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Electric vehicle sales targets could be cut after pressure from car makers
The government is consulting on potentially reducing the UK’s target for electric vehicles to make up 80% of new car sales by 2030, following pressure from manufacturers. The move matters because it could slow the shift away from petrol and diesel cars, while ministers say greater flexibility is needed to protect jobs and ensure the…
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Grand Theft Auto 2 – The Legacy Review
Grand Theft Auto 2 boasts a number of noticeable technical improvements over the original and feels far better to play, but I’m glad its odd and unrecognisable setting was a one-time experiment.
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How England’s brutal summer heat is affecting farm animals and crops
England’s prolonged heatwaves and widespread drought are placing increasing pressure on farms, with livestock suffering in extreme temperatures and grass growth falling sharply. The conditions matter because farmers are losing the summer forage normally stored for winter, potentially raising feed costs and creating longer-term risks for animal welfare and food production. Grass growth is about…
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Killer whale is spotted with shotgun pellet wounds off Spain – following spate of orca attacks on yachts
A killer whale has reportedly been seen off Spain with wounds said to be consistent with shotgun pellets. The sighting is concerning because it may indicate deliberate harm to a protected marine animal, amid heightened attention on interactions between orcas and boats in the region. The report links the incident to recent cases in which…
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Ana Vaz Discusses the Impact of the Fukushima Nuclear Disaster, the Work of Yoko Hayasuke and Preferring to Be a Mother Rather than a Zombie
Brazilian experimental filmmaker Ana Vaz says her new feature, “Hanabi” (“Fire Flower”), explores the lasting social and psychological effects of the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster. Premiering in Locarno’s Concorso Cineasti del Presente section, the film uses images of farming, gardens and fireworks to contrast ideas of healing with what Vaz sees as Japan’s uneasy silence…
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Andy Burnham looks to cut new EV sales targets
Andy Burnham’s government has launched a consultation on reducing the proportion of new cars that must be fully electric by 2030, potentially lowering the target from 80% to 50%. The proposal matters because a slower shift away from petrol and diesel vehicles could add millions of tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions, while ministers argue that…
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Review: Duskfade (Switch 2) – A Very Likeable Kingdom Hearts-Inspired Platformer That’s Not Quite There
Duskfade is a likeable, Kingdom Hearts-inspired 3D platformer from indie developer Weird Beluga, praised for recapturing the charm and experimentation of older mid-budget console games despite clear shortcomings. Its heartfelt story follows Zirian as he tries to rescue his sister from a disaster involving ancient time magic, using themes of grief, love and loss to…
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These ‘Masturbation Consultants’ Were Hired to Pleasure Themselves With AI
Joi AI paid 10 participants to record the effects of daily masturbation over 28 days, including sessions involving its AI companion characters. The company says the project supports its effort to frame AI-guided sexual stimulation as a wellness practice and a possible response to male loneliness, but the findings are preliminary and come from its…
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Chilling realisation as Air Corps aircraft used for vital medical evacuations are GROUNDED – and the questions the Defence Forces STILL can’t answer about the 50m euro planes bought just 6 years ago
Four Irish Air Corps Pilatus PC-12 aircraft, used for emergency medical evacuations and security surveillance, have reportedly been grounded because of maintenance issues. The disruption matters because the planes support urgent air-ambulance work and sensitive operations for the Gardaí, Army and Naval Service. The Swiss-made aircraft cost nearly €50 million and were delivered six years…