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Bangladesh dominate Australia despite Smith reprieve
Bangladesh took control of the opening day of the first Test against Australia in Darwin, despite Steve Smith receiving a controversial reprieve when Snicko showed no edge after he appeared to nick Ebadot Hossain. Smith later admitted he felt he had made contact, but his 71 was one of few significant Australian contributions as Bangladesh’s…
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Edinburgh Film Festival 2026: ‘Trainspotting’ Turns 30, World Premieres Multiply and Looking Beyond the Revamp
Edinburgh International Film Festival opens its 79th edition on 13 August, presenting 38 new feature films including 21 world premieres and a 30th-anniversary celebration of “Trainspotting”. The programme signals growing momentum after a recent overhaul, with organisers positioning the festival as a leading UK home for independent cinema while retaining a strong Scottish identity. The…
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Rubio, Bessent stayed on decoy plane after Trump switch: Reports
Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent departed from the NATO summit in Turkey last month aboard the same plane President Trump had been secretly moved off of before takeoff, multiple outlets reported Wednesday. A senior U.S. official told The Associated Press that Rubio was aware of the switch and the potential…
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When do the major European leagues start and what are the big stories?
Europe’s leading domestic football leagues are about to begin, with La Liga starting this weekend and Ligue 1, Serie A and the Bundesliga following shortly afterwards. The new season brings major managerial changes, high-profile transfers and uncertainty around several prominent clubs, shaping early title races and European ambitions. – La Liga begins on 15 August,…
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State school run by Britain’s strictest head gets 70% A/A* grades despite Lucy Powell claiming disadvantaged students are being ‘let down’ by focus on academic subjects
Michaela Community School in Brent, north-west London, run by headteacher Katharine Birbalsingh, has achieved nearly 70 per cent A and A* A-level grades, more than double the national average of 28.5 per cent, despite serving one of the country’s most deprived communities. The results come days after new Education Secretary Lucy Powell argued that schools…
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Packers starters to open against Steelers backups as preseason football betting edges emerge
The article examines potential betting advantages in NFL pre-season games, where announced playing-time plans can create clearer match-up information than usual. It highlights Green Bay’s intention to use starters against Pittsburgh reserves, a situation that could affect early-game betting markets. It contrasts two views of pre-season betting: one sees it as unreliable because line-ups contain…
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UK ‘in free fall’ on free speech, expert warns as British MP brands Trump admin grant ‘MAGA money meddling’
The US Embassy in London is offering up to $500,000 in grants intended to support shared US-UK values, including freedom of speech, due process and limited government. The move has prompted political disagreement in Britain, with Liberal Democrat MP Lisa Smart describing it as “MAGA money meddling in democracy”, while free-speech advocates argue the UK…
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Fog and on time? Lech Poznan race to reach Faroe Islands for Europa League tie
Lech Poznan’s Europa League second-leg match against KÍ Klaksvík was at risk after heavy fog repeatedly prevented the Polish champions from reaching the Faroe Islands. The disruption matters because the tie was due to be played on Thursday evening, with Lech holding a narrow 1-0 lead and discussing with Uefa whether the fixture should proceed…
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The Women’s National Basketball Association can’t define a ‘woman,’ and it’s beyond shameful
The article criticises the WNBA’s response to a debate over transgender participation and changing-room access in women’s basketball. It argues that the league has delayed taking a clear position after former NBA players reportedly declared for the draft, framing this as a failure to protect female athletes and girls. According to the article, the WNBA…
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‘He has a very high ceiling’: Madjo makes instant mark on delayed Aston Villa bow
Brian Madjo made an immediate impact on his long-delayed competitive Aston Villa debut, scoring against Paris Saint-Germain in Salzburg after his registration was cleared by the Court of Arbitration for Sport. The 17-year-old striker’s goal and performance reinforced Unai Emery’s belief that he can contribute to Villa’s first team rather than leave on loan. Madjo…