The teacher who helped propel Richard Burton to fame

Farmers in England are concerned about their ability to restore nature and reduce carbon footprints after the government froze funding for the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI), which rewards land management for environmental benefits. Environment Secretary Steve Reed announced a pause and reassessment of the SFI, potentially blocking wealthy farmers from applying, amidst fears this will deter nature-friendly practices. Farmers like Amelia Greenaway and Anthony Curwen express frustration over lost funding opportunities, emphasizing the need for...

Northern Ireland is facing an increased risk of wildfires due to dry and sunny weather, prompting an amber warning from the National Hazards Partnership. The dry conditions have persisted since March, with no significant rainfall in sight, leading to concerns about fire outbreaks and their impact on the environment and drinking water supplies. Authorities are urging the public to take precautions, avoid starting fires in open countryside, and report any suspicious activity to prevent wildfires....

The Senate approved the Republicans’ budget blueprint in a 51-48 vote, advancing President Trump’s domestic agenda through reconciliation to avoid a filibuster. The resolution now moves to the House for adoption before drafting specific tax and spending cuts. Democrats forced an overnight session with multiple amendments, with some Republicans breaking ranks on issues like tariffs, Medicaid cuts, and government efficiency. Full Article

Scammers often send unsolicited "hello" texts to mobile numbers as part of smishing campaigns to gather personal information. Responding to these texts can confirm your phone number is active, leading to further attempts to gain trust and extract sensitive data. To protect yourself, avoid replying, delete and report the text, and block the sender to prevent future messages. Full Article

A pro-Palestinian protest by Microsoft employees disrupted the company's 50th anniversary celebration, protesting against Microsoft's AI technology used in an Israeli military program for selecting bombing targets in Gaza. During the event, employee Ibtihal Aboussad accused Microsoft of complicity in violence, claiming the company contributes to ongoing genocide, while another employee, Vaniya Agrawal, also protested during the gathering attended by notable figures like Bill Gates and Satya Nadella. This follows earlier protests within Microsoft over...

In Delta, Ohio, a stronghold of Trump supporters, residents express support for the president's tariffs, believing it will lead to fair trade and bring back American jobs. While some local businesses may benefit, others in the automotive industry are bracing for negative impacts. Despite concerns about potential price increases and economic disruptions, many residents remain optimistic and see Trump's actions as a necessary step towards addressing trade imbalances and supporting American industry. Full Article