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Framework has built a reputation for shipping things other PC makers won’t even attempt, and its latest teaser keeps that streak alive. At AMD’s Advancing AI event, the company previewed a new version of its Framework Desktop, and this one is clearly built with one goal in mind: running large AI models locally on your computer. If you have been eyeing a way to run local AI, this could be the machine to watch. So what’s actually new here? The PC packs a Ryzen AI Max+ Pro 495 chip, which brings 16 full Zen 5 cores and a boost clock of 5.2 GHz. Paired with it is the Radeon 8065S, AMD’s fastest integrated graphics chip yet, with 40 RDNA 3.5 compute units…

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…

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…

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'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…

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…

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 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…

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…

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…

Brussels — The European Union on Thursday hit Google with a fine of 890 million euros ($1 billion) after it said the technology behemoth broke digital antitrust regulations by setting up Google Play and its ubiquitous search engine to corral consumers toward its own services and apps, to the detriment of competitors. It was the latest major crackdown on Big Tech by Brussels, which has led the world in reining in some of the world's largest companies from Silicon Valley to Beijing. Google had recently lost its appeal of a $4.5 billion antitrust fine imposed for throttling competition and reducing consumer choice through the dominance of its mobile…

Whether you know Gillian Anderson from The Crown, The Fall or her role in the crime series The X-Files, we’re all on the same page in thinking the actress has seemingly defied ageing. The 56-year-old had practically the entirety of Sex Education’s 2.75m viewers in a chokehold thanks to the allure of her character, Jean Milburn and, if you ask us, doesn’t look a day over 40. Naturally, we wanted to explore how the two-time Golden Globe winner achieves her effortless beauty – so we did some digging. As it happens, make-up artist Florrie White is behind a lot of Anderson’s red carpet looks, as well as catering to the faces of Meg Ryan, Sienna Miller, Uma…

His father is rarely seen without his favourite watch, and now Prince George appears to be following in his footsteps after debuting a Garmin in his birthday video yesterday. In light of the future king becoming a teenager, the Prince and Princess of Wales shared a video of George climbing rocks, playing cricket and frolicking around the beach during the family's Easter holiday to Cornwall. And in one moment, the 13-year-old revealed his watch, which appears to be the £569.99 Garmin D2 Air X15, a brand recognised for its GPS, durability, and advanced biometric tracking features, indicating that, much like his parents, he's particularly fond of the…

Business Key Facts —The ruling. A US appeals court in Washington confirmed that Argentina must pay more than US$390.9 million, plus interest, over the 2008 nationalization of Aerolíneas Argentinas. —The claimant. The money is owed to the Titan Consortium, an investment fund that held shares in the flag carrier when it was expropriated. —The origin. The case dates to 2008, when the Kirchner government re-nationalized Aerolíneas and Austral; an ICSID tribunal ordered about US$321 million in 2017. —The twist. The bill lands even as Aerolíneas has turned a profit — US$112.7 million operating income in 2025 — after years of heavy state support. —The…

The European Union has fined Google’s parent company Alphabet €890 million (about $1 billion) for two separate violations of the bloc’s Digital Markets Act (DMA). One penalty is for giving its own products preferential treatment in search results, while the other is for blocking Android developers from sending users to alternate payment options. A €460 million fine has been issued to Google for giving preferential treatment to its own Shopping, Hotels, and Flights services in Google Search results. The second €430 million penalty is for Play Store rules preventing developers from freely steering consumers to alternative mobile app systems. The fines,…

The European Union on Thursday slapped Google with fines worth €890 million (US$1 billion) in a move that risks escalating tensions with the United States. The EU fined the US giant €460 million for illegally favouring the company’s own services – for example, Google Flights or Google Hotels – over rivals in search results. The second fine worth €430 million was because Google did not allow app developers to show consumers offers, free of charge, outside its Google Play store, the European Commission said in a statement. “After this decision, we want to make sure that there is more competition and also other companies are able to innovate,” EU tech…

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…

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 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…

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.…

Politics Key Facts —The man. Abelardo De la Espriella, a combative right-wing lawyer, is Colombia’s president-elect, due to take office in 2026. —The ultimatum. He has told illegal armed groups they will have roughly one month to surrender to justice once he takes power. —The setting. He plans to be inaugurated at a military base, the Cantón José Hilario López in Popayán, in the conflict-ridden Cauca region. —The doctrine. His program promises to end peace talks, restore territorial control and wage a “Plan Colombia II,” including destroying 330,000 hectares of coca. —The stakes. Cauca is a stronghold of dissident guerrillas loyal to “Iván Mordisco,”…

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 The Manchester synagogue terrorist’s phones revealed he held extremist views – but police failed to check them when they seized them months earlier after his arrest for other alleged crimes. Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson said there is “little doubt” that the information contained on his phones would have inspired further investigative action, and admitted it was a “missed opportunity” and that the data on the phones would have pointed towards Jihad Al-Shamie’s…

SEOUL, July 23 (Yonhap) -- A ceremony marking the return of a pair of Qing Dynasty stone lion statues from a Seoul museum to the Chinese government took place Thursday, officials said. The event took place some six months after the two countries signed a document during a summit meeting in January, pledging the return of the statues purchased by the Kansong Art and Culture Foundation in the 1930s. At the ceremony held at Kansong Art Museum, the museum and the National Museum of Korea (NMK) signed a document on transferring the ownership of the statues and the statues themselves to Chinese cultural authorities. Attending Thursday's event were NMK…

MOSCOW, July 23. /TASS/. The Kiev regime is deliberately targeting homes and civilian infrastructure in Russia, Alexander Bastrykin, chairman of the Russian Investigative Committee Chairman, said, citing evidence gathered during investigations. "Investigations into such crimes show that their masterminds and perpetrators deliberately target homes and civilian facilities. Our investigators and forensic experts have repeatedly found drone and projectile fragments at the attack sites, along with other physical evidence," he told TASS in an interview. Bastrykin said that those responsible for the attacks sought to intimidate civilians and inflict serious…

Five Thai soldiers were killed in an attack on a military checkpoint in Narathiwat province in the country's restive south. At least six civilians were also injured in the attack, including a 10-year-boy, local officials said. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul on Thursday called the attack a "brazen act of terrorism" that posed "a serious threat to national security." What do we know about the attack? The incident took place on Wednesday when around 10 people opened fire at the security checkpoint and threw pipe bombs at soldiers from the Thai Rangers auxiliary force, before fleeing the scene. Thailand's Internal Security Operations Command said the…

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.

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.

United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio says Iran is privately pressing Washington for a deal to end the war but Tehran is not yet “ready” to accept one, “Iran is begging us, both directly and indirectly, ‘Let’s do a deal. Let’s talk,'” Rubio said, speaking to reporters on the sidelines of an Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) meeting of foreign ministers in Manila, Philippines, on Thursday. Recommended Stories list of 3 itemsend of list “The problem with Iran is every time they make a deal, the people in charge either break it or they want to change it. So it looks like they’re not ready to make a deal, so they’re going to continue…

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…

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…

Hong Kong Disneyland Resort has introduced a discounted afternoon ticket and expanded its cooling facilities to help minimise operational disruptions arising from hot weather and heavy rain over the summer. The theme park on Lantau Island on Thursday unveiled a “Summer Chill” 4pm entry ticket for Hong Kong residents, priced at HK$480 (US$61), allowing guests to enter later in the day to avoid the hottest hours or periods of heavy rain. The park said it had also stepped up weather adaptation measures, including installing about 860 fans, portable air conditioning units, mist cooling systems and additional shading blinds. The resort also upgraded nearly…

Homeowners have claimed their flats are worthless after major building work by a coffee shop underneath caused their walls to crack and floors to sink. Families living in a former NatWest bank building in Westbourne, Dorset, say they first noticed damage in their apartments, communal corridors and stairwells after Coffee #1 started work below them in February 2024. They described hearing vibrations through the wall 'like a sledgehammer' and believe the contractors damaged the building's supports, with an estimated damage of £1million across seven flats. Coffee #1 offered vouchers to the shop as compensation - a move residents branded 'insulting'. Some…

Around 1,200 people have been rescued and hundreds more relocated to safer places as heavy showers battered south Gujarat districts, where Umbergaon taluka received over 1,100 mm rains in just 16 hours, an official said on Thursday (July 23, 2026). One rain-related death was reported in Tapi district, while teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the state’s SDRF as well as the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Coast Guard were put on alert for rescue efforts, he said. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel reviewed the rain situation and also spoke to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who assured the Gujarat government of all necessary assistance.…

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 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…

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…

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…

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 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.

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…

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…

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…

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.…

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 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…

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…

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 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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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.…

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…

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…

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 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…

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'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…

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…

The Eli Lilly logo appears on the company’s office in San Diego, California, Nov. 21, 2025. Mike Blake \| Reuters Eli Lilly on Thursday said it will file for approval of its next-generation obesity drug in the first quarter of 2027, as the treatment succeeds in two more late-stage trials. The pharmaceutical giant previously said it would submit an application as early as this year for the weekly injection, retatrutide, which works differently and appears to be more effective than existing shots and pills. In a statement to CNBC, Lilly said it needs more time to gather and verify the manufacturing and quality-control data required by regulators before…

Elaine’s stories explore the boom in new obesity treatments, new drug payment models, the ways companies are affected by FDA changes, and the emerging psychedelics drug sector. She co-writes The Readout newsletter, and co-hosts STAT’s weekly biotech podcast, The Readout Loud. You can reach Elaine on Signal at elaineywchen.70. Eli Lilly reported more results Thursday showing that its next-generation obesity drug is highly efficacious at weight loss, but the data from the study, focused on people with heart disease, aren’t enough to answer a critical question about the therapy — whether it reduces cardiovascular risk. The Phase 3 study enrolled nearly…

The national homicide rate in the U.S. continued its historic decline in the first half of 2026, although eight cities — including San Francisco, Dallas, and Norfolk, Virginia — saw spikes compared to the same period in 2025, a new study finds. The downward trend continues from last year, which saw the largest single year-over-year drop and likely the lowest murder rate in the U.S. since 1900, pending the final FBI crime statistics for the year. This year, the picture was slightly more nuanced: in 21 of the 30 cities surveyed in 2026, there was an average homicide rate drop of 18% from January to June, according to new data analysis released Thursday…

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…

PUBLIC SECTOR Stats watchdog prescribes stronger caveats for NHS Palantir claims Health service told to ensure ministers don't mistake before-and-after comparisons for cause and effect The UK's statistical regulator has told NHS England to ensure ministers are briefed accurately following a row over data used to promote the purported benefits of a Palantir-run platform. The Office for Statistics Regulation (OSR) said the health quango had accepted that it needed to communicate more clearly about data purporting to measure the benefits of the NHS Federated Data Platform (FDP), which is based on the US spy-tech firm's technology under a £330 million…

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 there’s great potential for a tender result – the key is not to overcook them. The bone itself adds flavour, as bones always do, while lending something to the dish’s good looks. Pork meat, as we all learn by experience, turns tough or at least a bit chewy even in that moment while you’re asking yourself, “Hmmmm, is it time to stop cooking?” Chances are the moment has passed, so don’t hesitate…

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…

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 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…

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…

Sarath Subramanian Shankar \| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement The Tamil Nadu Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), on Wednesday (July 22, 2026), arrested a US-based software engineer at Chennai International Airport in connection with a series of hoax bomb threat emails sent between 2023 and 2025 to airports, educational institutions, public officials and other high-profile targets across India. Police identified the suspect as Sarath Subramanian Shankar, a native of Ambasamudram in Tirunelveli district, who had been residing in Austin, Texas, where he worked for a software company. He was intercepted by immigration authorities after arriving in Chennai on an…

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 – a highly toxic rat poison – 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. Gauteng’s municipalities are functioning at…

Image used for representation The Erode District Cyber Crime Police have arrested a lathe workshop owner from Namakkal district for allegedly posting defamatory remarks against Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay on the social media platform X. The police said Thiagu was arrested after he allegedly shared defamatory content targeting the Chief Minister through his social media account. A case has been registered against him under four sections of the law. The arrest is part of the ongoing action by the Cyber Crime Police against individuals accused of posting defamatory content about the Chief Minister on social media platforms. Further investigation is…

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…

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…

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.

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 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,…

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 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…

Dataintelo reports that the used video game market is worth $7.2 billion The firm thinks that Sony's decision to end the production of discs will cause it to decline Analysts say the market will "keep shrinking and eventually disappear" The second-hand video game market could be in danger as a result of Sony's decision to end production of physical discs starting in January 2028. A new story from CNBC included analysis from market research firm Dataintelo, which reported that the used game market was worth $7.2 billion in 2025 and predicted it could grow to $13.8 billion by 2034. The figure represents all pre-owned games, console hardware,…

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 pricing troubles of the Steam Machine make it easy to think that budget gaming PCs are dead, but this incredible ABS gaming desktop I've just found might convince you otherwise. Right now at Walmart, you can grab this ABS Flux II Aqua with Intel Core i5 14400F, Intel Arc B580, 32GB of DDR5 RAM, and a 1TB SSD for just $849. That's a $150 saving on the $999 list price, for a PC with parts worth well over $1,200 in today's market. ● Check out this deal at Walmart This PC features a Raptor Lake Refresh CPU worth $178, 32GB of Patriot DDR5 priced at $400, a $150 SSD, and a $309 GPU from Intel for unparalleled budget value. Fire those parts into…

Warhammer Blood Bowl hits the end zone this fall, and we've got first-look screenshots and confirmed platforms for launch. The video game adaptation of Games Workshop’s Warhammer fantasy football tabletop game is now in the hands of Warhammer 40,000: Battlesector publisher Slitherine, which obtained the licence, publishing rights, and back catalog from the collapsing Nacon. Now, Slitherine has re-announced Warhammer Blood Bowl with a batch of screenshots, below. It’s due out this fall across PC, Xbox, and PlayStation. Warhammer Blood Bowl Screenshots Slitherine said Warhammer Blood Bowl is “built upon the solid foundations of Blood Bowl 3,” with…

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 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 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…

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…

Avatar Legends: The Fighting Game has suffered a shock delay on Xbox just hours before it was due to come out, sparking a backlash from fans. The Paramount Games Studio-published fighting game, developed by Gameplay Group International, was due out today, July 23, across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and S, PC via Steam, and Nintendo Switch. But in a note to fans published just a few hours ago, Paramount said the Switch version will be available as the Standard Edition only, and crossplay with other platforms and language localization beyond English will not be available. “We are committed to bringing these features, along with upgrading to Deluxe…

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…

@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…

Transcript Jeremy Edberg: Imagine I come to you and I say, we want to process millions of documents. We want to do it in a way that an AI will be able to learn from them and query against them. Imagine what that architecture would look like to you. You probably all have built this before, or something like it. It probably looks something like this. You're going to set up a service that's going to download the documents. You're going to put in a queue item or something. Then you're going to process the document and put it in the AI. Maybe you're going to use something like RabbitMQ to keep track of the work that needs to be done. Or maybe you're going…

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…

PEP 752 was accepted at the end of June. It lets an organisation apply to PyPI to reserve a package name prefix, after which new uploads matching that prefix are rejected unless they come from the grant holder. Existing packages are grandfathered. The motivation is impersonation: someone publishing malware as google-cloud-something or apache-something gets the vendor’s name in front of it. The PEP names four example prefixes: google-cloud-, opentelemetry-, apache-airflow-providers-, and types-. I pulled every package name from PyPI (912,665 of them, via ecosyste.ms) and counted prefixes. Those four account for 264, 271, 154, and 1,295 packages…

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…

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.…

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. ▷ watch the talk

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

There’s good news for parents of college-bound kids: A three-year college degree is coming. It’s no secret that higher education in the U.S. has a cost problem. Tuitions and other expenses are breaching $100,000 a year at more and more institutions. No wonder there’s a student debt crisis. Defenders of the status quo point out that most students can get discounts of one sort or another from the college sticker price. And it’s also true that for a handful of elite universities, certain parents of qualified students would gladly pay double the asking price to have their offspring attend such prestigious places. But for most parents and students the…

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…

By Jack Queen NEW YORK, July 23 (Reuters) - President Donald Trump's Justice Department will ask a Manhattan federal judge on Thursday to uphold its subpoena issued to New York Times' journalists who reported on security concerns about the president flying on a Qatari-donated Air Force One. The subpoenas issued by Manhattan U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton on July 10 are the latest instance of the Trump administration seeking to force journalists to divulge their sources, part of what critics describe as the president’s broader pressure campaign against the media. U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian has paused enforcement of the subpoenas pending Thursday’s…

Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin began his visit to Ukraine by paying tribute to fallen Ukrainian warriors in Kyiv. President Volodymyr Zelensky announced this on Telegram, according to Ukrinform. "We value Ireland's unwavering respect for our people. Today, Taoiseach of Ireland Micheál Martin began his visit to Ukraine by honoring the memory of our fallen warriors," Zelensky wrote. The President noted that Ireland has assumed the Presidency of the Council of the European Union. He said it was significant that Ireland's Presidency began by paying tribute to those who are defending all of Europe today, the people of Ukraine. VIDEO "We thank Ireland…

The Cross River State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has alleged that an illegal voter registration exercise is being carried out at the Dan Archibong Lodge within the Government House in Calabar by persons it claimed are acting on behalf of the state government. In a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Prince Mike Ojisi, on Thursday, the opposition party described the alleged exercise as a serious threat to the integrity of the electoral process and called for an immediate investigation by relevant authorities. The PDP urged the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP, the…

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…

NEW DELHI: The government is reaching out to the opposition leaders to break the deadlock in Parliament over the NEET paper leak issue, government sources told news agency ANI on Thursday. This is a fresh effort from the government's side to end the repeated disruptions that have stalled proceedings through the first week of the Monsoon session. According to government sources, the Centre has conveyed to opposition parties that it is ready for a discussion on the alleged NEET paper leak but wants the debate to take place "without any preconditions", including the opposition's demand for the resignation of education minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The…

Israeli far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir led hundreds of Israeli Jews into Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa mosque compound on Thursday, breaching the site's decades-old status quo as he marked a Jewish day of mourning. The visit coincided with Tisha B'Av, the Jewish fast day commemorating the destruction of the First and Second Temples. This year it is being observed from Wednesday night through Thursday, with Jews fasting for roughly 25 hours. Beyond the temples' destruction, the day is traditionally tied to a string of calamities said to have befallen the Jewish people on or near the same date throughout history. AFP footage showed Ben Gvir…

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…

Russia on Thursday warned Washington against making what it described as "unacceptable" arms deliveries to Ukraine during talks between Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Manila. Lavrov told the U.S. secretary of state "it was unacceptable to continue supplying weapons to the Kyiv regime," the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement. In their meeting held on the sidelines of a summit of Southeast Asian foreign ministers, Moscow's top diplomat also condemned what he called "a destabilizing policy by European countries, which are still seeking to inflict a 'strategic defeat' on Russia." The first sit-down between…

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,…

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.…

St Helens head coach Paul Rowley has stepped down from his position with the Super League club with immediate effect less than a year into the role. The 51-year-old joined the club before the 2026 season, having previously taken charge at Salford Red Devils, ending his tenure there after their financially-challenged 2025 campaign. Since joining Saints, however, the club have struggled for form and, with an injury crisis, are currently sixth in the table and six points behind leaders Leeds Rhinos. They have also lost six of their past 10 games in all competitions with Rowley's departure announced prior to Friday's derby against Wigan Warriors. "The…

‘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…

Newcastle United have agreed a deal worth up to £34m for Monaco midfielder Aladji Bamba. The 20-year-old Frenchman, who played his first senior game in August 2025, is due on Tyneside on Thursday to have a medical and sign a long-term contract. Newcastle sold Sandro Tonali to Tottenham last month and have been in the market for a second young midfielder after signing 18-year-old Sean Steur from Ajax. Another target, Freiburg's Johan Manzambi, opted to join Aston Villa last week. Among Ligue 1 midfielders who played at least 500 minutes last season, Bamba ranked in the top five for duels won (9.1 per game on average), tackles (3.6), successful…

Dan Dakich asks Rep Marlin Stutzman what the outcome will be if the WNBA continues to deny accountability for the mistreatment of Caitlin Clark. USA Today columnist Nancy Armour wants Caitlin Clark to stop flopping and berating WNBA officials. Plenty of people agree with that take, including OutKick's Dan Dakich. Others would argue that Clark’s frustration is understandable, given the physical treatment she has received and the WNBA’s inconsistent officiating. Either way, Armour is well within her rights to criticize Clark’s behavior on the court. Nancy Armour argues Caitlin Clark's flopping and berating WNBA officials puts Black and queer players in…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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 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…

An old-timey Land Rover, wellies, wild flowers, raincoats and copious amounts of champagne set the scene for the Highlands wedding of Bryony Daniels, the events organiser who was once linked to Prince William. Bryony, now 44, happily played the role of the future King's 'decoy' girlfriend during his time at the University of St Andrews to help keep his then-burgeoning romance with Kate under wraps. But Bryony, who was frequently pictured walking to class with William, has now found her own happily ever after as she married boyfriend Adair Williams during an intimate ceremony on her family's countryside Straithvaich estate last week. Sharing a…

Afrobeats star Michael Adebayo Olayinka, popularly known as Ruger, has said financial stability is not one of the requirements he looks out for in women because he is already rich. Speaking during a recent livestream with steamer Shank, Ruger said he has dated ladies who were not only unemployed but lazy. “A woman’s financial status doesn’t matter to me. I am rich. I have dated girls who didn’t make money before. They just sleep and wake up,” he said. Ruger said his ideal woman is “someone who is funny.” He said he is looking forward to settling down soon. “I keep ordering takeouts because there is no one at home to cook for me. That’s one of the…

Kiran Abbavaram and Ravi Namburii on the sets of ‘Chennai Love Story’ \| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement For a little more than a decade, Ravi Namburii honed his skills as a screenplay writer and associate director for several Telugu films. He now makes his debut as director with the Telugu film Chennai Love Story, releasing on July 24. Taking time off for this interview amid post production work in Hyderabad, Ravi describes his film as “an experimental love story”. The promos of the film featuring Kiran Abbavaram and Sri Gouri Priya have stoked curiosity with the promise of a layered, complex story. The story idea, Ravi says, came from director Sai…

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 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 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…

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…

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…

Galadriel's husband Celeborn will finally be introduced in The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, with new episodes set to debut Stranger Things' Jamie Campbell Bower as her "lover-boy" partner. Exactly how Celeborn will be introduced — and where he's supposed to have been for the past two seasons — remains under wraps. But Empire has confirmed that Celeborn will feature in the show's upcoming third season, and that the actor behind Stranger Things' Vecna will play Galadriel's fair-headed fellow. As Tolkien fans will know, Galadriel and Celeborn were married during Middle-earth's First Age, long prior to the events of the Second Age, which The…

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…

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 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…

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…

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…

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,…

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…

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, 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…

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 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…

Farmers busy in a ‘Kutki’ field in Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh \| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement In the higher reaches of the Himalayas, an agricultural initiative is helping bring one of the region’s most prized medicinal plants back from the brink of extinction. Decades of destructive wild harvesting pushed Picrorhiza kurroa, known locally as Kutki, a herb used in medicinal formulations, onto the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. Now, a sustainable cultivation model adopted by farmers in Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi district is showing promising signs of conserving the species while boosting the rural mountain…

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 most oversubscribed school in Phase 2B this year was Nanyang Primary School in Bukit Timah, with 52 children applying for 20 vacancies. The next two most oversubscribed schools were Ai Tong School in Bishan and Pei Hwa Presbyterian Primary School in Bukit Timah, with 51 applicants for 20 spaces and 46 applicants for 21 vacancies respectively. All three schools were also among the top five most oversubscribed schools in Phase 2B of the 2025 exercise. The two next most oversubscribed schools in 2026 were Holy Innocents’ Primary School in Hougang and Kong Hwa School in Mountbatten. MOE cut the Primary 1 intake for most schools earlier this year in…

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…

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…

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…

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 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…

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…

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…

INQUIRER FILES COTABATO CITY — Some P5.5 million worth of suspected shabu (methamphetamine hydrochloride) and smuggled cigarettes were seized by the Police Regional Office–Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR) in two separate law enforcement operations in Lanao del Sur on Wednesday, July 22. Two suspects were arrested. Article continues after this advertisement In a buy-bust operation conducted in Barangay Lalabuan, Balindong (Wato), authorities arrested a suspected drug pusher identified only by the alias “Khalid.” READ:Search continues for 4 persons missing in Lanao del Sur landslide Confiscated from him were approximately 500 grams of suspected…

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…

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…

Greater Manchester police have apologised and admitted “a missed opportunity” before the attack on a city synagogue. The force’s chief constable, Sir Stephen Watson, said the phones of the Heaton Park synagogue attacker, Jihad al-Shamie, were seized by officers but crucial data was not examined. “There can however be little doubt that the information contained within these devices would have inspired further investigative action,” Watson said. “It is clear that our not having reviewed the data available to us prior to the attack constitutes a missed opportunity. “I am disappointed at the prospect of adding to the distress of all of those affected by…

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…

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…

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…

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

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 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…

MANILA, Philippines — In recent weeks, the Pax Silica project has become among the most talked-about topics in the country, with the government describing it as a long-term investment that will spur economic expansion. However, civil society groups have been protesting the establishment of the 1,619-hectare (4,000-acre) economic security zone under the Luzon Economic Corridor. They […]...Keep on reading: Myths vs facts: BCDA defends controversial Pax Silica project

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,…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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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’ 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,…

In Europe, the rise in gas prices due to the Iran war has car buyers thinking about electrics more than ever before. Battery-electric vehicle (BEV) sales were up more than 33 percent in the first half of 2026 compared to the same time last year, according to data published by European consultancies and nongovernmental organizations this month. The same has not happened in the US. Electric sales are up by nearly 15 percent in the second quarter of the year compared to the first. But the overall number of EVs sold is still small. They're lagging well behind the optimistic projections made before the Trump administration reversed federal support for the…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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-Benz India today finally launched the new Mercedes-AMG E 53 Performance sedan in the Indian market. It’s 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 doesn’t 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…

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…

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…

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%…

A reduction in VAT from 5% to 0% will be applied to domestic electricity bills on the Isle of Man from October, the government has confirmed. The move mirrors the measure outlined in the UK, which is expected to be in place until the end of the 2026-27 financial year. Manx Utilities said, while the amount saved will vary depending on electricity usage during the period, removing VAT would save a typical household about £50 per year. The Treasury said the overall reduction in VAT revenue collected as a result of the change would be between £1 million and £1.4 million, depending on consumption during the winter. The reduction was announced in the UK…

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 – the global benchmark for wholesale oil prices – 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.

Iran vowed on Thursday to keep striking the region so long as it remains under attack, as the Middle East war spread to new fronts with Tehran's Houthi allies attacking Saudi shipping in the Red Sea. The war resumed following a ceasefire that lasted just a few weeks, throwing the region and global energy markets back into chaos as Iran and the United States battle for control of the vital Strait of Hormuz. The Houthis this week joined the conflict, claiming to have struck two Saudi oil tankers after declaring a blockade of Saudi ports. Meanwhile, Jordan and Kuwait both reported intercepting strikes as Iran's military and Revolutionary Guards claimed…

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…

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,…

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 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…

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 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…

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.'