Camilla Monitors Prince Charles with Smart Glasses During Visit to Meta’s New London Headquarters

Camilla Monitors Prince Charles with Smart Glasses During Visit to Meta’s New London Headquarters

Royal couple takes part in first digital plaque unveiling at tech giant’s new King’s Cross campus

Camilla used smart technology to keep an eye on Prince Charles as they toured Meta’s new London headquarters in King’s Cross. During the visit, the Duchess of Cornwall wore a pair of Ray-Ban smart glasses, which can take photos, record videos, listen to music, make calls, and more. Smiling at her husband, she remarked, “I can hear what you are saying,” demonstrating the tech’s capabilities.

The royal couple took part in their first digital plaque unveiling to mark the official opening of Meta’s new campus, which spans over 620,000 square feet of office space and accommodates almost 5,000 workstations. Their visit included a tour of Meta’s innovative “reality lab,” whimsically named Spider-Ham after cartoon characters. There, they explored cutting-edge technologies, including a virtual reality headset that allows users to explore historical sites, learn about cultural landmarks, and travel to destinations virtually.

Charles was introduced to various technological advances, such as WhatsApp chatbots that are being implemented globally to provide reliable information and improve social welfare. One of these projects includes a loneliness chatbot developed with the Jo Cox Foundation, which connects users to local resources and support networks.

Additionally, they learned about Meta’s efforts to improve online safety, including the 2Africa subsea cable project. This global initiative aims to connect three billion people across Africa, Europe, and the Middle East with affordable, high-speed internet access.

During their visit, the royal pair were briefed on Meta’s humanitarian efforts in Ukraine, with Facebook Groups supporting Ukrainian refugees by offering vital services such as emergency relief and connecting communities. Over five million people have joined 4,000 groups to provide resources like housing, legal advice, and medical aid since the war began, according to Meta’s data.

Camilla also engaged with Facebook groups supporting parents and families in their communities, with a combined membership of more than 200,000 people. Additionally, she recorded a conversation for her Reading Room account on Instagram, highlighting her dedication to community-building and outreach.

After the visit, Nicola Mendelsohn, Meta’s vice president of the global business group, commented: “It is not just that we are leading on innovation that we are proud of but that we are doing it in a thoughtful and meaningful way as well.” She added, “At our heart our company is about people, it is about community and it’s about connections.”

FIFA Faces Backlash for Allowing Russian Delegates at Congress Despite Ongoing Conflict

FIFA Faces Backlash for Allowing Russian Delegates at Congress Despite Ongoing Conflict

Criticism mounts as Ukrainian FA remains absent from the event in Qatar

FIFA has come under fire for permitting Russian delegates to attend its annual congress in Qatar, despite the country’s ongoing exclusion from the World Cup due to its invasion of Ukraine. The event, set for Thursday, will see two senior Russian officials in attendance, while the Ukrainian Football Association (FA) will not be represented. Instead, Ukraine will be represented by its ambassador to Qatar, and the Russian flag will be flown at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre, further fuelling controversy.

Chris Bryant MP, chair of the all-party parliamentary group on Russia, expressed his bewilderment over FIFA’s actions, telling The Times: “I’m constantly mystified by sporting bodies that seem disconnected from global events or fail to take adequate action when they do watch the news. Russia should be isolated, especially in light of Putin’s war crimes, until Russia withdraws from Ukraine.”

In the UK, Sports Minister Nigel Huddleston has emphasised that any Russian or Belarusian athletes wishing to compete in UK events must prove their “genuine independence and neutrality,” submitting a written declaration to that effect. This stance is backed by a wider international movement, with 37 countries recently calling for further sporting sanctions against Russia and Belarus in response to the invasion of Ukraine.

Earlier this year, Russia’s participation in the Winter Olympics was marked by athletes competing under the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) banner, rather than as representatives of Russia itself. Meanwhile, the International Paralympic Committee banned both Russian and Belarusian athletes from the Winter Paralympics due to the invasion.

In the UK, sports bodies such as the British Boxing Board of Control have already moved to ban Russian and Belarusian fighters from competing. Huddleston reiterated that any requests from athletes from these countries to compete in UK events will be assessed on a case-by-case basis, with strict criteria in place to ensure their neutrality. He said, “We’re requesting governing bodies to ensure athletes who claim to be neutral are genuinely so. They should have no financial ties to Putin, Russia, or Belarus, and should not make supportive statements about those regimes.”

Despite being banned from international football, Russia has declared its interest in bidding for the right to host Euro 2028, alongside the UK and Ireland. UEFA has not suspended the Russian Football Union, allowing it to submit its bid, although it is expected that the bid will be swiftly rejected under UEFA’s regulations.

Huddleston reinforced the UK government’s stance, saying: “Russia is a pariah on the world stage in terms of sport. They should be treated as such, and that remains our position.”

The Wanted Members Lead Heartfelt Tributes to Tom Parker Following His Death

The Wanted Members Lead Heartfelt Tributes to Tom Parker Following His Death

Bandmates, celebrities, and fans express grief and admiration for the late singer

The members of The Wanted have led a wave of tributes to their late bandmate, Tom Parker, following his tragic death on Wednesday. Max, Siva Kaneswaran, Jay McGuiness, and Nathan Sykes shared their sorrow and honoured the singer’s legacy with heartfelt messages on social media.

Accompanying a photo of Tom, the group described him as an “amazing husband and father,” who they considered a “brother.” Their joint statement, shared on Instagram, read: “Max, Jay, Siva, Nathan, and the whole Wanted family are devastated by the tragic and premature loss of our bandmate Tom Parker. He passed away peacefully today at lunchtime, surrounded by his family and bandmates.”

The statement continued, “Tom was an amazing husband to Kelsey and a loving father to Aurelia and Bodhi. He was our brother, and words cannot express the grief and sadness we feel. Always and forever in our hearts.”

Parker had been diagnosed with a terminal brain tumour in 2020 and had undergone extensive treatment, including six rounds of chemotherapy and 30 sessions of radiotherapy. In recent months, he had sought private hospital care in Spain.

Social media was filled with outpourings of love from friends and celebrities. Siva Kaneswaran, in a personal tribute to his bandmate, shared his feelings on Instagram: “Hey Tom, hope you’re having a blast up there. I’m so grateful I had the chance to witness your true courage. It has been a pleasure of my life, Tommy Boy. Thank you for letting us see you light up the world. Talk to you soon and see you later. Love you brother x.”

Among other tributes, Ed Sheeran expressed his sorrow, writing: “So sad to hear of Tom’s passing. Thoughts and love are with Kelsey, his children, and his family. Very sad day, what a lovely guy.”

TV presenter Rylan Clark also shared his condolences on Twitter: “I’ve just seen the news about Tom, and that’s absolutely gutting. He was such a good’un. So sad to hear. Sending my love to Kelsey and the kids. Awful news x #RipTom x.”

X-Factor winner Joe McElderry tweeted, “So very very sad 😢 life can be cruel! My thoughts to his family and friends.”

Howard Donald from Take That shared his sympathy as well: “So young and so sad. RIP @TomParker from @thewanted. Strength and love to his family.”

Union J’s JJ Hamblett described Tom as “an incredible artist and real family man,” saying, “Just seen the news… I am speechless!!! Tom Parker was such a nice guy, an incredible artist, and a real family man! Such a cruel, cruel world… RIP Tom… you will be missed but never, never forgotten.”

Tom Parker’s passing has left a deep void in the hearts of his loved ones, fans, and fellow artists, who continue to remember his courage, kindness, and immense talent.

Antonio Rudiger Labels Luis Suarez as a ‘Master of the Dark Arts’ in Football

Antonio Rudiger Labels Luis Suarez as a ‘Master of the Dark Arts’ in Football

Chelsea’s defender opens up about his challenging experience facing the controversial striker during last season’s Champions League tie

Antonio Rudiger has called Luis Suarez a “master of the dark arts” after his experience facing the Atlético Madrid forward in a Champions League clash last season.

The Chelsea centre-back shared his thoughts in an interview with the club’s official website, recounting his encounters with Suarez during their Round of 16 tie against Atlético Madrid. Rudiger described the combative Uruguayan as a formidable opponent, known not only for his prolific goal-scoring ability but also for his controversial tactics on the pitch.

Suarez has long been a divisive figure in football, with a notorious reputation following his biting incident involving Branislav Ivanovic during his time at Liverpool. The Atlético Madrid striker is no stranger to controversy, and his competitive nature often leads him to push the boundaries of fair play.

In their Champions League tie, Chelsea triumphed over the Spanish side with a commanding 3-0 aggregate victory, with Olivier Giroud scoring in the first leg and Hakim Ziyech and Emerson Palmieri adding goals in the second. Chelsea would go on to win the competition, claiming their second European title.

Rudiger, who has become a key figure in Chelsea’s defence under Thomas Tuchel, reflected on his direct encounters with Suarez during the match. The German defender revealed that Suarez “pinched” him on the leg during the game, demonstrating the striker’s often underhanded approach to the physical side of football.

“I don’t go into the game with a set plan,” Rudiger explained. “It’s just something that happens in the moment. Like with Suarez, he pinched me on the leg. It’s not that I’m trying to provoke anything. He’s a master of the dark side, so you have to stay alert. Sometimes these things work in your favour, sometimes they don’t.”

Clarence and Ginni Thomas Put Democrats in a Difficult Position

Clarence and Ginni Thomas Put Democrats in a Difficult Position

Amidst the Supreme Court confirmation hearings, controversy over Thomas’s ties to the January 6th events complicates Democratic strategy

The ongoing Supreme Court drama has put Democrats in a precarious situation. While they are already walking a fine line with the Court’s balance, recent developments have made their position even more fraught. Last week, three key events unfolded: the confirmation hearings for Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson, the hospitalization of Justice Clarence Thomas, and the revelation that his wife, Ginni Thomas, had repeatedly urged former White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows to take steps to overturn the 2020 presidential election.

Though the Supreme Court strives to maintain an air of impartiality, Clarence Thomas’s wife has long been a prominent figure in conservative political circles. Her activism, which has continued unabated despite her husband’s role on the bench, has caused some discomfort. Clarence Thomas himself recently cautioned that the Court could one day face serious compromises if it becomes too politically entangled.

The controversy surrounding Ginni Thomas’s actions has led some Democrats, such as Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, to call for Clarence Thomas’s impeachment. Others, including Senators Ron Wyden, Cory Booker, and Amy Klobuchar, argued that the Justice should have recused himself from cases relating to the 2020 election and the January 6th insurrection. However, these calls for action arrive at a particularly inconvenient time for the Democrats.

Just days ago, Senator Joe Manchin, a key figure in the Democratic Senate, announced that he would support Ketanji Brown Jackson’s nomination to the Supreme Court, all but guaranteeing her confirmation. This comes despite fierce opposition from Republicans, who have united against Jackson. Nebraska Senator Ben Sasse, one of the more conciliatory Republicans on the Senate Judiciary Committee, declared he would vote against her, ensuring a deadlock in the committee before the vote proceeds to the full Senate.

The Republicans’ long memories when it comes to judicial confirmations are well-known. They have not let go of the contentious confirmation of Robert Bork in 1987, nor have they forgotten the bitter 1991 hearings for Clarence Thomas, where accusations of sexual harassment from Anita Hill led to a fiery debate that Thomas himself called a “high-tech lynching.” More recently, the 2018 confirmation hearings for Brett Kavanaugh, which centred on Christine Blasey Ford’s allegations of sexual assault, remain a deeply contentious issue for the GOP.

Given these divisions, the timing of the Clarence Thomas controversy is particularly challenging for the Democrats. With a historic Supreme Court nomination process underway, the party is reluctant to take any action that could derail Ketanji Brown Jackson’s confirmation. As a result, the Thomas family scandal has placed Democrats in a difficult bind, with few good options for addressing the ethical concerns surrounding the Justice and his wife without jeopardising their immediate political goals.

Outer London Deserves Tailored Transport Strategies, Not One-Size-Fits-All Plans

Outer London Deserves Tailored Transport Strategies, Not One-Size-Fits-All Plans

Sadiq Khan must work with local communities to address diverse regional needs

Last April, Sadiq Khan’s Mayoral Manifesto outlined plans to improve transport in outer London, promising enhanced connectivity through improved bus networks and considering rapid bus transit and trams. However, while his recognition of outer London’s unique needs is welcomed, questions remain about how his strategy will address the diversity and complexity of the region’s transport challenges.

Outer London encompasses five million residents and spans four times the geographical area of central London. This diversity means that a single, overarching strategy could overlook the distinct needs of individual areas, such as differences between places like Chessington and Chingford or Stanmore and Sidcup. To ensure fair and efficient development, multiple, locally-led transport strategies are essential.

A shift is needed from a top-down approach led solely by Transport for London (TfL) and the Mayor to one that prioritises feedback from local councils and communities. These grassroots voices must be central to future planning to ensure infrastructure investments address actual needs. Projects such as new housing developments should be accompanied by comprehensive transport strategies that align new construction with improved accessibility.

In South West London, for instance, the ongoing Hammersmith Bridge issue continues to disrupt traffic across boroughs, while major venues like Twickenham Stadium place additional strain on local transport networks. Moreover, the public transport system still heavily focuses on connecting areas to central London rather than fostering local connectivity.

TfL’s Public Transport Accessibility Level (PTAL) measures public transport access on a scale from 0 to 6. Yet recent housing proposals — like developments at the Tesco and Homebase sites in Osterley (PTAL rating 2) or the Cambridge Road Estate in Kingston (PTAL rating 1a) — demonstrate that these areas risk being left behind without sufficient improvements to local infrastructure.

A flexible, regional transport strategy could address these gaps, connecting developments to local needs without overwhelming infrastructure. Such strategies would also assess long-term trends, like population growth or traffic challenges, with holistic, long-term planning rather than addressing isolated issues piecemeal.

Efforts should aim to account for the interconnected lives of residents — who rely on networks not just in central London but surrounding towns such as Esher, Epsom and Staines — reflecting the varied travel habits of outer Londoners. Transport planning must adapt to this reality and prepare for 5, 10, or even 20 years into the future.

In my report Spaghetti South Western: Unravelling South West London Transport, I advocate for a distinct South West London Transport Strategy covering Hounslow, Kingston and Richmond. This approach could pave the way for Sadiq Khan to move beyond a single, unified outer London transport plan and instead collaborate with boroughs and local residents to design strategies that acknowledge the unique and varied challenges facing these communities.

Tailored and strategic planning could ensure that outer London’s distinct regional challenges — including traffic congestion, limited public transport connections, and housing developments — are adequately addressed both now and for the long term.

Antarctica’s Conger Ice Shelf Completely Collapses Amid Record-Breaking Temperatures

Antarctica’s Conger Ice Shelf Completely Collapses Amid Record-Breaking Temperatures

Satellite data reveals near-total disintegration as climate concerns mount

Satellite images have confirmed that Antarctica’s Conger ice shelf has completely collapsed amid record-breaking temperature spikes, with “virtually all” of the remaining ice now lost, scientists report.

The dramatic event occurred last week in the Wilkes Land region, with the resulting iceberg measuring approximately 1,200 square kilometres — nearly equivalent to the size of Rome. This marks the latest indication of rapid environmental change as temperatures in the region soared to 4°C above average, setting new records.

The collapse follows another ice shelf that broke off just the week before, adding to growing concerns over the melting rate in both the Arctic and Antarctic regions. Climate experts warn that it is unusual to observe such rapid warming and melting simultaneously at both poles.

According to the US National Ice Centre, the collapse of the Conger ice shelf took place on Thursday last week. The event coincided with broader warming trends, with the Antarctic region recording a 4.8°C increase compared to baseline temperatures from 1979 to 2000, as per the University of Maine’s Climate Reanalyser data.

Walt Meier, an ice scientist with the National Snow and Ice Data Centre in Colorado, described this level of warming as highly concerning, given that it pushes an already elevated climate average even further.

Earlier this year, Antarctic sea ice extent reached a record low, at just 830,000 square miles — nearly 30 per cent below the historical average. This continuing trend highlights the escalating effects of climate change and the urgent need for global mitigation efforts.

Golda Rosheuvel Reveals She Lost a Role for Being “Too Exotic”

Golda Rosheuvel Reveals She Lost a Role for Being “Too Exotic”

The Bridgerton star reflects on her challenges as a biracial woman navigating the industry

Golda Rosheuvel, best known for her role as Queen Charlotte in Bridgerton, has shared her experience of being rejected for a role in the late 1990s due to being described as “too exotic.” The British-Guyanese actress, 52, recalled how casting opportunities were extremely limited for biracial women during the early stages of her career.

One role in particular — Mary Magdalene in the hit musical Jesus Christ Superstar — stands out as a pivotal moment. Rosheuvel had been the understudy in a West End production and had performed the signature song I Don’t Know How To Love Him throughout a national tour. However, during her audition for a filmed version of the show, she faced unexpected rejection.

“I didn’t get that role. I was told I was too exotic and my eyes were too close together, and they gave me a role in the ensemble instead,” she explained in a conversation with Bustle. “I was hurt, but I had to have a serious conversation with myself. What was I going to do about this? It was the first time I’d ever heard such comments, and it forced me to question what ‘exotic’ even meant.”

She remembers standing in front of a mirror, confronting her own reflection and beauty while feeling powerless to change how others perceived her. “How can you deny me a role that I had performed for two years just because I look ‘exotic’?” she asked herself.

Although she was cast in the ensemble rather than the lead, Rosheuvel later secured roles in acclaimed shows like Death in Paradise, Silent Witness, Luther, and Coronation Street — all leading to her iconic role in Bridgerton. She described the initial setback as a lesson, stating, “I’m empowered by the experience. I come from a background of learning to persevere. Although it hurt at the time, I learned to stand up and keep going.”

Reflecting on her role as Queen Charlotte, Rosheuvel shared her pride in representing biracial experiences. “I’m thrilled to be able to speak out and represent biracial artists and the unique struggles we face,” she said. “It’s not a conversation that happens enough — the journey of coming into yourself, confronting mistakes, pain, and sometimes seeking numbness through vices.”

Rosheuvel’s story highlights not only her resilience but her determination to pave the way for greater representation in an often challenging industry.

Gunmen Kill 19 in Attack on Illegal Cockfighting Event in Western Mexico

Gunmen Kill 19 in Attack on Illegal Cockfighting Event in Western Mexico

Violence erupts at a secretive rooster fight in Michoacán, amidst ongoing cartel conflict

Nineteen people were killed when gunmen stormed a covert cockfighting event in western Mexico, according to authorities in Michoacán. The tragic attack took place late on Sunday near the town of Zinapecuaro in the state of Michoacán.

The victims include 16 men and three women, with several others reported to have been injured. Prosecutors indicated that the region has been plagued by violence linked to rival criminal groups.

Michoacán has long been a hotspot for fierce battles between local cartels and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, based in the neighbouring state of Jalisco. The violent confrontations have escalated, with cartel members employing increasingly sophisticated tactics such as bomb-dropping drones, landmines, and homemade armoured vehicles.

Although cockfighting is illegal in many parts of Mexico, it remains a deeply ingrained and secretive tradition in some areas, often taking place away from public view. The fatal attack highlights the pervasive and often brutal influence of organised crime in the region.

Republicans Clash with Ketanji Brown Jackson During Supreme Court Confirmation Hearing

Republicans Clash with Ketanji Brown Jackson During Supreme Court Confirmation Hearing

GOP senators focus on child sex abuse image cases as debate intensifies during pivotal hearing.

Republican senators on the Senate Judiciary Committee spent much of the confirmation hearing for Supreme Court nominee Ketanji Brown Jackson pressing her on her judicial record, particularly related to child sex abuse image cases. Despite her clear explanations, the GOP appeared focused on advancing political talking points rather than addressing her role as a nominee or broader judicial issues.

Senator Dick Durbin, the committee chairman and a Democrat from Illinois, criticised his Republican colleagues for derailing the hearing. “For many senators, yesterday was an opportunity to showcase talking points for the November election,” Durbin remarked, lamenting how the hearing had devolved into “a testing ground for conspiracy theories and culture war theories.”

Missouri Senator Josh Hawley led the criticism, accusing Jackson of being too lenient toward paedophiles due to her sentencing record while serving as a district judge. Alarming conspiracy theories, including ties to QAnon, have framed these discussions. In response, the White House labelled Hawley’s questioning as a “QAnon-signaling smear.”

The contentious exchanges escalated with South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham, who repeatedly used his questioning time to raise unrelated issues, including comparisons with Brett Kavanaugh’s 2018 confirmation hearing. Frustrated by Graham’s interruptions, Durbin had to interject to enforce procedural limits. Patrick Leahy, the longest-serving Democrat on the committee, left the hearing in visible anger, declaring Graham’s conduct as “a sad day” for the Senate.

Ted Cruz of Texas also aggressively targeted Jackson about sentences for child sex abuse image defendants, claiming they were too lenient. Despite Jackson’s attempts to explain that her decisions were informed by pre-sentencing reports and the changing nature of these crimes – now largely committed via the internet rather than older physical methods – Cruz remained combative. Durbin ultimately had to intervene by using his gavel to restore order.

As tensions rose, Cruz and other senators also pushed for access to pre-sentencing reports from federal cases, but Durbin warned against pursuing this further. These reports, he explained, contained personal details that could jeopardise crime victims’ safety. “I don’t believe these pre-sentencing reports are going to change anyone’s disposition of how they’re going to vote on this issue,” Durbin said, adding that releasing them could place victims at risk.

The hearing underscored deep divisions within the Senate as Jackson continues her historic nomination. Her explanations about her judicial record, the evolving nature of federal sentencing guidelines, and her commitment to fairness did little to quell the opposition from hardline members of the GOP.

The confirmation process continues to highlight the intersection of political strategy, culture war rhetoric, and judicial scrutiny as President Biden’s nominee seeks approval to sit on the Supreme Court.