Newly-elected Pope Leo XIV called for a ceasefire in Gaza and an end to the Russia/Ukraine conflict during his first Sunday blessing from St. Peter’s Basilica. He expressed deep concern for global conflicts, quoting Pope Francis on the subject of avoiding war. He also emphasized a peaceful resolution the India-Pakistan conflict. (NPR)
Soviet-era spacecraft Kosmos-482, launched in 1972 for Venus study but stranded in Earth orbit due to a malfunction, deorbited and crashed into the Indian Ocean near Jakarta. Its trajectory was tracked by the European Space Agency before final descent. Interest in Venus led to discoveries like volcanic activity and geological patterns. (UPI)
The Trump administration fired U.S. Copyright Office head Shira Perlmutter for raising concerns about AI and copyrighted material. Perlmutter, appointed in 2020, faced controversy linked to Elon Musk’s AI efforts. The firing was criticized by critics as a power grab devoid of legal grounds. Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden was also fired. (CBS News)
President Trump may receive a luxury Boeing 747-8 jumbo jet as a gift from Qatar’s ruling family during his Middle East trip, potentially for use as a presidential aircraft. Despite reports, Qatar denied gifting the plane, stating it is under consideration for temporary use as Air Force One. Concerns arise over potential legal and ethical issues. (AP)
One person died and dozens were hospitalized after a tour bus collided with an SUV in Los Angeles. The SUV caught fire, resulting in one fatality. Thirty-two people were hospitalized, with two in critical condition. The incident occurred on Mother’s Day on Route 60 freeway in Hacienda Heights, with the SUV driver trapped and killed. (NBC News)
