Middleware has traditionally been treated as a background process. Enterprises could afford to have this layer connect systems and data with minimal oversight – but that autonomy is no longer compatible with the scale and complexity of modern data flows. Large enterprises, retailers, and financial institutions consist of transactions sprawled across a disconnected web of middleware. IBM MQ, Apache Kafka, Apache ActiveMQ, RabbitMQ, and TIBCO are only a few of these environments, and each creates a step that introduces failure points where data can back up or stall completely. Latest Videos From Greg DeaKyne Social Links Navigation Vice President of…
AI & Machine Learning All ›
-
The foundation agentic AI can’t function without
-
Firm hacked by rogue AI calls the attack 'a wake-up call' after ChatGPT maker OpenAI admits advanced bot broke containment during a security test
Elon Musk pictured in 2022 Elon Musk wants to push technology to its absolute limit, from space travel to self-driving cars — but he draws the line at artificial intelligence. The billionaire first shared his distaste for AI in 2014, calling it humanity's 'biggest existential threat' and comparing it to 'summoning the demon'. At the time, Musk also revealed he was investing in AI companies not to make money but to keep an eye on the technology in case it gets out of hand. His main fear is that in the wrong hands, if AI becomes advanced, it could overtake humans and spell the end of mankind, which is known as The Singularity. That concern is shared…
-
The first known runaway AI agent - or a very bad marketing stunt?
In the past few days Hugging Face announced a security incident, which transpired to be a "runaway" agent from OpenAI. This is likely the first known autonomous offensive agent working like this, and certainly the first known one where an agent has done this inadvertently. Just marketing? Reading the commentary on this, it seems the majority of people think this is a marketing stunt. While certainly the frontier labs have endless examples of claiming things are not safe, it's quite a dangerous position for technologists to take if it is not a marketing stunt. I really struggle to see how this could be a marketing stunt. Huggingface released the blog…
-
Google profits QUADRUPLE to $112billion after investments in AI
Google's profits have quadrupled to $112billion (£84billion), with the search engine monolith citing its investments in AI as the reason for the massive windfall. In the firm's latest quarterly update, CEO Sundar Pichai said that the successful quarter was due in part to growth of its AI model Gemini and AI search queries, as well as YouTube where more than 1.7 billion unique viewers tuned in to videos related to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. 'Our AI investments are redefining what's possible across every part of our business,' Pichai said. The company recorded more than $119billion in total revenue between April and June, up 24 percent compared to the…
-
Why AI-powered network management is no longer optional
Within a short space of time, AI has made the leap from experimental technology to everyday business tool. Enterprises across sectors are today deploying AI to take on routine, time-intensive tasks to allow their teams to focus on more strategic tasks or work that requires human judgement. According to McKinsey, most organizations are using AI in at least one business function. Laurent Bouchoucha, Axel Belibi Social Links Navigation Laurent is VP of Business Development, Product Business Group, and Axel is Business Line Manager at Alcatel-Lucent. Network management and monitoring is one of the fastest-growing areas of interest. The timing is no…
-
Startup Summit 2026 Returns to Brazil’s Tech Island
Brazil · Business Key Facts —Dates and location. August 26–28, 2026, in Florianópolis, Santa Catarina. —Expected attendance. More than 10,000 in-person participants and over 200 speakers. —Organizers. Sebrae Startups, the entrepreneurship arm of Brazil’s micro and small business support service, together with the Santa Catarina technology association ACATE. —Main themes. Artificial intelligence, SaaS, venture capital, deeptech, HealthTech, EnergyTech, and internationalization. —Ticket access. Passes are sold through the official event website, with early-bird tiers typically released months in advance. The Startup Summit 2026, Sebrae’s flagship…
-
OpenAI's latest service wants to get your company build and get better integrated with AI agents
OpenAI Presence is a new tool to monitor and update AI agent behavior It works across voice and chat agents from launch, including OpenAI's phone support Presence is led by forward-deployed engineers who already know an organization inside-out OpenAI has launched a new, dedicated platform for building, deploying and iterating AI agents for business workflows, which it's calling OpenAI Presence. From launch, the tool focuses on voice and chat agents that can answer questions, resolve problems, access company systems, perform approved actions and liaise with humans. The addition comes in response to what the company sees as the challenge of keeping…
-
US-China AI rivalry reaches critical flashpoint
In what seems like the blink of an eye, China has gone from being up to five years behind the United States in top-tier artificial intelligence (AI) to lagging by just a few months. While US players, including Anthropic's Claude and OpenAI's ChatGPT, have spent hundreds of billions of dollars to push the frontier of AI, China has pursued a very different path. Faced with US curbs on high-end chips that help AI to do its most advanced thinking, Chinese tech firms have prioritized dozens of open-source AI models built on "good enough" technology. These platforms, including DeepSeek, Alibaba's Qwen and Xiaomi's MiMo, are now widely deployed across…
-
China’s tech firms turn the global AI boom into opportunity amid fierce rivalry at home
Driven by a global surge in AI spending and fierce competition at home, Chinese tech companies are rapidly expanding their international footprint, not just via physical supply chains, but increasingly through cloud-based software and foundation models. The broader push aligns with recent customs data from the first half of 2026 showing a sharp rise in physical tech exports. Integrated-circuit exports nearly doubled in value to US$177.3 billion, a 96 per cent year-on-year surge heavily inflated by global chip price hikes. Meanwhile, exports of automatic data-processing equipment jumped over 41 per cent to US$138.1 billion, and industrial-robot…
-
Mark Zuckerberg launches AI optimism campaign
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg on Thursday laid out an optimistic view of the agentic future, arguing the company's focus on connecting the world will only be strengthened with new AI tools and technologies. Why it matters: His position is framed as a stark contrast to some of Meta's AI competitors, who — according to a video ad posted with Zuckerberg's comments — promote fear and a dystopian vision of the future."Some people will have you believe AI will make us less connected, that it's going to leave us behind. We couldn't disagree more. Call us optimists, call us dreamers. Just as we've always done we're betting on people," the ad notes.Zoom in: In a…
Tech & Gadgets All ›
-
5 smartwatches you should buy instead of the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2
Zac Kew-Denniss / Android Authority Samsung has a duo of new Galaxy Watches out for 2026, and one of them is the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2. It’s been just about two years since the first Watch Ultra was announced, and for the second model, Samsung has made some pretty impressive upgrades. Remember how thick the original Watch Ultra was? The Watch Ultra 2 is much thinner. The Watch Ultra 2 is more durable than its predecessor, features a slightly larger (and significantly brighter) display, a much newer chipset, and a considerably larger battery. Add it all together, and the Watch Ultra 2 sounds pretty great. So, what’s the problem? The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2…
-
RIP, Google Pixel 6, the best and worst Pixel ever
The first beta of Android 17 QPR2 landed a few days ago, and with it, one not-so-surprising but still sad piece of news: no update for the Google Pixel 6 and 6 Pro. Google re-iterated that the two phones will reach their end-of-life in October, and that Android 17 QPR1 is their last update. Given that they were never supposed to receive Android 16, let alone 17, this news doesn't come as a surprise, but is still sad to see. The Pixel 6 Pro was iconic. If you ask me which Pixel has been the most influential in Google's lineup, I would pick this one without second thought. And which one was the most horrible to use? Also the Pixel 6. I have a love-hate…
-
Samsung’s new foldable phones are up to 48% cheaper in South Korea, and that’s no accident
Samsung has raised prices for the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra and the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 This is likely in large part due to rising memory costs However, prices in South Korea are substantially lower As expected, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra and Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 cost more than their predecessors, with the Z Fold 8 Ultra’s starting price being $100 / £100 / AU$100 higher than the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7’s, and the Z Flip 8’s being $100 / £100 / AU$150 more than the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7’s. Given the rising prices of memory, that’s not entirely surprising, but what you might be surprised by is just how much of a better deal South Korea is…
-
Score the new Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 for as little as $129.99 with this limited-time trade-in deal
Every time there's a new Samsung launch, the official store is usually the first place I look for the strongest deals. And it looks like the best option yet again, as you can currently get a Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 for as low as $129.99 when you trade in, thanks to this limited-time launch offer. To get this full $250 rebate, you need to hand over a Galaxy Watch Ultra or an Apple Watch Ultra 2, which most would consider a bit of a downgrade. However, there are also discounts of up to $150 available for trading in several other smartwatches from Apple or Samsung. You can check Samsung's trade-in calculator to see what's available for your old tech.…
-
EU imposes €890 million competition fine on Google over its Play app store and search
The European Union has imposed fines of €890 million ($1.015 billion) on US tech giant Google for violating EU digital regulations. The European Commission said it found that Google had preferenced its ubiquitious search engine and its Play app store in ways that unfairly harmed competition. "We found that Google harms businesses offering similar services, such as shopping or sports, by not granting them the same level of prominence on Google Search," said European Commission Vice President Henna Virkkunen. "We also found that Google has restricted app developers from offering cheaper offers to customers in the Google Play app store," Virkkunen said.…
-
I love this wacky 47g sci-fi gaming mouse – and it's one of the best I've tested all year
AngryMiao AM Infinity.97: two-minute review It seems everyone and their dog is betting on where the high end gaming mouse market is going next, and the AngryMiao AM Infinity.97 is betting big on super light and powerful mice that nail the basics. Okay, we've already seen this with the Razer Viper V4 Pro, but AngryMiao takes a different approach, with a heavily perforated chassis that looks like it's escaped from a sci-fi film rather than the gaming section of a branch of Currys or Best Buy. Look past the aesthetics, though, and there's a genuinely accomplished mouse underneath. A sub-50g weight with or without a battery, a zippy 30,000 DPI PixArt…
-
Google Hit With $1 Billion Fine By EU Over Search Engine Practices
In a decision likely to intensify trans-Atlantic trade tensions, European Union regulators on Thursday hit Google with a $1 billion fine for illegally undercutting competition through its dominance as a search engine. President Trump has previously threatened to retaliate against the European Union for what he views as the unfair targeting of American technology companies. The Google decision comes when he is weighing a new batch of tariffs on the European Union and other major trading partners. In explaining Thursday’s fine of 890 million euros, regulators in Brussels said Google had used its position as the world’s largest search engine to unfairly…
-
Not letting WFH staff join video meetings with their camera off can be disability discrimination, tribunal rules
Not letting WFH staff join video meetings with their camera off can be disability discrimination, tribunal rules By JOSHUA HAINING, NEWS REPORTER Published: 05:40 EDT, 23 July 2026 \| Updated: 06:04 EDT, 23 July 2026 Not letting work-from-home staff join online meetings with their cameras off can be discrimination, an employment tribunal has ruled. Companies that demand employees join video meetings with their cameras on could be classed as disability discrimination under UK employment law. Applying the judgement, employers could be liable to pay damages to workers who are too 'anxious' or 'overwhelmed' to show their faces. The ruling comes as a…
-
We got two Samsung Galaxy Folds, two Watches and a Flip at Unpacked, but no Buds: here's when Samsung's mythical cuff-style open earbuds are now said to be arriving
Galaxy Unpacked 2026 was Buds-less A new report tips an end-of-year announcement Perhaps announced alongside tablets and FE (or 'Fan Edition') devices Samsung's latest product launch event, Galaxy Unpacked 2026, was uneventful. Well, uneventful for audio fans; there were three foldable phones, two smartwatches and some all-seeing glasses... but where were the much-rumored Galaxy Buds Able? This is a new pair of open earbuds, which we'd heard would be released alongside the foldables (it didn't). So where are they? Well, shortly before Galaxy Unpacked, we may have heard our answer. According to a Korean publication called Electronic Times, which…
-
Legoland Windsor Resort discount codes for July 2026
Today’s top Legoland discount codes and deals If you’re on the hunt for cheap Legoland tickets this summer, you’re in the right place. There are currently plenty of ways to save, including 2-for-1 tickets on Merlin theme parks, advanced booking deals and hotel packages. Here, we've gathered the latest verified Legoland discount codes and deals, plus expert tips for saving on your next family day out. You can save more than 50 per cent on tickets, compared with paying on the day. Today’s best deal: 2-for-1 Legoland tickets Legoland is offering two theme park tickets for the price of one when you book online before 27 July. Choose a second theme park to…
War & Conflicts All ›
-
Saudi Arabia's nuclear program to be peaceful — Rubio
MANILA, July 23. /TASS/. Saudi Arabia intends to develop a peaceful nuclear program, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said. "Saudi Arabia seeks to have a peaceful civil nuclear program," he said at a press conference on the sidelines of the ASEAN ministerial meetings. According to Rubio, the partnership between Saudi Arabia and the United States provides for safeguards that will prevent the creation of nuclear weapons.
-
Israeli army shoots two Palestinians in occupied West Bank
Two Palestinians were shot by Israeli troops after an Israeli settler was stabbed in the occupied West Bank. The Palestinian Red Crescent announced that its "crews are dealing with two injuries from live fire during an Israeli raid on the town of Beit Furik". The settler was severely wounded, according to Israeli media reports. After the incident, the Israeli army announced that it had imposed checkpoints around the Palestinian town of Beit Furik in Nablus governorate.
-
Seoul drops ‘denuclearisation-first’ stance on Pyongyang
South Korea has abandoned its campaign prioritising pressure on the North to dismantle its nuclear weapons, a minister said on Thursday, marking a fresh overture by Seoul’s dovish government. President Lee Jae Myung has reversed the stance of his hawkish predecessor since taking power in Seoul in June 2025, offering nuclear-armed Pyongyang talks without preconditions. The hermetic leadership of North Korea has yet to respond to his repeated offers. But in a Thursday meeting with local reporters, Unification Minister Chung Dong-young said South Korea has shifted its priorities from disarmament, focusing instead on halting the expansion of Pyongyang’s…
-
Could Iran become America's next 'forever war'?
As the United States and Iran exchange ever more powerful strikes, the June truce now is effectively dead. Air raids, drone attacks and missile launches have again become a daily feature of the conflict. The question is no longer whether Washington and Tehran are back at war, but whether the conflict is turning into an open-ended struggle that neither side can win. The war could indeed become another "forever war," said Kelly Grieco, a senior fellow with the Reimagining US Grand Strategy Program at the Stimson Center, a Washington-based think tank. The term describes conflicts that drag on for years, with repeated military action and no lasting…
-
Venezuela earthquake death toll rises to 5,398
CARACAS, July 23. /TASS/. The death toll from the devastating earthquake in Venezuela rose to 5,398, speaker of the country's National Assembly (parliament) Jorge Rodriguez said on his Telegram channel. According to the government's daily update published by Rodriguez, 16,740 people have been injured, while 17,907 have been left homeless. A total of 190 buildings were completely destroyed, and 856 sustained severe damage. Search and rescue operations saved 6,462 people, and 44,298 received medical treatment. Emergency efforts reached 128,324 families, placing 23,335 individuals in 107 temporary camps and delivering 10,964.199 metric tons of food aid…
-
US after denuclearization, not regime change in Iran, Rubio says
MANILA /Philippines/, July 23. /TASS/. The United States has never sought a regime change in Iran in the course of its operation against the Islamic Republic, with its main goal being to prevent Tehran from having a nuclear weapon, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said. "The United States is seeking to denuclearize Iran so they never have a nuclear weapon," the top US diplomat said at a news conference on the sidelines of ministerial meetings hosted by ASEAN, when asked if Washington is seeking a regime change in Iran. "We’ve never said that a regime change was our goal," he added as he emphasized that the US military was focused on destroying Iran’s…
-
Nearly 1,500 killed in Ukrainian attacks across Russia since 2022 — top investigator
MOSCOW, July 23. /TASS/. Ukrainian attacks have targeted 54 Russian regions since 2022, killing nearly 1,500 people, including 45 children, Russian Investigative Committee Chairman Alexander Bastrykin said. "Since 2022, investigators have opened 5,347 criminal cases involving attacks on 54 Russian regions outside the special military operation zone. The cases document artillery and missile strikes, drone attacks, and cross-border incursions carried out by Ukrainian nationalists," he told TASS in an interview ahead of Russia’s Investigative Officers’ Day. He said the attacks have killed 1,472 civilians, including 45 children, and injured 6,754 people,…
-
Iran claims strikes destroyed Patriot systems, THAAD radar at US bases in Jordan, Kuwait
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on Thursday claimed it had destroyed Patriot air defence systems, a THAAD missile defence radar, an MQ-9 Reaper drone depot and other military infrastructure in retaliatory strikes on US bases in Jordan and Kuwait, as tensions between Tehran and Washington continued to escalate. In a statement carried by Iran's state broadcaster IRIB, the IRGC said its forces targeted US military facilities in Jordan in response to what it described as repeated American attacks on Iranian territory. "Honorable and noble people of Jordan, your Mujahideen brothers in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, in punishment of…
-
Manchester synagogue attacker associate who planned MoD base terror plot jailed for life
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails A “committed jihadist” who plotted a terror attack on a MoD base with Manchester synagogue knife assailant Jihad Al-Shamie has been jailed for life. Mohammad Bashir, 31, described as a “long-standing, committed jihadist”, drove Jihad Al-Shamie, 35, on a 10-hour round trip to conduct hostile reconnaissance at the UK’s Defence Academy in Shrivenham, Swindon, on 14 August last year, Manchester Crown Court heard. On 2 October, two men were killed in a separate incident as…
-
The latest US troops killed in Trump’s Iran war are remembered for lives of service
A 30-year-old husband and father of two. A 25-year-old officer just weeks away from earning his MBA. A 19-year-old recent high school graduate. And a 28-year-old from Queens, New York, with a “radiant smile”. The Pentagon this week identified three American service members who were killed, and a fourth believed to have been killed, in the Middle East over the past week amid an escalation in attacks between the United States and Iranian forces. Their deaths bring the number of US troops killed since the US and Israel launched attacks on Iran in late February to 18, and hundreds of troops have also been injured, including nearly 100 since 7 July alone.…
Disasters & Emergencies All ›
-
14 areas under Signal No. 1 due to ‘Kiyapo’
MANILA, Philippines — Fourteen areas in Northern Luzon are now under Signal No. 1 as Tropical Depression Kiyapo continues to move northwestward over the Philippine Sea, PAGASA said Thursday. In a press briefing on Thursday, July 23, PAGASA weather specialist John Manalo said the tropical depression was estimated to be 640 kilometers east of Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, as of 4 p.m. Kiyapo is moving northwestward at 30 kilometers per hour (kph), with maximum sustained winds of 45 kph and gusts of up to 55 kph. PAGASA has hoisted Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 over the following areas in Northern Luzon: Batanes Cagayan (including the Babuyan Islands)…
-
Russian strike on Pavlohrad kills three, injures 19
Russian forces struck the town of Pavlohrad, hitting a food processing enterprise. The attack killed three people and injured 19 others. According to Ukrinform, Head of the Dnipropetrovsk Regional Military Administration Oleksandr Hanzha reported the strike on Telegram. "The enemy struck Pavlohrad. A food processing enterprise was damaged, and a fire broke out there," Hanzha wrote. He later updated the casualty toll, saying that three people had been killed and 19 others injured in the attack. Earlier, Ukraine's Air Force had warned of the threat of a ballistic missile attack, prompting an air raid alert. Photo: Dnipropetrovsk Regional Military…
-
People smugglers' yacht that offered £13,500-a-head 'premium' service to asylum seekers desperate to get into UK could be yours as it goes up for auction
A yacht that was used by people smugglers to help asylum seekers reach the UK is up for auction. The Uforia yacht found itself at the centre of a bizarre plot involving Ukrainian nationals Vladyslav Cherniavskyi, 37, and Oleksandr Yavtushenko, 43, in July last year. The two men used the vessel to travel from northern France carrying five migrants – four Albanian men and one Vietnamese woman – who had each paid £13,500 for the 'premium' people smuggling service. However, in a major cross–border operation, Border Force officers were able to intercept the yacht off the coast of the Isle of Wight and escort it to Gosport Marina in Hampshire following a…
-
Students seek Supreme Court order to stop mass tree-cutting
MANILA, Philippines — Several students have filed a petition before the Supreme Court seeking to stop the tree-cutting for the Southern Access Link Expressway (SALEx) project along Roxas Boulevard and Quirino Avenue. The students — Joaquin Bautista, Elisha Zantua, Benjamin Francia, Paul Callorina and Hannah Guerra — filed the petition before the Supreme Court on Thursday, July 23, asking the court to issue a temporary environmental protection order (TEPO) against the cutting of trees. Respondents to the petition include the SMC Southern Access Link Expressway Corp. (SMC), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and the judge of…
-
Brazil’s Airlines Get a US$1.6 Billion Fuel-Cost Lifeline
Business Key Facts —The measure. Brazil issued a provisional measure, MP 1,368/2026, opening an R$8 billion (about US$1.6 billion) credit line for airlines operating in the country. —The trigger. It responds to a jet-fuel price spike of around 70%, driven by conflict in the Middle East, which sharply raised airlines’ costs. —The mechanism. The money funds loans to reinforce carriers’ working capital, not cash grants; airlines borrow to keep flying. —The politics. The aid lands in an election year, drawing criticism that the government is cushioning a well-connected sector. —The status. Like all provisional measures, it is already in force but must be…
-
Assam faces worst floods in 60 years as death toll rises to 30
Assam is facing its worst flooding in 60 years, with over 8 lakh people affected and at least 30 deaths reported. Authorities say a cloudburst in Nagaland triggered flash floods across several districts, while fresh rainfall warnings continue to raise fears of further flooding and landslides.
-
Body of Kerala’s Kottayam native missing in Sikkim tunnel accident recovered
Rescue operation under way after an accident inside the under-construction NHPC Teesta Stage VI Hydroelectric Project tunnel, in Namchi, Sikkim, on July 21, 2026. \| Photo Credit: PTI The body of a geologist from Kottayam district in Kerala who went missing after a landslide inside an under-construction tunnel in Sikkim has been recovered. The deceased has been identified as Aneesh Mohan, 43, of Pathazhakkuzhy, Velloor, near Pampady, in Kottayam. Family members, who travelled to Sikkim, have identified his body. According to relatives, the body was discovered around Wednesday midnight (July 22, 2026) and will be flown to New Delhi after a postmortem…
-
Nolan Wells' hometown officials rally behind sheriff after 'derelict in their duties' attack
A Mississippi state senator told Fox News Digital that the sheriff and district attorney investigating Nolan Wells' death have the 'utmost integrity' after NAACP President Derrick Johnson claimed officials have been 'derelict in their duties.' NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Officials from Nolan Wells' hometown are rallying behind their sheriff after being accused of being "derelict in their duties" on Wednesday morning. NAACP President Derrick Johnson accused Mississippi officials of failing to properly handle the case during the same news conference where attorney Ben Crump announced the independent autopsy results. "We're not accusing…
-
Police searching for missing woman recover body in West Auckland
Police searching for a missing woman have recovered a body from the area of the West Auckland suburb of Swanson. While formal identification is still underway, officers have been searching for 20-year-old Wolvedi Ding who was last seen walking along Birdwood Road in Swanson, at around 8.20am on 17 July. Police put out a call for information about Ding's disappearance on Wednesday. They said she lived in Auckland's CBD, but was visiting family in West Auckland when she was last seen.
-
Beach huts 'costing £125,000' removed from Cornwall beach after failing to bring in any money in five years
Colourful beach huts along the shore filled with people enjoying the sun are a common sight in many coastal towns. But it apparently isn't the case with a row of 22 huts near Par Sands beach, close to St Austell. The timber structures were built in 2018 by Cornwall Council and reportedly cost a whopping £125,000, according to a Freedom of Information Act request previously submitted by a member of the public. However, since being set up eight years ago, they have never been rented out and have failed to make any money. The council made the decision to remove the beach huts after they were unable to find someone to manage them. They are now undergoing…
Science All ›
-
Orcas filmed pulverizing sunfish in what could be either feeding strategy or fun, scientists say
Orcas filmed pulverizing sunfish in what could be either feeding strategy or fun, scientists say Orcas have been filmed pulverising one of the world’s heaviest fish, in what scientists say could either be a feeding strategy or simply a way of having fun. Underwater footage taken off the coast of Mexico in 2024 shows one orca holding the carcass of a sunfish in its mouth, before a male rams into it, causing the creature to explode into hundreds of pieces. The never-before-seen behaviour was repeated again just a year later, this time off the Gulf of California. The behaviour, reported in the Frontiers in Ethology journal, could be a means of breaking…
-
Do animals act weirdly during a solar eclipse? Or do we?
Adam Hartstone-Rose didn’t expect his first eclipse to be so interesting. It was 2017, and he was a biologist at the University of South Carolina. A total solar eclipse—when the moon temporarily blocks out the sun—was set to pass directly over him, and he’d been invited to observe how animals at the local zoo would respond to the event. Hartstone-Rose didn't have high hopes for the endeavor: the eclipse would last minutes—not long enough, he thought, for the animals to notice. He figured it couldn't be more disruptive than a passing storm cloud. “It turns out that I was wrong,” he says. The eclipse was “amazing,” Hartstone-Rose says. And he saw many…
-
‘Not been easy’ – Comedian Sydney Talker opens up on celibacy journey
Nigerian skit maker and content creator, Sydney Talker has opened up about his celibacy journey, revealing that he has been practising abstinence for almost four years. Speaking in a video message shared via his social media page, the skitmaker said the 27th of this month will make it four years since he hadn’t slept on the same bed with a woman. He, however, said the experience hasn’t been easy, crediting God for the ability to be disciplined. 27th of this month will make it four years of celibacy for me. What I am trying to say is I have not slept on the same bed with a woman for the past four years. It has not been easy but I thank God,” he said.…
-
DNA study challenges key assumption about Viking burials
Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story. The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political…
-
Olivia Wilde slams Elon Musk as ‘creature’ she ‘deeply resents’
Olivia Wilde slams Elon Musk as ‘creature’ she ‘deeply resents’ Olivia Wilde has slammed Elon Musk as a “creature” whom she has grown to resent since first meeting him years ago. Appearing on The Louis Theroux Podcast, the director brought up the billionaire during a broader discussion on misogyny and incel culture. “I met him many, many years ago. I think SpaceX had just built their headquarters in LA and I got to go on a tour because I wanted to see the rocket ships,” she recalled. Wilde added that whilst she has always been confused by him, she never expected him to “go the path that he’s gone now because he did seem really smart”. “I really deeply…
-
'James Bond lair' private island once owned by pioneering Brazilian butt lift surgeon on the market for £75 million
Brazilian butt lifts, Hollywood stars and even a former US president all feature in the history of a 75-acre private island that has been listed for sale. Pitanguy Island was once owned by world-renowned plastic surgeon Dr Ivo Pitanguy, the pioneer behind the iconic BBL. He died in 2016 aged 93 and left behind his exclusive abode which his family have been reportedly taking care of since. Located off the coast of Rio de Janeiro, Pitanguy Island is now up for grabs and has a hefty price tag of $100 million (£75 million) – among the world's most expensive private islands. The cosmetic surgeon, beauty and skincare specialist used the retreat as a private…
-
NYT Pips hints, answers for July 23, 2026
Welcome to your guide to Pips, the latest game in the New York Times catalogue. Released in August 2025, Pips puts a unique spin on dominoes, creating a fun single-player experience that could become your next daily gaming habit. Currently, if you're stuck, the game only offers to reveal the entire puzzle, forcing you to move on to the next difficulty level and start over. However, we have you covered! Below are piecemeal answers that will serve as hints so that you can find your way through each difficulty level. How to play Pips If you've ever played dominoes, you'll have a passing familiarity with how Pips is played. As we've shared in our previous…
-
Science word of the day: Abiotic
Science word of the day: Abiotic Pronunciation: Ay-bye-AH'-tik What it means: Abiotic means "without living organisms." Scientists typically use the term when referring to nonliving aspects of an ecosystem that affect organisms' growth or reproduction. Some abiotic factors might be light, water, fertilizer, nutrients or chemical elements, such as oxygen or sulfur. Others include the tides or rain. Sometimes, "abiotic" is used to describe the origin of a particular chemical. Abiotic methane, for example, comes from chemical reactions between rocks and water in Earth's crust, unlike biotic methane, which comes from decaying organic matter as well as…
-
Japan’s deadliest fault line shifts, frustrating megaquake forecasts
A Japanese study has found that the locked zone in the Nankai Trough is not permanent but changes over time, further complicating the task of predicting megaquakes along the fault line. A locked zone is where tectonic plates merge, allowing stress to build up until it is released in an earthquake. In the case of the 900km (560-mile) long Nankai Trough off Japan’s Pacific coast, it is where the Philippine plate meets the Eurasian plate. The Philippine plate is slipping under the Eurasian plate at a rate of 4-6cm (1.6-2.4 inches) a year, according to a report of the study by The Mainichi newspaper. Earthquakes happen when the plates lock, causing…
-
Himalaya’s birds grapple with a seasonal drop in insect prey
A black-throated parrotbill, an inhabitant of the eastern Himalayas \| Photo Credit: Dibyendu Ash As spring approaches in the hyper-biodiverse Himalayas, birds that are accustomed to cooler climes migrate to the north. This is driven not just by temperature or precipitation alone, but also the availability of prey: arthropods (insects and spiders). But climate change is altering the rhythm of this dynamic. Scientists at the Centre for Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, set out to study the phenomenon in Arunachal Pradesh’s Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary and understand the changing patterns in insect availability and…
Space & Exploration All ›
-
Silver X Boosts Peru Drill After 735 g/t Silver Find
Peru · Business Key Facts —Drilling expansion. The Red Silver program grew from an initial plan to 6,650 meters, a more than fivefold increase. —Channel samples. Underground sampling on the Silvia Vein returned 735 g/t silver over 65 meters and 649 g/t silver over 40 meters. —Location. Red Silver sits within the flagship Nueva Recuperada project in Huancavelica, Peru, a historic silver district. —Metal value. Silver accounts for over 90% of the in-situ metal value at Red Silver, making it a pure silver target. —Company focus. Silver X is a junior explorer advancing multiple satellite assets around its core Nueva Recuperada project. Silver X Mining…
-
How to tour Tokyo, two days at a time
Tokyo is like my heartbeat after 40 mins of cardio: Elevated, it makes you feel charged, alive, energetic. While the city has a frenetic energy, there are pockets where you can immerse yourself in moments of peace and laidback bliss. It is a city you devour sensorially. How much can you do in 48 hours if you are short on time, like me? Day 1 At Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi \| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement 9 am: I normally sleep with the blinds drawn. But at Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi, I fall asleep to the twinkling city lights and wake up to clouds making way for the prima donna — Mount Fuji. After marvelling at the snow-capped…
-
The James Webb Space Telescope's disappearing 'Little Red Dots' may lead to another cosmic puzzle
Paleontologists now know that many of the dinosaurs didn't disappear but instead evolved into modern birds, and new research suggests that "cosmic dinosaurs" observed by the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) didn't go extinct either. Rather, they may have evolved into familiar sights in the modern universe: vast conglomerations of densely packed stars called "globular clusters." Little Red Dots became quite the puzzle for astronomers in 2022, when the JWST began to routinely spot them in abundance around 600 million years after the Big Bang. That is because these objects seemingly disappear before the cosmos gets to around 2 billion years old.…
-
AirBorneo says newly-launched Singapore-Kuching flights 80% booked for Chinese New Year, eyes ASEAN expansion
At the media session on Thursday, Megat said the airline currently operates a fleet of two jet aircraft serving Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, with plans to expand the fleet to five by the end of the year. This as the state-owned carrier looks to support higher flight frequencies to Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, with plans to also launch new international routes. Megat said AirBorneo plans to expand beyond the Borneo region into Peninsular Malaysia before entering other Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) markets, and eventually southern China. “By the end of this year, in October, November and December, once the additional aircraft arrive, we…
-
City that never sleeps: Seoul opens Han River parks to overnight camping
Yeouido Hangang Park Swimming Pool / Courtesy of Seoul Metropolitan Government As summer temperatures peak across the Korean peninsula, the municipal government is taking a bold gamble on the economic potential of the midnight hour. City officials unveiled a major initiative, Thursday, to transform the banks of the Han River into a bustling, 24-hour cultural ecosystem, anchoring the capital’s broader bid to build a thriving nighttime economy. At the center of the initiative is "Han River Bamping" — a portmanteau of the Korean word for "night" and the English word "camping" — a monthlong pilot program launching in August that will place up to 200…
-
Astronomers think some asteroids have been comets all along. Heres why.
For nearly three decades, astronomers tracked a 1,250-foot-wide object relatively close to Earth that they thought was an asteroid. It looked like one. It followed the expected path. Telescopes saw no glowing cloud of gas or dust tail sweeping behind it. Then, the space rock, called 1998 SH2, drifted from its usual orbit that gravity alone predicted. Something was giving it a tiny push. Astronomers eventually realized that the culprit was likely gas escaping from its surface — a faint version of the same process that powers a comet. When NASA-led researchers pointed some of the world's most powerful telescopes at 1998 SH2, they finally found the…
-
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket is expected to crash into the moon this August
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket is expected to crash into the moon this August Astronomers will be able to observe it from our planet. SpaceX On August 5 at around 2:35 AM ET, the upper stage of a Falcon 9 rocket is expected to crash into the moon near the Einstein Crater. As Gizmodo reports, it will likely be observable from certain locations on our planet using ground-based telescopes. It was Bill Gray, the creator of Project Pluto desktop planetarium program, who first determined that the rocket will hit the moon next month after feeding data into his program to predict the rocket's orbit and future path The upper stage that will be crashing into the…
-
University to roll out screenings at pharmacies to uncover osteoporosis cases
The University of Hong Kong will roll out a screening programme at pharmacies across the city early next year to identify people at high risk of osteoporosis and prevent bone fractures. The institution’s Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine on Thursday launched the city’s first community pharmacist-led osteoporosis screening programme. The scheme will use a screening algorithm that allows pharmacists to identify high-risk patients during routine visits and refer them to family doctors for bone density scans and diagnosis. Osteoporosis affects about 30 per cent of women and 8 per cent of men aged 50 and older in Hong Kong. But up to 80 per cent of cases go…
-
NASA whistleblowers claim 'alien presence' is hidden in altered moon photos
NASA's most famous astronauts secretly claimed that they encountered an alien presence on the moon and were told to keep it quiet for decades. Physicist Maaneli Derakhshani told the American Alchemy podcast that multiple Apollo missions allegedly captured photos of UFOs around the moon during the 1960s and 1970s, only to have those images altered before the public saw them. Derakhshani, who researches lunar and Martian surface anomalies, detailed instances where famous NASA photos taken by astronauts on the surface of the moon had been clearly altered when compared to public copies of the same images. The scientist said: 'One scan from the Lunar and…
-
Watch the total solar eclipse with ESA in León
Science \& Exploration Watch the total solar eclipse with ESA in León 23/07/2026 7 views 0 likes Discover the science behind one of nature's most extraordinary phenomena and experience a total solar eclipse with the European Space Agency (ESA), the City of León and the University of León. On 12 August, millions of people across Europe will look to the sky to witness one of nature's most spectacular phenomena: a total solar eclipse. For many, it will be their first opportunity to experience one. Northern Spain will be one of the best places in the world to experience totality – when the Moon completely covers the Sun. Totality will only be visible from…
Health & Medicine All ›
-
WHAT’S COOKING: Pork T-bone with caper butter and braised red cabbage and pears
Capers and pork are a great combination. More often I use capers with chicken or fish, but pork is just as good a match for these dried, brined buds of the caper bush. A pork T-bone has loin on one side of the bone and tenderloin on the other, so thereâs great potential for a tender result â the key is not to overcook them. The bone itself adds flavour, as bones always do, while lending something to the dishâs good looks. Pork meat, as we all learn by experience, turns tough or at least a bit chewy even in that moment while youâre asking yourself, âHmmmm, is it time to stop cooking?â Chances are the moment has passed, so donât hesitate…
-
10 Best Meal Delivery Services, Tested by an Ex-Restaurant Critic
More Meal Kits I Liked Sunbasket Photograph: Matthew Korfhage Sunbasket (\~$16 per serving): Sunbasket focuses heavily on fresh, organic ingredients, and offers a whole lot of variety in its menus. Its recipes are attentive to saucing, and to basic good cooking techniques such as deglazing. Like Hungryroot, it also offers breakfasts and snacks to supplement meal options with little extras such as coconut yogurt and sous-vide egg bites. The meal kit also lets you filter out allergen-containing items. WIRED reviewer Louryn Strampe loved the flexibility and add-ons. During my most recent test, I enjoyed an excellent Greek chicken and orzo salad dish—and…
-
Botox maker Galderma sees early boost from 'Ozempic face' trend as GLP-1 use climbs, CEO says
The increased use of weight-loss drugs has created a big opportunity for aesthetics company Galderma, its CEO told CNBC on Thursday. "We were actually the first one to show that if you take two of our products [filler and Scuptra]... you can mitigate some of the facial sagging that you see if you have significant weight loss," CEO Flemming Ørnskov said. The increasing rate of patients using the so-called GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, its weight-loss equivalent Wegovy, or Zepbound, especially in the U.S., is now feeding into "the very strong growth that we're seeing in our aesthetics portfolio," Ørnskov told CNBC's "Europe Early Edition." "It's a…
-
Unproven policy means less care for young women in crisis
Unproven policy means less care for young women in crisis July 23, 2026 Photo: Depositphotos.com See more DutchNews articles in your Google search results See more DutchNews articles in your Google search results Add as a favourite source on Google Add DutchNews as a favourite source on Google A growing group of young women with severe mental illness are getting stuck in the Dutch mental health system, and several clinics are responding by deliberately treating them less, an investigation by current affairs programme Nieuwsuur has found. The women, estimated to number in the hundreds and aged between 15 and 30, have serious problems including chronic…
-
‘Veterinary medicines’ found in milk sparks urgent supermarket recall
Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story. The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political…
-
HSA warns against 3 products after consumers, including a 12-year-old, suffer serious health effects
SINGAPORE: The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) on Thursday (Jul 23) warned the public not to buy or consume three products found to contain banned or potent medicinal ingredients after three people, including a 12-year-old boy, suffered serious adverse effects. The products - C-Nine Dietary Supplement Product, Xue Ya Gao Zhong Feng Qing Cao Yao Cao and B-Lian-S Herbal Cream - were marketed as supplements or herbal products, which should not contain any medicinal ingredients. HSA said it has received reports from doctors and members of the public about adverse effects linked to the products. After testing, they were found to contain potent medicinal…
-
Brazil’s Drug Pricing Overhaul Takes Effect in April
Health Key Facts —The reform. Brazil’s drug-price regulator, CMED, published its first big overhaul in years — Resolution No. 3/2025 — taking effect on 29 April 2026. —More benchmarks. The reference countries used to cap Brazilian prices rise from 9 to 14, adding Germany, Japan, the UK, Norway, Mexico and South Africa, and dropping New Zealand. —New categories. Medicines are reorganised into eight pricing categories, up from six, to better fit modern, technology-heavy drugs. —Room for innovation. Incremental improvements — new doses, forms or combinations — will no longer be capped at a predecessor’s price and can be priced against the drug abroad.…
-
Filing of bipartisan Senate bill boosts momentum for office of men’s health
The Men’s Health Act, a bipartisan bill to establish an office of men’s health within the Department of Health and Human Services, will be introduced in the U.S. Senate on Thursday by Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), with co-sponsorship from Roger Marshall (R-Kan.). Mirroring the bipartisan bill that was introduced in the House this year, the measure would require a study from the Government Accountability Office on the state of men’s health in the U.S. to be presented within a year of the law’s enactment. Following the report, and incorporating its findings, the office would coordinate existing and new research and raise awareness about men’s health, both…
-
Self-medication may be temptingly easy. But it can have serious consequences
Self-care should not be a substitute for trained, medical help \| Image used for representational purpose only \| Photo Credit: File Photo Self-medication is becoming an increasingly common aspect of healthcare today. The availability of information about one’s health condition on the web, the accessibility of medicines at pharmacies and even online, and the fast-paced life most people lead, have led to many just treating themselves for ailments without seeking help from doctors. While this phenomenon may appear to reflect more informed and empowered consumer habits, it can also pose hazards. Access to information today, has grown faster than access…
-
Jo Whiley breaks down in tears as she details how she told her younger sister Frances, 53 - who has a learning disability - that their beloved dad died
Jo Whiley broke down in tears as she detailed how she guided her younger sister Frances through grief following the death of their father Martin. Frances, 53, lives with a rare genetic disorder called Cri du Chat, a condition which causes severe learning disabilities and developmental delays. She also lives with diabetes. The radio and TV presenter, 61, shared the devastating news that her father died on Wednesday just weeks after sharing an update on his Parkinson's disease diagnosis. Only a day after announcing his passing, Jo appeared on her Dig It podcast with Zoe Ball and discussed how the family has been coping with their grief. Explaining how…
Cybersecurity & Privacy All ›
-
Public Protector finding ignores supply chain sources behind 23 suspected child food poisoning deaths
On 17 July 2026, Public Protector (PP) Kholeka Gcaleka released preliminary findings from a systemic investigation into suspected Gauteng spaza shop food safety failures. The findings are damning. At least 23 children died from suspected food poisoning in 2024. Inspectors found rodent infestations, food stored directly on the ground, and the presence of Aldicarb â a highly toxic rat poison â on food premises. Ekurhuleni is operating at a 5% food safety compliance rate. Johannesburg at 14%. Tshwane at 30%. Across the province, for every licensed spaza shop, almost three unlicensed ones are operating. Gautengâs municipalities are functioning at…
-
Civil servants will be investigated and punished if they 'misgender' trans colleagues under new guidance
Civil servants will be investigated and punished if they 'misgender' trans colleagues under new guidance By SAM MERRIMAN, POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT Published: 17:00 EDT, 22 July 2026 \| Updated: 06:26 EDT, 23 July 2026 Civil servants will be investigated and sanctioned if they do not call transgender colleagues by their preferred name or gender under new guidance. Trans public sector workers could be given paid time off for medical appointments related to their transition - even if they are otherwise fit to work. And the new Whitehall guidance would allow trans civil servants to change their name and gender in computer systems as soon as they…
-
10 European countries that do not have EES for 2026 holidays
Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story. The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political…
-
Google slapped with $1 billion fine under landmark EU digital law
A Google logo displays on a smartphone screen and the European flag on a computer screen. Nikolas Kokovlis \| Nurphoto \| Getty Images European regulators have fined Google 890 million euros ($1 billion) alleging the company gives preferential treatment to its own services. The fine is Google's first under the European Union's sweeping Digital Markets Act (DMA) which aims to scrutinize Big Tech's operating practices in Europe. This is a breaking news story. Please check back for more.
-
Google wants your face to be your backup password with new selfie video sign-in
Joe Hindy / Android Authority TL;DR Google is introducing a new selfie video sign-in and account recovery method that lets users verify their identity with a short selfie video. The feature uses liveness checks, facial matching, encryption, and Google’s existing security systems to help prevent spoofing attempts. Users can delete their saved selfie video at any time and can choose whether or not Google can use their videos to improve its facial recognition and verification tech. Google is adding a new way for users to sign in and get back into their accounts when traditional recovery methods aren’t available. Called selfie video, the new feature…
-
Google adds selfie video as a log-in option
Google adds selfie video as a log-in option It’s another way to use your face for identity verification. Google You'll now be able to use selfie videos to log into your Google account. It has long been possible to log into Google using your face, via your phone's face unlock or if your passkey login uses biometrics for verification. This is yet another option to get into your account using your face to authenticate your identity, which could be especially useful if you don't have access to the phone or computer you typically use or if you got locked out of your account and none of the other log-in options are working. To be able to use selfie log-in,…
-
Banning Social Media for Kids Is a Bad Idea
It is clear that social media affects mental health and poses a danger to children and adolescents. One study showed it took just 40 minutes of browsing for a platform in Mexico to recommend content to a teenage girl that contains references to suicide. What’s most concerning is that these aren’t isolated glitches but rather a result of how algorithms are designed to hook users and keep them on the platforms longer. With infinite scrolling and the instant gratification it provides, social media can become as addictive as cigarettes. These factors, coupled with concerns about screen time and other worries, have led many countries to enact bans or…
-
Google now lets you sign in to your account using a selfie video
Google announced yet another way to gain access to your account if you get locked out, forget your password, or don’t have access to the phone, computer, or two-factor authentication apps you typically use. As the name implies, selfie video lets you capture a short video of your face on a mobile device or PC, which is then compared to an earlier video that Google keeps on file to confirm you’re the account owner. Setting up the selfie video feature simply requires you to look at your device’s camera and follow a series of onscreen prompts that guide you through simple head movements to ensure multiple angles of your face are captured. It’s similar to…
-
New msaRAT malware uses Chrome, Edge browsers to route C2 traffic
The Chaos ransomware gang is using a new backdoor dubbed msaRAT that hides command-and-control (C2) communication by routing it through the Chrome or Edge browsers. The malware is written in Rust and uses the Chrome DevTools Protocol (CDP) to control a headless browser session and establish a connection to the attacker's server. Since the malware routes all communication through the browser, it does not make any direct connection to the C2 infrastructure, significantly lowering the risk of detection. The Chaos ransomware group emerged in early 2025, unrelated to the same-named ransomware family that existed since 2021. Earlier this year, researchers…
-
Le parquet de Paris ouvre une enquête sur le site “libertin” Wyylde
Plusieurs responsables du Rassemblement national prennent leur distance avec le patron du réseau social X, soupçonné par des opposants politiques d’ingérence étrangère dans le débat public français. Jul 16 5 mins read
Gaming & Esports All ›
-
Indie game contest tasks devs with fitting their entire game on to a 1.44 MB floppy disk
1,474,560 bytes may sound like a lot for those unfamiliar with the realities of modern data storage, but it amounts to a single 3.5-inch floppy disk. The hey-day of such a relic of physical media has long since passed, but floppy disks obviously still hold a certain allure for some judging by a certain Korean game dev contest. Anyone can participate in the contest from Korean indie game site 2P Game Arcade, and the rules are very simple: devs just need to build a game that totals no more than 1,474,560 bytes (or 1.44 MB) after decompression (via Techspot). Though there are no restrictions on which engine devs may use, the work itself must be an…
-
The greatest glow ups in football history after Real Madrid and Brazil star Vinicius Jr undergoes chin surgery
Vinicius Junior surprised fans this week as the Brazilian star revealed the cosmetic work he underwent to enhance his jawline. The Real Madrid winger underwent a popular new ‘chin harmonisation’ procedure in recent weeks and has revealed his transformation via Instagram. Since the announcement it is fair to say the reaction to Vinicius Jr’s transformation has been mixed with many fans left shocked. The star has also received support and admiration from non–football fans and supporters alike, partly because cosmetic augmentation for men has been a slightly taboo subject. Often being looked down upon by those propagating toxic masculinity and draconian…
-
Star Wars Zero Company won't have official mod support, confirms Bit Reactor, but it has 'a lot of respect for the modding community'
Star Wars Zero Company developer Bit Reactor is made up of former XCOM veterans, a series which has a pretty lively modding scene, especially XCOM 2, which supports modding with official development tools. It's even had its fair share of Star Wars mods over the years that completely transport it to a galaxy far, far away. Mod support is one of the reasons XCOM is still holding ground on players' hard drives all these years later. Despite the success this has brought to Firaxis' series, Bit Reactor has confirmed in a new Discord Q\&A that Zero Company won't have official mod capabilities. "We have a lot of respect for the modding community," says lead…
-
Stalker 2 studio founder's claims that Xbox paid more for exclusivity than the game cost to make "do not reflect the actual facts", according to GSC Game World
Stalker 2 studio GSC Game World have refuted claims from their original founder Sergiy Grygorovych, who left GSC in 2023, that Xbox paid more than the game cost to make as part of an exclusivity deal for it. In an interview with YouTuber OLDboi which appears to have been machine translated from Ukranian, Grygorovych is reported to have claimed that GSC "took more than the cost of Stalker 2" from the Xbox exclusivity deal, which he alleged Microsoft made after being impressed by the game's first trailer. "It paid for itself before the first day," the founder added. GSC have responded to those claims via a statement issued to IGN, asserting that…
-
Grand Theft Auto Multiverse with real-time portals created by ambitious modder — San Andreas, Vice City and GTA III all run simultaneously, with cross-game interactions
The Grand Theft Auto franchise has a rich history when it comes to modding and tinkering, but we're pretty confident the community has never seen anything like this. Created by Dryxio, this new mod combines GTA Vice City, GTA San Andreas, and GTA III into one multiversal entity interconnected through real-time, fully functional portals that let you travel between the three different games as if it were just a regular window. portals between gta III, vice city and san andreas - YouTube Watch On The video above showcases just how insane this mod really is. It starts with CJ on Grove Street in San Andreas shooting at NPCs in different parts of the game…
-
Lenovo launches new LOQ 17 gaming laptop with RTX 5070 12GB GPU
Lenovo has expanded its LOQ gaming laptop lineup with a new graphics option. The company has introduced a refreshed version of the LOQ 17IRX10, pairing Intel’s Core i7-14700HX processor with Nvidia’s newly announced GeForce RTX 5070 12GB laptop GPU. The update gives buyers another configuration to choose from without changing the overall design or feature set of the laptop. The new variant joins Lenovo’s existing LOQ 17IRX10 lineup, which was previously available with GeForce RTX 5050, RTX 5060, and RTX 5070 8GB graphics options. While the chassis remains unchanged, the addition of a 12GB RTX 5070 brings more VRAM to the series, a specification that…
-
Transfer: Real Madrid find Enzo Fernandez alternative
Real Madrid have identified Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Fabian Ruiz as a potential alternative for Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez. According to Fichajes, the Spain international is viewed as a more affordable option for the Los Blancos than Fernandez or Paris Saint-Germain’s Vitinha. The report added that Ruiz would be open to returning to Spain if the opportunity arose. Real Madrid will continue to assess several midfield targets before deciding whether to make a formal move for the World Cup winner later in the transfer window. The LaLiga giants are keen to strengthen in the middle of the park for their manager, Jose Mourinho, before the new season…
-
NBA 2K27 cover stars revealed — Victor Wembanyama, Caitlin Clark, and Derrick Rose
TL;DR: 2K just made it official: Victor Wembanyama, Caitlin Clark, and Derrick Rose are your NBA 2K27 cover athletes, each repping a different edition of the game. NBA 2K27 hits PS5, Xbox Series X\|S, PC, and Nintendo Switch 2 on Sept. 4, with early access starting Aug. 28 for Deluxe and Ultra buyers. Pre-orders are now live. Victor Wembanyama, Caitlin Clark, and Derrick Rose are your NBA 2K27 cover athletes, and each one is fronting a different edition of the game. Wembanyama, the San Antonio Spurs center and the NBA's first-ever unanimous Defensive Player of the Year, headlines the Standard Edition. Caitlin Clark, the Indiana Fever guard who's…
-
NPFL: Dogo optimistic Niger Tornadoes will make impact next season
Niger Tornadoes technical adviser, Kabiru Dogo has warned the club’s supporters against high expectations in the 2026-27 season. Dogo said that the team was undergoing a rebuilding process following mass exodus players at the end of last season. The 2026 President Federation Cup winning coach assured that they will build a formidable squad for the new season. “We are starting a new era at Niger Tornadoes because most of the players from last season have moved to other clubs,” Dogo stated in Minna on Wednesday. “We have to build almost from scratch, and that is a huge responsibility for me and my technical crew. Rebuilding is never easy, but we are…
-
Blasphemous and Sekiro enjoyers may savour the boss rushing of Rubinite, a dark fantasy action RPG about a red-eyed murder princess
If I've learned anything from years of dark fantasy, it's that there's no force in this universe more terrible than a puny-looking girl with a kitchen knife. Just ask Katana Man, or the Queen of Hearts. Or the lolloping wolfbeast I've recently disembowelled in Rubinite, a pretty slick and engrossingly evil boss rush action game from Gameworks Ventures and Cup Dog Games, which is on sale today. In Rubinite, you play Ruby, outcast princess of a Scarlet Kingdom that has been conquered by a sorceress who really enjoys plucking out people's eyes. To defeat the sorceress, Ruby must first annihilate a menagerie of sentinels that range from an overclocked…
Dev & Open Source All ›
-
People Are Getting Off to Porn About ICE Raids
@MagaGodJ blocked my personal account after WIRED made a request for comment. In a video from July 10, OnlyFans creator Master Joe wears a red MAGA hat while kicking and taunting one of his submissives, who is white and dressed in a “Harris-Walz 24” T-shirt. “Dumb fucking liberal,” MasterJoe says in the video, which he promoted on X as “SLAVE BEATING VIDEO 8 MIN LONG 50% OFF TODAY ONLY. ($50).” Several of the accounts promoting MAGA porn also post about incest, fetishize misogyny, and attempt to normalize rape. The pages are often tagged with telltale signs such #ILBAB (I love being a boy) and #BWC (big white cock) in their bios, with some referring…
-
OpenAI says rogue AI models broke free from human control. Some see it as a 'warning shot'
Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story. The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political…
-
Jason Sudeikis speaks out about rumours of on-set feud with Ted Lasso showrunner
Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story. The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political…
-
Google Photos could finally let you hide sensitive details in your pics
Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority TL;DR An Android Authority teardown has revealed that Google is working on a Redact tool in Google Photos. This would allow users to “redact sensitive areas of your photos,” according to a code snippet. Google would be joining Samsung, OPPO, OnePlus, and others in offering this functionality. There are times when we want to share images with other people but need to redact sensitive info in them first. Unfortunately, Google Photos only lets you scribble over the desired area with the Markup option. Thankfully, we’ve discovered that Google is working on a solution. You’re reading an Authority Insights story.…
-
Wanix — Wasm-native Unix sandboxing for the web
the full story The spirit of Plan 9, in Wasm Per-process namespaces, everything-is-a-file, and why a research OS from the 90s turns out to be the right model for the local-first web. â· watch the talk
-
Europe’s biggest rail network bans alcohol from all train stations after brutal attack
Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story. The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political…
-
Paris Paloma: ‘Toxic masculinity is a massive tragedy’
Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story. The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political…
-
This is the best show on television you’ve never heard of
Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. AAA It’s taken its sweet time to get there, but I reckon Silo, now in its third season, is a serious contender for best sci-fi show on TV. At any rate, it’s almost certainly the best show you’ve never heard of. That’s at least partially because it’s on Apple TV, which in the Australian market remains a minnow. If it were on Netflix, we’d all be talking about it. Except I suspect Netflix would never commission a show like this. A sci-fi suspense thriller in which the mystery is existential, it is expensive, ambitious, niche, achingly slow – and all…
-
NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for July 23, 2026
Today's Connections: Sports Edition will be easier if you watch college football. As we've shared in previous hints stories, this is a version of the popular New York Times word game that seeks to test the knowledge of sports fans. Like the original Connections, the game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight, and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier — so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle. If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for the latest Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it…
-
Nine-Year-Old RefluXFS Linux Flaw Gives Local Users Root on Default RHEL Installs
RefluXFS, a new Linux kernel flaw disclosed on July 22 and tracked as CVE-2026-64600, lets an unprivileged local user overwrite root-owned files on an XFS filesystem and gain persistent root access. Qualys said default installations of Red Hat Enterprise Linux and its derivatives, Fedora Server, and Amazon Linux can meet the conditions for exploitation. The company demonstrated the race against /etc/passwd and setuid-root binaries. The overwrite lands at the block layer. It survives a reboot and leaves the target's ownership, permissions, timestamps, and setuid bit untouched, so a modified setuid-root binary still runs as root. The fix was merged on…
Business & Finance All ›
-
Morning Update: Now let’s make a deal
Good morning. After threatening Canada with new tariffs, the U.S. now wants to strike interim trade deals. More on that below, along with wildfire updates and new questions on a Health Canada investigation. Open this photo in gallery: U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer holds up a trade document at a Senate Finance Committee hearing at Capitol Hill on July 22.Annabelle Gordon/Reuters TOP STORIES America wants interim deals on USMCA At a U.S. Senate committee hearing, America’s top trade official said he’s aiming to negotiate interim deals with Canada and Mexico by the end of the year, while discussions about more fundamental changes to…
-
Oregon will start charging service providers for undersea cables using its sea floor — millions accrued over years will go toward state schools
After decades of charging only a one-time fee for undersea cables along its coast, Oregon's lawmakers have recently been discussing a missed opportunity for tax revenue. The state is set to charge cable operators a one-time fee for cable installations within three miles of its coastline, and will be funneling that money into its Common School Fund. The currently existing fee structure dates back to 2001 (25 years ago), and is simply a $5,000 application fee. The new pricing is still undergoing discussion, but the simplified version is $3 per linear foot of cable, plus $7 per each section of bore pipe — the protective structure that covers the portion…
-
While India added teachers, Telangana lost nearly 7,400 of them in a decade amid rising student enrolments
The pupil-teacher ration has risen. A lower ratio is considered a good index of quality of higher education with each teacher being able to better focus on the pupils. The image is used for representative purposes only. \| Photo Credit: RAO GN Just after a decade of creation of a separate Telangana, that was backed by university student protests, the State has fewer teachers employed in higher education, data from All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) 2023-24 shows. 91,932 teachers to 84,568 This at a time when nationally, the number of teachers in higher education has gone up. At the time of the formation of Telangana there were 91,932…
-
EU hits Google with $1 billion fine over its Play app store and search
Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story. The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political…
-
Ukraine's losses from port shutdown estimated at $2 bln per month
MOSCOW, July 23. /TASS/. Ukraine's losses from the suspension of agricultural exports following the halt of vessel calls at the ports of Odessa, Chernomorsk, and Yuzhny will amount to about $2 bln, according to TASS calculations based on data from Ukraine's Agriculture Ministry. On average, Ukraine's agricultural exports totaled about $2 bln per month over the past 12 months, increasing during the harvest season and immediately afterward (from September through November). At present, according to Ukraine's Agriculture Ministry, vessel calls at the above-mentioned ports have been suspended. An alternative export route runs through Romanian ports, but…
-
Democratic lawmakers propose bank funded by China tariffs to boost US manufacturing
Democrats in the US Congress have laid out plans for what they say would be the “boldest” bid to revitalize the country’s industrial heartlands since the second world war – using revenue raised by tariffs on China. A bill introduced this week would create a new bank to strengthen domestic manufacturing, provided with up to $15bn in funds each year. The bill, led by US representatives Ro Khanna, Tom Suozzi and Debbie Dingell, is entitled the Industrial Bank for American Manufacturing Act. “This is one of the boldest industrialization proposals since FDR’s industrialization efforts, and it’s in the tradition of Hamilton’s efforts,” Khanna claimed in an…
-
Beloved gas station chain reveals managers can earn up to $275K without college degree
A chef in China's Guizhou Province stirs hot oil with his bare hand before frying and removing sweet potato slices without using utensils. NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Buc-ee's is fueling debate online after a sign displaying employee pay rates revealed that some store managers can earn as much as $275,000 a year without a college degree. The pay scale, which has circulated widely on social media, lists cashiers, warehouse workers, maintenance employees and grocery stockers starting at $20 an hour. Food service managers can earn between $150,000 and $200,000 annually, while general managers can make between $200,000 and $275,000. The…
-
Burnham’s rates relief for pubs sends strong signal – but two big questions remain
Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story. The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political…
-
Tesla and Alphabet shares slump in premarket trading as AI spending concerns spook investors
SpaceX, Tesla and X CEO Elon Musk (R) and Google CEO Sundar Pichai attend the presidential inauguration of Donald Trump at the Rotunda of the US Capitol in Washington, on January 20, 2025. Trump takes office for his second non-consecutive term as the 47th president of the United States. Kevin Lamarque \| Afp \| Getty Images Shares of Alphabet and Tesla fell in premarket trading on Thursday after both firms signalled increased AI spending, unnerving investors worried about the mounting costs of the artificial intelligence boom. Alphabet shares were around 4% lower, while Tesla's stock fell over 5.7% in premarket trading. The moves come after Alphabet…
-
‘We’re getting into an ugly phase’: Trump’s new tariffs are angering voters and U.S. allies alike - Politico
‘We’re getting into an ugly phase’: Trump’s new tariffs are angering voters and U.S. allies alike PoliticoThese 3 charts show where Trump's new tariffs could have the biggest impact CBCOpinion | Tariffs Will Long Outlive Trump The New York TimesTrump announces 50% tariffs on Canada. What it means for consumers USA TodayTrump blames Canada for wildfires, but scientists point to climate change The Hill
Politics & Government All ›
-
“National treasury not Bourdillon’s vault” — Atiku attacks Tinubu over N22.15bn palace projects
Presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Atiku Abubakar, has described the Federal Government’s N22.15 billion allocation for the construction and renovation of 106 palaces in the 2026 Appropriation Act as unconstitutional, accusing President Bola Tinubu of attempting to assume powers not granted by the Nigerian Constitution. The position was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by Atiku’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, in reaction to the palace projects captured in the 2026 budget. According to Atiku, the 1999 Constitution does not assign the Federal Government responsibility for…
-
Leader of the Opposition in Kerala Pinarayi Vijayan targets Prime Minister Narendra Modi over NEET irregularities; hits out at Centre for police crackdown on student protests in New Delhi
Leader of the Opposition in Kerala Pinarayi Vijayan addresses students outside Kerala Lok Bhavan as he inaugurates a protest march taken out by the Students Federation of India demanding education system reforms and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over question paper leak incidents, in Thiruvananthapuram on Thursday (July 23, 2026). \| Photo Credit: Nirmal Harindran Leader of the Opposition in Kerala Pinarayi Vijayan has alleged that the NEET-UG examination is being undermined by “large-scale fraud, deception and criminality,” which affected more than 25 lakh students. While demanding the resignation of Union Education…
-
Basava Marga Award to be presented on Linganna Satyampete’s death anniversary on July 25
B.S. Sudhakar, an officer of the Bengaluru Central Crime Branch (CCB), will be honoured with the Basava Marga Award at Kannada Bhavan in Kalaburagi on July 25, 2026. \| Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT The Basava Marga Award will be presented to B.S. Sudhakar, an officer of the Bengaluru Central Crime Branch (CCB), as part of the 14th death anniversary programme of noted Sharana writer Linganna Satyampete, at Kannada Bhavan in Kalaburagi on July 25. On July 23, Shivaranjan Satyampete, president of the Sharana Marga Charitable Trust, informed that Appana Odanata, a book authored by advocate Santosh Satyampete on his association with his father,…
-
Brazil’s INSS Backlog Swells to 2.6 Million in the Queue
Politics Key Facts —The backlog. About 2.6 million Brazilians are waiting for the INSS, the national social-security institute, to decide their benefit claims — up from 2.4 million in mid-2025. —The setback. A programme that paid staff bonuses to clear cases faster, the PGB, was suspended in October 2025 after its R$200 million (about US$39 million) budget ran out early. —The fix. Since January 2026 a new National Queue lets any authorised official anywhere in the country handle any claim, prioritising the longest waits. —The focus. Disability and the BPC welfare benefit for the poor and elderly make up about 80% of the pending demand. —The backdrop.…
-
Modi offers first concession to ‘cockroach’ protests but stops short of firing minister
Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story. The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political…
-
‘Students holding a mirror to all of us’: Actors, sportspersons extend support as protests continue
With youth protests against alleged irregularities in the conduct of competitive exams gathering steam in the country, several actors and sportspersons have supported the demonstrations and criticised the police action during the march to Parliament in Delhi on Monday. Prominent actors such as Salman Khan and Alia Bhatt expressed solidarity with the students on social media, while others, including Shabana Azmi, Imran Khan and Huma Qureshi, joined protesters in Delhi and Mumbai. The protests began on June 6, when the Cockroach Janta Party started its demonstration at Jantar Mantar to demand the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra…
-
(LEAD) Ex-PM Kim, 2 former DP leaders to vie for ruling party leadership
(ATTN: RECASTS headline, lead; UPDATES paras 2-5 with latest details, minor edits) SEOUL, July 23 (Yonhap) -- Former Prime Minister Kim Min-seok and two former leaders of the ruling Democratic Party (DP) will vie for the party leadership at the upcoming national convention next month, a party official said Thursday. Kim, along with former DP leaders Jung Chung-rae and Song Young-gil, ranked in the top three in the primary and advanced to the final round of the leadership race, according to So Byung-hoon, chief of the party convention election committee. The DP is set to hold the national convention on Aug. 17 to elect its new leader, who will play a…
-
Rubio Says U.S. Remains Committed to Ukraine Peace Talks After Meeting With Lavrov
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Thursday that the United States remains prepared to play a "constructive role" in helping bring an end to the war in Ukraine, following talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on the sidelines of an ASEAN summit in Manila. Speaking after the meeting, Rubio said President Donald Trump had made clear that the United States was prepared to help facilitate an end to a "senseless war" if the opportunity arose. He said Washington had conveyed that message to Moscow while declining to characterize Russia's position during the talks. "We had a good conversation, a frank conversation," Rubio said of his…
-
Delhi HC agrees to hear PIL seeking NIA probe into youth protests
The Delhi High Court has agreed to hear a public interest litigation demanding an inquiry by the National Investigation Agency into the youth protests in the national capital and the march to Parliament held on July 20, Bar and Bench reported. The petition, filed by a former office bearer of the Hindutva organisation Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha, has alleged that the demonstration was not a genuine student movement, but was part of a “larger conspiracy” involving “external funding”. A bench of Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia has agreed to hear the matter on Friday, the legal news outlet reported. The protests began on June 6, when…
-
CJP protest: Police stop students in autorickshaws from reaching Jantar Mantar
Police officers , near Nizamuddin in Delhi, could be seen stopping auto rickshaws driving students to the CJP’s protest site in Jantar Mantar, Delhi, on July 23, 2026. Picture: Screenshot from video by Nikhil M. Babu Delhi Police on Thursday (July 23, 2026) stopped students in autorickshaws near Nizamuddin in Delhi and got them out of those vehicles to stop them from reaching the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) protest site in Jantar Mantar, Delhi. *Cockroach Janta Party protest: Follow LIVE updates from the protest at Jantar Mantar, Delhi* Students in central Delhi also said that they were stopped at about 5 km from the protest site and were not…
Sports All ›
-
‘Is this the end?’: The contract call that changed plagued new Wallaby’s fate
‘Is this the end?’: The contract call that changed plagued new Wallaby’s fate Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. AAA “I always knew he’d be diligent enough to get himself back.” That was what former Wallabies star Sam Cordingley declared when asked about Isaac Henry – the Reds star who received a shock call-up to the Australian squad on Thursday having overcome a series of career-threatening injuries. It was the outcome that was always destined for Henry, Cordingley believed, as long as he refused to allow his worrying health to seal his fate. Isaac Henry contemplated whether his…
-
Why is Tyson Fury’s fight not on TV?
Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story. The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political…
-
Strictly host Josh Widdicombe reveals he was 'whacked' in the back by an angry passenger after the comedian mistakenly put his foot on his seat during his flight home from Greece
Josh Widdicombe found himself at the centre of a tense plane situation after a fellow passenger hit him after the comedian put his foot on his seat last week. The new Strictly host recently enjoyed a family holiday to Greece with his wife Rose and their two children. However, on the way home was filled with drama after Josh became caught up in an altercation with a man who 'whacked' him on the back after refusing to accept his apology. Recalling the incident on the most recent episode of his Parenting Hell podcast, Josh explained to his co-host Rob Beckett: 'It was on the plane back from Greece I went up to the toilet at the front of the queue and you…
-
Canelo Alvarez addresses David Benavidez ‘duck’ accusations after rearranging fight: ‘It’s not fair’
Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story. The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political…
-
Heroes deactivate injured starter Alcantara, await more tests on elbow
By Yoo Jee-ho SEOUL, July 23 (Yonhap) -- The Kiwoom Heroes took their injured starting pitcher Raul Alcantara off their active roster Thursday, as they await further tests on his ailing right elbow. Alcantara was pulled during the top of the fifth inning of the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) regular-season game against the Samsung Lions on Wednesday at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul. The Dominican pitcher underwent preliminary tests on his pitching elbow earlier Thursday, and Heroes manager Seol Jong-jin said he did not yet have enough information to determine the team's next steps. "The early tests showed that he may not need surgery but we will need…
-
WATCH: USA track star shares powerful adoption story
USA track star shares powerful adoption story ABC News' Danny New talks to Kenny Bednarek, an Olympic silver medalist who was adopted out of foster care when he was four years old and credits his adoptive mother's love for his success. July 23, 2026
-
Türkiye's Sultans of Net rally past Canada to reach VNL semifinals
Türkiye recovered from a slow start to defeat Canada 3-1 on Thursday and book their place in the semifinals of the 2026 FIVB Women's Volleyball Nations League Finals, continuing the country's rise as one of the sport's global powers. The reigning European champions dropped the opening set before taking control of the match in Macao, China, winning the next three sets through disciplined defense, aggressive serving and a balanced attack to keep their title hopes alive. After Canada edged the first set 25-22, Türkiye responded with back-to-back 25-21 victories before pulling away in the fourth set for a convincing 25-17 finish. The victory sends the…
-
Want to volunteer at the 2032 Brisbane Games? Lord mayor announces ‘passport’ plan
Want to volunteer at the 2032 Brisbane Games? Lord mayor announces ‘passport’ plan Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. AAA A system to reward Brisbane residents who already contribute to the community and want to volunteer at the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games has been announced by the lord mayor. Under the “volunteer passport” system, existing volunteers will build up “credits” that are recognised when the highly competitive application process opens. Artist impressions of the proposed Brisbane Stadium, to be built at Victoria Park for the 2032 Olympic Games.COX Architecture At…
-
Unused spaces transformed, 50,000 homes built: City’s wishlist for Olympic legacy
Unused spaces transformed, 50,000 homes built: City’s wishlist for Olympic legacy Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. AAA Underused land including the space under the rail line at South Brisbane would be transformed with skate parks, climbing walls, public art and pickleball courts, under a Brisbane City Council vision for the Olympics legacy unveiled on Thursday. Up to 50,000 additional homes around Games venues would also be delivered, as would river taxi services, a web of shaded pathways across the city, 24-hour precincts, improved ferries, a Metro expansion and upgraded parks.…
-
What was the nickname of the late Derryn Hinch? Take the Brisbane Times Quiz
What was the nickname of the late Derryn Hinch? Take the Brisbane Times Quiz Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. AAA Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Nick Dent is a Culture Reporter at Brisbane Times, covering arts, entertainment and things to do in the city.Connect via email.
Film & TV All ›
-
SIMON MILLS: I was blindsided by my divorce then realised all my middle-aged friends' marriages are on the rocks too. A divorce coach reveals all the telling signs so many miss, only in the Morning Mail newsletter
SIMON MILLS: I was blindsided by my divorce then realised all my middle-aged friends' marriages are on the rocks too. A divorce coach reveals all the telling signs so many miss, only in the Morning Mail newsletter Get the full story for free in the Morning Mail newsletter HERE Plus the latest headlines and best stories, delivered to your inbox Stay updated on news, analysis and brilliant features in one five-minute read See more Daily Mail on Google - save us as a Preferred Source By DAILY MAIL REPORTER Published: 06:03 EDT, 23 July 2026 \| Updated: 06:17 EDT, 23 July 2026 Simon Mills is a middle-aged, divorced man with an important question. When…
-
Coronation Street's Sean Wilson, 61, marries: Actor who played Martin Platt ties the knot with partner Carol in idyllic countryside wedding
Coronation Street's Sean Wilson, 61, marries: Actor who played Martin Platt ties the knot with partner Carol in idyllic countryside wedding By CIARA FARMER Published: 05:55 EDT, 23 July 2026 \| Updated: 06:17 EDT, 23 July 2026 Coronation Street's Sean Wilson is married. The 61-year-old actor - who played Martin Platt in the ITV soap from 1985 until 2005, and had a brief stint in 2018 - and Carol married in a countryside wedding over the weekend. In pictures from their nuptials, posted on Facebook, Sean sported a dark blue suit and orange waistcoat, while Carol wowed in her white wedding dress. Another shot showed the happy couple as they kissed…
-
Eagle-eyed royal fans spot Princess Charlotte's blink-and-you'll-miss-it cameo in her brother Prince George's action-packed birthday video
Eagle-eyed royal fans have spotted a 'blink-and-you'll miss it' Princess Charlotte cameo in Prince George's action-packed birthday video. While the future King - who turned 13 yesterday - was the star of the show in a sweet clip shared by his parents on Wednesday, there were also some sweet appearances from his siblings. Prince Louis, eight, was seen joining his brother in climbing rocks and frolicking around the beach, in the footage taken while the family was on their Easter holiday in Cornwall. However, George's sister also momentarily features - if only for a second - in a shot of the heir sporting some stylish £157 Raen sunglasses he wore to…
-
Best summer books to add to your beach bag, from Yesteryear to Every Summer After
Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story. The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political…
-
Robin Williams defended Jumanji child stars Bradley Pierce and Kirsten Dunst on set
Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story. The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political…
-
‘Jana Nayagan’: a timeline on the twisting path to theatrical release
Fan moment: Fans clicking pictures of a huge cutout of actor and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay placed outside Mukunda Cinemas on Dodda Banaswadi Main Road ahead of the release of his film Jana Nayagan, in Bengaluru on July 22, 2026. \| Photo Credit: Allen Egenuse J. The makers of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay’s last film (as an actor) announced the film’s release date for the second time on July 15, but this time, it was final. After months of waiting, fans flocked to theatres today (July 23, 2026) to catch Vijay’s farewell to acting. Back in January, when the production firm had announced the movie’s earlier release date for the first…
-
Love Island's Priya is branded 'vile, classist and tone deaf' for 'job-shaming' Elicia over National Rail career - as viewers call for her dismissal from show
Love Island's Priya Jaswal has been branded 'vile, classist and tone deaf' for 'job-shaming' her co-star Elicia Bailey in an outburst on Wednesday night. The business development manager, 25, was left raging after seeing a clip of bombshell Elicia calling her the 'biggest game player' on spin-off show Aftersun. During a tangent about Elicia, 23, she took aim at her job as a team organiser on National Rail, saying: 'I don't care what Elicia says. I don't care. It's cringy... 'Go back to the National Rail. Elicia, you work for the National Rail, why are you f***ing sitting in After Sun?... But just go back there and save your breath'. Viewers swiftly…
-
'Alvin and the Chipmunks' set for major reboot aimed at digital-first generation
Everyone’s favorite little trio is back… but as influencers? Alvin, Simone, and Theodore are making a new reboot comeback after more than a decade of being away from the theaters. However, it’s not what the fans are expected to see. According to the exclusive report by The Wall Street Journal, Big Shot Pictures, the family-entertainment company led by former Paramount co-Chief Executive Brian Robbins, has taken a 25% stake in the ‘Alvin and the Chipmunks’ franchise. Bagdasarian Productions, which owns the property, will still be in partnership with them. The new co-owners are reported to use “cutting-edge technology” across their […]...Keep on…
-
The new trailer for Clayface is pure nightmare fuel — here's everything you need to know about the forthcoming body horror comic book movie
DC Studios has released the official trailer for body horror movie Clayface It'll take shape in theaters worldwide on October 23 Viewers have plenty of questions about the forthcoming DC Universe film DC Studios has released a new trailer for its next movie Clayface — and, as someone who's not a fan of body horror, it made me squeamish in the best way possible. The forthcoming DC Universe (DCU) film, which will take shape in theaters worldwide on October 23, will see the Batman villain star in his first-ever solo flick. And, while its latest round of footage answers some big questions that audiences had about the comic book movie, it leaves casual…
-
‘Jana Nayagan’ release: ‘Thalapathy’ Vijay pays tribute to MGR
Vijay in ‘Jana Nayagan’, and MGR \| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement Tamil Nadu’s obsession with film stars is well known. So much so that its biggest stars have become Chief Ministers. Nearly five decades ago, matinee idol MG Ramachandran (MGR) rose to the top in TN politics after playing many endearing characters on the big screen. Recently, in 2026, actor Vijay – one of the most popular stars of Tamil cinema – took oath as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. In Vijay’s latest film Jana Nayagan, which released to packed halls on July 23, the actor pays a hat tip to MGR. In a vital scene when his character (Thalapathy Vetri Kondan) has to take on the…
Music All ›
-
Rising costs force Amsterdam’s Kwaku festival to change
Rising costs force Amsterdam’s Kwaku festival to change July 23, 2026 Lauren Comiteau The festival in Amsterdam. Photo: Ramon van Flymen/ANP See more DutchNews articles in your Google search results See more DutchNews articles in your Google search results Add as a favourite source on Google Add DutchNews as a favourite source on Google Due to rising costs and regulatory pressure, this year’s Amsterdam Kwaku Summer Festival will be the last in its current form, its organizers have said. “Kwaku is more than a festival – it is a unique social phenomenon that has traditionally meant a great deal to many people,” the organisation said in a press release,…
-
Davina McCall wears silver plunging unitard and disco ball helmet as she goes wild at rave after reports she married her husband a second time at £3.4million Kent home
Davina McCall dazzled in a silver disco-ball themed outfit as she went wild at her Begin Again rave on Wednesday morning. The presenter, 58, who married her husband Michael Douglas for a second time in a secret ceremony at their home in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, earlier this year, looked to be letting her hair down at the bash. The star wowed in a silver plunging unitard and disco ball helmet as she danced around with fans during the fun-filled event. The event, which was the first ever Begin Again Coffee Rave, was in collaboration with health and wellness website, Rant \& Ramble Wellbeing. Davina captioned the post: 'WHAT. A. MORNING. The first-ever…
-
“Without the song, there is no music”- Mavin’s Kizito Ahams on business behind Afrocroiser
Kizito Ahamsjoined the call from Geneva, Switzerland. He had just come off a full day of meetings at a conference exploring the intersection of AI and the creative economy, agriculture, education, music, all of it. He was tired. He was also, unmistakably, still thinking. That combination, exhaustion and intellectual restlessness, turned out to be exactly the right entry point for a conversation about what it actually takes to build something like Afrocroiser from the ground up. Kizito is Mavin’s Senior Manager, Licensing and Publishing – and the person who conceived the idea for the camp nearly two years before the documentary dropped. By his own…
-
Israeli Settler-Soldiers Took Me on a West Bank Tour Celebrating Evictions of Palestinians
WEST BANK — On a hillside overlooking the Palestinian village of al-Mughayyir, a crowd of Israelis and Jewish visitors from abroad gathered for an inside look at how settlement works. They listened intently as Netanel, an Israeli settler-soldier in olive fatigues with a rifle strapped to his back, advertised his group’s impact in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. “It started with this hilltop,” he said, referring to the current settlement push that has crept ever closer to al-Mughayyir. “We ended up putting the area in Jewish hands. There are no Arabs here.” Netanel was speaking on a tour aimed at English-speaking Jews, some of whom expressed interest…
-
Nessa Barrett Drops New Single 'Too Fast to Live, Too Young to Die'
Today, rising star Nessa Barrett shares “Too Fast To Live, Too Young To Die,” the darkly romantic first taste of her forthcoming third album, Tough Love, arriving September 25th on Warner Records. A cinematic swirl of moody rock and shadowy pop, the new single embodies the inherent danger of new love, and the thrill of throwing caution to the wind. Listen HERE, pre-save Tough Love HERE. The album announce follows hot on the heels of Nessa’s acclaimed spring EP Jesus loves a primadonna and ahead of her arena dates opening the EU/UK leg and select U.S. dates of The Neighbourhood’s […]...Keep on reading: Nessa Barrett Drops New Single 'Too Fast to Live,…
-
Tinashe to release new album 'Popstar' on September 25
Today, Multi-platinum selling singer, songwriter, producer and DJ Tinashe announces her 8th studio album, Popstar set for release September 25th – pre-order HERE. With Popstar Tinashe immerses her fans into her current era: one filled with defiant and unapologetic anthems, paired with high-energy, choreography filled visuals to match that continue to show off her innate ability to flawlessly blend genres and pave her own path. To coincide with the announcement, she shares a new single and music video for “Crash Out” – listen HERE. Produced by Couros, the single fuses snapping beats with Tinashe’s relaxed vocals to create an irresistible listen…
-
Oliver Cronin unveils new EP 'Lost On The Way To Paradise'
Today, Australian one-to-watch Oliver Cronin unveils his brand new EP Lost On The Way To Paradise via Warner Music Australia. Listen HERE. The seven-track collection hears Oliver Cronin at the most honest and vulnerable version of himself. Sonically placed in a pop and RNB soundscape, he’s continually pushing himself while holding onto the musical roots that have shaped his artistry. Led by the recent singles ‘Closure’, ‘7500 Miles’, and ‘Eyes Wide Shut’, Lost On The Way To Paradise is joined today by the autobiographical opener ‘My Story (intro)’, the romantic feel-good “I Feel You”, the stripped back “Poor Mallory”, and […]...Keep on reading: Oliver…
-
Shakira shares backstage photo with BTS, surprises fans with Korean greeting
Shakira, center, with BTS / Captured from Shakira's social media Global pop star Shakira delighted fans after sharing a backstage photo with K-pop supergroup BTS and surprised fans with a Korean greeting following their performances at the 2026 FIFA World Cup final halftime show. The photo posted by Shakira on social media showed her posing arm in arm with BTS members backstage, creating a warm and friendly atmosphere. Both artists performed during the halftime show at the 2026 FIFA World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on earlier this week. BTS energized the crowd with its global hit “Dynamite,” while Shakira closed the show with her…
-
Razorlight admit they almost gave away number one hit America
Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story. The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political…
-
Bea Alonzo, Vincent Co’s secret wedding surprised even the event stylists
The event styling team behind Bea Alonzo and Vincent Co’s intimate wedding revealed they only learned they were decorating the couple’s ceremony after completing the venue setup. In an Instagram post, H.Lopez Event Styling shared that they received an inquiry on the morning of July 13 asking if they were available to style an intimate event scheduled for the same day. “The peg was sent and without hesitation, we said YES!” the team wrote. READ: Newlywed Bea Alonzo gets sweet surprise visit from Heart Evangelista The stylists said the person who contacted them was the same client who had previously […]...Keep on reading: Bea Alonzo, Vincent Co’s secret…
Climate & Environment All ›
-
Attempt to gather women in my honour in Anambra community scam – Soludo’s wife
Wife of the governor of Anambra State, Mrs Nonye Soludo has cried out over a fraudulent plan to gather women in Owerre Ezukala community of Orumba South Local Government Area under the guise of her visit to the community. The wife of the governor in a press release by Senior Media Aide to the Governor of Anambra State, Mr Ezeigwe Daniel said she was not aware the reason for the deception, but warned women not to gather as the message which is being circulated on various Whatsapp group is fake. The release read: “Our attention has been drawn to a message currently being circulated on certain WhatsApp groups claiming that Her Excellency, Dr. Mrs. Nonye…
-
Dy urges shift from reactive to proactive response to El Niño
This photo, taken in 2019, shows how extreme heat has dried up a lake in the village of Gabawan in Daraga, Albay, during a dry spell. —File photo by Mark Alvin Esplana MANILA, Philippines — Speaker Faustino “Bojie” G. Dy III urges government agencies to shift from a reactive disaster response to proactive planning before the El Niño dry spell worsens, according to a House statement issued on Wednesday. “It’s about time, as we have already experienced the intense effect of El Niño on crop production, food security, and our economy. From 2023 to 2024, palay production dropped by 12 percent to 15 percent, leading to higher rice prices and affecting…
-
The African ski destination that you’ve probably never heard of
Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story. The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political…
-
T.N. Minister holds meeting with stakeholders ahead of ‘presence-less’ registration launch
Minister D. Logesh Tamilselvan addressing the meeting held at Amma Maligai on the premises of the Ripon Buildings in Chennai \| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement Tamil Nadu Minister for Commercial Taxes and Registration D. Logesh Tamilselvan on Thursday (July 23, 2026) chaired a consultative meeting of flat and plot promoters, bankers, and representatives of financial institutions on the implementation of the “presence-less” registration system for certain documents, which will come into force on August 17, 2026. The meeting was held at Amma Maligai on the premises of the Ripon Buildings in Chennai. During the meeting, Mr. Tamilselvan said the Chief…
-
France's deadly June heatwave caused nearly 5,800 excess deaths, highest toll since 2003
France recorded 5,764 more deaths than expected during a record-breaking heatwave that swept the country between June 17 and July 2, health authorities said on Wednesday, highlighting the deadly impact of increasingly frequent extreme weather events linked to climate change. According to France's public health agency, 21,674 people died from all causes during the period, compared with an expected 15,910 deaths based on historical trends. The resulting excess mortality of 36 per cent marks the country's highest heatwave-related death toll since the catastrophic summer of 2003, when around 15,000 people died, as per news agency AP. The latest estimate…
-
Dramatic before and after pictures show devastating impact of Britain’s record-breaking heatwaves
Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story. The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political…
-
Protected wild birds rescued from illegal captivity in Sorsogon
Sorsogon map. INQUIRER FILES LEGAZPI CITY — Authorities rescued 17 protected wildlife, including two Philippine long-tailed macaques and 15 native birds, from a private residence in Sorsogon City where they had been illegally kept in captivity. The Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) in Sorsogon conducted the rescue operation on Wednesday (July 22) in Sitio Madan-an, Barangay Bibincahan, after receiving a report from the Sorsogon City Veterinary Office about a captive primate. During the inspection, the PENRO Wildlife Enforcement Team found two Philippine long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis philippensis), 12 white-eared…
-
Iran War: Trump and Iran Exchange More Threats; Oil at $98 After Ansar Allah Tanker Strikes; House Passes $1.15 Trillion NDAA with Israel “Merger”; Trump Signs Saudi Nuclear Deal
[Today’s Iran war post launched before complete. Please return or refresh this page at 8:30 AM EDT for a final version] Trump continues to escalate verbally. promising yet more war crimes, as the US reportedly moves more equipment to the theater. As we will see, top Iran officials responded swiftly and tartly, promising responses that would be economically devastating. The new formulation is that if Iran cannot freely export its oil, no one from the Middle East will be able to either. Even though many will be inclined to skip over this particular demand, which is tantamount to not simply ending the US blockade but also lifting the sanctions, which was…
-
France records nearly 6,000 additional deaths during late June heatwave
France's public health agency recorded an 'excess mortality' of 5,764 deaths between June 17 and July 2. While this figure remains below the excess deaths during the 2003 heatwave, researchers said it marks a 'turning point.'
-
Scientists claim parents need to potty train their children EARLIER - because nappies are bad for the environment
Parents need to start potty training their children earlier because nappies are bad for the environment, scientists have claimed. Around the world, approximately 300,000 nappies are thrown away every single minute, and experts are concerned that this waste is starting to pile up. Absorbent hygiene products (AHPs), which include nappies, incontinence products and period products, now account for 160 to 200 million tonnes of waste each year. Over 99 per cent of these are dumped into landfills or burned, contributing to plastic pollution, contaminating the water and air, and spreading disease. Meanwhile, the average age of toilet training in the UK has…
Crime & Justice All ›
-
Argentina’s Fiscal Innocence Plan Targets US$170 Billion
Markets Key Facts —The plan. Argentina’s economy minister, Luis Caputo, unveiled “Fiscal Innocence II,” a bill to coax dollars held outside the banking system back into the economy. —The prize. Caputo estimates Argentines keep about US$170 billion in cash outside the system — more than four times the dollars held in banks. —The pitch. Savers could deposit and use those dollars without explaining where they came from or facing tax penalties. —The change. The relaunch scraps the income and wealth caps that limited the first version, widening who can take part. —Why redo it. An earlier version, passed in December 2025, drew weak take-up and complaints…
-
Murdered Brit expat's husband hits out at 'people who suspected I was involved' in wife's Dordogne killing as 'love rival', 70, is charged by French cops
The husband of a British expat who was stabbed eight times at her home in France has slammed those who suspected he was involved in her killing. Karen Carter, 65, was murdered at her home in the rural French village of Trémolat, in the Dordogne, in April 2025. Ms Carter died in front of the guesthouse she opened in the tranquil village. Investigators said at the time she had been stabbed eight times, with one blow 'penetrating the aorta'. Her death was mired in mystery, with several people being detained and questioned over it in the days after the incident. But following the arrest and charging of 70-year-old prime suspect Marie-Laure Autefort…
-
Cops destroy marijuana plantations near Ilocos border
Ilocos Region. INQUIRER FILES CALASIAO, Pangasinan – Two marijuana plantations filled with around 40,000 fully grown plants and 40 kilos of dried leaves with stalks, were destroyed at the boundary of Sugpon town in Ilocos Sur and Kibungan town in Benguet on Tuesday (July 21). The destroyed plants have a combined estimated value of P12.8 million, the Ilocos regional police said. The marijuana plants were immediately destroyed in accordance with existing operational procedures, while follow-up investigations are ongoing to identify and arrest those responsible for operating the illegal plantations. Article continues after this advertisement READ: PDEA…
-
Asylum seeker who punched woman unconscious outside nightclub after she rejected his advances is jailed for just six months
An asylum seeker who left a young woman in a 'crumpled bloody mess' after knocking her unconscious outside a nightclub has been jailed for six months. Abdoela Berhan punched 20-year-old Cleo Lake 'full force' in the face in the early hours of December 7, 2024, when she and her friends rejected his advances. He was found guilty of assaulting Miss Lake at the Cameo nightclub in Bournemouth just a week after being convicted of attacking a Subway worker in a separate incident. The Eritrean national, 35, maintained his innocence throughout the trial - claiming to have acted in self-defence, despite CCTV footage recording the attack. Berhan has now been…
-
UK mosques attacked once every five days in last year, amid rising Islamophobia
A mosque is attacked in the UK every five days, new figures have revealed, as Muslim leaders accuse the government of failing to respond with sufficient urgency to rising Islamophobia. The British Muslim Trust (BMT), the government’s partner for monitoring anti-Muslim hatred, recorded more than 70 attacks against mosques over the past year. The incidents included violence, intimidation, vandalism, property damage, harassment, hate speech and online abuse. London, Greater Manchester and the West Midlands recorded the highest number of attacks. Nine separate incidents targeted mosques in London, while one mosque in Birmingham suffered three attacks…
-
Mambaling knife attack: Suspect arrested, drug-related motive eyed
CEBU CITY, Philippines — Police are looking into a possible drug-related dispute as the motive behind the stabbing of a 32-year-old man Tuesday evening, July 21, in Barangay Mambaling, Cebu City, after a heated argument allegedly escalated into violence. The attack happened around 8:40 p.m. along Sitio Ipil-Ipil, Alaska, Barangay Mambaling. According to a police […]...Keep on reading: Mambaling knife attack: Suspect arrested, drug-related motive eyed
-
'Every victim will feel the same,' says mother of PC Harper over early prison release
But, two prison staffers told the BBC that governors were told to stop work on the implementation of the Sentencing Act two weeks ago. The government maintains there has been no decision to delay its introduction. PC Harper's mother, Debbie Adlam, said the release of Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers - two of the passengers in the getaway car which killed Harper - was "sprung" on her family. Cole and Bowers - who were 17 at the time - were sentenced to 13 years in custody for manslaughter but could be released after six years under the act. The driver of the car, Henry Long - who was 18 - was jailed for 16 years for manslaughter but would not be eligible…
-
'Committed jihadist' is jailed for 17 years for plotting separate terror attack alongside Manchester synagogue knifeman
'Committed jihadist' is jailed for 17 years for plotting separate terror attack alongside Manchester synagogue knifeman By JOSHUA HAINING, NEWS REPORTER Published: 06:01 EDT, 23 July 2026 \| Updated: 06:15 EDT, 23 July 2026 A 31-year-old man has been jailed for 17 years for plotting a terror attack alongside the Manchester synagogue knifeman. Mohammad Asim Bashir, from Cheetham Hill, Manchester, pleaded guilty to helping Jihad al-Shamie commit acts of terrorism as he went on a fatal knife rampage. The delivery driver drove Al-Shamie on a ten-hour round trip to the UK's Defence Academy in Shrivenham, Swindon, on August 14 last year, Manchester Crown…
-
Friend of Manchester synagogue attacker jailed for plot on military base
A friend of the Manchester synagogue attacker has been jailed for life with a minimum of 17 years after they planned a separate attack on a military base. Mohammad Bashir, 31, drove Jihad Al-Shamie on a 10-hour round trip to conduct hostile reconnaissance at the UK's Defence Academy in Shrivenham, Oxfordshire, on 14 August 2025. Weeks after the trip, Al-Shamie, 35, was shot dead by police after carrying out the Heaton Park Synagogue attack, in which two Jewish men were killed. Bashir was sentenced at Manchester Crown Court after pleading guilty to one count of preparing an act of terrorism. Counter terror police uncovered Bashir's friendship with…
-
PDEA nabs 5 in Zamboanga City drug den
A drug den was dismantled in a joint drug buy-bust operation led by the PDEA Regional Special Enforcement Team 1 (RSET 1), which arrested five individuals in Barangay Mampang, Zamboanga City, on Wednesday evening, July 22. (Photo by PDEA Zamboanga Peninsula) PAGADIAN CITY — The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency–Zamboanga Peninsula (PDEA Zamboanga Peninsula) dismantled a drug den and arrested five individuals during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Mampang on Wednesday, July 22. The operation, staged at 6:50 p.m. in Purok 2, was conducted with other law enforcement units led by the PDEA Regional Special Enforcement Team 1. Article continues after this…
Crypto & Blockchain All ›
-
Arbitrum Perp DEX AFX Trade Drained of $24M, Offers Hacker 30% to Return It
In brief AFX Trade, a perpetuals exchange on Arbitrum, was drained of about $24 million in an exploit that hit a USDC bridge the protocol itself operates. The exchange said the breach was isolated to that bridge and the exact attack vector is still under investigation; on-chain trackers say the funds were swapped for 12,468 ETH. AFX has halted the bridge and publicly offered the attacker a deal—return 70% of the funds and keep the rest as a "white hat bounty." AFX Trade, a decentralized perpetuals exchange on Arbitrum that settles in the stablecoin USDC, was drained of $24.15 million on Wednesday in an exploit that hit a bridge the protocol operates,…
-
EU agrees on new round of sanctions against Russia
Members of the European Union on Thursday agreed to impose a new round of sanctions against Russia over its war in Ukraine after weeks of negotiations. The 21st round of the package was held up by lots of objections by member states to various proposed elements. The agreement was reached after weeks of debates, with some members expressing concern that certain restrictions could cause greater harm to the EU economy than to the Russian economy. The deadlock was overcome after Greece was granted an exemption allowing one of its shipping firms to carry on transporting Russian liquefied natural gas from the Arctic. What does the 21st sanctions package…
-
Scoop: Democrat Senate Super PAC targets 4 Republican seats
The Democrats' main Senate super PAC is booking another $54 million in TV ads for the midterm campaign's final stretch, targeting four Republican-held seats.Why it matters: The new reservations offer a roadmap to where Democrats think they can flip seats.Republicans' last major advertising reservation was aimed largely at defending incumbents — and protecting the GOP "red wall" to preserve their majority.By the numbers: Senate Majority PAC, the super PAC aligned with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, is expanding its footprint in four battlegrounds.Ohio: $24 million more behind former Sen. Sherrod Brown, bringing its total reservation to $60…
-
Salvadoran Fintech Ábaco Lands $53M to Expand SME Lending
Latin America · Business Key Facts —Company. Ábaco, a Salvadoran digital factoring fintech for small and medium enterprises. —Round size. US$53 million in a seed round mixing equity and debt commitments. —Earlier backing. A US$4 million pre-seed round drew six venture funds, including Mercy Corps Ventures and Invariantes Fund. —Mezzanine note. Pomona Impact Fund II provided a US$2 million mezzanine debt investment in March 2025. —Regional push. Capital targets expansion from El Salvador into Guatemala and Costa Rica. Ábaco, a Salvadoran fintech that turns unpaid invoices into same-day working capital for small businesses, has closed a US$53 million…
-
What is the Sabarimala gold ‘theft’ case? | Explained
The story so far: The Kerala High Court-appointed Special Investigation Team (SIT) on Thursday (July 23, 2026) detained the former Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) president P.S. Prasanth for questioning in connection with what has come to be known as the Sabarimala gold ‘theft’ case. Mr. Prasanth’s arrest signals a consequential turn in the sensational case, which continues to rivet public attention and remains an animating factor in Kerala politics. He is the third TDB president nominated by the previous Left Democratic Front (LDF) government and indicted by the SIT in the case. Earlier, the SIT had arrested A. Padmakumar, a senior Communist Party of…
-
Ink & Switch Introduces Bijou64: Canonical Variable-Length Integer Encoding for Safe Parsing
Research lab Ink \& Switch published bijou64, a variable-length integer encoding where every number maps to exactly one byte representation. Designed to eliminate signature-malleability bugs in their Subduction sync protocol, the format avoids canonicality validation logic by construction while decoding up to ten times faster than LEB128. Research lab Ink \& Switch has released bijou64, a variable-length integer (varint) encoding designed so every integer maps to a single valid byte sequence. Developed by Brooklyn Zelenka, the design removes the class of canonicality bugs that frequently affect binary protocols while outperforming standard scalar…
-
Coinbase to expand Singapore office headcount by 25%: report
Cointelegraph is committed to providing independent, high-quality journalism across the crypto, blockchain, AI, and fintech industries. All news, reviews, and analyses are produced with full journalistic independence and integrity. For more details on our standards and processes, please read our Editorial Policy.
-
Casino bonus offers: Best ranked casino sign up offers, bonuses and more
Existing customers and new players signing up for top casino sites should always get value for money and making the most of casino bonus offers is the best way to get the maximum out of your deposits. Casino bonuses vary for new and existing customers. New customers are eligible to claim a casino sign up bonus for registering, which can include free spins, no deposit bonuses, low or no wagering offers and deposit bonuses. Meanwhile, if you’re already signed up for an online casino, offers do not stop. Existing customers can qualify to receive free spins, loyalty points and cashback bonuses for continued use of the operator. As an existing user if you…
-
Bitcoin miners ‘stole power worth B280 million’
Bitcoin miners ‘stole power worth B280 million’ 1,900 mining rigs seized from Samut Sakhon warehouses after unusual consumption detected Racks filled with cryptocurrency mining machines are seen inside one of two warehouses in Samut Sakhon found to have illegally tapped electricity to power a bitcoin mining operation. (Screenshots from DSI Facebook page) The Department of Special Investigation has seized about 1,900 cryptocurrency mining machines after uncovering large-scale electricity theft estimated at 280 million baht linked to illegal bitcoin mining in Samut Sakhon. Authorities are now searching for the investors and operators of the network,…
-
Coeur Mining Bets Record $158M on Mexico Silver Exploration
Mining Key Facts —The spend. Coeur Mining is investing a record US$158 million in exploration in 2026, about double last year and its largest programme ever. —Mexico first. Two Mexican mines lead: US$27 million and 83 km of drilling at Palmarejo, US$24 million and 119 km at Las Chispas. —The prize. Drilling in Palmarejo’s Eastern District is hitting wide, high-grade silver and gold, with deposits still open in all directions. —The backdrop. Coeur gained Las Chispas by buying SilverCrest Metals for more than US$1.58 billion, completed in February 2025. —The company. Coeur is a US-based precious-metals producer listed in New York (NYSE: CDE). Coeur…
Automotive & EVs All ›
-
The 10 fastest-selling used cars and they're all electric or hybrid
The fastest-selling second-hand cars are all either electric or hybrid models, according to the latest market data. Autotrader says the ten vehicles with the fastest sale times on its platform do not include a single petrol or diesel car for the first time on record. Eight of the quickest-to-sell used motors are full EVs. This compares with just four in the same month last year, with the car sales website saying the trend 'reflects strengthening demand in the used EV market' in recent months. Without question, volatile fuel prices triggered by conflict in the Middle East have inflated appetite for EVs. But Autotrader says improved affordability and…
-
Leapmotor B05 review: I drove the £29k electric hatchback with 300 miles of range
Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story. The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political…
-
Elon Musk made a huge robotaxi promise. Now investors are asking what happened
Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story. The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political…
-
Four ways getting your driving license in Italy is more difficult than in the US
If you're an American moving to Italy and want to continue driving here, you'll eventually have to retake your driver's test. These are a few of the main differences between the two countries you should be aware of. If you’re moving to Italy from the United States, you will need to resit your driving test in order to get a valid driving license here. You will only be allowed to drive in Italy on your valid, non-expired US license for 12 months. The one-year grace period begins when you apply for residency in Italy. During this time, you're allowed to drive in Italy on your US driver's license as long as it's accompanied by an international driver's…
-
Motorcycle back-rider dies, 2 hurt in Quezon road crash
LUCENA CITY — A motorcycle back-rider died while two others were injured when their vehicles collided on Wednesday, July 22, in Sariaya town, Quezon province. The Quezon Police Provincial Office, in a belated report on Thursday, said the mishap happened along a national road in Barangay Lutucan 1 at around 5:30 p.m. Article continues after this advertisement Motorcycle driver “Jerome,” a minor and Grade 11 student, and his pillion rider, “Michael,” 26, were about to turn left when their vehicle was accidentally sideswiped by another motorcycle ridden by “Jeffrey.” READ: 2 motorcyclists, 2 pedestrians dead in Quezon accidents The three riders were…
-
Mercedes-AMG E53 Hybrid launched at Rs 1.45cr: Up to 100 km on battery
Mercedes-Benz India today finally launched the new Mercedes-AMG E 53 Performance sedan in the Indian market. Itâs offered in two variants: Performance Edition priced at Rs 1.45 crore and Racing Edition priced at Rs 1.48 crore (both prices ex-showroom). The E 53 nameplate has made its way back to India, returning as a plug-in hybrid sedan after its previous stint in the market as a Cabriolet. In India, the new Mercedes-AMG E 53 Hybrid doesnât have a direct rival. In terms of pricing and positioning, the BMW M3 Competition and Audi RS5 Sportback are its closest alternatives. The Mercedes-AMG E 53 is powered by a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline…
-
Is the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra worth $200 more than the Z Fold 8? Here’s my expert advice
Paul Jones / Android Authority Last year’s Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 was a remarkably well-built phone, with the lack of S Pen support perhaps being the only blemish on a notably upgraded hardware package. Still, spec enthusiasts were perhaps left wondering whether the $2,000 asking price was too steep, given that the less expensive Galaxy S25 Ultra and now the Galaxy S26 Ultra offer faster charging, longer battery life, and superior camera specs. Samsung appears to have heard the call. For those clamoring for even more hardware, we now have two booklet Samsung foldables to pick from — the Z Fold 8 and Z Fold 8 Ultra. Perhaps the only drawback is that…
-
DOT cranks up its campaign to strip bike lane references from federal websites
Cycling activists protest against the federal government's plan to remove bike lanes near the National Mall in Washington, D.C., in March 2026. Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images *hide caption* *toggle caption* Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images WASHINGTON — In the two weeks since Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy vowed to end support for "DEI bike lanes," a growing list of bike-related safety materials have disappeared from the Federal Highway Administration's website. Even agency staff have been left guessing about why, said a person who works in web support for agencies at the Department of Transportation. They requested anonymity because they fear retribution…
-
Electrified cars power Europe’s car market as Chinese brands hit a record share
Battery-electric and hybrid models did almost all the work of keeping the European market in growth, and Chinese badges are increasingly the ones doing the selling. One in five new cars registered in the European Union so far this year was fully electric, and the share held by Chinese-badged models has roughly doubled in the space of twelve months. Figures published on July 23 by the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) show electrified powertrains, meaning battery-electric, plug-in hybrid, and conventional hybrid cars, doing almost all the work of keeping Europe’s car market in growth. Total EU registrations were up about 4%…
-
Top Gear driver The Stig claims he nearly died in Freddie Flintoff car crash: ‘I have no idea how I survived’
Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story. The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political…
Energy All ›
-
Why are UK fuel prices rising again?
Crude oil is a key ingredient in petrol and diesel, which means that higher wholesale costs make filling up a car more expensive. Analysts say every $10 (£7.53) increase in the oil price pushes up pump prices by roughly 7p a litre. Since the war began, the price of a barrel of Brent crude â the global benchmark for wholesale oil prices â has been very volatile. Before the conflict, Brent was about $70 a barrel, but the conflict saw it peak at above $120. In early July, after the framework deal was signed, prices fell back to near the $70 a barrel mark, but have climbed back up again since to around $98 a barrel.
-
Chile Electricity Law Makes Utilities Pay for Blackouts
Energy Key Facts —The law. Chile’s Congress cleared a new electricity tariff-protection law on 22 July 2026, sending it to be enacted. —The key change. When the power fails, distributors — not customers — must pay the compensation owed for outages, reversing an earlier arrangement. —The scandal. Under a 2024 tariff calculation, 21 of Chile’s 26 distribution companies had passed the cost of those compensations on to users. —The backdrop. The law lands amid winter storms that have again cut power to homes, and a lingering saga over errors in electricity bills. —The aim. It also seeks to lower regulated tariffs, tidy up the tariff-setting process and…
-
Beyond Hormuz: Gulf is spending billions to find new routes to global markets
For decades, the Strait of Hormuz has been the world's most critical oil gateway, with millions of barrels of crude passing through it every day. But repeated disruptions to oil supplies across the globe have exposed just how vulnerable that dependence is, prompting Gulf nations to resort to an ambitious network of pipelines designed to move oil without relying on the narrow waterway. From UAE to Iraq, governments and state-owned energy companies are accelerating projects worth billions of dollars to create alternative export routes linking oilfields to ports on the Gulf of Oman, the Red Sea and the Mediterranean. According to government officials,…
-
Isle of Man breaks record with tourist economy soaring to £433m
Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story. The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political…
-
The Batista Venezuela Oil Bet Grows With a PDVSA Stake
Energy Key Facts —The deal. Fluxus, controlled by Brazil’s Batista brothers, bought A\&B Oil and Gas, giving it 49% of Petrolera Roraima, a joint venture with Venezuela’s PDVSA. —The asset. Roraima was once run by ConocoPhillips; in 2024 Venezuela granted it 25-year production rights. PDVSA holds the other 51%. —The wave. Reported by Bloomberg on 22 July 2026, it is the third such deal in a week, with more expected before a 28 July deadline. —The opening. The deals follow US sanctions relief: OFAC issued general licences in early 2026 allowing certain Venezuelan-oil activities. —The players. Joesley and Wesley Batista control meatpacker JBS and…
-
Signal No. 1 up over parts of Northern Luzon Thursday due to TD Kiyapo
Track and intensity forecast of Tropical Depression Kiyapo as of 5 p.m. on July 23, 2026. Image from DOST / Pagasa MANILA, Philippines — Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 1 was raised over parts of Northern Luzon due to Tropical Depression Kiyapo on Thursday afternoon, the state weather bureau said. In the 5 p.m. bulletin of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), the following areas are placed under TCWS No.1: READ: Pagasa: Wind Signal No. 1 raised over parts of N. Luzon due to Kiyapo Article continues after this advertisement Batanes Cagayan including Babuyan Islands Isabela Apayao Abra…
-
Six government health facilities in rural Karnataka equipped with solar power systems to ensure uninterrupted service
Six government health facilities in rural Karnataka have been equipped with solar power systems and energy-efficient medical equipment, enabling uninterrupted delivery of healthcare services to more than two lakh persons in areas where electricity supply has often been unreliable. The initiative has been implemented by SELCO Foundation, a Bengaluru-based non-profit organisation, under Beyond2020, a global programme launched by the UAE’s Zayed Sustainability Prize. The solar-powered facilities have been established in remote parts of Karnataka, where inconsistent electricity has often affected the functioning of medical equipment, vaccine storage and…
-
TotalEnergies nets $11.2 billion profit in six months amid Middle East war
The oil giant reported a 72% jump in net income for the first half of 2026, benefiting from soaring crude oil prices. An alliance of NGOs stressed the need to further tax 'oil and gas giants to fund climate action.'
-
Labor grassroots push on green agenda faces resistance from senior MPs
Labor grassroots push on green agenda faces resistance from senior MPs Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. AAA Anthony Albanese’s allies will temper the excitement of Labor’s grassroots by talking down the importance of new commitments to turbocharge the government’s green agenda, as the party gave itself licence to wind back contentious tax credits to miners. The sparring came on the first day of Labor’s national conference as the prime minister tried to position it as the natural party of government, rejecting hardline approaches and warning that, “in every way that matters, the…
-
Nuclear Energy Revival Puts Westinghouse in Prime Position
A large investment firm and a Canadian uranium enrichment company made a big bet three years ago on nuclear power by acquiring Westinghouse, an energy company that had fallen on hard times. Now, that wager is proving prescient. Soaring demand for electricity, driven by data centers, and renewed bipartisan and global interest in nuclear power have made Westinghouse a go-to source for nuclear power technology. The prominence of Westinghouse in the development of new nuclear power plants gained international attention Wednesday after the Trump administration announced a broad agreement with Saudi Arabia that could enable the country to enrich its own…