Space and astronomy news coverage is notably absent from today's top stories; instead, major developments span geopolitics, technology, and science including China blocking Meta's AI acquisition, the UAE leaving OPEC, OpenAI trial proceedings, and Trump administration actions on science funding.

The UAE announced it will leave OPEC after 59 years of membership, marking a significant blow to the oil cartel's influence as global energy markets remain volatile due to Iran war tensions and geopolitical pressures from the Trump administration.

China blocked Meta's $2 billion acquisition of AI agent developer Manus, representing Beijing's most aggressive step yet to prevent AI talent loss to the United States and reflecting escalating tech competition between the superpowers.

Elon Musk testified at the OpenAI trial that he founded the company to prevent a 'Terminator outcome,' while the judge warned both Musk and Sam Altman to stop using social media to escalate their legal dispute.

The Trump administration fired members of an independent board overseeing the National Science Foundation, with critics calling it a 'dangerous attack' on US innovation and scientific research.

Humanoid robots began a trial run as baggage handlers at Tokyo's airport, with Japan Airlines testing the technology amid severe labor shortages and surging tourism.

Nick Pope, the renowned UFO investigator who worked for Britain's defense ministry and became a leading commentator on extraterrestrial matters, died at age 60.

Scientists discovered that early birds' skulls offer crucial insights into dinosaur behavior, suggesting that T-Rex were 'reincarnated' through avian descendants with evidence of intelligence and complex hunting strategies.

A new study found evidence that Neanderthals were capable of hunting elephants through careful planning and teamwork, based on analysis of an ancient pachyderm skeleton previously dismissed as unimportant.

The constellation Leo dominates northern hemisphere spring evenings, recognized since antiquity with a rich mythological tradition spanning cultures.

Microsoft and OpenAI loosened their partnership, with Microsoft continuing to license OpenAI's technology but no longer maintaining exclusive licensee rights, marking a shift in their strategic relationship.