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Netflix co-founder Reed Hastings is leaving the streaming service he co-founded 29 years ago, as the company regains its footing after losing a $72 billion deal for Warner Bros Discovery to Paramount Skydance.In a letter to investors released on Thursday, Netflix said Hastings will not stand for re-election at its annual meeting in June and plans to focus on philanthropy and other pursuits.The company's stock plunged about 8 percent on the news of Hastings's departure. The co-founder is credited with helping to revolutionize how movies and television shows are delivered in homes, upending Hollywood's business model.“Netflix is growing revenues double-digits, expanding margins in 2026 and gushing free cash flow,” said LightShed Partners media analyst Richard Greenfield. “While the Q1 was uneventful financially, the departure of Reed Hastings has spooked investors.”Netflix reaffirmed in a 14-page shareholder letter that its mission remains “ambitious and unchanged” – to entertain the world, providing movies and series for many tastes, cultures and languages. The company’s full-year outlook remained unchanged.The company did not say how it plans to spend the $2.8 billion termination fee it received after losing the Warner Bros movie studio and HBO, and lifted its earnings per share to $1.23 in the first quarter compared with 66 cents per share in the same quarter last year.Revenue rose to $12.25 billion, an increase of 16 percent from the year-ago period, modestly exceeding analyst forecasts of $12.18 billion.Netflix, which long told investors that a Warner Bros acquisition was a “nice to have, not need to have” proposition, highlighted areas of future growth.The company said its investment in expanding its entertainment offerings, with video podcasts and live entertainment – such as the World Baseball Classic in Japan – is driving engagement.It plans to use technology to improve the user experience and improve monetization, as advertising revenue remains on track to reach $3 billion in 2026 – a twofold increase from a year ago.

South Africa announced the appointment of Roelf Meyer, a 78‑year‑old former minister and chief negotiator for the apartheid government, as its new ambassador to the United States. The decision, made by President Cyril Ramaphosa, is intended to heal the diplomatic breach that widened after the United States, under President Donald Trump, expelled the previous envoy, Ebrahim Rasool, in March 2025. Meyer replaces Rasool, who was dismissed after publicly labeling Trump’s global movement as “white supremacist.” Since then, Pretoria has lacked formal representation in Washington, a gap the government hopes to close with Meyer’s extensive negotiation experience. The bilateral relationship has deteriorated since Trump assumed office in January 2024, with the U.S. president repeatedly criticising South Africa’s affirmative‑action policies and falsely alleging a “white genocide.” Trump’s administration even offered expedited U.S. citizenship to Afrikaners claiming persecution, while freezing foreign assistance over a land‑ownership law that mandates at least 30 % Black participation in companies. South Africa’s recent actions have further strained ties: filing a genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice and inviting Iran to a BRICS naval exercise off its coast, prompting Washington to accuse Pretoria of “cosying up to Iran.” The BRICS grouping, of which South Africa is a founding member, is viewed by Trump as an economic challenge to U.S. dominance.In a statement, Ramaphosa described Meyer as “a very loyal and patriotic South African” who is “more than qualified” to re‑calibrate relations with the United States and engage with stakeholders on Capitol Hill and across federal agencies. Meyer, who leads the global consultancy In Transformation Initiative, has a long‑standing record in peace negotiations across Northern Ireland, Sri Lanka, Rwanda, Burundi, Kosovo, Bolivia, the Basque region and the Middle East. Domestically, he was the chief negotiator for the white‑minority government during the early‑1990s talks that ended apartheid, later serving as Minister of Constitutional Development under Nelson Mandela and co‑founding the United Democratic Movement before joining the African National Congress in 2006. Critics, notably the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), argue that appointing a former apartheid official signals a willingness to appease Trump’s “white supremacist whims” and that Meyer’s age limits opportunities for younger diplomats. The EFF highlighted his past role in the Department of Law and Order, which enforced apartheid repression. Despite the political controversy, South African analysts stress that the priority for the new ambassador is economic. U.S.–South Africa bilateral trade stands at $26 billion, making Washington Pretoria’s second‑largest trading partner after China. The focus, according to researcher Thembisa Fakude, will be on attracting U.S. investment and creating jobs rather than merely countering Trump’s rhetoric. When Ramaphosa visited the White House in May 2025, he included two white South African golfers in the delegation to soften Trump’s concerns about alleged persecution of white farmers. However, Fakude notes that most South Africans are indifferent to the “artificial” accusations and are more interested in tangible economic benefits. The appointment of Meyer thus represents a calculated diplomatic gamble: leveraging his negotiation pedigree to restore confidence, while navigating domestic criticism and a volatile U.S. political climate.

Sanaa, Yemen – At 7 a.m., 14‑year‑old Qasim wakes, grabs a one‑metre‑by‑half‑metre white sack and heads out to collect plastic bottles, hoping to fill it by 11:30 a.m. A full sack can bring in up to 1,500 Yemeni riyal (≈ $3), which the family uses for daily meals. When Qasim returns home, he can briefly be a child again, playing football with neighbours. By evening, his 12‑year‑old brother Asem takes over the bottle‑collecting, selling the haul at night to cover dinner costs. For the siblings, school is a luxury they cannot afford. "I was in fourth grade in 2024, but I stopped because I needed to help my family," Qasim told Al Jazeera, wiping his cheeks. "Sitting in a classroom would not feed me," he added. The conflict that began in 2014 between Iran‑backed Houthis and the Saudi‑backed government has devastated Yemen’s education system. UNICEF estimates that 3.2 million school‑aged children are out of school, with another 1.5 million displaced children at risk of permanent dropout. Even though a cease‑fire was declared in April 2022, the war’s economic fallout persists. During the fourth Riyadh International Humanitarian Forum, Yemen’s Minister of Planning Waed Badhib said the war has cost the national economy **over $250 billion** and pushed unemployment to **35 %**. Parents like Qasim’s father, 48‑year‑old daily‑wage worker Abdu, no longer see education as a viable path. "Seeing a hungry child hurts more than seeing a child drop out," he said, noting that many university graduates now work as construction guards or porters. Experts warn that this short‑term coping strategy harms long‑term prospects. Mahmoud al‑Bukari, a Taiz academic, explained that forcing children into work “creates further social and economic problems for both individuals and society.” Sociology professor Afrah al‑Humaiqani stressed that denying education violates children’s rights and breeds anxiety, undermining future economic development. Infrastructure damage compounds the crisis: more than 2,400 schools are destroyed, partially damaged, or repurposed (Save the Children). Remaining classrooms are overcrowded, and teachers—many unpaid for years—are demotivated, leading to a decline in teaching quality. Fatima Saleh, a teacher in Sanaa, described educators as the "engine" of learning. "When that engine falters, students lose interest and drop out," she said, noting that unpaid salaries force many teachers to quit or seek other work. Journalist Mohammed Abdu al‑Samei argues that the cease‑fire alone cannot revive education without addressing the underlying economic collapse. International aid has also dwindled, leaving a critical funding gap for programs that once kept children in school. For Qasim, returning to a classroom is no longer realistic. He now aims to acquire a trade—painting, carpentry, or welding—to earn a living, saying, "I will not return to the classroom, but I will learn a skill that helps my family."

South African opposition politician Julius Malema has been sentenced to 5 years in prison for firing a rifle in the air at a party rally. Malema, the leader of the far-left opposition Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), was handed the sentence by Magistrate Twanet Olivier on Thursday.Malema was convicted last year of charges, including unlawful possession of a firearm and discharging a weapon in a public place over the 2018 incident at a stadium in the Eastern Cape province.The 45-year-old leader of the fourth-biggest party in parliament had pleaded not guilty, arguing the gun was a toy. His defence said the shots were only intended to be celebratory.“It wasn’t … an impulsive act,” the magistrate said. “It was the event of the evening.”The court sentenced Malema to 5 years for unlawful possession of a firearm and 2 years for unlawful possession of ammunition. It gave him fines for three other offences, including discharging a firearm in a built-up area, with prison time if he doesn’t pay. The sentences will run at the same time.Within minutes of the magistrate’s decision being read out in the court in KuGompo City, Malema’s lawyers applied for leave to appeal – a request that was later granted.Meanwhile, outside the court, hundreds of Malema’s red-clad EFF supporters gathered for the sentencing in the politically charged case.The EFF – a small but vocal party – says the case is an attempt to silence its outspoken leader, who is known for fiery speeches. Party supporters have threatened protests should their leader be jailed.The magistrate stressed it “is not a political party who has been convicted here … it is a person, an individual.”The maximum possible sentence was 15 years in prison. If confirmed after all appeals, Thursday’s 5-year sentence would bar Malema from serving as a lawmaker.That would be a major setback to the EFF, which has strong support among young South Africans frustrated by the racial inequality that has persisted since the end of white minority rule in 1994.

On Thursday, Israeli security forces conducting an operation in Nablus, a major city in the occupied West Bank, fired stun grenades at journalists covering the events. The incident was reported by multiple media outlets present on the ground. According to eyewitness accounts, reporters from local and international news agencies were positioned near the site when the grenades were deployed, causing a sudden flash and loud explosion. No serious injuries were confirmed, but the sudden blast forced the journalists to seek immediate cover and temporarily halted their reporting. Press‑freedom organizations quickly condemned the action, stating that the use of crowd‑control munitions against media personnel undermines the ability to document and verify developments in the region. The incident adds to a growing list of reported confrontations between Israeli forces and members of the press in the occupied territories. Israeli authorities have not yet released an official statement explaining the rationale behind the deployment of the stun grenades. Analysts suggest that heightened security measures during operations often lead to heightened tensions, but emphasize that protecting journalists is essential for transparent reporting in conflict zones. The episode underscores the precarious environment for journalists working in the West Bank, where the line between security operations and press freedom continues to be contested.

Alexandre Ramagem, the former head of Brazil’s intelligence agency, was released from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody on Wednesday, ending a brief detention that began after a traffic stop in Orlando, Florida.Far‑right Brazilian commentator Paulo Figueiredo confirmed the release in a post on X, stating simply, “Alexandre Ramagem is free.” A source from Brazil’s federal police, cited by Reuters, also verified the news.Ramagem, who was sentenced in September 2025 to 16 years in prison for his involvement in a coup attempt supporting former President Jair Bolsonaro, fled Brazil before beginning his term. He allegedly crossed into Guyana illegally before boarding a flight to the United States.In the United States, he was initially detained for a minor traffic violation in Orlando and subsequently transferred to ICE – a routine procedure in Florida, according to Figueiredo. The former intelligence chief also has a pending asylum application, complicating the legal landscape.The Brazilian government has long sought his return. The Brazilian embassy in Washington, D.C., filed an extradition request with the U.S. Department of State on December 30, 2025. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva publicly urged Washington to hand Ramagem over so he can serve his sentence.Despite the extradition request, ICE has not commented on the release, and Ramagem’s name was removed from the agency’s online detention list as of Wednesday.Ramagem’s conviction also led to his removal from Brazil’s Congress in December 2025, underscoring the political fallout of the coup case. The episode highlights ongoing diplomatic friction between Brazil and the United States, especially as the two nations navigate cooperation on security, immigration, and legal cooperation.For context, former President Bolsonaro is currently serving a 27‑year prison term for related offenses, a case that has drawn international attention, including past criticism from former U.S. President Donald Trump.

California's attorney general has filed a lawsuit accusing Amazon of orchestrating price‑fixing schemes, based on newly unsealed court records released this week. The filing alleges the e‑commerce giant colluded with vendors to artificially set product prices, violating state antitrust statutes and potentially harming consumers.The unsealed documents, obtained through a freedom‑of‑information request, detail internal communications suggesting Amazon pressured sellers to maintain uniform pricing across its platform. Prosecutors argue this practice restricts competition and inflates costs for shoppers in the Golden State.While the case is still in its early stages, legal experts warn that a ruling against Amazon could set a precedent for broader antitrust scrutiny of online marketplaces nationwide. The lawsuit also underscores growing regulatory focus on big‑tech firms' market power.Amazon has declined to comment on the allegations pending further proceedings. The outcome may influence future policy debates on how digital platforms should be regulated to ensure fair pricing and competition.

Reed Hastings, the co-founder of Netflix, is leaving the streaming service's board of directors after 29 years. Hastings will not stand for re-election at the company's annual meeting in June and plans to focus on philanthropy and other pursuits.In a letter to investors, Netflix said Hastings' decision to step down is not a result of any disagreement with the company. The company's stock dropped about 8% on the news of Hastings' departure.Hastings co-founded Netflix in northern California and led it through its pivot from a mail-order DVD company to a leading streaming TV service. He stepped down as CEO in 2023.Netflix reaffirmed its mission to entertain the world, providing movies and series for many tastes, cultures, and languages. The company's full-year financial outlook remained unchanged. Revenue rose to $12.25 billion, an increase of 16% from the year-ago period, modestly exceeding analyst forecasts.The company plans to use technology to improve the user experience and monetization, with advertising revenue on track to reach $3 billion in 2026, a twofold increase from a year ago. Netflix also highlighted areas of future growth, including video podcasts and live entertainment.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves cautioned that the push to raise Britain’s defence budget will likely demand reductions in other spending areas, notably welfare, as the nation confronts escalating geopolitical pressures. She emphasized that the government is exploring a range of options but aims to avoid new taxes or extra borrowing, noting that “we already spend £1 in every £10 on servicing the debt.” Reeves highlighted her willingness to challenge party orthodoxy, pointing to last year’s budget moves that freed additional funds for defence, and said, “I’m willing to make difficult choices for national security.” Speaking on the sidelines of the International Monetary Fund spring meetings in Washington, she referenced the government’s 10‑year defence investment plan and stressed the importance of allocating resources appropriately. While refusing to detail which welfare programmes might be trimmed, Reeves reaffirmed that “national security always comes first” and confirmed that Labour will keep its manifesto pledge to retain the pension triple‑lock. Her stance mirrors Health Secretary Wes Streeting, who earlier warned that welfare reforms could be required to meet “the challenge of the world we face.” The Starmer administration faces mounting pressure from opposition MPs and senior military figures, especially after US President Donald Trump’s threats to withdraw the United States from NATO and the ongoing Iran‑Israel and Russia‑Ukraine conflicts. Current forecasts show UK defence spending reaching 2.6 % of GDP by April 2027, surpassing targets set by both Labour and the opposition before the 2024 general election. Reeves proudly noted that her previous budgets delivered “the biggest uplift in defence spending since the end of the Cold War,” arguing that a robust economy depends on strong national security. The IMF warned that a further escalation in the Middle‑East could trigger a global recession, with the UK potentially hit hardest among G7 nations, and cautioned that government debt is on track to hit its highest level since World War II. To fund household and business support without widening the fiscal gap, Reeves suggested reprioritising other budgets, criticizing the blanket subsidies of the previous Conservative government that cost over £100 billion and contributed to higher inflation and interest rates. She concluded that “the best way to help families and businesses is to keep prices, costs and interest rates down,” underscoring the fiscal balancing act ahead.