A new COVID-19 variant may be causing “razor blade” sore throats in people who get it

Archived version: archive.is/newest/independent.…

Disclaimer: The article linked is from a single source with a single perspective. Make sure to cross-check information against multiple sources to get a comprehensive view on the situation.

What to know about the COVID variant causing 'razor blade' sore throats

^{Devi Shastri (The Independent)}

MEPs want an 18-month extension to keep financing some projects - the current deadline is August 2026.

Archived version: archive.is/newest/euronews.com…

Disclaimer: The article linked is from a single source with a single perspective. Make sure to cross-check information against multiple sources to get a comprehensive view on the situation.

European Parliament seeks extension to time for spending EU post-covid money

^{Vincenzo Genovese (Euronews.com)}

A video goes viral showing female students being checked to see if they were wearing bras.

Archived version: archive.is/newest/bbc.com/news…

Disclaimer: The article linked is from a single source with a single perspective. Make sure to cross-check information against multiple sources to get a comprehensive view on the situation.

Olabisi Onabanjo university's 'no-bra, no-exam' rule sparks Nigeria outrage

^{Mansur Abubakar (BBC News)}

We urgently need an arms embargo on Israel, and we need as many people as possible to get active in demanding one

Archived version: archive.is/newest/thecanary.co…

Disclaimer: The article linked is from a single source with a single perspective. Make sure to cross-check information against multiple sources to get a comprehensive view on the situation.

Hundreds call for arms embargo in protests at factories complicit in Israel's genocide in Gaza - Canary

^{Ed Sykes (The Canary)}

UK Foreign Office causes confusion as it urges British nationals to register their presence but not to leave

Archived version: archive.is/newest/theguardian.…

Disclaimer: The article linked is from a single source with a single perspective. Make sure to cross-check information against multiple sources to get a comprehensive view on the situation.

Fears voiced as Britons in Israel advised to stay while embassy families depart

^{Aletha Adu (The Guardian)}

Major Areas of Concern:

::: spoiler Restructuring: Analysis of planned changes to the nonprofit's relationship with its for-profit subsidiary

• OpenAI plans to remove limits on investor returns: OpenAI once capped investor profits at a maximum of 100x to ensure that, if the company succeeds in building AI capable of automating all human labor, the proceeds would go to humanity. They have now announced plans to remove that cap.
• OpenAI portrays itself as preserving nonprofit control while potentially disempowering the nonprofit: OpenAI claims to have reversed course on a decision to abandon nonprofit control, but the details suggest that the nonprofit’s board would no longer have all the authority it would need to hold OpenAI accountable to its mission.
• Investors pressured OpenAI to make structural changes: OpenAI has admitted that it is making these changes to appease investors who have made their funding conditional on structural reforms, including allowing unlimited returns—exactly the type of investor influence OpenAI’s original structure was designed to prevent.
  :::

::: spoiler CEO Integrity: Concerns regarding leadership practices and misleading representations from OpenAI CEO Sam Altman

• Senior employees have attempted to remove Altman at each of the three major companies he has run: Senior employees at Altman’s first startup twice urged the board to remove him as CEO over “deceptive and chaotic” behavior, while at Y Combinator, he was forced out and accused of absenteeism and prioritizing personal enrichment.
• Altman claimed ignorance of a scheme to coerce employees into ultra-restrictive NDAs: However, he signed documents giving OpenAI the authority to revoke employees’ vested equity if they didn’t sign the NDAs.
• Altman repeatedly lied to board members: For example, Altman stated that the legal team had approved a safety process exemption when they had not, and he reported that one board member wanted another board member removed when that was not the case.
  :::

::: spoiler Transparency & Safety: Concerns regarding safety processes, transparency, and organizational culture at OpenAI

• OpenAI coerced employees into signing highly restrictive NDAs threatening their vested equity: Former OpenAI employees faced highly restrictive non-disclosure and non-disparagement agreements that threatened the loss of all vested equity if they ever criticized the company, even after resigning.
• OpenAI has rushed safety evaluation processes: OpenAI rushed safety evaluations of its AI models to meet product deadlines and significantly cut the time and resources dedicated to safety testing.
• OpenAI insiders described a culture of recklessness and secrecy: OpenAI employees have accused the company of not living up to its commitments and systematically discouraging employees from raising concerns.
  :::

::: spoiler Conflicts of Interest: Documenting potential conflicts of interest of OpenAI board members

• OpenAI’s nonprofit board has multiple seemingly unaddressed conflicts of interest: While OpenAI defines ‘independent’ directors as those without OpenAI equity, the board appears to overlook conflicts from members' external investments in companies that benefit from OpenAI partnerships.
• CEO Sam Altman downplayed his financial interest in OpenAI: Despite once claiming to have no personal financial interest in OpenAI, much of Altman’s $1.6 billion net worth is spread across investments in OpenAI partners including Retro Biosciences and Rewind AI, which stand to benefit from the company’s continued growth.
• No recusals announced for critical restructuring decision: Despite these conflicts, OpenAI has not announced any board recusals for the critical decision of whether they will restructure and remove profit caps, unlocking billions of dollars in new investment.
  :::

The OpenAI Files

The OpenAI Files is the most comprehensive collection to date of documented concerns with governance practices, leadership integrity, and organizational culture at OpenAI.

^{www.openaifiles.org}

When Iranian missiles began raining down on Israel, many residents scrambled for cover. Sirens wailed across the country as people rushed into bomb shelters.

But for some Palestinian citizens of Israel – two million people, or roughly 21 percent of the population – doors were slammed shut, not by the force of the blasts and not by enemies, but by neighbours and fellow citizens.

Mostly living in cities, towns, and villages within Israel’s internationally recognised borders, many Palestinian citizens of Israel found themselves excluded from life-saving infrastructure during the worst nights of the Iran-Israel conflict to date.

Palestinian citizens of Israel have long faced systemic discrimination – in housing, education, employment, and state services. Despite holding Israeli citizenship, they are often treated as second-class citizens, and their loyalty is routinely questioned in public discourse.

‘Not for you’: Israeli shelters exclude Palestinians as bombs rain down

Shelters are a lifeline in Israel from Iranian attacks, but Palestinian citizens of the country have been locked out.

^{Al Jazeera}

Killing of Canadian national was ‘significant escalation in India’s repression efforts’ but leaders shake hands at G7

Archived version: archive.is/newest/theguardian.…

Disclaimer: The article linked is from a single source with a single perspective. Make sure to cross-check information against multiple sources to get a comprehensive view on the situation.

Canadian intelligence accuses India over Sikh’s killing as Carney meets Modi

^{Leyland Cecco (The Guardian)}

President Donald Trump’s administration has asked a federal judge to strike down a Kentucky regulation that it says unlawfully provides undocumented students with access to reduced in-state college tuition

Justice Department challenges Kentucky reg allowing in-state tuition for undocumented students

^{Bruce Schreiner (The Independent)}

A federal judge in Massachusetts said Wednesday he plans to deny a motion by the Trump administration to dismiss a lawsuit over its blocking of wind energy projects, siding with a coalition of state attorneys general

Federal judge to deny Trump administration's motion to dismiss lawsuit over block on wind projects

^{Jennifer McDermott (The Independent)}

cross-posted from: lemmy.sdf.org/post/36967472

Until now, we only had fragments of these cousins. Now we have face. Studying our evolutionary development and our sister-species is one of my favorite aspects of archeology. We’re constantly developing new information.

Side note: look up the initial presentation of Homo naledi. The leading archeologist did a phenomenal talk a couple of years ago (I think in December). It was really an exciting presentation. But I’m also pretty nerdy.

We’ve had a Denisovan skull since the 1930s—only nobody knew

After years of mystery, we now know what at least one Denisovan looked like.

^{Kiona N. Smith (Ars Technica)}

The passengers had to switch planes after the blown tire prevented takeoff.

Southwest Airlines Cancels Flight After Boeing 737-700 Blows Tire During Takeoff At T.F. Green Airport

^{Luke Diaz (Southwest Airlines)}

This marks another win for Airbus’ next-generation freighter program at the show.

Airbus Wins Order For 2 A350Fs At Paris Air Show

^{Prachi Patel (Simple Flying)}

When airlines order new aircraft, what's the difference between firm orders and options? Here are some of the important distinctions.

Aircraft Firm Orders Vs. Options: What's The Difference, Really? - One Mile at a Time

^{Ben Schlappig (One Mile at a Time)}

JSX also has options for another 10 aircraft.

JSX To Become A Rare US ATR Operator With Orders For 15 ATR 42-600s

^{Jake Hardiman (Simple Flying)}

EgyptAir has placed an order for 16 Airbus A350-900s, which will be used to expand and refresh the carrier's long haul fleet.

EgyptAir Orders 16 Airbus A350-900s, Deliveries Start This Year

^{Ben Schlappig (One Mile at a Time)}

At least 14 of the 60 Embraer E175s would be operated on behalf of Delta Air Lines, SkyWest Airlines said.

$3.6 Billion: SkyWest Discloses Major Order For 60 Embraer E175s & 50 Options

^{Rytis Beresnevičius (Simple Flying)}

Air India has 34 Boeing 787 aircraft, including 27 787-8s.

India States ‘No Major Safety Concerns' Over Air India Boeing 787 Fleet

^{Rytis Beresnevičius (Air India)}

A twin-engine King Air came down in Kansas but ended up on a hangar roof.

2 Injured After Beechcraft King Air Crashes Onto Hangar Rooftop In Kansas

^{Luke Diaz (Simple Flying)}

Air India is facing disruptions following last week’s fatal crash as additional safety inspections on its Dreamliner fleet have led to flight delays, cancellations and growing passenger anxiety.

Air India faces disruptions as crash prompts deeper checks and flight delays - Wings Magazine

NEW DELHI (AP) — Air India is facing disruptions following last week’s fatal crash as additional safety inspections on its Dreamliner fleet have led to flight

^{Wings Staff (Wings Magazine)}

Taiwanese carrier STARLUX Airlines has confirmed a firm order for additional A350-1000s.

Airbus Continues Paris Air Show Sweep With Order Of 10 Airbus A350-1000 Widebodies From 5-Star Airline

^{Prachi Patel (Simple Flying)}

North Korea will deploy thousands of military personnel to Russia’s Kursk Region to aid in demining operations and reconstruction efforts, Russian Security Council Secretary Sergey Shoigu said on Tuesday.

North Korean troops fought alongside Russian forces to liberate Kursk Region from a cross-border Ukrainian incursion that lasted from August 2024 to April 2025. Shoigu described the new deployment as an extension of North Korea’s military support to Russia under the two countries’ strategic partnership treaty.

“[North Korean leader] Kim Jong-un has made the decision to send to Russia 1,000 mine clearance specialists to sweep the Russian territory,” he said. He added that an additional 5,000 military engineers will help “rebuild infrastructure destroyed by the occupants.”

Glad they were able to kick the Nazis out! Hope they can get to rebuilding quickly

North Korea to send military personnel to Russia – senior official

Some 6,000 troops will assist in demining and rebuilding Kursk Region after the Ukrainian incursion, Sergey Shoigu says

^RT

Starlux Airlines has ordered additional Airbus A350-1000s, meaning the airline will eventually fly 28 A350s. Here are all the details.

Starlux Airlines Orders More Airbus A350-1000s, For Long Haul Growth

^{Ben Schlappig (One Mile at a Time)}

Tariffs would cost aviation stakeholders millions per year.

US Transport Secretary Wants Zero Tariffs On Aviation

^{Tatenda Karuwa (Simple Flying)}

cross-posted from: hexbear.net/post/5299373

When Iranian missiles began raining down on Israel, many residents scrambled for cover. Sirens wailed across the country as people rushed into bomb shelters.

But for some Palestinian citizens of Israel – two million people, or roughly 21 percent of the population – doors were slammed shut, not by the force of the blasts and not by enemies, but by neighbours and fellow citizens.

Mostly living in cities, towns, and villages within Israel’s internationally recognised borders, many Palestinian citizens of Israel found themselves excluded from life-saving infrastructure during the worst nights of the Iran-Israel conflict to date.

Palestinian citizens of Israel have long faced systemic discrimination – in housing, education, employment, and state services. Despite holding Israeli citizenship, they are often treated as second-class citizens, and their loyalty is routinely questioned in public discourse.

Full Article

‘Not for you’: Israeli shelters exclude Palestinians as bombs rain down

Shelters are a lifeline in Israel from Iranian attacks, but Palestinian citizens of the country have been locked out.

^{Al Jazeera}

The Trump administration and wealthy oligarchs are profiting off the suffering of everyday Americans, cutting essential programs while lining their own pockets with billions in tax cuts. How can we allow this blatant corruption to continue unchecked? Join the fight for climate action and democracy now! #CorporateGreed #SaveOurFuture

Report Names 'Corporate Oligarchs' Who Are Cashing In as Trump-GOP Austerity Assails Workers

"Trump's presidency is a vehicle for billionaires to loot the government and line their own pockets, while working people bear the cost," said one advocate.

^{julia-conley (Common Dreams)}

Dissenting Justice Sonia Sotomayor wrote that "there is no constitutional justification" for the decision, and access to gender-affirming care "can be a question of life or death."

Case file: supremecourt.gov/opinions/24pd…

Warnings of 'Untold Harm' After US Supreme Court Rules Against Trans Youth

^{brett-wilkins (Common Dreams)}

Dopo il successo della prima edizione, il Festival “A Gés!” torna dal 4 al 6 luglio a Borgo Rivola, nel Parco Francesca Tosi, alle porte del Parco della Vena del Gesso Romagnola, Patrimonio UNESCO.

Organizzato dalla Pro Loco di Borgo Rivola con il supporto di associazioni locali e il patrocinio della Regione Emilia-Romagna, dell’Unione della Romagna Faentina, del Comune di Riolo Terme e del Parco della Vena del Gesso, il festival promuove le risorse ambientali, culturali ed enogastronomiche della zona.

Cuore della manifestazione sarà il villaggio “A Gés!”, centro di ritrovo per escursionisti e amanti della Romagna autentica. Il programma unisce escursioni, cultura, sapori, musica e laboratori per tutte le età.

Tra le novità, l’apertura della storica Villa Buldrini, che ospiterà mostre, degustazioni e mercatini nel suo parco. Grande attenzione alla cucina tipica, con piatti preparati dalle Azdòre della Pro Loco usando prodotti stagionali e a km zero. Il Giardino delle Erbe di Casola Valsenio proporrà attività sulle erbe officinali.

Eventi da non perdere:

5 luglio: escursione guidata con Trekking Nasturzio lungo il sentiero del Re Tiberio e il borgo dei Crivellari

6 luglio: corsa di montagna con il Tè bòta Team

7 luglio: raduno MTB e gravel bike con ASD Oriani Casola Valsenio

I percorsi offrono viste spettacolari sulla Vena del Gesso e Monte Tondo.

Il festival ospiterà anche racconti storici dell’ANPI Senio River, esposizioni sui carri allegorici in gesso, momenti culturali sulla “Via dei Gessi e dei Calanchi”, concerti live, DJ set, attività per bambini e una drink area a tema, con cocktail originali a base di erbe e frutti dimenticati, a cura dello Hill Party Staff.

Ingresso gratuito e aperto a tutti.
📲 Programma completo su Instagram e Facebook: ages_borgorivola

Torna “A Gés!”: natura, tradizione e sapori dal 4 al 6 luglio al Parco Tosi di Borgo Rivola (Riolo Terme -Ra) - ViaggieMiraggi

Torna il Festival “A Gés!”: natura, tradizione e sapori nella Valle del Senio Dal 4 al 6 luglio 2025 – Parco Francesca Tosi, Borgo Rivola (Riolo Terme) Dopo l’ottimo riscontro della prima edizione, il Festival “A Gés!” torna dal 4...

^{Redazione (ViaggieMiraggi)}

Dal 30 giugno al 2 luglio 2025, il Polo Tecnologico di Tebano (Faenza) si trasforma in palcoscenico per “Acque e miracoli”, anteprima collinare dell’Arena delle Balle di Paglia. Un evento dove paesaggio, racconto e comunità si incontrano in un’esperienza collettiva tra natura, arte e leggerezza.

Tema 2025: “La follia di fare del bene. Con Don Chisciotte e Sancho Panza”, omaggio alla forza dei visionari e alla tenacia di chi sceglie ogni giorno di costruire bellezza.

Tre giornate dense di appuntamenti:
Lunedì 30 giugno, ore 20: “Pizza in vigna con fisarmonica”, cena su prenotazione (20 euro) con Jakova Bardh all’ex pesa di Tebano.
Martedì 1 luglio, ore 18.30: “Camminata nel panorama dei Miracoli”, 5 km tra i luoghi simbolici del territorio. Dalle 19, street food e vini del Senio. Alle 20, dialogo “Luigi Berardi, una vita da Don Chisciotte” con Marco Sangiorgi. Alle 21, concerto folk-pop de La Compagnia Scapestrati.
Mercoledì 2 luglio, ore 18.30: passeggiata naturalistica dedicata ai gruccioni. Dalle 19, ristoro aperto. Alle 20, “Serata al Vinile con Fonovaligia”. Alle 21, spettacolo comico “Chi ce l’ha fatto fare” con Dondarini e Dalfiume.

Durante le serate: mostra sugli alberi, tavolo delle chiacchiere, libro Racconti del Senio, installazioni di Asia Galeati e Simone Zaccarini, piscina di paglia per bambini, cucina anche vegetariana. Ingresso serate 1 e 2 luglio: offerta minima 2 euro.

Vietato fumare nell’area eventi. Parcheggio gratuito. I percorsi sono accessibili ma si raccomanda buona salute e scarpe adeguate.

Evento promosso da Amici del fiume Senio con il patrocinio dell’Unione della Romagna Faentina, dei Comuni di Castel Bolognese e Faenza, Regione Emilia-Romagna, e il sostegno di vari enti locali.

Dal 30 giugno al 2 luglio “Acque e miracoli a Tebano”: tre giorni di cammino, musica e buonumore - ViaggieMiraggi

“Acque e miracoli a Tebano”: tre giorni di cammino, musica e buonumore aspettando l’Arena delle Balle di Paglia Tre giorni di appuntamenti nella suggestiva cornice di Tebano Dal 30 giugno al 2 luglio 2025, l’area del Polo Tecnologico di Tebano...

^{Redazione (ViaggieMiraggi)}

Shot with my phone just that night, alongside my Rebel T7.

Sometimes it’s nice to sit back and let the phone do the editing.

Thanks for seeing my city!

U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee announced Wednesday that the United States is organizing evacuations of American citizens out of Israel, as the specter of the U.S. potentially striking against Iran looms.

In a post on X, Huckabee wrote that the embassy is “working on evacuation flights and cruise ship departures” for citizens who are “wanting to leave” the country. Americans looking to leave Israel via an evacuation flight or cruise ship departure need to be registered via the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, Huckabee added.

But the announcement follows several days of signaling from President Donald Trump and the White House that it is mulling intervening in the ongoing fighting between Israel and Iran to take out Iranian nuclear facilities buried underground.

https://www.politico.com/news/2025/06/18/us-evacuations-israel-iran-00412728

Dr. Fiona Havers is influential among researchers who study immunizations. The wholesale dismissal of the agency’s scientific advisers crossed the line, she said.

In particular, the Trump crime org is trying to make it so thst insurance won't cover vaccines, and the poor die, which prompted this resignation.

RFK Jr. is coming for your vaccines

‘This is going to cost lives. Children are going to suffer.’ 

^{Lauren Leffer (The Verge)}