Gasoline prices soar as Strait of Hormuz closes due to Iran war
Gas prices are rising as Iran closes the Strait of Hormuz, threatening oil supplies and raising concerns about the impact on the global economy.
Susie Wiles receives treatment for breast cancer
Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, President Donald Trump’s right-hand man and one of the most powerful people in Washington, is battling breast cancer. Trump said on Truth Social that Wiles, 68, the first woman to hold the job, had a “good” prognosis and would begin treatment immediately and remain in the White House. Wiles acknowledged her diagnosis in a post on X, noting that nearly 1 in 8 women in the United States face similar struggles. “Every day, they continue to raise their families, go to work, and serve their communities with strength and determination. Now, I’m joining them.”
Will Pluto get back on track?
Little Pluto has some big boosters. Considered the ninth and outermost planet in our solar system until it was downgraded to dwarf planet status in 2006, this distant world now has a prominent figure pushing for its planet status to be regained, and possibly by presidential proclamation. Among them is NASA’s new administrator, Jared Isaacman, who said in an interview with the Daily Mail that he supports President Donald Trump in “making Pluto great again” with executive orders. It’s unclear whether the president can do that, and he hasn’t considered the issue.
Google Maps expands your horizons
Google Maps is now even better at getting you where you want to go. The search giant is rolling out an “Ask Maps” button on its Maps app. The button allows drivers to ask “complex, real-world questions that maps have never been able to answer,” and get answers such as recommended stops along the route, destination amenities, parking and restroom options, and more. Another new app feature is called immersive navigation, which creates a 3D view that reflects surrounding structures and terrain and highlights crosswalks, lanes, stop signs, and traffic lights. According to the company, more than 2 billion people use Google Maps every month.
“One Battle” wins Oscar
Hollywood rolled up the red carpet and wrapped up awards season in style with a frenzied 98th Academy Awards, crowning “One Battle After Another” with six trophies, including the big prize of Best Picture. Sinners entered the night with a record 16 nominations, much to the dismay of some Oscar-watchers, but only won four, with an emotional Michael B. Jordan winning Best Actor. Ireland’s Jessie Buckley won the Best Actress award for “Hamnet,” and in her acceptance speech said it was Mother’s Day in the UK and dedicated her award to “the beautiful turmoil of a mother’s heart.”
Underdog Venezuela surprises US to win WBC title
The final game of the World Baseball Classic may have been tinged with political turmoil, but in the end, it was a classic. Venezuela defeated the USA 3-2 at Lawn Depot Park in Miami with a go-ahead double in the ninth inning, erasing the heroics of America’s Bryce Harper, who tied the game with a monster two-run home run in the eighth inning. Venezuela closed out the game with a perfect victory in the bottom of the ninth inning, sending the pro-Venezuelan crowd into a frenzy that brought some players to tears. “Our country needs this,” MVP Michael Garcia said. “And we need this too.” − Compiled and written by Robert Abitbol
