A Palestinian girl looks the damage at a school sheltering displaced people, following an overnight Israeli airstrike, in Gaza City, on July 3, 2025.
| Photo Credit: Reuters
Airstrikes and shootings killed 94 Palestinians in Gaza overnight, including 45 who were attempting to get much-needed humanitarian aid, hospitals and the Health Ministry said Thursday (July 3, 2025).
Israel’s military did not have immediate comment on the strikes.
Five people were killed while outside sites associated with the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, the newly created, secretive American organization backed by Israel to feed the Gaza Strip’s population, while 33 others were killed waiting for aid trucks in other locations across the Gaza Strip.
Dozens of people were killed in airstrikes that pounded the Strip Wednesday (July 2, 2025) night and Thursday (July 3, 2025) morning, including 15 people killed in strikes that hit tents in the sprawling Muwasi zone, where many displaced Palestinians are sheltering and a strike on a school in Gaza City sheltering displaced people.
Gaza’s Health Ministry said the number of Palestinians killed in Gaza has passed 57,000, including 223 missing people who have been declared dead. The Ministry doesn’t differentiate between civilians and combatants in its death count but says that more than half of the dead are women and children.
The deaths come as Israel and Hamas inch closer to a possible ceasefire that would end the 21-month war.
Mr. Trump said Tuesday (July 1, 2025) that Israel had agreed on terms for a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza and urged Hamas to accept the deal before conditions worsen. But Hamas’ response, which emphasized its demand that the war end, raised questions about whether the latest offer could materialize into an actual pause in fighting.
The Israeli military blames Hamas for the civilian casualties because it operates from populated areas. The military said it targeted Hamas militants and rocket launchers in northern Gaza that launched rockets towards Israel on Wednesday (July 2, 2025).
The war began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking roughly 250 hostages.
The war has left the coastal Palestinian territory in ruins, with much of the urban landscape flattened in the fighting. More than 90% of Gaza’s 2.3 million population has been displaced, often multiple times. And the war has sparked a humanitarian crisis in Gaza, leaving hundreds of thousands of people hungry.
OSLO, Norway, July 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Norway-based browser developer, Opera [NASDAQ: OPRA], is breaking down language barriers for its users with the launch of Opera Translate, a new, secure, and built-in translation feature for its flagship desktop browsers, Opera One and Opera GX. This significant update also brings powerful multitasking tools to both browsers and adds a new personalization option to Opera GX with fully customizable animated cursors.
Opera Translate arrives in Opera One and Opera GX
Opera x Opera GX_Built-in translation
At the core of this update is Opera Translate, a built-in feature designed to break down language barriers for users across the globe. As one of the most requested features by users in Opera One and Opera GX alike, it comes integrated natively into both browsers, detecting when a webpage is in a different language than the user’s default setting in the browser and offering to translate it instantly. Supporting over 40 languages, Opera Translate makes it easier for users to explore international websites, follow global news, or navigate foreign content while traveling. Users can choose to translate a page just once, or set the browser to always translate certain languages.
The Opera Translate feature is powered by Lingvanex and their AI-enhanced technology for natural and accurate language processing. Crucially, the translation solution is hosted on Opera’s own European-based servers, ensuring that all translated information is processed in-house and protected by the strictest privacy regulations, without being sent to third-party services.
“The internet connects the world, but language can still be a barrier to exploring its full potential. With the introduction of Opera Translate, we’re giving our users access to content and ideas from across the globe without compromising their privacy,” said Tomasz Stawarz, Director of Product at Opera.
Opera One: Split screen now within Tab Islands
Opera One is getting improvements to its Split Screen feature after reviewing the community’s feedback., Users can now access the toolbar in each tab while browsing in Split Screen mode. This means that users now get:
Access to Toolbar features: when in Split Screen mode, users can now access Pinboards, Snapshot tool, Flow, Bookmarks, Downloads, the Easy Setup menu, and any other features they choose to add to the Toolbar
Player in Toolbar: now users can benefit from the Music Player in the toolbar when they’re using Split Screen mode.
This update also brings the Split Screen mode inside of the Tab Islands, which means that users can benefit from the tab grouping capabilities of Opera and add their joint tabs (in Split Screen mode) to any Tab Island.
Opera GX launches browser booster update with custom animated cursors and better tab management
The default mouse cursor is a relic and Opera GX is fixing that. With a new update, Opera GX is now the first and only browser that lets users fully customize their mouse cursor across the entire browser UI. In collaboration with Sweezy Cursors, Opera GX and Sweezy now offer a library of over 30 cursor packs – including both static and animated designs – that can be applied with a single click. No need to download third-party tools, change OS settings, or install risky extensions. For gamers who care about aesthetics and immersion, custom cursors bring more vibes to every click.
“Gamers spend hours perfecting their setup – from their hardware’s RGB to their in-game skins. So why should the browser cursor remain but a boring, static arrow? With custom animated cursors, we’re giving our users another layer of personalization to make their entire online experience truly their own. It’s about bringing the same level of style and identity they have in-game to the tool they use the most,” said Maciej Kocemba, Product Director Opera GX.
Custom cursors are designed with several key benefits in mind:
Visual consistency: custom cursors work across the entire browser, not just on web pages. The cursor doesn’t revert when hovering over tabs, menus, or settings, ensuring a fully immersive and polished experience.
Ease of use: users can simply browse the cursor collection in GX Store, click “apply,” and the cursor updates instantly. No configuration, no external downloads, and for free.
Security: unlike third-party browser extensions that may pose privacy risks (access to displayed web page content), all cursor customizations in Opera GX are hosted and executed locally and safely within the browser.
Performance: these custom cursors are fully integrated with Opera GX’s rendering engine, ensuring no slowdown even with complex animations.
Future game IP integrations: Opera plans to collaborate with gaming studios to release branded cursor packs based on popular titles – giving users another way to express their identity online.
In addition to the cursors, the browser booster update officially brings the Tab Islands feature to the stable version of Opera GX, enhancing the browser with new organizing tools. Users can now name and assign custom colors to different Tab Islands to visually distinguish between their work, gaming, and social tabs. Furthermore, an entire Tab Island can now be saved as a single Speed Dial on the start page, making it easier than ever to revisit favorite research sessions or gaming setups with a single click.
To experience the new Opera features, users can download the latest versions of Opera One and Opera GX or wait for the automatic update to roll out.
Opera One and Opera GX update:
Description:
Opera Translate
Built-in webpage translation
40+ languages
Secure and privacy-friendly
Opera One update:
Description:
Split Screen in Tab Islands
Allows side-by-side browsing inside tab islands
Lets users open several Split Screen instances in different Tab Islands
Persistent toolbar in Split Screen
Toolbar stays visible for better navigation and control
The Music Player remains in the toolbar when entering Split Screen mode
Opera GX “Browser Booster” update:
Description:
Tab Island enhancements
Tab Islands are now in stable version
Save option as a speed dial
New color coding option and Tab Island naming feature
Automatic Tab Island creation is turned off by default – can be enabled in settings
Custom Cursors
Over 30+ cursor sets (static + animated)
Custom cursors works across whole browser UI
No need for additional software, extensions, fiddling with system settings
Integrated in browser engine for better performance
Available on Windows and macOS
About Opera
Opera is a user-centric and innovative software company focused on enabling the best possible internet browsing experience across all devices. Hundreds of millions use Opera web browsers for their unique and secure features on mobile phones and desktop computers. Founded in 1995 and headquartered in Oslo, Norway, Opera is a public company listed on the Nasdaq stock exchange under the ticker symbol OPRA. Download the Opera web browsers and other Opera products from opera.com. Learn more about Opera at investor.opera.com.
About Opera GX
Browser developed by Opera [NASDAQ: OPRA]. Since its inception in 2019, Opera GX has quickly become the browser of choice for millions of gamers seeking a more custom internet experience. Along with countless customization options including color themes, sound effects, background music, and a gaming-inspired design, GX includes CPU, RAM and Network Bandwidth limiters that make the browser less resource-hungry and leave more of the computer’s resources for gaming. The browser also includes a Hot Tabs Killer feature, which lets users kill the most resource-draining tabs, and GX Cleaner to purge those old unwanted files. Opera GX is the first browser that allows users to fully customize its appearance, themes, sounds, and audio effects during use, completely changing the browsing experience. Simply download one of over 9,000 mods to start enjoying a new look for the browser that suits your preferences.
Over in Spain, Praveen Chithravel recorded a wind-assisted 16.80m jump with tailwinds measuring 2.9m/s to win the triple jump event at the X Meeting Memorial Jose Luis Hernandez 2025 athletics meet in Pamplona.
His other two legal jumps at the meet measured 16.40m and 16.27m.
Cristian Napoles (15.99m) and Eugenio Camara Mane (15.25m) finished behind the Indian.
This was Praveen Chithravel’s third competitive outing in Spain this season, but the first triple jump event. He competed in two long jump events in Guadalajara and Malaga previously.
The Indian athlete last competed in a triple jump event at the Asian Athletics Championships 2025 in Gumi, the Republic of Korea, where he won a silver medal with a 16.90m jump.
Praveen Chithravel holds the men’s triple jump national record, with a 17.37m leap at a meet in Cuba two years ago. He matched the mark at the Federation Cup in Kochi earlier this year.
Jason Hall, aka ‘Thor,’ the face of Pirate Software, has left Offbrand Games amid an absurd storm of internet criticism and review bombings precipitated by the stand he took against the growing Stop Killing Games (SKG) movement. This exit of Hall shows how a campaign originally aimed at preservation has moved into further encompassing the bigger option of holding a person accountable versus online outrage and parallel blurred lines of guilt by association.
Controversy Clouds Game for the Wrong Reasons
Rivals of Aether II was not under the spotlight as it was poorly launched or had badly designed gameplay;-it was a philosophical disagreement. On June 27, 2025, Ludwig Ahgren, Offbrand Games co-founder and huge stream personality, addressed the eerie infestation of negative reviews on the game’s Steam page and lashing in frustration:“Such a bummer Rivals 2 is getting any s**t for this… People are now review bombing the game because Pirate Software, who has no personal stake in the game, works at Offbrand Games? 😔 Feels wrong.”Although Hall had nothing to do with making the game, the mere association of his vocal presence with Offbrand’s publishing label made Rivals 2 inadvertently borne of the impact of review bombings.
Pirate Software Responds to the Backlash
Amid the noise, Hall made his position clear, he would be stepping away from the company to stop further harm to its portfolio:“I am no longer working at @offbrand_games. People were attacking all of the games we were publishing and trying to mass review bomb them. You can dislike the things I say, but this kind of behavior is unhinged.”He added that while he learned a lot and cherished his time at the studio, he hoped OffBrand could continue without being distracted by his presence.
What’s Behind the Movement?
At the eye of the controversy lies the Stop Killing Games campaign, initiated by Ross Scott of Accursed Farms. The movement is for digital game preservation, resisting companies that deactivate or remove any sort of access to games that consumers have paid for. Ubisoft’s attempt to kill The Crew in late 2023, in spite of its offline side became the prime flashpoint.
The Fallout of Online Movements
This issue has stirred the growing tension within the community of players, when advocacy hits the limits of absolutism, is there room left for that said character to disagree? Can an individual, in the political sense, say that he supports the kernel idea on which the movement is based wherein he does not support every method that the movement employs? That answer has become ambiguous for now.
Pirate Software DESTROYED By Ridiculous “Stop Killing Games” Take
Pirate Software’s escapade out of Offbrand Games represents more than just a personnel change: it is an expression of the conflict between digital activism and personal branding on the modern internet. Though the SKG movement is gaining some traction, the internal rifts and external confrontation act as a reminder: solidarity can be so thin in the internet age if the internet decides that there is but one proper way to save games.
The evidence comes from the Neumark-Nord 2 site in central Germany, dating back 125,000 years to an interglacial period when temperatures were similar to those of today. The site was situated in a lake landscape. At this location, researchers found that Neanderthals not only broke bones to extract marrow but also crushed large mammal bones into tens of thousands of fragments to render calorie-rich bone grease through heating them in water. This discovery substantially shifts our understanding of Neanderthal food strategies, pushing the timeline for this kind of complex, labour–intensive resource management back in time tens of thousands of years.
The findings, led by archaeologists from MONREPOS (Leibniz Zentrum Archaeology, Germany) and Leiden University (The Netherlands), in cooperation with the State Office for Heritage Management and Archaeology Saxony-Anhalt (Germany), indicate that Neanderthals operated what can be described as a prehistoric “fat factory,” carefully selecting a lakeside location to systematically process bones from at least 172 large mammals, including deer, horses and aurochs. These activities, previously believed to be limited to later human groups, now appear to have been part of Neanderthal behavior as early as 125,000 years ago.
This discovery builds on decades of research at the ca. 30 ha large Neumark-Nord site complex already discovered in the 1980s by Jena archaeologist Dietrich Mania. From 2004 to 2009, the Neumark-Nord 2 site was excavated in year-round campaigns by a team led by MONREPOS and Leiden achaeologists. The excavations included a field school, which trained over 175 international students, including dozens of Leiden participants.
In 2023, the team published evidence that Neanderthals hunted and butchered straight-tusked elephants—up to 13-ton animals that could provide over 2,000 adult daily food portions. The use of fire to manage landscape vegetation and the diversity of processed species at different locations reveal a level of planning and ecological engagement previously underestimated in Neanderthals.
‘What makes Neumark-Nord so exceptional is the preservation of an entire landscape, not just a single site,’ notes Leiden-based author Prof. Wil Roebroeks. ‘We see Neanderthals hunting and minimally butchering deerin one area, processing elephants intensively in another, and—as this study shows—rendering fat from hundreds of mammal skeletons in a centralized location. There’s even some evidence of plant use, which is rarely preserved. This broad range of behaviors in the same landscape gives us a much richer picture of their culture.’
‘This was intensive, organised, and strategic,’ says Dr. Lutz Kindler, the study’s first author. ‘Neanderthals were clearly managing resources with precision—planning hunts, transporting carcasses, and rendering fat in a task-specific area. They understood both the nutritional value of fat and how to access it efficiently – most likely involving caching carcass parts at places in the landscape for later transport to and use at the grease rendering site’.
‘Indeed, bone grease production requires a certain volume of bones to make this labour-intensive processing worthwhile and hence the more bones assembled, the more profitable it becomes’, adds co-author Prof. Sabine Gaudzinski-Windheuser.
The Neumark-Nord discoveries are continuing to reshape our view of Neanderthal adaptability and survival strategies. They show that Neanderthals could plan ahead, process food efficiently, and make sophisticated use of their environment.
The authors emphasise the sheer quantity of herbivores that Neanderthals must have routinely been “harvesting” in this warm-temperate phase: beyond the remains of minimally 172 large mammals processed at that small site alone within a very short period, hundreds of herbivores, including straight-tusked elephants, were butchered around the Neumark-Nord 1 lake in the early Last Interglacial, within the excavated areas only. Other exposures in the wider area around Neumark-Nord have yielded more coarse-grained evidence of regular exploitation of the same range of prey animals, at sites such as Rabutz, Gröbern and Taubach. The last site contained cut-marked remains of 76 rhinos and 40 straight-tusked elephants. Roebroeks: ‘Safely assuming that with these sites we are only looking at the tip of the proverbial ice-berg of Neanderthal impact on herbivore populations, especially on slowly-reproducing taxa, could have been substantial during the Last Interglacial.’
‘The sheer size and extraordinary preservation of the Neumark-Nord site complex gives us a unique chance to study how Neanderthals impacted their environment, both animal and plant life,’ said Dr. Fulco Scherjon, data manager and computer scientist on the project. ‘That’s incredibly rare for a site this old—and it opens exciting new possibilities for future research.’
Main Image: The Neumark-Nord 2/2B site was excavated through year-round campaigns by a core team from 2004 to 2009, alongside an international field school that included more than 175 students in total. Photo: Wil Roebroeks, Leiden University
Studying civil engineering in the US’s top universities sets you up for a career of undeniable demand. From smart cities tosustainable transport networks, this is a nation with no shortage of examples to inspire you and no dampening of demand for more architects of progress. Demand for civil engineers here is set to surge by 6% by 2033, withno fewer than 22,900 new opportunities each year.
This is a good opportunity – and a great one for anyone who holds a BEng from any of its top institutions. That degree signals to employers your capacity for problem-solving, innovation, leadership, project management, and entrepreneurship. More so if a long list of practical experience comes with it. The following US universities offer programmes that provide both – a solid reputation among employers and a substantial dose of hands-on learning.
There are many opportunities to engage with faculty, students, and professionals at the University of Alaska Anchorage. Source: University of Alaska Anchorage
University of Alaska Anchorage
Set in the heart of the state’s largest city and its business, industrial, cultural, and recreational centre, the University of Alaska Anchorage is where roughly 12,000 students from the US and 89 countries are pursuing their dreams. Here, culture, innovation and adventure converge – a powerful combination that’s led scores of students to successful futures.
Such outcomes can be attributed to the college’s small class sizes, state-of-the-art engineering facilities, mentorship programmes, and numerous student activities. It’s the full learning experience.
Of the many programmes offered here, Geomatics is a highlightnot only trains you to acquire, analyse, manage, and present geospatial data related to the Earth and its built environment, but graduates also get to work with technology in both indoor and outdoor settings.The programme is one of the few in the US to offer programmes in all six disciplines of geomatics, including land surveying and mapping, geodesy, hydrography, remote sensing, traditional and digital photogrammetry, Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR), and geographic information systems (GIS).
Lessons do not just end in the classroom, though. You will get to apply the theories you have learned to the real world, working on capstone projects alongside actualclients. From designing intersections, trail systems, websites, wind turbines, and solar hydroponic systems, to conducting research, opportunities are vast. You can also take your expertise to student clubs and organisations where activities include travelling the country to compete in engineering tournaments and visiting conferences to learn from others and present your own research work.
A programme that does this is Civil Engineering. Here, you will gain hands-on experience through the college’s strong partnerships with local consulting firms, government agencies, and non-profit organisations. This allows you to engage with the professional community of Anchorage and assist them with designing real-world projects that will make a difference not only within the city but the world.
Apply to University of Alaska Anchorage today.
The School of Engineering & Applied Science offers a major in civil engineering, with an environmental engineering option too. Source: GW Engineering/Facebook
George Washington University
George Washington University is committed to creating an even better world. Since itsfoundingcan solve them effectively. This is clear for all to see at its School of Engineering & Applied Science.
At this world-class school in the nation’s capital, you learn about the foundations of science and technology, exercise your leadership skills, and be creative when tackling environmental and societal challenges.Whether you’re aiming for engineering, diving deep into computing, or boosting your tech know-how for roles beyond these two fields, GW Engineering has the undergraduate programme for you.
Take the Bachelor of Science with a Major in Civil Engineering programme, for example. Apart from gaining the knowledge and skills to plan, design, and construct buildings, you will also be working on existing real-world projects, such as the clean-up of a deadzone in the Gulf of Mexico, the design of civil infrastructure systems to withstand natural hazards, crash protection for children in car seats, and more. The programme offers anEnvironmental Engineering Option too, which tackles the economic, environmental, and social aspects of civil engineering.
Guiding you every step of the way are some of the best minds in the field. Over half of faculty members hold doctoral degrees from the nation’s top engineering and computer science programmes. Peers-wise, expect to be part of one of the nation’s most gender-balanced cohorts. GW Engineering has twice the number of female undergraduates compared to other schools.
The College of Engineering provides resources for engineering instruction, research, and outreach. Source: University of Nebraska-Lincoln/Facebook
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
You have the power to shape your future and impact the world – the University of Nebraska–Lincolnis there to only guide you on your journey to success. Since its etablishmentin
ItsCollege of Engineering is one of its kind too. It’stheonly engineering college in the state, drawing the brightest students here to fulfill their highest aspirations and ambitions.
Here, you work with professors with national and international calibre. They are leaders in their various engineering fields, operate the latest technologies in quality facilities, and engage with a vast network of successful alumni and friends of the college. Their research reaches across the traditional disciplines to apply foundational knowledge to develop and understand the complex systems ranging from the human body to the built and natural environment.
To join them, the BS in Civil Engineeringis a good launchpad.Thanks to an 18:1 student-to-faculty ratio, you’ll never be just another face in class. Professors know you and care about your success. Over at Kiewit Hall, you’ll have a US$115 million student-centric engineering hub filled with state-of-the-art classrooms, teaching labs, Engineering Student Services, design/build spaces for student organisations, and a large outdoor quad/promenade for the university community.
As the college aims to turn students into “complete engineers,” practical experience is crucial. As a student here, you’ll learn by using testing equipment to design and monitor critical infrastructure like water treatment and structural systems. You’ll also explore a wide range of specialised courses, tackling design concepts from your freshman year onwards.That’s part of the “Nebraska difference,” the kind that’s led to 80% of students receiving a job offer before graduation.
*Some of the institutions featured in this article are commercial partners of Study International
Persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) is the most common congenital anomaly of the thoracic venous system, occurring in approximately 0.3–0.5% of the general population and up to 12% in individuals with congenital heart disease. A much rarer variant, isolated PLSVC with absent right superior vena cava (RSVC), has a reported prevalence of 0.07% to 0.13% in the general population.1–3 While often asymptomatic and incidentally discovered during imaging or procedures, PLSVC can present with various clinical manifestations, including arrhythmias.1,4 The association between PLSVC and atrial fibrillation is rare but clinically significant, as the anomalous venous return may influence the heart’s conduction system and serve as a source of ectopic electrical activity, potentially leading to rhythm disturbances.5,6 Understanding this relationship is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective management of patients presenting with unexplained arrhythmias, especially when standard workups fail to identify a structural or ischemic cause. In such cases, recognizing PLSVC as a potential contributor allows for targeted imaging, better risk stratification, and tailored therapeutic strategies.7
Case Presentation
A 45-year-old male patient presented to the hospital with complaints of progressive symptoms of palpitation, dyspnea, fatigue, and reduced exercise tolerance. There was no history of chest pain, syncope, or cyanosis. No clear triggers were identified, but symptoms were exacerbated by exertion. The patient had no significant past medical history of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, or thyroid disorders. There was no family history of arrhythmias, sudden cardiac death, or congenital heart defects. He was a non-smoker, did not consume alcohol, and had no history of illicit drug use. On physical examination, the patient appeared mildly distressed due to dyspnea. His vital signs were as follows: blood pressure of 110/75 mmHg, heart rate of 110 beats per minute with an irregular rhythm, respiratory rate of 22 breaths per minute, and oxygen saturation of 96% on room air. Cardiovascular examination revealed no visible jugular venous distention, no parasternal heave, and an apex beat was laterally displaced. Auscultation revealed normal S1 and S2 heart sounds, with no obvious murmurs, but an irregular cardiac rhythm was noted. Respiratory examination was unremarkable with clear breath sounds and no signs of pulmonary congestion. There were no signs of peripheral edema, hepatomegaly, or neurological deficits.
An initial electrocardiogram (ECG) revealed an irregular rhythm suggestive of atrial fibrillation (Figure 1). Echocardiography showed a reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (35–40%), enlargement of the heart chambers, moderate mitral regurgitation, and a notably dilated coronary sinus—findings that raised suspicion for a persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC). To confirm this, a bubble contrast study was conducted, which demonstrated contrast filling the coronary sinus from the left side, consistent with PLSVC drainage (Figure 2A and B). Further imaging with cardiac CT angiography revealed the presence of a persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) draining into a markedly dilated coronary sinus, accompanied by complete absence of the right superior vena cava. Instead, the left and right innominate veins were observed converging to form a prominent left SVC, which drained into the right atrium via the coronary sinus. These anatomical findings confirmed the venous anomaly and excluded other structural cardiac abnormalities. The axial CT view (Figure 3) demonstrates coronary sinus dilatation (red arrow) and the course of the left superior vena cava (green arrow). Coronal and sagittal reconstructions (Figure 4) illustrate the left and right innominate veins (blue arrow) merging to form the left SVC (red arrow), which ultimately drains into the right atrium via the coronary sinus (yellow arrow).
Figure 1 Electrocardiography showing atrial fibrillation with normal ventricular response.
Figure 2 Echocardiography: (A) Parasternal short axis view showing a dilated Coronary sinus (28x28mm) with dilated left atrium (green arrow). (B) A bubble study showing direct filling of Coronary sinus form left system (yellow arrow). (C) Angulated apical 4 chamber view showing dilated coronary sinus (red arrow). (D) A bubble appearance in CS before right atrium (red arrow).
Figure 3 Axial CT image showing dilated coronary sinus (A; red arrow) and the course of the left SVC (B, C; green arrow).
Figure 4 Coronal and sagittal CT views showing innominate veins (A; blue arrow) merging into the left SVC (B-D; red arrow) draining into the coronary sinus (D; yellow arrow).
Full laboratory tests including thyroid function tests and serum electrolytes were within normal limits. The patient was managed with rate control using beta-blockers, and anticoagulation therapy was initiated due to the presence of atrial fibrillation. After stabilization, he was referred for an electrophysiological study (EPS) to assess the conduction abnormalities associated with PLSVC.
This case highlights a rare presentation of persistent left superior vena cava with absent of right superior vena cava manifesting with arrhythmia. Although isolated persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) with absent right superior vena cava (RSVC) is often asymptomatic and discovered incidentally, its association with conduction abnormalities—particularly atrial arrhythmias—highlights the importance of comprehensive cardiovascular evaluation in patients presenting with unexplained rhythm disturbances. Early recognition of this rare vascular anomaly is essential for guiding appropriate management and minimizing the risk of procedural complications, thereby optimizing patient outcomes.
Discussion
PLSVC results from aberrant anterior cardinal venous system development during embryonic development. The right anterior cardinal vein forms the right SVC while the left anterior cardinal vein typically regresses by the tenth week of pregnancy. In approximately 90% of cases, a persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) drains into the right atrium through the coronary sinus, whereas in 10–20% of cases, it drains directly into the left atrium or pulmonary veins, causing left-to-rights hunting, cyanosis, or paradoxical embolism.8–10 This abnormality is often linked to other congenital conditions that worsen haemodynamic effects, like unroofed coronary sinus or atrial septal defects (ASD),11 ventricular septal defects, bicuspid aortic valves, coarctation of the aorta, coronary sinus atresia, abnormal pulmonary venous return, and tetralogy of Fallot.12 The association between PLSVC and AF is well-documented. The presence of myocardial sleeves extending into the PLSVC can serve as arrhythmogenic foci, potentially initiating and sustaining AF. In the case presented, a 41-year-old patient experienced progressive shortness of breath and palpitations, leading to the diagnosis of PLSVC with associated AF.
Advanced imaging modalities play a crucial role in diagnosing PLSVC. Transthoracic echocardiography may reveal a dilated coronary sinus, prompting further investigation. Definitive diagnosis is often achieved through computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which can delineate the anomalous venous anatomy. In this case, CT angiography confirmed the presence of PLSVC draining into the right atrium, facilitating appropriate management strategies.13
Although central venous catheterization is generally straightforward in patients with a normal right superior vena cava (RSVC), the procedure becomes technically challenging in the absence of the RSVC. In such cases, left-sided venous access is required, which increases the risk of catheter malposition. Similarly, pacemaker or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) lead placement, typically uncomplicated via the right SVC, becomes more complex and technically demanding when advancement must occur solely through the left-sided persistent superior vena cava (PLSVC).14,15
Management of AF in the context of PLSVC often involves catheter ablation, targeting the arrhythmogenic sites within the PLSVC. Recent advancements have introduced pulsed-field ablation (PFA) as a novel technique with promising outcomes. PFA utilizes non-thermal energy to achieve myocardial tissue ablation, potentially reducing collateral damage to surrounding structures. Studies have reported successful isolation of the PLSVC using PFA, resulting in effective arrhythmia control.16
Conclusion
Although PLSVC is often an incidental finding, early recognition is crucial—particularly in patients presenting with unexplained arrhythmias or a dilated coronary sinus. A thorough diagnostic workup, including multimodal imaging, is essential for accurate identification. Given its potential role in arrhythmogenesis, especially atrial fibrillation, timely detection of PLSVC enables appropriate therapeutic planning. Advances in ablation techniques, such as pulsed-field ablation (PFA), offer promising treatment options, underscoring the importance of targeted intervention in reducing the burden of recurrent AF.
Ethics Approval
Based on the regulations of the review board of Mogadishu Somali Türkiye Training and Research Hospital, institutional review board approval is not required for case reports.
Consent for Publication
Written informed consent was obtained from the patient’s daughter for publication of this case report and accompanying images.
Author Contributions
All authors made a significant contribution to the work reported, whether in the conception, study design, execution, acquisition of data, analysis and interpretation, or in all these areas took part in drafting, revising, or critically reviewing the article; gave final approval of the version to be published; have agreed on the journal to which the article has been submitted; and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.
Funding
The authors confirm that they did not receive any financial support for this study.
Disclosure
The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.
References
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5. Paval J, Nayak S. A persistent left superior vena cava. Singapore Med J. 2007;48(3):e90–3.
6. Morgan LG, Gardner J, Calkins J. The incidental finding of a persistent left superior vena cava: implications for primary care providers—case and review. Case Rep Medicine. 2015;2015:198754. doi:10.1155/2015/198754
7. Mingyang GAO, Bian Y, Huang L, et al. Catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation in patients with persistent left superior vena cava: case series and systematic review. Front Cardiovascu Med. 2022;9:1015540. doi:10.3389/fcvm.2022.1015540
8. Kesieme EB, BUCHAN KG. Clinical anatomy of the coronary venous system and relevance to retrograde cardioplegia and cardiac electrophysiological interventions. Clin Anat. 2025;38(1):43–53. doi:10.1002/ca.24195
9. Azizova A, Onder O, Arslan S, et al. Persistent left superior vena cava: clinical importance and differential diagnoses. Insights Imaging. 2020;11(1):1–19. doi:10.1186/s13244-020-00906-2
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Boeing employee Kandy Paulson says volunteering for the Special Olympics is a “life-changing experience.” Each year, she and her fellow Boeing drivers — those who operate cars, vans, buses and trucks for the company — come together to support the athletes.
“When I see an athlete come off the field holding a medal, that hits me deep in my heart,” Paulson said.
Paulson was one of about a dozen Boeing drivers who volunteered to support the week-long Special Olympics Washington Spring Games in June. The team delivered equipment, supplies and food for of the athletes, who competed soccer, track and field and other events.
Apple last month announced its latest update for MacOS 26, codenamed “Tahoe.” It’s full of new visual design elements like Apple’s Liquid Glass design theme, better integration with the iPhone, and a more robust Spotlight feature that’s better integrated with Shortcuts.
The theme of all of Apple’s updates this year is streamlining both the visual UI and feature sets across Apple devices, while making more apps and features available on them, punctuated by Apple Intelligence.
Also: The best MacBooks of 2025: Expert tested and reviewed
Following the same trajectory as the last few years, Apple’s announcement of MacOS 26 comes during WWDC, with a developer beta opening up now, and a public beta likely sometime this month. The full release of MacOS 26 won’t be out until this fall, however.
Let’s take a look at the biggest announcements Apple made for MacOS.
1. The Phone app on Mac
Apple
The Phone app has finally arrived on MacOS, allowing for a more streamlined user experience between your iPhone and computer. Users can now access recent calls and contacts synced from your iPhone, and make calls with a single click in the same way. What’s more, the Phone app will include the new features added in iOS 26, including Hold Assist and Call Screening.
Also: New to MacOS? 8 beginner tips and tricks to try first – and why
In addition to calls and contacts, live activities from the iPhone will be visible on your Mac, such as tracking an Uber or a delivery from Seamless. Clicking on the live activity will open up iPhone Mirroring, which will allow you to take action directly from your Mac.
2. Liquid Glass and visual consistency
Apple
Apple dropped a major visual overhaul for iOS with its Liquid Glass design theme, and many of those updates are filtering over to MacOS, streamlining the user experience across devices.
The dock, sidebars, and toolbars have been redesigned in the same translucent aesthetic that’s intended to show more content on screen without UI clutter. In addition, the rounded elements and added dimensionality look a lot more like what you’d see on the iPhone. Customization also allows you to adjust the control center in the same way as the iPhone
Also: What is Liquid Glass? Here’s everything we know about Apple’s major UI overhaul at WWDC
Just like the iPhone, Macs will support additional personalization options, including dark or light mode, an all-clear icon, and dock theme, as well as customized color tones. This customization extends to folder icons themselves, with colors, themes, and even emojis.
3. Shortcuts and Spotlight get smarter
Apple
MacOS 26 adds a handful of smart integrations for the Spotlight feature. Instead of just being a simple search bar, Apple’s updates to Spotlight make it into a more powerful control panel that works with Shortcuts and can take app-specific actions, while powered by Apple Intelligence.
For example, during the WWDC keynote, we saw a demo in a photo editing app, with the user adjusting the color tone by searching for that function in the Spotlight. In a complex app like Photoshop, for example, if you can’t find a specific function, Spotlight could step in to act as a top-level search function.
Also: Apple’s secret sauce is exactly what AI is missing
In supporting additional productivity features, Spotlight will also contain clipboard history and allow you to create automations in conjunction with Apple Intelligence to make complex actions like summarizing text or creating images. You can access Apple Intelligence models on your device or ChatGPT.
Spotlight will also support a handful of shortcut Quick keys, such as “sm” for “send message,” for example. That opens a thread where you can send a message directly from the Spotlight app itself, without swapping to Messages.
4. Apple Intelligence, of course
Some of the Apple Intelligence features that debuted on the iPhone will now be available in MacOS, including a more robust, personalized Siri, and a smarter Shortcuts app.
Apple is also opening up MacOS 26 so third-party developers can start creating apps that actually integrate with Apple Intelligence. It’s a smart move, allowing some breathing room to further innovate on its own AI features (which some say have fallen behind competitors’) while allowing external developers to bring useful AI functions to the Mac.
5. Apple Games
Apple
Coinciding with the launch of the Games app on the iPhone, we’re also seeing Games come to MacOS 26 as a dedicated store, launcher, and leaderboard. The Games app also brings an overlay showing system settings like low power mode, as well as online friends and communications.
Metal 4 comes to MacOS 26 as well, offering higher quality graphics with MetalFX Frame Interpolation and MetalFX Denoising for smoother visuals and faster frame rates.
Let’s talk compatibility
All of these updates sound great, but not every Mac will be compatible with MacOS 26 Tahoe. Older Macs with Intel processors, unfortunately, will not support the new OS version. This means any Mac with an M1 processor or later will run MacOS 26, but most devices from before the 2020 mark will not.
Also: Your Apple Watch is getting a major upgrade. Here are the best features in WatchOS 26
This move all but seals the deal on phasing out older Intel-based models, something we’ve been expecting from Apple for a while. If you do have a Mac computer with an Intel processor, you can still run the previous MacOS, Sequoia, or its predecessor, Sonoma, depending on how old your device is.
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