Americas

Cyclospora outbreak linked to lettuce expands to 9 states

• Lettuce-linked Cyclospora outbreak has reached nine US states.
• The parasite can cause prolonged diarrhoeal illness.
• Article details on cases and recalls were unavailable.

A Cyclospora outbreak linked to lettuce has spread across nine US states, prompting public-health concern over a parasite that can cause prolonged gastrointestinal illness. The expansion matters because contaminated fresh produce can expose consumers in several regions before the source is fully identified or removed from sale. Cyclospora…

Marvel’s Latverian Witch costume introduces a mysterious character for Avengers: Doomsday

• Marvel teases mysterious Latverian Witches for Avengers: Doomsday.
• Changing costume colours suggest multiple characters.
• Fan theories remain unconfirmed ahead of Marvel’s panel.

Marvel displayed a changing “Latverian Witch” costume at its San Diego Comic-Con booth, apparently introducing a previously unseen character or group for Avengers: Doomsday. The shifting costumes have prompted speculation because the witches have not appeared in the film’s trailer, while Marvel is expected to provide further information…

Trump vows to investigate EU over fining of US tech companies

• Trump threatens EU investigation and possible tariff over tech fines.
• Google was fined €890m by the European Commission.
• Apple, Meta and Amazon were also cited.

Donald Trump has said the United States will investigate the European Union and may impose new tariffs in response to regulatory fines on major American technology companies. The threat escalates tensions over EU competition enforcement and could further complicate trade relations between Washington and Brussels. The comments followed…

Blizzard Employee Out Of A Job After Allegedly Helping Friends Cheat In WoW

Blizzard has reportedly dismissed an employee after allegations that they used their position to help friends cheat in World of Warcraft. The case matters because it raises concerns about fairness, staff access and confidence in the enforcement of rules within a major online game. The available article text…

DJI camera clone company Xtra is halting and refunding all preorders

• Xtra has paused Muse 2 Pro preorders and will refund deposits.
• FCC scrutiny of alleged DJI rebranding appears central.
• The camera’s eventual US launch now looks unlikely.

Xtra Technology has halted preorders for its Muse 2 Pro camera and will refund the $20 deposits already collected, saying it cannot provide a reliable launch timetable. The decision matters because Xtra sells cameras widely seen as rebranded DJI products, while US regulators are increasing scrutiny of firms…

25 Years of ‘Bleed American’ and ‘The Middle’: Jimmy Eat World Look Back

• ‘Bleed American’ turned a dropped band into major-label contenders.
• ‘The Middle’ became Jimmy Eat World’s career-defining hit.
• Jim Adkins says the band avoided chasing musical trends.

Jimmy Eat World are marking the 25th anniversary of their breakthrough 2001 album ‘Bleed American’ with performances of the record in full, including dates on the revived Warped Tour. Frontman Jim Adkins reflects on how the album transformed the band after Capitol Records dropped them, with ‘The Middle’…

Chris Brown Pleads Guilty to Lesser Charge of ‘Affray’ in 2023 London Club Assault Case

• Brown admitted affray over the 2023 London club incident.
• More serious charges against Brown and Akinlolu were dropped.
• Sentencing is scheduled for 26 October.

Chris Brown has pleaded guilty at Southwark Crown Court to affray, a public-order offence involving fighting, in connection with an alleged 2023 assault at a London private members’ club. The plea meant more serious assault, grievous bodily harm and weapons allegations were dropped, though the case remains significant…

Gus G permanently replaces Andy LaRocque in King Diamond

• Gus G permanently replaces King Diamond guitarist Andy LaRocque.
• LaRocque leaves after more than 40 years and 12 albums.
• Gus G will contribute to King Diamond’s planned concept-album trilogy.

King Diamond have permanently appointed former Ozzy Osbourne guitarist Gus G to replace longtime lead guitarist Andy LaRocque. Gus G will handle both writing and performance duties, including on the band’s planned trilogy of concept albums, marking a major change for a group in which LaRocque had been…