Author: openjargon

Drone-on-drone attacks between Russia and Ukraine signal a new era in modern warfare. Hobby drones are effective at taking out enemy craft and are much cheaper than using expensive missiles.

• Russia deployed its only S-500 air defense system in Crimea amid Ukrainian strikes.
• The system is "experimental," Ukraine's spy chief said, and has never been used before in combat.
• Ukraine has upped its attacks in Crimea, likely hoping to destroy Russia's air defenses in the area.

Russia has deployed its only S-500 air defense system in Crimea as Ukraine ups its attacks on the occupied peninsula, Ukraine's spy chief said this week.

The S-500, an advanced system described by Lt. Gen. Kyrylo Budanov, head of the Ukrainian Defense Intelligence Directorate as "experimental," has never been used in combat before.

Russia moved the S-500 to protect the Kerch Bridge, as well as strengthen Russia's air defense network in occupied Crimea, Budanov said Wednesday. The 12-mile-long bridge, which connects mainland Russia to occupied Crimea, is both a streamlined way for Russian forces to reach the area, as well as a symbol of Russia's control of the peninsula.

It's repeatedly been a target for Ukraine's drone boats, bombs, and strikes. Russian air defense assets have also been targets, especially in recent weeks.

The S-500, called the Prometheus, is a mobile, surface-to-air defense system designed to intercept ballistic missiles and other ranged weapons. The system is "essentially a modernized version of the S-300," the Institute for the Study of War, a Washington DC-based think tank, said Thursday.

The S-500 has been tested multiple times but has never been in combat before. Russia has claimed it's able to intercept all weapons, including hypersonic missiles, which are extremely fast and fly unpredictable paths at low altitudes, but that capability remains unclear.

Russia has previously claimed missiles were hypersonic that weren't and that weapons were unbeatable that also were not.

The S-500's problematic development and production, from the project's start in 2010 to severe delays over the following decade, raised questions about its viability as a system. It was delivered to the armed forces in 2021, though in a limited state unable to meet the requirements for the system.

In April 2024, then-Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu announced that it would enter battle in one of two variations: missile defense and an anti-aircraft role.

The S-500's new role protecting the Kerch Bridge and bolstering Russian air defense capabilities in Crimea comes as Ukraine conducts strikes on the peninsula aimed at making the area untenable for the Russian military.

Since late May, attacks in the area, particularly targeting Russia's air defenses, have intensified. The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine have reported major strikes, including one this week, hitting S-300 and S-400 systems.

Ukraine is suspected of using US-supplied Army Tactical Missile Systems, or ATACMS, for these strikes, among other capabilities.

As Ukraine continues to target air defenses on the peninsula, Russia may deploy more of its air defense assets there, ISW said, "making them vulnerable to further Ukrainian strikes." A fight of this nature could strain and deplete Russia's air defense arsenal.

"ISW previously assessed that Ukrainian forces may be conducting an organized effort to degrade Russian air defenses, which could enable Ukraine to more effectively leverage manned fixed-wing airpower (namely using F-16 fighter jets) in the long term," the think tank wrote.

Ukraine's strikes into Crimea have long been supported by the US and Western allies but come on the heels of US President Joe Biden and other NATO leaders agreeing — in some cases, reluctantly — to let Ukraine use long-range weapons to strike Russian targets in occupied territory.

Per ISW, Ukraine could "in principle" replicate the success of their Crimea strikes in other occupied areas should Western allies approve such strikes, creating opportunities for Ukraine and degrading Russia's capabilities.

Here's what Tim Cook unveiled at Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference, including iOS 18, Apple Intelligence, and a ChatGPT-assisted Siri.

• Stellantis plans to no longer offer chrome in vehicles due to health and environmental risks, CNN reports.
• Chromium-6, used in chrome plating, can potentially cause cancer to workers who face exposure.
• Stellantis plans to introduce new designs, replacing chrome with alternatives, like black finishes.

There's one design flourish you won't see in upcoming Jeeps or Dodge vehicles: chrome.

While historically chrome accents have been used to position a vehicle as higher-end or protect against corrosion, CNN reports that Stellantis, the company behind Jeep, Dodge, and a dozen other car brands, is switching things up due to concerns over health and environmental risks.

The change, internally dubbed the "Death of Chrome" at Stellantis, according to CNN, means new models will be missing the characteristic shine of chrome-plated parts.

While the completed product is not believed to be harmful to consumers, hexavalent chromium, also known as chromium-6, is "considered carcinogenic to workers," according to OSHA. The safety regulator says workers who inhale fumes or physically contact the chrome are at increased risk of developing lung, nasal, and sinus cancer.

Chromium pollution also poses notable environmental concerns, potentially affecting soil, crops, and ecosystems upon contamination. In 2019, a Detroit interstate had to be closed down due to a hexavalent chromium spill from an electroplating plant to prevent water contamination.

The National Association for Surface Finishing, an organization that represents the surface-coating industry, including chrome platers, told CNN that despite increasing safety measures, they were working to transition to the "safest and most sustainable alternatives and replacements."

A replacement that offers the same qualities as a finish sounds unlikely for production vehicles at this time. Stellantis' chief global designer, Ralph Gilles, told CNN that safer alternatives to chromium-6, like trivalent chrome, typically have a lesser-quality luster and the company will need to figure out a way to get people to fall out of love with traditional chrome.

Therefore rather than trying to replicate the signature finish, Stellantis plans to promote completely new designs. For example, blacked-out models like the Chrysler Pacifica S Package replace typically chrome elements like trim pieces and badges with a black finish. Other alternatives include using light for accents or polished stainless steel, though that can be pricier to manufacture.

Stellantis told CNN that it hopes these new looks will incentivize consumers to ditch the classic chrome look and sport a new kind of shine.

Stellantis did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment ahead of publication.

• Kate Middleton announced she is undergoing preventative chemotherapy for cancer on March 22.
• The princess has been absent from the public eye since Christmas 2023.
• On Friday, Kate announced she will attend Trooping the Colour, her first royal event in 2024. 

Kate Middleton is gearing up for a return to the public eye.

On March 22, the Princess of Wales revealed she was undergoing preventative chemotherapy for an unspecified type of cancer after months of speculation.

Kensington Palace previously announced that Kate had a "planned abdominal surgery" in January, saying she likely wouldn't return to public duty until after Easter.

As time passed, her absence led conspiracy theories about the princess to run rampant online, some of which were bolstered after Kensington Palace released an edited photo of Kate and her children on March 10.

But Kate spoke directly to the public about her health to announce her illness, revealing her diagnosis and reiterating a request for privacy in a video shared on the Prince and Princess of Wales' social-media accounts.

On Friday, Kate confirmed she would attend Trooping the Colour on Saturday and shared an update on her treatment progress. The event will be her first official public appearance in 2024.

Here's everything we know so far.

Kate Middleton made her most recent public appearance on Christmas Day.

Kate joined the royal family for their annual walk from Sandringham in Norfolk, England, to attend a church service on Christmas Day.

The Princess of Wales walked with her children and husband to the Church of St. Mary Magdalene in one of her signature coatdresses, much like she did in years past.

On January 17, Kensington Palace announced Kate was in the hospital for "a planned abdominal surgery."

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Kensington Palace said in its statement that Kate would remain in the hospital, The London Clinic, for up to two weeks following the procedure.

"Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales was admitted to hospital yesterday for planned abdominal surgery," the statement read. "The surgery was successful, and it is expected that she will remain in hospital for ten to fourteen days, before returning home to continue her recovery. Based on the current medical advice, she is unlikely to return to public duties until after Easter."

Kensington Palace provided no additional information about what procedure Kate underwent, though the palace told the Associated Press the princess didn't have cancer.

The statement also said Kate hoped "her personal medical information remains private" to help provide her children with "normality."

"Kensington Palace will, therefore, only provide updates on Her Royal Highness' progress when there is significant new information to share," the statement went on to say.

Prince William was photographed visiting Kate at the hospital the following day.

Kensington Palace said on January 29 that Kate had returned to Windsor Castle.

"The Princess of Wales has returned home to Windsor to continue her recovery from surgery," the statement shared on Instagram said. "She is making good progress."

William and Kate went on to thank the staff at The London Clinic in the statement, as well as those who sent them well wishes.

The same day, Buckingham Palace announced King Charles was returning home after having a procedure for a benign prostate enlargement.

Buckingham Palace announced on February 5 that King Charles has cancer.

Buckingham Palace said in a statement that "a separate issue of concern was noted" during the king's prostate procedure, and additional testing disclosed he has cancer. The palace didn't disclose what form of cancer he was diagnosed with, though they said it wasn't prostate cancer.

The statement also said that the king "commenced a schedule of regular treatments" and that although he would still be working from home, he would "postpone public-facing duties" per medical advice.

The palace didn't specify how long the king would forgo public-facing work.

"His Majesty has chosen to share his diagnosis to prevent speculation and in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer," the statement also said.

Prince William returned to public duty on February 7.

William paused his royal engagements amid Kate's surgery and recovery, returning to work on February 7 for an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle.

The same day, he attended a gala raising money for the London Air Ambulance, and he thanked the public for their messages of support for Kate, Town & Country reported.

"I'd like to take this opportunity to say thank you, also, for the kind messages of support for Catherine and for my father, especially in recent days," he said, adding that "it means a great deal to us all."

He has attended a handful of public events since. The public was predicted to look to William in Charles and Kate's absences, as he represents the monarchy's future as heir to the throne.

"It's an opportunity for him to communicate on behalf of the royal family," Eric Schiffer, the chairman of Reputation Management Consultants, said.

In addition, the public generally responds to younger royals more favorably. Without Kate, as well as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, William's youth could be a boon for the monarchy, as Kristen Meizner, a royal watcher, told BI.

"They are most focused on the royals when they are of courtship age, getting married, having babies, that kind of thing," she said. "They're not necessarily considered as dazzling or as exciting to the public when they're 60 or 70 or whatnot."

Kate was reported on February 9 to have traveled to Norfolk to continue her recovery.

On February 9, the Daily Mail reported that Kate had joined her family at their home in Sandringham, Anmer Hall, for her children's half-term holiday.

The outlet also reported that her recovery was going well at the time.

Kate wasn't photographed during her trip from Windsor to Sandringham.

King Charles was photographed a few times throughout February, while Kate remained unseen.

Although he isn't taking on public-facing duties, King Charles has still been photographed a few times since his cancer diagnosis and the beginning of his treatment.

On February 11, he and Queen Camilla were spotted going to church in Sandringham, and he was photographed meeting with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on February 21 at Buckingham Palace.

Kate, on the other hand, remained absent, as Kensington Palace released no photos or videos of her.

William released a rare solo statement on February 20.

A statement from The Prince of Wales pic.twitter.com/LV2jMx75DC

— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) February 20, 2024

https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js

Typically, William and Kate have released statements as a pair since they got married.

But on February 20, Kensington Palace released a statement on only William's behalf regarding the conflict in Gaza, in which he said he remained "deeply concerned about the human cost of the conflict in the Middle East since the Hamas terrorist attack on 7 October."

"I, like so many others, want to see an end to the fighting as soon as possible," the statement said. "There is a desperate need for increased humanitarian support to Gaza."

William also said he continued "to cling to the hope that a brighter future can be found, and I refuse to give up on that."

In addition to speaking for only William, the statement had a "W" seal at the top rather than the crown featured on messages from the Prince and Princess of Wales as a unit.

William missed a service of thanksgiving on February 27 because of an unnamed personal matter.

On February 27, members of the royal family attended a service of thanksgiving for King Constantine of Greece, King Charles' second cousin and close companion. He was one of William's godfathers.

William was set to attend the event alongside Queen Camilla and other family members but missed the service because of a personal matter, Kensington Palace told Business Insider.

A palace representative also told BI that Kate was doing well, but they didn't elaborate on what caused William to miss the event.

Following his absence, chatter about Kate's prolonged absence from the public eye erupted on social media, with users speculating about why she hasn't been seen in months. The princess was trending on X, and thousands of people posted about her on TikTok. "Kate Middleton" was also sixth on Google's list of trending search terms on February 27, highlighting how high public interest got in her absence.

Kensington Palace reiterated that Kate was "doing well" as William returned to public duty on February 29.

On February 29, Prince William resumed public duty, visiting the Western Marble Arch Synagogue to learn about the Holocaust Educational Trust, as Kensington Palace shared on Instagram.

He sat down with a Holocaust survivor, Renee Salt. Rebecca English, a royal editor for the Daily Mail, reported on X that during the conversation, he spoke on behalf of himself and Kate.

"Both Catherine and I are extremely concerned about the rise in antisemitism," English quoted the prince as saying to Salt. "That's why I'm here today to reassure you all that people do care and people do listen, and we can't let that go."

Kensington Palace also reiterated that Kate was "doing well" in a statement sent to BI on February 29.

"We gave guidance two days ago that The Princess of Wales continues to be doing well," the statement said. "As we have been clear since our initial statement in January, we shall not be providing a running commentary or providing daily updates."

Kate was spotted for the first time in 2024 on March 4.

On March 4, a sunglasses-clad Princess of Wales was seen riding in a car with her mother, Carole Middleton, in photos obtained by Backgrid and shared by TMZ.

According to TMZ, the pair were driving near Windsor Castle when they were photographed, and no other royals or security appeared to accompany them on the drive.

The sighting came as Queen Camilla announced she was taking a break from filling in for her husband at royal engagements until March 11.

After initially indicating she would attend, the British army removed references to Kate from online tickets for a June event shared on March 5.

On March 5, outlets like BBC News reported that Kate's name was included on tickets released online to The Colonel's Review, an event the British army hosts amid Trooping the Colour, on June 8. Kate was named the Colonel of The Irish Guards in December 2022, and the Colonel typically participates in the Review.

Many took her inclusion on the tickets as a sign she was on track to return to work in the summer. But then, the army quickly removed all references to Kate after the tickets were released because Kensington Palace had not confirmed she would attend.

A source close to the situation told Business Insider's Mikhaila Friel the army didn't get approval from Kensington Palace to include references to the princess in the tickets, leading to the confusion.

The palace didn't respond to a request for comment from BI on the matter.

Kensington Palace released a photo of Kate with her children for Mother's Day — but the photo was immediately met with suspicion.

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March 10 was Mother's Day in the UK, and to commemorate the occasion, Kensington Palace released the first official portrait of Kate since Christmas.

In the photo, Kate sits in a chair surrounded by her children, who are all giggling. According to the caption they shared on social media alongside the image, William took the picture of his family in 2024, and the photo appeared to come directly from Kate, as she signed the caption, "C," which stands for Catherine.

"Thank you for your kind wishes and continued support over the last two months," she wrote. "Wishing everyone a Happy Mother's Day."

But shortly after it was released, people began to speculate the photo had been edited. Photo editor Patrick Witty told BI's Shubhangi Goel it was "astonishing" the palace released the photo at all because of issues in the image, pointing to areas where the picture is blurred and things that seemed to be added to the shot during the editing process, like a zipper on Kate's jacket.

Later that day, multiple photo agencies removed the picture from their platforms.

On March 10, Reuters, the Associated Press, and the French organization Agence France-Presse sent kill notices for the picture, which means the picture is no longer available for distribution through their platforms.

Reuters said it removed the picture after a "post-publication review," while the AP said explicitly in its kill notice that it wouldn't distribute the photo because "it appears the source has manipulated the image. No replacement photo will be sent."

Kensington Palace has been accused of editing photos of the royals before, as was the case with the Waleses' 2023 Christmas card, but the photo released March 10 is the first to be killed by photo agencies.

The palace did not respond to a request for comment on the editing controversy.

Kate personally apologized for "any confusion" the picture caused on March 11.

On March 11, Kate addressed the controversy surrounding the photo in a statement released on social media, seeming to take responsibility for the manipulated image.

"Like many amateur photographers, I do occasionally experiment with editing," she wrote on X. "I wanted to express my apologies for any confusion the family photograph we shared yesterday caused. I hope everyone celebrating had a very happy Mother's Day. C."

Notably, the statement was signed by Kate alone. Kensington Palace typically speaks on behalf of the couple as a unit, and the royals said in their post on Sunday that William took the shot.

The statement didn't appear to convince royal watchers online. Kate was trending on X, and the edited image had been viewed over 72 million times on the platform as of Monday.

William and Kate were photographed together on March 11 before he attended a Commonwealth Day service.

A few hours after the princess posted on X, the Daily Mail released a photo of William and what appeared to be Kate in a car together leaving Windsor Castle.

Kate is looking out of the window in the shot, so only her profile is visible. According to the outlet, Kate was going to "a private appointment," and William was en route to a Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey.

William was photographed alongside Queen Camilla at the Commonwealth Day service after the photo of him and Kate was published.

Multiple tabloids released a video of what appeared to be Kate and William shopping in Windsor on March 18.

#KateMiddleton seemed to be in good spirits while out and about with #PrinceWilliam Saturday. https://t.co/kLUsfvt3b2 (🎥: TMZ/The Sun) pic.twitter.com/EqbtVojBcw

— TMZ (@TMZ) March 18, 2024

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On March 17, The Sun reported that William and Kate were spotted shopping at a "farm shop" near Adelaide Cottage, their home on the grounds of Windsor Castle. But The Sun's coverage didn't include any images of the prince and princess.

Then, on March 18, TMZ and The Sun released a video of what appeared to be William and Kate walking through the market, holding shopping bags.

The video was grainy, and Kensington Palace did not respond to a request for comment from Business Insider on the matter.

On March 22, Kate announced she is undergoing preventative chemotherapy in a video, speaking directly to the public.

On March 22, Kensington Palace uploaded a video of Kate speaking directly to a camera on its social media.

In the video, Kate said that her abdominal surgery in January was successful, but "tests after the operation found cancer had been present."

Her medical team recommended she "undergo a course of preventative chemotherapy" after reviewing the tests, as Kate said in the video. She began treatment in late February, according to a press release shared with BI.

The princess said that the diagnosis was a "shock" and that she and William "have been doing everything we can to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family," adding that determining how to share the news with their children was difficult.

"As I have said to them, I am well and getting stronger every day by focusing on the things that will help me heal in my mind, body, and spirits," Kate said.

In the press release shared with BI, Kensington Palace said it would not be revealing what kind of cancer Kate has, nor what stage her cancer is.

The release also said Kate will return to work "when she is cleared to do so by her medical team."

In the video, Kate reiterated Kensington Palace's previous requests for privacy.

"We hope that you will understand that, as a family, we now need some time, space, and privacy while I complete my treatment," she said.

The Prince and Princess of Wales marked their anniversary with a private photo of their wedding on April 28.

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To celebrate their 13th anniversary, Kate and William shared a never-before-seen photo from their wedding on Instagram.

The caption on the post was simple, reading, "13 years ago today!"

Kensington Palace has not released a picture of the couple together in 2024.

William said Kate was "doing well" during a royal engagement on May 10.

Since her video announcement, Kensington Palace has not released an official update on Kate's health.

But on May 10, William said Kate was "doing well" when asked about her health in a video recorded by Sky News.

Kate apologized for missing a rehearsal for Trooping the Colour on June 8.

Kate became Colonel of the Irish Guards in 2022, inheriting the title from Prince William. As the Colonel, she's meant to oversee the Colonel's Review, a rehearsal for Trooping the Colour, the king's official birthday celebration. However, Kate was unable to attend this year.

The Irish Guards shared a letter from Kate on X, in which she apologized for missing the rehearsal.

"Being your Colonel remains a great honour, and I am very sorry that I am unable to take the salute at this year's Colonel's Review," she wrote. "Please pass my whole apologies to the Regiment, however I do hope that I am able to represent you all once again very soon."

On Friday, Kate announced she is attending Trooping the Colour, her first royal event of 2024.

I have been blown away by all the kind messages of support and encouragement over the last couple of months. It really has made the world of difference to William and me and has helped us both through some of the harder times.

I am making good progress, but as anyone going… pic.twitter.com/J1jTlgwRU8

— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) June 14, 2024

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On Friday, Kate announced in a post on Kensington Palace's official social-media accounts that she would attend Trooping the Colour. The event, which will take place on Saturday, marks Kate's first official appearance of the year and her first since publicly sharing her cancer diagnosis.

In the post, accompanied by a new photograph of Kate taken at her home in Windsor earlier this week, the princess wrote that she was making "good progress" with her chemotherapy treatment, adding that there are "good days and bad days."

"On those bad days you feel weak, tired and you have to give in to your body resting. But on the good days, when you feel stronger, you want to make the most of feeling well," she wrote.

Kate added that her treatment is ongoing but that she is starting to do "a little work from home" and hopes to be able to join other "public engagements over the summer."

"I am learning how to be patient, especially with uncertainty," she added. "Taking each day as it comes, listening to my body, and allowing myself to take this much needed time to heal."

"I'm looking forward to attending The King's Birthday Parade this weekend with my family," she wrote, adding that she is grateful for the public's "continued understanding" and support.

Buckingham Palace previously confirmed to the BBC that King Charles would also attend his official birthday celebration, though he will ride in a carriage instead of on horseback.

• Prime Video's "The Boys" will end with its upcoming fifth season.
• Showrunner Eric Kripke already knows how the series will conclude.
• There's no release date yet, but season five is expected to start filming in mid-November.

All good things must come to an end, including Prime Video's popular superhero satire series "The Boys."

The show was officially renewed for a fifth season back in May. Then on Tuesday, two days before the the season four premiere, creator and showrunner Eric Kripke revealed via X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram that the upcoming fifth season would be the show's last.

"#TheBoys Season 4 Premiere Week is the perfect time to announce: Season 5 will be the Final Season! Which was always my plan, I just had to be cagey about it until I got final permission from @voughtintl,'" Kripke wrote on Instagram.

"But I'm thrilled to bring this story to a gory, epic, emotional climax. So check out Season 4, premiering THIS THURSDAY, because the end has begun! Hop in for the ride. Which will be bumpy. And probably a little moist. @theboystv @primevideo."

Here's everything we know about season five of "The Boys," so far.

Season 4 is designed to be a darker, more introspective season ahead of the all-out action of season 5

So far, season four has explored the characters' biggest fears and unresolved traumas. Kripke compared the show to a three-act film and said that season four serves as act two.

"It's like the darkest point, the most introspective point," he told Deadline. "It's the one where the characters have to emotionally face their existential trauma. So then they're able to jump onto the roller coaster ride that is the climax of the movie."

Kripke already has ideas for the series finale ending

Kripke told Deadline that the writers' room spent weeks discussing the show's mythology and broad ideas for season five, and he has a good idea of how the series will conclude.

"I know that moment where the title card comes up and it says six months later, and you see where everybody is," he said. "I know that. I can really write the last 10 pages of this story right now."

He explained to The Hollywood Reporter that everything isn't mapped out in detail yet because he wants to create room for the writers to suggest ideas and twists.

"I don't totally know how we're going to get there, but I know the destination," he said.

Season 5 of 'The Boys' will definitively wrap up the show's story

"The Boys" juggles many characters and storylines, but the heart of the show is the dynamic between sworn enemies Butcher (Karl Urban) and Homelander (Antony Starr).

Homelander already teased a "scorched" earth" destiny for him and Butcher in the season three premiere. It looks like fans will likely see that play out in season five.

"The show is a serialized story that is about Butcher and Homelander slowly crashing into each other, and the show doesn't work without either of those," Kripke told The Hollywood Reporter. "So, you just can't keep that going on forever, you have to let them smash into each other."

"What I would say is, this particular story is ending, the Butcher-Homelander is ending," he told Variety. "But there can be other stories and other corners of the universe."

There are already various "Boys" offshoots in different stages; the college-set "Gen V" was renewed for a second season in October and a Mexico spin-off is in the works. But the upcoming fifth season of "The Boys" will be the end of the road for the show.

"This story of 'The Boys' will not continue on," Kripke told Entertainment Weekly, adding that there are some other potential spin-offs in development that have yet to be announced.

There's no release date yet for season 5

"It's not totally locked in yet, but we are going to start shooting around mid-November," Kripke told Variety. "And I don't know when it'll premiere yet, but we'll be shooting well into middle of '25."

The showrunner added that, like past seasons, the final installment will be comprised of eight episodes.

Since season five is anticipated to film through 2025, that means it likely won't premiere until 2026.

• Elon Musk seems to have a new go-to shoe.
• The Tesla CEO has been seen multiple times wearing black shoes with the word "Cybertruck" on them.
• Here's where you can find a similar pair.

Elon Musk has been hyping up Tesla's angular pickup Cybertruck for a while now. Lately, he's even started doing so with his shoes.

The Tesla CEO has been sporting new go-to footwear lately: a pair of sneakers bearing the word "Cybertruck" on them.

He was seen wearing them in December in Rome at a meeting organized by the right-wing Italian political party Brothers of Italy.

And in his latest notable outing with them — Tesla's annual shareholder meeting on Thursday — he even got a shoutout complimenting his kicks.

So, where did Musk get the shoes? Business Insider did a bit of a deep dive and found that they look similar to the Roamer men's shoe from Kizik in the color blackout — and were likely custom-made for him. Their big draw is that you can slide the shoes on hands-free.

Kizik did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The price of Kizik's Roamer shoe varies depending on the color. A pair in the blackout color, which is the closest to what Musk appeared to wear at the Tesla shareholder meeting, is currently $99, down from $149, according to the product listing on June 14.

Musk also appears to have another custom-made pair of Kiziks, with one shoe bearing the X in the SpaceX logo and another bearing the Tesla logo.

It looks like the shoes aren't available for purchase with the Tesla or SpaceX detailing, but if you're looking for a dupe, the off-the-shelf Kizik Roamers are a good bet. We recommend grabbing yourself some Wite-Out, too.

• Kensington Palace has released the first photograph of Kate Middleton since her cancer diagnosis. 
• The new image came with a statement that the Princess of Wales is attending Trooping the Colour. 
• The royal event, marking the King's official birthday, is Kate's first since Christmas Day 2023. 

Kensington Palace has released the first official photograph of Kate Middleton nearly four months after she announced that she has cancer.

The photograph, taken of Kate at home in Windsor, was shared by the official Kensington Palace social media accounts.

It came alongside an announcement from Kate that she will attend the 2024 Trooping the Colour on Saturday.

Other senior royals confirmed to attend the event, which marks the sovereign's official birthday, are Queen Camilla and King Charles III, who is also undergoing cancer treatment.

Charles made his return to public duties in April at an Easter church service. Buckingham Palace announced he had been diagnosed with cancer in February after he underwent a procedure to treat an enlarged prostate.

Unlike Trooping the Colour 2023, Charles will likely attend in a carriage rather than on horseback, the BBC reported.

The new photo of Kate Middleton came with a health update

In the photograph, which Sky News reported was taken earlier this week, Kate is seen posing next to a tree wearing jeans and a tan blazer with thin white stripes.

In a caption to the photograph signed "C," she shared a personal update about her condition. She said she is making "good progress" with her chemotherapy treatment and is starting to do some work from home, with the caveat that "there are good days and bad days."

"My treatment is ongoing and will be for a few more months," she wrote. "On the days I feel well enough, it is a joy to engage with school life, spend personal time on the things that give me energy and positivity."

The royal event on Saturday marks Kate's first official appearance since she said in a video released by Kensington Palace on March 22 that she was undergoing preventative chemotherapy.

Her diagnosis came after tests following a planned abdominal surgery in January found cancerous cells, she said in the video.

Her upcoming appearance marks her first since Christmas Day 2023, when she was photographed taking part in the British royal family's traditional walk to a Church service in Sandringham, Norfolk.

• "House of the Dragon" season two premieres Sunday on HBO.
• The "Game of Thrones" prequel series focuses on the noble houses of Westeros during a civil war.
• Here's how the cast compares to their character counterparts.

Many of the main stars of "House of the Dragon" return for the show's second season.

The "Game of Thrones" prequel was an instant hit when it first premiered in 2022. Season one told a story over 19 years that builds up to a massive civil war in Westeros. Season two will finally show that war, as House Targaryen and House Hightower fight over who should rule Westeros.

Fans may be surprised that many of the cast members do not look like their characters. Though House Targaryen are famous for their blonde hair, Matt Smith and Paddy Considine, who played major Targaryens, are not blonde.

Here's what the cast looks like in real life compared to their characters.

Queen Rhaenyra looks the most similar to Daenerys Targaryen in "Game of Thrones," with signature long blonde hair often worn in braids.

Emma D'Arcy, who portrays older Rhaenyra, wears a wig for their character.

In season one, we saw a younger version of Queen Rhaenyra.

Milly Alcock, who plays young Rhaenyra, is a brunette.

Prince Daemon Targaryen is Rhaenyra's husband and uncle.

Under the blonde wig and sturdy armor, Matt Smith actually has short, dark brown hair.

King Viserys Targaryen has silvery-blonde hair like other members of his family.

Paddy Considine has short, dark, salt-and-pepper hair, but he rocks the same facial hair as his character.

Alicent Hightower is Viserys' second wife and Rhaenyra's former best friend.

In real life, Olivia Cooke has a darker shade of brown hair than her character, and rocks bangs.

In season one, there was a younger version of Alicent.

Emily Carey, who plays young Alicent, also has slightly darker hair than Alicent's.

Criston Cole is a young and solemn knight with curly brown hair and light facial hair.

Of all the cast members, Fabien Frankel resembles his character the most.

Otto Hightower, Alicent's father, is a practical-looking man with close-cropped hair and a beard.

In real life, Rhys Ifans has a less thick beard and lighter hair color.

Princess Rhaenys is the cousin of King Viserys, and wears her hair in a tall, braided style.

Eve Best does have blond hair in real life, but it is shorter than her character's and less silver.

Lord Corlys is a serious leader with white locs and a salt-and-pepper beard.

Steve Toussaint wears a wig for the show because he is bald in real life.

Prince Jacaerys "Jace" Velaryon is the firstborn son of Rhaenyra.

Harry Collett, who plays Jacaerys, has curly hair just like his character.

King Aegon II Targaryen is Alicent's firstborn son.

Tom Glynn-Carney, who plays Aegon, has darker hair than Aegon in real life.

Prince Aemond Targaryen, Alicent's third child, has the Targaryen signature blonde hair.

Ewan Mitchell has shorter hair than Aemond.

Queen Helaena Targaryen, Alicent's second child, also has blonde hair.

Phia Saban also wears a wig to portray Helaena Targaryen.

Lady Baela Targaryen is Daemon's first child with his first wife, Laena Valeryon.

Bethany Antonia wears a blonde wig to play Lady Baela

Lady Rhaena Targaryen is Daemon's other daughter.

Phoebe Campbell also wears a blonde wig to play Lady Rhaena

Ser Harrold Westerling is the former lord commander of the Kingsguard.

Graham McTavish looks exactly like his character, without the armor.

Mysaria has long dark hair that is often cloaked in public.

Sonoya Mizuno also looks very similar to her character in real life.