Kashmiri men watch news on a cell phone at Dal lake in Srinagar, Indian controlled Kashmir, Wednesday, May 7, 2025. (AP Photo/Mukhtar Khan)2025-05-09T10:26:28Z BANGKOK (AP) Indias missile and bomb strikes on targets in Pakistan and Pakistani-controlled Kashmir have spiked tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, with Pakistans leader calling the attacks an act of war. Claims on exactly what was hit and where have differed widely, with neither India nor Pakistan releasing many specific details. Making the ongoing conflict even more confusing, the internet has been flooded with disinformation, false claims, and manipulated photos and videos, the Soufan Center think tank said in a research note Friday. This information warfare is compounded by both sides commitment to save face, it said.Still, some information can be gleaned from official statements and paired with what is known to gain greater insight into the clash: Pakistan says it shot down 5 Indian planes involved in the attack Hours after Indias attack early Wednesday, in retaliation for last months massacre of tourists in Indian-controlled Kashmir, Pakistans military spokesperson Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif claimed that the Pakistan air force had shot down five Indian attack aircraft: three French-made Rafales, a Russian-made SU30MKI and a Russian-made MiG-29. He said that Pakistans air force suffered no casualties, and that all of its aircraft returned safely to base. Pakistans Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif repeated the claim, saying that the Pakistan air force had the opportunity to shoot down 10 Indian planes, but exercised restraint and downed only the five that had fired on Pakistani targets. He told Parliament that overall 80 Indian planes had been involved in the attack. India, meantime, has not acknowledged any losses, though debris from three aircraft came down in at least three areas. Did it happen that way? India does have all three types of jets among its more-than 700 combat capable fighter aircraft, according to the International Institute for Strategic Studies Military Balance report. All three aircraft are fighters with the capability of carrying bombs or missiles for ground attacks. Pakistan and India have both said that their planes did not leave their home airspace, suggesting that if Pakistans account is accurate, rather than a dogfight in the skies over Kashmir, Pakistani pilots fired multiple air-to-air missiles over a long distance to take down Indian planes. Presuming India fired back, even though Pakistan said none of its planes were hit, the aerial skirmish would have been quite the show. But there have been no eyewitness reports of it or video to emerge on social media. What is known for sure is that Indian planes were in the air and attacked at least nine targets, and that debris from three has been found. Its also plausible that Pakistan used surface to air missiles to hit Indian planes which the war in Ukraine has shown to be very effective and would not have meant risking any of its own planes.Pakistan has a wide range of such missiles, primarily Chinese-made. Test of Chinese tech? Pakistans air force includes American-made F-16s, the French Mirage, and the new Chinese-built J-10C, as well as the Chinese JF-17, which was developed jointly with Pakistan.In addition to American air-to-air missiles, Pakistan also has several Chinese products in its arsenal, including the PL-12 and PL-15, both of which can be used to fire at targets beyond visual range. Pakistans Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar told lawmakers it was the J-10C that shot down the Indian aircraft, raising the likelihood that Chinese-built missiles were also employed. Its interesting that Pakistan is saying it is using Chinese jets that it has imported from China to shoot down Indian aircraft, said Lisa Curtis, director of the Indo-Pacific security program at the Center for a New American Security, a Washington think tank.In 2019, during the rivals previous military confrontation, it was a Pakistani F-16 provided by the United States that was used to shoot down an Indian aircraft, Curtis said in a conference call. Its interesting to see that Pakistan is relying more on its Chinese equipment than it did six years ago.The news convinced traders with shares in AVIC Chengdu Aircraft, which builds both the J-10C and J-17, to post large gains Wednesday and Thursday on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange. Meanwhile, the stock of Dassault Aviation, the maker of the Rafale jet, which is among those Pakistan claims to have shot down, dropped sharply on Wednesday on the Paris Stock Exchange, though had recovered by close on Thursday. What else is known? India hasnt talked about what assets were involved in the attacks. The Indian Defense Ministry said that the strikes targeted at least nine sites where terrorist attacks against India have been planned.Pakistan, meantime, has said 31 civilians were killed, including women and children, in Pakistan-administered Kashmir and the countrys Punjab province, and that buildings hit included two mosques. India did show video of eight of the strikes at a briefing on Wednesday. four in Pakistan-controlled Kashmir and four in Pakistan. Both sides have talked about missile strikes, but it was clear from the video that bombs were also dropped on some targets, possibly from drones. In addition to claiming the five Indian aircraft shot down, Pakistan also said it downed an unspecified number of drones on Wednesday. Indian officials said the strikes were precision attacks, and from the videos shown, it did appear that specific areas of installations were targeted with individual missiles or bombs, rather than widespread areas. What happened next? India sent multiple attack drones into Pakistan on Thursday, with Pakistan claiming to have shot down 29 of them. The drones were identified as Israeli-made Harop, one of several in Indias inventory. One drone damaged a military site near the city of Lahore and wounded four soldiers, and another hit the city of Rawalpindi, which is right next to the capital Islamabad., according to the Pakistani army. India did not deny sending drones, but the Defense Ministry said its armed forces targeted air defense radars and systems in several places in Pakistan, including Lahore. It did not comment on the claims of 29 being shot down. India similarly did not comment on Pakistani claims to have killed 50-60 soldiers in exchanges along the Line of Control, though it did say one of its soldiers was killed by shelling on Wednesday. Pakistani Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, meantime, denied Indian accusations that Pakistan had fired missiles toward the Indian city of Amritsar, saying in fact an Indian drone fell in the city.___Associated Press writers Munir Ahmed in Islamabad and Sheikh Saaliq in New Delhi contributed to this report. DAVID RISING Rising covers regional Asia-Pacific stories for The Associated Press. He has worked around the world, including covering the wars in Iraq, Afghanistan and Ukraine, and was based for nearly 20 years in Berlin before moving to Bangkok. twitter mailto

Nature, Published online: 08 May 2025; doi:10.1038/d41586-025-01492-3The structure of the taste receptor responsible for sweetness has finally been mapped out. Plus, the intricate patterns of cells in mouse brains illuminated with just a light microscope and a class of drugs offering hope for rare children's cancers.

Just when it appeared that the Vegas Golden Knights finally found an opening in overtime, their chances of winning Game 2 were quickly closed shut in controversial fashion.

We guide you through coverage of the new pontiff and his views.

Exploring a photograph of the aftermath of a deadly airstrike at a Gaza City restaurant.

The Justice Department and Google are wrapping up a three-week hearing that could have a major impact on the search giant and how people gather information online.

A federal judges recent ruling has made it possible for apps to sell software and subscriptions outside the App Store without having to pay a commission.

Court documents show the company commissioned a sham report and lied on the stand to justify its actions, which will cast a shadow over future lawsuits.

People walk between buildings, Dec. 17, 2024, on the campus of Harvard University in Cambridge, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne, File)2025-05-09T11:01:46Z WASHINGTON (AP) A majority of U.S. adults disapprove of President Donald Trumps handling of issues related to colleges and universities, according to a new poll, as his administration ramps up threats to cut federal funding unless schools comply with his political agenda.More than half of Americans, 56%, disapprove of the Republican presidents approach on higher education, the survey from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research finds, while about 4 in 10 approve, in line with his overall job approval.Since taking office in January, Trump has tried to force change at universities he says have become hotbeds of liberalism and antisemitism. The spotlight most recently has been on Harvard University, where Trumps administration has frozen more than $2.2 billion in federal grants, threatened to strip the schools tax-exempt status, and demanded broad policy changes. The Trump administration also has cut off money to other elite colleges, including Columbia University, the University of Pennsylvania and Cornell University, over issues including the handling of pro-Palestinian activism and transgender athletes participation in womens sports. Harvard has framed the governments demands as a threat to the autonomy that the Supreme Court has long granted American universities. The poll shows a disconnect between the Trump administrations targeting of universities and an American public that sees them as key to scientific research, new ideas and innovative technology. About 6 in 10 U.S. adults say colleges and universities make more of a positive contribution to medical and scientific research than a negative one, and a similar share favors maintaining federal funding for scientific research. Lets talk about Harvard for a minute, said Freddy Ortega, 66, a Democrat and a retired military veteran in Columbus, Georgia. The way he took away all that money in funding, impacting things that Harvard has been working on for the betterment of the world. One man should not have that much power, Ortega continued. This is something for Congress to deal with.Ortega, whos Hispanic, also said hes concerned about Trumps attempts to dismantle diversity, equity and inclusion programs across U.S. society. I came up in the military. I know the good that those programs do, he said. It changes the direction that peoples lives are going to take. Republicans are divided on cuts to colleges federal fundingTrumps stance on higher education resonates more strongly with Republicans, most of whom see college campuses as places where conservatives are silenced and liberal ideas run unchecked. About 8 in 10 Republicans approve of how Trump is handling issues related to colleges and universities which, notably, is higher than the share of Republicans, 70%, who approve of his handling of the economy and about 6 in 10 say theyre extremely or very concerned about liberal bias on campus. Republicans are more divided, however, on withholding federal funding from schools unless they bow to Trumps demands. About half are in favor, while about one-quarter are opposed and a similar share are neutral. Im all for it, said Republican voter Hengameh Abraham, 38, a mother of two in Roseville, California. She supports cutting federal funds and opposes DEI programs, saying she emigrated to America from Iran as a teenager and worked hard to get ahead in school without the help of affirmative action programs.Your racial identity, nationality and background should not be a factor in getting accepted to college or getting a job, said Abraham. She supports Trumps focus on campus antisemitism. When pro-Palestinian protests swept U.S. colleges last year, some of the demonstrators messaging was anti-U.S., she said. I do not think if you have any kind of anti-American agenda or slogan that you should be allowed on a university campus in the United States, she said.In Harvards case, Trump has threatened to remove its tax-exempt status, and his administration has implemented funding cuts. Those measures are divisive among the general public: Nearly half oppose withholding federal funding as a punitive action, while about one-quarter favor it. About one-quarter are neutral. Charles Jolivette, 43, a college career counselor who lives in New Orleans, sees Trumps education policies as an attack on free speech and people of color.Not only is the president going after anyone he feels is an opponent and anyone who is not compliant, but hes attacking some of the most important elements of our society, said Jolivette, a Democrat. Its rampant bullying from the president of the United States, who is supposed to be crossing the aisle. The cost of tuition far outweighs other concernsA top concern of most Americans is the cost of a college degree. About 6 in 10 U.S. adults are extremely or very concerned about the cost of tuition. That concern is shared by majorities of Democrats and Republicans and far outweighs concerns about antisemitism and liberal bias on campuses among the general public. College costs a lot more than it needs to. To get an education, you should not have to break your pocketbook, said Eunice Cortez, 68, a Republican near Houston.Cortez, whos originally from Mexico, did not go to college, but she made sure her U.S.-born children did and is proud that her grandchildren are getting college degrees. She supports Trump but is concerned that some of his policies, including funding cuts, will make it harder for people who need tuition aid to get an education. She sees it as the government getting in the way of an educated society.The poll shows a divide between college-educated Americans and those without college degrees, highlighting a possible cultural rift that Trump has seized on in the past.Most Americans with a college degree, 62%, are opposed to withholding funding from universities that dont comply with the presidents requirements, while those without a college degree are split, with about 3 in 10 in favor, a similar share opposed, and about 4 in 10 saying they dont have an opinion.Kara Hansen, 40, a registered independent in Seminole, Oklahoma, is a few credits shy of a college degree. She supports the idea of dismantling the Education Department to shake things up. But she said shes concerned by what she calls Trumps authoritarian tendencies and a growing fear on college campuses to speak up and voice opinions.It feels like everybody has a muzzle on, Hansen said. They cant fully express themselves because theyre afraid of getting in trouble, and afraid of Trump.About 3 in 10 U.S. adults say students or professors can freely speak their minds a lot on college and university campuses. About 4 in 10 say they can do this to some extent. Republicans feel their views are stifled: About 8 in 10 say liberals can speak their minds a lot or some on campus, but fewer than half say the same about conservatives.___Gecker reported from San Francisco.___The AP-NORC poll of 1,175 adults was conducted May 1-5, using a sample drawn from NORCs probability-based AmeriSpeak Panel, which is designed to be representative of the U.S. population. The margin of sampling error for adults overall is plus or minus 4 percentage points.___The Associated Press education coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. The AP is solely responsible for all content. Find the APs standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org. JOCELYN GECKER Gecker is an Associated Press reporter covering education with a focus on social media and youth mental health. twitter mailto LINLEY SANDERS Sanders is a polls and surveys reporter for The Associated Press. She develops and writes about polls conducted by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, and works on AP VoteCast. twitter

Mennonites Abraham Fehr and Katarina Wall hold their baby as he gets vaccinated weeks after the family fell sick with measles during an outbreak in Cuauhtemoc, Chihuahua state, Mexico, Thursday, May 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Megan Janetsky)2025-05-09T05:10:51Z CUAUHTEMOC, Mexico (AP) In a rickety white Nissan, nurse Sandra Aguirre and her vaccination team drive past apple orchards and cornfields stretching to the desert horizon. Aguirre goes door to door with a cooler of measles vaccines. In one of Latin Americas biggest Mennonite communities, she knows many will decline to be vaccinated or even open their doors. But some will ask questions, and a handful might even agree to get shots on the spot. Were out here every single day, said Aguirre, pausing to call out to an empty farm, checking for residents. To gain trust of the Mennonites because theyre reserved and closed-off people you have to meet them where theyre at, show a friendly face.Aguirres work is part of an effort by health authorities across the country to contain Mexicos biggest measles outbreak in decades, as cases climb not only here but in the U.S. and Canada. In Mexico, cases have been concentrated in the Mennonite community long skeptical of vaccines and distrustful of authorities in the northern border state of Chihuahua. Officials say results of their campaign alongside Mennonite leaders have been mixed they cite tens of thousands of new vaccinations in Chihuahua, but infections have ballooned and spread past the community to Indigenous and other populations. Federal officials have documented 922 cases and one death in Chihuahua. Officials, health workers and local leaders say the numbers are likely underestimated, and misinformation about vaccines and endemic distrust of authorities are their biggest obstacles. Pressed against the fringes of the small northern city of Cuauhtemoc, the Mennonite settlement here spans about 40 kilometers (25 miles). With 23,000 residents, its one of Cuauhtemocs primary economic engines, but its an isolated place where families keep to themselves. Some have turned to social media and anti-vaccine websites for research. Others use little technology but visit family in the United States, where they also hear misinformation which then spreads through word of mouth. Chihuahua is a particularly worrisome place, officials say as a border state, the risk that the preventable disease will continue spreading internationally and affect the most vulnerable is high. We have a massive flow of people, said Alexis Hernndez, a Cuauhtemoc health official. That makes things a lot more complicated.The spread of measles in MexicoMexico considered measles eliminated in 1998. But its vaccination rate against the virus was around 76% as of 2023, according to the World Health Organization a dip from previous years and well below the 95% rate experts say is needed to prevent outbreaks. Mexicos current outbreak began in March. Officials traced it to an 8-year-old unvaccinated Mennonite boy who visited relatives in Seminole, Texas at the center of the U.S. outbreak. Cases rapidly spread through Chihuahuas 46,000-strong Mennonite community via schools and churches, according to religious and health leaders. From there, they said, it spread to workers in orchards and cheese plants. Gloria Elizabeth Vega, an Indigenous Raramuri woman and single mother, fell sick in March. Because shes vaccinated, measles didnt occur to her until she broke out in hives. Her supervisor at the cheese factory who also caught measles told her she had to take 10 days of leave and docked her pay 40% for the week, Vega said. Its rare for vaccinated people to get measles, but officials say that may account for up to 10% of cases here, though theyre milder. Vega tucked herself away in the back of her two-room home, hoping her daughter and mother also vaccinated wouldnt get sick. She wishes people would think of others when considering vaccination. They say, Well, I have enough to be fine, she said. But they dont think about that other person next to them, or wonder if that person has enough to live off of.Vaccination isnt required in Mexico. Schools can request vaccination records, federal health department spokesman Carlos Mateos said, but they cannot deny anyone access to education. In Chihuahua, some schools started reaching out to parents for copies of vaccination cards and encouraging shots, said Rodolfo Corts, state health ministry spokesman. Its unknown how many in the Mennonite community have gotten the vaccine which is safe, with risks lower than those of measles complications. Gabriella Villegas, head of vaccination at a clinic treating Mennonites with measles, estimated 70% of community members are not vaccinated. Other health authorities estimated the vaccination rate around 50%. Along with measles, misinformation is spreading Mennonites who spoke to The Associated Press most on condition of anonymity, fearing backlash repeatedly cited vaccine misinformation. One man said U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has a long record of promoting anti-vaccine views and has called vaccination a personal choice, is a hero. I dont accept vaccines; its that easy. Because thats where freedom of expression comes in, said the man, Jacob Goertzen. If we cant make out own decisions, we dont live in a democracy. Hernndez, Cuauhtemocs health director, said outside influences affect community vaccine views. The Mennonite population has a lot of access to social media and family members in the U.S. and Canada, where there are a lot of myths that have taken hold and many more anti-vaccine groups than we have in Mexico, he said. During nurse Aguirres vaccination drive, one man simply said people here prefer to cure themselves in their own way. A mother described getting sick with measles as a privilege and spoke of putting her unvaccinated 5- and 7-year-olds in a party so everyone could get sick and recover a risky tactic doctors have long denounced. Mexicos lone death from measles was a 31-year-old Mennonite man in the settlement who had diabetes and high blood pressure, underlying conditions that often complicate sicknesses. Mexicos vaccination effortsMost people in Indigenous and other communities quickly agreed to vaccinate, officials told AP, but in Mennonite areas crews have to do more vigorous outreach the door-to-door visits, follow-up calls and conversations, and involvement of local leaders. In Cuauhtemocs settlement, thats leaders like Jacob Dyck Penner. As colony president, he and other leaders closed school for two weeks to slow infections, have made a push to show residents theyre working with health authorities, and are encouraging vaccination. Leaders translate health information into Low German, the native language of most of the community. Penner and others are assisting vaccination teams, making sure families know how to access health services. We had to find this way, together with doctors, to not pressure people or inspire distrust, so they can take their time and make their own decision to accept (being vaccinated), Penner said.Medics report more people visiting clinics, seeking vaccines for measles and other diseases. Still, Penner said, there a swath of people will always reject vaccinations. For this mother, lifes now paycheck to paycheckHealth officials like Hernndez say theyre concerned in particular for vulnerable populations including Indigenous groups, many of whom have fewer resources to cope. Vega, the single mother who got measles, said her job at the cheese factory was once a blessing, providing health insurance and steady pay. But the forced leave and docked pay left her reeling. She said shes living paycheck to paycheck and wonders how shell pay the bills her daughters school supplies, lunches, tennis shoes. I have a daughter to keep afloat, she said. Its not like I have the option to wait and pay for things, for food. ____Associated Press videojournalist Martn Silva Rey contributed to this report from Cuauhtemoc, Mexico. MEGAN JANETSKY Megan Janetsky covers migration, conflict, human rights and politics in Mexico and Central America for The AP based in Mexico City. Previously, she covered Cuba and the Caribbean for The AP and worked as freelance journalist in Colombia, reporting across South America. twitter instagram facebook mailto

Kidney donor Nija Butler and kidney recipient Ambrealle Brown are photographed the day before graduating from Baton Rouge General's School of Nursing on April 28, 2025 in central Louisiana. (AP Photo/Stephen Smith)2025-05-09T04:05:32Z BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) For years, Ambrealle Brown was forced to put her dreams of becoming a nurse on hold due to a life-threatening kidney disease that left her temporarily incapacitated. Amid inner doubts about whether she would ever return to living a normal life, Browns mother stepped in and offered to donate her kidney. Doctors performed Louisianas first robotic kidney transplant, giving Brown a renewed chance at life and Nija Butler the opportunity to see her daughter thrive. Nearly two years after the successful transplant, the Louisiana mother and daughter shared another journey. Donning white caps and gowns, they walked across the stage together in Baton Rouge and graduated from nursing school. As parents, we always tell our children, we would die for you, and kids dont always understand that kind of love, Butler, 48, said. I would have given anything for her to live. I mean that from the bottom of my heart, without a second thought. During an interview with The Associated Press last month, the two women reflected on their journey together and the challenges they have overcome. The Louisiana mother-daughter duo has always been close. Butler gave birth to her daughter when she was in high school, and as a result, they grew up together. Butler poured herself into raising her daughter and son, and Brown planned to become a nurse. But in 2016, when Brown was diagnosed with Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), a rare kidney disease that can cause kidney failure, everything changed. Her prognosis quickly worsened. One day, Brown, who was taking prerequisite courses for nursing school, felt her legs tighten to the point that she could not move. Shortly after, Browns doctor delivered detrimental news: Brown would either need to start dialysis or have a kidney transplant to survive. The average wait for a kidney transplant in the U.S. can vary from two to five years, or longer, depending on certain factors, based on data from the National Kidney Foundation. Brown desperately hoped for a new kidney. But as she awaited news of a transplant, she was forced to turn to dialysis a treatment that lasted nine to 13 hours, every single day. Browns daily life was limited, and she had to stop school.After years of dialysis, Butler said she saw a shift in her daughter, who was typically optimistic. It was like she wanted to give up, Butler recalled about a phone call with her daughter. She was tired of just being connected to a tube that her life revolved around.Although doctors had previously told Butler she likely wasnt a match to be a kidney donor for her daughter, she still scheduled an appointment to get tested the next day. She opted not to tell her daughter, not wanting to get her hopes up in case it wasnt a viable match. Soon after, Brown got news she had been waiting five years to hear she was getting a new kidney. She called her mother to tell her, but her mom already knew. Confused, Brown asked her mother how she would know that. Its me, Butler responded. The two underwent surgery in March 2023, with Tulane University School of Medicine doctors performing the states first kidney transplant using a robotic surgical system. The practice offers increased precision so the procedure is minimally invasive, hoping there will be less pain and a speedier recovery.After the successful surgery, Brown returned her focus to school. Her mother decided to get her registered nurses license as well. For 16 months, they were attached at the hip. They sat together, studied together, and, in April, graduated from the Baton Rouge General School of Nursing together.I couldnt have done it without her because nursing school is hard, Brown, 34, said. Im happy that I was able to go through that milestone with her side by side.Brown has accepted a job at a burns intensive care unit, and Butler is continuing her career at a psychiatric facility. The ladies hope their story inspires others to never give up and also spread awareness about the importance of medical testing and the donor and transplant process. Thank you for giving me life twice, Brown said to her mother. I have to keep saying that because you gave me a second chance at life, and most people dont get do-overs.Butler wiped away a tear and, without skipping a beat, said, And I would do it again.

Nature, Published online: 09 May 2025; doi:10.1038/d41586-025-01419-yAndrew Robinson reviews five of the best science picks.

On Sunday, Arsenal will give Liverpool a guard of honor. How can they avoid a repeat next term?

Lamine Yamal is only 17 and he's one of the world's best players -- and probably the best teenager ever.

Nick Parkinson ranks this weekend's fights from best to worst and explains what's at stake.

Who are the best hitters in college baseball? Kiley McDaniel breaks it down.

Georges St-Pierre, Dan Hardy and other welterweight champs explain Belal Muhammad.

President Trump made his threat in a post on Truth Social that came after a phone call with President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine.

A mothers call for justice has challenged a culture of shame and inspired a nationwide movement to tackle the crisis of sexual violence.

At a landmark antitrust trial, a judge is weighing how to define competition for the social media giant in order to decide whether it broke the law.

The shows producer, Jonathan Nolan, has put himself at the forefront of Hollywoods push to get California to approve $750 million in tax rebates.

The couples lives are preserved in a SoHo building where for decades they plotted their monumental projects.

President Donald Trump speaks to reporters after David Perdue was sworn in as U.S. Ambassador to China during a ceremony in the Oval Office of the White House, Wednesday, May 7, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)2025-05-09T11:39:51Z WASHINGTON (AP) President Donald Trump on Friday floated cutting tariffs on China from 145% to 80% ahead of a weekend meeting among top U.S. and Chinese trade officials as he looks to deescalate the trade war.Top U.S. officials are set to meet with a high-level Chinese delegation in Switzerland in the first major talks between the two nations since Trump sparked a trade war with stiff tariffs on imports.80% Tariff on China seems right! Up to Scott B, Trump wrote on his social media account on Friday morning, referring to Scott Bessent, his Treasury chief, who has been a point person on trade. The Republican president also called on China to open its markets to the U.S., writing: WOULD BE SO GOOD FOR THEM!!! CLOSED MARKETS DONT WORK ANYMORE!!!Bessent and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer will meet with their counterparts in Geneva in the most-senior known conversations between the two countries in months, the Trump administration announced this week. It comes amid growing U.S. market worry over the impact of the tariffs on the prices and supply of consumer goods. No country has been hit harder by Trumps trade war than China, the worlds biggest exporter and second largest economy. When Trump announced his Liberation Day tariffs on April 2, China retaliated with tariffs of its own, a move that Trump viewed as demonstrating a lack of respect. The tariffs on each others goods have been mounting since then, with the U.S. tariffs against China now at 145% and China tariffs on the U.S. at 125%. Trump had previously said that he wouldnt lower the tariffs against China to hold substantive talks. But he showed signs of softening during an Oval Office appearance on Thursday, when he said he could lower the 145% rate charged on Chinese goods if the weekend talks go well. Were going to see, Trump said. Right now, you cant get any higher. Its at 145, so we know its coming down. The presidents team has acknowledged that the 145% tariff was not sustainable, as taxes at that rate were effectively an embargo on any trade between the two countries.But it remains unclear how Trump can reconcile the contradictions in his stated goals. He wants large amounts of tariff revenues to offset his income tax cuts, but he also wants deals to increase market access for U.S. goods that would likely require lower tariffs. His aides have said he wants to isolate China, yet his tariffs on other trade partners make it difficult to create a durable alliance on trade. SEUNG MIN KIM Kim covers the White House for The Associated Press. She joined the AP in 2022 and is based in Washington. twitter mailto JOSH BOAK Boak covers the White House and economic policy for The Associated Press. He joined the AP in 2013. twitter mailto

On Wednesday, The Information reported that Meta is working on facial recognition for the companys Ray-Ban glasses. This sort of technologycombining facial recognition with a camera feedis something that big tech including Meta has been able to technically pull off, but has previously decided to not release. There are serious, inherent risks with the idea of anyone being able to instantly know the real identity of anyone who just happens to walk past their camera feed, be that in a pair of glasses or other sort of camera.The move is an obvious about-face from Meta. Its also interesting to me because Metas PR chewed my ass off when I dared to report in October that a pair of students took Metas Ray-Ban glasses and combined them with off-the-shelf facial recognition technology. That tool, which the students called I-XRAY, captured a persons face, ran it through an easy to access facial recognition service called Pimeyes, then went a step further and pulled up information about the subject from random the web, including their home address and phone number.When I contacted Meta for comment for that story, Dave Arnold, a spokesperson for the company, said in an email he had one question for me. That Pimeyes facial recognition technology could be used with ANY camera, correct? In other words, this isn't something that only is possible because of Meta Ray-Bans? If so, I think that's an important point to note in the piece, he wrote.This is true. But entirely misses the point of why the students created the tool with Metas Ray-Ban glasses. They said themselves in a demonstration video they identified dozens of people without their knowledge. You do that by wearing a pair of glasses that look like any other. Metas Ray-Bans do have a light that turns on when its recording, but according to the new report, Meta is questioning whether new versions of its glasses need this.I replied to Arnold spelling this out a bit. Yes, it could theoretically work with other cameras. That being said, they didnt stick a GoPro onto their bodywhich would undermine the surreptitious nature of it. They used smart glasses, which Meta makes, I wrote.We published the article under the headline Someone Put Facial Recognition Tech onto Meta's Smart Glasses to Instantly Dox Strangers. Arnold had an issue with that.I saw the article, and respectfully, I think the headline as written could be misleading to readers. It says someone put facial recognition tech ONTO Meta's Smart Glasses, which sounds like someone's hacked the device, or installed facial recognition device on the glasses themselves, when in reality, they are live-streaming from the glasses to Instagram and then they use a program to monitor the stream. I think that is an important distinction. Is it possible to update the headline to reflect the nuance here?I didnt update the piece or reply because this is a distinction without any real meaning. Into the glasses, onto the glasses, with, glued to, whatever. The impact is what matters, and the project was done on Metas glasses.Do you work at Meta? I would love to hear from you. Using a non-work device, you can message me securely on Signal at joseph.404 or send me an email at joseph@404media.co.Arnold left it at that for the time being. We then recorded a podcast episode about the students tool, and Arnold had some more complaints. He wanted to talk about the headline of the podcast, which was The Smart Glasses That Dox Strangers.Arnold wrote:You say in the podcast that the glasses don't have facial recognition capabilities, and you've previously acknowledged that this could be done with any camera/recording device, but a headline saying smart glasses that dox strangers clearly makes it sound like this is an issue that is specific to the glasses, or that the facial recognition was executed on the glasses themselves vs. the reality, which is that this was all run by a program on their laptop. This is despite the fact that the students themselves have said publicly: We do not want this to be a criticism of their product at all, and we just had them on handthis could have been done on a phone camera. I realize we may not agree on everything here, but surely you can appreciate how headlines like this are misleading for readers.Someone Put Facial Recognition Tech onto Metas Smart Glasses to Instantly Dox StrangersThe technology, which marries Metas smart Ray Ban glasses with the facial recognition service Pimeyes and some other tools, lets someone automatically go from face, to name, to phone number, and home address.404 MediaJoseph CoxNo, I dont appreciate that. I also dont care if the students didnt intend their project to be a criticism of Metas smartglasses or not. The fact is, they built a doxing tool with Metas glasses, tested it on multiple unsuspecting members of the public without consent, and specifically chose Metas glasses because they allow a user to scan a face in a stealthier manner than jamming a phones camera in someones face, for example. The intellectual dishonesty at the expense of protecting the brand at all costs here is embarrassing.I replied: We think the headline is fair and accurate.I followed up with Arnold on Thursday to ask for comment for this piece too. I asked, does his earlier stance that this is not specifically a Meta problem, but a broader one, still stand? And what was their statement on The Information report?Arnold wrote back: 404 Media's previous reporting misleadingly implied that the students' experiment was uniquely possible with Ray-Ban Meta glasses, despite the fact that the students themselves acknowledged 'this could have been done on a phone camera.' Our objection to this still stands.

I'll never forget the first day on the job in my authentic form.It was a day or two after I held my own "coming out" party as my trans self. The party included some friends, relatives, and a coworker or two. At the time, I worked as a desk clerk at the local museum and the local orchestra's theatre box office. I did all the work to "prep" my colleagues at both jobs: provided HR departments with my legal name change papers; informed my immediate colleagues (though they had known weeks and months in advance); and even wrote up a blog post-turned-email on my new legal name, pronouns, and the importance of understanding and respecting them.After a few hours of smiling and helping guests, my boss at the museum pulled me to the side. With a smile I thought equated to a rainbow emoji, she passive-aggressively told me that my eyelashes were lovely but "a bit too much." With a small smile, I nodded and took them off to the staff room.If only I knew this was the start of a long journey dealing with similar actions.Out of Office: Coming Out at Work as a Trans PersonThere's coming out, and then there's coming out at work. One is a declaration of identity, and the other is a risk decision.Let me explain.Coming out as trans in the workplace is not a moment of clarity wrapped in a neat little bow. It's a thousand paper cuts of disclosure: the HR form, the Zoom meeting, and side chats with a coworker who stumbles over when referring to your former or chosen name like a lava flow. When your health insurance and livelihood hang in the balance, coming out isn't just brave but a negotiation.And, sometimes, not always a fair one, especially when the Man with the Orange Face and his folk make it even harder for us to thrive.If you're like me, you probably drafted words or prepped yourself in a mirror of coming out that sometimes reads like a corporate apology statement. You may have whispered, "I'm transitioning," in a one-on-one the way most people admit to forgetting a deadline. You may have overcompensated with work for weeks, hoping no one would say the wrong thingand knowing someone inevitably would.And if you're lucky, you may have been met with support, celebration, and maybe even an awkward "I watched Pose once!" comment from someone in Accounting.But before we get to the office confetti, let's rewind.Coming Out to Yourself, FirstBefore you come out to Brenda in Finance, come out to yourself in the bathroom mirror. And take your time.No rule says you have to disclose your identity at work. There's no medal for being the first out trans person in your office, like there's no penalty for choosing peace and privacy over visibility. Whether you're a trans femme software engineer, a nonbinary barista, or a gender-expansive guidance counselor, your identity is valid regardless of who knows it.Know Your Rights, Even If They Feel Like SuggestionsDepending on where you live, the protections for trans workers range from rock solid to barely a rumor.In the U.S., the Supreme Court's Bostock v. Clayton County decision means it's technically illegal to fire someone for being transgender. That's the law. But the reality? Trans people are still disproportionately fired, misgendered, passed over, and victims of aggression in the workplace to push them out.When I was still at the museum, I increasingly dealt with what I now realized were microaggressions that ranged from how I looked "overdressed" at work to "not looking happy when I arrived" minutes after walking into the museum (yes, that one was on a performance review.) Despite being one of two non-white staffers promoted to full-time, they slowly began to pull back on my hours to the point that I lost the insurance benefits that helped me at the start of my transition. It increasingly felt like they wanted me there for diversity points but didn't truly value me.So, before you write that coming-out message or change your email signature, check your company's non-discrimination policy. Do they list "gender identity" explicitly? Do they have a trans-inclusive health plan? An LGBTQ+ employee resource group? A clue?Because being out at work shouldn't feel like spelunking into HR's inbox without a rope.Choose Your Own (Coming Out) AdventureSome people send a big email to everyone in the organization. Others drop it in one-on-ones. I wish I had included a surprise party with a gender reveal cake. There's no right way to come out at the workplace. But I would suggest thinking about three things:Audience: Who needs to know? (Just your boss? The team?)Tone: Do you want to educate, update, or just inform? (You don't have to write a dissertationunless you want to.)Support: Do you have an ally in the room, someone who can back you up, correct pronouns gently, and advocate if needed?Looking back, I feared coming out at the orchestra more than at the art museum. The art museum conveyed avant-garde and a safe space for diversity (I presumed). Meanwhile, the dedicated patrons who volunteered, sat on committees, and donated some serious money always gave the vibe that their safe space was somewhat conservative. But I was surprised to receive a warm welcome when I came out at that workplace. Was there a slight bump in the road? Absolutely. A day or so after my mass email, one coworker who worked in the Development Office explained he would have difficulty going by my new name and pronouns, not to mention the occasional asks if they could go by my nickname. But if they could pronounce Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninoff, they could best learn to say my name equally.You don't have to be funny or fabulous or write the Dear White People of coming out emails. You have to be clear to them and always be kind to yourself.Manage the Fallout or the Glow-UpSome workplaces surprise you in the best ways. A bouquet shows up on your desk. Someone buys you lunch. Your email and signature updates are met with nothing but hearts and "Thank you for sharing."Other times? The air gets thick. A colleague calls you by your old name in a meeting. Your manager avoids eye contact. The guy who always overshares about his CrossFit regime suddenly gets quiet.Coming out is a mirror. It shows you who's been listening and, sadly, who's been pretending. And it can be deeply disappointing. Here's the thing: people will get it wrong. Someone will say "transgendered." Someone will ask if you've had any surgeries. Someone will say they couldn't "tell" like it's a compliment. You don't have to educate them. You don't have to smile.But you do get to correct them. You do get to document it. And you do get to put your mental health first.No job is worth your dignity. No paycheck is worth your peace.Making Space for Yourself and OthersThe moment after you come out of work can be strangely anticlimactic. You might feel underwhelmed or overwhelmed. You might find yourself overexplaining or over-apologizing. You may overperform to prove that you're still a team player, hoping they still see you as 'professional' and 'normal.'But, my dear, you never were normal. You're a trans trailblazer in a world full of binary spreadsheets and gendered bathrooms. And just by being out, if you choose to be, you open the door for someone else to walk through. Because visibility isn't everything, but it means something.Sometimes, coming out at work doesn't just shift how others see you. Many times, it shifts how you see yourself. A new confidence, a deeper breath, a refusal to shrink into the person they hired before they knew the full story. Some will cheer you on as you get comfortable and confident in your skin.And expect others who will fear and loathe you because they cannot dim the glory of your shine.I won't lie. It's hard. It's risky. It's rarely as simple as clicking "Send." But one day, a new hire might scroll through the org chart, see you, and realize they aren't alone. One day, a colleague might thank you for quietly helping them understand the trans person in their life, be it a child or a neighbor. One day, you might catch your reflection in the elevator mirror and smile, knowing you're no longer pretending.You Are LimitlessI finally left the Memorial Art Gallery at the University of Rochester exactly 19 months after the start of my transition. After all the aggression, I realized that the professional path wasn't for me. But at the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra? I was there for another four years, moving up the ladder from a desk clerk at their box office to working in their Marketing department as a Content Manager and ending the last leg of my stint there as a Director of Content & Digital Marketing. It wasn't always rosy there. But I was always allowed to grow professionally because I grew into my authentic self.And I continue to grow every day.So, whether you're crafting a coming out email or just surviving another day in the cubicle that smells like printer ink and repression (not to mention those awful overhead lights!), remember:You deserve to be seen.You deserve to be respected.And you deserve to take up space.Keep glowing and growing,Your Lovable Trans AuntieYour Lovable Trans Auntie is our go-to advice column for lifes biggest (and messiest) questionslove, work, identity, and everything in between. With a signature blend of warmth, wit, and just the right amount of sass, Auntie offers readers a uniquely trans perspective thats as affirming as it is entertaining. Whether dishing out heartfelt wisdom, practical advice, or a little tough love, Auntie is here to remind everyone that theyre never alone on this journeyGot a crush but dont know how to tell them youre trans? Wondering how to deal with that coworker who still forgets your pronouns? Trying to navigate family drama, dating dilemmas, or just figuring out who you are? Aunties got you. Submit your questions to voices@equalpride.com.

Nature, Published online: 09 May 2025; doi:10.1038/d41586-025-01484-3Colliding beams of lead create fast-moving, short-lived gold ions. Understanding the process could help to refine particle accelerator experiments.

Increased salaries, revenue sharing and salary cap are among the issues being negotiated for WNBA's new CBA.

The stifling unit that fueled Oklahoma City is facing its greatest test: Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets.

From top recruits to big-time transfers, these players look to impact the College Football Playoff hopefuls.

Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah has been voted the Football Writers' Association (FWA) Footballer of the Year.

Arsenal striker Alessia Russo has been voted the Football Writers' Association (FWA) Women's Footballer of the Year.

We have an American pope and a Russian president, Jimmy Kimmel said, calling it an historic era.

President Trump hailed an agreement with Britain as a breakthrough but far tougher negotiations, including with China, beckon.

President Trump has ordered federal agencies to halt their use of disparate-impact liability, which has been used to assess whether policies discriminate against different groups.

The exercises are challenging, but they can be a great way to gauge your overall strength and speed.

Heritage meets gumption at the Costume Institutes big spring exhibition, where pathbreaking pieces join anonymous garments to build a moving history.

VATICAN CITYAngrily stomping on his vestments and throwing his zucchetto on the ground, Cardinal Pietro Parolin told reporters Friday that being passed over for pope meant he had devoted his life to God for absolutely nothing. Five goddamn decades of faith, dedication, and service in the name of our Lord and Savior, and this is the thanks I get? said the 70-year-old Veteran Vatican diplomat, adding that he would have spent his life mired in sin if he knew it was going to end withCardinal Robert Prevost being elected the 267th Pope of the Catholic Church. Seriously. I spent 56 years living a moral, humble, and charitable life to get snubbed by some catty Cardinals at their stupid little Conclave. I took a vow of celibacy for Gods sake! Everyone must think Im such an idiot. A distraught Parolin added that he knew he should have listened to his gut, never joined the seminary, and devoted his life to Islam instead.The post Cardinal Passed Over For Pope Devoted Life To God For Nothing appeared first on The Onion.

DANBURY, CTExpressing immense satisfaction with the recently purchased devices performance, area dad Frank Hoyer confirmed Friday that he was impressed by how easily a new lawn mower tore through his son Alans leg. Look at this thing godidnt even hiccup gliding through all that tibia! Hoyer said as he wiped a streak of blood from his brow, adding that he reckoned the machine could have handled a leg twice as large as his sons without any difficulty. Boy, you can really feel that extra horsepower at work. All that bone and sinew would have been way too much for our old mower to handle. I doubt it could have made it past your ankle. But this beaut handled that big, bony kneecap no problem, nice and smooth. And that high-capacity bag could probably hold a couple dozen more legs before Id ever have to empty it! Sorry, pal, but I cant take you to the hospital just yet. Ive got to see what else this baby can do! At press time, Hoyer reportedly asked his son to stick out his other leg so he could show off the lawn mowers power to their neighbor Jim.The post Dad Impressed By How Easily New Lawn Mower Tore Through Sons Leg appeared first on The Onion.

Decluttering these items ahead of your move will save you time and energy.READ MORE...

What we love to prepare in our kitchens can reveal a lot about our design style, and few kitchen creations are as personal as your coffee order. Whether you start the day with a quad-shot espresso or a seasonally flavored latte, you can elevate your coffees style with the Ninja Luxe Caf.The only (yes, only) all-in-one espresso, drip coffee, and rapid cold brew maker, the Ninja Luxe Caf fits into any coffee routine and any kitchen design.READ MORE...

The Supreme Court at sunset in Washington, Feb. 13, 2016. (AP Photo/Jon Elswick, File)2025-05-09T13:11:37Z WASHINGTON (AP) Retired Supreme Court Justice David H. Souter, the ascetic bachelor and New Hampshire Republican who became a darling of liberals during his nearly 20 years on the bench, has died. He was 85.Souter died Thursday at his home in New Hampshire, the Supreme Court said in a statement Friday.He retired from the court in June 2009, giving President Barack Obama his first Supreme Court vacancy to fill. Obama chose Sonia Sotomayor, the courts first Latina justice.Souter was appointed by Republican President George H.W. Bush in 1990. He was a reliably liberal vote on abortion, church-state relations, freedom of expression and the accessibility of federal courts.

Wolves forward Matheus Cunha has said he puts a lot of pressure on himself when it comes to discipline after being suspended twice and receiving a red card this season.

Mikel Arteta has said he is "very clear" about what improvements need to be made at Arsenal next season after another trophyless campaign.=

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has said he is "disappointed" that defender Trent Alexander-Arnold has decided to leave the club this summer but has backed the Reds to adapt following his departure.

Ruben Amorim says Manchester United must accept criticism of their Premier League form, but insists he has had to sacrifice domestic games to chase Europa League glory.

Emmanuel Clase is just one of baseball's elite 2024 relievers who has had issues this season. But all hope might not be lost ... yet.

He left conservatives bitterly disappointed with his migration from right to left, leading to the cry of no more Souters.

IAG, the airlines parent company, announced the order a day after Britain and the United States confirmed the framework for a trade agreement to lower tariffs.

The law set off a wave of child sex abuse litigation that has pushed some public institutions to the brink of financial crisis. School districts face up to $3 billion in claims.

Small changes make a big difference. READ MORE...