Stories that are getting the most attention from our readers this month.
Mother’s Day is just around the corner, yet many find themselves anxious about what to get the mom who insists she doesn’t need anything. From thoughtful gifts under $100 to creative new “experience” ideas, multiple sources are sharing how to celebrate without breaking the bank. The holiday remains a prime moment for family bonding—where a little planning ensures a memorable experience for moms, grandmothers, and mother figures everywhere.
Netflix chief Ted Sarandos reignited the streaming-versus-cinema clash by calling traditional theatrical moviegoing “an outmoded idea” for most viewers. Though Netflix occasionally grants limited theatrical releases for prestige films, Sarandos insists the global streaming audience far outweighs box-office returns. His bold statement rattles Hollywood studios and theater owners, who argue that box-office hits remain cultural events unmatched by at-home streaming.
An AI tool called Cluely has gone viral for helping users “cheat” during virtual interviews and coding assessments. The founder, a Columbia student recently suspended for similar software, frames it as a necessary hack to bypass what he sees as unfair testing platforms. Critics argue it undermines genuine skill evaluation and fosters mistrust between employers and candidates. While Cluely has drawn investor backing, questions about ethics and workplace authenticity hover over its rapid ascent.
The Kentucky Derby, launching the Triple Crown, arrives this week. The Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes form a gauntlet for three-year-old thoroughbreds across just five weeks. Only 13 horses in history have conquered all three, underscoring the series’ difficulty and mystique. Each race has its own culture—from Kentucky’s lavish hats and mint juleps to Black-Eyed Susans at the Preakness and white carnations at the Belmont. Millions watch globally, recalling legends like Secretariat and Seattle Slew. Despite occasional doping headlines, stronger regulations aim to preserve fairness. Whether you love the spectacle, the wagering, or the grandeur, this year’s competition promises fresh storylines and the possibility of a new champion.
Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan stands accused of aiding an undocumented defendant in evading ICE agents at her courthouse. Federal prosecutors allege she obstructed law enforcement, while supporters frame her actions as protecting the judiciary’s independence by preventing “courthouse ambushes.” This unusual arrest highlights the deep rift between local sanctuary-type stances and the Trump administration’s vigorous immigration enforcement. If Dugan is found guilty, it may instill fear in judges who feel morally inclined to shield defendants from deportation arrests in a legal setting. Immigration advocates argue that using courtrooms for ICE operations scares away witnesses and victims, harming the broader justice system.
Serious threats toward U.S. federal judges more than doubled from 2021 to 2023, with many aimed at women jurists, reports The 19th. Judges cite social-media attacks and high-profile political criticism as accelerants; a new judiciary task force will assess security gaps.
Volkswagen and Uber announced plans to introduce electric self-driving microbuses in Los Angeles, aiming for a late 2026 rollout. By blending VW’s vehicle engineering with Uber’s popular ride-hailing platform, the partnership seeks to accelerate adoption of on-demand, zero-emission transit. Though supporters champion efficiency and environmental gains, skeptics question regulatory hurdles and how quickly consumers will trust fully autonomous rides.
Scientists intrigued by anomalies like the interstellar object ‘Oumuamua and puzzling radio bursts wonder if advanced alien tech could be lurking near Earth’s cosmic neighborhood. While mainstream astronomy generally expects natural explanations for these phenomena, a small group posits that certain evidence—like unexplained accelerations—might hint at artificial origins. No definitive proof has emerged, yet new telescopes and advanced data mining accelerate the search. Critics caution that sensational claims often outrun facts. Still, the possibility of discovering signals or debris from an extraterrestrial civilization captivates both researchers and the broader public, fueling a rush to gather more data.
A landmark federal research program focused on older women’s health is losing most of its support, putting decades of critical data at risk. The Women’s Health Initiative (WHI)—the largest study on women’s health—faces looming shutdowns after federal agencies pulled funding for four of its regional centers. While one core facility remains open until 2026, officials are already notifying thousands of participants that their roles are ending. Experts warn that cutting this program will widen gaps in women’s medical research.
Neurologist and “sleep whisperer” Chris Winter blends clinic stories, athlete case studies, and decades of research to argue that sleep is a dynamic biological drive—every bit as essential as food or water—and that most of us can fix it without prescription meds. Part I (Ch. 1–7) demystifies sleep’s purpose, contrasting genuine sleepiness with mere fatigue and explaining how adenosine, melatonin, and circadian clocks interact. A standout data point: a 2013 JAMA Neurology report linking fragmented sleep to higher amyloid-beta accumulation, hinting at Alzheimer’s risk. Part II (Ch. 8) delivers a brutally honest sleep-hygiene overhaul—temperature, light, caffeine timing—backed by findings that moving workouts to daylight hours shortens sleep-onset by 37 minutes on average. Parts III & IV tackle insomnia in two tiers (“hard insomnia” involves entrenched anxiety) and dissect common aids from antihistamines to CPAP, urging readers to treat root causes instead of symptoms. The final section surveys snoring, apnea, restless legs, and even narcolepsy, giving readers a playbook for when to seek a formal sleep study. The tone is witty yet science-dense; Winter’s bottom line: you probably sleep more than you think, but you can sleep far better—with daytime energy gains to prove it.
China’s commerce ministry threatened “reciprocal countermeasures” if other nations strike trade agreements with Washington that Beijing deems harmful. The warning comes as governments weigh concessions to avoid President Trump’s sweeping tariffs.
Cluely, branding itself as an AI-based “cheat on everything” service, debuted with a viral video demonstrating how users can lie to dates or pass interviews by receiving covert on-screen prompts. The founder raised millions in funding, claiming this is just another form of everyday tech assistance. Alarmed observers worry the app encourages deception, further blurring lines between skill, authenticity, and AI-driven manipulation.
