UK News
View All 9Arsonists tie burning rags to stray cats to spark devastating wildfires in Italy
Arsonists tied burning rags to stray cats before setting them loose to spread wildfires through one of Italy's largest national parks, investigators have revealed.The terrified animals ran through Pollino National Park in Calabria, igniting fires as they fled and leaving vast swathes of the protected landscape devastated.Investigators also discovered candles and delayed ignition devices among the charred remains, suggesting the blazes had been carefully planned.The fires tore through the park this week, causing widespread destruction across one of southern Italy's most treasured natural landscapes. TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say Domenico Costarella, from Calabria's civil protection agency, described the horrific tactic."These animals were released into the fields, running around and spreading the fire," he said.He condemned those responsible, adding: "These are inhumane acts. Sadly, men are their own worst enemies."Italy's animal defence association has offered a €1,000 (£870) reward for information leading to those behind the attacks.Officials say the method has been used before by organised crime groups in southern Italy.In 2016, Mafia-linked criminals were blamed for using animals to spread fires through the Nebrodi Regional Park in Sicily.The Camorra was also accused of using the same tactic to ignite woodland around Mount Vesuvius a year later, triggering mass evacuations and the deployment of the military.Researchers believe the fires form part of a wider land-grab strategy, with criminal groups attempting to buy scorched land at heavily discounted prices.ITALY - READ THE LATEST:Museum jobsworths threaten Italian takeaway for using Michelangelo's David to sell ice creamEasyJet blocks disabled athletes from flight over lack of wheelchair spaceLeft-wing violence erupts in Italy after 'aggressive' Moroccan dies during arrestAuthorities have recorded more than 160 wildfires across Calabria, with officials blaming "malicious individuals" for many of the blazes.Italy's wildfire crisis has been concentrated in the country's south, where thousands of firefighters, forest wardens and civil protection workers continue battling dozens of fires across Sicily.Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi confirmed one firefighter has died tackling the blazes, while officials warned extreme heat and tinder-dry conditions are fuelling the emergency.The crisis has spread beyond Italy, with wildfires in southwest France forcing more than 110,000 people from their homes.President Emmanuel Macron has deployed the armed forces to help firefighters as flames threaten Bordeaux.Meanwhile, Spain has declared a state of emergency after a massive wildfire west of Madrid forced at least 30,000 people to flee their homes.The blaze, described by Madrid regional president Isabel Díaz Ayuso as the "worst fire in the history of the region", has burned through around 15,000 hectares across Madrid and neighbouring Avila province.Officials warned the inferno is now beyond firefighters' ability to contain after three separate wildfires merged into a single front, fuelled by soaring temperatures, strong winds and tinder-dry conditions.Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez warned on Friday that the country was "living through a dramatic situation". Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter
Teenage boy dies after 'horrific' stabbing in Luton park as police launch murder probe
A murder investigation has been launched after a teenage boy died following a stabbing in a Luton park on Friday evening.Officers were called to Kingsway Recreation Ground at around 6.30pm following reports that several teenagers had been spotted "carrying large knives".A 17-year-old boy was taken to hospital with multiple stab wounds but died a short time later, Bedfordshire Police confirmed.The victim has not yet been formally identified, but his family are being supported by specially trained officers, police said. TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say A teenage boy has been arrested on suspicion of violent disorder and remains in police custody.A second teenager arrested on suspicion of violent disorder remains in hospital after suffering serious injuries.Detectives from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit are leading the investigation and have appealed for witnesses to come forward.Detective Chief Inspector Nick Gardener said: "Horrific violence in Luton has sadly cost a teenage boy his life today."Our thoughts are first and foremost with the loved ones of the boy who lost his life in such tragic circumstances."“Incidents such as this have a significant impact on our communities."There is currently an increased police presence in the area, and high visibility patrols will continue.”He continued: “I would urge anyone who witnessed what happened, or who has any information, to come forward and speak to police to help us bring those responsible to justice.CRIME - READ THE LATEST:Zohran Mamdani urged to stop ‘fanning flames of hatred’ after 'antisemitic' New York stabbingAxel Rudakubana ‘had visits from Muslim Imam at Belmarsh’ before moving to ‘cushy’ secure hospitalDine and dasher arrested after he's caught on CCTV 'seasoning steak with own hair'“We are aware that images and videos are circulating on social media."Please refrain from sharing any such footage and instead contact police. "Not only is this material distressing for the family, but it could also form part of vital evidence in our investigation.”Kingsway Recreation Ground is located in the Maidenhall area of north-west Luton.Councillor Zanib Raja said the town is "hurting” and a family had been left “shattered” in the aftermath of the incident.In a social media post, she wrote: “My deepest condolences go to his loved ones."No words can ease this pain, but our community stands with you tonight."Anyone with information is urged to visit the Bedfordshore Police website or call 101 and quote reference Operation Crownbeacon.Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter
UK’s largest Muslim event goes ahead with added security as hate crime rises
The 2025 Jalsa Salana festival in Alton, Hampshire. Photograph: Ahmadiyya Muslim Community/PA View image in fullscreen The 2025 Jalsa Salana festival in Alton, Hampshire. Photograph: Ahmadiyya Muslim Community/PA UK’s largest Muslim event goes ahead with added security as hate crime rises Jalsa Salana in Hampshire has had enhanced support from police, emergency services and local authorities Security has been increased ’s largest Muslim convention, Jalsa Salana, alongside enhanced coordination with police, emergency services and local authorities, against a backdrop of growing anti-Muslim sentiment. Last month, another big Islamic gathering was forced to close early after 12 people were arrested, including three on suspicion of conspiracy to murder, over a suspected far-right threat. Did Jalsa Salana’s organisers think twice about going ahead? “Not once. Not for a second,” said Rafiq Hayat, the head of the UK chapter of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, which organises the festival. View image in fullscreen Rafiq Hayat, head of the UK chapter of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. Photograph: Andy Hall/The GuardianNow in its 60th year, Jalsa Salana is expected to draw about 50,000 people from more than 100 countries to a temporary site in Hampshire this weekend. The convention opened on Friday with prayers, speeches – including an address from the community’s global leader, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad – and the raising of a union jack at the centre of the 208-acre site. MPs, bishops and other public figures are expected to attend. Hayat says the community has weathered hostility before. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community has been in Britain for more than a century, having established itself in 1913, and built one of London’s first purpose-built mosques in 1926. “I personally have been in London since 1967, so I have been through all of the various rightwing movements: from skinheads, to the ‘rivers of blood’ speech . We have seen it all,” Hayat said. During the construction of the movement’s mosque in Morden in the 1990s, hundreds of British National party supporters protested outside planning meetings, he added. But rather than withdrawing, Hayat said, the community deliberately invested in relationships with its neighbours. “We created a liaison group,” Hayat said. “We invited people from the church and from various local groups, from the local authority to the police. And we said we would hold a meeting every month at our mosque, and appointed a local councillor as the chair of the meeting.” He added that the first two meetings were “very heated”.
Trump says media ‘will be broke’ when he is gone, amid dinner jokes and jibes
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World News
View All 10Trump returns to correspondents' dinner 3 months after shooting
President Donald Trump returned to the rescheduled White House Correspondents' Association dinner Friday night, delivering a rambling, hour-long speech. Politics Trump returns to correspondents' dinner 3 months after shooting July 25, 20261:04 AM ET By The Associated Press President Donald Trump attends the White House Correspondents' Association Dinner, at the Waldorf Astoria Washington DC, Friday, July 24, 2026, in Washington, with with WHCA president Weijia Jiang, right and White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt. Rod Lamkey/AP Photo hide caption toggle caption Rod Lamkey/AP Photo President Donald Trump returned to the rescheduled White House Correspondents' Association dinner Friday night, delivering a rambling, hour-long speech that praised some journalists, took potshots at others, made jokes about public figures' weight and intellect, and quipped about a third presidential term. Politics Here's a look inside security at the White House Correspondents' Association Dinner He assured the crowd of journalists, though, that he'd scrapped the most biting parts of his remarks. "That was going to be a doozy," Trump said about the speech he'd been prepared to give in April, before a gunman upended the original dinner and forced its postponement. "As I said three months ago, the show must go on," the president said to begin his remarks, hailing the decision to reschedule the dinner. He referred to "the attempted mass murder" that could have happened that night in April, but then moved largely to humor — and insults. Trump's return to the correspondents' dinner — and his promise to come back next year as well — represented a notable moment in his relationship with the news media, which he has attacked, sued and taken administrative action against since he began his second term early last year. Among the audience members were reporters he had denounced and barred from events. Trump's sometimes off-color speech, which lasted just over an hour, was full of vague potshots directed at individuals he doesn't like — from Jane Fonda to Bruce Springsteen to "Barack Hussein Obama." The audience, reacting at first with some friendly laughs, slowly quieted to scattered titters as the insults piled up. President Donald Trump speaks at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner at the Waldorf Astoria Washington DC, Friday, July 24, 2026, in Washington. Rod Lamkey/AP Photo hide caption toggle caption Rod Lamkey/AP Photo Among other targets of Trump's humor: Late-night hosts Jimmy Fallon and Jimmy Kimmel; Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn.; California Gov. Gavin Newsom; former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie; and Trump's own speechwriters, whose jokes he sometimes criticized even as he delivered them.
Funerals held for four Palestinians killed in deadly West Bank shooting
Overnight funerals were held for four Palestinians killed near Nablus. Palestinian officials blame Israeli settlers and soldiers for attacking areas in the occupied West Bank, while Israel said the violence began after an attack on Israeli civilians.
Iran war: Houthis vow response to 'dangerous escalation' by Saudi Arabia
https://p. dw. com/p/5HjFj The Bab el Mandeb Strait is a key shipping waterway and the gateway to the Red SeaImage: NASA Worldview/Handout/REUTERS Skip next section What you need to knowWhat you need to know Houthi rebels in Yemen say Friday's Saudi strikes on the port city of Hodeida hit civilian infrastructure, injuring two people Saudi Arabia says it will do everything necessary to protect its shipping amid a Houthi-enforced maritime blockade in the Red Sea A flare-up between Iran-backed Houthis and Saudi Arabia, and the consequent disruption of shipping in the Red Sea, could worsen the global economic fallout from the war Here are the from the Iran war and the wider Middle East on Saturday, July 25: Tired of missing our real-time updates? 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 WATCH: Is the US prepared for the 'major military punishment' that Trump has promised Iran?07/25/2026July 25, 2026WATCH: Is the US prepared for the 'major military punishment' that Trump has promised Iran? President Donald Trump says the US and Iran are talking but Tehran is not yet ready for a peace deal. Trump says the US is ‘locked and loaded’ and has threatened to intensify attacks against Iran which it has launched daily since the ceasefire broke down two weeks ago. https://p. dw. com/p/5HjWc Skip next section Houthis claim missile attack in Saudi Arabia's south07/25/2026July 25, 2026Houthis claim missile attack in Saudi Arabia's south Yemen's Houthi rebels have claimed a missile attack on the southern Saudi city of Jizan. The Iran-backed group's Ansarollah media posted on Telegram early Saturday that fires had broken out in Jizan after a "Yemeni missile attack." The militant group had earlier accused US-ally Riyadh of a "dangerous escalation"and warned that its actions "will not go unanswered." A Saudi Civil defense alert said "danger has passed in Jazan Province," without mentioning a missile strike. It issued another warning for "potential danger" in the Yanbu governorate. https://p. dw. com/p/5HjO6 Skip next section Yemen's Houthis vow retaliation for Saudi strikes07/25/2026July 25, 2026Yemen's Houthis vow retaliation for Saudi strikes The Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen have accused Saudi Arabia of targeting civilian infrastructure, amid an escalating flare-up with Riyadh.
Trump addresses rescheduled White House Correspondents' Dinner
https://p. dw. com/p/5HjFh Trump did not attend a White House Correspondents' Dinner during his first termImage: Rod Lamkey/AP Photo/picture alliance US President Donald Trump addressed hundreds of journalists at a scaled-down and rescheduled White House Correspondents' Dinner on Friday night. The gala was held amid heightened security measures, three months after the original event was cut short . Trump delivered the speech at Washington's Waldorf Astoria, a smaller venue that held only about 700 people, instead of its usual venue, the Washington Hilton. Trump jokes about possible third term "Just like my presidency, the second time is always better. It's always better," Trump said. "And the third time will be better yet." "I'm only kidding," he added. Trump has repeatedly suggested that he would entertain the idea of a third term, despite the 22nd Amendment of the US Constitution barring a president from being elected more than twice. US press freedom no longer a matter of course under Trump To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Trump makes light of shooting incident, praises Secret Service officer Trump also joked about the incident during April's gala, when a gunman tried to storm a security checkpoint before he was stopped before making it into the ballroom where the dinner was being held. "After hearing the gunshots, many people yelled, 'Get down! Get down!', which caused Nicki Minaj to start twerking. The president also praised Victor Gonzalez, the Secret Service officer who was shot during the April confrontation with the suspect. "What he did was amazing," Trump said. "We salute you and we thank you with all of our hearts." What else did Trump say during the White House Correspondents' Dinner? This year's events were the first Trump has attended as president. He did not appear at any correspondents' dinners during his first term. Trump said he had not attended previous dinners because the press has treated him "unfairly," although he promised to come back next year. The US president has long had a hostile relationship with many journalists and media outlets . During his speech, he attacked some journalists, including CNN's Kaitlan Collins — whom Trump repeatedly complained about not smiling enough — and Josh Dawsey of The Wall Street Journal. Both were honored with journalism awards at the gala. Despite those barbs, Trump ended his speech, which lasted over an hour, "tremendous respect" for the reporters attending the dinner. "I have tremendous respect for the people in this room.
Politics
View All 10At Correspondents’ Dinner, a Rambling Trump Hurls Insults
President Trump gave the keynote speech as relations between his administration and the press continue to deteriorate.
Trump on LeBron James: ‘Maybe He’s a Racist’
President Trump has lashed out over the years at NBA star LeBron James, who has been critical of the president in the past.
Existing care workers could be exempt from UK’s tough new immigration rules
Ghanaian nurse Evans Sarbeng with resident Phyllis Padham at St Cecilia’s nursing home in Scarborough. Photograph: Gary Calton/The Observer View image in fullscreen Ghanaian nurse Evans Sarbeng with resident Phyllis Padham at St Cecilia’s nursing home in Scarborough. Photograph: Gary Calton/The Observer Existing care workers could be exempt from UK’s tough new immigration rules Exclusive: Andy Burnham thought to be considering waiving stricter right to remain rules for people already working in the sector Hundreds of thousands of care workers could be exempted from the home secretary’s plans to toughen up the immigration system under proposals being considered . The prime minister will give a speech next week spelling out his determination to start creating a National Care Service before the next general election as he looks to accelerate the process set up , Keir Starmer. In a highly personal speech, Burnham will talk about his experience of the care system through his father, Roy, who has Alzheimer’s, and announce that he is bringing forward Louise Casey’s review into the sector, which was due to conclude in 2028. He is now also considering granting widespread exemptions from Shabana Mahmood’s plans to make it harder for people to achieve settled status in the UK. The measure is not likely to be included in next week’s speech but could come later in the year once the Home Office has considered responses to a public consultation on the issue. One person briefed on the plans said: “Andy is determined to do something about the social care system, and quickly. This is highly personal for him, and he will talk about why he wants to push some of it through before the election, even if that comes at a political price.” Burnham has put reform of the social care system near the top of his list of priorities, having tried and failed to do so as health secretary more than 15 years ago. He told broadcasters this week: “I think it’s about being prepared to grasp the nettle. I’ve got personal experience of the system. My dad has Alzheimer’s, and you the staff have to put up with. It’s not their fault. The system’s broken.” He added: “You can’t leave social care like this. And this is part of my criticism of Westminster. It has flinched over the years from these big decisions.” The prime minister has previously argued for replacing inheritance tax with a 10% levy on all estates once a person dies to pay directly for a universal care system, but those proposals were scrapped after the Conservatives labelled them a “death tax”.
Tory party ‘bans’ candidates who do not back its human rights and net zero pledges
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Business
View All 10Indonesia Arrests Former Top Graft Prosecutor After Police Raids
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India and South Africa lead push to amass emergency fuel stockpiles
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Forever chemicals are everywhere. Should we care?
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India Flags Attack on LPG Tanker in Iran Waters, Says Crew Safe
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Technology
View All 10I tried out OpenAI’s new AI keypad — which will be fun for some coders and slightly mystifying to everyone else
OpenAI launched its first piece of hardware last week — a fancy little keypad built to pair with ChatGPT. Micro, which was developed in collaboration with specialty keyboard designer Work Louder, is essentially an artisanal workplace novelty that many tech enthusiasts will love and that may leave everyone else a little puzzled. OpenAI’s entrance into the hardware market hasn’t arrived without drama. Several weeks ago, Apple sued the AI lab and accused it of trade theft — kicking off what’s certain to be a long-simmering legal battle. Meanwhile, news of another smart home product in development at OpenAI has also raised eyebrows, as the supposed device — which is being built to pair with ChatGPT — was reportedly developed . Until the legal battle works itself out and OpenAI’s broader hardware ambitions materialize, the most the startup has to offer is Micro — a funky little keypad clearly engineered to delight the tech industry’s code monkeys. OpenAI sent TechCrunch a Micro test unit. The first big thing you notice when initially handling the keypad is that it’s a sturdy little device — enough so that if the AI accessory thing doesn’t end up working out, it could easily double as a paperweight. The other thing you might notice (and I am not the only one to point this out), is that the packaging — an immaculate white box with a sleek, clean aesthetic — is pretty Apple-coded. Make of that what you will. The keypad’s layout involves six frosted “agent” keys at the top of the pad, which can be customized to carry out specific tasks within ChatGPT or its agentic coding tool Codex. Below them are six command keys, which can be used to control those programs. You can pair your Micro with your computer either through a Bluetooth connection or a USB cable. : Lucas Ropek/TechCrunch Perhaps the most convenient thing Micro offers is a button for voice dictation — meaning you simply tell the app what you want done and it will get busy working on your behalf. Just hold down the dictation button and start talking. When you’re done, tap the “send” button next to it to submit your request. You can customize your Micro keypad within ChatGPT itself, where a Micro tab allows you to adjust everything from the brightness of the light from the keys to the specific commands and projects you want tied to those keys.
SpaceX launches new V3 Starlink satellites but suffers another booster failure
SpaceX successfully deployed the first third-generation Starlink satellites on Friday using an upgraded version of its prototype Starship — the 13th test flight of its mega-rocket to date. But the company suffered another failure with its Super Heavy booster during a planned simulated landing in the Gulf of Mexico. It’s the second time the company has had an issue with the Super Heavy booster on this V3 version of Starship. In May, on the first Starship V3 flight, SpaceX encountered a failure of the Starship’s Super Heavy booster as it separated from the upper stage of the rocket. SpaceX was able to perform a simulated landing of the upper stage of Starship during Friday’s launch after it deployed the Starlink satellites. The launch came a little more than a week after SpaceX tried to conduct the 13th Starship launch. That attempt had to abort immediately after ignition due to a number of rocket engine failures. SpaceX said it replaced six engines ahead of Friday’s flight to fix the problem. During Friday’s launch, the booster made it farther into its planned flight but wasn’t able to properly fire up all of the engines required for its simulated landing burn. The booster exploded after a faster-than-expected impact with the water. This was the first launch of Starship since SpaceX went public in June in the largest IPO in history. In a test of SpaceX’s “fly, fail, fix” approach to Starship development, the company saw its stock decline last week in the day following the launch abort. The dip is part of a larger downward trend since the IPO that has seen the company’s stock drop from a peak of more than $200 per share to $115 at the close of trading on Friday. In after-hours trading, SpaceX shares fell another 2% following the booster failure, before paring some of those losses. SpaceX had better luck with the Starship V3 upper stage during Friday’s launch. The upper stage lost a rocket engine during the first V3 launch in May. That didn’t happen this time around, as Starship encountered no issues on its way to deploying the new Starlinks. The Ship, as the company calls it, was able to survive the harsh forces of atmospheric reentry and perform a simulated landing in the Indian Ocean roughly one hour after liftoff. Unlike previous Starship missions, the Ship didn’t explode when it tipped over into the water.
Wildfire forces evacuation of NASA's Deep Space Network complex in Spain
Text settings Story text Size Small Standard Large Width * Standard Wide Links Standard Orange * Subscribers only Learn more Minimize to nav A fast-moving wildfire, one of many raging across Spain, bore down on the Madrid Deep Space Communications Complex on Friday, forcing an evacuation and temporarily suspending operations at one of NASA’s most important tracking stations. The tracking station is part of NASA’s Deep Space Network, operating in concert with similar facilities in California and Australia to provide global coverage as Earth’s rotation brings the planets, stars, and deep space probes in and out of view. The network supports more than 40 missions from the Moon to the edge of the Solar System, including Artemis, the James Webb Space Telescope, and NASA’s twin Voyager spacecraft. A NASA spokesperson confirmed the tracking station in Spain, located in the hills nearly 40 miles (65 kilometers) west of central Madrid, was evaluated Friday “due to ongoing wildfires in the region. Photos and video from the area showed flames and smoke plumes rising over the ground station’s antenna array, anchored by a 230-foot-diameter (70-meter) radio dish and a collection of smaller 112-foot (34-meter) antennas. “Any potential damage will be assessed when it is safe to do so,” the spokesperson said in a statement. The Deep Space Network is managed by NASA’s Space Communications and Navigation and NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. NASA officials are monitoring wildfires in the Madrid region in coordination with local authorities and the US Embassy. “In the meantime, the agency has seamlessly transitioned support for mission operations to the Goldstone Deep Space Communications Complex in California, ensuring continuity of service and uninterrupted support for spacecraft communications,” the NASA spokesperson said. High demand and short supply NASA typically runs the Deep Space Network using a “follow the Sun” model, in which control centers at each DSN site in Australia, California, and Spain can remotely operate the entire network during local daytime hours. Antennas at each location operate around the clock. A NASA website providing status updates on each DSN complex showed no activity at the Madrid site Friday afternoon, while antennas at the California and Australia locations were communicating with several NASA spacecraft, such as Voyager 2 and Juno, exploring interstellar space and Jupiter, respectively. No activity at the Madrid Deep Space Communications Complex on Friday afternoon. Credit: NASA No activity at the Madrid Deep Space Communications Complex on Friday afternoon.
Paramount/WBD merger delayed for months as states' lawsuit moves toward trial
Text settings Story text Size Small Standard Large Width * Standard Wide Links Standard Orange * Subscribers only Learn more Minimize to nav Paramount Skydance agreed to a longer-term delay of its $111 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, preventing the companies from combining until after a judge rules on the merits of a case in which a dozen states challenged the legality of the merger. Under a stipulation filed in court today, the states and companies agreed that the merger will not be completed and the firms will not integrate their operations until “five days after the merits determination in these matters,” or on June 1, 2027, whichever is earlier. The delay was also agreed to , which filed its own lawsuit to block the merger. If there is no merits determination by June 1, the plaintiffs could seek a preliminary injunction to keep blocking the deal. The agreement amounts to “a months-long halt” to the merger, New York Attorney General Letitia James’ office said. “Halting this merger while our case proceeds is a critical victory in our efforts to uphold the law and protect the film and television industries,” James said. Paramount also claimed victory, telling media outlets that “the result is exactly what we have sought from the outset: a direct path to a trial based on the evidence. This is the fastest and clearest way to prove that this transaction is good for competition, good for consumers, and good for creators, a conclusion dozens of competition authorities around the world have already reached.” Led by California, 12 states sued Paramount and WBD and won a temporary restraining order against the merger on Monday. Judge Araceli Martínez-Olguín at US District Court for the Northern District of California found that the deal is likely to reduce competition substantially and violate antitrust laws. The states sued after the merger was greenlit . The US approval reportedly surprised US Department of Justice staff lawyers who led the agency’s investigation into the deal and were leaning toward recommending a lawsuit to block it. States say the merger will eliminate competition . “We are eager to continue to make our case in court and celebrate another tremendous win in our effort to ensure this unlawful merger never sees the light of day,” California Attorney General Rob Bonta said today. Moving to the merits While the temporary restraining order was originally set to expire after 14 days, the judge was likely to grant a preliminary injunction that would continue to block the merger while litigation continues.
Science
View All 10SpaceX's Starship megarocket makes the 'softest splashdown' ever after launching next-gen Starlink satellites in Flight 13 test (video)
The July 24 test launch, Space's Starship Flight 13 mission, sent a towering rocket the size of a 40-story skyscraper into space from South Texas, returned its massive Booster to Earth, and then — in a feat perhaps none saw coming — gently landed its Starship upper stage in the Indian Ocean, where it tipped over to float belly up on the sea. "Starship is intact, floating in the ocean and transmitting telemetry!" SpaceX CEO Elon Musk wrote on X. With a mighty roar, Starship Flight 13 lifted off from SpaceX's Starbase, Texas launch site at p. m. EDT (2251 GMT) on a test flight that lasted just over one hour. It was only the second flight of the company's new Starship Version 3 design, or V3, and SpaceX was hoping for a better outing than its first attempt in May. During that previous test, the Starship Flight 12 mission, the massive Super Heavy first-stage Booster suffered engine problems after stage separation and failed to make a water landing in the Gulf of Mexico. Lucky Flight 13 Friday's Starship Flight 13 mission fared a bit better. SpaceX initially tried to launch Flight 13 on July 16, but the rocket aborted the try at the last second due to engine issues. SpaceX replaced some first-stage Raptor engines in time for a July 23 launch attempt, but waved off due to weather, setting the stage for Friday's successful liftoff. Minutes into the flight, the Super Heavy Booster successfully separated from its Ship upper stage, aced a flip maneuver and returned to Earth. There was a problem during the landing burn. Only five engines appeared to fire when 13 were required to slow the Booster to landing speed. While sailing on its suborbital trajectory, Flight 13's Ship upper stage deployed 20 next-generation Starlink Version 3 internet satellites — large, flat satellites equipped with laser communications links and expansive solar arrays that will replace SpaceX's current Starlink internet megaconstellation. Starship is designed to launch 60 Starlink V3 satellites at a time, spitting them out through a slit-like payload bay door like a giant PEZ candy dispenser. All 20 Starlink V3 satellites deployed smoothly, with the last two switching on flashlights and looking back at their Ship carrier before floating off into orbital darkness. The satellites did not stay in space. They fell to Earth and burned up (by design) due to their suborbital flight path. The Ship upper stage (which SpaceX also refers to as Starship) then reignited one of its six Raptor engines to test a critical engine relight capability that will allow future Starships to enter and leave orbit.
Watch: SpaceX's successful test flight and splashdown for Starship
This video can not be played Watch: SpaceX conducts successful Starship rocket test flight SpaceX has completed a test flight of its Starship megarocket, followed by a successful soft splashdown in the Indian Ocean an hour after launch. It was the rocket's 13th test flight. The company, owned , cited engine failure at liftoff during an aborted launch attempt last week. This was also the second flight for this version of Starship, called V3, and its first flight as a publicly traded company.
Are BuzzBallz actually recyclable?
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Trump officials herald a 'golden age' of science. Critics say it's a distraction
White House officials say they are ushering in a new "golden age" of science, with changes to grantmaking and priorities like AI and quantum computing. Democrats say it masks damage to U. S. science. NPR Science LISTEN & FOLLOW NPR App Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music iHeart Radio YouTube Music RSS link Science Trump officials herald a 'golden age' of science. Critics say it's a distraction July 24, 20264:25 PM ET Heard on All Things Considered By Katia Riddle Trump officials herald a 'golden age' of science. Critics say it's a distraction Listen · Toggle more options Download Embed Embed <iframe src="https://www. npr. org/player/embed/nx-s1-5904455/nx-s1-9862356" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player"> White House officials say they are ushering in a new "golden age" of science, with changes to grantmaking and priorities like AI and quantum computing. Democrats say it masks damage to U. S. science.
Environment
View All 10More than 200,000 people flee or lock down as wildfires sweep France and Spain
Thousands evacuated in south of France as wildfire rages across pine forest – video More than 200,000 people flee or lock down as wildfires sweep France and Spain ‘Highly unpredictable’ blaze forces evacuation of Cap Ferret on French coast and Spain declares national emergency More than 200,000 people have fled or been ordered to lock down as huge wildfires swept Spain and France on Friday, prompting Madrid to declare a national emergency and the French authorities to order the total evacuation, , of one of the country’s best-known holiday spots. Authorities in south-west France ordered the Cap Ferret peninsula on the Atlantic coast to be evacuated “village by village” in the face of an “intense, highly unpredictable” wildfire that has burned through more than 19,000 hectares (47,000 acres) of forest. Spain’s government declared its first national emergency for a wildfire as two large blazes merged into one outside Madrid and a third was on the verge of joining them, amid searing heat and tinder-dry conditions across much of southern Europe. Both countries sought EU help. “This is the worst wildfire in our region’s history,” said Madrid’s regional leader, Isabel Díaz Ayuso, describing “an unprecedented situation: a perfect storm of extremely high temperatures and relentless winds”. View image in fullscreen A volunteer guides holidaymakers evacuated from Cap Ferret after they arrive . Photograph: Romain Perrocheau/AFP/GettyMore than 110,000 people had been evacuated in two days to escape the Cap Ferret fire, the Gironde prefecture said, including thousands of holidaymakers in campsites and rental homes. Boats ferried hundreds off piers on the peninsula on Friday as the blaze threatened to cut off the only access road. Scientists say climate breakdown is triggering more frequent and more extreme weather events, evaporating soils and waterways, fuelling wildfires and leading to thousands of excess deaths. Europe is heating at about twice the global average rate. About 800 firefighters and four water-bombing planes were battling the Gironde blaze north of Arcachon Bay, but the fire, which began on Wednesday near the village of Saumos 25 miles (40km) west of Bordeaux, was not yet stabilised. Map of all the burnt areas near Arcachon Bay in the last 72 hoursNumerous roads in the area, including those leading to Cap Ferret, which contains many villas owned , were closed to all but essential traffic. Eighty houses had burned. “I’ve seen plenty of fires before, but never one of this intensity,” Jean Mazodier, 86, who owns 150 hectares of forest and was evacuated from his home at 6am, told Le Monde. “Everything’s burned.
France evacuates Cap Ferret peninsula as Spanish wildfires merge near Madrid – as it happened
Thousands of people have been forced to flee parts of south-west France amid worsening wildfires that prompted the authorities to order people to evacuate from the Cap Ferret peninsula along the Atlantic coast. A French Civil Security Canadair CL-415 aircraft sprays water on a forest surrounding Cotignac, southeastern France. Photograph: Thibaud Moritz/AFP/Getty ImagesEvacuees have been told to leave the area before 10am, using hundreds of mobilised boats or the only road linking the area with the mainland. Holidaymakers from Lege-Cap-Ferret carry their belongings along the pier upon their arrival in Arcachon during an evacuation operation of the entire Cap-Ferret peninsula in southwestern France. Photograph: Romain Perrocheau/AFP/Getty ImagesMore than 10,000 hectares are affected , which last night crossed the firebreak established by firefighters. The French authorities formally requested the activation of the European Union’s Civil Protection Mechanism to tap into the bloc’s resources as they battle the fires, with Emmanuel Macron saying the situation remained “very intense.” The EU’s crisis commissioner, Hadja Lahbib, confirmed that “following France’s activation of the EU’s civil protection mechanism, the EU is providing assistance and deploying 3 water bomber aircraft.” Dangerous situation is also unfolding in Spain, with the Spanish government declaring a national emergency over wildfires near Madrid and Avila, forcing more than 10,000 people to evacuate. A wall of flames advances as a wildfire burns near Burgohondo, in Ávila province, Spain. Photograph: Mateo Lanzuela/Europa Press/API will bring you all the updates here. It’s Friday, , it’s Jakub Krupa here, and this is Europe Live.
Factcheck: No, Europe’s heatwaves are not being ‘caused’ by declining air pollution
This summer has seen Europe suffer through a series of record-breaking heatwaves. Amid widespread media coverage of the number of deaths and the influence of climate change, the UK’s Daily Telegraph reported on new research with the incorrect headline: “Heatwaves caused .” The article was shared on social media – deputy leader of the hard-right, climate-sceptic Reform UK party – along with a number of prominent rightwing commentators. Tice claimed that “net stupid zero is contributing to rising temperatures, not helping”, adding that “we have been gaslit and lied to”. GB News followed up with its own article, incorrectly headlined: “Britain’s scorching heatwaves caused , researchers find.” Scientists tell Carbon Brief that the framing of heatwaves being “caused” “wrong”. While a drop in pollution has reduced the cooling impact it has had in the past, the scientists say, Europe’s summer heatwaves are primarily becoming more extreme “as a result of greenhouse-gas-induced warming”. Another scientist adds that “any attempt” to link this research to net-zero policies is “simply wrong”. This is largely because they absorb or reflect incoming sunlight and influence the formation and brightness of clouds. To understand how the climate of Europe – or any region – is changing, scientists need to take into account a whole range of factors, says Prof Bjørn Samset, a research professor at Norway’s Center for International Climate Research (CICERO), who was not involved in the work. This includes “greenhouse gases, aerosols, land-use change, natural variability and how they all interact”, he says, adding: “The effects of air pollution on circulation, which is the topic here, has long been difficult to pin down.” As European countries improved their air quality through the second half of the 20th century, the cooling effect of aerosols has gradually been removed. This can boost heatwaves in two ways – directly, , indirectly, . Using hundreds of simulations from nine climate models, the new study finds that a decline in aerosols is resulting in more frequent “quasi-stationary Rossby waves”. Rossby waves are huge meanders in the jet stream. Occasionally, they become slow-moving – or “quasi-stationary” – which allows weather systems to get stuck over one region, leading to prolonged heatwaves. These circulation changes have contributed to Europe’s rapidly warming summers. However, while Europe’s heatwaves are being influenced , it is “wrong” to say they are being “caused” by them, says Prof Erich Fischer, a climate scientist at ETH Zurich. Headline in the Daily Telegraph, .
Access to finance ‘strengthens climate resilience’ among sub-Saharan women
Empowering women through greater access to finance could “strengthen” households’ resilience to “climate shocks”, according to a new study. Published in Climate Risk Management, it analyses the impact of financial access on “women-headed households” in sub-Saharan Africa. The study finds that where women had formal financial access – such as through owning a bank account – households were more able to withstand short-term shocks. However, as shown in the chart below, the gap between men and women has also increased, rising from just under 5 percentage points in 2011 to 12 in 2024. Share of population with bank accounts 2011-2024, %. Source: Global Findex Database, World Bank Group Using survey data from Afrobarometer, the new study analyses 25,511 women-headed households across 37 sub-Saharan countries. The authors use the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’s (OECD) framework to measure “financial inclusion”. This looks at factors such as having a bank account, owning a mobile phone and having internet access. Francis Anaisie, a co-author on the study, tells Carbon Brief the researchers were motivated ’s sustainable development goals (SDGs). Anaisie, an economist at the University of Cape Coast, Ghana, says the study specifically looked at SDGs five and 13, on gender equality and addressing climate issues. He adds: “Financial inclusion is one of the key policy tools for empowering women or for empowerment. But as to whether this actually translates into better climate outcomes for women is not known or is limited; this study seeks to address that gap.” The study finds households with higher levels of financial access for women had higher levels of women’s empowerment, when this is defined as the ability to make choices and have control over economic and social outcomes. This was checked by cross-comparing financial access against different measures of women’s empowerment, such as financial security, voting rights and connection to communities. In particular, the study found that “financially included” women had greater political and economic empowerment, such as financial security and voting rights. On some measures of social empowerment, however, the link was weaker – financial access alone was not enough to erase cultural and social barriers to gender equality. Women and climate change It has been well documented that women are more vulnerable to the impacts of climate change than men. Environmental shocks affect women disproportionately due to a range of factors. These include income disparities, higher rates of displacement and unequal access to land. Financial inequality and barriers to economic resources, such as needing internet access to make digital payments, play a key role in climate vulnerability, says Tracy Kajumba.
Weather
View All 7Today: Light Rain, Minimum Temperature: 15°C (59°F) Maximum Temperature: 20°C (67°F)
This video can not be played This morning will see some early sunshine before a band of thick cloud and rain sink south-eastwards later on. The rain will be heavy in places but will become lighter . Any clear breaks early in the night will become replaced . The rest of the night will continue mostly cloudy with further spells of patchy rain. Winds will pick up again tomorrow which will see a generally cloudy day with a few isolated showers around. One or two sunny glimpses will also develop occasionally. Outlook for Monday to Wednesday Mostly cloudy with light rain on Monday morning but sunny spells and drier conditions are expected into the afternoon and evening. A cloudy start both on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings with light rain in spots. Sunny spells will once again develop . Average wind speed 5 Miles per hour, Southerly5Average wind speed 9 Kilometres per hour, Southerly9 Humidity: Humidity: 82%,82% Visibility: Visibility, not available,-- Pressure: Pressure: 1011 millibars, Steady,1011mb, Steady Observation station: Manchester Airport (53.350° North, 2.283° West)Observation station: Manchester Airport (53.350° N, 2.283° W) Our favourite Weather Watchers photos nearby Report for Rochdale, Rochdale jol1yReported by jol1y Report for Standish, Wigan Northern Rambler Reported , Wigan OutnaboutReported , Tameside Razzamataz Reported by Razzamataz
Sunday: Light Rain Showers, Minimum Temperature: 12°C (54°F) Maximum Temperature: 19°C (66°F)
This video can not be played This morning will see some early sunshine before a band of thick cloud and rain sink south-eastwards later on. The rain will be heavy in places but will become lighter . Any clear breaks early in the night will become replaced . The rest of the night will continue mostly cloudy with further spells of patchy rain. Winds will pick up again tomorrow which will see a generally cloudy day with a few isolated showers around. One or two sunny glimpses will also develop occasionally. Outlook for Monday to Wednesday Mostly cloudy with light rain on Monday morning but sunny spells and drier conditions are expected into the afternoon and evening. A cloudy start both on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings with light rain in spots. Sunny spells will once again develop . Average wind speed 5 Miles per hour, Southerly5Average wind speed 9 Kilometres per hour, Southerly9 Humidity: Humidity: 82%,82% Visibility: Visibility, not available,-- Pressure: Pressure: 1011 millibars, Steady,1011mb, Steady Observation station: Manchester Airport (53.350° North, 2.283° West)Observation station: Manchester Airport (53.350° N, 2.283° W) Our favourite Weather Watchers photos nearby Report for Rochdale, Rochdale jol1yReported by jol1y Report for Standish, Wigan Northern Rambler Reported , Wigan OutnaboutReported , Tameside Razzamataz Reported by Razzamataz
Strong M6.0 earthquake hits Vanuatu
Epicenter of M6.0 earthquake in Vanuatu on July 24, 2026. Credit: TW/SAM, Google The epicenter was located 83 km (51 miles) W of Sola (population 1 171), 171 km (106 miles) NNW of Luganville (population 13 397), 444 km (276 miles) NNW of Port-Vila (population 35 901), Vanuatu, and 768 km (477 miles) N of Wé (population 10 375), New Caledonia. According to USGS PAGER, 23 000 people are estimated to have felt light shaking and 91 000 weak. There is no tsunami warning, advisory, watch, or threat in effect. The USGS issued a Green alert for shaking-related fatalities and economic losses. There is a low likelihood of casualties and damage. Overall, the population in this region resides in structures that are highly vulnerable to earthquake shaking, though some resistant structures exist. The predominant vulnerable building types are unknown or miscellaneous types and wood construction. Recent earthquakes in this area have caused secondary hazards such as landslides that might have contributed to losses. Liquefaction triggered , with little or no area and population affected. Landslides triggered , with little or no area and population affected. According to VMGD data, this earthquake was preceded by two M5.6 events in the same area at UTC. USGS is reporting one M5.1 earthquake at UTC. Epicenter of M6.0 earthquake in Vanuatu on July 24, 2026. Credit: TW/SAM, Google Epicenter of M6.0 earthquake in Vanuatu on July 24, 2026. Credit: TW/SAM, Google Estimated population exposure to earthquake shaking Selected cities exposed Regional seismicity References: 1 M6.0 earthquake Vanuatu – USGS – July 24, 2026 2 M6.0 earthquake Vanuatu – EMSC – July 24, 2026 Teo Blašković I'm a dedicated researcher, journalist, and editor at The Watchers. With over 20 years of experience in the media industry, I specialize in hard science news, focusing on extreme weather, seismic and volcanic activity, space weather, and astronomy, including near-Earth objects and planetary defense strategies. You can reach me at teo /at/ watchers. news.
Parts of England under heat alert with 30C temperatures possible
The depleted Swithland reservoir in Leicestershire. This summer’s dry conditions follow last year’s summer drought. Photograph: Joe Giddens/PA View image in fullscreen The depleted Swithland reservoir in Leicestershire. This summer’s dry conditions follow last year’s summer drought. Photograph: Joe Giddens/PA Parts of England under heat alert with 30C temperatures possible Warning in place until Sunday morning in southern and central regions after drought declared in parts of Wales Heat alerts are in place across parts of England, with possible highs of 30C (86F) and officials saying temperatures are likely to have an impact on health and wellbeing. The yellow heat health alerts issued for the East Midlands, east of England, London, south-east, south-west and West Midlands are in place until 9am on Sunday. Temperatures in the affected areas are forecast to reach the mid- to high 20s, with a high of 30C a possibility, as a prolonged period of dry, warm weather continues in much of the country. The heat health warning from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) comes after drought was declared in north Wales and the upper Severn region, following record dry conditions, heatwaves, wildfires and dwindling rivers. View image in fullscreen The grass on Wimbledon Common has turned yellow-brown as London experiences severe dry conditions after record-breaking heatwaves. Photograph: Amer Ghazzal/ShutterstockIt was the first part of the UK to declare drought status amid a summer of record-breaking heatwaves. Many parts of England have had prolonged dry weather as the country has received just 3% of its average July rainfall. Hosepipe bans are in place for 23 million customers and suppliers are warning they may last all summer. Wildfires have been raging in England, while Scotland has also been hit by a major fire in the Cairngorms. In Ireland, a nationwide hosepipe ban is in place. This summer’s dry conditions follow last year’s summer drought, as the UK increasingly faces more extreme weather fuelled by human-caused climate change, mostly from burning fossil fuels. The Met Office said temperatures could reach 30C in parts of south-east England on Friday, while parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland will see patches of cloud. The forecaster Craig Snell said outbreaks of rain would move southwards on Saturday, spreading from Scotland and Northern Ireland into northern England and parts of Wales. View image in fullscreen A grassfire in Swansea, in south Wales. Photograph: Matthew Horwood/GettyBy Sunday, temperatures were expected to become “fresher” across much of the UK, with rain possible in “areas that haven’t seen much” over the past few weeks, he added.
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