QUICKREADS

UNRWA warns Israel's West Bank operation aligns with annexation 'vision'
A prolonged Israeli offensive in the West Bank has displaced approximately 40,000 Palestinians and caused severe destruction to refugee camps, raising concerns of a political shift toward annexation. UN officials warn of worsening humanitarian conditions and potential radicalization among displaced residents. The situation threatens the legitimacy of the Palestinian Authority and calls for a stronger international response.

Pakistan closes airspace as explosions reported in Rawalpindi and Lahore
Pakistan closes airspace after explosions in Rawalpindi and Lahore amid escalating tensions with India. Both countries have shut down multiple airports following military confrontations involving drone and missile attacks, raising regional security concerns.

Did Karen Read flip the middle finger in court? Video sparks confusion
During Karen Read's murder trial, a viral video shows her allegedly raising her middle finger in court while cross-examining a witness. The incident sparked online debate about whether she intentionally gestured or was scratching her eye, adding tension to her ongoing trial.

Pope Leo XIV's first general audience date determined; Vatican releases complete schedule
Pope Leo XIV was elected after four voting rounds, succeeding Pope Francis. The Vatican has released his first month's schedule, including a Cardinals meeting, international press interaction, and his first general audience on May 21.

Multiple explosions heard near Rawalpindi's Nur Khan Airbase, Lahore: Report
Multiple explosions reported near Nur Khan Airbase in Rawalpindi and Lahore amid rising India-Pakistan tensions. Details unclear. This follows India's Operation Sindoor targeting terror infrastructure, with heightened security measures and airport closures.

US military ordered to pull books on diversity, gender issues
The Pentagon has ordered a review and removal of educational materials promoting "divisive concepts and gender ideology," reflecting the Trump administration's stance against diversity initiatives. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has eliminated diversity programs and commemorations at the Pentagon. Critics argue these actions undermine efforts to address systemic inequities, while supporters claim they prioritize merit over identity-based initiatives.

Earthquake of 4.0 magnitude hits Pakistan
A 4.0 magnitude earthquake struck Pakistan at 1:44am Saturday, according to the National Center for Seismology. The tremor occurred at a shallow 10-kilometer depth, with no immediate reports of damage or injuries.

After Ras Baraka's arrest, 2 other Democrats spotted breaching Delaney Hall ICE center
Two Democratic representatives attempted to enter Delaney Hall ICE detention center after Newark Mayor Ras Baraka's arrest, following claims of oversight. A viral post criticizes their actions as prioritizing undocumented immigrants over citizens.

Why Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was arrested at New Jersey ICE center | Revealed
Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was arrested at an ICE detention center after allegedly ignoring warnings from Homeland Security Investigations. The interim US Attorney stated he trespassed and refused to leave the facility on Friday.
100 Brits vs 100 Americans: New TikTok trend about bare-knuckle fight surfaces
A viral TikTok trend sparks debate about a hypothetical bare-knuckle fight between 100 Brits and 100 Americans. Users humorously speculate on potential outcomes, with some citing regional strengths and historical references, generating nearly a million views.

Trump supporter interrupts Letitia James' town hall over ‘mortgage fraud’
A Trump supporter interrupted Letitia James' town hall, demanding an apology for her legal actions against Trump and accusing her of mortgage fraud. James dismissed the allegations as baseless, and the heckler was booed and escorted out.

BART outage: When San Francisco's transit system will resume after massive downtime - Check here
BART system-wide outage disrupted San Francisco transit on Friday morning due to computer networking issues. Limited service expected to resume around 9:30 AM. Commuters advised to check BART app and use alternative transportation like buses and ferries.

Defense begins quizzing ex-model who accuses Harvey Weinstein of sex assaults during her teens
Harvey Weinstein's defense attorneys challenged former model Kaja Sokola's claims of sexual assault during her teenage years, highlighting inconsistencies in her testimonies. Sokola, the second accuser in Weinstein's retrial, alleges he assaulted her in 2002 and again in 2006. Weinstein, who has pleaded not guilty, is being retried after an appeals court overturned his previous conviction.

Migrants told of Libya deportation waited hours on tarmac, attorney says
Migrants in Texas were told they would be deported to Libya and were bused to a military airfield but returned to detention after the flight did not take off. Legal challenges arose, with a judge ruling that deporting non-Libyan migrants to Libya without proper screenings would violate court orders. The Trump administration's plans remain uncertain.

Future of AB Foods' bioethanol plant imperilled by US-UK trade deal
The recent U.S.-UK trade deal eliminates UK tariffs on U.S. ethanol, threatening the future of AB Foods' bioethanol plant in Hull, which could lead to job losses. AB Foods warns that the move, combined with existing regulatory issues, jeopardizes the viability of its operations, raising concerns among employees and farmers in the UK bioethanol industry.

‘I don't know her’: Trump says he ‘listened’ to RFK Jr before nominating Dr. Casey Means
Trump nominated Dr. Casey Means as surgeon general after RFK Jr's recommendation, despite claiming he doesn't know her. Means faces scrutiny over an inactive medical license, but Kennedy defends her academic and professional achievements.