN – Tuesday, May 13 on Good Morning America

FOX – Monday, May 12

Prime Video – Monday, May 12

CBS – Wednesday, May 14 on CBS Mornings

Two regular season contests in London at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium between the New York Jets and the Cleveland Browns as hosting teams (for more informatin, visit NFL.com/London).

One game in Berlin, Germany at Olympic Stadium Berlin with the Indianapolis Colts (for more information, visit NFL.com/Berlin).

One game in Madrid, Spain at Real Madrid FC’s Bernabéu Stadium with the Miami Dolphins (for more information, visit NFL.com/Madrid).

A first-ever regular season game in Dublin, Ireland at Croke Park against the Pittsburgh Steelers (more information available on NFL.com/Dublin).
A game in São Paulo, Brazil at Corinthians Arena between the Los Angeles Chargers (more information available on NFL.com/SaoPaulo).
The Jacksonville Jaguars will also head back to London’s Wembley Stadium to host a home game as part of their multi-year agreement to play a game in the U.K.

The NFL will also reveal its International Games on Tuesday, May 13 on the Emmy-nominated Good Morning Football on NFL Network.

Fans are invited to go to the individual game pages and sign up to be notified when more information about tickets becomes available.

As announced earlier, this year’s games are:

The focus of NFL Network coverage is brought by Schedule Release ’25 Presented by Verizon tonight at 8 p.m.

ET, a three-hour presentation hosted by Rich Eisen, Maurice Jones-Drew and Michael Robinson that dissects the 2025 NFL regular season schedule and reviews the featured matchups and night games.

The NFL will also reveal its International Games on Tuesday, May 13 on the Emmy-nominated Good Morning Football on NFL Network. Fans are invited to go to the individual game pages and sign up to be notified when more information about tickets becomes available.

As announced earlier, this year’s games are:

release of 2025 nfl schedule
release of 2025 nfl schedule

Scheduling highlights from Schedule Release ’25 include:

CBS play-by-play announcer Jim Nantz

FOX Sports play-by-play announcer Kevin Burkhardt

Prime Video Thursday Night Football play-by-play announcer Al Michaels

Buffalo Bills offensive tackle Dion Dawkins

2025 NFL schedule: J.J. McCarthy, Travis Hunter among most highly touted Week 1 debuts

Top 10 games of 2025 season: Chiefs-Bills, Vikings-Seahawks high on next NFL schedule

2025 NFL season: Team-by-team opponents for all games

NFL schedule: Bears-Commanders, Eagles-Chiefs among top 10 revenge games in 2025

2025 NFL schedule: Eagles’ five most intriguing possible Week 1 Kickoff Game opponents

2025 NFL schedule driven by AWS to be published Wednesday, May 14
Further coverage is offered by NFL GameDay View:

Schedule Release at 8 p.m. ET on The NFL Channel, presented by Patrick Claybon, Cynthia Frelund and Gregg Rosenthal.

NFL Channel is the NFL’s 24/7 free linear FAST channel and can be accessed on the NFL app, Roku Channel, Peacock, Pluto TV, Tubi, Vizio WatchFree, Xumo Play, LG, Plex, TCL, Samsung and NFL.com/nflchannel.

NFL GameDay View: Schedule Release will also live stream on the NFL’s YouTube channel and be televised at 11 p.m. ET on NFL Network.

ESPN is to have a two-hour prime-time special in celebration of Wednesday’s release of the 2025 regular season schedule at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN2.

Host Laura Rutledge and analysts Dan Orlovsky, Louis Riddick, Adam Schefter and Peter Schrager anchor coverage as Monday Night Football’s Troy Aikman and other guests — including coaches and players — join to contribute their instant feedback on the 2025 NFL schedule.

Josh Simmons holding Chiefs jersey at 2025 NFL Draft
Josh Simmons holding Chiefs jersey at 2025 NFL Draft

NFL.com and the NFL app will offer full team-by-team and weekly listings of all regular season games, including opponents, sites and times.

NFL+ will provide fans with exclusive content through Secrets of the Schedule that includes the NFL’s schedule makers revealing behind-the-scenes information on how the 2025 schedule was created and talking about which games were the most requested this season.

Also, Cynthia Frelund uses her proprietary analytics model to predict each team’s win/loss record.

Fans can stay up to date with the latest news regarding the release of the 2025 NFL regular season schedule through the NFL+ Twitter/X account.

Go to NFL.com/tickets to buy tickets when the schedule comes out. Tickets can be bought through Ticketmaster, SeatGeek and Sports Illustrated during NFL Ticket Network.

NFL capitalizes on Amazon Web Services’ (AWS) strength when generating its schedules.

There are a quadrillion NFL schedule possibilities during each season, and more than 26,000 things to consider like stadiums available, traveling needs, nights games, competition balance and rival division.

AWS is used by the NFL for running high performance computing workloads to identify best possible schedule for each year. To learn more, click here.

This season, Marriott Bonvoy is making it easier than ever for NFL fans’ travel experience.

Fans will now see a convenient hotel button on the NFL.com schedule page that takes them directly to the closest hotel to each stadium within the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio of brands.

It’s an easy way to simplify planning and make every game day adventure comfortable, effortless and memorable.

For more information on the release of the 2025 NFL schedule, click here.

NFL programming is the most valuable content across all sports and entertainment. NFL games were ranked as 90 of the top 100 telecasts in the 2024 season.

New York Giants Draft 2025
New York Giants Draft 2025

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dow soars 1,000 points as Trump administration and China dramatically cut tariffs.

dow soars 1000 points after trump team and china dramatically lower tariffs

US stocks rose on Monday following President Donald Trump’s top trade negotiators brokering a massively unexpected easing of trade tensions with China over the weekend, cutting tariffs to dramatically reduced levels, which some economists believe could prevent a US recession.

The Dow increased over 1,000 points, or 2.5%. The more general S&P 500 was up 2.85%, and the Nasdaq Composite, which is heavy in technology stocks, climbed 4%.

United States equities were set to erase all losses since President Trump’s April 2 trade declaration, which he had referred to as “Liberation Day.”

The declaration was a 10% tariff on almost all United States imports and a much more significant tariff for many countries.

Trump later abolished most of the tariffs just days after they entered into force, but he later raised import duties on China to at least reach 145% on most imports from China.

dow soars 1000 points after trump team and china dramatically lower tariffs
dow soars 1000 points after trump team and china dramatically lower tariffs

Consequently, China increased tariffs on United States goods to 125%. The reciprocal trade conflict had effectively halted trade between the two nations, thereby posing a significant risk of substantial price increases and shortages.

Both parties agreed to reduce tariffs by 115 percentage points, yet leaving the tariffs considerably higher than when Trump was sworn in in January – but far, far lower than the record high last month that scared American businesses, consumers, economists and investors.

Another of the major points of the negotiations: Bessent continued that the US and China had established a mechanism to prevent the escalation of tariffs on one another again, indicating the worst of the trade war could be over.

Henry Allen, a Deutsche Bank strategist, said in a morning note to clients, “There are many reasons still why a (global) recession is unlikely, and this morning’s news of lower US-China tariffs further supports the above statement.”

He added, “The market resilience is adding to the reduced probability of a recession by easing financial conditions.

Furthermore, policymakers are also not keen on a downtick or market disruption, as seen in the recent 90-day extension of tit-for-tat tariffs.”.

On the other hand, investors dropped save-haven assets, like gold, that declined 2.5%. US Treasuries declined too, pushing the 10-year yield over 4.45% once again. Bond yields and prices have an inverse relationship. Japan’s yen declined 1.5%.

The Wall Street fear index, the CBOE Volatility Index, declined 10% to its lowest level since March closed. “Greed” was the dominant sentiment in markets, per CNN’s Fear and Greed index.

Tech stocks were especially big gainers: Despite a recent US carveout of hardware from US tariffs on China, tech had been rattled exactly by the US-China trade war, thanks to the extremely interdependent nature of American and Chinese tech sectors. Apple (AAPL) gained 7%, Tesla (TSLA) gained 7.7%, Nvidia (NVDA) gained 5.1%, Amazon (AMZN) gained 8% and Intel (INTC) gained 4.1% Monday morning.

As a result, Wall Street was in high spirits on Monday morning. Investors were more inclined to take on riskier assets, namely equities.

The US dollar rose by 1.2% against a basket of currencies. US oil, which had fallen on fears of a shortage of demand due to a tariff-induced global recession, rose by 3.4% to $63 a barrel. Brent crude, the global standard, rose by 3.2% to $66 a barrel.

Trump and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent both recently declared that the tariffs on China had become unsustainable and that détente was in order.

Not many, however, anticipated the result of talks between Bessent, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, and their Chinese negotiators this weekend in Geneva to be particularly significant.

dow soars 1000 points after trump team and china dramatically lower tariffs
dow soars 1000 points after trump team and china dramatically lower tariffs

The shares of makers of luxury items, which had been lower in recent months, reversed trend sharply: Hermes rose 4%, Burberry 6%, and LVMH 7%.

Auto manufacturers also jumped: Jeep and Chrysler manufacturer Stellantis (STLA) rose 9%, General Motors (GM) grew 4% and Ford (F) gained 2%.

A bad time for a trade war.
Monday morning, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent described the de-escalation of the trade war he helped negotiate over the weekend with Chinese officials as hard but diplomatic.

Bessent further contributed that America was negotiating from strength because China needs the United States to buy its goods more than the United States needs China to buy its exports of goods. The Chinese economy is in a weak state, with a housing crisis and a building debt crisis. In addition, consumer spending has declined, accompanied by a decline in factory output. Hence, this is not the time for China to be struggling with a crippling trade war.
I have seen the state of the Chinese economy today. In addition, one can see trends in exports to the United States,” said Bessent. “Again, we are the nation with a trade deficit.”
Historically, the deficit is a country has a better negotiating position.”

But, as the saying goes, no party wins a trade war. The past few months have seen US consumer confidence plummet, as Americans, fatigued by inflation, have grown more and more fearful of the possibility of rising prices and shortages. In addition, Chinese shipments to the US were effectively halted, leading to widespread concern among American businesses. In addition, investors have braced for a recession, with economists claiming that the US economy would be especially negatively impacted by the trade war.

We were firm in our actions, and we went on,” Bessent told CNBC in Geneva. “We tried to identify areas of common interest. We came with a list of things that we wanted to discuss, and I think we did a good job of that.”.

The detente, while welcomed by Wall Street, consumers, and businesses, is a major departure for the Trump administration, which just days before had argued the trade standoff with China was necessary to restore America’s lost manufacturing capacity. Trump last week explained that the absence of trade with China placed America in a better position because it meant the country was no longer “losing money” to the Chinese.

Bessent explained that the agreement was no significant policy change, though.

This is just a brief halt,” he said. “The tariff level against China on April 2 was 34%, and since then, we’ve cut it from 34% to 10%.”.

In the following round of negotiations, the United States will be engaging in supply chain diversification for what Bessent termed “strategic necessities,” hence reducing reliance on China for strategic materials like critical medicines, semiconductor chips, and steel.

“What we are looking for is a decoupling for strategic needs, which we did not succeed in doing in the Covid pandemic,” he said. “Besides, we learned that good supply chains did not equal resilient supply chains. So, we are resolved to establish our own.”

He also claimed that the United States would pursue a more even-handed approach towards global business. Bessent said that the Trump administration intends to eliminate “insidious, non-tariff trade barriers that harm American businesses trying to do business” abroad.
A “historic fresh start.”
The de-escalation of the trade war with China is a huge victory for the US economy and US consumers, United States National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett told CNN’s Kate Bolduan on Monday.

Hassett noted that Trump had secured major concessions from China and the United Kingdom in their newly released proposals for trade talks, specifically by opening the British market to US beef and possibly relaxing some of the restrictions that China had placed on American firms that sought to do business there. In addition, Hassett believed that the deal that was struck over the weekend would reduce the chances of future supply shocks from China.

A big part of that has been addressed now — the risk of supply disruptions from China,” said Hassett. “I think this represents a genuinely historic new beginning in the relationship between the United States and China.

However, as Hassett explains, the developments do not represent a departure from the previous policy of Trump.

dow soars 1000 points after trump team and china dramatically lower tariffs
dow soars 1000 points after trump team and china dramatically lower tariffs

The bottom line is what President Trump was communicating is that if we don’t get that good deal to work, we’ll be okay,” Hassett said.

“The truth is that we didn’t sell nearly anything to China. We’re purchasing a lot of items from China. We could purchase that material elsewhere, or we could make it ourselves.”.