SpaceX successfully launched the first Starship Version 3 on Flight 12 from Starbase, Texas, on Friday evening. The upgraded rocket — a complete design overhaul — deployed 20 Starlink simulators before splashdowns in the Gulf of Mexico and Indian Ocean. One of 33 first-stage Raptor engines shut down during ascent and the booster missed a critical "boost back" manoeuvre.
Launched 6:30pm ET (11:30pm BST) on 22 May
NASA's Perseverance rover has spotted an unusual stack of flat rocks on the Martian surface, intriguing scientists studying the planet's geological history.
Meta notified around 15,000 employees of layoffs or reassignments as part of a major reorganisation to accelerate AI initiatives and cut costs in non-core areas, signalling Big Tech's broader pivot toward AI-first operations.
OpenAI reported roughly $5.7bn (~£4.3bn) in Q1 revenue, fuelled by enterprise adoption and its Codex coding agent. Meanwhile, Trump paused a planned AI executive order after last-minute lobbying from Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg and other tech leaders who argued it could hamstring US competitiveness against China.
The revised SFI26 scheme — replacing post-Brexit EU subsidies with payments for environmental work like hedgerows and soil monitoring — is set to launch in June, but delays have left farmers facing significant cashflow shortfalls this year as they wait for the new system to open.
Spring's countryside aesthetic leans into dark textures and rugged practicality without breaking the bank. A heavyweight black or oatmeal woollen overshirt from Uniqlo layers perfectly over a worn-in Levi's 501. Swap trainers for Dr. Martens 1461 monos in black — they work with selvedge denim or cargo trousers. Military surplus stores are goldmines for field jackets and canvas bags; finish with a chunky silver ring from a charity shop find. COS does excellent black linen shirts for warmer days, and ASOS has affordable gothic-adjacent jewellery. Keep it simple, keep it sturdy.
Keir Starmer's Labour Party lost over 1,000 council seats in the 7 May local elections, with Reform UK surging to 26% of the projected vote and winning 14 councils. The results — the biggest test since Labour's 2024 landslide — have left Starmer fighting for his political survival as criticism mounts from within his own party.
With Reform UK now a major force and Labour polls still weak, critics describe Starmer as a "lame-duck" leader. The next general election feels distant, but the pressure on the Prime Minister shows no sign of easing.
Light, seasonal and ready in 20 minutes — shop-bought gnocchi pan-fried with butter, spring peas, lemon zest, grated pecorino and a handful of mint. A perfect quick Saturday lunch that tastes like the season.
A deliciously theatrical collaboration that marries Lord of the Lost's dark, orchestral rock with Saltatio Mortis's medieval folk flourishes. It's big, it's bombastic, and Chris Harms' baritone cuts through like a blade. If you like your choruses anthemic and your strings dramatic, this one's for you.
Tulsi Gabbard announced her resignation as Trump's top intelligence official on Friday, effective June 30, citing her husband's diagnosis with a rare form of bone cancer. Her 15-month tenure was marked by controversy over her handling of US intelligence and clashes with CIA counterpart John Ratcliffe.
Announced 22 May (US time)
Iran made a major announcement on its nuclear program amid ongoing US-Iran tensions. Separately, the Pentagon released newly declassified UFO files, drawing renewed attention to unexplained aerial phenomena.