FlashFeed

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European homes failing in extreme heat — France's dangerous "RGA" effect explained
🔬 Science

European homes failing in extreme heat — France's dangerous "RGA" effect explained

France experienced temperatures above 43°C last summer, and single-family homes across the country are increasingly struggling to cope with extreme heat. The article describes the dangerous "RGA effect" — retrait-gonflement des argiles — a phenomenon where clay soil shrinks during droughts and swells when wet again, causing structural damage to building foundations. The problem is becoming more widespread across Europe as heatwaves intensify.

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Ukraine Reconstruction Conference in Gdańsk yields major contracts
📈 Business

Ukraine Reconstruction Conference in Gdańsk yields major contracts

Half of the Ukrainian Cabinet of Ministers attended the Ukraine Reconstruction Conference in Gdańsk, giving the event a strongly practical and economic character, according to Polish government envoy for Ukraine's reconstruction Paweł Kowal (KO). Kowal said businesses were "mega satisfied" and that a large number of contracts were signed during the conference. The event was aimed at mobilising private sector involvement in rebuilding Ukraine.

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Hungary aims to meet eurozone criteria by around 2030
🌍 World

Hungary aims to meet eurozone criteria by around 2030

Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar announced on Friday that his government aims to meet the criteria for joining the eurozone by around 2030. Magyar made the statement during a meeting in Budapest with Eurogroup President Kyriakos Perrakakis. Hungary has so far retained its own currency, the forint, and has pursued an independent monetary policy.

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Fujifilm X-E5: 40 MP in a compact travel camera body
💻 Technology

Fujifilm X-E5: 40 MP in a compact travel camera body

The Fujifilm X-E5 weighs around 445 grams and features a 40.2-megapixel X-Trans CMOS 5 HR sensor, delivering high image quality without the bulk of larger mirrorless systems. Its compact build means it fits easily in a small bag and won't weigh travellers down on long hikes or sightseeing days. Reviewers say it eliminates the usual trade-off between portability and image quality in travel cameras.

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Early-career scientists and pro footballers share surprising career parallels
🔬 Science

Early-career scientists and pro footballers share surprising career parallels

A commentary published in Nature draws parallels between the careers of early-career scientists and professional football players. Author Sarah Blackford argues that both groups face similar motivations, performance pressures and career challenges at the outset of their professional lives. The comparison is intended to shed light on the difficulties facing junior researchers in academia.

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Study finds East Palestine residents still show immune damage years after toxic train derailment
🏥 Health

Study finds East Palestine residents still show immune damage years after toxic train derailment

A new study has found that the immune systems of East Palestine, Ohio residents are still "responding to toxic chemical exposures" linked to the 2023 train derailment and chemical fire. Among those studied is Jessica Boersma, a city council member who lives less than a quarter mile from the crash site and was heavily exposed while coordinating with first responders. The findings suggest the health damage from the disaster is long-lasting rather than acute.

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Beta Cinema acquires 'Agnes & Amir' ahead of Munich Film Festival premiere
🎬 Entertainment

Beta Cinema acquires 'Agnes & Amir' ahead of Munich Film Festival premiere

Beta Cinema has acquired international sales rights to the feel-good comedy "Agnes & Amir," directed by Helena Hufnagel, ahead of its world premiere on Sunday at the Munich Film Festival. The film is based on a true story and follows Iranian refugee Amir as he awaits a decision on his asylum status in Germany. The acquisition positions the film for wide international distribution following its festival debut.

Rodrigo Zalazar: from Korona Kielce's reserves to the 2026 World Cup with Uruguay
⚽ Sport

Rodrigo Zalazar: from Korona Kielce's reserves to the 2026 World Cup with Uruguay

Rodrigo Zalazar, selected by Marcelo Bielsa for Uruguay's 2026 World Cup squad, spent much of the 2019/20 season playing in the third-division reserves of Polish club Korona Kielce, rarely featuring in the top-flight Ekstraklasa. The player managed to break through to European leagues and earn a place in the national team. His story is one of the more remarkable career comebacks in recent football history.

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Jutrzenka: a uniquely Polish name held by just 19 women in Poland
💄 Lifestyle

Jutrzenka: a uniquely Polish name held by just 19 women in Poland

Jutrzenka is one of Poland's rarest given names, with just 19 women registered under it in the national PESEL database. The name is deeply rooted in Polish language and culture, referencing the morning star (Venus). It has no equivalents in other languages or cultures, making it uniquely Polish on a global scale.

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Miniature temple to Minerva found in Roman quarry in Spain
💡 Did You Know

Miniature temple to Minerva found in Roman quarry in Spain

Archaeologists have discovered a small rock-cut temple in an ancient quarry at Campos del Paraíso, near the Roman city of Segóbriga in central Spain. The miniature facade with a niche is dedicated to Minerva, goddess of wisdom and craftsmanship. The site is being studied by researchers from the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid and the Museo Histórico Minero Felipe de Borbón y Grecia.

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Some countries make immigrants feel at home — others keep them forever outsiders
🌍 World

Some countries make immigrants feel at home — others keep them forever outsiders

Relocating abroad is easier than ever thanks to cheap flights, remote work and open borders, but a sense of true belonging remains elusive in many countries. Some nations integrate newcomers quickly, while in others immigrants remain perpetual outsiders regardless of how long they stay. The article argues that belonging depends not just on language or income, but on the cultural openness of the host society.

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Polish Banking Association: Free credit sanction to cut bank profits by 22.9% in 2026
📈 Business

Polish Banking Association: Free credit sanction to cut bank profits by 22.9% in 2026

According to simulations by the Polish Banking Association (ZBP), the net financial result of Poland's banking sector is forecast to fall 22.9% to PLN 37.9 billion in 2026. The projection reflects the baseline scenario and accounts for the impact of the so-called free credit sanction. This represents a significant warning for the financial industry.

Elanga scored vs Japan to send Sweden through to last 16 – then thought they were out
⚽ Sport

Elanga scored vs Japan to send Sweden through to last 16 – then thought they were out

Anthony Elanga scored the decisive goal against Japan at the World Cup, helping Sweden advance to the round of 16. After the final whistle, however, Elanga thought his team had been eliminated from the tournament – his confused reaction quickly went viral. Sweden ultimately progressed from the group stage.

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Samsung to charge for SmartThings API access from October — $4.99/month for developers
💻 Technology

Samsung to charge for SmartThings API access from October — $4.99/month for developers

Starting in October 2025, Samsung will introduce paid tiers for access to its SmartThings API. Individual non-commercial developers will pay $4.99 per month. The change will affect not only developers but also advanced smart home users who rely on more complex integrations.

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Trendy flip-flops this summer: flatforms and wedges replace classic Havaianas
💄 Lifestyle

Trendy flip-flops this summer: flatforms and wedges replace classic Havaianas

This season, Brazilian women are moving away from classic foam Havaianas towards flatform flip-flops — thicker-soled, elevated sandals — and wedge models. The trend combines minimalism with comfort and style. Leather platform flip-flops from Camper's current collection are among the most popular choices.

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Poor sleep accelerates brain changes linked to Alzheimer's disease
🏥 Health

Poor sleep accelerates brain changes linked to Alzheimer's disease

Scientists have found that poor sleep quality can accelerate brain changes linked to Alzheimer's disease before the first symptoms appear. This is particularly true for people with specific variants of a gene responsible for the brain's nightly "cleansing" process. Sleep problems lead to brain tissue loss and cognitive decline.

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Love Island USA removes Alannah Keyser for using racial slur
🎬 Entertainment

Love Island USA removes Alannah Keyser for using racial slur

Alannah Keyser has been removed from Love Island USA after using a racial slur. She appeared briefly in Thursday's episode before viewers were informed she had left the villa. This is the second contestant removed from the current season for using a racial slur.

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Solar and batteries rapidly closing gap with gas in Texas power grid
🔬 Science

Solar and batteries rapidly closing gap with gas in Texas power grid

In Texas, still dominated by fossil fuels, solar power and battery storage are rapidly catching up with natural gas. Renewable energy sources are increasingly competitive on the state's power grid, threatening gas's long-held dominance. Texas represents one of the most important energy markets in the United States.

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EU Commission proposes extending Ukraine temporary protection to March 2028, excluding men of fighting age
🌍 World

EU Commission proposes extending Ukraine temporary protection to March 2028, excluding men of fighting age

The European Commission proposed on Friday extending the EU's temporary protection mechanism for Ukrainians by one more year, to 4 March 2028. At the same time, the Commission wants Ukrainian men of fighting age arriving in the EU to be excluded from this protection. The proposal came at Ukraine's own request and must be approved by EU member states.

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Polish construction chemicals now set global standards, says Selena Group CEO
📈 Business

Polish construction chemicals now set global standards, says Selena Group CEO

Sławomir Majchrowski, CEO of Selena Group, told PAP that Polish construction companies have stopped chasing Western standards and are now setting their own. Polish construction chemicals are valued internationally for their quality, innovation and adaptability to local market needs. Selena Group competes globally and has moved from being a recipient of foreign technology to an exporter of its own solutions.

Swedish Allsvenskan speedway: Lahti and Nilsson shine, mixed results for Poles
⚽ Sport

Swedish Allsvenskan speedway: Lahti and Nilsson shine, mixed results for Poles

Thursday's Swedish Allsvenskan speedway fixtures saw away riders dominate, winning two of three matches. Lahti and Nilsson were among the standout performers of the evening. Polish riders had mixed fortunes across the three meetings.