Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a televised interview aired Wednesday that Washington wants Beijing to help push Iran toward a change in course. His comments highlighted China’s position as a country with ties to Iran and a strong interest in stability across the region.

The Gulf is a key route for global energy and shipping, which makes any rise in tensions a matter of international concern. For the United States, getting China involved would add diplomatic pressure at a time when Washington is watching Iran closely.

Rubio did not give details on what specific action the U.S. wants China to take. The message was broader: American officials believe Beijing may have leverage with Tehran and want that relationship used to reduce risks in the Gulf.

For now, the appeal signals how major powers are being drawn into efforts to manage one of the world’s most sensitive regions.

The ceremony will air on ABC and stream on Hulu, continuing the show’s push to reach both traditional TV viewers and streaming audiences. O’Brien’s return keeps a familiar face at the center of the event after his recent turns as host drew attention for their mix of comedy, timing, and steady control of the room.

Several key members of the production team are also returning. Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan will again serve as producers, while Jeff Ross and Mike Sweeney are also expected back.

O’Brien has built a long career across late-night television, podcasting, and live comedy. His continued role at the Oscars signals a stable direction for one of Hollywood’s most watched annual events.

Chinese officials announced that Trump would visit from May 13 to 15 at Xi’s invitation, with both leaders expected to discuss U.S.-China relations and wider international issues. The trip comes as the war involving Iran has added new pressure to talks that were already expected to be difficult.

For Trump, the meeting is a chance to press for economic gains, including expanded U.S. exports and better access for American companies. Trade, technology, agriculture, energy, and aircraft sales are all expected to be part of the conversation.

Xi enters the meeting focused on stability and China’s core concerns, especially Taiwan and restrictions on Chinese access to advanced technology. Beijing is also likely to seek a more predictable relationship with Washington.

The visit is not expected to resolve every dispute. Still, it gives both governments a chance to manage tensions at a moment when the relationship remains important and fragile.

The exchange centered on the British band, best known for becoming one of the biggest names of the Britpop era. When Oasis came up in conversation, members of The Wiggles appeared unsure about the group, turning a simple question into a lighthearted pop culture moment.

One member joked that they were out of touch, while another added that Blur was more their style. The comment brought in a familiar piece of music history, since Oasis and Blur were often framed as rivals during the 1990s Britpop boom.

The moment stood out because The Wiggles are known around the world for children’s music, while Oasis is tied to a very different corner of popular music. The contrast made the interview clip easy to share and easy to understand.

No serious issue came from the exchange. It was simply a funny crossover between two well-known acts from very different musical worlds.

In a belated Mother’s Day post shared on Instagram, the actress and singer posted a carousel of personal moments from the holiday, including breakfast, cards, a sweet treat, and small glimpses of her baby girl. The images showed the baby’s hands and legs, but did not reveal her face or name.

Josh Allen also shared the post on his Instagram Stories, adding a loving message for Steinfeld and their daughter. The Buffalo Bills quarterback and Steinfeld welcomed their first child in April 2026.

The couple has kept much of their family life private, sharing only limited details since becoming parents. Their latest posts offered a soft, personal update without giving away more than they chose to share.

For Steinfeld, the holiday marked a new chapter, celebrating Mother’s Day for the first time with her daughter.

The proposal, raised amid pressure from rising fuel costs, would need approval from Congress before it could take effect. The federal tax currently adds 18.4 cents to each gallon of gasoline and 24.4 cents to each gallon of diesel. Pausing it would be aimed at lowering costs for consumers, though the actual savings could be modest.

Energy and tax policy analysts have noted that gas tax holidays do not always translate into the full savings drivers expect. Retail prices depend on supply, demand, refinery costs, distribution, and how much of the tax break is passed along at the pump.

A suspension would also reduce money flowing into the Highway Trust Fund, which helps pay for roads, bridges, and transit projects. That creates a tradeoff for lawmakers weighing short-term consumer relief against transportation funding needs.

In a recent social media post, the pop star thanked friends and new people she said she has met during this chapter. She also described the experience as a blessing in disguise, pointing to themes of growth, gratitude, and self-kindness.

The comments followed her recent DUI-related case in Ventura County, California, and a voluntary stay in a rehabilitation facility. Spears pleaded guilty to a reduced reckless driving charge involving alcohol, while the original DUI charge was dismissed as part of the legal agreement.

As part of the outcome, she received 12 months of probation, a fine, and requirements that include a three-month DUI program and continued treatment support.

Spears, 44, has kept much of her personal life private in recent years while remaining one of pop music’s most recognizable figures.

Church used his guitar as the main image of his speech, explaining how each string could represent part of a full life. In remarks shared during the ceremony, he connected those strings to faith, family, relationships, ambition, community, and individuality.

The moment carried personal meaning for Church, who grew up in Granite Falls and has long been associated with his home state. His ties to North Carolina have also included relief work following Hurricane Helene, adding another layer to his appearance at the university’s graduation ceremony.

Church closed the event by performing Carolina, giving graduates and their families a familiar song tied closely to place, home, and the next chapter ahead.

In the complaint, the singer alleges that a photo taken backstage at Austin City Limits in 2024 appeared on Samsung TV boxes without authorization. The filing says Lipa owns the copyright to the image and did not approve its use in connection with the product.

The lawsuit also claims the packaging may have suggested that Lipa endorsed the televisions. Her legal team argues that the use of her image violated her publicity rights and trademarks, along with copyright protections.

The case says Lipa became aware of the packaging in June 2025, after social media users began referring to the product as a Dua Lipa TV box. The complaint also states that Samsung was asked to stop using the image but did not fully resolve the issue.

Samsung has not publicly commented on the lawsuit.

U.S. officials wanted a broader agreement. The American proposal reportedly included steps tied to reopening the key waterway, easing the conflict, and addressing Iran’s nuclear program.

President Trump rejected Iran’s answer publicly, calling it “totally unacceptable.” The main disagreement appears to be over what should come first. Iran wants the current talks to be centered on stopping the conflict and reducing pressure on shipping. The U.S. wants nuclear limits included as part of the deal.

The Strait of Hormuz remains a major concern because it is one of the world’s most important routes for oil and gas shipments. For now, both sides are still communicating through mediators, but the response has not produced a breakthrough.