How does it feel to be locked into a venue notorious for its unpadded seating to experience a full-throttle Ring cycle and more? Our critic found out at the 150th anniversary of the mighty Bayreuth festival Liszt and Bruckner were there from the start. Debussy, Mahler and Puccini all subsequently ...
Month: August 2026
Travelodge staff gave domestic abuser key to his victim’s roomTravelodge staff gave domestic abuser key to his victim’s room
A woman tells the BBC her attacker kicked her hotel room door “off its hinges” after reception gave him the key. ...
Burnham brings forward ban on ‘subscription traps’ to ease cost of livingBurnham brings forward ban on ‘subscription traps’ to ease cost of living
The prime minister is embarking on a UK tour with a series of announcements aimed at easing living costs. ...
Spotify’s new ‘skip’ button could end the podcast business as we know itSpotify’s new ‘skip’ button could end the podcast business as we know it
The News Spotify is terrifying much of the podcast industry with a tiny little widget. Last week, the audio streaming giant tweaked its streaming interface, adding a feature that allows some users to more effectively skip through the parts of a podcast no one wants — notably ads, as well as ...
Tech IPOs set up windfall for effective-altruist philanthropyTech IPOs set up windfall for effective-altruist philanthropy
A surge in AI-related wealth stemming from anticipated tech IPOs is poised to shower Silicon Valley’s favorite philanthropic movement with tens of billions of dollars, years after it was nearly discredited. Effective altruism holds that individuals should “earn to give,” focusing on data-backed interventions that perform the most good per ...
Trump faces setbacks in two Middle East conflictsTrump faces setbacks in two Middle East conflicts
US President Donald Trump’s efforts to quiet two Middle Eastern conflicts faced setbacks over the weekend as both Israel and Iran raised new obstacles to proposed deals. Israel publicly rejected Trump’s 15-point Gaza plan Sunday, arguing it would not withdraw from the enclave before Hamas disarms. Iran said that a ...
Blanche confirmed as attorney generalBlanche confirmed as attorney general
The US Senate confirmed Todd Blanche as attorney general Saturday, granting Donald Trump an ally to lead the Justice Department as the president seeks greater control over the federal government. Blanche, Trump’s former personal attorney, has served as acting attorney general since April, but senators had questioned whether his ties ...
Apple tests Chinese memory chipsApple tests Chinese memory chips
Apple is testing memory chips from China’s CXMT across its product lines, including iPhones and MacBooks, The Wall Street Journal reported, as global tech reckons with an AI-induced memory shortage. The firm is reportedly seeking the White House’s approval to use CXMT chips in products sold in China, two months ...
Suspected crime boss Daniel Kinahan appears in court after extraditionSuspected crime boss Daniel Kinahan appears in court after extradition
The Irish Prison Service bought a bulletproof and bombproof van to transport the 49-year-old to court after his extradition from Dubai. ...
Netanyahu rejects US-led 15-point Gaza peace plan in rare public break with TrumpNetanyahu rejects US-led 15-point Gaza peace plan in rare public break with Trump
Israeli PM says IDF will not withdraw until Hamas is disarmed and rebukes US pressure to end wars without his country’s buy-in Middle East crisis live – latest updates Israel’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has rejected a US-backed 15-point peace plan for Gaza in a rare public break with Donald ...