Blog

  • Top Boy actor charged with rape

    Top Boy actor charged with rape

    Ian Youngs

    Culture reporter

    Reuters Micheal Ward at posing for photos at the Eddington premiere in JuneReuters

    Bafta-winning actor Micheal Ward, known for roles in shows and films including Top Boy, Small Axe and Blue Story, has been charged with rape.

    Mr Ward, 27, of Cheshunt, Hertfordshire, is charged with two counts of rape and three counts of sexual assault, the Metropolitan Police said.

    He said: “I deny the charges against me entirely,” and added that he had co-operated with police fully throughout their investigation and had full faith it would lead to his name being cleared.

    The alleged offences relate to one woman and are reported to have taken place in January 2023, according to the police force.

    The actor made his name as one of the stars of cult hit Blue Story in 2019, and won the Rising Star prize at the Bafta Film Awards the following year.

    He played Jamie in Netflix hit Top Boy from 2019 to 22, and was nominated for best supporting actor at the Bafta TV Awards for Small Axe in 2021.

    The Jamaican-born actor also starred in acclaimed 2022 drama Empire of Light, and will be seen in forthcoming US pandemic-era Western movie Eddington, which is due to be released in the UK on 22 August.

    Mr Ward is due to appear at Thames Magistrates’ Court in London on 28 August.

    Metropolitan Police Det Supt Scott Ware said: “Our specialist officers continue to support the woman who has come forward – we know investigations of this nature can have significant impact on those who make reports.”

    Catherine Baccas, deputy chief crown prosecutor for CPS London South, said: “Having carefully reviewed a file of evidence, the Crown Prosecution Service has authorised the Metropolitan Police to charge Micheal Ward, 27, with two counts of rape, two counts of assault by penetration, and one count of sexual assault against a woman in January 2023.”

    She added: “We remind all concerned that proceedings against the suspect are active and he has a right to a fair trial.

    “It is vital that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in anyway prejudice these proceedings.”

    Continue Reading

  • SpaceX probes for cause of Starlink's global satellite network outage – Reuters

    1. SpaceX probes for cause of Starlink’s global satellite network outage  Reuters
    2. Elon Musk ‘sorry’ after Starlink satellite internet suffers global outage  Al Jazeera
    3. Understanding Starlink Outages: Causes, Impacts, and Solutions  Vocal
    4. Ukraine says Starlink’s global outage hit its military communications  Global Banking | Finance | Review
    5. Network resiliency in the spotlight after Starlink outage  Runway Girl

    Continue Reading

  • The Quest to Boost Operational Efficiency and Returns in DC Master Trusts

    The Quest to Boost Operational Efficiency and Returns in DC Master Trusts

    History

    Defined Contribution (DC) Master Trusts have become a cornerstone of the UK pension landscape, offering a cost-effective alternative to single-employer trusts and an efficient way to manage retirement savings for multiple employers and their employees.

    Though they emerged as a niche product in the 1970s, DC Master Trusts only started to garner broader adoption in the UK workplace pension market following the 2012 advent of automatic enrolment.1 As of 2023, Master Trusts are the DC vehicle of choice at 28% of FTSE 350 companies, up from just 6% in 2014.2

    Scale

    The DC Master Trust share of the workplace pensions market could expand to £400 bn by 2026, up five-fold from £80 bn in 2021, per Hymans Robertson LLP.3 That could reach £800 bn by decade’s end, according to chancellor of the exchequer Rachel Reeves.4

    This increased scale could bolster the sophistication these schemes have in their investment strategies, according to analysis from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).5 That means these schemes could allocate a greater proportion of their capital to private markets and also incorporate model portfolios that target a particular balance of return and risk.

    Consolidation

    At the same time, while balances in DC Master Trusts have ballooned and their underlying investments have grown increasingly illiquid, the total number of Master Trusts plummeted from 90 to 37 following the 2018-2019 introduction of a requirement for Master Trusts to meet stringent criteria when applying to The Pensions Regulator (TPR) for authorization.6 As of Dec. 31, 2024, the total number of UK DC Master Trusts stands at 33.7

    The robust assets under management (AUM) momentum DC Master Trusts are experiencing across far fewer schemes that are themselves invested in more unlisted assets means the administration of these trusts presents significant challenges, particularly in the areas of cash allocation and portfolio rebalancing, along with data management and client reporting. It may prove beneficial to utilize a “Cash Allocation and Rebalancing Application” (CARA), a solution that has seen success in Australia, in addition to an outsourced data management solution to enhance operational efficiency, streamline liquidity management and asset allocation changes, and attempt to improve investment outcomes for members. Get access to the full whitepaper by clicking “Download Report”. 

    Continue Reading

  • Google will now let U.S. residents virtually try on clothes before they buy

    Google will now let U.S. residents virtually try on clothes before they buy

    • Google has launched a tool to let you virtually try on clothes online. Available now, the tool lets users upload a picture of themselves to see how the outfit would look on them. AI components account for how materials fold or stretch across people’s bodies.

    Buying online clothes is always something of a crap shoot. What looks good on the webpage could look ridiculous on you in person (or worse, entirely too tight).

    A few months ago at its I/O 2025 event, Google unveiled an AI-powered tool that could prevent those fashion disasters, letting you upload a full-body picture of yourself to virtually try on clothing found online. Now, that tool is finally available to users in the U.S.

    To use the tool, just tap on any product listing across Google or an apparel product result on Google Images and hit the “try it on” icon. From there, you’ll upload a full-length photo and see what you’ll look like in the outfit.

    The tool works on laptop, desktop and mobile devices.

    Google says it has also updated its price alert feature, so you can track prices and grab the top, dress or shorts when it falls into your price range.

    The tool doesn’t just overlay the clothing on top of the image you upload. Google used an AI image generation model to account for how materials fold or stretch across people’s bodies.

    Later this year, Google will bring shopping features like this to its AI Mode, including one that lets people explore (and purchase) outfit and decor ideas directly from the chatbot.

    One heads-up about this tool: While it does a good job of showing you what the clothes will look like on you, it does not account for body size, so it’s not currently useful as a guide to whether an outfit will fit you well. In our own tests, the tool shaved several pounds off of us to showcase the clothes. And while that was a nice fantasy, the reality would likely look a bit different.

    In fairness, the tool does warn users “Fit and appearance won’t be exact.”

    Introducing the 2025 Fortune 500, the definitive ranking of the biggest companies in America. Explore this year’s list.

    Continue Reading

  • 850,000-Year-Old Homo Antecessor Remains Suggest Ancient Child Was Decapitated And Eaten By Its Own Kind

    850,000-Year-Old Homo Antecessor Remains Suggest Ancient Child Was Decapitated And Eaten By Its Own Kind

    Warning: This is a grisly one. Around 850,000 years ago, a small child belonging to a now extinct human species was decapitated and processed for food, according to new archaeological finds in northern Spain.

    The specimen, a tiny vertebra, belonged to a two- to four-year-old member of the archaic human species known as Homo antecessor, which was recently excavated from the Gran Dolina site in Sierra de Atapuerca, Spain. This species of human lived in Western Europe during the Lower Palaeolithic era, around 1.2 million to 800,000 years ago. Some have argued that this species may have represented the common ancestor of Neanderthals and Homo sapiens.

    The vertebra showed evidence of precision cutting, while other bones found at the site exhibited marks characteristic of defleshing and intentional fracturing. These are typical indicators of meat being removed for food and are common on animal bones eaten by these early humans.

    The team also discovered a tooth belonging to Homo antecessor at the site.

    Image credit: Maria D. Guillen/IPHES-CERCA

    “This case is particularly striking, not only because of the child’s age, but also due to the precision of the cut marks,” Dr Palmira Saladié, IPHES-CERCA researcher and co-director of the Gran Dolina excavation alongside Dr Andreu Ollé, explained in a statement. “The vertebra presents clear incisions at key anatomical points for disarticulating the head. It is direct evidence that the child was processed like any other prey.” 

    Although this is a pretty unpalatable find, it is not the first time such behavior has been identified at this site. Nearly thirty years ago, the same archaeological level revealed the first known case of human cannibalism in the world.

    “What we are documenting now is the continuity of that behaviour: the treatment of the dead was not exceptional, but repeated,” said Saladié.

    The new evidence, which was excavated in July this year, adds to our belief that these humans exploited one another as a food source and possibly as a form of territorial control. In addition to the child’s vertebrae, archaeologists also recovered a hyena latrine with over 1,300 coprolites (fossilized poop) that were plopped on the level just above where the human remains were found. Such overlaying evidence helps archaeologists reconstruct who or what occupied the cave at different times, and as a result, get a better understanding of the history of interspecies competition in this environment.

    The archaeologists believe there is likely more to be discovered at the site, especially in relation to human bones.

    “Every year we uncover new evidence that forces us to rethink how they lived, how they died, and how the dead were treated nearly a million years ago,” Saladié concluded. 

    Continue Reading

  • Warning over fake vodka containing harmful chemical

    Warning over fake vodka containing harmful chemical

    The public are being warned to stay alert when purchasing or consuming Glen’s vodka after counterfeit bottles containing a harmful chemical were discovered.

    Food Standards Scotland (FSS) said it had found 35cl bottles, or a half bottle, disguised to look like genuine Glen’s vodka.

    A chemical known as isopropyl was found in the illegally labelled vodka, seized by the agency, which can be dangerous if consumed.

    Vodka containing isopropyl will taste and smell “very different” in comparison to normal alcohol and will be very strong, the FSS have said.

    Symptoms of isopropyl alcohol poisoning include stomach pain, vomiting, dizziness, sore head, confusion, slow breathing. In some severe cases, FSS have warned it could lead to a coma or death.

    Genuine Glen’s vodka has a laser etched code imprinted on the back and base of the glass bottle.

    A legitimate product can also be identified by size, fill height and a bottle ID – FSS said these markings would not vary in position or detail.

    BBC Scotland reported last year that similar counterfeit bottles had been discovered by The Food Standards Agency (FSA).

    In a statement Food Standards Scotland said: “The scale of distribution of counterfeit product is still unknown.

    “If you believe you may have consumed alcohol that has a strong smell and a very different taste to normal and are showing any of the symptoms described, please contact the NHS 24 on 111 immediately.

    “If you have severe symptoms, call 999.”

    Continue Reading

  • Honor X7c Launched in Pakistan with Premium Specs – Price at PKR 44,999

    Honor X7c Launched in Pakistan with Premium Specs – Price at PKR 44,999

    Honor has officially launched the Honor X7c in Pakistan on July 25, 2025, priced at just PKR 44,999 for the powerful 16GB RAM and 256GB storage variant. Packed with features, a sleek design, and solid performance, the X7c is shaping up to be a standout in the mid-range smartphone market.

    The Honor X7c boasts a 6.77-inch TFT LCD with HD+ resolution and a 120 Hz refresh rate. This smooth, vibrant display is capable of reaching 850 nits of peak brightness for sunlight visibility, and it can dim as low as 2 nits in dark environments. The punch-hole cutout at the top center houses an 8MP front camera, while Honor’s Magic Capsule feature allows the area around the camera to display live notifications and system status, bringing smart functionality to a budget-friendly device.

    Honor X7c Specifications at a Glance

    Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the 108MP main rear camera, which captures sharp, detailed images, supported by a 2MP depth sensor for improved portrait shots. On the software side, the X7c runs MagicOS 8.0 based on Android 14, offering a clean and feature-rich user experience.

    Honor X7c Launched In Pakistan

    Under the hood, the Snapdragon 685 chipset powers the Honor X7c, delivering reliable performance and smooth multitasking. Paired with 16GB of RAM (including virtual RAM) and 256GB of internal storage, the device handles gaming, social media, and productivity tasks with ease.

    One of the most impressive aspects of the Honor X7c is its massive 6,000 mAh battery, promising extended usage without the need for frequent recharges. It supports 35W fast charging via USB-C. For audio lovers, the device includes stereo speakers and retains the classic 3.5mm headphone jack, offering flexible sound options. It also features an IP64 rating for dust and water resistance, adding a layer of durability to its design.

    The Honor X7c is available in three elegant color options: Forest Green, Midnight Black, and Moonlight White, appealing to both minimalists and style-forward users.

    Continue Reading

  • The upcoming iPhone Fold screen sizes leak

    The upcoming iPhone Fold screen sizes leak

    Apple is rumored to be finally stepping into the foldable smartphone game next year – we’ll be calling its first such device the iPhone Fold but don’t take this for granted, we don’t really know the name yet.

    Today in China, the prolific leaker who goes by Digital Chat Station on Weibo has revealed the iPhone Fold’s screen sizes. The inner, folding display is allegedly going to be 7.7″, while the cover screen will be 5.5″. That implies quite a different aspect ratio from what we’re used to in the Android world.

    It’s definitely not going to be the biggest book-style foldable around, that’s for sure, but Apple will undoubtedly emphasize its better pocketability and usability with one hand in its marketing materials.

    DCS also once again confirms the 2026 release of the device. Past rumors have claimed that the device has already entered prototype testing, with a functioning prototype already created. It may or may not sport an under-display selfie camera for the folding screen, but has been consistently rumored to have a practically crease-free design.

    This is allegedly the main reason why Apple took so long to join the foldable game – its pursuit of a creaseless screen, and Samsung Display has now finally obliged.

    Source (in Chinese)

    Continue Reading

  • Best headphones deal: Save $130 on Bose QuietComfort headphones

    Best headphones deal: Save $130 on Bose QuietComfort headphones

    SAVE $130: As of July 25, Bose’s popular QuietComfort headphones are on sale at Amazon and Best Buy (for today only) for $130 off the original price of $349. That’s 34% off.

    Bose makes some of the best headphones and earbuds on the market. Trust us, we are experts on Bose and its lineup of audio products at this point. That’s why when one of their flagship devices gets a hefty discount, we say it’s a no-brainer to snag one while you can.

    Now is one of those times, because the brand’s popular QuietComfort headphones (not to be confused with the more premium QuietComfort Ultra headphones) are on sale at multiple retailers for just $229. That’s $130 off the original price of $349, and a 34% discount. Both Amazon and Best Buy are offering this deal, so take your pick — just do it fast, because this deal is only going to be available until the end of the day, at least at Best Buy.

    SEE ALSO:

    The Bose QuietComfort earbuds are a decent budget option from the premium brand

    The Bose QuietComfort headphones are all about high-quality noise-cancellation (in fact, we named them our pick for best noise-cancelling headphones) and all-day wearability thanks to their plush earcup cushions. In those regards, these headphones are a standard-bearer.

    There are more highlights, though, including swappable listening modes (“quiet” and “aware”), adjustable EQ, a 24-hour battery life, and a wired option for when you unexpectedly run out of juice. They also have a quick charging option — 15 minutes on the charger can get you around 2.5 hours of playtime — and multipoint support, which means you can stay connected to multiple Bluetooth-enabled devices at once.

    Mashable Deals

    If you’re looking for a quality pair of noise-cancelling headphones at a discounted price, you’re not going to find a better deal today.

    Continue Reading

  • Metastasis-directed radiotherapy without systemic therapy yields promising outcomes in oligometastatic ccRCC

    Metastasis-directed radiotherapy without systemic therapy yields promising outcomes in oligometastatic ccRCC

    Metastasis-directed radiotherapy without systemic therapy (MRWS) demonstrated promising efficacy with manageable safety in patients with oligometastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), according to data from a phase 2 trial (NCT03575611) presented at the 2025 Kidney Cancer Research Summit in Boston, Massachusetts.1

    The 2-year PFS and STFS were 40% and 75%, respectively.

    “Current treatment for frontline ccRCC focuses on systemic therapy doublets. Although effective, such combinations exhibit substantial toxicities and health care costs,” the authors wrote. “An underutilized option is MRWS, which may facilitate a prolonged systemic therapy-free interval in select patients. Unfortunately, no reliable prognostic markers exist to select patients for MRWS.”

    To that end, the investigators enrolled 121 patients with oligometastatic ccRCC to assess the safety and efficacy of MRWS as well as the utility of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) as a prognostic biomarker for response.

    Most patients in the study had 1 site of metastatic disease (72%) and had never received systemic therapy (70%). Those enrolled in the trial received MRWS, primarily stereotactic radiation therapy, to all sites of disease. Patients were able to receive subsequent rounds of MRWS if limited progression was observed. The trial’s co-primary end points were progression-free survival (PFS) and systemic therapy-free survival (STFS).

    Data showed that at a median follow-up of 36 months (range, 13 to 61), the median PFS was 18 months (95% CI, 16 to 25) and the median STFS was 34 months (95% CI, 28 to 54). According to the authors, “The lower bounds of 95% CI of the median STFS exceeded the prespecified 24 [month] threshold for success.”

    The 2-year PFS and STFS were 40% and 75%, respectively.

    The median overall survival (OS) had not been reached at the time of data report. At 2 and 3 years, OS was 94% and 86%, respectively.

    MRWS was also well-tolerated, according to the authors. Overall, 8% of patients (n = 9) experienced grade 3 or higher toxicities that the investigators deemed to be “at least possibly attributed to MRWS.” No grade 5 toxicities were reported.

    The investigators then assessed ctDNA as a potential prognostic biomarker for treatment outcomes. At baseline, 56% of patients had molecular residual disease (MRD) detected (MRD+).

    Data showed that MRD+ status was associated with significantly shorter STFS (HR, 2.9; 95% CI, 1.4 to 6.1; P = .003). Specifically, the median STFS was 27 months among those who were MRD+ at baseline vs 54 months among those who were MRD- at baseline. Further, MRD+ status at 3-month follow-up was also shown to be strongly associated with a shorter STFS (HR, 4.3; 95% CI, 2.0 to 9.0; P < .001).

    According to the authors, this ctDNA approach “appears to be a promising baseline prognostic biomarker for STFS and a dynamic marker of MRWS response.”

    “This study demonstrated that metastasis-directed radiation therapy (MDT) can help patients delay or avoid systematic treatments without sacrificing outcomes. Overall survival was not compromised, with survival rates of 94% at 2 years and 87% at 3 years,” said lead author Chad Tang, MD, in a prior news release on the findings.2 “The study also suggests that ultrasensitive ctDNA detection is a promising personalized biomarker that may offer opportunities for de-escalated, personalized care in patients with a cancer type that does not otherwise have many good biomarkers. Our data show those who tested positive on Precise MRD prior to MRWS initiated systemic therapy within a median time of 27 months, whereas those who tested negative on Precise MRD were maintained on MDT for a median time of 54 months.”

    The phase 2 trial remains ongoing, with final completion expected in September 2025.3

    REFERENCES

    1. Tang C, Sherry A, Seo A, et al. Phase 2 trial of metastasis directed radiotherapy without systemic therapy (MRWS) for oligometastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) and investigation of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA). Presented at: 2025 Kidney Cancer Research Summit. July 17-18, 2025. Boston, Massachusetts. https://kcrs.kidneycan.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/KCRS25-Abstract-Book-7.14.25.pdf

    2. Myriad Genetics highlights MRD clinical validity data at American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting. News release. Myriad Genetics. April 25, 2025. Accessed July 25, 2025. https://investor.myriad.com/news-releases/news-release-detail/26286/

    3. Stereotactic body radiation therapy in treating patients with oligometastatic renal cell carcinoma. ClinicalTrials.gov. Last updated May 16, 2025. Accessed July 25, 2025. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03575611

    Continue Reading