Turkey is gearing up for a historic election on Sunday that may unseat President Tayyip Erdogan after 20 years in power. Erdogan and his government have come under sharp criticism for their increasingly authoritarian policies, including suppression of the media and arrests of political dissidents. However, the country's economic crisis and the sharp rise in its cost of living have also escalated concerns among Turkish citizens, who may take to the polls to voice their dissatisfaction with the current administration. Erdogan's main challenger, Kemal Kilicdaroglu, who heads an opposition alliance of six parties, is slightly ahead in the polls, but a run-off election on May 28 is expected if neither candidate earns over 50% of the vote.

Turkey's economic recovery is crucial to the outcome of the election, as the nation is grappling with an inflation rate near 50% and a rise in poverty. While public debt remains relatively low, the quality of public services is rapidly declining, particularly in large metropolitan cities where real estate costs are high. Whatever the outcome of the election, Turkey's new leadership will have the opportunity to revive its economy and return the nation to its secular-democratic principles, or allow its slide towards increasing authoritarianism to continue.

The Boston Celtics defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 114-102 in Game 3 of their Eastern Conference semifinals, with Al Horford playing a key role in the win. Philadelphia got as close as two points in the third quarter but failed to capitalize due to their poor execution offensively. Sixers' coach Doc Rivers believes that the Celtics trusted more in the past than his team did, leading to his team losing the game. James Harden had an off-night with only one made shot much to their detriment. Harden and Tyrese Maxey's return improved the Sixers' offense and helped them become the best offense in the league. Now with Joel Embiid returning, Harden may have to adapt to a lesser role and depend more on open shots and dive cuts instead of the coach's isolation plays. He had a lot of success attacking Al Horford in Game 1, which Philadelphia should continue to do so. Moreover, Boston may be one of the more aggressive teams when sending help at Embiid, which means the ball may come out of his hands faster, opening opportunities for Harden. Will the Sixers bounce back and win Game 4?

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis did not make the most of his opportunity to charm Iowa conservatives at a picnic fundraiser in Sioux Center. According to the Associated Press, he "made little effort to connect with voters one-on-one" at the event, which is typically an early stop for presidential candidates trying to build a base among Iowan voters for the all-important primary. This comes amid reports that DeSantis is struggling to gain momentum in the 2024 Republican presidential race, with The New York Times recently citing his inability to capture the same support from donors and allies in politics as former President Donald Trump. DeSantis has yet to formally enter the race, but is expected to do so soon. In the meantime, he has been making moves in his home state, declaring Florida a "citadel of freedom" and promoting his administration's efforts to ban diversity programs and restrict preferred pronoun usage in schools. With Trump planning his own rally in Des Moines, Iowa later today, DeSantis may be in danger of falling further behind in the race for the Republican nomination.

Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum joined an elite group of active players in Game 1 of the playoffs against the Philadelphia 76ers, tying Paul George for having 6 career postseason games with at least 30 points and 10 rebounds, according to NBA.com. George has endorsed Tatum for the MVP race with admiration for his game, and referring to Tatum as “incredible.” At only 25, Tatum has already become one of the best players in the NBA, and he still has room to grow. As the playoffs continue, Tatum is poised to climb even further up the impressive playoff list. In Game 1 against the 76ers, the Celtics collapsed over the final few minutes, losing to the Sixers 102-104, and Tatum found himself the victim of a non-basketball act by Philadelphia’s PJ Tucker. A wild swing by Tucker caught Tatum below the belt, but to the Celtics’ dismay, the officiating crew failed to call a foul. Nevertheless, the Celtics will look to bounce back and Tatum will continue to prove his worth as one of the most elite players in the association.

James Harden, NBA star and player for the Philadelphia 76ers, has invited shooting survivor John Hao to attend Game 3 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Boston Celtics. Hao was one of the victims of the mass shooting incident at Michigan State University in February of this year. Previously paralyzed from the waist down, Hao has made a remarkable recovery and can now attend the game to watch his favorite player in action. Harden had promised Hao that he would invite him to a game as soon as he was able to attend. The star player had previously sent Hao a pair of game-worn shoes, among other memorabilia, and offered words of encouragement via Facetime. With the series tied at 1-1, Game 3 proves crucial for the 76ers who seek a win against the Celtics.

Philadelphia 76ers star center Joel Embiid has been named the NBA's Most Valuable Player for the 2022-23 season, after a scattering start to his career. He underwent foot surgery and then had to be benched again due to a knee injury. But doubts about his ability to fully recover from these injuries were laid to rest as he led the NBA in scoring for a second straight year. This is also a boost to what the Sixers called The Process, which was initiated in the 2010s and was seen as a way to lose numerous games so that they could land young prospects like Embiid. The move was met with criticism and the term 'tanking' was coined afterwards. In the first two rounds of the NBA playoffs, the 76ers was undefeated. Embiid is the fifth 76er ever to win the NBA MVP, following in the footsteps of legends Wilt Chamberlain, Moses Malone, Julius Erving, and Allen Iverson.

Millions of Thais headed to the polls on Sunday to vote in a general election. The opposition parties hope that frustration over the military's handling of the economy and its stranglehold on power will work to their advantage. This is the first election since last year's youth-led mass democracy protests and only the second since a coup in 2014 restored a conservative clique that has largely controlled the country's politics for decades. Some of the country’s 52 million eligible voters went to polling stations in Bangkok, despite the high heat, to cast their vote. The military-drafted constitution grants the upper house of representatives a significant say in who will eventually govern and form a government, leaving opposition parties with a tough battle ahead. However, young Thais seeking change have shown unprecedented momentum, willing to tackle taboo subjects and push for reform of the military's role and even the monarchy.

Bangladesh's key all-rounder, Shakib Al Hasan, will be out of action for six weeks due to a finger injury, confirmed the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). Shakib injured the tip of his right index finger while attempting to take a catch during the second one-day international against Ireland in Chelmsford. An X-ray conducted on Saturday revealed a fracture on the base of the index finger, which typically takes six weeks to heal. As a result, the 36-year-old will not play in the final ODI against Ireland scheduled for Sunday. Bangladesh is currently leading the three-match series 1-0. The injury also puts Shakib's participation in the one-off Test match against Afghanistan next month at risk. Shakib is an essential player who contributes with both bat and ball, having scored over 6,000 runs and picked up 272 wickets in his ODI career.

Jalen Hurts has indeed accomplished another feat this year by receiving his master's degree in human relations from Oklahoma. Despite only spending one year with the Oklahoma Sooners and being picked in the second round by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2020 NFL Draft, Hurts managed to complete his graduate studies while playing in the NFL. According to reports, Hurts was inspired by his mother, who worked and studied for her master's degree while raising him, and wanted to follow in her footsteps. During the graduation ceremony, Hurts received a nice ovation when he walked across the stage in his cap and gown to receive his degree. Despite his recent accomplishments, including leading the Eagles to the Super Bowl and signing a five-year, $255 million contract extension, Hurts continues to excel both on and off the field.

After a long hiatus from SmackDown, Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns is set to appear on next week's post-Backlash edition of the show. While not much is known about Reigns' appearance, he could address The Bloodline's future on SmackDown or their potential plans for WWE Night of Champions. It is also possible that Reigns will make an appearance on the current WWE World Heavyweight Title Tournament. Additionally, Cameron Grimes will make his official SmackDown debut as he goes up against Baron Corbin. Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez will defend their WWE Women's Tag Team Titles against Damage CTRL's Bayley and Dakota Kai. The title match was made due to the non-title win by Bayley and Kai on this week's RAW.

Furthermore, Reigns made his return to SmackDown in a segment with The Bloodline where he revealed that he and Solo Sikoa would challenge Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens for the Tag Team Titles at WWE Night of Champions. Reigns had confronted Jimmy and Jey Uso, who had previously lost a match dedicated to Roman. Reigns voiced his displeasure at their performance and asked for an apology. While Jimmy refused, Jey made the apology, and The Wild Samoans were declared the 'greatest tag team of all time.'

Cyclone Mocha, an extremely severe cyclonic storm has intensified over the past day and is about to make landfall in Asia. The storm is packing winds of around 150 mph (130 knots) sustained, which is equivalent to a strong Category 4 hurricane on a 1 to 5 scale. It is expected to reach the coast during midday or afternoon Sunday, between Cox's Bazar in Bangladesh and Myanmar. The anticipated landfall is presently near or north of Sittwe, Myanmar, which is about 50 miles south of the Myanmar-Bangladesh border. Evacuations of around half a million people are underway in the region, focused on northern Myanmar and southern Bangladesh. There are concerns that the cyclone could hit the world's largest refugee camp, Cox's Bazar, where close to a million people live in makeshift homes. The UN is doing what it can to protect these areas. Mocha may turn out to be the strongest storm to strike Myanmar since Nargis in 2008, which killed more than 100,000 in the country.

Immigration has become a contentious issue in the United States, with the expiration of Title 42, and the arrival of potentially tens of thousands of immigrants per day at the southern border. The disorderly situation at the border underscores the dysfunction of the US immigration politics, which is failing not just in policymaking but also in immigrant rights activists’ effort to establish a consensus around newcomers' positive place in America. The issue of immigration is being portrayed as a struggle between security and charity, triggered every time a “caravan” approaches. A March polling from Ipsos indicates that immigration is now polarized across the country and that attitudes toward immigration are now a litmus test for both parties. Opposition to immigration is the sine qua non of Trumpism, and while openness to immigration is a prerequisite for Democratic politics, the issue’s intractability and capacity to mobilize conservatives have caused many center-left leaders to avoid it altogether. Immigration has always been a sensitive subject in America, and coming to a resolution that is both humane and practical remains an ongoing challenge for policymakers.

Germany has pledged its largest weapons package yet to Ukraine, amounting to $2.95 billion in the largest show of support of Ukraine's fight against Russian occupation. The aid package includes tanks, armored vehicles, and air defense systems, marking Germany's commitment to its call that Germans play a leading role in Europe's security affairs in the face of a newly perceived threat from Russia. Although the additional weapons will be welcomed by Ukraine's much anticipated counteroffensive against Russian forces, it is not certain they will arrive in time. Russia attacked Ukraine's capital with drones over the weekend and targeted other cities with missile strikes. President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to meet with Chancellor Olaf Scholz and President Frank-Walter Steinmeier of Germany during his first visit to the country since Russia's invasion. This visit comes a day after Germany announced the military aid package to Kyiv. However, security reasons mean that the German government has released few details about President Zelensky's movements - although he has already met with the German president. Will the military aid package be enough to turn the tide of the Russian invasion?

Millions of Americans receiving Social Security payments could face financial hardship if the U.S. default occurs, warn Social Security advocates. The negotiations surrounding whether the U.S. government’s ability to borrow money should be expanded are stuck in a stalemate, placing millions of vulnerable Americans at risk. In the event of a default, the ongoing payments for Social Security benefits could be interrupted. 40% of Social Security recipients rely on the payment as their primary income source, leaving them with no financial cushion to soften the financial blow. Experts suggest that this group of Americans should consider putting off discretionary purchases to remain financially prepared. However, for many, this may not be an option. Though not all analysts agree that every beneficiary would be affected equally, most suggest that the worst-case scenario and the possibility of a staggered payment is an unpredictable risk. The impasse between the White House and House Republicans prolongs with no outcome set in stone. Janet Yellen, the U.S. Treasury Secretary, has warned that if Congress fails to raise the debt limit of $31.381 trillion, the United States’ economic situation could worsen. Social Security recipients and others may not receive payments if the government defaults.

Are you looking for a new brunch spot on Long Island? Several new restaurants have recently opened their doors with brunch options. If you're in the mood for a fancy brunch, visit Stellina in Oyster Bay, where you can enjoy breakfast pizza, baked eggs, perfect pastas, and more. For a more casual, all-day option, check out Oceanside Brunch Club in Oceanside, which offers sandwiches, burritos, salads, and even buckets of fried chicken. And if you're traveling to the Bay Area, be sure to try out their unique brunch options, which include Eritrean stews, squidgy rice rolls, and beet hummus. With so many new brunch options to try, you'll have a hard time choosing just one!

According to a recent study conducted by HTF MI, the Motor for Battery Powered Vehicles Market is projected to have substantial growth over the next five years. The report predicts that key drivers of this growth will include advances in technology, increased demand for electric and hybrid vehicles, and the rise of the consumer electronics sector, among other factors.

The report also highlights key players in the market, including Toyota, MEIDENSHA CORPORATION, Nidec, Changzhou Kaideng, Changzhou Huasheng, and Hangzhou Hengy Motor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.

While the market for industrial batteries, such as lead-acid batteries, is facing challenges from alternative battery technologies such as fuel cells and supercapacitors, the demand for batteries for electric and hybrid vehicles is expected to continue to rise, driving growth in the Motor for Battery Powered Vehicles Market. In addition, the report predicts that the Asia-Pacific region will lead industry growth due to increasing vehicle production and fast industrial expansion.

Overall, the future looks bright for the Motor for Battery Powered Vehicles Market, as technological advances and rising demand for electric and hybrid vehicles drive industry growth.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Pope Francis at the Vatican, asking for his support on Ukraine's peace plan and requesting help in getting deported children returned from Russia to Ukraine. The Vatican's statement after the meeting only mentioned the "humanitarian and political situation provoked by the ongoing war" and the pope's efforts towards peace. Meanwhile, Russia continues its war on Ukraine, with reports of Storm Shadow long-range cruise missiles supplied by the UK hitting unspecified civilian enterprises in Luhansk province and a missile strike on the regional capital that injured an elderly woman. In addition, two Russian Mi-8 helicopters and a fighter-bomber crashed in the Bryansk region, with growing concerns in the area about cross-border attacks from Ukraine. On the diplomatic front, Italy promised Ukraine full military and financial backing, while Germany announced its biggest military aid package yet of 2.7 billion euros and called for the EU to speed up the delivery of ammunition to support Ukraine in the ongoing conflict in the Bakhmut area.

Early on Saturday morning, a powerful tornado hit the unincorporated community of Laguna Heights in south Texas, leaving one dead and at least 10 others hospitalized with many sustaining cuts and bruises. The storm caused damage to at least 60 homes with power lines knocked down in dozens of areas. While the true extent of damage is still being assessed, a curfew was imposed for youths under 17 and non-residents of Laguna Heights to prevent further unnecessary loss. The county estimates that many of its residents are living in substandard housing and the poverty rates are high. The warning was only issued at the time the tornado was touching ground, giving residents no advance warning. A warning coordination meteorologist for the National Weather Service, Barry Goldsmith, stated that “with hurricanes we have the benefit of getting some advance warning; we know it's probably on its way…with a tornado. it's not a common scenario unless we have a hurricane/tropical cyclone in the area. So, we didn't have the benefit of a warning". This event marked the fourth severe weather event in as many weeks to hit the area.

The possibility of invoking the 14th Amendment to the US Constitution to avert a debt default is causing legal uncertainty. President Biden said this week that he had discussed the use of the amendment with advisers, but warned that it would only apply for future attempts to solve the problem. If he chose to act unilaterally, the financial system would be at risk if this were tied up in the courts. Republicans could sue Biden, arguing that he ignored the debt limit and violated federal spending and taxation. Besides, the US Supreme Court has not ruled definitively on the clause stating that the sovereign debt of the US "shall not be questioned." Some scholars believe that this clause gives the President the power to instruct the Treasury to borrow money and ignore the debt limit but have warned of serious repercussions if this were to come to pass. If President Biden decides to use the 14th Amendment, Republicans could sue him, and the courts would have to determine whether his decision was constitutional.

Fighting has continued despite a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) militants in Gaza. The ceasefire was brokered by Egypt in response to five days of hostilities but was broken within minutes of coming into effect when exchanges of fire began. At least 33 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza alone, whilst Palestinian rocket fire into Israel has killed two people. A Palestinian source familiar with the ceasefire negotiations said Israel had agreed to stop "targeted assassinations," whilst Israel demanded a complete halt to rocket fire by PIJ at its civilians. Israeli officials confirmed PIJ rocket fire continued immediately after the ceasefire was due to take effect, prompting retaliation from the Israeli military. Egyptian officials have called on both sides to adhere to the agreement.

Damage to essential infrastructure has affected the entire Gaza strip, including hospitals, two primary health care clinics, and four UNRWA schools. Internally displaced persons due to damaged homes and fear for their safety now number 948 people. Up to 15:00 on 13 May, 177 families were identified as such, and out of the internally displaced persons, 43 were staying in an UNRWA school in Beit Lahiya. Availability of essential medical care in parts of the area has also been an issue, with both Israeli-controlled crossings, Erez (for people) and Kerem Shalom (for goods), closed for the duration of hostilities.

Hundreds of United Airlines pilots recently picketed outside Houston's Bush Intercontinental Airport, demanding new contracts. At least 2,000 United pilots were expected to picket on Friday at ten major airports across the country. The pilots wore their full uniforms and held signs, calling for increased pay and better work-life balance with schedules. They want a scheduling system that would make it harder for management to have them work on scheduled days off. Reports suggest that pilots from Southwest Airlines and American Airlines have also expressed frustration with their contracts. While pilots for these airlines have authorized a strike for better conditions from their management, an actual strike that affects travelers is unlikely. Airlines are trying to reassure travelers about potential roadblocks for their summer vacation plans. For United pilots, much of it comes down to stalled contract negotiations after four years, during which they have requested changes to both work rules and their scheduling system.

Club America had a comfortable victory against Atletico de San Luis in the first leg of the quarterfinals with a score of 3-1. History shows that once the Azulcremas have taken a 3-1 first leg lead, they have managed to advance to the next stage on seven out of eight occasions. However, things took a bad turn on the second leg of the quarterfinals when Atletico de San Luis defeated America by two goals, leading many to wonder whether the team will be able to keep up in the remaining games.

Following America's loss, coach Fernando Ortiz called out Miguel Layun for his poor performance. Although Layun renewed his contract for another season with Club America, it is doubtful whether he will continue to play for the team due to his vulnerable actions in recent games. America will now have to assess their options and look for a new player to fill this weak spot in their defensive line.

In the Liga MX quarterfinals, America will be facing Atletico de San Luis. Meanwhile, Tigres will play against Toluca, in the hope to make it to the semi-finals. With the most significant upsets that occurred during the wildcard weekend, it remains to be seen which teams will make it to the final.

Brittney Griner, the Phoenix Mercury star, returned to the WNBA court on Friday night after being detained in Russia for drug charges in February last year. This was her first competitive basketball game in the league after a gap of 572 days. Although Griner's team, Mercury, lost to Los Angeles Sparks 90-71, Griner scored 10 points and added three rebounds. According to the Associated Press, Griner conceded she had a lot of work to do to get back to her old self. Griner had to spend almost ten months in detention in Russia before the United States negotiated her release alongside its other detained citizens. Since then, Griner has been working on a memoir that covers her arrest and imprisonment. The 6-foot-9 Griner quickly got on the scoreboard in the opening minutes with a two-point shot and went on to have a solid game overall. Her WNBA career performances have been impressive, with an average of 17.7 points and 7.6 rebounds in nine seasons.

Former UK Prime Minister Liz Truss is expected to call on the UK government to increase its support for Taiwan during her visit to the island this week. Speaking at the Prospect Foundation think-tank, Truss is expected to call for greater military cooperation between Taiwan and the West to bolster the island's defences against China, which views Taiwan as a breakaway province that it is committed to reclaiming. Truss also plans to urge for Taiwan's inclusion in the UK's new Pacific trade pact. Outlining the importance of Taiwan as "on the front line of the global battle for freedom," Truss will become the first former UK Prime Minister to visit Taiwan since Margaret Thatcher in the 1990s. With the UK lacking official diplomatic relations with the island, Truss's trip has been met with criticism from senior Conservatives who believe it risks undermining current Chancellor Rishi Sunak's position and complicating the UK's stance on China.

The Washington Department of Ecology is inviting public comment on a proposed rule to implement the post-consumer recycled content (PCRC) portions of SB 5022. This rule aims to reduce plastic pollution and improve recycling in the state and requires producers of most plastic packaging products to include a minimum amount of recycled plastic in product packaging. The public comment period will end on July 1, 2023, and the department will hold online public hearings on June 8 and June 15, 2023. Feedback is important to establish key procedures and provide clarity to help producers comply with the law. After the review and comment period ends, the department will publish responses, and the PCRC rule will take effect on January 1, 2024. Plastic pollution is a significant issue for Washington, and the law aims to reduce its impact on human health, wildlife, and the environment. PCRC requirements will relate to diverse products, and the minimum requirements will increase and apply to an increasing number of products.