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Rousey's Lightning‑Fast Armbar Ends Carano’s ReturnRonda Rousey stopped Gina Carano with her signature armbar just 17 seconds into their double‑comeback fight on Saturday night at the Intuit Dome. The 39‑year‑old Rousey, who has a career record of 13‑2, charged from the opening bell, secured the hold and forced the referee to stop the bout, delivering a decisive finish that she described as “beautiful martial arts.”Numbers That Define the Fight: 17 Seconds, Ages, Records17 seconds – time from the opening bell to the stoppage.Rousey age: 39; Carano age: 44.Rousey’s record: 13 wins, 2 losses.Carano’s layoff: 17 years, one of the longest in pro‑sports history.What This Bout Means for Women’s MMA and Streaming PlatformsThe fight highlighted the lasting marketability of two pioneering women in mixed martial arts. Rousey’s early dominance helped the UFC introduce a women’s title, while Carano’s early stardom brought mainstream attention to the sport. Their joint return also underscored Netflix’s strategic push into live combat sports, positioning the platform as a potential new home for high‑profile MMA events.Looking Ahead: Future of Comeback Fights and Netflix’s Role in Combat SportsRousey has indicated this will be her final fight, but Carano left the door open for another bout, and promoter Nakisa Bidarian expressed interest in future match‑ups. Netflix’s successful broadcast may encourage more live MMA productions, especially featuring legacy athletes whose stories attract both nostalgic fans and new viewers.

The Global Health Emergency DeclarationThe World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the latest Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and neighbouring Uganda a "public health emergency of international concern" after the virus killed nearly 90 people.The outbreak, originating in eastern DRC's Ituri province, involves the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola. The variant has no approved vaccine or treatment, making containment particularly challenging.Health authorities said the outbreak poses a high regional risk because infections have already been detected in Uganda and cases linked to the outbreak have reached Congo's capital, Kinshasa.The WHO, however, stopped short of declaring a pandemic, saying it did not meet the necessary criteria. The United Nations agency advised countries against closing borders or restricting trade.Outbreak Origins and Current SituationThe outbreak was first reported in Ituri province in the northeastern DRC on Friday near the borders with Uganda and South Sudan, according to Africa's Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC). As of Saturday, the centre had reported 88 deaths and 336 suspected cases.The outbreak began in Mongwalu, a busy mining area. Infected people later travelled out of the area, sought treatment in other places and spread the disease. Africa CDC warned that population movements, weak healthcare infrastructure and violence by armed groups in Ituri could complicate containment efforts.The outbreak's patient zero was a nurse who arrived at a health facility in Ituri's capital, Bunia, on April 24, showing Ebola-like symptoms, DRC Health Minister Samuel-Roger Kamba said.Meanwhile, Uganda has recorded two laboratory-confirmed cases linked to travellers arriving from the DRC, including one death in the capital, Kampala."The number of cases and deaths we are seeing in such a short timeframe, combined with the spread across several health zones and now across the border, is extremely concerning," warned Trish Newport with the medical aid organisation Doctors Without Borders, also known by its French acronym MSF."In Ituri, many people already struggle to access healthcare and live with ongoing insecurity, making rapid action critical to prevent the outbreak from escalating further," she added.Understanding the Ebola VirusEbola is a severe and often fatal viral disease first identified in 1976 near the Ebola River in what is now the DRC. The virus is believed to originate in wild animals, particularly bats, before spreading to humans.The disease spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids such as blood, vomit, semen or other contaminated materials, including bedding and clothing. People become contagious once symptoms appear.Symptoms include fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, intense weakness, muscle pain and, in severe cases, internal and external bleeding. The incubation period can last two to 21 days.The current outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo strain, first identified in Uganda in 2007.It has a "very high lethality rate, which can reach 50 percent", Kamba said on Saturday. "The Bundibugyo strain has no vaccine, no specific treatment," he added.Implications of the WHO Emergency DeclarationThe WHO's declaration of a "public health emergency of international concern" is the organisation's second-highest alert level under international health regulations.The agency stressed that the outbreak does not currently meet the threshold for a pandemic emergency, the highest level introduced after COVID-19. However, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said neighbouring countries were "considered at high risk for further spread due to population mobility, trade and travel linkages, and ongoing epidemiological uncertainty".The organisation urged neighbouring countries to activate emergency-management systems, strengthen cross-border screening and isolate confirmed cases immediately. The WHO also recommended daily monitoring of contacts and recommended that exposed individuals avoid international travel for 21 days.At the same time, the WHO cautioned against border closures, saying restrictions could encourage unmonitored informal crossings and undermine containment efforts."There are significant uncertainties to the true number of infected persons and geographic spread associated with this event at the present time," the WHO said. "In addition, there is limited understanding of the epidemiological links with known or suspected cases."Historical Context of Ebola OutbreaksThe DRC has experienced at least 17 Ebola outbreaks since the virus was first discovered there in 1976, making it one of the countries most affected by the disease.The deadliest Ebola outbreak in the DRC occurred from 2018 to 2020 and killed nearly 2,300 people. Some cases were also reported in Uganda. Another outbreak last year killed at least 34 people before it was declared over in December.Ebola has killed about 15,000 people since it was discovered, almost all in Africa.Regional Challenges and Response DifficultiesA conflict involving several rebel groups is likely to pose a significant challenge to the response to the virus, including in Ituri province."The ongoing insecurity, humanitarian crisis, high population mobility, the urban or semiurban nature of the current hotspot and the large network of informal healthcare facilities further compound the risk of spread, as was witnessed during the large Ebola virus disease epidemic in North Kivu and Ituri provinces in 2018-19," the WHO warned.This month, an attack by rebels killed at least 69 people in the northeastern province, security officials said.The mineral-rich region faces ongoing attacks by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a group formed by former Ugandan rebels that has pledged allegiance to ISIL (ISIS), and the Rwanda-backed March 23 Movement, better known as M23.For more than three decades, the eastern DRC, known for its vast mineral wealth, has been plagued by conflict as numerous armed factions compete to dominate its mining areas.

Stephanie Psaki and other former health officials warned that the United States is still not ready for the next pandemic, even as the hantavirus outbreak underscores deteriorating testing capacity, expertise, and public‑trust mechanisms.The Hantavirus Outbreak Highlights Gaps in US Public Health InfrastructureThe recent hantavirus cases, while unlikely to become a global crisis, have shone a spotlight on three critical weaknesses: dwindling ability to test for rare diseases, eroding outbreak‑prevention expertise, and an overwhelming flood of misinformation that outpaces scientific communication.Funding Gaps and Misinformation Costs: Quantifying the Impact50/50 chance of another pandemic as severe as Covid within the next 25 years, according to scientific models.The United States contributes roughly $130 million to the World Health Organization, a figure the experts compare to the Pentagon’s recent spending on luxury meals.Covid‑19 vaccine development achieved 95% efficacy in just 11 months, a feat built on decades of basic research and rapid genome sequencing.Misinformation on social media consistently outpaces data‑driven messaging, reducing public compliance with health measures.Why the US Is Falling Behind: Structural and Communication FailuresKey factors identified by Anthony Fauci and others include:Loss of experienced personnel at health agencies, leaving response plans understaffed.Insufficient domestic production of tests and supplies – the US struggled with only a handful of ineffective tests while South Korea was producing 20,000 tests per day.Poor coordination with international partners, exemplified by delayed vaccine distribution and inadequate syringe supplies.Over‑reliance on simplistic messaging that erodes trust, especially when uncertainty is not communicated transparently.Looking Ahead: What Must Change to Secure Future Pandemic DefenseExperts outline a roadmap:Reinvest in public‑health infrastructure, including rapid‑deployment testing labs and a strategic stockpile of vaccines and supplies.Develop proactive communication strategies that pre‑bunk myths before they spread, leveraging trusted community voices alongside scientific data.Strengthen global collaboration by committing reliable funding to the WHO and ensuring equitable vaccine access.Institutionalize a clear, five‑step response framework: stop emergence, identify quickly, contain, treat, and protect healthcare capacity.Without these actions, the United States risks repeating past mistakes and further eroding both domestic resilience and international trust.

The LeadTwo legendary Nepali Sherpa climbers have once again pushed the boundaries of human endurance on Mount Everest, breaking their own records in what officials describe as another milestone in Nepal's mountaineering history. Kami Rita Sherpa, known as the "Everest Man," has now scaled the world's highest peak 32 times, while Lhakpa Sherpa, the "Mountain Queen," has set a new women's record with her 11th summit.The Record-Breaking AscentsKami Rita Sherpa, 56, first conquered Everest in 1994 while working as a guide for a commercial expedition. Since then, he has made the climb almost every year, sometimes achieving two summits in a single season. His latest achievement surpasses his own record set just last year.Lhakpa Sherpa, 52, made history in 2000 when she became the first Nepali woman to successfully summit and descend Everest. Her 11th summit further solidifies her position as one of the most accomplished female mountaineers in history."This is another milestone in Nepal's mountaineering history," said Himal Gautam, spokesperson for Nepal's Tourism Department. "Their record gives greater excitement to other climbers. By breaking records through healthy competition on Everest will help make climbing safer, more dignified and better managed."Mountaineering in NepalThe achievements of these Sherpa climbers highlight the growing significance of mountaineering as both a sport and a business in Nepal. Kami Rita was born in the same Thame village in Solukhumbu district as Tenzing Norgay, who with Edmund Hillary was the first to climb Everest in 1953.Since that historic first ascent, a climbing boom has transformed mountaineering into a lucrative industry for Nepal. This year, the country issued a record 492 Everest permits for the March-May climbing season. More than 8,000 people have climbed the mountain since Hillary and Norgay's expedition, many of them multiple times.Among non-Sherpa climbers, the record is held by British guide Kenton Cool with 19 ascents, followed by American climbers Dave Hahn and Garrett Madison with 15 climbs each. Notably, Cool and Madison are currently attempting to improve their own records.The Future of EverestThe high numbers of climbers and their Sherpa guides heading for the summit have rekindled concerns about overcrowding on the mountain, especially if poor weather shortens the climbing window. Despite these challenges, the record-breaking achievements continue to inspire and draw attention to the extraordinary capabilities of Sherpa climbers who have long been the backbone of Himalayan expeditions.While Kami Rita has previously stated he was "just working" and not specifically aiming to set records, his consistent achievements have elevated him to legendary status in the mountaineering community. As the popularity of Everest continues to grow, the records set by these exceptional athletes may continue to be broken, but their contributions to the sport and to Nepal's tourism industry remain unparalleled.

The Final Showdown: Premier League Title Race Enters Decisive PhaseThe two-horse Premier League title race between Arsenal and Manchester City has reached its critical juncture as the 2025-26 season enters its final week. With just two games remaining, the Gunners hold a slender two-point advantage over their rivals, setting up a dramatic conclusion to one of the most compelling title races in recent memory.Tiebreakers and Scenarios: How the Premier League Champion Will Be CrownedThe team with the most points at the end of the season wins the Premier League title. However, if clubs finish level on points, the tiebreakers come into play:Goal differenceGoals scoredPoints in head-to-head matchesAway goals in head-to-head gamesCurrently, Arsenal leads by two points but Manchester City holds a superior goal difference (+45 to +44) and has scored more goals (75 to 68). City also has the advantage in head-to-head results this season, winning 2-1 at home and drawing 1-1 away.Statistical Analysis: The Numbers Behind the Title RaceThe statistical battle between these two teams is remarkably close. Arsenal's position as league leaders gives them a psychological advantage, but Manchester City's superior goal difference and goals scored provide them with a mathematical cushion. The head-to-head record this season shows City's dominance, with both teams splitting their matches but City outscoring Arsenal 3-2 across those games.The final two games will not only determine the champion but also add significant context to both teams' seasons. For Arsenal, ending a 22-year title drought would be monumental, while for City, completing another domestic double after their FA Cup triumph would solidify their status as England's dominant force.Strategic Implications: How Each Club's Remaining Fixtures Impact Their Title HopesArsenal's run-in appears on paper to be more favorable than Manchester City's. The Gunners face already-relegated Burnley at home, followed by an away trip to Crystal Palace, who are safe from relegation but may be distracted by their upcoming Europa Conference League final.Meanwhile, City faces a more challenging schedule with trips to Bournemouth (who are chasing Champions League qualification) and then hosting Aston Villa. Villa, however, may be fatigued after playing in the Europa League final just days before their final league match.These fixture complexities add strategic layers to the title race, with both managers needing to balance squad rotation with the necessity of securing maximum points.Manager Mindsets: Arteta's Determination vs Guardiola's CautionArsenal's Mikel Arteta has emphasized the importance of not just winning but winning big to boost their goal difference. "First of all, we have to earn the right to win the game. To make a difference with more goals, even better," Arteta stated, highlighting his team's focus on both results and statistics.Conversely, Manchester City's Pep Guardiola has adopted a more cautious approach, acknowledging that his side's destiny is partly out of their hands. "If they win two games, nothing to do, nothing to talk," Guardiola told the BBC. "All we can be is in there just in case."These contrasting approaches reflect each team's current position in the table and the psychological pressures they face as the season concludes.Historical Context: The Weight of Legacy in This Title RaceThe significance of this title race extends beyond just the current season. Arsenal is chasing their first league title since 2004, ending a 22-year drought that represents the longest period without a championship in the club's modern history. Their 13 league titles place them third in the all-time English football standings.Manchester City, on the other hand, is seeking their 11th league title and sixth under Guardiola. Their recent dominance since 2012 has redefined English football, with four of their ten championships coming in the last six seasons.This contrast between historic giants and modern powerhouses adds another layer of narrative to what is already a compelling championship race.Predicting the Outcome: What Happens Next in the Premier League Title RaceWith two games remaining, Arsenal holds the advantage but Manchester City retains multiple paths to the title. The most likely scenario is Arsenal securing the championship by winning both their matches, which would give them 89 points and make it mathematically impossible for City to catch them even with a victory in their final game.However, the statistical proximity of these teams means that even a single slip-up from Arsenal could reignite City's title hopes. Given the dramatic nature of this season's title race, it would be fitting if the conclusion comes down to the final day of the season, with both teams knowing exactly what they need to do.Regardless of the outcome, this title race has already provided one of the most compelling narratives in recent Premier League history, with the psychological battle between Arteta and Guardiola adding a fascinating subplot to the footballing drama.

Four Fatalities Mark Ukraine’s Largest Drone Strike in Over a YearOn May 17, 2026, Ukraine launched a coordinated drone offensive that struck multiple Russian regions, including the Moscow and Belgorod oblasts, resulting in at least four deaths.Scale of the Assault: 556 Drones Intercepted Nationwide81 drones shot down over Moscow alone, according to Mayor Sergei Sobyanin.556 drones intercepted across Russia by the Ministry of Defence.Targets included residential buildings, infrastructure, and Sheremetyevo airport.Human and Infrastructure Toll: Casualties and Damage in Moscow Region3 fatalities in Moscow region (woman in Khimki, two men in Pogorelki).1 fatality in Belgorod region.12 injured, many near an oil refinery that remained operational.Damage to apartment blocks, homes, and airport debris, though no operational disruption reported.Strategic Implications for the Russia-Ukraine ConflictThe attack represents the most extensive Ukrainian drone campaign in more than a year, signalling a shift toward deeper penetration of Russian airspace. It follows diplomatic overtures by U.S. President Donald Trump and President Vladimir Putin suggesting a possible near‑term settlement, raising questions about the timing of escalations.What Comes Next: Potential Shifts in Military and Diplomatic DynamicsRussia may bolster air‑defence deployments around key urban centers.Ukraine could leverage drone successes to negotiate from a stronger position.International actors, especially the United States, might reassess support levels as the conflict’s intensity evolves.

Bulgaria Makes Historic Eurovision Victory Amid Political TensionsBulgaria has won the Eurovision Song Contest for the first time as Israel, whose participation had triggered a boycott from five countries and protests over its war against Palestinians in Gaza, came in second place. Bulgarian pop singer Darina Yotova, known as Dara, won on Saturday with her catchy floor-filler Bangaranga, claiming victory in the 70th edition of the world's biggest live televised music event.The Triumph of Dara's "Bangaranga""This is unbelievable. I don't even know what's going on right now," Dara said at a news conference following her victory. In a post on Facebook, Bulgarian Deputy Prime Minister Atanas Pekanov hailed a "magnificent story of immense talent, tireless effort, and faith in success, against all criticism." The victory marks a significant milestone for Bulgaria in the Eurovision competition, which has been running since 1956.Geopolitics Entertains the ArenaAbout 10,000 fans filled the Wiener Stadthalle arena in Vienna, Austria, to watch the showpiece final, where the razzmatazz didn't escape geopolitics. Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, Iceland and Slovenia staged the biggest political boycott in Eurovision history against Israel's participation, citing its war on Gaza, which has killed more than 72,740 Palestinians since it began in October 2023. Israeli singer Noam Bettan was loudly cheered although there was a smattering of boos as he performed Michelle, a rock ballad in Hebrew, French and English.The Boycott and Its AftermathThe boycott represented a significant moment for Eurovision, traditionally known for setting aside political differences. Spanish public broadcaster RTVE, traditionally one of Eurovision's major backers, not only boycotted the contest but also refused to screen the show. Belgian broadcaster VRT indicated it was unlikely to compete in next year's Eurovision if the European Broadcasting Union, which organizes the event, did not hold a direct vote on Israel's participation. Hundreds of protesters against Israel's inclusion marched near the arena before the final, with some holding placards saying "Block Eurovision."Future of Eurovision in QuestionEurovision organizers tightened voting rules this year after allegations Israel had mounted an intense lobbying campaign to get votes for its entry. The controversy surrounding Israel's participation has raised questions about the future of the competition and whether it can maintain its tradition of apolitical entertainment amid growing international tensions. With Belgium threatening to withdraw next year and calls for a direct vote on Israel's participation, the European Broadcasting Union faces significant challenges in maintaining the unity of the competition.

After a week‑long outage that crippled Canvas for millions of students worldwide, Instructure announced it had reached an agreement with the ransomware group ShinyHunters. While the company stopped short of confirming a payment, the deal raises fresh questions about the wisdom of paying extortionists to protect sensitive educational data. Instructure’s Agreement with ShinyHunters: What Actually Happened The attack began when the group exploited a vulnerability in Instructure’s “Free for Teacher” software, allowing them to deface login pages at institutions such as the University of Texas San Antonio. ShinyHunters threatened to leak 3.6 TB of data – student IDs, emails, names and messages from 9,000 schools and roughly 275 million students and staff – unless a ransom was paid. Instructure later said the stolen data had been “returned” and that it received “digital confirmation of data destruction” via shred logs, but it did not explicitly confirm a payment. Financial Stakes: Ransom Demands, Potential Payments, and Industry Benchmarks ShinyHunters initially demanded $10 million in ransom. Australian ransomware surveys show the average payment fell to $711,000 in 2025, down from $1.35 million the year before. According to a McGrathNicol report, 64 % of surveyed Australian firms had paid a ransom, and 81 % said they would be willing to do so. As of January 2026, 75 Australian businesses with turnovers of at least $3 million had paid ransoms, though the total amount remains undisclosed. Cyber‑security experts estimate that Instructure’s payout – if any – could be anywhere up to the $10 million demand, potentially reduced through negotiation. Policy and Business Implications: Why Paying Ransom Remains Controversial Governments in the UK, US and Australia advise against paying ransoms, arguing that non‑payment reduces the attractiveness of ransomware as a crime vector. In Australia, paying a designated attacker could breach the autonomous cyber‑sanctions law, exposing firms to prosecution on a case‑by‑case basis. Critics also note that payment does not guarantee data will not be leaked; attackers may still copy or sell the information after receiving money. Experts such as Darren Hopkins (McGrathNicol) and Luke Irwin (Aegis Cybersecurity) stress the “trust factor” – criminals must appear honest to receive payment, yet they remain untrustworthy. This paradox fuels boardroom debates about risk‑driven decision‑making versus investing in prevention and incident response capabilities. Looking Ahead: How Companies May Navigate Future Extortion Threats The Canvas case underscores the need for stronger cyber‑resilience strategies: regular vulnerability patching, robust backup architectures, and clear ransomware response playbooks. Insurers are tightening coverage terms, often requiring demonstrable mitigation measures before honoring ransom claims. Policymakers may also tighten reporting obligations and consider clearer prohibitions on ransom payments, especially for critical‑infrastructure providers like education platforms. Ultimately, firms will have to balance the immediate pressure to restore services against the long‑term cost of incentivising criminal enterprises. As ransomware groups refine their extortion tactics, the industry’s collective stance on paying – or refusing – will shape the next wave of cyber‑crime economics.

Ken Loach’s warning on the left’s missed unityAt a Cannes screening of his 1995 film Land and Freedom, the 90‑year‑old director Ken Loach told the Guardian that the upstart socialist movement founded by Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana has become “mired in infighting”, losing a historic chance to build a mass left‑wing coalition.Infighting within “Your Party” undermines left‑wing coalitionLoach described the early enthusiasm – “800,000 people expressed interest, that’s three times the size of a political party” – and contrasted it with the current internal battles that threaten to fragment the movement. He likened the split to the ideological quarrels that weakened the anti‑fascist front in the Spanish Civil War, a theme central to his film.Numbers behind the movement and its decline800,000 people signed up during the launch phase.That figure is roughly 3× the membership of a typical UK political party.Since the launch, public polling shows a 10‑point drop in perceived unity among left‑wing voters.Broader implications for UK politics and the far‑right surgeLoach argued that the left’s fragmentation is feeding the far‑right narrative, noting that Conservative leaders now echo language once associated with Nigel Farage. He warned that wealthy donors who fund the far‑right are “the ones now funding the far right”, citing Farage’s £5 million crypto gift as a symptom.The director also criticised Keir Starmer for “a fatal flaw in communication” and suggested that the Labour right is allowing the far‑right to dominate the political discourse.What the future may hold for the British leftLoach predicts that unless “Your Party” resolves its internal disputes, it will remain a peripheral force, unable to challenge the Conservative‑Labour duopoly. He urges left‑wing activists to view cinema as a political tool, warning that “politics is absolutely central to film‑making” and that artists must bear witness to the rising tide of fascist‑leaning rhetoric across Europe.