Qatar Airways freezes £80m rugby Nations Championship sponsorship over Middle East war
Qatar Airways has put its £80 million sponsorship of rugby union's new Nations Championship on hold due to uncertainty caused by the Middle East war, The Guardian has reported. The state-owned airline remains committed to the deal in principle, but contracts have not yet been signed. The tournament's inaugural edition will kick off next week without a title sponsor, with the November leg potentially being the first to feature Qatar Airways branding.
Debt settlement companies typically charge between 15% and 25% of either the total enrolled debt or the settled amount, depending on the firm. While the service can substantially reduce credit card balances, it carries risks including damage to your credit score. Consumers are advised to compare providers carefully and understand the fee structure before signing any agreement.
EV startup Slate has switched to lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery cells for its affordable electric pickup truck, reflecting major shifts in the U.S. battery market in recent years. LFP cells are cheaper and more durable than traditional NMC cells, though they offer slightly lower energy density. Slate's move signals how accessible LFP technology has become for budget-focused EV manufacturers.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced his resignation, raising questions about the future of key foreign and defence policies. Starmer was a strong advocate for Ukraine and a driving force behind efforts to forge a new EU–UK defence partnership. It remains unclear whether his successor will maintain the same level of commitment to these initiatives.
Ukrainian Deputy Economy Minister Oleksandr Tsybort declared in Gdańsk on Wednesday that Ukraine is already ready for European partnership and investment. Polish Deputy Minister of Digital Affairs Rafał Rosiński highlighted that Poland and Ukraine share common digital priorities, including strengthening cybersecurity.
France set a new heat record on Wednesday as extreme temperatures gripped Western Europe. Jean-Pascal van Ypersele, Professor of Climatology and former IPCC Vice Chair, told FRANCE 24 that "unfortunately in the coming years people will remember this episode as a cool period." The warning underscores scientific consensus that heatwaves of today will be considered mild compared to what is coming.
A TechRadar editor recommends two Amazon Prime Day purchases under £25 each that proved useful during the UK heatwave: a car sunshade to prevent the steering wheel and seats from overheating, and a personal fan. The editor notes that car sunshades are common in hotter climates but rarely used in England. Both items are available during the ongoing Amazon Prime Day sale.
As TechRadar's retail editor, I'm usually at the forefront of the site's Amazon Prime Day coverage. Every year, I sort through and write up literally hundreds of deals. I have a confession to make, however. I'm often too busy writing up recommendations for our readers that I don't even stop to buy anything for myself!This year is different, however, as the extreme heat in the UK has finally spurred me into action taking advantage of the mega-sale. If you're also suffering form the heat, then here's two very, very useful purchases.The first is a cheap sunscreen for your car. I've noticed these aren't that popular in England, but in hotter climates, they're a real mainstay wherever you go.My car got so hot in the midday sun the other day that I almost burnt my hand on the steering wheel and front seat. On my way back from work, I picked up a cheap sunscreen and it's definitely made a big difference for comfort. The car is still hot, but there's no danger of contact burns or the like.The only issue I've found with the cheap sunscreen I bought the other day is that doesn't really fit my windscreen snugly and it's pretty bulky when folded. I spotted this Spigen Sunshade for £18.69 (was £21) in the Prime Day sale today and I'm kicking myself I didn't opt for that instead.My second purchase, which is in my cart right now, is this Warmco handheld fan for £21.97 (was £29.99). I've had an old no-brand hand-held fan for a few years now, but it's finally decided to kick it in (the worst timing, I know). I love these little fans because you throw them in your bag wherever you go - public transport, into work, on holiday. I've even taken these to festivals, where they're always a hit. This Warmco fan looks a little high-tech compared to the one I've been using, but judging by the reviews, it's exceptionally powerful for its size. Personally, I'm looking forward to the upgrade considering this thing can last up to 18 hours on one charge.My two essential heatwave purchases at AmazonAfter burning my hand on my steering wheel, I decided to invest in a cheap reflective screen for my car. This Spigen shade comes from a trusted brand and looks a lot better than the cheaper options out there thanks to its snug all-purpose fit. It's much easier to store than the foldable versions (it comes with its own little bag), and has two possible sizes so you can really tailor it to your car.View DealThis Warmco Portable handheld fan is in my cart right now. Again, we haven't reviewed it, but it does have good Amazon reviews and the price is right thanks to an Amazon Prime Day deal. According to the user reviews, this looks to be a surprisingly powerful little fan that's capable of 2.5 hours of operation per charge.View DealMore of today's best Amazon Prime Day salesAmazon Prime: get a 30-day free trialAmazon Devices: Fire, Ring & Blink from £13.99Amazon Haul: up to 30% offApple: up to 33% off AirPods & Apple WatchAppliances: up to 45% off Ninja & De'LonghiBeauty: up to 60% off Philips & Oral-BEssentials: household goods from £5Fans: from £20Fashion: up to 50% offGaming: up to 25% off SSDs & gamesHeadphones: up to 50% off Beats & SonyLaptops: from £149Tablets: Samsung & Lenovo from £79.99Toys: up to 25% off Lego and ToniesTVs: from £129.99Vacuums: up to 40% off Shark & RoborockWearables: up to 30% off Garmin & Oura
Qatar midfielder Assim Madibo has been handed a five-match ban for a challenge that resulted in a broken leg for Canada's Ismael Kone. Football authorities reviewed the incident and imposed the suspension. The injury ruled Kone out of further competition.
Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen said that trilateral Denmark–Greenland–US working group negotiations on Greenland's future could conclude by the end of 2026. Copenhagen is simultaneously boosting its military presence on the island, including deploying the first group of conscripts there. Greenland has become a major flashpoint in transatlantic relations in recent years.
Asteroid 1997NC1 will pass close to Earth on Saturday, posing no threat to the planet. The flyby is notable because asteroids of this size pass by Earth only once every few years, according to astronomers. Scientists are closely watching the event due to its rarity and scientific value.
Claressa Shields, the undisputed women's heavyweight champion, will drop three weight divisions to challenge unified middleweight champion Kaye Scott on August 15. The WBA and WBC middleweight titles will be on the line. It is a significant physical challenge for Shields, who must cut considerably to make the weight.
The Chicago Cubs have placed right-handed pitchers Ben Brown and Edward Cabrera on the 15-day injured list simultaneously. Brown joins Cabrera on the sideline, leaving the team short-handed in their pitching rotation. No return timelines were specified.
A board game adaptation of the original Halo game, titled "Halo: Campaign Evolved," has been announced for a 2026 release. The game will allow fans of Master Chief's first adventure to experience it in tabletop format. Further details about the publisher and gameplay mechanics have not yet been revealed.
France beat Iraq 3–0 in their second group stage match, with Kylian Mbappe netting twice. The game also featured a lighthearted moment involving the Real Madrid striker. France are firmly on course to advance from the group stage.
Almost every SteelSeries gaming headset is discounted during Amazon Prime Day, with deals spanning budget models to the premium Arctis Nova Elite. UK shoppers can take advantage of a significant price cut on the Arctis Nova Elite in particular. The discounts are available on Amazon for the duration of the Prime Day sale.
SteelSeries makes some of the finest gaming headsets money can buy nowadays, and I've had the pleasure of testing a whole host of them. They simply don't miss, and if you're ever looking for a headset that's going to give you the most bang for your buck, no matter your budget, then there's always a headset for you in the brand's line. • Browse the full Amazon Prime Day saleMost of them aren't priced too outrageously to begin with, but now, with the Amazon Prime Day deals in full swing, there are a huge number of price cuts up and down the range to take advantage of. And even a big price cut in the UK on the immense and super-premium Arcits Nova Elite.There's something here for everyone too, and if you want to scope out the Elite or the Nova Pro sets, then you'll see some good prices for those higher end sets, but if you just need a cheap and cheerful extra headset, cross-platform headset, or one for on the go, then there's something here for you — and you won't miss with any of them, such is the quality.Gaming headsets in the US SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro SteelSeries Arctis Gamebuds SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless Gen 2 SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5X Wireless SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3X Wireless SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1P Gaming headsets in the UK SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X Gen 2 SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5X Wireless SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3X Wireless SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 More Prime Day deals in the USAmazon Devices: Fire Sticks & Echo from $18Amazon Haul: viral gadgets, tech & appliances from $1.99Apple: MacBooks, AirPods & AirTags from $29Beauty: 50% off toothbrushes & hair toolsCheap TVs: smart TVs from $69.99Garden: tools, mowers, planters from $24.99Headphones: 50% off Beats, Bose & SamsungLaptops: Apple, HP & Dell from $199Mattresses: Sealy, Serta & more from $186Patio: outdoor furniture, rugs & decor from $19.99Sports: 50% off fitness gear, treadmills & clothingVacuums: Dyson, Shark & Bissell from $34More Prime Day deals in the UKAmazon Prime: get a 30-day free trialAmazon Devices: Fire, Ring & Blink from £13.99Amazon Haul: up to 30% offApple: up to 33% off AirPods & Apple WatchAppliances: up to 45% off Ninja & TefalBeauty: up to 60% off Philips & Oral-BEssentials: household goods from £5Fans: from £20Fashion: up to 50% offGaming: £90 off PlayStation 5Headphones: up to 50% off Beats & SonyLaptops: from £149Tablets: Samsung & Lenovo from £79.99Toys: up to 25% off Lego and ToniesTVs: from £129.99Vacuums: up to 40% off Shark & RoborockWearables: up to 30% off Garmin & Oura
A three-year review has uncovered the biggest childbirth scandal in NHS history at Nottingham University Hospitals, finding that 444 women and 76 newborns suffered "potentially avoidable" harm or death. A "bullying and toxic culture" persisted for years, and senior leaders repeatedly ignored warnings about serious problems in maternity units. Staff routinely refused to admit women in labour despite the risks. The report has prompted calls for a public inquiry into maternity care across England.
Report uncovers biggest childbirth scandal in NHS history in which 520 mothers and babies suffered ‘potentially avoidable’ harm or diedHorrific failings led to 520 mothers and babies in Nottingham suffering harm or dying, sparking calls for a public inquiry into maternity care across England.In all, 444 women and 76 newborn babies suffered “potentially avoidable” outcomes, a damning three-year long review of the biggest childbirth scandal in NHS history concluded.A “bullying and toxic culture” persisted at NUH over many years and impeded moves to improve care.Maternity service managers and the trust’s senior leaders were repeatedly warned about a host of serious problems in the maternity units at both hospitals but did not take effective action.Maternity staff displayed “a culture of not admitting women who were seeking admission in labour”, despite the risks this posed to them and their babies.Both maternity units were consistently seriously short-staffed and could not cope with the number of births and complexity of cases they had to handle.One baby girl who died early in gestation was “inadvertently disposed of as clinical waste by laboratory staff after her postmortem examination”, compounding her parents’ distress. Continue reading...
Region Varde Elitesport suffered a heavy home defeat against SpeedwayLigaen runners-up Holsted Tigers in Outrup on Wednesday. Mateusz Cierniak was the best of the beaten home side, while Bartosz Smektała put in a particularly poor performance.
A video circulating online shows Lionel Messi's teammates making a surprise visit to his hotel room to celebrate his 39th birthday. The footage was captured during the current World Cup tournament.
President Trump is pushing the Department of Justice to investigate why retail gas prices aren't falling faster despite lower crude oil prices. Four practical factors are at play: supply chain lags, crude oil pricing, refinery margins, and local demand. Analysts note that pump prices typically lag behind crude oil market movements.
The US Treasury Department removed seven Russian nationals, two ships and two companies from OFAC sanctions lists linked to restrictions imposed on Russia. The Treasury offered no explanation for the decision, and its spokesperson has not responded to journalists' inquiries, according to the Polish Press Agency.
According to the Daily NK portal, Kim Jong Un's wife and daughter are setting fashion trends among North Korea's wealthy elite. The outfits they wear at public appearances have become style standards copied by the country's most affluent citizens.
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