Plague was causing deadly epidemics 5,500 years ago, DNA evidence shows

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🔬 Science

Plague was causing deadly epidemics 5,500 years ago, DNA evidence shows

New genetic research reveals that the oldest known strains of Yersinia pestis, the bacterium behind plague, were already causing deadly epidemics 5,500 years ago — far earlier than previously thought. The findings significantly push back the timeline of one of history's most feared infectious diseases and reshape our understanding of ancient pandemics.

Should research into ancient pathogens be a scientific priority?

PAP Nauka · 1h ago · Source ↗

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⚽ Sport

Micah Nori Named Head Coach of Portland Trail Blazers

The Portland Trail Blazers are hiring Micah Nori as their new head coach, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. Nori spent the past five seasons as an assistant coach with the Minnesota Timberwolves. This marks his first head coaching role in the NBA.

Is Nori, with no head coaching experience, the right choice for the Blazers?

ESPN · 6min ago · Source ↗

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⚽ Sport

Mike Babcock Named Head Coach of Edmonton Oilers

Mike Babcock, last fired as head coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2019, was officially named the new head coach of the Edmonton Oilers on Tuesday. The veteran coach also previously led the Detroit Red Wings. The appointment marks his return to the NHL after several years away from the league.

Is Babcock a good choice as head coach of the Oilers?

ESPN · 22min ago · Source ↗

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🔬 Science

Nature Retracts Study on Sub-Second Periodicity in Fast Radio Bursts

Nature published a retraction note on June 23, 2026, withdrawing a previously published study on sub-second periodicity observed in fast radio bursts. The notice does not detail the specific reasons behind the retraction. Fast radio bursts are brief, intense pulses of radio waves from space that remain an active area of scientific research.

Nature · 22min ago · Source ↗

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🌍 World

U.S. Warns of Imminent Atrocities in Sudan's El Obeid

The United States has issued a warning about imminent atrocities in El Obeid, Sudan. The city sits along a strategically vital highway connecting the Darfur region in western Sudan to the country's east, making it a key flashpoint in the ongoing civil war. The warning signals serious concern for the safety of civilians in the area.

Should the U.S. intervene militarily to prevent atrocities in Sudan?

NYT World · 24min ago · Source ↗

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⚽ Sport

Five Polish Women at Wimbledon 2026? Kawa Reaches Qualifying Round Two

Four Polish women — Iga Świątek, Maja Chwalińska, Magda Linette and Magdalena Fręch — have secured places in the 2026 Wimbledon main draw. Katarzyna Kawa could become the fifth, having reached the second round of qualifying after a dominant win over Bandecchi. Her manager Piotr Szczypka says Kawa is close to the WTA top 100 and reaching it is her goal for Wimbledon.

Does Kawa deserve a permanent place in the WTA top 100?

Interia Sport · 25min ago · Source ↗

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🎬 Entertainment

The Killers' Brandon Flowers Goes Country Solo With "Thrasher" Out in August

Brandon Flowers, lead singer of The Killers, is releasing a country solo album called "Thrasher" in August. Recorded in Nashville, the record features contributions from Charlie McCoy, known for his harmonica work with Bob Dylan. The project marks a significant stylistic departure for Flowers from his rock roots.

Is a rock frontman switching to country music a smart artistic move?

Rolling Stone · 25min ago · Source ↗

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⚽ Sport

Messi Breaks Klose's Record — Mbappe, Kane and Haaland Give Chase at World Cup

Leo Messi has broken Miroslav Klose's all-time World Cup goals record. Kylian Mbappe immediately began chasing him down, while Harry Kane and Erling Haaland are also in contention for the tournament's top scorer crown. The race for the Golden Boot at this year's World Cup is shaping up to be exceptionally competitive.

Will Mbappe catch Messi and claim the World Cup Golden Boot?

Rzeczpospolita · 26min ago · Source ↗

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🔬 Science

Alpine Glacier Les Bossons Retreating Rapidly as Europe's 2026 Heat Wave Strikes

The Les Bossons glacier in the French Alps, near Mont Blanc and Chamonix, is retreating rapidly as Europe's second heat wave of 2026 accelerates ice melt. Recent photographs reveal extensive ice loss and new signs of rapid deterioration of the glacier's surface. Scientists warn that extreme temperatures are dramatically speeding up the glacier's decline.

Are governments doing enough to stop the climate change melting glaciers?

Wirtualna Polska · 28min ago · Source ↗

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🌍 World

Ten Years After Brexit, the UK Still Bears Heavy Economic and Political Costs

Ten years after a slim majority of British voters chose to leave the European Union, the economic and political consequences of Brexit continue to disrupt the United Kingdom. The decision remains one of the most divisive issues in British politics and society. A decade on, the country is still grappling with disruptions that show no sign of fully resolving.

Has Brexit proven to be a mistake for the United Kingdom?

NYT World · 28min ago · Source ↗

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🎬 Entertainment

Buddy Guy Turns 90 With Birthday Concert Featuring Eric Clapton and John Mayer

Blues legend Buddy Guy is celebrating his 90th birthday with a special concert featuring Eric Clapton and John Mayer. "Can't wait to celebrate 90 years of living, loving, and playing the blues with all my friends," Guy said in a statement on Tuesday. The specific date and venue of the concert were not included in the available information.

The Hollywood Reporter · 31min ago · Source ↗

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💻 Technology

Samsung's RAM Plus Speed Boost Coming to Non-Samsung Phones Too

Samsung is planning to extend its phone-acceleration technology beyond its own devices to smartphones made by other manufacturers. The feature optimises RAM management, resulting in smoother app performance. Samsung has not yet revealed a full list of supported third-party devices.

Should Samsung share its performance tech with rival phone makers?

Spider's Web · 32min ago · Source ↗

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🌍 World

Ukraine Destroys Crimea Bridge; Russia Hits Zelenskyy's Hometown with Ballistic Missile

Ukraine has destroyed the Crimea bridge in its latest strike aimed at isolating the Russian-annexed peninsula. In a deadly counterstrike, Russia launched a ballistic missile at Kryvyi Rih, the hometown of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, causing fatalities. Both attacks mark a fresh escalation targeting critical infrastructure on both sides.

Is targeting infrastructure a justified wartime strategy?

DW News · 34min ago · Source ↗

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📈 Business

Tech Stocks Slide – Overdue Correction or Brief Pause?

After weeks of false alarms, equity markets have hit a genuine stumbling block: a selloff in tech stocks that drove gains for two years. Investors are debating whether this is a long-overdue correction after inflated valuations or simply a brief pause before the rally resumes. AI-linked companies, which led the bull run, are among the hardest hit.

Were tech stock valuations overinflated before this selloff?

MarketWatch · 34min ago · Source ↗

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🌍 World

Ultra-Right Outsider De la Espriella Wins Colombian Presidential Runoff

Abelardo de la Espriella, an ultra-right-wing outsider, has won Colombia's presidential runoff for the first time in the country's history. His narrow victory signals a significant rightward shift in Colombian politics. Analysts warn the result could trigger fresh social and political conflicts within the country.

Does the ultra-right victory in Colombia threaten its democracy?

DW News · 34min ago · Source ↗

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📈 Business

Apple Shuts Only Unionized U.S. Store in Maryland, Union Cries Retaliation

Apple has closed its store in Maryland, the only unionized Apple retail location in the United States. The company cited "declining conditions" in the surrounding mall as the reason for the closure. The workers' union has rejected that explanation, accusing Apple of retaliating against employees for unionizing.

Did Apple close its Maryland store in retaliation for unionization?

NYT Business · 35min ago · Source ↗

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⚽ Sport

Betard Sparta Wrocław vs GKM Grudziądz – Announced Squads for Extraliga Round 10

In round 10 of the PGE Ekstraliga, Betard Sparta Wrocław will host Bayersystem GKM Grudziądz this Friday. The match carries significant weight in the battle for playoff qualification. Both teams' announced squads for the fixture have been released.

Will Sparta Wrocław qualify for the PGE Ekstraliga playoffs?

WP SportoweFakty · 35min ago · Source ↗

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⚽ Sport

Szczęsny Stays at Barça as Sole Backup After Peña Joins Panathinaikos

FC Barcelona officially confirmed the transfer of Iñaki Peña to Greek club Panathinaikos FC. As a result, Wojciech Szczęsny will remain at Barcelona as the sole backup option behind first-choice goalkeeper Joan Garcia. Marc-Andre ter Stegen is also expected to leave the club shortly.

Should Szczęsny seek a club where he can play more regularly?

Interia Sport · 36min ago · Source ↗

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🔬 Science

Five Eyes Alliance Warns: Advanced AI Is Already Reshaping Cyber Warfare

The Five Eyes intelligence alliance — comprising the US, UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand — has issued a rare joint warning aimed at business and technology leaders. The agencies state that artificial intelligence is already transforming how cyberattacks are carried out and defended against. So-called Frontier AI models could fundamentally shift the balance of power in cyberspace within months, the statement warns.

Should governments impose stricter regulation on Frontier AI models?

RMF24 · 36min ago · Source ↗

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💻 Technology

Kojima's Horror Game OD Will Have a Mode for Scare-Averse Players

Hideo Kojima has shared new details about his co-created horror game OD, developed alongside filmmaker Jordan Peele. The Metal Gear Solid and Death Stranding creator says he has devised a way to make the game accessible even to players who cannot stand scary games. OD was first revealed in 2023 with a trailer featuring actress Sophia Lillis.

Should horror games include a mode for scare-averse players?

Polygon · 36min ago · Source ↗

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🔬 Science

SAT Turns 100: Fewer U.S. Colleges Now Require the Standardized Test

One hundred years ago, students across the United States sat the first-ever SAT exam, designed to measure college readiness. Over the decades the test evolved into a symbol of the American higher education system. Today, however, a growing number of colleges have dropped the SAT requirement, raising questions about its continued relevance in admissions.

Should colleges fully abandon the SAT as an admissions requirement?

Smithsonian Magazine · 37min ago · Source ↗

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Plague was causing deadly epidemics 5,500 years ago, DNA evidence shows

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