QUICKREADS

Despite appearances, digital networking hasn’t killed the business card – yet
Business cards are still relevant, especially for younger professionals. Many use both cards and LinkedIn for networking. New innovations include QR codes, videos, and tap cards. Older professionals prefer traditional cards. Millennials should consider using business cards to build their professional brand and make memorable connections. Despite technological advances, business cards remain a valuable networking tool.

NJ Transit strike from May 16? What you should know
NJ Transit faces potential train engineers' strike on May 16, 2025. Contingency plans include park-and-ride lots, enhanced bus routes, and ferry services. Commuters advised to prepare for disruptions and consider alternative transportation options.

Employer suddenly axed H-1b sponsorship THE DAY before the deadline, Redditor's ordeal goes viral
A data analyst's H-1B sponsorship was abruptly canceled the day before the lottery deadline, leaving them with 90 days to find a new job. Their viral Reddit post highlights the precarious situation faced by international graduates seeking work visas.

Cardinals continue conclave after black smoke signals no pope elected
Cardinals began their papal election conclave, with initial voting yielding no pope. Black smoke emerged from the Sistine Chapel, signaling no candidate selected. 133 cardinals continue voting, seeking a two-thirds majority for the Church's 267th pope.
Musk claims ‘OpenAI betrayed its mission and the public’ in scathing court filing
Elon Musk has denied OpenAI's allegations of a year-long campaign to undermine the startup, aimed at benefiting his own AI venture, xAI. Musk's attorney requested a judge dismiss the claims, asserting that OpenAI has strayed from its charitable roots. The legal battle intensifies as Musk and OpenAI prepare for a trial in March over restructuring plans.

Pro-Palestinian protesters storm Columbia University's Butler Library, several arrested| Video
Pro-Palestinian protesters stormed Columbia University's Butler Library, leading to NYPD intervention. Several arrested for non-compliance. The protest follows last year's campus demonstrations against the Israel-Gaza war, with tensions spreading across campus.
IRS mandates weekend overtime to clear tax error backlog, internal memo sparks staff concerns
IRS mandates weekend overtime for staff at Kansas City processing center to clear tax return error backlog, with employees required to work 16 hours over two weekends to address critical processing delays and potential staffing shortages.

Record-breaking gas prices in California by 2026? Here’s what a gallon could cost you
California gas prices could skyrocket to $8.44 per gallon by 2026, driven by refinery closures and new regulations. A USC professor's study warns of potential 75% price increase, impacting consumers and potentially influencing nationwide fuel markets.

Indo-Canadian premier of Canada’s Yukon province, Ranj Pillai, resigns
Ranj Pillai, the second Indian-origin Canadian provincial leader, announced his resignation as Yukon's Premier. He will step down after leading the territory since January 2023, triggering a leadership race before the November election.

China's Xi Jinping in Russia for Victory Day amid exchange of fire with Ukraine
Xi Jinping and Lula visit Russia for Victory Day amid intense Russia-Ukraine conflict, with ongoing missile and drone exchanges. Zelensky maintains 30-day ceasefire proposal while tensions escalate, with Xi expected to discuss Ukraine war with Putin.

Vitaly Zdorovetskiy faces up to 24 years in Philippines' jail: Will Russia step in to free him?
Russian YouTuber Vitaly Zdorovetskiy faces 24 years in Philippine jail after allegedly harassing security guards, attempting to grab a firearm, and filming without permits during a livestream. His dual citizenship complicates potential diplomatic intervention.

Kash Patel, FBI director, is not happy with this Trump's decision for his agency
FBI Director Kash Patel criticized Trump's proposed budget cuts of $545 million, arguing the agency cannot maintain its mission with reduced funding. Patel is working to prevent cuts and preserve existing law enforcement capabilities.

Fentanyl Crisis Provided Opening for U.S.-China Trade Talks
Beijing's outreach to Washington regarding fentanyl has led to upcoming trade talks in Switzerland, marking a potential thaw in U.S.-China relations. Both nations are seeking to ease tensions after extensive tariffs. The discussions aim to address drug trafficking concerns and explore new trade agreements, with officials hopeful for progress in reducing trade barriers.

The Britain-India trade deal is a sign of things to come
Sir Keir Starmer praised a new trade deal between Britain and India as the UK's most significant since Brexit. The agreement includes substantial tariff reductions, particularly benefiting whisky and car exports. It aims to boost bilateral trade by £25.5bn over 15 years, although restrictions on services and immigration remain contentious. This deal may influence future global trade negotiations.

Singapore urges citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan in fresh advisory
Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a travel advisory urging citizens to defer non-essential travel to Jammu & Kashmir and Pakistan due to heightened security tensions following an April 22 terror attack. Singaporeans are advised to remain vigilant, avoid large gatherings, and register with the MFA for safety updates and assistance.

Pakistan airspace closed for all commercial flights at Lahore, Islamabad airports after India's Operation Sindoor
Pakistan closed airspace at Lahore and Islamabad airports following India's Operation Sindoor, which targeted terror spots in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in response to a previous terrorist attack killing 26 people.