Britney Spears addresses concerns over her recent hotel exit accompanied by paramedics, dismissing speculation and attributing the incident to a minor injury. Despite tabloid photos suggesting otherwise, the pop star assures fans that her departure from the Chateau Marmont was due to a twisted ankle, not a medical emergency. Spears shares details on Instagram, including a video of her swollen ankle, humorously recounting how the mishap occurred while attempting a leap in her hotel suite. The incident coincides with her divorce settlement with estranged husband Sam Asghari, marking a new chapter for the pop icon.

Google trimmed its core team by axing 200 positions, with some roles moved abroad to streamline operations. The restructuring aims to enhance efficiency and reduce bureaucracy. The tech giant plans to fill vacancies in India and Mexico while providing support to affected employees. Despite layoffs, Google reported robust growth and announced a $70 billion buyback and its first dividend. The move aligns with Alphabet's ongoing workforce adjustments since 2023, amidst evolving market dynamics.

Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson was initially denied entry to his local polling station due to a lack of acceptable photo ID. After returning with the required identification, he successfully cast his ballot in South Oxfordshire for a police and crime commissioner. The incident highlights new rules mandating photo ID for voting, implemented under the Elections Act 2022. Despite concerns, government intends to expand acceptable forms of ID, including veterans' cards. Issues like Conservative MP Tom Hunt's dyspraxia-induced passport loss and other voter ID challenges prompted discussions about accessibility and proxy voting options.

In a groundbreaking observation, an orangutan named Rakus has been seen treating a facial wound with a plant known for its pain-relieving and wound-healing properties. Rakus, a male Sumatran orangutan, chewed the leaves of the Akar Kuning plant to create a liquid and applied it to his injury, much like a wound plaster. This is the first documented case of a wild animal using a plant with medical properties to treat a wound. The observation was made at the Suaq Balimbing research site in Indonesia and has been published in the journal Scientific Reports.

President Joe Biden labeled India, Japan, China, and Russia as "xenophobic," suggesting their alleged resistance to immigrants hinders economic growth. The remark drew criticism, prompting the White House to issue a clarification. Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stated that Biden was making a "broader point" about the importance of immigration for the US economy. She affirmed that American allies and partners are well aware of Biden's respect for them. Jean-Pierre emphasized that the President's comments were intended to highlight the nation's identity as a country of immigrants, which contributes to its strength.

UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron reaffirmed the UK's support for Ukraine, pledging £3 billion yearly "for as long as necessary" during his visit to Kyiv. This commitment, the largest since Russia's invasion, emphasizes ongoing assistance to Ukraine's defense efforts. Cameron expressed solidarity with Ukraine's right to self-defense, allowing the use of UK-supplied weapons within Russian territory. The aid package includes military equipment, investment in energy infrastructure, and international cooperation to meet Ukraine's urgent needs. Despite ruling out troop deployment, the UK remains steadfast in its commitment, underscoring bipartisan agreement on Ukraine policy amid potential Labour government considerations.

London's famed nightlife scene is crumbling, with thousands of clubs, bars and pubs shuttering after COVID-19 lockdowns. The diminished late-night offerings are now taking a toll on tourism. Early closing times and limited Night Tube service are frustrating visitors accustomed to cities that stay lively into the early hours. In today's mayoral election, candidates propose remedies like nightlife funds, expanded night transit, and permission for "hail and ride" buses. Restoring London's vibrant social scene is crucial, as the city's nightlife was previously a major draw for millions of annual tourists seeking an unparalleled European party experience.

Amazon and Google have suspended US green card applications for immigrants for the rest of 2024, citing stiff competition and recent layoffs. This move will make it harder for overseas candidates to work in the US tech industry. Both companies have halted PERM applications until next year, with Amazon citing inability to continue with the process and Google notifying employees of a pause until 2025. The green card process has become increasingly complex amid massive tech layoffs, leaving foreign workers in a precarious situation.

Eight Syrian soldiers were injured in Israeli airstrikes near Damascus on Thursday night, according to Syria's defence ministry. The strikes, launched from the occupied Syrian Golan, targeted a site near Damascus. Israel rarely comments on individual strikes but has repeatedly targeted Iranian presence in Syria. The strikes have increased since Israel's war with Hamas began in October. Recent tensions have escalated with Iran launching drones and missiles against Israel in April, retaliating against a deadly strike on Tehran's consulate in Damascus.

John Hopkins University professor Dipali Mukhopadhyay has requested to revoke her affiliation with Columbia University's Saltzman Institute of War and Peace Studies over the handling of student protests against Gaza violence. Arrests continue across US campuses as police dismantle pro-Palestinian protest camps, including at UCLA. In an email to Columbia's president, Mukhopadhyay cited the administration's "incompetence and inhumanity" in responding to peaceful protests. Expressing solidarity with students advocating for academic freedom, she declared her inability to justify her association with the institution under the current leadership.