Author: William Taylor – constantvpn.com

  • AI to help planes avoid climate-warming ‘sky graffiti’

    AI to help planes avoid climate-warming ‘sky graffiti’

    Artificial Intelligence Gets a £5 Million Mandate to Keep Aircraft Out of Climate-Harming Cloud Zones

    Constantvpn.com – Every time a jet crosses the upper atmosphere on a cold winter night, its engines exhale a plume of superheated gas that slams into frigid air and crystallises into a thin ribbon of ice. Most of those ribbons dissolve within minutes. But under the right combination of temperature and humidity, they linger, spread laterally, and become small, high-altitude clouds that trap outgoing infrared radiation. Scientists estimate that this “contrail warming” effect accounts for roughly one-third of the total climate footprint of commercial aviation — a figure that, while uncertain in its exact magnitude, places the phenomenon firmly in the category of a major atmospheric problem.

    Now a thirty-month programme called Operation Blue Skies will put machine-learning forecasting to work against that problem. Funded at a total of £5 million, the trial will test whether predictive algorithms can identify, hours before a flight departs, the pockets of atmosphere where persistent, heat-trapping contrails are most likely to nucleate — and then nudge aircraft away from those pockets through modest altitude adjustments.

    Where and When the Trial Will Run

    The designated test zone is the Shanwick Oceanic airspace, a sector in the eastern half of the North Atlantic corridor that carries a heavy share of intercontinental traffic. Researchers estimate this single region is responsible for approximately five percent of all global contrail warming, making it a high-impact but manageable sandbox for experimentation. Testing will be confined to selected evenings and nights across the winters of 2026–27 and 2027–28, periods when traffic density drops and the atmospheric conditions favour long-lived contrail formation. Roughly ten thousand flights are projected to transit the airspace during the trial windows, though only a small fraction will require an altitude deviation specifically to dodge a predicted contrail zone.

    The Technology Behind the Avoidance

    Google will supply the core predictive engine. The system ingests satellite imagery of past contrail events alongside historical flight-path data to build a statistical map of where persistent trails have historically formed. That map is then fused with real-time and forecast meteorological fields — temperature, humidity, wind shear — to generate a forward-looking probability surface of contrail nucleation. The output is handed to National Air Traffic Services (NATS), whose controllers can issue standard altitude-clearance instructions to pilots, shifting an aircraft up or down by approximately two thousand feet to place it outside the predicted formation zone.

    The manoeuvre is deliberately unremarkable. Altitude changes of that magnitude already occur routinely to sidestep turbulence, icing, or convective weather, so passengers are unlikely to perceive any difference in cabin experience. Ian Jopson, director of sustainability at NATS, framed the operational impact plainly:

    “Pretty much business as usual using existing procedures for the operators on the North Atlantic.”

    Who Is Pulling the Strings

    The consortium behind Operation Blue Skies spans public and private sectors. The Department for Transport is contributing £2.65 million, while Google is putting in £1.4 million through AI research, engineering staff, and computing infrastructure. The Met Office provides atmospheric data and modelling expertise, and academic partners at the University of Cambridge and Imperial College London supply the climate-science underpinning. Aviation Minister Keir Mather described the initiative as a test of “small tweaks to flight paths over the Atlantic” that could help make flying cleaner, adding:

    “This is a world-first, and it’s British ingenuity leading the way.”

    The Fuel-and-Carbon Arithmetic

    Any altitude deviation burns a little extra jet fuel, which raises an obvious objection: could the carbon cost of the manoeuvre simply offset the warming benefit of avoiding the contrail? Dr Paul Hodgson, Google’s technical lead for the operation, pointed to earlier airline-level trials in which the additional CO₂ penalty was measured at well under one percent of the flight’s total emissions — a figure dwarfed by the contrail warming that would have been created had the aircraft stayed on its original track. Modelling specific to Operation Blue Skies suggests a full deviation through the Shanwick sector would add around one hundred kilograms of fuel per affected aircraft, a marginal increment against the radiative forcing of a persistent cirrus cloud.

    Previous trials at the airline level have already demonstrated reductions of sixty to seventy percent in either contrail formation frequency or contrail warming magnitude when pilots follow avoidance guidance. Operation Blue Skies aims to validate those results at scale, in a live operational environment, with the added layer of real-time AI forecasting rather than pre-computed static zones.

    Why the Timing Matters

    The trial lands at a moment of heightened tension between aviation growth and climate targets. The UK government is simultaneously backing expansion of several major airports, and global passenger demand continues to climb. Separately, the same technology sector that is supplying the predictive algorithms is pouring billions into new data-centre construction — vast, power-hungry installations whose own carbon footprints draw scrutiny from environmental groups. Whether a modest altitude nudge, guided by a neural network, can meaningfully dent the climate impact of a growing aviation sector remains an open question. What Operation Blue Skies will establish, at minimum, is whether the forecasting accuracy is sufficient to make the nudge reliable enough for routine operational use — and whether the net climate arithmetic, once all variables are accounted for, genuinely favours avoidance over inaction.

    Dr Hodgson offered a lighter note amid the technical detail, recalling how his five-year-old daughter labels the white streaks overhead:

    “Sky graffiti.”

    He acknowledged uncertainty around the precise share of aviation warming attributable to contrails but insisted the scientific community is confident the effect is “either quite a large problem or a very large problem.” Either way, the next two winters over the North Atlantic will provide the first large-scale, operationally integrated test of whether artificial intelligence can help erase that graffiti before it is written.

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    What is AI to help planes avoid climate?

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  • Wetherspoons bans customers playing music from phones in pubs

    Wetherspoons bans customers playing music from phones in pubs

    Wetherspoons Cracks Down on Phone Noise Across Its 792 UK Pubs

    Constantvpn.com – The clatter of cutlery, the murmur of conversation, the clink of glasses — these have long defined the soundscape of a British pub. Now one of the country’s largest pub operators has moved to silence another layer of that soundscape entirely. Wetherspoons, which operates 792 pubs and bars across the United Kingdom, has formally prohibited customers from playing music aloud from their phones or tablets, and from conducting phone calls on speakerphone. The chain cited a steady rise in complaints as the catalyst, describing the ambient noise from personal devices as a growing irritant that was driving patrons “nuts.”

    Under the new rule, guests are expected to set their devices to silent mode or fit earphones before settling into a booth. The policy extends beyond the traditional pub floor: Wetherspoons confirmed it also applies to its 44 Lloyds’ bars, where music is played in the evening. The company framed the measure as a courtesy rather than a punishment, asking phone users to “pipe down” so that no one would be “driven chicken jalfrezi by a cacophony of sound,” in the words of chief executive Sir Tim Martin.

    Enforcement: Common Sense Over Confrontation

    How the rule will actually be policed in practice remains deliberately flexible. Wetherspoons told staff they should apply “common sense” when dealing with non-compliant customers. The company stressed that managers are not expected to eject anyone simply for ignoring the guideline, though it acknowledged that removal remains an available option if a patron flatly refuses to comply after being asked.

    “We are not looking to ask anyone to leave a pub if they go against the we ruling, but it is an option for managers if they refuse to do so.”

    The British Beer and Pub Association, the trade body representing Wetherspoons alongside several other pub groups, endorsed the move. The association argued that codifying expectations in writing gives floor staff a clear reference point and gives customers an unambiguous understanding of acceptable behaviour.

    “Having a clear policy helps staff enforce rules and customers know what they can and can’t do.”

    The group went further, suggesting the cultural appetite for quiet drinking spaces is near-universal:

    “We’re yet to hear of anyone who relishes having a pint against the backdrop of a speakerphone call or someone loudly playing a video, so we expect this move will be greatly welcomed.”

    What the Data Says About Phone Noise

    The decision lands amid a body of survey evidence showing that most Britons find unamplified phone audio in shared spaces irritating. A Transport for London poll of 1,000 respondents conducted last year found that 70 percent considered loud music or phone calls made without headphones to be a nuisance in public settings.

    Yet the picture is not monolithic. An Ofcom survey of 1,010 people carried out in August 2022 revealed a pronounced generational divide. Among 13- to 17-year-olds questioned, 69 percent deemed it acceptable to make video calls without earphones, 73 percent considered listening to music headphone-free perfectly fine, and 83 percent saw no problem with watching videos at full volume. For younger generations, the boundary between private and public audio appears considerably more porous than for older drinkers.

    A Precedent Already in Place: Sam Smiths

    Wetherspoons is not the first major chain to draw a hard line around technology in the pub. Rival operator Sam Smiths has maintained a far stricter, longstanding prohibition: no phones, no tablets, no tech of any kind, and no swearing, anywhere on its premises. Mark Evans, who manages the Black Horse Inn, a Sam Smiths pub in Bradford, described the effect to the BBC as a kind of “digital detox.”

    “Even strangers in for the first time, within 10 or 15 minutes, they’re joining in a conversation with other people.”

    Evans acknowledged that the policy occasionally produces friction. Some first-time visitors simply turn and walk out, which he accepted as their right. He also conceded a small irony: customers are permitted to settle their tab via mobile payment, even though every other use of a phone is forbidden.

    “We do have an element of hypocrisy though, because people are allowed to pay by their phones.”

    Wetherspoons’ Broader Trajectory

    The phone-noise ban arrives at a moment when the chain is navigating significant commercial headwinds. Its estate has contracted steadily over the past decade, falling from a peak of 955 venues in late 2015 to the current 792. The intervening years brought the disruption of the Covid-19 pandemic and a sharp inflationary squeeze on operating costs.

    Last month the company informed investors that annual profit would come in below expectations, citing elevated expenditure on food, labour, repairs, energy, and business rates. In that context, the quiet-pub policy can be read not merely as a customer-comfort gesture but as a small differentiator in a market where patrons are increasingly selective about where they spend their evening.

    Wetherspoons pubs have never played background music on the floor, a choice Sir Tim Martin has previously characterised as creating “an oasis of tranquillity and contemplation… in a world dominated by other people’s music and amplified sound.” The new device rule simply extends that philosophy from the house’s own sound system to the sound systems in every customer’s pocket.

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  • IVF staff accused of misleading UK parents about sperm and egg donors in northern Cyprus

    IVF staff accused of misleading UK parents about sperm and egg donors in northern Cyprus

    Wrong Donors, Broken Trust: How a Northern Cyprus IVF Clinic May Have Misled Dozens of British Families

    Constantvpn.com – At least thirty children — the vast majority of them British — are believed to have been conceived through in-vitro fertilisation procedures in northern Cyprus using sperm or egg donors that were never the ones their parents had chosen. The revelation, emerging from a sustained investigative inquiry into fertility-tourism practices on the island, points to a pattern of alleged deception spanning more than a decade of treatments.

    Every parent involved in the latest wave of disclosures says they made careful, informed selections of anonymous donors, weighing factors such as medical background, physical appearance, personality traits, educational attainment, and personal interests. Yet now they face the unsettling possibility that the genetic material used to create their children came from entirely different individuals.

    The Clinic at the Centre of the Storm

    Half of the thirty affected children were born following procedures carried out at a single facility: the Dogus IVF Centre. Three individuals — Dr Firdevs Uguz Tip, Dr Sevket Alpturk, and patient co-ordinator Julie Hodson — were directly involved in the care of many of these patients at that clinic. Families now suspect these staff members may have deliberately steered them away from their chosen donors.

    Dr Firdevs has denied any wrongdoing. Neither Dr Alpturk nor Ms Hodson has responded to questions seeking comment on the allegations.

    A Pattern of Genetic Mismatch

    Eleven of the thirty children have since undergone commercial DNA ancestry testing. The results indicate inherited genetic markers traceable to Turkey or neighbouring countries — a finding inconsistent with the Western European donors their parents had specifically requested. The majority of those who took the tests were conceived through IVF procedures at Dogus between 2012 and 2024.

    The implications extend beyond a single clinic. Families are left grappling with fundamental questions: Who are their children’s true biological donors? What medical histories attach to those unknown individuals? For donor-conceived people, answers to such questions are not merely academic — they carry lifelong health and identity significance.

    “These reports are deeply troubling,” said Laura Bridgens, founder of the charity Donor Conceived UK. “It’s a fundamental human right for a donor-conceived person to know the truth about their origins.”

    One Mother’s Long Road to Answers

    Rachel, who was thirty-nine when she sought treatment in 2012, chose Dogus partly because of a “helpful and friendly” patient co-ordinator named Julie Hodson, whose stated role was to serve as the liaison between Rachel and Dr Firdevs Uguz Tip — known professionally as Dr Firdevs — who was to carry out her procedures. Rachel needed a sperm donor so that her eggs could be fertilised in a laboratory, producing an embryo for implantation into her uterus. The complete IVF package carried a price tag of roughly €4,000 (approximately £3,200 at the time), markedly cheaper than comparable treatment available in the United Kingdom, and included donor sperm sourced from what was presented as the world’s largest sperm bank.

    For years, Rachel quietly questioned whether the clinic had substituted a different donor without her knowledge. After reading an earlier investigative report that first surfaced the scandal in March of this year, she and her thirteen-year-old donor-conceived son, Jonah, decided to pursue commercial DNA testing. The results confirmed her long-held suspicions.

    “I used to think the clinic had made a one-off mistake,” Rachel said. But now, after learning that more families were coming forward with similar accounts, she added: “it feels like this is something much bigger and more deceitful.”

    A Regulatory Vacuum on the Island

    Northern Cyprus occupies a peculiar legal position. It is a territory where European Union legislation does not apply and which is recognised as a sovereign state only by Turkey. Clinics operating there face comparatively loose regulatory oversight while marketing themselves to international patients with promises of low prices, high success rates, and an extensive menu of donor options. For British couples seeking fertility treatment abroad, the Turkish-occupied territory has become one of the most frequently chosen destinations.

    In response to the initial allegations, the territory’s Ministry of Health announced that it had opened an official investigation. However, the ministry has not responded to repeated requests for updates or findings on the progress of that inquiry.

    The UK’s Foreign Office has, in recent days, updated its travel advice to warn that fertility treatment in northern Cyprus “carries risks” owing to the absence of robust regulation, and it encourages prospective patients to conduct thorough independent research before travelling.

    The Blacklist Signal

    Adding weight to the concerns, Cryos International — the world’s largest sperm bank — has maintained a blacklist on the Dogus clinic since 2016. The fact that the very institution from which donors were purportedly sourced had, for years, excluded the clinic from its supply network raises pointed questions about how donor material reached patients in the first place, and whether the provenance information presented to families was accurate.

    What Comes Next

    For the families now caught up in this unfolding story, the practical and emotional fallout is considerable. Children conceived under uncertain donor circumstances may face gaps in their medical records, unknown hereditary risk factors, and a fractured sense of origin. The broader question — whether the pattern extends beyond Dogus to other clinics in the territory, and whether regulatory authorities will ultimately hold anyone accountable — remains unanswered.

    Parents who believe they have been affected by donor-substitution issues in northern Cyprus are encouraged to seek independent genetic testing and to document their treatment histories while records remain accessible. Until formal findings emerge from the territory’s health ministry, the burden of verification falls largely on the families themselves.

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  • Emergency phone alert put domestic abuse victims at risk, campaigners say

    Emergency phone alert put domestic abuse victims at risk, campaigners say

    Wildfire Emergency Alert Sparks Alarm Over Hidden Phones Used by Abuse Survivors

    Constantvpn.com – At 19:00 BST on a Friday evening, millions of mobile phones across England and Wales erupted with a shrill notification. The message carried the label “severe alert” and warned of a “very high risk of wildfires nationally,” urging residents to avoid disposable barbecues, open flames, and fireworks. For most recipients, the blaring sound was an unexpected interruption to the evening. For survivors of domestic abuse who rely on concealed second phones to contact support services or plan an escape, the sudden noise carried a far more dangerous implication: it could reveal the very device meant to keep them hidden from an abuser.

    The Hidden Phone Problem

    In households where domestic violence is present, many victims keep a small, inexpensive mobile phone tucked away — in a drawer, a bag, a coat pocket — specifically so they can reach out to friends, helplines, or professionals without their partner noticing. The entire purpose of that secret device is silence and invisibility. When a government-wide emergency notification forces every phone in the home to ring simultaneously, that invisibility vanishes in an instant.

    Padua Eaton, 29, a domestic abuse survivor who founded the peer-support group The Harborough Doves, described the moment the alert struck her own phone.

    “My first thought was anxiety at the alarm — many people in domestic abuse relationships have a secret second phone in order to keep communication with friends or professionals and this alarm would have alerted abusers immediately.”

    Eaton argued that the government’s communication around the alert was inadequate. A Cabinet Office press release appeared on the department’s website at roughly 18:45, fifteen minutes before the notification went out. Much of the media missed the release entirely, leaving the general public with no advance notice.

    “The government should have been more upfront about the alarm — telling the press 15 minutes before it went off is poor planning in my opinion. Other measures should have been put in place to inform people without resorting to the alarm at such short notice.”

    She went further, urging ministers to explore silent or vibration-only notification modes for future alerts. Her warning was pointed: if such alarms become a regular feature of daily life, victims may stop feeling safe keeping a second phone at all, deepening their isolation.

    Charities Call for Advance Warning and Consultation

    Women’s Aid, the national charity dedicated to ending domestic abuse, issued a formal call for the government to provide forewarning of alerts wherever operationally possible. Veronica Oakeshott, the charity’s head of external affairs, explained the stakes.

    “Survivors of domestic abuse frequently turn to second phones to help them access lifesaving support or flee from abuse.”

    She stressed that keeping those devices concealed is not a preference but a safety requirement, and added:

    “We would urge the government to forewarn the public that alerts might be issued, when possible.”

    Maggie Evans, director of frontline services at the abuse prevention charity Hourglass, echoed the concern and broadened it. She said there had been “no meaningful advance warning to frontline domestic abuse charities” and “no targeted safety guidance for victims” ahead of the Friday notification.

    “Domestic abuse victims should never be put at risk by the very systems meant to keep us all safe.”

    Evans called on ministers to consult organisations that support the most vulnerable populations before deploying future alerts, arguing that “effective public safety must always be built on proper safeguarding.”

    Government Response

    A government spokesperson confirmed the alert was dispatched “after a direct request from fire and rescue services” and stated the department was working closely with domestic abuse charities on future system tests. The spokesperson noted that on Friday alone, crews were tackling 43 wildfires across the country and had declared 11 major incidents, stretching emergency resources to their limits.

    Prime Minister Andy Burnham publicly urged the public to take the wildfire warning “seriously,” framing the alert as a necessary response to an escalating summer fire season.

    The Wildfire Context

    The alert followed a particularly severe stretch of summer fires. On Thursday, a blaze in Stourbridge, West Midlands, destroyed 19 homes, forcing residents to flee their neighbourhood. By Friday, crews were responding to dozens of incidents simultaneously across England and Wales. Senior government figures had reportedly been debating whether to trigger the national alert as early as Friday morning, weighing the operational picture against the potential public disruption.

    Was the Alert Necessary?

    Not everyone agreed the threshold had been met. Julian Jessop, a fellow at the Institute of Economic Affairs, told BBC Radio 4’s Broadcasting House on Sunday that he believed the “very high” bar for issuing a severe alert “hasn’t been reached — I don’t think there’s an immediate risk to life everywhere.”

    Frazer Rhodes, one of the architects of the UK’s emergency alert system, acknowledged the episode “really has divided opinion” and argued the government should publish clear criteria explaining when the system will and will not be activated, so the public can understand the decision-making behind each notification.

    Broader Implications

    The Friday alert marked the largest single deployment of the UK’s emergency notification system to date. Its scale made the domestic-abuse vulnerability visible in a way that smaller, targeted tests had not. For millions of households, the question now is not whether emergency alerts are needed — the wildfire season made that clear — but how the system can be calibrated so that protecting the public from fire does not inadvertently expose the most vulnerable members of that public to a different kind of danger. The debate over silent notifications, advance warnings, and published trigger criteria is likely to continue as the government refines its approach to future alerts.

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  • Trump says US to scale back military drills with South Korea after it stayed out of Iran war

    Trump says US to scale back military drills with South Korea after it stayed out of Iran war

    Trump Says US to Scale Back Korea Drills

    Constantvpn.com – Trump says US to scale back its annual joint military exercises with South Korea, a decision announced via Truth Social on a Sunday just hours before the two nations were set to launch their yearly training cycle. President Donald Trump tied the move to two grievances: his claimed “very good relationship” with Kim Jong Un, and what he framed as Seoul’s refusal to join American operations against Iran. The timing left virtually no window for diplomatic recalibration before the drills were already underway.

    The Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise — an 11-day combined operation drawing roughly 18,000 South Korean troops — was scheduled to begin the following Monday. Trump acknowledged the logistical reality, writing that it was “too late to cancel” at that point, yet his language made clear he intended the coming weeks to mark a structural break in how the two militaries operate together.

    “These exercises are not only costly, with much of these costs paid for for the United States of America (as usual!), but send a signal that is totally inappropriate and hostile.”

    Seoul’s Cautious Response and Pyongyang’s Silence

    South Korea’s government confirmed the drills would proceed “as scheduled,” a formulation that accepted the immediate reality while quietly rejecting the premise that the exercises needed curtailment. No further elaboration accompanied the statement, and the tone suggested a government managing domestic expectations while avoiding a public confrontation with its principal security guarantor.

    North Korea had not issued any comment on the announcement as of the time of writing. That silence came against a backdrop of heightened military activity: Pyongyang had carried out ballistic missile tests earlier in the month, actions that violate United Nations resolutions governing its nuclear programme. Within days, South Korea, the United States, and Japan detected a second such launch, underscoring how rapidly the northern regime continues to expand its missile capabilities.

    The Iran Factor and Broader Allied Friction

    Underlying the exercise dispute was a deeper question about burden-sharing in America’s current conflict with Iran. Trump made explicit that he had asked South Korea’s president whether Seoul wished to join what he called the “Denuclearization of the Islamic Republic of Iran,” and that the answer was a flat refusal.

    “While somewhat unrelated (?), I recently asked the President of South Korea if they would like to join us in the Denuclearization of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and they said, ‘No thanks!’”

    The parenthetical question mark and the quoted “No thanks!” carried an unmistakable tone of personal slight. The post appeared designed not merely to explain a military decision but to register displeasure with Seoul for withholding direct military or logistical support in the Iran campaign. That frustration extended beyond Korea: in recent weeks the president had voiced similar irritation toward Japan, France, and the United Kingdom over what he characterised as their hesitance to commit resources to the conflict.

    What the Exercises Actually Involve

    Ulchi Freedom Shield is the largest combined training event on the peninsula, drawing tens of thousands of personnel from both sides. Senior US and South Korean military leaders held a joint press conference the prior week confirming that the upcoming iteration would be comparable in scale to prior editions. They also addressed a specific operational concern: North Korea’s deployment of troops to support Russia’s war in Ukraine. US military spokesperson Ryan Donald stated that “our training accounts for that threat,” referring to the prospect of experienced North Korean soldiers returning to the peninsula with combat experience gained on the Eastern European front.

    Approximately 28,500 American service members remain stationed across South Korea, making the peninsula one of the largest peacetime US military footprints outside the continental United States. Any perceived reduction in joint readiness therefore carries implications well beyond the two Koreas, touching on deterrence calculations across the broader Indo-Pacific.

    FAQ

    Will the Ulchi Freedom Shield drills actually be cancelled?

    No. Trump acknowledged it was “too late to cancel” the current iteration, and South Korea confirmed the exercises would proceed as scheduled. However, his language signalled intent to substantially reduce the scale and frequency of future joint exercises.

    Why did Trump link the exercise decision to the Iran conflict?

    Trump stated he had asked South Korea’s president to join US operations aimed at the “Denuclearization of the Islamic Republic of Iran” and was told “No thanks.” He framed the exercise reduction partly as a response to that refusal, alongside his stated desire to avoid sending a “hostile” signal to North Korea.

    How many US troops are stationed in South Korea?

    Roughly 28,500 American service members are based across South Korea, making it one of the largest peacetime US military deployments outside the continental United States. Any shift in joint training posture therefore has implications for deterrence across the wider Indo-Pacific region.

  • Bangladesh thrash Australia for historic win

    Bangladesh thrash Australia for historic win

    Constantvpn.com – Hasan Mahmud (right) was named player of the match after taking nine wickets in the opening Test First Test, Darwin (day four of five) Australia 198: (Smith 71; Mahmud 6-55) & 284 (Green 104; Miraz 5-66) Bangladesh 426: (Tanzid 101, Shanto 84, Miraz 65; Hazlewood 6-89) & 57-1 (Mominul 30*) Bangladesh win by nine wickets Scorecard Bangladesh thrashed Australia by nine wickets on the fourth day of the series-opener in Darwin to complete one of Test cricket's greatest upsets. After bowling the hosts out for 284 and needing 57 to win, Mominul Haque cut Beau Webster to the boundary for the winning runs to seal the nation's first Test victory in Australia. The moment sparked jubilation among Bangladesh players and staff as they celebrated arguably their greatest victory in 26 years of competing in Test cricket.

    Australia are the top-ranked Test nation while Bangladesh haven't played a series under the five-day format in the country since a 2-0 defeat in 2003. The visitors were on top of the match throughout, but it was spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz who took the spotlight on day four as he took 5-66 to dismiss Australia for 284, leaving just 57 runs needed to win. All-rounder Cameron Green showed fight with a valiant 104 but after being bowled by Hasan Mahmud, Australia's faint hopes of saving the Test all but disappeared.

    Seamer Mahmud was named player of the match after claiming 6-55 in the first innings and 3-56 in the second. "This is the biggest win so far for Bangladesh in any format," captain Najmul Hossain Shanto said. "Going forward we want to do something special in the future.

    I'm very happy, proud of myself and the way the boys played. We did a lot of hard work." Speaking on ABC, commentator Jim Maxwell described the result as one of the most "embarrassing defeats that Australia have ever suffered in Test cricket". History for Bangladesh as they beat Australia in Darwin Miraz's second innings performance followed a gritty 65 with the bat on day three that helped Bangladesh into a healthy first innings lead, before he dismissed talisman Steve Smith in Australia's second innings to set up victory.

    The spinner continued his form on day four as he had wicketkeeper Alex Carey caught behind for 30 before bowling all-rounder Webster for five with a pair of sumptuous deliveries to bring Australia's tail into play. The 28-year-old then had Australia captain Pat Cummins caught in close for eight, before a defiant 43-run eighth-wicket partnership between Green and Mitchell Starc was ended when Taskin Ahmed had the latter caught behind for 18. Green dug in for his third Test century in his home country in a timely knock amid criticism of his place in the side, but after being dismissed by Mahmud, Miraz removed Nathan Lyon to leave Bangladesh in touching distance of victory.

    Despite losing opener Tanzid Hasan Tamim for a duck to Josh Hazlewood in the second over, Mominul's unbeaten 30 and Shadman Islam's 25 sealed the resounding win. "They outplayed us in all facets, they were patient and disciplined," said Cummins. "I thought our prep was spot-on, no excuses." Australia's only previous Test defeat by Bangladesh was at Mirpur in 2017.

    The match was the first of a two-Test series, with the second beginning on 22 August (01:00 BST), which you can follow with live commentary on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra. Australia v Bangladesh 22-26 August Soaring heat, falling crowds – The Hundred's peculiar summer 'Pressure will follow him' – Rocky Flintoff faces up to tests ahead Notifications, social media and more with BBC Sport

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  • Why is Selena Gomez being sued?

    Why is Selena Gomez being sued?

    Legal Action Against Selena Gomez’s Mental Health Venture Raises Questions About Company Management

    Constantvpn.com – A legal dispute has emerged involving one of Hollywood’s most prominent figures, as five investors have filed a lawsuit against Selena Gomez and her mental health organization. The legal action centers on allegations that the pop star and actress failed to properly fulfill her responsibilities in managing Wondermind Global, the company she helped establish alongside her mother half a decade ago.

    Understanding the Lawsuit Claims

    The investors are seeking to recover approximately $1.2 million in funds they contributed to the venture, along with additional costs and damages. According to the legal filing, Gomez’s “abject dereliction of duties” has allegedly left the organization in what they describe as a “state of financial difficulty.” This characterization suggests that the investors believe the company’s monetary position has deteriorated significantly due to management failures.

    “The investors are claiming her ‘abject dereliction of duties’ has left the company in a ‘state of financial difficulty’.”

    Wondermind Global: Background and Mission

    Wondermind Global represents an ambitious effort to address mental health challenges through accessible resources and support systems. The company was established with the goal of providing tools and platforms that help individuals navigate psychological difficulties. By combining technology with professional expertise, the organization aims to make mental health resources more widely available to diverse populations.

    The venture has attracted various investors who believed in its potential to create meaningful impact in the mental health sector. These financial supporters contributed capital with the expectation that the company would grow and deliver on its mission. The current lawsuit suggests that some of these stakeholders feel their investment has not been managed as effectively as they anticipated.

    Selena Gomez’s Role in the Organization

    As a co-founder alongside her mother, Gomez has played a central role in shaping Wondermind Global’s direction and public presence. Her involvement extends beyond financial investment, encompassing her personal advocacy for mental health awareness. The actress and singer has been increasingly vocal about psychological wellness in recent years, making her connection to the company both professional and personal.

    The lawsuit does not necessarily question Gomez’s commitment to mental health causes but rather focuses on her management responsibilities within the corporate structure. Investors are alleging that specific duties related to the company’s operations and financial stewardship have not been adequately performed.

    Financial Implications and Recovery Efforts

    The $1.2 million figure represents the core amount the investors believe they are entitled to recover. This sum reflects their original investment contributions to the company. Beyond this principal amount, the legal action also seeks to cover additional costs associated with the lawsuit itself, as well as damages that may have resulted from the alleged mismanagement.

    The currency conversion noted in the original filing indicates the amount equals approximately £890,000, reflecting the international nature of the investment and the potential for proceedings to have cross-border implications. This financial dimension underscores the seriousness with which the investors are approaching their claims.

    What Happens Next?

    Representatives for both Wondermind Global and Selena Gomez have been contacted regarding the legal action. Their responses will provide further clarity on how the company plans to address these allegations and what steps may be taken to resolve the dispute. The outcome of this case could have implications not only for the individuals involved but also for the future trajectory of Wondermind Global as an organization.

    Legal proceedings of this nature typically involve discovery, potential settlement negotiations, and possibly a trial if the parties cannot reach an agreement. The timeline for resolution will depend on various factors including court schedules, the complexity of the claims, and the willingness of both sides to compromise.

    Broader Context for Mental Health Ventures

    The emergence of this lawsuit occurs against a backdrop of growing interest in mental health initiatives led by public figures. Celebrity-founded organizations have become increasingly common, with many leveraging their platforms to raise awareness and fund research. However, these ventures also face heightened scrutiny, as investors and the public alike expect transparency and effective management.

    The allegations in this case highlight the challenges that can arise when high-profile individuals balance multiple responsibilities. Managing a company while maintaining a public career requires significant attention to detail and consistent oversight. The investors’ claims suggest that something may have fallen through the cracks in this process.

    As the legal matter unfolds, all parties involved will likely face questions about governance, accountability, and the future direction of Wondermind Global. The resolution of this dispute could serve as a case study for other celebrity-backed ventures navigating similar challenges in the mental health sector.

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  • Weekend to bring significant drop in temperatures as heatwave ends

    Weekend to bring significant drop in temperatures as heatwave ends

    UK Braces for Sharp Temperature Decline as Record-Breaking Heatwave Concludes

    Constantvpn.com – The United Kingdom is preparing for a dramatic shift in weather patterns as the fifth major heatwave of 2026 draws to a close. After Thursday delivered the warmest conditions recorded this year, residents across the nation can expect noticeably cooler temperatures throughout Saturday and Sunday. Meteorologists predict a substantial drop of ten to fifteen degrees Celsius by the weekend’s conclusion, returning temperatures to levels much closer to the seasonal norm for mid-August.

    This significant cooling trend arrives alongside a change in atmospheric circulation that will also increase the likelihood of rainfall. Areas currently experiencing drought conditions may finally receive some relief as the weather system brings moisture-laden air across the country. The transition represents a welcome reprieve for many communities that have endured weeks of intense heat across various regions.

    Breaking Records and Setting New Benchmarks

    The current heatwave has already made history in multiple ways. Friday marked the thirty-ninth day of 2026 in which at least one location within the UK recorded temperatures reaching thirty degrees Celsius or above. This achievement shattered the previous national record of thirty such days, which had stood since 1995. The milestone underscores how dramatically the nation’s climate patterns have shifted over recent decades.

    Additionally, Friday represented only the ninth occasion since systematic temperature records began where readings of thirty-seven degrees Celsius or higher were documented. Remarkably, three of those extreme temperature events have occurred within 2026 alone, providing compelling evidence that the country’s climate is undergoing rapid transformation. The thirty-eight point one degree Celsius reading captured at Kew Gardens stands as one of the highest temperatures ever recorded in the capital.

    Widespread Impact on Daily Life

    The consequences of this prolonged heat have rippled through nearly every aspect of British society. Emergency services have responded to numerous wildfires across multiple counties, while transportation networks have experienced significant delays due to track buckling and infrastructure stress. Healthcare facilities have reported an increase in heat-related fatalities, particularly among elderly residents and vulnerable populations. The upcoming cooldown has been greeted with relief by many citizens who have struggled with the sustained high temperatures.

    The cooling mechanism driving this change involves a cold front progressing south-eastward through Friday and into Friday night. This atmospheric boundary is introducing winds from a cooler north-westerly direction while simultaneously generating scattered showers across various regions. The combination of lower temperatures and increased cloud cover is expected to provide substantial relief from the oppressive heat that has characterized recent weeks.

    Regional Variations and Future Outlook

    While most of the country will experience significant cooling, some localized variations are expected. South-east England may still see temperatures approaching the heatwave threshold of twenty-seven to twenty-eight degrees Celsius on Saturday. However, many other areas will be ten to thirteen degrees Celsius cooler than Thursday’s peak readings. Most of the UK, excluding the south-east, should experience maximum temperatures between sixteen and twenty-four degrees Celsius—values that represent typical mid-August conditions but may feel comparatively cool given the exceptional heat experienced earlier in the summer.

    Weather conditions are expected to remain predominantly dry with intermittent sunny periods, though north-west Scotland and East Anglia could experience additional showers. Most meteorological models indicate that this cooler, more variable weather pattern will persist through the remainder of August. Some forecasts even suggest the potential arrival of more substantial rain-bearing low-pressure systems tracking closer to British shores.

    While warmer intervals cannot be entirely dismissed, particularly in southern regions, the likelihood of another major heatwave developing this month appears limited. The meteorological summer officially concludes at the end of August, though September heat episodes remain entirely normal for the UK. Health officials have emphasized the importance of preparing for extreme weather events with the same systematic approach used for winter challenges, recognizing that climate variability will continue to increase in coming years.

    The NHS must plan for heatwaves like it does for winter, according to the health secretary, as the frequency and intensity of extreme temperature events continues to rise across the nation.

    Residents can track ongoing weather developments through monthly outlook updates, which provide detailed projections for the coming weeks. The combination of record-breaking temperatures, increased rainfall potential, and shifting atmospheric patterns suggests that 2026 may ultimately be confirmed as the hottest summer on record for the United Kingdom, according to Met Office analysis. Experts continue to monitor how these changing conditions affect wildlife populations, agricultural productivity, and infrastructure resilience across the country.

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  • Bezos-backed consortium buys a third of Liverpool

    Bezos-backed consortium buys a third of Liverpool

    Liverpool FC Welcomes Bezos and Bhatia Consortium in Historic Investment Deal

    Constantvpn.com – Fenway Sports Group has finalized arrangements to divest approximately one-third of its Liverpool Football Club holdings to an international investment group featuring Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. The transaction represents a significant milestone for both the Merseyside club and the American tech billionaire, marking his inaugural venture into professional sports ownership.

    Through a formal announcement, the Boston-based sports conglomerate confirmed it had reached a definitive agreement with 1892 Holdings for what it described as a strategic minority investment. The consortium, helmed by British-Indian entrepreneur Amit Bhatia, also counts Facebook co-founder Eduardo Saverin among its membership. This partnership brings together expertise spanning global commerce, technology sectors, and financial investment.

    Leadership Changes and Board Appointments

    Under the terms of the agreement, Bhatia will assume the role of vice-chairman at Anfield, pending necessary regulatory approvals. The son-in-law of steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal brings extensive sporting credentials to the position, having served as both director and co-owner of Queens Park Rangers for nearly two decades before exiting his stake last month.

    While Bezos himself will not take a seat on Liverpool’s board, his investment vehicle K5 Sports will be represented. Bryan Baum, founder of the venture capital firm through which Bezos channels his investment, joins alongside Elaine Saverin, wife of the Facebook co-founder. Bezos serves as the primary investor in K5 Sports, positioning him as the consortium’s largest financial contributor.

    Financial Architecture of the Deal

    The transaction places Liverpool’s valuation between £5 billion and £6 billion, representing substantial growth since FSG’s acquisition. When the American group purchased the club in 2010 for £300 million, then-CEO Billy Hogan described the team as “literally on the brink of bankruptcy.” Beyond the initial purchase price, FSG facilitated intra-group loans totaling approximately £218 million, bringing their total investment to roughly £518 million.

    十六年后,这笔交易将为FSG带来超过15亿英镑的收益,相当于2010年收购时价值的五倍。The club was originally acquired from American businessmen Tom Hicks and George Gillett, who had purchased it in 2007.

    Financial analysts note the strategic brilliance of the arrangement. Football finance expert Kieran Maguire observed that FSG generates more than £1 billion from the transaction while maintaining operational control, describing it as “the best of both worlds” for the Boston-based group.

    Strategic Implications for the Club

    Bezos, currently ranked as the world’s fourth-richest individual with an estimated net worth of $256 billion (£192 billion), brings considerable global reach to the investment. BBC Sport understands that the consortium’s international connections, particularly across India and Asia, appealed to FSG’s leadership team.

    Crucially, the investment carries no immediate implications for Liverpool’s transfer strategy. The club will continue operating under its existing financial framework without any new or separate transfer budget tied to this deal. The agreement includes provisions allowing the consortium to increase its stake in the future, potentially positioning them to become majority shareholders should FSG decide to sell further.

    Liverpool’s financial trajectory has been impressive in recent years. According to Deloitte’s analysis, the club became the Premier League’s top-earning team for the first time in January. This was followed by the announcement of record revenues reaching £703 million for the 2024-25 financial year.

    Stakeholder Perspectives

    Liverpool has always been built by thinking beyond one season and making decisions with the club’s long-term interests in mind. That approach continues to attract interest from respected investors and business leaders around the world.

    Mike Gordon, FSG president, emphasized the alignment between the existing ownership and incoming partners. He noted that Amit Bhatia and the consortium shared their long-term philosophy and appreciation for what distinguishes Liverpool within global football.

    We have the utmost respect and admiration for FSG as owners and for everything they have achieved at Anfield. To be welcomed as a partner in a club of this stature is a huge privilege. We are making this investment because we believe deeply in Liverpool and its leadership, and we look forward to supporting the club’s continued success for years to come.

    Bhatia’s statement reflected genuine enthusiasm for the partnership, acknowledging the privilege of joining a club with such rich heritage and global significance.

    Historical Context and Future Outlook

    This investment builds upon FSG’s previous minority stake sale to Dynasty Equity, a global sports investment firm. The Boston group’s acquisition strategy has consistently focused on long-term value creation rather than short-term financial returns.

    The involvement of Indian business interests adds another dimension to Liverpool’s global appeal. With India emerging as one of the world’s fastest-growing economies and football markets, the consortium’s connections could prove invaluable for the club’s international expansion and commercial development.

    FSG maintains that the deal supports Liverpool’s long-term growth ambitions by bringing together experts from across global business, technology, and investment sectors. The consortium partners will collaborate with the club’s leadership team to evaluate opportunities that enhance objectives both on and off the pitch.

    As Liverpool continues to compete at the highest levels of European football, this investment provides additional resources and expertise without disrupting the club’s established identity and playing philosophy. The arrangement demonstrates how traditional football institutions can embrace modern investment models while preserving their core values and community connections.

    The transaction also reflects broader trends in sports ownership, where wealthy individuals and investment groups increasingly seek meaningful stakes in established clubs rather than complete acquisitions. This approach allows for shared risk and reward while maintaining operational continuity.

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  • Britain’s Finlay Tarling dies in Volta a Portugal accident

    Britain’s Finlay Tarling dies in Volta a Portugal accident

    Tragedy Strikes Volta a Portugal as Young British Cyclist Finlay Tarling Dies at 19

    Constantvpn.com – The cycling world has been plunged into mourning following the death of Finlay Tarling, a promising British cyclist who lost his life in a collision during the eighth stage of the Volta a Portugal. The 19-year-old rider was competing for the NSN Development Team when the fatal accident occurred on the 166.8-kilometer route stretching from Melgaco to Fafe.

    Major Tiago Machado of the National Republican Guard confirmed that the incident involved a collision between Tarling and a light goods vehicle. Authorities have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragic event.

    A Rising Star in British Cycling

    Tarling was a versatile athlete who competed on both the track and road circuits for Great Britain. He was the younger brother of Josh Tarling, who currently rides for Netcompany-Ineos. The family connection to professional cycling runs deep, with Finlay appearing poised to follow in his brother’s footsteps as a time trial specialist.

    His recent achievements demonstrated his potential on the international stage. In June, he secured third place in the under-23 men’s individual time trial at the British Championships. Just under twelve months prior, he had competed in the Tour of Britain, showcasing his abilities against seasoned professionals.

    Team and Organizers Respond

    The NSN Development Team expressed profound grief in an official statement. “We are heartbroken to announce the passing of Finlay Tarling at the Volta a Portugal today,” the team communicated. “Fin was a much loved member of our team but most importantly, he was a son, a brother, and a friend to so many. He will be deeply missed.”

    The team extended their condolences to Finlay’s parents, Michael and Dawn, his brother Josh, and everyone fortunate enough to know him personally.

    Race organizers and the Portuguese Cycling Federation joined the outpouring of sympathy through a post on X. They offered their “most heartfelt condolences to the family of Finlay Tarling, to his team-mates, to the NSN Development Team, and to all his friends and loved ones.” In a gesture of respect and mourning, they announced that racing had been halted and the scheduled podium ceremony would not proceed.

    National and International Tributes Pour In

    Portuguese President Antonio Jose Seguro acknowledged the widespread impact of the tragedy, stating that Tarling’s death had “plunged the peloton, the tournament and the host nation into mourning.”

    Stephen Park, British Cycling’s performance director, shared his personal reaction. “All of us at British Cycling are heartbroken to learn of the tragic passing of Finlay Tarling at the Volta a Portugal,” Park said. “Fin was a talented rider with a fantastic future ahead of him, a loyal teammate and an all-round brilliant young man. Our deepest sympathies are with his parents and brother, Josh at this tragic time.”

    “The UCI is deeply saddened by the tragic death of British rider Finlay Tarling, who passed away following a serious accident during today’s eighth stage of the Volta a Portugal. The UCI extends its deepest condolences to Finlay’s family, friends, and team-mates.”

    The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) also issued a statement through X, expressing their profound sorrow over the loss of the young British athlete.

    Welsh Cycling Honors Their Own

    Beicio Cymru, the Welsh Cycling governing body, released a touching tribute to their compatriot. “We at Beicio Cymru (Welsh Cycling) are absolutely devastated to hear the news of Fin Tarling’s passing today while competing at the Volta in Portugal,” they wrote. “Fin was an incredible athlete, role model, friend, brother and son. We send our love and deepest condolences to Mike, Dawn and Josh at this incredibly difficult time. Rest in peace, Fin. You were incredible, and we will always remember you.”

    The Volta a Portugal Continues in Mourning

    The Volta a Portugal began in Lisbon on August 5 and features ten stages of racing, with the final stage concluding in Porto on August 16. The race has become a significant event in the European cycling calendar, attracting talented riders from around the world.

    Tarling’s death has resonated throughout the cycling community, with tributes flooding in from across the sport. His promising career, cut short at such a young age, leaves a void that will be felt by teammates, family, and fans alike. The investigation into the accident continues as authorities work to understand the full circumstances of the collision that claimed the life of this talented British cyclist.

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