UK News
View All 9Opportunistic burglars raid family home amid 'horror movie' wildfires and make off with jewellery
A family who were forced to flee their house during last week's wildfires finally returned home to discover their prized jewellery had been stolen.Last Thursday, fires ripped through Stourbridge in the West Midlands in scenes compared to a horror movie or apocalypse.Witnesses said ash had rained down for hours and described how the flames "jumped from house to house".Residents grabbed what they could and ran for it, with refuge centres set up at the town hall and at St Michael's Church in Norton. TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say But with local homes empty until Sunday, burglars are believed to have moved in.West Midlands Police last night released images of six different items thought to have been stolen in Stourbridge.The homeowner was one of those evacuated on the day of the fire and they then returned home over the weekend to find items missing, including jewellery, watches and a coin collection, police said.Two pairs of cufflinks, a ring, two pocket watches and a wristwatch all vanished after the fires.The burglary took place on Racecourse Lane, detectives said, and it was thought to have happened in the last week.CCTV footage was being examined and house-to-house inquiries were being carried out, with uniformed and plainclothes patrols in and around the area, a spokesman added.Police also issued an appeal for the public to get in touch if they see any of the items being sold on the internet by calling 101 quoting crime reference 20/367823/26.On Monday Angela Rayner visited the burnt-out remains of homes in Stourbridge, describing scenes as "absolutely horrendous".WILDFIRE CHAOS - READ MORE:Panic as sirens blare from phones across England without warning amid 'severe' wildfire alertBritain's biggest summer fireworks display CANCELLED amid 'severe' wildfire alertLabour told to reverse woke green policies as campaigners say they make wildfires WORSEThe Housing Secretary could be seen walking among the shells of houses on Quarry Park Road following the huge blaze - which destroyed 19 homes in total."The community have been exceptional, looking out for each other," Ms Rayner said."But it is devastating to see the level of damage and the emotional turmoil of losing everything, and that’s what these families have gone through."A group of heroic women risked their lives to save multiple horses from a burning field in Stourbridge at the height of the wildfire.One, Charlotte Griffith from the Sugarloaf Equestrian Centre, told GB News how due to the sheer size of the blaze, the animals would have died had they been stuck there any longer."Within seconds, the field was gone... It was just engulfed with the smoke and the fire, it was awful," she said. "If we'd left the horses in there any longer, they would have ended up getting burned."Evacuees in Stourbridge were finally allowed to return to view their properties on Sunday, Dudley Borough Council said.Some 13 households whose properties were partially damaged in the blaze have been able to return completely, the authority's chief executive Balvinder Heran told locals.More than £125,000 has so far been raised through crowd-funding efforts for those affected by major fires in Stourbridge, Birmingham, Pershore and Stoke-on-Trent. Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter
Innocent Briton fined £450 for dropping cigarette in staggering case of mistaken identity
A Bristol man who says he has never smoked has ended up with a criminal conviction after failing to pay a littering fine he knew nothing about.Lucas Harbourd, 49, was issued a penalty for allegedly dropping a cigarette butt in Bristol city centre in December 2024.He only became aware of the fine in July, when a court letter arrived ordering him to cough up more than £450 of his hard-earned cash.The 49-year-old had been unaware of the penalty for 18 months because correspondence had been sent to an incorrect address. TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say On July 16, he finally received a court letter telling him he owed £458 - and that he faced potential bailiff action or imprisonment if he failed to pay.The debt followed a hearing at Portsmouth Magistrates' Court on May 7, which took place without his knowledge.After he contested the penalty, 3GS, the private firm contracted to issue fines on the council's behalf, admitted the wrong person had been fined.The firm acknowledged the error was a case of mistaken identity and issued an apology.3GS stated it would apply to have the case reopened and withdrawn "due to the case of false identity".Despite this acknowledgement of mistaken identity, Mr Harbourd said the criminal conviction still stands on his record.He now faces the task of having it formally overturned."This has gone from a FPN for throwing a cigarette butt down - I've never touched a cigarette in my life - to getting a criminal conviction without even knowing," he said.LITTERING FURY - READ MORE:English tutor slapped with £150 fine for tossing sandwich crusts to hungry birdsCouncil threatened pensioner with £1k fine for leaving charity donation bag on her doorstepPensioner, 78, faces prison after council prosecutes grandfather for refusing to stop feeding pigeonsMr Harbourd warned the conviction could harm his "livelihood going forward" by affecting Disclosure and Barring Service checks needed for his work contracts.He argued the episode exposed a complete absence of proper checks, and questioned how many other people may have been wrongly fined."I think the process is for profit, not for justice - it won't actually solve the issue of littering, and now the justice system is being overburdened," he said.3GS officers have the power to fine individuals for a range of infractions, including littering, graffiti, fly-tipping, failing to clean up dog mess, and consuming alcohol in prohibited areas.The council has relied on 3GS to carry out environmental enforcement since 2019.On average, the firm hands out around 450 fixed penalty notices each month across Bristol.Data covering the period from 2023 to 2025 revealed that an overwhelming 97 per of all penalties issued were related to littering.The Local Democracy Reporting Service has previously found that cigarette butts accounted for the vast majority of those littering fines, with each one carrying a £175 charge.GB News has approached Bristol City Council and 3GS for comment.Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter
Trump's MAGA allies mock Harry and Meghan as report suggests President played a part in couple's decision to leave US
MAGA allies of Donald Trump have taken aim at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle over the couple's bombshell decision to return to the UK amid claims it was partly motivated . The Duke and Duchess of Sussex revealed on Wednesday that they are moving back to Britain this month, six years after arriving in the US. The shock decision was leaked to a number of outlets, including one that explicitly linked it to tensions between the couple and Trump. It is understood that Harry and Meghan will be returning for an 'extended period' as Archie and Lilibet are enrolled at a British school. Katie Miller, the wife of White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller, commented on the news on X, writing: 'They are moving back to Britain because they don't like President Trump.' She linked to a report from People Magazine that noted how the couple 'have made no secret of their disillusionment with the current White House' ahead of the midterm elections. In other posts, Miller said that Meghan 'always just wanted to be a celebrity' and claimed that the couple was 'broke.' Conservative personality Megyn Kelly also responded to Harry and Meghan's pending move back to the UK. 'We've done our time here in America my dear friend!' she wrote on X, replying to right-wing commentator Dan Wootton's post about the so-called 'Megxit' being 'reversed.'
Beaming Harry looks delighted as he breaks cover just hours after return to the UK was revealed (and shares a laugh with a fellow red head)
Prince Harry beamed with delight as he was pictured for the first time since it was revealed he will imminently return to the UK to live with his family. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are understood to be relocating to Britain for an 'extended period', with Archie and Lilibet set to enrol at a British school. The family will move into a non-royal residence and will not be working royals. King Charles was only informed . As royal experts speculated on what such a move could mean for Harry and Meghan, the Duke, 41, was seen broadly smiling at a roundtable event discussing increased support for veterans, in Washington, on Wednesday. Harry, who served 10 years as a captain in the British Army and completed two frontline tours in Afghanistan, listened intently to the speakers, who included Jane Horton, senior adviser to US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. He was later seen speaking with Sarah Verado, chief executive of The Independence Fund, a non-profit dedicated to helping wounded veterans and their families, while also sharing a light-hearted conversation with fellow red-haired veteran William Bringer. His public appearance came just hours after it was reported that he and his family will move back to the UK. It is not yet known, however, whether the move will be a permanent one. The location of Harry and Meghan's new home has not been revealed for privacy reasons.
World News
View All 10Middle East updates: Trump warns 'economic consequences' for nations helping Iran
https://p. dw. com/p/5J7Jw Trump said that Washington needed the support of all its allies to isolate Iran Image: CNP/AdMedia/picture alliance Skip next section What you need to knowWhat you need to know US President Donald Trump announced the "most crushing economic operation" ever against Iran Trump said any country providing “any type of lifeline to Iran” will face "tremendous" economic repercussions Iran's media dismissed Trump's threat Here are the from the Iran war and the Middle East on Thursday, August 20: Tired of missing our real-time updates? Click here to add us as a Preferred Source on Google. Then tap the "Star" or "Preferred" to keep DW News at the top of your feed. Skip next section Trump threatens Iran partners with economic punishment 08/20/2026August 20, 2026Trump threatens Iran partners with economic punishment US President Donald Trump has warned any country that supports Iran of economic consequences as war soon approaches its sixth month with no resolution in sight. Trump said on his Truth Social platform on Wednesday that "ANY country that allows its financial institutions, businesses, airports, or government entities to provide any type of lifeline to Iran will itself face TREMENDOUS economic consequences." The US leader described his move as "economic warfare" and "isolation" on an unprecedented scale as he stepped up an economic pressure campaign on Iran. "Today, I am announcing the MOST CRUSHING ECONOMIC OPERATION EVER TAKEN AGAINST ANY COUNTRY!" he said, referring to the Islamic Republic in the superlatives-embellished post. Trump said that nobody other than him had given Tehran what he called "a greater opportunity to make a deal". "TRAGICALLY, for them, they have failed to take it," he said. Trump said that Washington needed the support of all its allies to isolate Iran and counter the threat posed . He compared his plan to an "ECONOMIC D-DAY". There were no details of what Trump’s economic steps against nations supporting Iran would look like, Trump also did not mention any country by name, other than Iran. Iran media reacts to Trump’s "economic warfare" warning Iran’s Fars news agency on Thursday called Trump’s latest economic threat the usual "psychological warfare and propaganda campaign," The country’s Tasnim news agency said the US presidents' announcement was "not a new development, as the United States has been trying for years to block any financial and economic ties with Iran.
Bangladesh lawmakers set to elect Alamgir president
https://p. dw. com/p/5J7Re Alamgir is the secretary general of the BNP [FILE: February 14, 2026]Image: Abu Sufian Jewel/ZUMA/IMAGO Bangladesh's parliament is set to elect the country's new president on Thursday, with the ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party's (BNP) Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir widely expected to win. The BNP holds more than a two-thirds majority in parliament, making it unlikely that retired army officer-turned-politician Oli Ahmed of the opposition Jamaat-e-Islami-led alliance will get the vote. Lawmakers are set to vote at 2 p. m. local time (0800 UTC). The election comes after former president Mohammed Shahabuddin, a close ally of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, resigned in July citing health concerns. Who is Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir? In February, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's BNP won a landslide victory in the first election since Hasina's 2024 ouster. The party is expected to use its majority to hand the 78-year-old Alamgir the largely ceremonial presidency. "I never thought that I would become the president, it is the infinite grace of the party and almighty Allah," he told reporters on Tuesday, according to the state news agency BSS. "Even after becoming president, I wish to remain beside the people and serve them." Alamgir was repeatedly arrested under Hasina's government, facing dozens of charges he said were politically motivated. He has been hailed in the media for "keeping the BNP organized and maintaining the party's political presence during difficult times," referring to Hasina's rule. Edited by: Zac Crellin Don't let the algorithm hide the news. If you rely on our team for trusted reporting, please take a moment to select us as your Preferred Source on Google, so you'll always see our verified news first.
Pilot Is Killed After Small Plane and Police Helicopter Collide in Pennsylvania
Two Pennsylvania State Police troopers were injured in the crash at Carlisle Airport, officials said.
Pilot killed, 2 troopers injured after plane collides in midair police helicopter
Pilot killed, 2 troopers injured after small plane collides in midair with Pennsylvania State Police helicopter Two Pennsylvania State Police troopers were injured but expected to recover. ByAyesha Ali, Sam Sweeney, and Jason Volack August 19, 2026, PM The pilot of a small airplane was killed and two Pennsylvania State Police troopers were injured after the plane collided in midair with a state police helicopter near the Carlisle airport in Pennsylvania's Cumberland Valley on Wednesday evening, officials said. The Cessna 150 airplane crashed into the Bell 407 helicopter, which was conducting a training exercise, shortly before 7 p. m., Pennsylvania State Police Acting Commissioner Col. George Bivens told reporters at a press briefing. A trooper and a colonel, who were inside the helicopter, were injured in the crash but are expected to be recover, Pennsylvania Gov. Authorities investigate a crash between a Pennsylvania State Police helicopter and a small plane at the Carlisle airport in Carlisle, Pa. Sean Simmers/The Patriot-News via AP Related 5 Americans among 7 dead after helicopter crashes in Kenya Shapiro identified them as Cpl. Bryce Corman and Trooper Jason Mills. "Tonight could have been much worse," Shapiro said during a news conference at Penn State Health Milton S. Authorities believe the pilot of the Cessna was the plane's only occupant, although they are still investigating. Authorities did not identify the pilot pending notification of next of kin. Authorities investigate a crash between a Pennsylvania State Police helicopter and a small plane at the Carlisle airport in Carlisle, Pa. Sean Simmers/The Patriot-News via AP Related 2 students dead, 7 others injured after driver strikes Tennessee university cycling team: Authorities The cause of the crash remains under investigation. The Federal Aviation Administration arrived at the crash scene Wednesday night, and the National Transportation Safety Board was expected to arrive overnight. Off-duty cop killed, possibly armed woman wanted 15 hours ago NTSB releases new videos, images from deadly Philadelphia jet crash 13 hours ago 2 students dead, 7 injured after driver strikes school cycling team: Authorities 8 hours ago Citing preliminary investigation, Bivens said the helicopter was hovering several feet above a grassy area adjacent to the runway at the Carlisle airport for the training exercise when the Cessna approached the airport's runway from behind. Bivens said the plane veered sharply to the right and struck the helicopter from the rear, resulting in a "very violent crash." Authorities investigate a crash between a Pennsylvania State Police helicopter and a small plane at the Carlisle airport in Carlisle, Pa.
Politics
View All 10Air Force major detained again for Capitol protest after Trump criticism
The U.S. service member who was arrested on the steps of the U.S. Capitol last month after he advocated for President Trump’s impeachment was detained again, a U.S. Air Force spokesperson confirmed Wednesday evening. U.S. Air Force Major Jason Watson was ordered into “pretrial confinement” on Tuesday, the spokesperson told The Hill. The U.S. Air…
New DC monument displays the names of 41 million veterans
The temporary monument will be up for visitors through Nov. 12, 2026.
Trump Threatens Economic Pain for Countries That Help Iran
The president did not specify what actions he would take, and he has on other occasions abandoned threats to dramatically escalate the war with Iran.
Trump Officials Scrap Effort to Recruit Pentagon Lawyers to Represent Migrant Children
The reversal of the plan, which had not been publicly disclosed, comes amid mounting confusion about how the administration is protecting the rights of unaccompanied minors.
Business
View All 10FirstFT: Backlash over law firms’ ‘crazy’ early hiring
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Horizons Middle East & Africa 8/20/2026 (Video)
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Bitcoin, ether surge as Trump urges Congress to pass crypto Clarity Act
Livestream Menu Market sentiment in cryptocurrencies was supported by Trump's plans to buy sizable amounts of Bitcoin as he affirmed his support for the industry. "Investors should now be positioning for a move to $100,000 by year-end 2026," said Geoffrey Kendrick, global head of digital assets research at Standard Chartered. The cryptocurrency had been rangebound between about $62,000 to $66,000 in the past six weeks Jonathan Raa | Nurphoto | Bitcoin, ether and other cryptocurrencies surged after U. President Donald Trump urged Congress to pass a bill expected to boost the sector. Trump also hinted at regulating Hyperliquid, the decentralized exchange that's been garnering popularity among traders as the home base of "perpetual futures" trading. The Hyperliquid token rose about 20% over the past 24 hours, according to CoinGecko data. A retreat in Treasury yields also helped to boost trading in the iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF (IBIT) which was more than 4.5 times the 30-day average even before the Hyperliquid headlines. Bitcoin volatility measured ' BVIV Index rose to above 43.5 after hitting a year-to-date low of 35.5 Friday. ETF The US Treasury's announcement of a significant increase in the buyback of 20-year and 30-year bonds sent yields significantly lower. And it raises the attractiveness of higher-risk assets like Bitcoin to investors, according to Charlie Hayward, APAC regional director at RootstockCollective. Bitcoin's move reflects an alignment of macro and policy catalysts, according to Max Stuedlein, head of Partnerships at Sygnum APAC. "The Treasury's decision to double its buybacks of long-dated government debt is aimed at addressing long-term yield concerns, where borrowing costs have been rising on concerns over US debt levels and partial crowding out ," he said. Geoffrey Kendrick, global head of digital assets research at Standard Chartered, noted that the announcement from the US Treasury to increase the size of back-end support "is exactly the type of thing Bitcoin loves." "Investors should now be positioning for a move to $100,000 by year-end 2026," Kendrick added. "The moves in crypto have been so big in the last couple of days that it's triggered the second-largest ever short liquidation in history, " said Thomas Lee, co-founder and head of research at Fundstrat, adding that the sizable moves have pushed ether to a three-month high. Ether rose about 19% in the past seven days to $2,251, according to CoinGecko. Bitcoin had been stuck between support around $62,000 and resistance at $66,000 in the past six weeks, which became "rather frustrating for crypto traders, as the lack of volatility, even after bitcoin has effectively halved from its all-time high hit last October," said David Morrison, a senior market analyst at Trade Nation.
Singapore police look into iron ore trader Radiant World
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Technology
View All 10Peacock Promo Codes: 40% Off August 2026
Save StorySave this story Save StorySave this story Save up to $80 With Today’s Peacock Promo Codes and Subscription Deals As someone with approximately 792 subscriptions, it can be hard to know just how much I’m paying for each (not to mention how much total I’m spending a month) and which exactly has the content I want to watch most. Peacock also knows that most people use several streaming services and that it’s important to choose the ones that fit best with your budget and needs. Coming in clutch when you're still in “stay-inside-and-keep-warm” mode, Peacock is offering one full year of Peacock streaming for only $80. One of the best ways to save on Peacock streaming is through annual plan discounts (versus monthly). That comes out to be $80 annually, meaning you’ll get 12 months for the price of 10, and save 16% on a Premium yearly plan, for only $9 per month—otherwise it’s $11 when paid monthly. There’s also Premium Plus, which has no ads, the ability to download and watch certain titles while offline, and includes your local NBC channel live, 24/7. This subscription tier is $17 per month, or $14 when paid annually. In short, you’ll be paying only $80 annually for either Basic or Premium plans! Peacock Student Discount for $6 Per Month Being a student often means pinching pennies and eating instant ramen—we know you’re trying to save money where you can. With this Peacock TV student discount, eligible college students and young adults ages 18 to 24 can get a whole year of Peacock Premium at only $6 a month. That’s an eight dollar savings per month! All you need to do to snatch this Peacock TV student discount is verify your age. Military Members, and Teachers Get $7 Off Peacock To unlock more discounts on a Peacock subscription, check if you qualify for their exclusive offers dedicated to students, teachers, and military members, medical workers, and other first responders. If you want Peacock for the whole family, you can even stream on 3 devices at once and even create up to 6 profiles with kid-safety settings. Peacock also has discounts for military members and teachers – verify your status, and get 12 months of Peacock Premium for $4 per month. Peacock Discount: 30% Off Apple Bundle One of the easiest ways to save on different streaming services is a major discount. With this Apple TV Peacock bundle, you get the two services together starting at only $15 per month (essentially the price of one).
TurboTax Full Service Coupons This August
Save StorySave this story Save StorySave this story Save 10% With TurboTax Service Codes and 2026 Early Filing Offers Right now, you can get an extra 10% off Federal online tax filings with today’s TurboTax coupons. This price includes W-2 and 1040, with state returns for an additional fee. With ExpertFull Service, a tax professional will do your taxes for you, which costs a bit more than DIY-ing it, but can save you headaches and messes when it comes to what you owe. Things only get more expensive as tax season approaches, so file now to get the best price of the season. If your taxes are a bit more straightforward, but you still have some questions, TurboTax Expert Assist (Live) offers the best of both worlds, where you file online yourself with tax expert help nearby if you end up needing it. With these TurboTax deals, you’ll get a 10% off TurboTax Live Assisted, with options starting at only $36 and (temporarily) capping out at $150 if you want to fully hand off your taxes. (Like the above service, this discount is for Federal tax products and filing early is the best way to ensure you’re getting the lowest price of the season). *Price estimates are provided prior to a tax expert starting work on your taxes. Estimates are based on initial information you provide about your tax situation, including forms you upload to assist your expert in preparing your tax return and forms or schedules we think you’ll need to file based on what you tell us about your tax situation. Final price is determined at the time of print or electronic filing and may vary based on your actual tax situation, forms used to prepare your return, and forms or schedules included in your individual return. Prices are subject to change without notice and may impact your final price. I Used TurboTax’s Mobile App to File Taxes for Free. Here’s How It Went Sigh. Another tax season is upon us. I filed my taxes with TurboTax, exploring its newest features and free or low-cost filing options. a 20% Off TurboTax Discount Code, Get up to $500 To save even more, get a TurboTax referral link, and when your friends use your link, they can get 20% off TurboTax federal products if they’re new customers of the service. As an added bonus, for each friend who files using your link, you’ll get a $25 gift card—you can earn up to a whopping $500 in gift cards (at this point, you’re basically getting another refund in gift cards).
Is leasing an iPhone right for you? How Apple's Upgrade Program works and who it's for
Tech Is leasing an iPhone right for you? How Apple's Upgrade Program works and who it's for Written , Staff WriterStaff Writer Aug. 19, 2026 at p. m. PT Jason Hiner/ZDNETFollow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google. ZDNET's key takeaways The Apple Upgrade Program lets you lease devices through Klarna for 24 or 36 months. The device isn't yours to keep at the end of the term, unless you pay an additional fee. The program benefits serial upgraders rather than people trying to save money. Whether you've gotten a new phone through your mobile service carrier or directly from the manufacturer, you've probably heard about or even used a payment plan for it. The Apple Upgrade Program is an example of one company's attempt to make it easier for you to get a new phone, but how good a deal is it, really? Also: Can you guess Apple's next move? Last chance to win big in ZDNET's Big Guessing Game I'll break down how the new Apple Upgrade Program works, how it compares to the older version, and when it makes sense (and when it doesn't). What is the Apple Upgrade Program? The Apple Upgrade Program is essentially a leasing program that lets you lease a qualifying Apple device for a predetermined period with a monthly fee lower than the cost of financing it. When the lease ends, you can either return the device in good working condition and get a new lease or keep it for an additional fee. The program includes iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Apple Watches. This new program is managed by Klarna, a financial technology company that offers "buy now, pay later" (BNPL) payment options for short-term credit. Klarna's leasing terms with the Apple Upgrade Program don't incur extra interest, and it's not a financing option, only a lease. Also: Stop paying for smartphone storage you don't need - here's a better approach Carriers and manufacturers want to get a phone in your pocket, and they'll do anything to get you to buy one. Add in the fact that we're on track to having an "own nothing and be happy" economy, and plans like this Apple Upgrade Program work as a sort of subscription to an Apple device. Similar to a car lease, the Apple Upgrade Program requires you to return your Apple device in good working condition. The consumer is responsible for any damaged, lost, or stolen devices, as the program doesn't include AppleCare.
Amazon aims for delivery drones to reach 500 US neighborhoods by end of 2026
Text settings Story text Size Small Standard Large Width * Standard Wide Links Standard Orange * Subscribers only Learn more Minimize to nav Amazon wants to grow its Prime Air delivery drone service sixfold to reach nearly 500 cities and towns across the United States 2026. The planned expansions from Amazon and its rivals could make the convenience of delivery drone services available to tens of millions more people in the coming months—but will also test more communities’ tolerance for increased noise from daily drone flights. On August 19, Amazon announced it would soon launch Prime Air in the metropolitan areas of Chicago; Cleveland; Atlanta; Syracuse, New York; and Boise, Idaho, with later in the year. Each Prime Air site offers delivery drone service within an area of about 175 square miles, with delivery times ranging from half an hour to an hour. Prime Air already operates out of Amazon warehouses in 10 cities across seven states. Those include primarily suburban neighborhoods of Phoenix; Tampa; Kansas City; Omaha, Nebraska; Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Detroit; Houston; and San Antonio, Dallas, and Waco, Texas. The Amazon Prime Air expansion comes as competitor Walmart has teamed up with the companies Wing and Zipline to scale up its own delivery drone service. Walmart recently celebrated the milestone of surpassing 1 million drone deliveries after operating from 66 stores across four states, and is looking to expand that service footprint to more than 270 Walmart stores by 2027. Separately, Zipline also just announced a partnership with Uber aimed at scaling up to 1 million drone deliveries per day 2029. Having initially pioneered long-range drone deliveries of blood and other crucial medical supplies in Africa, Zipline has been steadily growing its US delivery operations and claims to have already made more than 2.7 million deliveries worldwide. Even DoorDash is looking to build its own in-house delivery drone program. In July, the delivery service company announced it had received its FAA Part 135 certification to launch what it describes as DoorDash Air—though it is still in the early phases of designing its delivery drone and planning out operations. The accelerating US expansion of drone delivery services promises speedy deliveries to customers within an hour, and sometimes within minutes in the fastest cases. Such autonomous drones typically run on battery-electric power and potentially offer lower-emission, lower-cost operations without putting more vehicles on the road for last-mile deliveries. However, delivery drones are still limited in how much they can carry. For example, Amazon describes its drones as being capable of handling nearly all items weighing five pounds or less that can fit within a large shoebox.
Science
View All 10Watch Rocket Lab launch a private Japanese Earth-observing satellite to orbit today
An Electron vehicle is scheduled to lift off from Rocket Lab's New Zealand site today, during a window that opens at 9 a. m. EDT (1300 GMT; 1 a. m. on Aug. 21 local New Zealand time), carrying aloft a radar satellite for the Tokyo-based company iQPS. Rocket Lab will stream the proceedings live, starting at about 30 minutes before liftoff. You can watch via the company, and Space. com will carry the feed as well if it's made available. This will be Rocket Lab's ninth launch for iQPS, which is building a constellation of 36 synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO). Such spacecraft can study Earth day or night, and they can peer through cloud cover as well. The iQPS network "is being developed and deployed at a rapid pace to provide high resolution and near-real time SAR imagery to its global users," Rocket Lab wrote in a description of today's mission, which it calls "The Lightning God Defends." That name is a reference to the satellite going up today: It's nicknamed SUSANOO-II, after a Japanese lightning god. If all goes according to plan, the Electron's upper "kick stage" will deploy SUSANOO-II about 50 minutes after launch, at an altitude of 357 miles (575 kilometers). Today's flight will be Rocket Lab's 14th of 2026 and 93rd overall. The company's most recent launch, on Aug. 6, also lofted an iQPS satellite to LEO. The vast majority of the company's flights have been performed by Electron, a 59-foot-tall (18 meters) rocket that gives small satellites dedicated rides to Earth orbit and beyond. Rocket Lab also operates a suborbital variant of Electron called HASTE, which allows customers to test sensors and other tech in the hypersonic flight environment. Spaceflight and Tech Editor Michael Wall is the Spaceflight and Tech Editor for Space. com and joined the team in 2010. He primarily covers human and robotic spaceflight, military space, and exoplanets, but has been known to dabble in the space art beat. His book about the search for alien life, "Out There," was published on Nov. 13, 2018. Before becoming a science writer, Michael worked as a herpetologist and wildlife biologist. D. in evolutionary biology from the University of Sydney, Australia, a bachelor's degree from the University of Arizona, and a graduate certificate in science writing from the University of California, Santa Cruz. To find out what his latest project is, you can follow Michael on Twitter.
MIT physicists discover electrons rebuilding like ice inside a quantum material
Date: August 19, 2026 Source: Massachusetts Institute of Technology Summary: MIT physicists found that two electronic phases inside the same quantum material emerge through surprisingly different mechanisms—one smoothly and the other in expanding pockets resembling growing ice crystals. The discovery could help explain how exotic properties such as superconductivity and magnetism develop and coexist. Share: Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIN Email FULL STORY An illustration of the experimental concept shows how researchers study phases in quantum material. In the background, the uniform blue stripes are the dominant order, and the subtle red stripe patches are the subdominant order phase. The red and purple rays are, respectively, the “pump” and “probe” laser beams. The white particles are the photoemitted electrons, from which researchers read information about the phase transition. Credit: Xinyue Lu A glass of ice water offers a familiar example of two phases existing at the same time. The same substance can appear as both liquid water and solid ice. In certain quantum materials, different phases can also coexist, although the underlying behavior is far more complex. MIT physicists have now uncovered new details about how two distinct forms of electron organization can emerge within the same quantum material. The findings, published in Nature Physics, could improve scientists' understanding of materials that display superconductivity, magnetism, and other electronic phases. Learning how these phases arise and interact could eventually help researchers gain greater control over electronic properties and develop more powerful quantum devices. "People believe the cornerstone of replacing silicon lies in quantum materials that have multiple coexisting phases," says co-author Alfred Zong PhD '20, who co-led the study as an MIT graduate student and is now an assistant professor at Stanford University. "Our experiment provides a very neat way to study these multiple phases." An Atomic Checkerboard of Electrons The researchers, led , the Donner Professor of Physics at MIT, investigated erbium tritelluride, a rare-earth material with unusual electronic behavior. Under ordinary conditions, electrons are distributed relatively evenly throughout erbium tritelluride. When the material is cooled to specific temperatures, however, the electrons begin organizing themselves into a wave-shaped arrangement known as a "charge density wave" (CDW) phase. Cooling the material even further produces a second wave pattern running perpendicular to the first. Together, the two electronic phases form something resembling an atomic-scale checkerboard. Gedik and his colleagues were able to separate the behavior of these two phases and observe how each one developed.
'I'd love a normal life, but being a 17-year-old carer means sacrifices'
Ava-Grace Britton, 17, is a carer for her father Paul and says she worries about him "all the time" Ava-Grace Britton is 17 and studying acting at college in north London. She likes going out, seeing her friends and wants to go to university next year. Unlike most of her peers, however, she also cares for her father, Paul, who has significant mobility and memory issues after suffering a series of strokes eight years ago. Along with her mother Karen, Ava-Grace monitors Paul's blood glucose levels, gives him medication and helps with dinner and jobs around the house. "I worry about him all the time," Ava-Grace told the BBC. "Before I go to college I help him and most days I have to return home quickly to look after him." She is not alone. Officially, census data suggests there are around 130,000 carers under the age of 18 in England and Wales. But the true figure is thought to be much higher, with many young carers hidden from view. The Carers Trust estimates there could be as many as 1 million carers under 18, with another 500,000 aged 18 to 25. For some the responsibilities are significant, amounting to more than 50 hours a week - with consequences on young carers' social and academic prospects. Paul's strokes were brought on by a sepsis infection, which he caught after cutting his thumb at work. His health is further compromised . His condition deteriorated so much he had to give up work as a borehole engineer. He is now cared for full-time by Ava-Grace and Karen, who runs her own charity which organises lunch clubs for the elderly and vulnerable. "It turned our life upside down," said Karen. "Paul spent three months in hospital and in rehab. I don't know how I would cope without Ava-Grace." Ava-Grace says her caring responsibilities have demanded a number of trade-offs over the years. "You have to make sacrifices. I can't do all the things my friends do," she said. "At one point I was really enjoying dance and could have started competing, but it would have been a huge time commitment which wasn't possible. While enjoying college now, she had to move schools several times after being bullied and struggling with attendance because of her caring responsibilities and epilepsy, which she has to manage. "I worry about the future," she said. "I really want to go to university, but can't imagine going anywhere too far from home.
Weekly type 2 diabetes jab could replace daily injections
A weekly jab could cut the number of injections needed by 86% Hundreds of thousands of people with type 2 diabetes could get access to a new weekly insulin jab to replace daily injections, reducing the number needed each year by 86%. Patients still have to wait for the treatment to be approved . The treatment is said to work as well as daily insulin jabs but only needs to be injected once a week. The charity Diabetes UK says it will help people manage their condition better, especially those who have extra care needs and who require help to inject every day. Around 4.7 million people in the UK were living with diabetes in 2024-25, of which roughly 90% had type 2. The condition means the body can't make enough of a hormone called insulin, or the insulin it makes doesn't work properly - also known as insulin resistance. Diabetes UK says that around 1 in 4 people with type 2 diabetes takes insulin. Moving from daily injections to a weekly jab is most likely to benefit those who need help with their injections. That might include frailer people and those with sight loss, limited hand movement and learning disabilities. People who have difficulty following the steps involved in a daily injection or those who struggle to stick to their treatment regime are also likely to be helped . Douglas Twenefour, head of clinical at Diabetes UK, said: "For some, especially those with additional care needs, moving from daily insulin injections to a once-weekly option could help manage their diabetes more easily, improving their quality of life. "It's essential that everyone who could benefit is supported , and that this treatment helps reduce inequities in diabetes care." Helen Knight, director of medicines evaluation at Nice, said the new treatment could make a "real difference to the day-to-day lives of people with type 2 diabetes, especially those who rely on a carer, family member or healthcare professional to help them inject". She added: "This recommendation is the result of rigorous, evidence-based decision making, striking a balance between the benefits to patients and the best use of limited NHS funding." The initial approval for the new treatment has come from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice), which is the body responsible for deciding what medication and treatments should be available on the NHS. But before type 2 diabetes patients can access the treatment via the NHS it needs to be licensed , the medicines regulator, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
Environment
View All 10Giant whales move into Greenland waters as ice disappears
Fin whales feed in ice-free East Greenland waters, as scientists observe from their boats Sea ice has been disappearing from East Greenland, allowing giant whales to take advantage and move in to previously inaccessible areas. That is the conclusion of a decades-long study that has recorded - and filmed - hundreds of the world's biggest whales including humpbacks, minke and fin whales, feeding in ice-free seas along the coast in summer. None of these marine mammals were historically found here as they have been locked out of the coastal waters by ice. Now, as climate change warms the sea and melts that ice, they have adapted. Scientists describe the result as seasonal Arctic "feeding frenzies" - part of a major regime shift in the ocean environment along East Greenland. A humpback whale feeding in coastal subarctic waters The change is dramatic: ship-based surveys in the region did not record a single humpback whale sighting there until 2006. In 2007, seven humpbacks were seen, and by 2024, there were 150 ship-based sightings of these giant whales. The first systematic aerial surveys of baleen whales - a group that includes fin, minke and humpbacks - off the East Greenland coast were carried out 2015 and 2024. They combined that information with the tracks of 15 satellite-tagged whales and testimony from Inuit hunters - all building a picture of what the lead researcher Prof Mads Peter Heide-Jørgensen called a "major ecological regime shift". An estimated 4,000 humpback whales, 6,000 fin whales and 6,000 minke whales visited the Greenland Sea in the summer of 2024. The researchers fitted satellite tracking devices to some whales to follow their seasonal movements Prof Heide-Jørgensen, from the Greenland Institute of Natural Resources, told BBC News that the changes in the region were "probably the most radical we can see anywhere in the subarctic". The whales appear to be feeding on fish that have moved into the warming waters of East Greenland. They estimated that the three whale species would consume at least 800,000 tonnes of fish and krill during a summer feeding season. While some whales are benefiting from warming waters, Arctic species like narwhals are losing habitat It is not clear from this study whether the change reflects an overall increase in the populations of these whale species, or just a redistribution from other areas. Other experts the BBC spoke to were concerned that the study suggested there was an influx of the animals from West Greenland.
California becomes first US state to set efficiency rules for replacement tires
The first phase of the new tire regulations is set to start in 2029. Photograph: Justin Sullivan/ View image in fullscreen The first phase of the new tire regulations is set to start in 2029. Photograph: Justin Sullivan/ California becomes first US state to set efficiency rules for replacement tires Regulations that would block sale of older tires praised , a major auto industry regulation set to block the sale of older tires and make vehicles on the road greener. State regulators have said the new rules will reduce emissions and drivers’ fuel costs. But the rules – which come as the Trump administrations fights to block other California restrictions to promote greener cars – have already sparked a rightwing backlash, with one conservative news outlet calling the policies a “massive overreach”. The new policies were unanimously approved (CEC) this week and praised -air advocates, who said they hoped other states would adopt similar standards. Industry groups and some tire makers have opposed the standards, raising concerns about the increased costs for replacement tires. The first phase of the regulations is set to start in 2029. The standards dictate that replacement tires be at least as energy efficient, on average, as tires sold on new vehicles. When drivers replace their tires, they typically lose mileage on their cars or lose range in the case of electric vehicles, the CEC notes. New cars come with tires that have low “rolling resistance”, which means they can go further per gallon of gas, while replacement tires can be used or older and waste more energy. The CEC estimates the standards will save drivers in California nearly $1bn per year in gasoline and electricity costs. The regulations, the commission says, will also reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 2m metric tons per year, equivalent to taking roughly 400,000 gasoline cars off the roads. “California drivers want to save money and want to reduce harmful emissions, so I think Californians will be very pleased -quality tires on the market,” said Bill Magavern, policy director for the Coalition for Clean Air, a California advocacy group that backed the regulations. But other industry groups and manufacturers objected to the regulations in an April letter, the San Diego Union Tribune reported, including Goodyear, Yokohama and the California Tire Dealers Association. The letter said the cost of replacement tires would increase by roughly $6 to $10 per tire, with the industry leaders rejecting the state’s arguments that fuel savings would outweigh those costs.
Trump administration advances plan to open national forests to development
This story is produced by Montana Free Press/Mountain Journal in collaboration with Grist as part of the Report for America Local News Initiative. The Trump administration is proposing to rescind the Roadless Rule, a 25-year-old policy that bars development like road construction and logging on nearly 45 million acres of national forest land, the U. Department of Agriculture announced Tuesday. In a press release, Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins said the rule has led to overgrown and diseased forests ripe for deadly wildfires U. Forest Service can build roads and manage timber. Rescinding the Roadless Rule, the government said, will prioritize local decision-making over national-scale regulations. “Today’s long overdue decision will empower states like Montana to pursue proper forest management on federal lands with local communities in mind,” Montana Governor Greg Gianforte said in the release. In a letter published last fall, more than 30 leading forest science researchers from across the country refuted the administration’s claims. The researchers found that over the last three decades across all Forest Service lands, the density of wildfire ignitions was lowest in wilderness and roadless areas. Their analyses also showed that the highest number of wildfire ignitions came from land in close proximity to roads. According to the National Interagency Fire Center, nearly 85 percent of wildfires are human-caused. Grist thanks its sponsors. To support our nonprofit environmental journalism, please consider disabling your ad-blocker to allow ads on Grist. Here's How The vast majority of areas subjected to the Roadless Rule exist across national forests in the West and Alaska. Christensen said opening up millions of acres in Greater Yellowstone to road development “will eliminate one of the foundational elements in the recovery of grizzlies: secure habitat.” Wildlife groups have warned a rescission of the rule could have devastating consequences for a myriad of other species, as well. Research has found 57 percent of species of conservation concern rely on habitat in at least one roadless area. Road construction fragments habitat, and can negatively impact migration routes for animals like elk and pronghorn, too. Grist thanks its sponsors. To support our nonprofit environmental journalism, please consider disabling your ad-blocker to allow ads on Grist. Here's How There is widespread support for keeping the rule on the books. During a public comment period last fall, 99 percent of more than 625, opposed the proposed rescission of the rule. A national Pew survey earlier this year found that 76 percent of likely voters supported the rule by a strong margin.
Human remains again found at Lake Mead as water levels drop amid drought
A mineral-stained ‘bathtub ring’ marking previous water levels is visible along the shoreline of Lake Mead, near Boulder City, Nevada, on . Photograph: Daniel Cole/Reuters View image in fullscreen A mineral-stained ‘bathtub ring’ marking previous water levels is visible along the shoreline of Lake Mead, near Boulder City, Nevada, on . Photograph: Daniel Cole/Reuters Human remains again found at Lake Mead as water levels drop amid drought Discovery marks latest grim finding in lake as water levels in crucial reservoir outside Las Vegas continue to decline Human remains have once again been discovered at Lake Mead outside Las Vegas, Nevada, marking the latest in a line of gruesome discoveries as water levels in the crucial reservoir continue to drop, authorities said. These remains were discovered on 16 August, USA Today reported. The National Park Service (NPS) told the outlet there did not appear to be anything suspicious about the body. Las Vegas police reportedly said “a non-criminal, dead body report was taken for the remains”. The local coroner said authorities were trying to identify the deceased person, as well as determine the manner and cause of death, USA Today said. As water levels have declined in recent years, authorities have found multiple bodies. In 2022, authorities recovered a body in a barrel, USA Today noted. Authorities reportedly said the man seemed to have been shot, potentially during the late 1970s or early 1980s. Some experts believe Lake Mead’s location near Las Vegas – an organized crime hotspot – means it’s probable still more remains will be discovered. This week’s grim finding underscores Lake Mead’s perilously low water levels amid a historic drought and broader water crisis in the US west. Weeks ago, Lake Mead’s water level dipped to 1,040.4ft above sea level, nearing the record low. Lake Mead is integral for water storage on the Colorado River, which provides water to about 40 million people across seven states, as well as tribal nations and Mexico. The river basin is reeling from a mix of extended drought, extreme heat, waning snowmelt and over-consumption. The second major reservoir on the river, Lake Powell, is also seeing historic low levels as the global climate continues to warm. “In the 21st century, the ultimate cause of the problem is declining runoff,” Jack Schmidt, director of Utah State University’s Center for Colorado River Studies, previously said of the water crisis. “There’s less water in the system.
Weather
View All 7Yellow warning of thunderstorm affecting East Midlands
This page has an accessible alternative. What do the warning colours mean? Red warning Dangerous weather is expected and, if you have not done so already, you should take action now to keep yourself and others safe from the impact of the severe weather. It is very likely that there will be a risk to life, with substantial disruption to travel, energy supplies and possibly widespread damage to property and infrastructure. Amber warning There is an increased likelihood of impacts from severe weather, which could potentially disrupt your plans. This means there is the possibility of travel delays, road and rail closures, power cuts and the potential risk to life and property. Yellow warning Yellow warnings can be issued for a range of weather situations. It is important to read the content of yellow warnings to determine which weather situation is being covered . Follow alerts in the app UK weather warnings Thu 20 Aug Yellow weather warning Fri 21 Aug No warnings Sat 22 Aug No warnings Sun 23 Aug No warnings Mon 24 Aug No warnings Tue 25 Aug No warnings Wed 26 Aug No warnings We are experiencing issues. These warnings may be out of date. Thunderstorm × Wed 19 UTC+1 Today Heavy showers and thunderstorms likely to lead to some travel disruption and flash flooding. There is a good chance driving conditions will be affected by spray, standing water and/or hail, leading to longer journey times a few homes and businesses likely, leading to some damage to buildings or structures Probably some damage to a few buildings and structures from lightning strikes Delays to train services are possible Some short-term loss of power and other services is likely What should I do? Consider if your location is at risk of flash flooding. If so, consider preparing a flood plan and an emergency flood kit. Give yourself the best chance of avoiding delays , or bus and train timetables, amending your travel plans if necessary. People cope better with power cuts when they have prepared for them in advance. It's easy to do; consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items. If you find yourself outside and hear thunder, protect yourself by finding a safe enclosed shelter (such as a car). Do not shelter under or near trees, or other structures which may be struck by lightning. If you are on an elevated area, move to lower ground. Be prepared for weather warnings to change quickly: when a weather warning is issued, the Met Office recommends staying up to date with the weather forecast in your area. 5 tips for staying safe in a thunderstorm Travelling in storms, rain and strong wind Stay safe in thunder and lightning Further detail Heavy showers will develop this evening, becoming more frequent and widespread overnight.
Today: Thundery Showers, Minimum Temperature: 8°C (46°F) Maximum Temperature: 17°C (63°F)
This video can not be played Today will be cooler. It will start cloudy, with outbreaks of rain, heavy at times. In the afternoon, sunny spells will develop, but scattered light showers will still linger. Tonight will be cool and largely dry with plenty of clear spells and a few areas of patchy cloud. Tomorrow will start dry with sunny spells. In the afternoon, cloud will build up and numerous showers will develop, heavy and thundery at times. Outlook for Saturday to Monday Saturday will start dry and sunny. Cloud will develop in the afternoon, bringing the odd shower in places. Sunday looks to become dry. Patchy cloud develops in the afternoon. Monday will be sunny and breezy. The sunshine could become hazy . These warnings are given a colour depending on a combination of both the impact of the weather may have and the likelihood of those impacts occurring. Potential of bad weather situations causing disruption to travel and activities Increased potential of bad weather situations causing disruption to travel, risk to life and property Dangerous weather is expected, take action to keep yourself and others safe Report for Royton, Oldham Wonky AlReported , Manchester MCRShaunReported , Cheshire Allotment David Reported , Wigan MarquezReported by Marquez
Friday: Light Rain Showers, Minimum Temperature: 8°C (46°F) Maximum Temperature: 18°C (65°F)
This video can not be played Today will be cooler. It will start cloudy, with outbreaks of rain, heavy at times. In the afternoon, sunny spells will develop, but scattered light showers will still linger. Tonight will be cool and largely dry with plenty of clear spells and a few areas of patchy cloud. Tomorrow will start dry with sunny spells. In the afternoon, cloud will build up and numerous showers will develop, heavy and thundery at times. Outlook for Saturday to Monday Saturday will start dry and sunny. Cloud will develop in the afternoon, bringing the odd shower in places. Sunday looks to become dry. Patchy cloud develops in the afternoon. Monday will be sunny and breezy. The sunshine could become hazy . These warnings are given a colour depending on a combination of both the impact of the weather may have and the likelihood of those impacts occurring. Potential of bad weather situations causing disruption to travel and activities Increased potential of bad weather situations causing disruption to travel, risk to life and property Dangerous weather is expected, take action to keep yourself and others safe Report for Royton, Oldham Wonky AlReported , Manchester MCRShaunReported , Cheshire Allotment David Reported , Wigan MarquezReported by Marquez
Landslide kills 5 at railway construction site in Guangxi, China
Credit: CCTV The landslide occurred at a Guizhou–Guangxi Railway second-track construction site in Huangxiangpo hamlet, Lama Village, Mangchang Town on August 17. Nandan County authorities deployed emergency management personnel, firefighters, police, medical teams, transport officials and other rescue personnel after receiving the report. Eight construction workers were reportedly at the site when the landslide occurred. Three escaped, while five were buried. County authorities said one of the five trapped people was initially recovered without signs of life. Six excavators, search dogs and detection equipment were being used at the site at about LT ( UTC) on August 17 as the search for the remaining four continued. The Nandan County Emergency Management Bureau reported that all five trapped people had been recovered without signs of life by LT ( UTC) on August 19. Authorities then declared the search operation complete. Officials said post-incident work was continuing and that the cause of the landslide remained under investigation. The construction site was part of the Guizhou–Guangxi Railway second-track project, which passes through Nandan County along a route connecting Guiyang, Hechi and Liuzhou. Earlier, Guangxi meteorological authorities forecast increased rainfall from August 17 to 21 under the influence of a monsoon trough. Moderate rain and localized rainstorms or severe rainstorms were forecast in western and southern Guangxi, with warnings for flash floods, landslides, debris flows and other secondary hazards. However, authorities had not confirmed that rainfall triggered the Nandan landslide as of August 19. The official investigation into its cause remained underway. References: 1 All five people trapped in Nandan landslide confirmed dead — Xinhua — August 19, 2026 2 Guangxi rainfall and secondary-hazard forecast — China Weather Network Guangxi Station News — August 15, 2026 3 Search operation completed after five deaths in Nandan County — CNR — August 19, 2026 Rishav Kothari I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.
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