Stories from New York · United States

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban intends to travel to New York this summer to visit his daughter and observe the US economy. Some members of his family have already left the country. Orban's return to Hungary is expected, though the possibility of criminal proceedings against him remains a factor.

Russian and Chinese UN ambassadors accused the United States and Israel of causing the current emergency in the Strait of Hormuz through illegal military actions against Iran. The US Navy currently maintains a presence and influence in the region. Developments in the strait could disrupt global issues alongside US oil production. The naval activity is impacting US-transatlantic relations, which were already strained during the Trump administration. The situation follows strained US-Europe relations from the Trump era. Iran has begun using the Hormuz Strait as a strategic tool or 'trump card' in ongoing tensions. The source noted that no concessions are expected from either side regarding the strait. The current situation deviates from previous periods of free passage that benefited all countries.

Test flights of electric air taxis are being conducted in New York City, traveling from JFK Airport to three heliports in lower Manhattan. The flight duration was approximately 15 minutes. The flight marks a milestone for the company's urban air mobility testing in the region. The flight marks a new phase in aviation history intended to mitigate urban traffic congestion. The flight aimed to achieve a travel time of under 10 minutes, compared to the 1-2 hours typically required by car. An electric air taxi service, referred to as a Joby drone, can transport passengers from JFK to Midtown Manhattan in seven minutes. The service is priced at approximately $200 per seat, which is comparable to Uber pricing. This represents a reduction from the two-hour driving time typically required for the same route.

Artificial intelligence interest is driving stock prices higher on Wall Street. Markets began the week with new records despite general market sentiment suggesting otherwise. The trend is being driven by the ongoing hype surrounding artificial intelligence, according to a correspondent in New York. Recent updates from New York indicate that market performance remains strong despite the downward trend in consumer confidence. The report noted activity involving the trading platform Robinhood and the US automaker General Motors.

Ometa Platforms is reportedly preparing to unwind its acquisition of the artificial intelligence startup Manas. The company previously attempted to ban the transaction on national security grounds. The move follows the failed attempt to block the deal.

Singer Lady Gaga revealed during a red carpet interview for the premiere of The Devil Wears Prada 2 that she and rapper Dochi have been working on several projects. This follows their previous collaboration on the song Runway, which is featured on the sequel's soundtrack. The Devil Wears Prada 2 is scheduled to hit theaters on May 1st.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described the ongoing blockade of the Strait of Hormuz as one of the worst supply chain disruptions since the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine. A commentator noted that if the United States agrees to postpone the issue of nuclear weapons, it would be a recognition that the primary justification for attacks on Iran—fighting its nuclear potential—is no longer valid. The speaker suggested this would be an ironic admission for the US regarding its stance on Iran's nuclear program. US Ambassador to the UN Mike Walts warned Iran against using the Strait of Hormuz as a tool for political pressure. Walts stated the Iranian regime must not treat the waterway as a hostage, a pledge, or a toll road. He called for the resumption of free trade to allow the global economy to breathe.

Melania Trump has reportedly demanded that ABC fire host Jimmy Kimmel. The demand follows recent events involving the President. A listener noted that Kimmel's jokes prior to the weekend did not appear related to the recent security incident. The request follows comments made by Kimmel prior to an assassination attempt on Saturday. The source noted that the public is reacting to the connection between the joke and the weekend's events. Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel defended a joke regarding Melania Trump made during the White House Correspondents Association dinner. Kimmel also included a sarcastic remark about the First Lady's expression when the couple appears together. Melania Trump has called on ABC executives to terminate Jimmy Kimmel, alleging the network protects him despite his rhetoric.

Iran's permanent representative to the United Nations, Irani, condemned the United States and Israel for conducting an aggressive war against Iran during a public debate at the UN Security Council regarding maritime security. The remarks were reported by CNR Voice of China. This move is viewed as unacceptable by US interests, as ending the nuclear program was a key campaign promise for Donald Trump. The source characterized current negotiations as sham talks intended to allow Israel and the USA to find a better offensive position. The source noted that internal and external confidence-building measures are required to reconcile differing positions. The Iranian leadership has reportedly not granted negotiators the authority to make concessions regarding the nuclear file, complicating a comprehensive solution.

Bain Capital plans to offload its majority stake in Tyger Capital, according to sources.