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FEMA’s ‘Shadow Administrator’ Was Paid by a DOGE Member’s Startup for Months
Court filings indicate that Kara Voorhies, a FEMA contractor described as the agency’s “shadow administrator”, was subcontracted by a company owned by DOGE operative Kyle Schutt while working in government. The arrangement raises questions about conflicts of interest and whether an outside contractor exercised influence over FEMA spending and grant decisions that may be considered…
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Trump puts vaccines on front burner ahead of crucial midterms for GOP
The Trump administration has thrust vaccine policy back into the headlines just three months before the midterm elections, potentially complicating matters for vulnerable Republicans who are hoping to keep control of Congress. President Trump on Monday doubled down on his attempt to overhaul the childhood vaccine schedule with an executive order aimed at reducing…
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Iran war and high living costs fueling last-minute holiday bookings, Tui says
Tui says the war in Iran and pressure on household budgets are prompting more people to delay holiday bookings until the last minute, creating uncertainty for Europe’s largest travel company. The conflict has already cost Tui €60m, while weaker demand, high fuel prices and intense competition contributed to a sharp fall in quarterly profits. Two…
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Father, 56, was killed in street brawl sparked by deadly turf war between rival biker gangs that has seen horrific violence across Britain
A 56-year-old father was reportedly killed in a street brawl linked to a territorial dispute between rival biker gangs. The death highlights the potentially lethal consequences of the conflict, which the article says has involved serious violence across Britain. The article presents the killing as part of an ongoing feud over territory between the gangs,…
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The Elder Scrolls 6 Demo to Xbox Leadership Included a Giant Inflatable Rat, Placed Outside Bethesda Offices in Protest at Microsoft’s Mass Layoffs
Bethesda staff and former employees staged a protest outside the studio’s Rockville offices while Xbox leadership visited to watch a live demonstration of The Elder Scrolls 6. The action highlighted anger over Microsoft’s recent Xbox layoffs and matters because employees say the cuts could damage morale and affect development of the long-awaited game, although Bethesda…
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Just 20 of 6,600 Defra staff working on climate adaptation amid drought and wildfires
A freedom of information request has found that only 20 of Defra’s 6,613 staff are working on climate adaptation, despite warnings that England is poorly prepared for worsening heatwaves, droughts, floods and wildfires. Critics say the small team reflects a lack of government focus on protecting communities, food security and nature from the effects of…
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Why Journey’s last song was the hardest for Austin Wintory to compose
Composer Austin Wintory says the final track for *Journey*, “Apotheosis”, was the most difficult piece of the game’s score to create. Its challenge reflected the importance of concluding the game’s emotionally intense journey in a way that satisfied both Wintory and the development team. In an interview with Polygon, Wintory explains that the project’s opening…
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HBO’s 10/10 ‘Downton Abbey’ Replacement Officially Returns in 2026
HBO has confirmed that The Gilded Age will return for a fourth series later in 2026, giving viewers a firm release window for Julian Fellowes’s period drama. The announcement matters because the show has become a prominent successor to Fellowes’s Downton Abbey, combining high-society intrigue with a large ensemble cast. A new HBO preview included…
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Baby Lasagna Shares Blistering New Track ‘Face On Your Phone’
Baby Lasagna has released ‘Face On Your Phone’, a new track that moves into modern-metal territory with heavy riffs, harsh vocals and a prominent breakdown. The song addresses online abuse, presenting itself as an empowering response to people who direct hate at others from behind screens. The artist said two and a half years in…