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  • Venus Williams to make tennis return, aged 45, at Mubadala Citi DC Open 2025

    Venus Williams to make tennis return, aged 45, at Mubadala Citi DC Open 2025

    Seven-time Grand Slam tennis champion Venus Williams is about to make her return to pro tennis at the age of 45.

    The American announced in a press release that she had accepted a wild card to enter the main draw of the Mubadala Citi DC Open 2025, taking place from 21-27 July in Washington, DC.

    A four-time Olympic gold medallist, Venus said, “There’s something truly special about DC: the energy, the fans, the history. This city has always shown me so much love, and I can’t wait to compete there again!”

    Williams’ last match on the WTA Tour was at the Miami Open in March 2024.

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  • Massive 16-Year Study Links Wellbeing to Stronger Memory in Aging : ScienceAlert

    Massive 16-Year Study Links Wellbeing to Stronger Memory in Aging : ScienceAlert

    Want to remember things better as you get older? The secret might be surprisingly simple: focus on feeling good.

    Recent research involving over 10,000 people aged 50 and above has found that people with higher wellbeing perform better on memory tests as they age. The study, which followed participants for 16 years, checked their wellbeing and memory every two years.

    The researchers expected that good memory might improve wellbeing, but found no evidence for that.

    Instead, it was wellbeing that predicted better memory performance over time.

    Related: Surprise Discovery About Sugar in The Brain Could Help Fight Alzheimer’s

    The study also found that the link between wellbeing and memory stayed strong even after taking things like depression into account. This means wellbeing may affect memory on its own, not just through effects on mood.

    You can increase your wellbeing by being present. (diversifylens/Canva)

    However, the study’s authors acknowledge some limitations that should be taken into account when considering the real-life application of their findings.

    The study relied on people reporting their own wellbeing, which can be biased – some people might overestimate how good they feel. The research also can’t prove that wellbeing directly causes better memory – other factors like income or life experiences might play a role.

    Also, the memory tests used were relatively simple and might not capture the full complexities of how memory works in real life.

    Despite these limitations, the study offers a compelling reason to invest in your wellbeing now. Here are five evidence-based strategies to increase the positive emotions in your day-to-day experiences.

    Five strategies to boost your wellbeing now

    1. Be grateful

    Some people feel better when they keep a gratitude journal.

    2. Engage in acts of kindness.

    Being kind can boost the wellbeing of both initiators and receivers of kindness.

    3. Nurture your most important relationships

    Positive relationships are important for our wellbeing. These should be nurtured and maintained.

    4. Be more present.

    In a distracted world, being present in the moment can be difficult. Being present is the opposite of multitasking. This takes intentional practice and you can develop it through meditation or mindfulness practices.

    5. Do things that lead to a “flow” state.

    Being in a flow state means that we are fully engaged in an activity. It is a mental state where a person feels fully involved and enjoys a process or activity that provides just the right balance of challenge and reward.

    People often talk about this as “being in the zone”. Finding an engaging hobby or sport is a good way of increasing flow moments.

    Ensuring that you and the people around you experience positive emotions regularly is not just about feeling good in the moment. It is also an important investment for the future, ensuring better mental health and wellbeing for yourself and others. What will you do?The Conversation

    Christian van Nieuwerburgh, Professor of Coaching and Positive Psychology, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences

    This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

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  • What does a solar tornado look like? One photographer got these incredible shots

    What does a solar tornado look like? One photographer got these incredible shots

    Thousands of solar tornadoes swirl above the sun’s surface at any given moment. These remarkable photos give us a glimpse at these stunning cosmic phenomena. 

    The entire disc of the sun captured on September 2, 2024, reveals the beauty of solar activity with an unprecedented level of detail and depth.

    Composite Photograph by Miguel Claro

    Photographs byMiguel Claro

    Text byPaola Rosa-Aquino


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  • Steve Garcia | Only Looking Forward

    Steve Garcia | Only Looking Forward

    Luckily, Garcia didn’t have to put his toughness on one wheel on display, as it was Barboza who withdrew from the fight due to injury. It wasn’t the greatest news Garcia heard, but he ultimately got an equally respected foe for this Saturday’s UFC Nashville card when perennial featherweight contender Calvin Kattar was slotted alongside him.

    “I’m excited,” said Garcia. “He’s ranked, and I’m just here, man. I’m just crawling my way through the division.”

    GET YOUR TICKETS: UFC Nashville | UFC 318 | UFC Abu Dhabi | UFC 319

    Thankfully, on two good ankles. As for his willingness to walk into the fire against someone with the weapons to make him pay for his decision, he laughs. 

    “I don’t think a normal person would understand,” said Garcia. “When you fight somebody like Barboza, you have to almost put yourself in this mental spot where it’s kind of dark. In my head, I was like, every time he goes after my leg, I’ve got to make him pay for it. If it’s super severe, then maybe you should probably just withdraw from the fight. But when it’s something that I’ve gone into fights with before and I can still make the weight and I can still carry on a normal fight night, I’m going to take the fight, regardless of who it is. You just bite down on your mouthpiece and let’s go. That’s my mindset. I could easily make things worse with my ankle, but, at the end of the day, I’m not going to stop. I’m not going to quit. I’m going to keep going until my ankle’s literally dangling off my leg. That’s how I see it.”


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  • 2025 Emmys News & Updates: Everything We Know

    2025 Emmys News & Updates: Everything We Know

    Deadline has exclusively reported several submissions for various shows or TV movies including The Last Of Us, Overcompensating, Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy and more.

    The Last of Us

    The Last of Us Season 2 made 35 submissions for the 2025 Emmys including the Outstanding Drama Series cateogory as well as 10 acting entries as well as four writing and directing entries. At least a third of the overall submissions are for the second episode, titled “Through the Valley” in which a very big character death occurred.

    RELATED: It Starts On The Page (Drama): Read ‘The Last Of Us’ Episode 202 Script “Through The Valley” With Foreword By Craig Mazin

    Speaking of that major character, Pedro Pascal will remain in the Lead Actor in a Drama Series race for his role as Joel Miller, though his character was killed off in Episode 2 of Season 2.

    Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy

    The fourth film installment in the Bridget Jones franchise, adapted from Helen Fielding’s books, submitted in the Outstanding Television Movie category because it released exclusively on Peacock earlier this year. Star Renée Zellweger will also submit for Lead Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie for the role that got her an Oscar nomination.

    Overcompensating

    Creator of Overcompensating, Benito Skinner was submitted in the Lead Actor in a Comedy Series, and he will represent the series in a submission for the Outstanding Comedy Series category. Wally Baram will vie for Lead Actress in a Comedy Series, and Adam DiMarco will compete for Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series, along with Rish Shah. Mary Beth Barone and Holmes are up for Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series.

    Kyle MacLachlan, Connie Britton, James Van Der Beek and Charli XCX will vie for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series. English singer-songwriter Charli XCX also produces original music for the series.

    The Pitt

    The Pitt star, writer and executive producer submitted for all three roles on HBO’s medical procedural series. He is up for Lead Actor In a Drama Series for his portrayal of Dr. Michael “Robby” Robinavitch, the dedicated senior attending physician at the Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Hospital.

    RELATED: ‘The Pitt’ Season 2 Begins Production; First-Look Photo & Premiere Window Unveiled

    Wyle and series creator, executive producer and showrunner R. Scott Gemmill are the shows two submissions in the Writing for a Drama Series category, while executive producer John Wells, Amanda Marsalis and Damian Marcano are up for Directing In a Drama Series.

    Étoile

    Amy Sherman-Palladino’s series for Prime Video, Étoile, will be submitted in the comedy categories at the 2025 Emmy Awards.

    RELATED: ‘Étoile’ Canceled By Prime Video After Season 1 Of Two-Season Order

    Presumed Innocent

    Season 1 of Apple TV+’s legal thriller Presumed Innocent will compete in the Limited or Anthology Series categories at the 2025 Emmy Awards. The designation has been approved by the TV Academy. The series has been renewed for a second season.

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  • Sunspot crackling with magnetic ‘bombs’ is now turning toward Earth (photo)

    Sunspot crackling with magnetic ‘bombs’ is now turning toward Earth (photo)

    Magnetic explosions known as Ellerman bombs surround a sunspot in this photo from astrophotographer Philippe Tosi (Earth added for scale). (Image credit: Philippe Tosi)

    A new sunspot emerging over the eastern limb of the sun is putting on an explosive show and it’s heading our way.

    Sunspot region 4136 was recently captured crackling with dozens of magnetic explosions known as Ellerman bombs. French astrophotographer Philippe Tosi photographed the activity on July 10 from Nîmes, France, using an H-alpha filter to capture the fine-scale action in exquisite detail. The image shows Ellerman bombs popping like fireworks near a sunspot that has already hurled out multiple M-class solar flares — mid-level eruptions on the solar flare scale — as it appeared over the eastern limb of the sun, according to spaceweather.com.

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  • 15 Prime Day Kindle Deals (Plus Amazon Echo Devices)

    15 Prime Day Kindle Deals (Plus Amazon Echo Devices)

    The sale event of the summer is here, and the Amazon Prime Day Kindle deals (and other Amazon device deals!) are ones you can count on being great to shop. As someone who tests Amazon gear for a living—Echo speakers, Kindles, Amazon’s smart plugs, you name it—I’m always tracking what in Amazon’s lineup is worth buying. I have a ton of favorites, from the best of the best, like the Kindle Paperwhite and Echo Show 8, to the Kindle Scribe and Echo Spot.

    It’s the perfect time to shop all of those and more. Not only is everything in this guide WIRED-tested and WIRED-approved, but it’s on sale right now. Need more deals? Try our Best Amazon Prime Day Deals roundup and Prime Day liveblog.

    Updated July 11, 2025: We’ve checked all prices and confirmed all deals.

    WIRED Featured Deals

    Best Kindle Deals

    A Kindle You Can Write On

    • Courtesy of Amazon

    • Image may contain: Page, Text, Computer, Electronics, and Tablet Computer

      Photograph: Nena Farrell

    Amazon

    Kindle Scribe (2024)

    This is my personal favorite Kindle. Maybe I’m biased because I love a digital notebook just as much as an e-reader, and since I’m a big reader on Kindle Unlimited and through my Libby app, using the Kindle Scribe (8/10, WIRED Recommends) easily bundles all my most-used features into a single device. It’s easy to sketch out notes and random ideas in the notebook section, and the screen is nice and large to enjoy reading my latest book of choice. The battery also lasts nice and long—in the months I’ve had it, I’ve charged it maybe three times.

    The Best Kindle

    • Image may contain: Computer, Electronics, Tablet Computer, and Person

      Courtesy of Amazon

    • Image may contain: Book, Publication, Computer, Electronics, and Tablet Computer

      Photograph: Nena Farrell

    Amazon

    Kindle Paperwhite (2024, 12th Generation)

    Run, don’t walk: the best Kindle is on sale. The 12th-generation Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition (8/10, WIRED Recommends) launched last year and is a little larger than the basic Kindle. It comes with a warm light option, which is gentle on the eyes. It’s got fast and smooth performance, and overall is the best choice if you’re looking for a new Kindle, even when it’s not on sale. And it is right now!

    The Minimalist’s Kindle

    • Image may contain: Plant, Tree, Computer, Electronics, Potted Plant, Tablet Computer, and Person

      Courtesy of Amazon

    • Image may contain: Computer, Electronics, and Tablet Computer

      Photograph: Nena Farrell

    Amazon

    Kindle (2024, 11th Generation)

    Amazon launched a new version of its basic Kindle last year, and while it’s the most minimalist of its family of e-readers, it’s still a great little gadget. I’m a big sucker for the matcha green color. It’s nice and small, perfect for sneaking in a pocket or a small bag and take with you anywhere you go.

    A Colorful Kindle

    • Image may contain: Computer, Electronics, Tablet Computer, and Person

      Courtesy of Amazon

    • Overhead view of two black Kindle Colorsoft e-readers, with one screen showing the cover of an e-book and the other screen showing comic strips

      Photograph: Brenda Stolyar

    If you’re looking for a color e-reader but don’t want to spend too much, good news: the Kindle Kindle Colorsoft (7/10, WIRED Review) is on sale right now for Prime Day. It’s the first-ever Kindle with a color screen, letting book covers and illustrations shine. The Colorsoft has run into some issues with performance and the trade-in program, so I’d recommend buying one new without trading in your old Kindle. Right now is a perfect time since it’s on sale.

    A Kindle for Kids

    • Image may contain: Computer, Electronics, Tablet Computer, Person, Animal, Fish, Sea Life, and Shark

      Courtesy of Amazon

    • Amazon Kindle kids, an e-reader with a red case with the screen showing the page of an e-comic

      Photograph: Adrienne So

    If your kids want a Kindle, instead of just giving them your old one, get them a Kindle Kids to get access to Kids+ for free for six months and cute covers that they’ll love. Kids+ is a subscription service that gives access to a library of books designed for ages 3 to 12, and offers books in Spanish, too. The cover designs will make it easy to tell your kiddo’s Kindle from your own (even though I want that space whale option for myself).

    A Kindle Bundle

    Image may contain: Adapter, Electronics, and Computer

    Courtesy of Amazon

    Amazon

    Kindle Essentials Bundle including Kindle (2024), Black Fabric Cover, and Power Adapter

    If you’re planning to buy a new basic Kindle, stop right there. Instead, snag this on-sale Kindle bundle that includes the 2024 Kindle, a fabric cover, and a power adapter (because no, your Kindle does not already come with one. Sorry!). It’s a great set to keep your brand-new Kindle protected and get your first Kindle accessory.

    Best Echo Deals

    A Little Echo

    • Echo Spot 2024 edition, a semi-sphere device with a screen on the front, displaying the current time as well as the time the alarm is set for.

      Photograph: Nena Farrell

    • Image may contain: Electronics, Screen, Computer Hardware, Hardware, Monitor, and Speaker

      Courtesy of Amazon

    I love this funny little speaker. The Echo Spot (7/10, WIRED Recommends) sits in between a smart display and a basic speaker. I like that it’s well-designed for a bedside table since it has a cute digital clock on the small screen (it looks like a half circle, but it’s really a small rectangle screen surrounded by a half-circle bezel) and shows you what alarm is set for the next day. I like that it’ll show you icons for the weather and the name of the song playing, but leaves out more distracting screen features. Again, perfect as a new smart assistant and alarm clock in one.

    An Alexa Smart Display

    • Echo Show 8, a tablet-like device sitting on wooden surface in the corner of a room. The screen displays a schedule, the weather, and recently played music.

      Photograph: Nena Farrell

    • Image may contain: Computer, Electronics, Tablet Computer, Mobile Phone, and Phone

      Courtesy of Amazon

    Amazon

    Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen)

    One of the best all-around Echo speakers, whether it’s a Show smart display or just a regular Echo speaker, is the Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen). It’s a great size for just about everything it can do, and it can do a lot: stream videos, join video calls with the 13-MP camera, show you the weather forecast, control your smart home, and show widgets of your choice onscreen to customize your content. It’s got great sound too, making it a great speaker choice as well as a smart assistant. The only downside is that the constant slideshow will show ads, but you can evade that by turning on Photo Mode.

    Small Yet Mighty

    • Image may contain: Sphere, Electronics, and Speaker

      Courtesy of Amazon

    • Front view of Echo Dot 5th Generation, a grey sphere device with blue light illuminating from the base while sitting on a wooden nightstand

      Photograph: Nena Farrell

    The Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen) is a petite edition of the main Echo. It can do everything the main one can, and while it’s much smaller, it still packs pretty impressive sound quality, with improved bass over older models. It’s already a great speaker for the price, and that’s even more true now that it’s on sale for Prime Day.

    A Bare-Bones Smart Display

    Amazon Echo Hub

    Photograph: Nena Farrell

    This might look like a smart display, but it’s focused on a single feature: controlling your smart home. The Echo Hub (8/10, WIRED Recommends) can still answer your questions, but every other feature you might expect on a smart display usually won’t be found on this device. I’m surprised to say I didn’t miss those features. This gadget is minimalist and works great as a hub for your smart home, with no distractions on the screen (or ads!) It has a weak speaker, but it will pair with your preferred speaker to send music requests to it.

    A Pop of Color

    The Amazon Echo Pop (7/10, WIRED Recommends) looks like someone sliced the Echo Dot in half. It’s a fun addition to a small room or bedroom since it comes in colors that no other Echo does. The sound quality isn’t as strong as other Echo devices, but it’s fine for casual listening. It’s a great way to pop (get it?) a voice assistant and a bit of color into any room.

    Fire Devices

    Our Favorite Budget Tablet for Kids

    Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro

    Photograph: Amazon

    If you’re not looking to go all out on Apple’s iPad for your rambunctious youngster, this Fire TV tablet is a great budget alternative—especially on a hot sale. This is best for kids over the age of 8, as it has slightly more mature content and a more advanced design. You’re getting great stuff from within the Amazon ecosystem, including games, books, videos, and more, all filterable by the adult in the room. We love the two-year worry-free warranty, especially if you’ve got a drop-friendly child, and this price makes it a serious bargain. —Ryan Waniata

    A Solid Budget Streamer

    A black streaming stick and remote next to a box labeled Fire TV Stick 4K

    Amazon

    If all you need is a cheap-and-stable streamer, one that shows you TV and movies on Amazon Prime you never knew existed, this is a nice buy. It’s a great option for dumber 4K TVs or even an HD TV that may need replacing down the line. We still prefer the 4K TV Max for serious streaming after testing both, but you can’t do much better for a budget stick with voice search at this price, especially if you’re into Alexa as your copilot. —Ryan Waniata

    Amazon’s Top Tablet

    Amazon Fire Max 11 tablet

    Photograph: Amazon

    The Fire Max 11 (5/10, WIRED Review) is Amazon’s nicest Fire tablet, but it’s expensive for what you get, making a sale event like Prime Day the prime (I’m hilarious) time to buy. The screen is solid, the speakers aren’t bad, and the cameras are 1080p. It’s not the nicest Android tablet we’ve tried, but it’s affordable enough to be worth snagging.

    A Streaming Stick With Attitude

    Amazon Fire Stick 4K Max

    Photograph: Best Buy

    Amazon

    Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2nd Generation)

    If you love Amazon Prime shows, the Fire TV Stick 4K Max is the streaming device for you. It’s focused on Amazon Prime, but you can still access other streaming apps, too, so you won’t be locked into only Prime shows. It works well with other Alexa-connected smart home devices, too.


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  • Desperate Afghan refugees return to an unfamiliar home – UN News

    1. Desperate Afghan refugees return to an unfamiliar home  UN News
    2. Iran expels half a million Afghans in 16-day stretch since recent conflict with Israel, UN says  CNN
    3. 3 million Afghans could return this year: UN  Dawn
    4. Deported Afghans from Iran Face Food Shortages in Kabul Camp  TOLOnews
    5. Taliban Criticises Iran’s Deportation Practices, Calls For Dignified Repatriation  افغانستان اینترنشنال

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  • IESCO Issues Weekend Electricity Shutdown Notice for Islamabad, Rawalpindi – ProPakistani

    1. IESCO Issues Weekend Electricity Shutdown Notice for Islamabad, Rawalpindi  ProPakistani
    2. IESCO issue power suspension schedule  Daily Lead Pakistan
    3. IESCO issues power suspension schedule  Daily Lead Pakistan
    4. IESCO Issues 5 Hours Electricity Shutdown Notice for Areas of Islamabad  ProPakistani

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  • Trump's $100 million crypto mystery man – Reuters

    1. Trump’s $100 million crypto mystery man  Reuters
    2. Week 24: President Trump Notches Another Mysterious Benefactor  Revolving Door Project
    3. He Will Steal As Much As You Let Him  jacobsilverman.com
    4. Does Trump’s Biggest Crypto Backer Really Exist?  The Nation
    5. Mysterious UAE-Based Aqua 1 Invests $100 Million in Trump’s Crypto Business  AInvest

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