UK News
View All 9Eleven tourists rescued after 24 hours adrift as speedboat breaks apart off Indonesia
Eleven tourists and one crew member have been rescued after spending more than 24 hours adrift at sea when their speedboat broke apart off the Indonesian island of Sulawesi.The group's vessel split in two during severe weather on Friday morning, forcing those on board to scramble onto a life raft.However, the boat's 29-year-old captain remains missing.The survivors have since been evacuated to a resort in the Tojo Unauna regency of Central Sulawesi, where their ill-fated journey began.They told rescuers the worsening weather caused the speedboat to break apart before thick fog separated them from the captain.Heriyanto, head of the Gorontalo Province Search and Rescue Office, said the captain is believed to have remained aboard as the vessel sank.The speedboat had departed Tojo Unauna on Friday morning bound for Marisa Port in neighbouring Gorontalo province but failed to arrive.A local guide raised the alarm after the boat did not reach its destination that afternoon."We will continue the search and rescue operation for up to seven days to find him," Heriyanto said.Search teams are scouring around 300 square nautical miles of Tomini Bay, deploying thermal-imaging drones and dive teams in an effort to locate the missing captain.Thermal-imaging drone technology and diving equipment are also being utilised in the ongoing effort to locate the missing captain. Indonesia comprises more than 17,000 islands, making boats an essential mode of transport across the sprawling archipelago.ASIA - READ THE LATEST:Briton, 68, is first foreigner ever to become Thailand's supreme monk after extraordinary journeyChinese and Filipino seamen wage maritime battle in South China Sea... with sticks and oarsPrincess Anne to begin five-day international tour in South KoreaMaritime accidents occur with troubling regularity in the country, driven by poor safety standards and persistent overcrowding on vessels.The Sulawesi incident follows another recent tragedy in which a passenger boat carrying 76 people went down off Selayar Island.That sinking claimed at least four lives, with a further 14 people still unaccounted for, among them a boy aged 10.And in the Caribbean, the MV Barima - a passenger and cargo vessel - sank off the coast of Guyana on last week, in what has been described as the country's worst maritime disaster in history.In a press conference on Monday evening, Guyanese Prime Minister Mark Phillips confirmed that authorities have now recovered the bodies of 27 people.It is understood that at least four of the recovered bodies are children.The Guyanese Government said on Sunday that 67 people have been rescued so far.Mr Phillips said the location of the sunken vessel has been identified and the rescue operation remains ongoing.Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter
UK drivers face petrol station nightmare with soaring prices - cheapest and most expensive areas for fuel
Drivers up and down the country are facing soaring petrol and diesel prices as tensions in the Middle East force up the cost of oil.In the last week, prices have risen dramatically as oil soared back above $100 (£75), prompting experts to warn that fuel prices will rise further.Drivers around the UK are currently paying an average of 156.19p per litre for petrol and 173.15p for diesel.Prices have spiked since the end of February after the United States and Israel launched strikes against Iran, prompting the outbreak of war. TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say Data from RAC Fuel Watch shows that fuel prices around the UK are rising by an average of 0.62p for petrol and 1.01p for diesel every day.Simon Williams, head of policy at the RAC, cautioned motorists that the price of petrol could reach a new Iran war high unless tensions in the Middle East begin to ease. Experts have also continually urged motorists to search around for the cheapest fuel in their area using price comparison apps, with estimates from the Government suggesting that drivers could save up to 6p per litre when using its Fuel Finder tool.GB News has compiled a list of the cheapest and most expensive forecourts to get fuel, according to data from the Government's Fuel Finder tool.Cheapest petrol pricesBervie Stores Ltd, Lairg, Sutherland (IV27 4RP) - 142pCostco Wholesale Oldham, Oldham, Greater Manchester (OL9 8AU) - 142.9pCostco Wholesale Edinburgh, Loanhead, Edinburgh (EH20 9BY) - 143.9pCostco Wholesale Haydock, Haydock, Merseyside (WA11 9FA) - 143.9pAsda York Superstore, Huntington, York (YO32 9LF) - 144.7pLATEST DEVELOPMENTSClassic car owners issued fresh update over significant changes to vehiclesGatwick Airport unveils revolutionary robotic car parking system to end holiday stressPetrol and diesel prices could hit record high since outbreak of Iran war as oil hits $100Cheapest diesel pricesDunley Service Station, Stourport-on-Severn, Worcestershire (DY13 0UE) - 153.9pAsda Cookstown Superstore, Cookstown, County Tyrone (BT80 8JR) - 157.7pCostco Wholesale Coventry, Coventry, West Midlands (CV4 9AQ) - 157.9pAsda Bangor Superstore, Bangor, County Down (BT20 4SD) - 158.7pAsda Newtownards Superstore, Newtownards, County Down (BT23 4EU) - 158.7pMost expensive petrol pricesBP Swift Service Station, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire (ST5 4DH) - 193.9pFerrybridge Service Area, Knottingley, West Yorkshire (WF11 0AF) - 184.9pLeigh Delamere West Service Area, Chippenham, Wiltshire (SN14 6LB) - 184.9pToddington North Service Area, Toddington, Bedfordshire (LU5 6HR) - 184.9pBurton Service Area, Carnforth, Cumbria (LA6 1JF) - 184.9pMost expensive diesel pricesFerrybridge Service Area, Knottingley, West Yorkshire (WF11 0AF) - 204.9pLeigh Delamere West Service Area, Chippenham, Wiltshire (SN14 6LB) - 204.9pSevern View Service Area, Bristol, Gloucestershire (BS35 4BH) - 204.9pToddington North Service Area, Toddington, Bedfordshire (LU5 6HR) - 204.9pBurton Service Area, Carnforth, Cumbria (LA6 1JF) - 204.9p Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter
How to get kids outdoors this summer - as parents run out of fun ideas by day 10
Parents have admitted keeping their children engaged throughout the holidays is becoming increasingly challenging, with work, differing interests and a lack of inspiration cited as the biggest barriers Wales Online GoGo SqueeZ team up with JB Gill Hard-pressed parents run out of creative ideas to keep their kids entertained by day 10 of the summer holidays. A poll of 1,000 mums and dads with children aged 4-12 found 63% admitted keeping their children engaged throughout the holidays is becoming increasingly challenging. The biggest barriers to entertaining the kids include work obligations (41%), multiple children with different interests (33%) and a lack of inspiration (26%). As a result, parents revealed 46% of children spend an hour or less outside daily during the holidays, despite 89% agreeing outdoor play is vital for wellbeing and development. The research was commissioned , the 100% fruit smoothie snacks, which has partnered with former JLS star and father-of-two JB Gill. View 2 Images Getting outdoors is vital for children's wellbeing and development(Image: PinPep) Together they are encouraging children to ‘Level Up in the Wild’ this summer, -world adventures, inspired 's Roblox game, GoGo Climb. It comes as 72% of parents said they believe gaming-style language is an effective way to encourage outdoor play. JB Gill said: “Like lots of parents, I know how hard it can be to keep children entertained once the summer holidays are in full swing. But sometimes, the simplest ideas can become the biggest adventures if you speak kids’ natural language. “Kids already love the idea of quests, challenges and exploration in games, so bringing that same sense of adventure into the real world is a brilliant way to get families outside together and making memories over the summer.” Three quarters (75%) believe their child is more motivated a challenge, with words such as “mission” (51%), “reward” (49%), and “adventure” (46%) proving particularly effective. Despite knowing this, the survey found the most common activities parents encourage during the summer holidays are still predominantly indoor pursuits. Movie nights, board games and puzzles, baking together, reading books , playing video games and drawing or painting all featured among the most popular options. Steps parents are taking to encourage more time outdoors include letting children choose their own activities, setting up garden games, limiting screen time, and involving them in outdoor projects such as gardening. View 2 Images JB Gill and GoGo squeeZ encourage parents and kids to Level Up in the Wild this summer, at Hangloose Adventure(Image: PinPep) Many believe outdoor activities become more appealing when friends are involved (41%) or when they are linked to a child's existing hobbies and interests (32%), according to the OnePoll research.
'Kind and gentle' Bristol man fights for life after being stabbed in head with screwdriver
He was rushed to hospital following the incident at a building site, where he underwent a five-hour operation in which surgeons removed part of his skull. Callum Hoare, 26 Jul 2026Updated Jamie Chappell from Bristol, pictured with his partner Rosie, is seriously ill in hospital Man 'fighting for life' after screwdriver stabbing A man is fighting for his life after allegedly being stabbed in the head with a screwdriver at a Wiltshire building site. Jamie Chappell, 25, was rushed to hospital following the incident in Purton on Thursday, where he underwent a five-hour operation in which surgeons removed part of his skull. James Denys, 36, has been charged with grievous bodily harm following what Wiltshire Police described as a "serious assault". Paying tribute to Mr Chappell, his family said he had left for work expecting it to be "like any other day". A spokesperson for the family told the Swindon Advertiser: "Jamie is one of the kindest, most gentle souls you could ever meet. "He left for work on the morning of Thursday 23rd July like any other day, never imagining that within hours he would be fighting for his life. "Today Jamie remains critically ill. Every hour is a battle and our family continues to live with the uncertainty, fear and heartbreak that no family should ever have to endure." Emergency services were called to a building site in Widham Gardens, Purton, on July 23, where Mr Chappell suffered the devastating injuries. He was taken to Southmead Hospital for emergency treatment. His family described the ordeal as an "unimaginably difficult time". Police initially launched an attempted murder investigation before charging Denys, of Ravensdale, East Wichel, with grievous bodily harm. He appeared before Swindon Magistrates' Court and was remanded in custody. A second 36-year-old man, who was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender, has since been released on bail while enquiries continue. Detective Chief Inspector Deb Hatch described the attack as a "serious incident" and said her thoughts remain with Mr Chappell's loved ones. Article continues below Officers continue to appeal for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward. Anyone who can help is urged to contact Wiltshire Police on 101, quoting the relevant incident, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Choose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.
World News
View All 10Appeals Court Upholds Blocks on Trump Order Restricting Mail Voting
The ruling on Saturday was the latest rebuke to President Trump’s attacks on mail-in voting. The government says it may take the case to the Supreme Court.
Trump Holds Off on Major War Escalation Against Iran as Advisers Raise Concerns
Among the worries is that expanded hostilities could dangerously drain the diminished stockpile of air defense munitions in the Middle East.
Hundreds of thousands race to escape wildfires in France and Spain
July 25, 202602:04 Now Playing Hundreds of thousands race to escape wildfires in France and Spain UP NEXT Daredevils jump off Seattle’s Space Needle Inside the battle for clean energy on Native American land Anti-ICE demonstrations across the country Maine Democrats select Troy Jackson as Senate candidate Good News: Meet the airport worker going the extra mile Saudi Arabia trades fire with Iran-backed rebels in Yemen Caitlin Clark speaks out after controversies Millions of eggs recalled over possible Salmonella contamination LeBron James announces he will join the Philadelphia 76ers Great Americans: A conversation with travel writer Rick Steves U. S. military intentionally allowing some Iranian projectiles through defenses School shooter’s confession played in court District attorney defends Nolan Wells investigation Seaplane crashes into rocks off Washington coast Cyclospora outbreak from tainted lettuce served at Taco Bell expands Heroic Houston highway rescue Deadly flooding in the East Stabbings near New York City’s Central Park FDA panel recommends controversial treatments Nightly News An urgent effort to contain multiple massive wildfires. French officials changed the course of the final stage of the famed "Tour de France" race amid the ongoing disaster. NBC News’ Liz Kreutz reports. July 25, 2026 Hundreds of thousands race to escape wildfires in France and Spain UP NEXT Daredevils jump off Seattle’s Space Needle Inside the battle for clean energy on Native American land Anti-ICE demonstrations across the country Maine Democrats select Troy Jackson as Senate candidate Good News: Meet the airport worker going the extra mile Best of NBC News
Maine Democrats select Troy Jackson as Senate candidate
July 25, 202600:58 Hundreds of thousands race to escape wildfires in France and Spain Daredevils jump off Seattle’s Space Needle Inside the battle for clean energy on Native American land Anti-ICE demonstrations across the country Now Playing Maine Democrats select Troy Jackson as Senate candidate UP NEXT Good News: Meet the airport worker going the extra mile Saudi Arabia trades fire with Iran-backed rebels in Yemen Caitlin Clark speaks out after controversies Millions of eggs recalled over possible Salmonella contamination LeBron James announces he will join the Philadelphia 76ers Great Americans: A conversation with travel writer Rick Steves U. S. military intentionally allowing some Iranian projectiles through defenses School shooter’s confession played in court District attorney defends Nolan Wells investigation Seaplane crashes into rocks off Washington coast Cyclospora outbreak from tainted lettuce served at Taco Bell expands Heroic Houston highway rescue Deadly flooding in the East Stabbings near New York City’s Central Park FDA panel recommends controversial treatments Nightly News Former state senator Troy Jackson will now take on longtime Republican Senator Susan Collins after Graham Platner’s campaign in scandal. NBC News’ Julie Tsirkin reports. July 25, 2026 Hundreds of thousands race to escape wildfires in France and Spain Daredevils jump off Seattle’s Space Needle Inside the battle for clean energy on Native American land Anti-ICE demonstrations across the country Now Playing Maine Democrats select Troy Jackson as Senate candidate UP NEXT Good News: Meet the airport worker going the extra mile Best of NBC News
Politics
View All 10Andy Burnham rules out early election in exclusive BBC interview
To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. This video can not be played Andy Burnham rules out early election in exclusive BBC interviewClose In an exclusive interview with the BBC's Laura Kuenssberg, Andy Burnham explicitly dismissed the idea of an early general election, saying "I'm going to rule it out... I don't think people want it." Explaining his decision, the new prime minister suggested the majority of the electorate "voted for a manifesto" in the last election, and vowed he would "honour that manifesto" with the support of parliamentary colleagues. Burnham went on to say, "I just think what I most need to do is get Britain focused on getting the country back where it should be, getting it working." Andy Burnham: The Laura Kuenssberg Interview will be available across BBC News on Sunday and the interview will be shown in full on Panorama on BBC One on Monday at BST. Subsection Published close panel Share page Copy link About sharing Andy BurnhamFollow Andy Burnham close panel You are now following Andy Burnham Updates from your News topics will appear in My News and in a collection on the News homepage. Laura KuenssbergFollow Laura Kuenssberg close panel You are now following Laura Kuenssberg Updates from your News topics will appear in My News and in a collection on the News homepage.
Burnham says he is prepared to call out Trump 'if right for Britain'
Andy Burnham spoke exclusively to Laura Kuenssberg this week in his first major interview as prime minister Andy Burnham says he would be prepared to call out Donald Trump to defend Britain's "national interest before anything else" if it is the right thing to do, in his first major interview as prime minister. Speaking exclusively to the BBC, Burnham said he had had a good first exchange with Trump, finding him to be "really warm". But asked twice if he would trust the US president, he did not say, answering, "it's a changing world isn't it, and you just obviously have to call things as they develop". That's what you're required to do if you're to do this job properly." Burnham also said he had had "concern" about the president starting the conflict with Iran, and he "wouldn't hold back from saying what I think is right". The prime minister would not commit to a date when the government would spend 3% of GDP on defence. His Chancellor John Healey resigned from the previous government saying that unless a commitment was made to spend that amount by 2030, the country would not be safe. I don't think people want it." He said his focus instead was on "getting the country back where it should be". interview on BBC iPlayer on Monday from and on Panorama on BBC One on Monday at BST.
Dangerous heat dome grips central US
Dangerously hot temperatures spanned across much of the central U.S. on Saturday as a sprawling heat dome, in which a high-pressure atmospheric system traps hot air over a large area keeping temperatures high, settled over the region that could persist into next week. Heat advisories went out for roughly 80 million people after the National…
Hawaii Lt. Gov. indicted in alleged bribery scheme
Hawaii Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke (D) was indicted on bribery charges on Friday following a monthslong state investigation into a campaign finance scandal. Luke was accused of accepting campaign finance contributions in 2022 while she was a state lawmaker in exchange for securing funding for COVID-19 testing sites. A Hawaii grand jury returned a 12-count…
Business
View All 10British unicorn Humanoid points to way forward for European tech
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Investors use crypto exchanges to avoid Chinese controls on AI stocks
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‘Divide and conquer’: China exploits EU divisions over trade
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China pours funding into green energy deals as Iran war hits oil demand
Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative takes advantage of rise in appetite for renewables as Middle East conflict drags on
Technology
View All 10An ESP32 based plane radar for my desk
This project made for a perfect lazy Saturday unwind, after a busy week giving a talk at Devrelcon in NYC. Makerworld had this thing as one of their featured models about a week or two ago, and the parts came in while I was away. GitHub repository ESP32-Plane-Radar Open-source ESP32 firmware for a 1.28″ round display that shows live ADS-B aircraft around your location as a sonar-style plane radar. by ironicbadger · C++ · MIT View repository on GitHub ★ 0 ⑂ 0 ↗ Plane radar is a neat little project that turns an ESP32-C3 and a 1.28-inch round display into a live aircraft radar. It pulls nearby ADS-B traffic, plots each aircraft , and shows the details directly on the screen. It was an easy build, although it did require a little soldering. I always enjoy doing that as it reminds me of my days building racing drones. Thin, silicone based wires made quick work of the cabling. And after about 15 minutes, we were ready to go. It is insanely easy to flash firmwares to a fresh esp32 these days using the browser-based ESPHome web flashing tool. Under 30s and you’re done. A quick note about the 3d model The original model was featured on Makerworld, because it looks great. Reality though was, in practice, it’s not actually that great. MW MakerWorld 5.4Klikes 3.3Kdownloads 15.1Ksaves 2.4Kmakes Original 3D model ESP32 Plane Radar Live ADS-B on a Round Display by matixovi · Published May 31, 2026 View model on MakerWorld ↗ Unfortunately the tolerances are just too tight to be usable with the batch of boards I got. So I’m likely going to model my own replacement at some point, but for now I ended up printing this model instead. MW MakerWorld 154likes 194downloads 470saves 102makes Original 3D model ESP32-S3 1.28" Waveshare Plane Radar by ThePrintableWatch · Published Jun 10, 2026 View model on MakerWorld ↗ Customising the firmware I’ve spent today improving my fork of ESP32 Plane Radar project, with the help of pure vibes. The biggest improvement is proper flight context. Where the data is available, aircraft now show their origin and destination instead of just their tail number, with the callsign used as a fallback. Aircraft types are also more descriptive, something like B737-800 rather than simply B737. I added local weather, temperature, humidity, time and date as well. The web interface can now modify coordinates after initial setup. Display options can now be changed without resetting the Wi-Fi configuration, and there are controls for units, runways, weather, temperature format and 12/24-hour time.
A shell colon does nothing. Use it anyway
I've written more shell scripts than I can count, but I still stumble upon tricks that honestly blow my mind far too often than I care to admit. Latest thing that blew my head clean off? Published23 July 2026 at UTCModified26 July 2026 at UTCAuthorFilip RoséenTags#shell #posix #unix Table of Contents In a land far-far away.. Checking for required argumentsParameter expansion and the story of :? That.. other colon More colons in the limelight Con-colon-sion Frequently Asked QuestionsWhy do I need the null-command? Doesn't the expansion happen without the colon? Why use the null-command when I could do VAR=${VAR:-default-value}? In a land far-far away.. # ... there was once a far too cold cup of coffee next to a freshly brewed far-too-hot one. Four different terminals where three could have been closed an hour ago, and a shell script which I really (really) did not want to write. Who would have thought a single colon would be the one to save the day night? Note: Want your mind blown straight away? Checking for required arguments # This is a familiar dance, it's pretty much muscle memory . You have a script, it takes a few arguments, and some of them are mandatory; alright, an if-statement like so many times before: if [ -z "$1" ]; then echo "missing argument, aborting." 1>&2 exit 1 fi echo "Hello $1!" Though.. what if I told you the above four lines could be replaced by just... one? : "${1:? missing argument, aborting.}" echo "Hello $1!" $ bash example. sh example. sh: line 1: 1: missing argument, aborting. $ bash example. sh refp Hello refp! And look what happens if we refer to a variable with a proper name — it's the same behavior as previously but easier to spot; the diagnostic includes the name of our variable! : "${GREET_NAME:? missing argument, aborting.}" echo "Hello $GREET_NAME!" $ bash greet. sh greet. sh: line 1: GREET_NAME: missing argument, aborting. Parameter expansion and the story of :? # There are two things going on in the previous snippet, and you are correct in identifying that one part is using parameter expansion: The syntax ${name:? diagnostic} checks whether $name is unset or empty — if it is, the diagnostic is printed to stderr and the shell exits with a non-zero status, otherwise; if the variable is set, it is equivalent to $name. That.. other colon # So that's one colon, but what about that other one, the one who sits alone at the beginning of the line? : is the null-command — a builtin that does nothing but evaluate its arguments and discard the result. : is old — it goes all the way back to the 1971 Thompson shell where it doubled as a label and Unix's very first comment marker. : two eyes staring at you in the dark, with love.
3 Clever Things You Can Do With an Old Amazon Kindle
CommentSave StorySave this story CommentSave StorySave this story The best Amazon Kindles are reliably good at their main job: displaying ebooks in a crisp, easy-on-the-eye format. But Kindle e-readers are actually more versatile than you might imagine. If you’ve just upgraded to a new Kindle and are looking for something to do with your old one, or if you’re simply interested in seeing how hackable these e-readers are, we’ve got three projects for you to attempt. These projects vary in terms of difficulty and the amoung of time and effort you’re going to have to invest, but full instructions for all of them are available online, so you can follow the steps on your own Kindle. Turn Your Kindle Into a Spotify Controller Part of the appeal of Spotify is that it can work across so many different devices and connect to so many other services. There are lots of ways to use Spotify, and that includes through your Kindle. All you need to do is supply your Spotify credentials, and then make sure your Kindle is on the same Wi-Fi network as the other device you’re using to play your music, podcasts, or audiobooks. This is made possible through Kindlify. co. Open the site in the Kindle’s built-in web browser, then tap Connect Spotify to log in. Once that’s done, you should see details of whatever you’re currently playing in Spotify—though you will need to use another device to choose something from your library. There’s more discussion about this hack on Reddit, which is where I found it. It all works through the magic of Spotify Connect, which you may already have come across. This feature lets you play something on your laptop and then control playback from your phone, for example, or vice versa. You can also use the feature to manage playback through compatible smart speakers. Bear in mind that you’re not actually storing any music on your Kindle or running an official Spotify app. This hack is just a way to connect to your Spotify account and control whatever’s being played through it, from your Kindle. You can skip forward and backward, and pause and resume playback, all from the e-reader. Turn Your Kindle Into a Smart Home Display Another way to repurpose a Kindle and its E-Ink screen is to turn it into a smart display that pulls in all kinds of data from other services.
Why Leatherology Makes Some of the Best Totes for Work (2026)
CommentSave StorySave this story CommentSave StorySave this story After months of rotating between the Mia Horizontal Tote, Transit Travel Tote, and Large Zippered Downtown Tote, I found myself thinking less about the leather—though it’s undeniably excellent—and more about how each bag has been intentionally designed to fit specific workflows. But the first thing you notice, of course, is that leather. Leatherology uses semi-aniline, drum-dyed pebbled leather that is soft and supple, making it feel broken in from day one without being overly delicate. Courtesy of Leatherology Courtesy of Leatherology The hardware is clean, the branding is subtle, and the totes don’t feel ostentatious, which I appreciate. These bags look expensive because the quality of the materials and craftsmanship speak for themselves, not because there’s a flashy logo plastered on them. And if you want something more personal, every model can be monogrammed. As a tech reviewer, though, I find that aesthetics go only so far. What impressed me most about these bags is their functionality, which is something I can’t say about many luxury bags. The straps remained comfortable even when I loaded the bags with bulky gear. The interiors are well-organized, preventing cables and accessories from getting lost in a single, cavernous compartment, yet they don’t feel over-engineered. Each bag is sturdy and secure enough to protect your valuables. Courtesy of Leatherology Courtesy of Leatherology Built Better Than It Looks The Mia Horizontal Tote ($330) is the most relaxed of the three and has become my go-to bag for the weekend. Its wider silhouette is ideal for farmers market runs, shopping trips, or afternoons working from a coffee shop when I don’t need my entire desk setup. My Kindle, headphones, a sweater, and small essentials all fit comfortably with room to spare. Two interior slip pockets kept accessories within reach, while the removable leather pouch became my designated home for my card holder and lip balm. The magnetic closure allows for easy access during everyday errands, but because it lacks a dedicated laptop sleeve or zippered top, I wouldn’t use it as a work bag for my commutes. That’s where the Transit Tote ($465) comes in. This is the bag that feels purpose-built for work trips, where a personal item often doubles as your office. It features two exterior pockets, nine interior pockets, two zippered compartments, and a padded laptop sleeve that fits up to a 16-inch laptop.
Science
View All 10Burnham to address social care, youth unemployment and devolution
Andy Burnham will make a speech on social care next week as part of what No 10 says is an attempt to show he is "hitting the ground running" as prime minister. He will also separately address youth unemployment and devolution in the coming week. Downing Street described the three areas as "some of the most difficult issues facing the country that have been ignored for too long". Burnham first proposed a universal system of social care in England in 2009 when he was health secretary under Gordon Brown. He has vowed to spend political capital on the issue as prime minister. A No 10 source said: "Andy is going to run towards problems that have been neglected, giving people hope again." Andy Burnham's first week pledges - how much do they add up to? Sackings, cabinet surprises and policies: Burnham's first 24 hours as PM The source said: "He has the courage to fix the most difficult issues that have been ignored for years and seen as impossible to resolve. He doesn't accept that they are. They can't be ignored any longer. "The prime minister is determined to show that governments can make people's lives better if they choose to. He wants to get Britain believing again." Unlike the NHS, social care is not free at the point of use, and people with savings worth more than £23,250 are not entitled to help with the cost of care from their local council. Burnham would not be the first leader in recent years to pledge to address the issue of adult social care. In 2019, in his first speech as prime minister, Boris Johnson said the Conservative Party would "fix the crisis in social care once and for all". Five years later in July 2024, Keir Starmer faced criticism when Labour scrapped plans for an £86,000 cap on the amount anyone in England would need to spend on their personal care over their lifetime. Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey, who has pushed for social care reform, said on Saturday: "This has to be the start of a real effort to end the social care catastrophe." He added: "I'll fight to ensure family carers aren't forgotten. We need cross-party consensus, and I hope the PM's door is open." Burnham responded to Sir Ed on X, writing: "It most certainly is, Ed. Let's work together to find some common ground." Kevin Hollinrake, chairman of the Conservative Party, said: "Where's the money coming from, Andy?
We talk with astronaut Michael Foale about the 1997 Space Station Mir crisis: 'He took all the blame of the collision on his shoulders'
PBS just launched the second episode of its "Once Upon a Time in Space" miniseries on Tuesday, titled "The Russian Thing," and we’ve got an exclusive clip from the harrowing chapter that focuses on near disasters aboard the Space Station Mir in 1997. In addition to the video, we’re also proud to share an exclusive interview with NASA's celebrated British-American astronaut Michael Foale, who is featured prominently in the new segment regarding the infamous cargo pod collision on Mir, which caused a decompression incident that became a life-threatening crisis. Hailing from British filmmaker James Bluemel and his crew that delivered the award-winning "Once Upon a Time in Northern Ireland," "Once Upon a Time in Space" is a 4-part exploration of human spaceflight. Its weekly episodes trace pivotal events in spacefaring history via the personal experiences of astronauts, cosmonauts, and loved ones left on Earth from the birth of the Space Shuttle program to the blossoming of today’s commercial spaceflight industry. Latest Videos FromSpace View more Watch full video here: Watch On "James Bluemel is a very perceptive director, and he was different from others that have interviewed me," Foale tells Space. "What I loved about his method was he would dig up clips from our training or at different points when I was a brand new astronaut, looking really young and had a surfer boy haircut. He would dig up clips I don't know where from. And then he'd show it to you, and then he'd say, 'What do you think?'" Foale — a distinguished veteran of six space missions who retired in 2013 — takes us back to that day of May 25, 1997, when a manual docking maneuver caused an unmanned Progress cargo ship to collide with Mir, ripping a large hole in the Russian space station’s Spektr module. The crew’s valiant attempt to halt the pressure leak and save the station is like something straight out of a Hollywood thriller. With only 23 minutes of oxygen left, Foale and cosmonauts Vasily Tsibliev and Alexander ‘Sasha’ Lazutkin were able to repair the damage and stop the tumbling spacecraft from spinning wildly out of control. "The root cause of the accident was trying to save money," he explains. "And the root cause was an attempt to do a manual docking from a large distance longer than any cosmonaut or astronaut does a manual docking from and doing it without the radar.
This Week In Space podcast: Episode 220 — First on Mars
Pascal Lee and astrobiologist Dr. Penny Boston to mark the 50th anniversary of Viking 1's landing on Mars. This week, we cover how Starship Flight 13 finally prepares to launch amid a legal battle over SpaceX's proposed land swap at Starbase, plus a Chinese Long March 3B rocket gets struck , yet still delivers its satellite safely. Then, we revisit the Viking 1 mission's groundbreaking life-detection experiments and the decades-long controversy over what they actually found. The conversation traces Mars exploration from the earliest Mariner flybys through Viking's ambiguous, still-debated results — later explained — and the fierce scientific rivalry the findings sparked. Latest Videos FromSpace View more Watch full video here: Download or this show at: https://twit. tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit. tv/clubtwit Space news of the week SpaceX will now try to launch critical Starship Flight 13 test today after delays. Here's what to expect. 'The court has to intervene now': Indigenous groups and conservationists condemn SpaceX's South Texas land swap Lightning strike on Chinese rocket captured in epic launch photo ‘Triumph of Mariner 4’ Slice of History - 50 Years of Mariner 9 in Orbit Viking Lander Life on Mars detected ?... Viking lander biological experiments Model Falcon 9! TOP TELESCOPE PICK: ()Looking for a telescope to see planets and comets? We recommend the Celestron Astro Fi 102 as the top pick in our best beginner's telescope guide. Finally, did you know you can launch your own SpaceX rocket? Model rocket maker Estes' stunning scale model of a Falcon 9 rocket that you can pick up now. The launchable model is a detailed recreation of the Falcon 9 and retails for $149.99. You can save 10% -COLLECTSPACE at checkout, courtesy of our partners collectSPACE. com. About This Week In Space This Week in Space covers the new space age. Every Friday we take a deep dive into a fascinating topic. What's happening with the new race to the moon and other planets? When will SpaceX really send people to Mars? Join Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik from Space. com as they tackle those questions and more each week on Friday afternoons. You can subscribe today on your favorite podcatcher. Host of This Week In Space on TWiT Rod Pyle is an author, journalist, television producer and Editor-in-Chief of Ad Astra magazine. He has written 18 books on space history, exploration, and development, including Space 2.0, Innovation the NASA Way, Interplanetary Robots, Blueprint for a Battlestar, Amazing Stories of the Space Age, First On the Moon, and Destination Mars In a previous life, Rod produced numerous documentaries and short films for The History Channel, Discovery Communications, and Disney.
The Universe can outrun light without breaking Einstein’s rules
Date: July 25, 2026 Source: Universe Today Summary: Cosmic expansion allows distant galaxies to move away faster than light, while still letting us see ancient light they emitted when they were much closer. Eventually, accelerating expansion will push nearly every galaxy beyond our Local Group out of sight, making the Universe appear almost empty. Share: Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIN Email FULL STORY The expanding universe is slowly carrying nearly every distant galaxy beyond the reach of light and, eventually, beyond our view forever. Credit: NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center An expanding universe makes measuring distance more complicated because space does not remain fixed while light travels through it. Galaxies continue to emit light, but that light may spend billions of years crossing the cosmos before reaching us. During that journey, the universe keeps expanding, increasing the average separation between galaxies (yes, I know that sometimes galaxies can collide, but we're talking on average, at big scales here). This means that when a telescope captures the light from a distant galaxy, the image does not reveal where that galaxy is today. It shows the galaxy as it appeared when the light began its journey. To estimate its present distance, astronomers must use a cosmological model that accounts for how the universe has expanded over time. The leading model used today is called LCDM. It includes dark matter (different episode) and dark energy (different episode). The strengths and limitations of LCDM are worth discussing separately (different episode), but alternative models do not significantly change the overall picture described here. The Edge of the Observable Universe The universe is about 13.77 billion years old, but the most distant regions we can observe are now roughly 45 billion light-years away. Space expanded during the entire time that their light was traveling toward us. This boundary is known as the particle horizon, the cosmological horizon, or the comoving horizon, depending on how stylish you feel in the moment. It defines the outer edge of our observable bubble and marks the greatest distance we can see today. At first, the numbers seem contradictory. How can the observable universe extend 45 billion light years when the universe is only 13.77 billion years old? The answer is that the universe can expand faster than light. Why Faster Than Light Expansion Is Allowed This does not violate the laws of physics. The speed of light limits how quickly objects can move through space in a local region.
Environment
View All 10Europe wildfires: more than 300,000 flee homes and holiday accommodation as fires rage
Europe liveWildfires Europe wildfires: more than 300,000 flee homes and holiday accommodation as fires rage Fires displace people on massive scale and trigger one of the largest peacetime civilian evacuation operations ever carried out in France More than 250,000 people flee wildfires in France and Spain LIVE Updated 25m ago Wendy Frew Sun 06.49 BSTLast modified on Sun 07.09 BST Share Key events 24m ago Opening summary Residents and holiday makers in France and Spain have been evacuated as wildfires continue to burn, like here near the town of Lege-Cap-Ferret, in southwestern France. Photograph: Julien de Rosa/AFP/ View image in fullscreen Residents and holiday makers in France and Spain have been evacuated as wildfires continue to burn, like here near the town of Lege-Cap-Ferret, in southwestern France. Photograph: Julien de Rosa/AFP/ Key events 24m ago Opening summary Hello and welcome back to our rolling coverage of the wildfires spreading through parts of Spain and France. Thousands crowded into emergency shelters in France and Spain on Sunday after wildfires drove more than 300,000 people to flee their homes and holiday accommodation. The blazes have destroyed houses, displaced people on a massive scale and triggered one of the largest peacetime civilian evacuation operations ever carried out in France, with major fires still burning in both countries. One person was killed in eastern Spain and fresh evacuations were ordered around the French city of Bordeaux and the Spanish capital Madrid as authorities warned of another difficult night. Families slept on camp beds in exhibition halls and gymnasiums after fleeing walls of smoke and flames that swept through forests and tourist areas, leaving residents and holidaymakers uncertain if they would be able to return. According to the Gironde fire service in France, the blaze generated a rare “pyro cumulonimbus” cloud, creating its own winds and whirlwinds and making it “erratic and unmanageable”, said firefighter Capt. Spanish authorities meanwhile ordered new evacuations near Toledo, south-west of Madrid. Explore more on these topicsWildfires Europe live Europe Climate crisis France Spain (World news) Spain (Weather) Share Reuse this content Most viewed Most viewed
'It's like having an amusement park and not opening it' - algae closures take toll
Algal blooms can resurge during warm weather conditions As locals and visitors make the trip to Northern Ireland's lakes in search of summer sunshine, they are once again facing an unwelcome sight: blue-green algae. The toxic bacteria which can cause skin irritation and sickness in people and animals who come into contact with it, has become an unwelcome feature of recent summers. There are currently 247 algae blooms across Lough Neagh and Northern Ireland's water systems, according to the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, external. Eighty have been confirmed in June and July alone. The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Daera) said two of the areas affected are Camlough Lake near Newry and Craigavon Lakes. For one business owner based at Camlough Lake, the return of blue-green algae has had an immediate impact. Karl Toner, who owns a coffee cart on the shore as well as a nearby glamping site and paddleboard hire business, said visitor numbers have fallen sharply since the warning was issued on 13 July. "In the summertime this place really goes off, now the algae has just completely killed it," he said. Toner explained how warm weather would normally bring visitors from across Northern Ireland and beyond to the area, providing a trade boost. "On a good day, there would be hundreds of people here from the morning right through until midnight, swimming and enjoying the lake, but now the place is empty," he said. Karl Toner has been working in the area around Camlough Lake for over five years Toner said algae warnings in previous years meant visitor numbers suffered, but now the timing is particularly damaging for footfall during one of the best spells of summer weather. "When the weather gets good, the lake is closed. It's like having an amusement park and not opening it," he said. Warning signs have been erected close to Camlough Lake Newry, Mourne and Down District Council said it was notified 13 July of the presence of blue-green algae at Camlough Lake, and erected warning signs immediately to alert the public to the potential health risks. The council said it was carrying out regular visual monitoring of the lake and arranging toxin testing, adding that warning signs will remain in place until the required safety criteria under the protocol is met. A Daera spokesperson said that while there are "no quick fixes", restoring and protecting the ecological health of water bodies "is possible ".
More than 300,000 flee wildfires in France and Spain
Firefighters battle flames in Lège-Cap-Ferret, south-western France Firefighters are struggling to contain wildfires in south-west France as strong winds push flames towards the city of Bordeaux, with one official saying they "are far from having the fire under control." More than 300,000 people in France and Spain have fled fires which have been raging for days, as winds and high temperatures hamper efforts to contain them. In Spain, where a state of emergency has been declared, a change in weather conditions has helped firefighters outside Madrid. Spanish PM Pedro Sánchez admitted there were "complex times ahead". Meanwhile, authorities in València confirmed the death of a man in a fire. The man, believed to be in his 70s, was found dead in his car a fire in the Salt de l'Aigua ravine in Manises, according to local media reports. In France, a further 55,000 were ordered to evacuate late on Saturday, taking the total to around 250,000 people in south-western regions of Gironde and Landes regions. Firefighter Captain Nicolas Braz told AFP news agency that the fire had created "its own winds - complete with whirlwinds", adding it was "erratic and unmanageable". It is set to be another "difficult night," he said. France has mobilised its military to help with the response and extra reinforcements from the army have been sent to help firefighters . President Emmanuel Macron said France would "rebuild" and his government would "be there for as long as is needed". The wind blew smoke towards the city of Bordeaux on Saturday and people reported an acrid smell in the air. One tourist who fled an approaching wildfire near Bordeaux with his family described the scale of the blaze as "frightening". Spencer Randall told the BBC his family evacuated in the early hours of Saturday to an area 100 miles east, but they can "still smell the wildfires from here". "It's quite strong winds fanning the flames, just terrifying," he said. Shelters have been set up across the region to house evacuees A British couple holidaying in Bordeaux said they noticed the flames get worse on Friday night, as the fire approached. "At about seven o'clock you could smell smoke. We thought someone was having a barbecue," Maisie told BBC Newsbeat from their holiday rental. Her partner, Caleb, said the ash has now covered the pool in the house and turned their feet black when walking outside. The smoke "really hits your lungs right away", they added.
Evacuated villagers in Cairngorms allowed home after wildfire threat lifts
A firefighter tackling the major wildfire, which started in the Cairngorms on Wednesday 15 July. Photograph: RSPB Scotland/PA View image in fullscreen A firefighter tackling the major wildfire, which started in the Cairngorms on Wednesday 15 July. Photograph: RSPB Scotland/PA Evacuated villagers in Cairngorms allowed home after wildfire threat lifts Scottish first minister thanks Nethy Bridge residents and aid workers after earlier requesting UK military aid to fight 10-day fire Residents of Nethy Bridge have been told they can return to their homes after a large fire broke out in the Cairngorms national park. Supt Judy Hill of Police Scotland said: “Thanks to the efforts of fire crews, gamekeepers, contractors, partners and many others over the past 24 hours, there is no longer the immediate threat which prompted the evacuation of properties in Nethy Bridge. “We are grateful to the community for their support and understanding in what has been a period of concern and disruption.” Scotland’s first minister, John Swinney, welcomed the news, saying: “Efforts to tackle the wildfire in the Cairngorms are in their 10th day, and changeable weather conditions have presented a range of challenges for those on the ground. UK in ‘firewave’ as extreme heat provides ideal conditions for wildfires, experts warn Residents of Nethy Bridge were taken to a dedicated respite centre at the Macdonald Aviemore hotel. Access roads were closed amid fears the fire was heading for the village. Just before 11pm on Saturday residents were told they could return home. Swinney had said earlier in the day that changing wind conditions had “intensified the pace of spread of the wildfire, adding that the Scottish fire and rescue service (SFRS) was focusing its resources on creating a firebreak. View image in fullscreen Changing wind conditions have intensified the pace of spread of the wildfire. Photograph: SFRSView image in fullscreen More than 500 firefighters were mobilised over the course of the incident to deal with the blaze alongside specialist services. Photograph: SFRSThe wildfire, which broke out near the village of Glenmore on 15 July, led to residents and campsites being evacuated. It covered an area of about 6 sq km (2.3 sq miles) of heather and small trees at its height and its smoke drifted as far as Aberdeen, about 60 miles (97km) from where the fire started. Claire Montague, 65, a retired GP, and her family were evacuated from their home on Friday. She said: “We could smoke rising and when the wind changed direction we could flames – it was pretty scary and felt pretty close although it was still a few kilometres away. “We could see lots of smoke today when we popped back home, masses coming from a very large area.
Weather
View All 8Today: Light Rain Showers, Minimum Temperature: 13°C (55°F) Maximum Temperature: 19°C (66°F)
This video can not be played Today will be windy with plenty of cloud, one or two sunny breaks and a few light showers from the north-west. Moderate to fresh north-westerly winds. Tonight will continue similarly with brisk north-westerly winds, plenty of cloud and a few further well-scattered showers. One or two clear breaks will still develop at times. Winds will ease tomorrow morning which will start cloudy with local drizzle. Sunshine will break through for a time around midday, before further cloud and some light drizzle develop by evening. Outlook for Tuesday to Thursday A cloudy start both on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings with light rain and some fog possibly in spots. Thursday morning will start with some cloud and local fog before sunny spells and showers develop . Generally cool but warmer on Wednesday. Average wind speed 17 Miles per hour, Westerly17Average wind speed 27 Kilometres per hour, Westerly27 Humidity: Humidity: 94%,94% Visibility: Visibility: Moderate, Moderate Pressure: Pressure: 1002 millibars, Steady,1002mb, 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
Monday: Light Cloud, Minimum Temperature: 16°C (61°F) Maximum Temperature: 21°C (69°F)
This video can not be played Today will be windy with plenty of cloud, one or two sunny breaks and a few light showers from the north-west. Moderate to fresh north-westerly winds. Tonight will continue similarly with brisk north-westerly winds, plenty of cloud and a few further well-scattered showers. One or two clear breaks will still develop at times. Winds will ease tomorrow morning which will start cloudy with local drizzle. Sunshine will break through for a time around midday, before further cloud and some light drizzle develop by evening. Outlook for Tuesday to Thursday A cloudy start both on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings with light rain and some fog possibly in spots. Thursday morning will start with some cloud and local fog before sunny spells and showers develop . Generally cool but warmer on Wednesday. Average wind speed 17 Miles per hour, Westerly17Average wind speed 27 Kilometres per hour, Westerly27 Humidity: Humidity: 94%,94% Visibility: Visibility: Moderate, Moderate Pressure: Pressure: 1002 millibars, Steady,1002mb, 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
Severe Weather Forecast / Outlook for Europe – July 26th, 2026
Severe weather outlook – forecast across Europe. This forecast features areas of organized severe weather with risk levels and severe weather threats across the European continent. SEVERE WEATHER OUTLOOK Valid: 26/07/2026 06 UTC – 27/07/2026 06 UTC Issued by: Severe Weather Europe Forecaster: Marko Korošec SUMMARY A significant severe weather outbreak is forecast across the north-central Mediterranean and the Adriatic Sea region on Sunday. Strong instability and highly sheared environments combine for widespread thunderstorm activity with large to giant hail, severe winds, tornadoes, and flash flood potential. A large upper-level trough has established over northern Europe, with a strong blocking High over the Atlantic. Over the Mediterranean region, the secondary wave moves across Italy as the subtropical ridge to the south shifts further east. This wave results in a widespread severe weather outbreak for north-central Italy and a portion of the Adriatic Sea where volatile environmental conditions combine. Severe thunderstorms will support severe, damaging winds, large to very large (or even giant, 10+ cm) hail, a few tornadoes, and especially intense, excessive rainfall with a flooding threat. This outlook focuses on Sunday’s evolution, when a significant severe weather event is from the Ligurian Bay across the north-central Apennines into the Adriatic Sea as the upper wave emerges over the Alps towards the northern Mediterranean. Robust thunderstorms are expected from the early morning hours across northern Italy and intensify towards the Adriatic throughout the day. Above: Video animation of the convective storm’s development across the Mediterranean from Sunday morning through Monday morning, July 26th to 27th, 2026. For this reason, HIGH + MDT risks have been placed across portions of Italy and the Adriatic Sea, with highlighted areas where the most robust severe weather threat will develop on Sunday. The threat includes enhanced potential for severe damaging winds, flash floods, tornadoes, and very large to giant hail (6-10 cm or larger). SYNOPTIC OVERVIEW A deep upper-level low centered over northern Europe remains almost stationary on Sunday, locked in between two strong upper ridges over the North Atlantic and Russia. Further south, a secondary wave moves across central Europe towards the east. This will establish a typical volatile setup for the north Mediterranean region. At the surface, an extensive and deep low-pressure system is centered along western Norway, with a secondary low forming in the northern Mediterranean in response to the upper wave moving into the region aloft. This results in a frontal system entering Italy, with the cold front moving west to east across the Alps and northern Mediterranean into the Adriatic Sea and western Balkans on Sunday.
Hurricane Fausto moving toward Hawaiʻi, dangerous surf forecast
Sattellite image of Hurricane Fausto at UTC on July 25, 2026. Credit: NOAA/GOES-19, Zoom Earth, The Watchers Hurricane Fausto is forecast to affect the Hawaiian Islands with hazardous conditions beginning as early as July 27, with damaging winds and heavy rainfall possible as the cyclone approaches the state. The specific extent and location of hazardous impacts will become clearer over the next several days as forecast confidence improves. “There are no coastal watches or warnings in effect. Interests in the Hawaiian Islands should monitor the progress of Fausto,” the National Hurricane Center (NHC) reported. At HST ( UTC) on July 25, Hurricane Fausto was centered about 1950 km (1 210 miles) east of Hilo, Hawaiʻi. The system was moving west at 22 km/h (14 mph) with maximum sustained winds of 155 km/h (100 mph). The estimated minimum central pressure was 971 hPa. Hurricane-force winds extended up to 65 km (40 miles) from the center, while tropical-storm-force winds reached outward as far as 335 km (205 miles). Long-period swells generated -facing shores of the eastern Hawaiian Islands on July 26 before spreading westward overnight into July 27. Surf is forecast to continue building through July 28 as the hurricane moves closer to the state. The increasing swell is expected to produce life-threatening surf and dangerous rip currents along exposed east-facing coastlines. Residents and visitors are advised to follow guidance issued , as forecast details and potential impacts will continue to evolve over the coming days. References: 1 Hurricane Fausto Advisory Number 27 – NWS/NHC – July 25, 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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