May 21: Key Updates on Middle East, Severe Weather, Trump Trial, Climate, and Italy Earthquakes

ChatGPT, the AI tool known for its fictional voice assistants, has decided to pause one of its synthetic voices following criticism from actress Scarlett Johansson. Johansson expressed concerns that the voice was “eerily similar” to hers, prompting the company to take action.

In other news, the International Criminal Court is seeking arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his defense minister, and three Hamas leaders on charges of war crimes. President Joe Biden has criticized the court’s efforts, calling them “outrageous” and equating a top US ally with a terrorist organization.

Severe weather threats are looming over the Midwest, with more than 22 million people at risk of experiencing large hail, heavy winds, and possible tornadoes. Cities like Chicago, Milwaukee, and Kansas City are under a Level 4 threat, while other areas from Texas to Michigan are also on alert.

Former President Donald Trump’s hush money trial is nearing its conclusion, with the prosecution resting its case. Trump’s ex-lawyer Michael Cohen admitted to stealing $60,000 from the Trump Organization for a payment made on Trump’s behalf, potentially impacting his standing with the jury.

Ocean water has been found rushing miles underneath Antarctica’s Thwaites Glacier, raising concerns about underestimated sea level rise projections. The glacier holds enough ice to raise sea levels by more than 2 feet, with its collapse potentially leading to a catastrophic 10 feet rise.

In Italy, a 4.4 magnitude earthquake struck the Campi Flegrei supervolcano, causing damage in the town of Pozzuoli and as far as Naples. The ongoing seismic activity has raised concerns, with more than 500,000 people living in the red zone adjacent to the supervolcano.

Funeral services are beginning for Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, who died in a helicopter crash. Investigations are underway to determine the cause of the crash, which occurred during foggy weather.