The Guardian · 17 May, 05:56
Over 500 Ukrainian drones attacked Russia, killing three people near Moscow, while the US allowed a sanctions waiver on Russian oil to lapse.
On Sunday, Russia's defence ministry reported that air defences shot down 556 Ukrainian drones across more than a dozen regions, including Moscow, resulting in the deaths of three people. This attack follows Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's vow to launch retaliatory strikes after a Russian attack on Kyiv killed 24 people. The drone attacks are part of an ongoing exchange between Moscow and Kyiv. Additionally, the US allowed a sanctions waiver to lapse, which had permitted countries like India to buy Russian seaborne oil.
Why it matters: The drone attacks highlight the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, with both sides engaging in retaliatory strikes. The lapse of the US sanctions waiver on Russian oil may impact global oil supplies and prices, as well as Russia's revenue streams for its war efforts.
556 drones shot down, 3 people killed, 24 people killed in earlier Russian attack on Kyiv, 650-km land border between Romania and Ukraine
The Guardian · 17 May, 05:31
A Qantas flight from Melbourne to Dallas was diverted to Papeete, Tahiti, after a passenger allegedly bit a flight attendant, prompting a no-fly ban for the passenger. The incident is part of a series of altercations on Australian flights.
On Qantas flight QF21 from Melbourne to Dallas, a passenger's disruptive behavior led to a diversion to Papeete, Tahiti. The passenger allegedly bit a flight attendant, prompting other passengers and crew to intervene. Upon arrival in Papeete, authorities met the plane, and Qantas issued a no-fly ban to the passenger, which includes future Qantas and Jetstar flights. The flight resumed its journey to Dallas about 35 minutes later.
Why it matters: This incident highlights the issue of disruptive behavior on flights, which can compromise the safety of passengers and crew. The no-fly ban issued to the passenger demonstrates the airline's zero-tolerance policy towards such behavior. The incident is part of a recent spate of altercations on Australian flights, some of which have led to arrests.
QF21 flight, 2:30 pm (Friday, departure time from Melbourne), 7 hours (duration before diversion), 35 minutes (delay before resuming journey), 14 years (maximum penalty for assault on an aircraft crew member), 16 April (date of a similar incident)
“The safety of our customers and our crew is our number one priority and we have zero tolerance for disruptive or threatening behaviour on our flights.” - Qantas spokesperson
The Guardian · 17 May, 04:37
Republican Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy lost his primary election, finishing third behind two challengers who will advance to a runoff election on June 27. Donald Trump had endorsed Cassidy's opponent, Julia Letlow, and criticized Cassidy for his impeachment vote.
Senator Bill Cassidy, a Republican from Louisiana, lost his primary election on Saturday. With 98% of the vote counted, Julia Letlow, a U.S. Representative, received 45.2% of the vote, while John Fleming, the state treasurer, received 28.3%. Cassidy came in third with 24.4% of the vote. The top two candidates will advance to a runoff election scheduled for June 27. Trump's endorsement of Letlow was seen as a significant factor in Cassidy's defeat.
Why it matters: Cassidy's defeat highlights the risks Republicans face when they disagree with Trump on major issues. His vote to convict Trump during his impeachment and his support for vaccinations, which contrasted with Trump's views, likely contributed to his loss. This outcome may have implications for other Republicans who have broken with Trump.
45.2% (Letlow's vote share), 28.3% (Fleming's vote share), 24.4% (Cassidy's vote share), 98% (vote count), June 27 (runoff election date)
There is no greater endorsement than the endorsement of President Trump. We'll always be singing that from the mountaintops. - Julia Letlow
NPR News · 17 May, 04:23
New York Magazine is reviewing the work of writer Ross Barkan after he was accused of plagiarism. Barkan has written a forthcoming book about New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
Writer Ross Barkan is facing plagiarism allegations, prompting an investigation by New York Magazine. Barkan has written a forthcoming book about New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani. The allegations surfaced after Barkan was called out for copying the work of other writers.
Why it matters: This is significant because plagiarism allegations can damage a writer's reputation and credibility. The investigation by New York Magazine may impact Barkan's career, including the publication of his forthcoming book.
NPR News · 17 May, 00:52
Napoleon Solo won the 151st Preakness Stakes at Laurel Park in Maryland. The colt secured his first victory of the year.
Napoleon Solo, ridden by Paco Lopez, won the 151st Preakness Stakes, which took place on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at Laurel Park in Laurel, Md. The colt's victory came in a field of 14 horses after Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo exited the race, making the competition wide open. This was Napoleon Solo's first win of the year.
Why it matters: The Preakness Stakes is the second leg of the Triple Crown, making Napoleon Solo's victory significant in the context of the prestigious horse racing series. With Golden Tempo's withdrawal, the win by Napoleon Solo was unexpected and noteworthy.
14 (number of horses in the field), May 16, 2026 (date of the race), 151st (running of the Preakness Stakes)
NPR News · 17 May, 00:48
Bulgaria won the 70th Eurovision Song Contest with the song 'Bangaranga' performed by Dara, marking the country's first-ever win in the competition. The song beat out 24 other nations in the contest.
Bulgaria won the 70th Eurovision Song Contest with the song 'Bangaranga' performed by Dara. The song was not among the favorites to win, but it managed to best 24 other nations in the contest. This was Bulgaria's first-ever win in the Eurovision Song Contest.
Why it matters: This win is significant for Bulgaria as it marks the country's first-ever victory in the Eurovision Song Contest. The contest is a major international music event that brings together countries from across Europe and beyond.
70 (edition of the Eurovision Song Contest), 24 (number of other nations competing)
Ars Technica · 16 May, 11:00
The US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) is using AI to monitor and crack down on insider trading in offshore prediction markets, including those accessed through virtual private networks. The agency is staffing up and leveraging automation to analyze trading patterns and flag potential manipulation.
The CFTC, which oversees prediction markets, has been monitoring suspicious trading activity on offshore platforms like Polymarket's crypto-based platform. The agency's chairman, Michael Selig, stated that they are committed to finding and taking action against bad actors who use virtual private networks to access these platforms from the US. The CFTC is also investing in AI tools to analyze trading patterns and identify potential manipulation.
Why it matters: This development is significant because it indicates a renewed effort by the US government to regulate and enforce laws on prediction markets, which have been criticized for allowing insider trading and other forms of manipulation. The use of AI to monitor trading activity also highlights the increasingly important role of technology in financial regulation.
“We're going to find them, and we're going to bring actions,” - Michael Selig, CFTC chairman