ROME Pope Leo XIV returned to the Vatican from a 11-day trip to Africa on Thursday with his papacy seemingly transformed a pontiff known during his first year for being tempered and at times careful … [+52 chars]

Pope Leo XIV shed his previous image as he denounced war in the Middle East and responded assertively to criticism by President Donald Trump.

The Washington Post

On Africa trip, the ‘quiet pope’ adopts a confident global voice - The Washington Post

Two Israeli soldiers have been arrested for allegedly spying for Iran, military officials announced Thursday.
The pair, both technicians in the Air Force, were arrested in March for "committing secu… [+1415 chars]

Iran releases video showing commandos seizing ships in the Strait of Hormuz as Trump remains largely silent on his next move in the war.

CBS News

Live Updates: Iran touts video of Strait of Hormuz cargo ship seizures as Trump keeps quiet on next move - CBS News

ABCs Dancing With the Stars is returning for Season 35 this fall, and two celebrity reality stars will join the cast for the first time.
Maura Higgins, who is best known for her appearances on The T… [+2085 chars]

The full cast and their pro dance partners will be announced at a later date.

Yahoo Entertainment

'Dancing With the Stars' Season 35: Reality stars Maura Higgins and Ciara Miller named as 1st contestants - Yahoo

The $111 billion deal that would see Paramount Skydance swallow up Warner Bros. Discovery took another step closer to reality Thursday after WBD shareholders overwhelmingly voted in favor of the merg… [+3331 chars]

including Robert De Niro, Sofia Coppola and Holly Hunter have signed joined an open letter opposing the Paramount-Warner Bros. merger, which now has more than 4,000 signatories.

Variety

Hollywood Petition to Block Paramount-Warner Bros. Merger Tops 4,000 Names as Robert De Niro, Sofia Coppola, Holly Hunter and More Join the Fight - Variety

NEW YORK (AP) The U.S. stock market is hanging around its all-time high Thursday following mixed profit reports from Tesla and other big companies. Oil prices, meanwhile, are swinging on continued un… [+4683 chars]

The U.S. stock market is hanging around its all-time high following mixed profit reports from Tesla and other big companies. The S&P 500 fell 0.1% Thursday from its record set the a day prior. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 81 points, and the Nasdaq co…

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On Africa trip, the ‘quiet pope’ adopts a confident global voice - The Washington Post

Live Updates: Iran touts video of Strait of Hormuz cargo ship seizures as Trump keeps quiet on next move - CBS News

'Dancing With the Stars' Season 35: Reality stars Maura Higgins and Ciara Miller named as 1st contestants - Yahoo

Hollywood Petition to Block Paramount-Warner Bros. Merger Tops 4,000 Names as Robert De Niro, Sofia Coppola, Holly Hunter and More Join the Fight - Variety

US stocks hang around their record highs as oil prices swing - AP News