Komorowski: Miller Killed Health Reform, No Government Since Dared to Restart It
The scandal surrounding Warsaw's Szpital Południowy (South Hospital) sparked a heated debate on the Polish political talk show "Prezydenci i Premierzy." Former President Bronisław Komorowski accused ex-Prime Minister Leszek Miller of blocking a key healthcare reform, arguing that no subsequent government had the courage to revive it. Komorowski called on current policymakers to use the hospital scandal as a catalyst to restart the stalled reform.
US Central Command announced a second wave of strikes against multiple targets in Iran, including the strategic island of Qeshm. The operation was ordered by the Commander-in-Chief as retaliation for Iranian drone attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. US military representatives stated that "Iran had its chance."
England beat defending champions New Zealand by nine wickets at The Oval, chasing down 164 with ease thanks to Danni Wyatt-Hodge's unbeaten 89 and a 128-run stand with Sophia Dunkley. A record crowd of 21,018 watched the Women's T20 World Cup group-stage match. England top Group B and will face either India or South Africa in the semi-finals.
Artist Uman creates vivid, technicolor paintings of rural life, working on the floor of her farm and deliberately avoiding the art-world circuit. Ahead of a major survey exhibition, she spoke about her lifestyle, creative process and what draws her to agricultural themes. Her work is known for its bold colours and folk-inspired imagery.
Peter Thiel, co-founder of PayPal and Palantir, wrote in an essay for Cato Unbound that he no longer believes freedom and democracy are compatible. He argued that democratic politics had become an antagonist to individual freedom, advocating instead for minimal government. This view has become a foundational position among segments of the new tech elite.
Peter Thiel is among the most prominent figures in the technology industry, having co-founded PayPal in the 90s and Palantir a few years later. Although he's since stepped back from running technology companies, he plays an active role in business, finance – and indeed in politics. Minimum government, maximum freedomWriting an essay for the Cato Unbound journal nearly 20 years ago, Thiel outlined his political thinking as one that prioritizes the individual – and individual freedoms – above the needs or demands of the majority. Quote of the dayThis article is part of TechRadar Pro's QOTD project to provide an insight into the minds of the brightest and most recognized figures in the technology industry today and in years gone by. Read the full series here.In this essay, he explained how he was disillusioned with democratic politics and that it had become an antagonist to "freedom" in the form of free markets and, specifically, the new generation of tech moguls who were in the process of expansion. The piece, which ran in excess of 2,000 words, courted plenty of attention, as well as controversy, especially given its timing – with society still reeling from the 2008 banking crisis, and concerns over the widening wealth divide heightening. Democracy dies in darknessMany incidents and actions in the technology world can be traced back to the ideas at the heart of this essay, for example, the breakdown of press freedoms, specifically in the big tech takeover of the creative industries and journalism (see the Washington Post example).Modern tech companies are also increasingly involved in politics, with Elon Musk, for example, increasingly (whether deliberately or inadvertently) using Starlink to wield influence during geopolitical conflicts. Despite Thiel's proclamation to transcend democratic politics via media such as cyberspace or cryptocurrencies, many tech moguls – including the Palantir co-founder – have also made concerted efforts to involve themselves in this process. Musk's direct involvement in the second Trump administration is the most prominent example, but Thiel himself has handpicked candidates to stand in elections, including JD Vance.
Several inventions from ancient civilisations remain only partially understood by modern science. Greek fire, a devastating incendiary weapon used by the Byzantine Empire, and Roman concrete, which has outlasted modern equivalents by millennia, are among the most studied mysteries. Despite advances in archaeology and chemistry, researchers still cannot fully replicate or explain these technologies.
The state of Michigan spent $1.8 billion on economic development programmes intended to create jobs, but only 602 positions were actually created — roughly $3 million per job. The figures raise serious questions about the efficiency of state-level industrial subsidies and public investment in job-creation schemes. The story has attracted significant attention as a case study in wasteful government spending.
A study in mice found that GLP-1 drugs, such as semaglutide (Ozempic), led to weight loss and also reversed depression-like behaviour. Researchers believe the effect may be linked to the drugs' influence on the gut-brain axis. The findings suggest a possible therapeutic role for GLP-1 medications in treating mood disorders, though human trials are still needed.
Germany, Denmark and the Czech Republic have recorded new all-time high temperatures during an ongoing heatwave sweeping northern and central Europe. The readings represent the highest temperatures ever measured in those countries. The extreme heat is affecting wide areas of the continent.
Nico Williams announced he suffered a new injury caused by an opponent acting out of "frustration and disappointment." The Spain winger will miss the World Cup, dealing a major blow to Luis de la Fuente's side. Williams described the incident as a serious moment for the team's dressing room.
Israel struck southern Lebanon the day after Lebanon and Israel signed a framework agreement, Lebanese state media reported at least one person killed. Hezbollah condemned the new deal. The strikes highlight continued tensions in the region despite the recent diplomatic progress.
Instagram is testing new tools that would give users more control over how the platform's algorithm curates their content. The features are being developed under the "Your Algorithm" section, though specific options have not yet been detailed publicly.
An analysis in Works in Progress asks whether European countries should adopt American-style housing politics, particularly the grassroots pressure movements that have driven pro-construction reforms in some US states. European cities face similar housing shortages and rising prices but operate under different legal and cultural frameworks. The piece weighs the transferability of the American model to Europe.
NPR reporter Emmet Livingstone describes what it is like to cover an Ebola outbreak in eastern Congo, detailing the extra precautions journalists must take in the field. The piece offers a behind-the-scenes look at the reporting process rather than new epidemiological data on the outbreak.
Colombian animation director María Cristina Pérez competed at the Annecy Animation Festival's Perspectives sidebar with her experimental short "Once in a Body" ("Una vez en un Cuerpo"). It is her fourth short film, dedicated to her sister, with human connection as its central theme. Pérez is regarded as a rising talent in Colombia's growing animation scene.
Several widely shared quotes attributed to Frida Kahlo — including "You deserve a lover who wants you disheveled" and "I used to think I was the strangest person in the world" — have no verified connection to the Mexican painter. The piece debunks four of the most popular misattributions. False quote attribution is a widespread problem online, particularly for iconic cultural figures.
Researchers have discovered that aging triggers the emergence of specialized stem cells that dramatically boost the body's capacity to generate new belly fat. The finding identifies a biological driver behind middle-age weight gain that was not previously understood. Scientists believe the discovery could serve as a promising target for future anti-obesity treatments.
The England vs Panama match was played throughout in heavy rain. Despite the downpour already making conditions difficult, the referee still decided to halt the match, surprising onlookers. The source does not specify the reason for the stoppage or how long it lasted.
A hospital in Caracas is treating survivors of Venezuela's worst recent earthquake, with patients presenting fractures and panic attacks, BBC reporters found on a visit to the facility. The quake struck the worst-affected regions and caused widespread trauma. The hospital is receiving patients evacuated from the hardest-hit areas.
Teenage Engineering has released OS 2.5 for its $329 EP-133 KO II sampler, one of the biggest updates yet for the device. New features include audio over USB, selectable sample rates for lo-fi effects, sample reverse, an arpeggiator, equal-length autochopping, and an extended maximum sample length beyond the previous 20-second limit.
High temperatures force the body to work hard to cool itself — blood vessels dilate, heart rate increases, and sweating causes loss of water and electrolytes. People over 60 and those with hypertension, coronary disease, heart failure or arrhythmia face the greatest risk. Doctors advise staying hydrated, avoiding physical exertion during peak heat hours and monitoring blood pressure regularly.
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