LinkedPrime
Jobs

News from October 24, 2025

1644 articles found

Why water is a battlefront in Pakistan
Technology

Why water is a battlefront in Pakistan

For ten days in April 2025, Pakistan almost came to a standstill. No freight was moving from its only port city, Karachi, towards the population centres in the north. The cause was the government’s announcement of a project to build six canals to irrigate the Cholistan Desert in the east of the country. Protesters in the southern Sindh province, fearing diminished water supplies, demanded the immediate cancellation of the project and blocked all highways running northwards. The government soon relented, with prime minister Shehbaz Sharif announcing the project’s suspension in early May. This was probably, at least in part, because the government was anticipating Indian military action. India blamed Pakistan for the Pahalgam terrorist attack, in which 26 people were killed in Indian-administered Kashmir the previous month. Internal squabbles had to be diffused in the face of external threats. Geopolitics handed a temporary victory to the protesters. But the potential of water to cause conflict in Pakistan remains a live issue, from households using suction pumps to draw more than their share, to large inter-provincial disputes. As someone who has researched water scarcity in Pakistan for 30 years, I argue that water conflict there is entirely avoidable. It is largely a function of the state’s obsession with supply-side mega projects and a lack of attention to questions of equitable access and quality. At a time when the effects of climate change are becoming more severe, Pakistan can ill afford to continue its engineering-based approach to water if it is to ensure sufficient access for all. According to the Pakistani government’s own figures, more than 95% of the available water in Pakistan is devoted to agriculture. It is used to cultivate water-guzzling crops, including rice and sugarcane. Pakistan is the fifth-largest producer and fourth-largest exporter of these crops. Meanwhile the country’s teeming commercial centre of Karachi, with a population of 18 million, suffers from acute water shortages. Affluent neighbourhoods have water intensive date palms, exotic gardens, golf courses and swimming pools. But for more than 80% of the city’s poorer neighbourhoods, there is almost complete dependence on water from tankers at up to 30 times the price richer neighbourhoods pay for regular piped water. Water mains often become battle fronts in Karachi. My own research has documented many instances of violent conflict between different ethnicities and groups around manipulating water mains to gain access. The minority Christian community in the Gujjar Nala neighbourhood of Karachi, for example, has engaged in violent clashes with the neighbouring Pashtun community over the operation of the regulating valve for allocating water to the two communities. Conflict has also arisen between the city’s predominantly Urdu-speaking communities of Orangi Town and Altafnagar. Orangi residents attacked and destroyed the overhead water dispenser at the Altafnagar pumping station in early 2015 as it was siphoning water for Orangi to commercial water tankers. Conflict between provinces Pakistan is dependent on the Indus River and its tributaries for water. The system recharges the extensive Indus aquifer, which provides up to 80% of the water required for crops in the country. Inter-provincial conflict over the distribution of Indus River water between upstream Punjab province, where several of Pakistan’s largest cities are located, and downstream Sindh province is an ongoing saga. Sindh resents any new water mega projects in the powerful Punjab province. Along with the central government, Punjab wants to push forward dams and infrastructure projects in the name of development. The Sindh-Punjab water conflict had a resolution of sorts in 1991, when the Inter-provincial Water Accord was signed. The agreement allocated water from the Indus River system among Pakistan’s four provinces. However, Sindh’s civil society and government frequently accuse Punjab of violating the agreement by diverting water from the Indus River without the permission of the chief minister of Sindh, as required by the accord. Sindhi and Punjabi nationalist politics heavily feature the water conflict in their rhetoric, which is proving corrosive for the federation of Pakistan. Numerous dams and mining projects in the restive Balochistan province have also alienated the populace against the Pakistani government. They argue that dams are built with little local consultation and become hazards when they are swept away in flash floods. Around 30 dams in Balochistan were swept away during the 2022 floods. At the same time, massive amounts of water are appropriated by foreign-owned mining operations there. These operations are of little benefit to local populations. The ongoing insurgency in the province, and the associated human rights abuses by the Pakistani state, are not divorced from the politics of water. Pakistan’s water development paradigm is based on engineering and infrastructure. But under the greater uncertainty of climate change, what is needed is more adaptive and flexible management of water at the local scale. The current approach locks the state into fixed management based on assumptions underlying the design parameters of the infrastructure. During flood season, which typically runs from July to September, the design parameters of dams and other infrastructure are now routinely exceeded. Water has to be released to save the infrastructure, thereby accentuating flood peaks. The bulk of agricultural water also comes from groundwater, but all the investment is in surface water. It is a common lament in Pakistan that groundwater has been left for unregulated exploitation by private electric pumps, with all the attention devoted to surface water. In domestic water supply, the obsession for photogenic urban green spaces and mega supply projects also take away water from poor areas and resources from the much-needed maintenance of the distribution infrastructure. Climate change is a wicked problem that defies centralised decision making in a country the size and diversity of Pakistan. Local knowledge and democratic decision making are the best arbiter of adjustment to climate change and equitable water access. Yet, in a praetorian state like Pakistan, military-dominated governance is unfortunately moving in exactly the opposite direction. Daanish Mustafa is Professor in Critical Geography, King's College London. This article was first published on The Conversation.

Daanish Mustafa,The Conversation
A cut above the rest! Rare half-pink diamond weighing 37.4 CARATS is discovered in Botswana
Technology

A cut above the rest! Rare half-pink diamond weighing 37.4 CARATS is discovered in Botswana

A cut above the rest! Rare half–pink diamond weighing 37.4 CARATS is discovered in Botswana READ MORE: Jewellery store owner has diamond embedded into his eye By XANTHA LEATHAM, EXECUTIVE SCIENCE EDITOR Published: 14:33 BST, 24 October 2025 | Updated: 14:58 BST, 24 October 2025 As far as diamonds go, this one really is a cut above the rest. An 'astounding' half–pink jewel has been unearthed in the Karowe Mine in Botswana – and it weighs a whopping 37.41 carats (7.5g). The diamond is one inch long and has a 'sharp' boundary between the dusky pink and colourless sections. Jewels this colour are incredibly rare because temperature and pressure conditions have to be just right for them to form. Experts believe it could be one of the most important pink diamonds in history. Oded Mansori, co-founder of diamond-cutting firm HB Antwerp, said: 'This stone has the potential to become one of the most important pink diamonds ever polished. 'Its intensely rich coloration is a testament to the geological uniqueness of the Karowe Mine. 'And our deep understanding of the manufacturing process will allow us to capture its vibrant color to the fullest extent possible.' An 'astounding' half–pink jewel, weighing 37.41 carats (7.5g), has been unearthed in Botswana The diamond is an inch long and has a 'sharp' boundary between the dusky pink and colourless sections The diamond will have started life more than three billion years ago, deep within the Earth under intense heat and pressure, around 93–124 miles (150–200km) below the surface. Carbon atoms are bound together in a tight lattice before being brought to the surface through volcanic eruptions. Diamonds can acquire colour through impurities that get locked inside the lattice as it forms. But pink versions are the product of structural deformity, meaning their structure has been altered through geological processes. However, too much deformation turns the jewels brown – meaning just the right balance has to be reached. It's likely the pink section formed first, according to experts, and the colourless half then developed at a later time. The new diamond is not the first pink–and–colourless natural diamond ever discovered. However, experts from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) said similar diamonds they have examined were much smaller, weighing no more than two carats (0.4g). While experts are yet to value the diamond, they believe it could be one of the 'most important pink diamonds' in history Jewels this colour are incredibly rare because temperature and pressure conditions have to be just right for them to form Diamonds: The 4 C's Carat: The weight of a diamond. One carat is equal to 200 milligrams Colour: Evaluates how colourless, near-colourless, or yellow-brown tinted a diamond is on a scale of D-Z Clarity: Evaluates a diamond's freedom from internal and external flaws Cut: Evaluates the diamond's craftsmanship and quality of light behaviour Advertisement Botswana's Karowe mine, where the diamond was found, has previously yielded several other spectacular jewels. This includes the 1,758-carat Sewelô, the 549-carat Sethunya, and more recent recoveries such as the 2,488-carat Motswedi. Motswedi, uncovered by Canadian mining firm Lucara, is the largest diamond seen in the last 120 years since the discovery of the world–famous Cullinan Diamond. The 3,106–carat stone was found in neighbouring South Africa in 1905 and was cut into nine separate stones, many of which now form part of the British crown jewels. As it stands, the value of the half-pink diamond remains unclear, although pricing will eventually take into consideration a range of factors, including its weight, cut, colour and clarity. It is now being housed at HB Antwerp, whre it will undergo the company's 'proprietary in-house transformation process'. [This] combines cutting-edge technology, traceability, and artisanal craftsmanship,' HB Antwerp explained. 'This process ensures that every facet of the diamond’s journey—from mine to masterpiece—is transparent, secure, and verifiable.' In 2023 a rare pink diamond considered to be the 'most valuable and vivid' of its kind (pictured) sold for $34.8 million (£26 million) at Sotheby's in New York Last year marked the discovery of the second biggest diamond ever found – a rough 2,492–carat stone also uncovered in Botswana World's second biggest DIAMOND awaits a home: 2492-carat stone could be worth tens of millions The discovery comes two years after a rare pink diamond considered to be the 'most valuable and vivid' of its kind sold for $34.8 million (£26 million) at Sotheby's in New York. The value of The Eternal Pink diamond came, in part, from it being 'internally flawless', experts said. The colour of the diamond is said to be at a level only achieved by about four per cent of all pink diamonds. HOW DO SCIENTISTS 'GROW' DIAMONDS IN A LABORATORY? Diamonds fetch their lofty price tags because they form over millions of years under high pressures and temperatures deep within the Earth's crust. But a number of companies are now growing the gems in laboratories across the world, threatening to shake up the diamond industry. A small 'seed' diamond acts as a scaffolding for the process. Scientists first place this seed into a vacuum chamber to remove impurities from the air. Lab-made gems are threatening to upset the diamond industry, with several companies worldwide now growing the stones for jewellery. In this image Pure Grown Diamonds CEO Lisa Bissell unveils a lab-cultivated diamond in New York in 2015 They then funnel hydrogen and methane gas heat to 3,000°C (5,400°F) into the chamber to create a highly charged gas known as plasma. The gases rapidly break apart, releasing carbon atoms from the methane that collected on the diamond 'seed'. These atoms naturally copy the crystal structure of organic diamond, which is also made up of carbon atoms. Each artificial stone grows at a rate of around 0.0002 inches (0.006mm) an hour. Share or comment on this article: A cut above the rest! Rare half-pink diamond weighing 37.4 CARATS is discovered in Botswana Add comment

Editor,Xantha Leatham
Trump says trade talks with Canada ‘terminated’ over anti-tariffs advert
Technology

Trump says trade talks with Canada ‘terminated’ over anti-tariffs advert

US President Donald Trump has announced an immediate end to all trade negotiations with Canada over an advert critical of the tariffs he has imposed on the nation. The advert, sponsored by the government of Canada’s province of Ontario, quoted Trump’s predecessor, Ronald Reagan, an icon of US conservatism, saying tariffs “hurt every American”. Trump wrote on social media that the advert was “FAKE” and “egregious”, adding that trade talks were “HEREBY TERMINATED”. His administration has imposed a 35% levy on many Canadian imports, as well as individual tariffs targeting particular industries like car and steel manufacturing. Ontario has been particularly hard-hit by these. Trump has allowed exemptions for goods that fall under a free trade agreement with Mexico and Canada that he negotiated during his first term. But Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney has since his election earlier this year attempted to strike a deal that would ease the US tariffs. This has been complicated by Ontario Premier Doug Ford, who is one of the most vocal critics of the taxes levied on US firms buying Canadian products. In the minute-long advert published last week, Reagan’s voice can be heard narrating over images that include the New York Stock Exchange and cranes adorned with both US and Canadian flags. The video excerpts a 1987 national radio address by Reagan that focused on foreign trade. “When someone says, ‘let’s impose tariffs on foreign imports’, it looks like they’re doing the patriotic thing by protecting American products and jobs. And sometimes, for a short while it works, but only for a short time,” Reagan says in the advert. “Over the long run, such trade barriers hurt every American, worker and consumer. “High tariffs inevitably lead to retaliation by foreign countries and the triggering of fierce trade wars… Markets shrink and collapse, businesses and industries shut down and millions of people lose their jobs.” The Ronald Reagan Foundation – which is charged with preserving his legacy – released a statement on Thursday saying the advert had used “selective” audio and video of the former president’s remarks. It said the advert “misrepresents” the former president’s address, without specifying why, and accused the Ontario government of not seeking permission to use and edit the remarks. The foundation said it was “reviewing its legal options”. Trump referenced this statement, and said the video was designed to “interfere with” the US Supreme Court’s upcoming decision in November on whether Washington’s sweeping tariffs on many nations’ products are legal. The court’s decision represents the biggest test of Trump’s presidential authority and signature economic policy, potentially forcing the US to refund billions collected in tariffs. While the minute-long advert only includes excerpts from the original, five-minute-long address, it does not alter Reagan’s words. The order in which he makes the comments has been changed. The advert’s penultimate sentence is taken from near the beginning of his speech, and a phrase that features about halfway through the advert is likewise taken from an earlier point in the address. The original address – titled Address to the Nation on Free and Fair Trade – is regarding a specific set of tariffs the Reagan administration had at the time imposed on some Japanese goods. Reagan seeks to use the speech explain why he had introduced the tariffs in this “special case” despite his belief that “imposing such tariffs or trade barriers and restrictions of any kind are steps that I am loath to take”. He makes clear that he wants to lift them as soon as possible “to promote the prosperity and economic development that only free trade can bring” – a position he stresses throughout the speech. Trump later doubled down on his criticism of the advert, writing that “Ronald Reagan did not like Tariffs, when actually he LOVED TARIFFS FOR OUR COUNTRY, AND ITS NATIONAL SECURITY”. The advert was run as part of a campaign worth $75m Canadian dollars (£40m; $54m) on mainstream TV channels in the US. In a post accompanying the advert, Ford wrote that “we’ll never stop making the case against American tariffs on Canada”. China’s embassy in Washington also used a similar Reagan clip in a post on X to cast doubt on Trump’s global tariffs earlier this year. Ontario is Canada’s most populous province and its largest regional economy, and has suffered the most as a result of the US tariffs. Ford hit back at Trump’s earlier tariff threat against Canada by saying he was willing to cut off power supply to the US. He had also described Washington’s trade policies against Canada as having pulled a knife and “yanked it into us”, and called on US lawmakers to put pressure on Trump. Trump’s sector-specific levies on Canadian goods include a 50% levy on metals and 25% on automobiles. The White House’s global tariffs – particularly on steel, aluminium and cars – have hit Canada hard, forcing job losses and putting pressure on businesses. Carney and Ford have not yet commented on Trump’s announcement. It is the second time Trump has said he was ceasing trade talks with Canada, after Ottawa announced it would impose a digital services tax on US technology firms earlier this year. When Canada rescinded the tax, the White House said Carney had “caved” to pressure from Trump. (BBC News)

Nationnews Desk
WE Convention Dubai 2025 Sells Out
Technology

WE Convention Dubai 2025 Sells Out

World’s Largest Women’s Empowerment Event Achieves Unprecedented Success Dame Anna Wintour, Candace Bushnell, Joelle Mardinian, and other global icons came together at WE Convention Dubai 2025 to talk about power, money, and the new era of women’s leadership The WE Convention (Women’s Empowerment Convention), the world’s largest women’s empowerment event, is set to take place in Dubai on November 1–2 at Atlantis The Royal Dubai. Organized by the WE Council, a global community of women leaders championing personal and professional growth, the event expects over 2,000 attendees and more than 100 world-renowned speakers. All the tickets for the event were sold out three weeks before the event – an unprecedented success for an event in the Middle East, with the most affordable tickets having been unavailable since September 2025. This year’s theme is ‘All in: Career, Money, and Life.’ The WE Convention 2025 will discuss how financial independence influences women’s lives and explore the paths to achieve this independence. “It is with great joy and gratitude that I announce that all tickets for WE Convention 2025 are completely sold out. This response is the best proof that our chosen theme was timely and necessary. Every year, we gather a truly unique community of women ready to invest in their development and change the rules of the game,” says WE Convention founder Mila Semeshkina. The speaker lineup includes the Minister of State for Government Development and the Future H.E. Ohood Al Roumi, Director General of Dubai Culture & Arts Authority ⁠H.E. Hala Badri, Global Editorial Director of Vogue and the Chief Content Officer of Condé Nast Dame Anna Wintour, international best-selling Author Candace Bushnell, U.S. self-made billionaire and Co-CEO & President of Summit Therapeutics⁠ ⁠Dr. Maky Zanganeh, celebrity & entrepreneur Joelle Mardinian, Managing Director of Sales & Development at DAMAC Properties Amira Sajwani, Grand Slam tennis champion and sports-fashion designer Svetlana Kuznetsova, Managing Director of Kraft Heinz Middle East & Africa Mary Gukasyan, General Manager for Middle East and Africa Growth Markets Mirna Arif, Olympic champion and Vice President of the International Olympic Committee Nawal El Moutawakel, Group Director of Landmark Group Nisha Jagtiani, Co-Founder & Head of Design at ORLOV Jewelry Angela Orlov. During the WE Convention, Mila Smart Semeshkina, founder of the WE Council and WE Convention, will present her third book — a step-by-step guide for women navigating career and financial success in today’s male-dominated world, drawn from her extensive work with multimillionaires, political leaders, CEOs, and other high-achieving women. In addition to the main conference, a select group of speakers, and VIP and Platinum ticket holders will convene for the WE Night on November 1 at Michelin-acclaimed estiatorio Milos located at Atlantis The Royal. The evening’s itinerary includes a red-carpet arrival, fashion and musical performances, a gourmet dinner, and high-level networking opportunities. Further details about the WE Convention can be found on our website: http://www.weconvention.com About the Women’s Empowerment Council: The WE Council (Women’s Empowerment Council) is a global community dedicated to unlocking women’s potential across business, career, and personal development. Guided by the belief that exceptional women inspire others through example, the WE Council supports and celebrates female leadership, success, and well-being. Through a dynamic program of seminars, conferences, and curated resources, the WE Council creates meaningful opportunities for learning, growth, and connection. It equips women with the tools, knowledge, and networks needed to define and achieve their goals. With a vibrant community of over 30,000 members, the WE Council offers an inclusive and empowering environment where women can access inspiration, support, and practical guidance to reach their fullest potential. Website: https://wecouncil.com

Editor
Delap close to Chelsea return, says Maresca
Technology

Delap close to Chelsea return, says Maresca

Liam Delap has played just three Premier League games for Chelsea since signing for the club from Ipswich in June in a £30 million deal. (EPA Images pic) LONDON: Liam Delap could make his Chelsea return ahead of schedule in next week's League Cup meeting with Wolves, manager Enzo Maresca said on Friday. The striker was not expected to be back in action until November or even December after sustaining a hamstring injury in August, but that schedule has been revised. Delap, 22, has played just three Premier League games for Chelsea since signing for the club from Ipswich in June in a £30 million (US$40 million) deal and is yet to score a top-flight goal. "Liam took part in the session yesterday with the team for the first time," said Maresca, whose team hosts Sunderland on Saturday. "He's not going to be available for tomorrow's game but probably for the next one. "The schedule can change a little bit – it depends how they improve or get worse. First time they said he could be available for Oct 25 but today is Oct 24. (Next week) he can be available." Maresca has used a number of forwards in Delap's absence, including fellow new recruit Joao Pedro and academy graduate Tyrique George. Teenage striker Marc Guiu was recalled from Sunderland following Delap's injury, and he scored his first goal of the season in Wednesday's 5-1 Champions League win over Ajax, though Maresca said he is only now getting what he expects from the 19-year-old. "I had a chat with Marc two weeks ago. I told him that the way he was training I didn't like and he needs to change," he said. "He changed and he got a chance (against Ajax). Easy like that. "He was not training well. In all ways. I don't know (why). Young players, sometimes you need to go slowly, slowly with them. Since we chatted, he's top, he's fantastic, he's working very good." "Absolutely, he's ready to start." Chelsea are fifth in the Premier League after two straight wins, five points behind leaders Arsenal.

AFP
Scotland in 1950: Here are 13 amazing pictures of Scottish life 75 years ago - including Bing Crosby in St Andrews
Technology

Scotland in 1950: Here are 13 amazing pictures of Scottish life 75 years ago - including Bing Crosby in St Andrews

There was plenty going on in 1950 - the year North Korea invaded South Korea sparking the three year-long Korean War. C.S. Lewis's The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe was published, there were queues at cinemas for Disney’s Cinderella, and Albert Einstein warned against the development of the hydrogen bomb. In Britain a Labour Party led by Clement Attlee won a narrow General Election victory, the first edition of The Eagle comic featuring Dan Dare hit newsagents, and The Archers premiered on BBC Radio. Meanwhile in Scotland the Stone of Destiny was stolen by Scottish nationalists, the first official Edinburgh Military Tattoo was staged, and 54-year-old William ‘Ned’ Barnie became the first Scot to swim the English Channel. Here are 13 pictures to take you back to that year. Make sure you don't miss a moment of breaking news from across Scotland by signing up to our free newsletter here.

David Hepburn
Funeral details emerge for Irishman who died in Texas road accident: 'Deeply missed'
Technology

Funeral details emerge for Irishman who died in Texas road accident: 'Deeply missed'

The funeral of the young Irishman who died following a horror road accident in Texas is set to take place in his native Dublin in the coming days. John Kerby’s death notice was posted on RIP.ie stating that arrangements are now being made for his funeral after his remains are repatriated. The business and marketing graduate, who was in his early 20s and from Sandymount, Dublin, had been working in the US on a J1 visa for the past several months. Mr Kirby, who was in his 20s, was found lying on a roadway in Austin, Texas with serious head injuries in the early hours of last Saturday morning. It was initially believed that the talented rugby player had been involved in a road accident involving a truck but it is still unclear what actually happened and ramains under investigation by the Austin police. The entry on RIP.ie states: “The death has occurred of John KIRBY Sandymount, Dublin. John departed life too young, surrounded by family and friends, at the Dell Seton Medical Center, Austin, Texas USA on 16 October 2025 following a road accident. “Deeply missed by his mother Brenda, father Mike, brother Mike and girlfriend Maybelle. Also mourned by his grandmother, uncles, aunts, cousins and many friends in both Ireland and USA. Funeral arrangements to be published.” Police are still investigating John’s death and a spokesperson for the Austin police confirmed that he had been riding a scooter when the accident occurred. But the investigation is being hampered by the fact that officers can find no one who witnessed the incident or who had seen or heard a collision. “At this time, the investigation into the circumstances surrounding Mr. Kirby’s death remains open and active. There is no further information available for release at this time,” the spokesperson outlined. Since news of Mr Kirby’s death emerged tributes have poured in with many describing the former Blackrock college student as a “born leader” and a “gentleman”. A spokesperson for Blackrock college said in a statement: "It is with the greatest sadness that the Club shares the news of the tragic passing of one of our players today, John Kirby. Kirby was involved in an accident in Austin, Texas last Friday evening, where he was living, along with his great friend and fellow Blackrock player, Ross Barron. "We all know Kirby from his days playing 2nd XV and 1st XV in the Club with distinction. John made a huge impact both on and off the field, and it goes without saying how much he will be sadly missed by so many close friends on the squads.” Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.

Pat Flanagan
Egbuka, Chase lead Week 8 fantasy football wide receiver rankings
Technology

Egbuka, Chase lead Week 8 fantasy football wide receiver rankings

MIAMI, Oct. 23 (UPI) -- Emeka Egbuka and Ja'Marr Chase lead my Top-50 fantasy football wide receiver rankings for Week 8. CeeDee Lamb, Rashee Rice and Rome Odunze join Egbuka and Chase in my Top 5. Courtland Sutton, Drake London, Zay Flowers, DK Metcalf and A.J. Brown are among my other Top-10 options. My top free agent and waiver-wire targets for Week 8 are available here. My Week 8 running back and quarterback rankings can be found here. All of my positional rankings will be updated until Week 8 kickoffs. Players also will be moved out of or adjusted within the rankings based on injuries. Be sure to monitor your fantasy football team lineups, especially if you roster or other injured wide receivers. Players from the Arizona Cardinals, Detroit Lions, Jacksonville Jaguars, Las Vegas Raiders, Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks, who are on bye, should be benched or, in some cases, dropped from rosters. Minnesota Vikings and Los Angeles Chargers wide receivers, who played Thursday, were also removed from my rankings. Week 8 wide receiver rankings 1. Emeka Egbuka, Tampa Bay Buccaneers at NO 2. Ja'Marr Chase, Cincinnati Bengals vs. NYJ 3. CeeDee Lamb, Dallas Cowboys at DEN 4. Rashee Rice, Kansas City Chiefs vs. WAS 5. Rome Odunze, Chicago Bears at BAL 6. Courtland Sutton, Denver Broncos vs. DAL 7. Drake London, Atlanta Falcons vs. MIA 8. Zay Flowers, Baltimore Ravens vs. CHI 9. DK Metcalf, Pittsburgh Steelers vs. GB 10. A.J. Brown, Philadelphia Eagles vs. NYG 11. Chris Olave, New Orleans Saints vs. TB 12. Wan'Dale Robinson, New York Giants at PHI 13. Tee Higgins, Cincinnati Bengals vs. NYJ 14. DeVonta Smith, Philadelphia Eagles vs. NYG 15. Jaylen Waddle, Miami Dolphins at ATL 16. Stefon Diggs, New England Patriots vs. CLE 17. Tetairoa McMillan, Carolina Panthers vs. BUF 18. Matthew Golden, Green Bay Packers at PIT 19. Khalil Shakir, Buffalo Bills at CAR 20. George Pickens, Dallas Cowboys at DEN 21. Romeo Doubs, Green Bay Packers at PIT 22. Tez Johnson, Tampa Bay Buccaneers at NO 23. Darnell Mooney, Atlanta Falcons vs. MIA 24. Kendrick Bourne, San Francisco 49ers at HOU 25. Marvin Mims Jr., Denver Broncos vs. DAL 26. Rashid Shaheed, New Orleans Saints vs. TB 27. Marquise Brown, Kansas City Chiefs vs. WAS 28. Michael Pittman Jr., Indianapolis Colts vs. TEN 29. Troy Franklin, Denver Broncos vs. DAL 30. Josh Reynolds, New York Jets at CIN 31. Sterling Shepard, Tampa Bay Buccaneers at NO 32. Xavier Worthy, Kansas City Chiefs vs. WAS 33. Kayshon Boutte, New England Patriots vs. CLE 34. Keon Coleman, Buffalo Bills at CAR 35. D.J. Moore, Chicago Bears at BAL 36. Jauan Jennings, San Francisco 49ers at HOU 37. Jerry Jeudy, Cleveland Browns at NE 38. Jaylin Noel, Houston Texans vs. SF 39. Chris Moore, Washington Commanders at KC 40. Xavier Legette, Carolina Panthers vs. BUF 41. Malik Washington, Miami Dolphins at ATL 42. Alec Pierce, Indianapolis Colts vs. TEN 43. Elic Ayomanor, Tennessee Titans at IND 44. Lil'Jordan Humphrey, New York Giants at PHI 45. Van Jefferson, Tennessee Titans at IND 46. Jalen Coker, Carolina Panthers vs. BUF 47. DeAndre Hopkins, Baltimore Ravens vs. CHI 48. Olamide Zaccheaus, Chicago Bears at BAL 49. Luther Burden III, Chicago Bears at BAL 50. Calvin Austin III, Pittsburgh Steelers vs. GB

Alex Butler
Teen who judge considered jailing 'for stupidity' gets suspended sentence after underground carpark incident
Technology

Teen who judge considered jailing 'for stupidity' gets suspended sentence after underground carpark incident

A teenager who threw an airsoft grenade in an underground car park for “fun”, leading to a Garda station being temporarily evacuated, has been given a suspended nine-month sentence. Patrick O’Brien, 18, caused “a huge amount of inconvenience to Gardaí” when he threw two airsoft air grenades in the underground car park of the IBIS hotel in Clondalkin, Dublin, last February, Judge Martin Nolan said on Friday. “He decided to have a bit of fun for himself,” the judge said. The judge noted O'Brien's young age at the time and said he was prepared to accept it was an “act of stupidity”. He handed down a nine-month sentence, suspending it on a number of conditions. The court heard the airsoft grenades caused a bang and a flash, and that one was thrown in the direction of a man who came to investigate. Garda Shane O’Brien told Patrick McCullough BL, prosecuting, that this man then picked up the grenade, wrapped it in a tissue and brought it to Clondalkin Garda Station to report the incident. When the man turned up at the station, he told Gardaí that “a bomb had been thrown at him” and showed them the grenade. He was instructed to place it in the middle of the floor, and the Garda station was evacuated, and all surrounding roads were closed off. The bomb disposal unit was called in to investigate, and they later concluded the grenade was safe. It was described as a CO2 grenade, which is equipped with a gas or spring mechanism that stimulates an explosion when activated. Garda O’Brien confirmed that it is used in airsoft games – described in court as something similar to paintball. O’Brien, of Tir na nOg, Peamount Road, Newcastle, Co Dublin , pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to possession of the grenade at the hotel on February 16, 2025. He has no previous convictions. Garda O’Brien confirmed that the evacuation of Clondalkin Garda Station meant that all the people who were in cells at that time had to be moved to nearby Ballyfermot Garda Station. When asked by Judge Martin Nolan why O’Brien had thrown the grenade at the man, the Garda replied that he seemed to have done it for a bit of fun. “So he saw him and decided to annoy him and threw it at him,” Judge Nolan asked. Garda O’Brien confirmed that he believed this was the case and said he didn’t believe that there had been anything more behind it. He said O’Brien had parked there, thrown the first grenade, gone to the cinema and then returned to the car park. When he returned to the car park, he was approached by the man who was looking into what had happened with the first grenade, and that was when he threw it at him. At a hearing earlier in the week, Judge Nolan asked Mark McMahon, BL defending, whether he should imprison his client “for stupidity” before he revoked his bail and remanded him in custody for sentence on Friday. Garda O’Brien confirmed that O’Brien was identified after Gardaí established the registration of the car he was driving that night, having viewed CCTV footage from the car park. The car was registered in O’Brien’s father’s name, and O’Brien later came to the station himself for questioning. He made full admissions and identified himself on the footage. It was confirmed that he had bought the grenades legitimately and had been using them to scare foxes. He said he brought them with him that night, intending to scare his friends. Garda O’Brien agreed with a suggestion from Mr McMahon that O’Brien has since fully accepted that it was a stupid thing to do and had acknowledged that it would have been frightening for the man he threw it at. He accepted that O’Brien had other airsoft items in his home when Gardaí came to search it. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here .

Sonya McLean
Guinness Cork Jazz Festival 2025: Everything on over the long weekend
Technology

Guinness Cork Jazz Festival 2025: Everything on over the long weekend

Cork City is buzzing this weekend as the 47th Guinness Cork Jazz Festival takes over every stage, street and corner of the city. The festival officially kicked off last night with electric performances from Chip Wickham, Jape, Projective, The Smithereens, Syano, Camrin Watson, Melina Malone, and The Tumbling Paddies, and a surprise performance from Lee Fields who’s headlining Cork Opera House Saturday night. From soulful legends to jazz innovators, hip-hop heroes to brass band showstoppers, the city’s venues are alive with sound. Here’s what to catch across this massive weekend of music, culture, and craic. Friday highlights – October 24 The weekend starts strong with Cymande bringing their iconic funk-soul rhythms to Cork Opera House this evening, alongside The Pharcyde, celebrating 30 years of Labcabincalifornia with support from Tu Ki and Summer Pearl. Rising star Sienna Spiro is expected to raise the roof in The Everyman, while Khakikid headlines Live at St Lukes. Stella Bass will channel the timeless elegance of Ella Fitzgerald at the Triskel Arts Centre, while King Kong Company light up Cyprus Avenue with their electrifying live show. In Cork City Hall, Feeder headline, and over at Kino, the Mo Cultivation Live Showcase features God Knows, Celaviedmai, and JarJarJr, followed by a late-night DJ takeover. Expect more big brass energy from Hypnotic Brass Ensemble (with Rebel Brass) at Cyprus Avenue, and Dublon at the Liquid Lounge. Saturday highlights – October 25 Saturday is stacked with choice gigs. Lee Fields & The Expressions bring soul royalty to the Cork Opera House, with support from Toshín, another rising star, while Rejjie Snow headlines later that night. At The Everyman, JP Cooper and Luke Thomas & The Swing Cats will keep things smooth, and Daniel Herskedal Trio, Mås Exödus, and James Holden & Wacław Zimpel bring diverse sounds to the Triskel Arts Centre. The Sultans of Ping take over Cork City Hall with Pontious Pilate & The Naildrivers and Flywheel, while These Charming Men bring the music of The Smiths to the same stage. Elsewhere, Le Boom deliver dancefloor magic at Cyprus Avenue, The Congos bring reggae soul to Live at St. Luke’s, and Yankari Afrobeat Collective and TBL8 Brass and Lavery get Kino moving. Sunday highlights – October 26 Sunday brings global icons and Irish talent together. Orchestra Baobab headline at Cork Opera House with Annie & The Caldwells, followed by a powerhouse performance from Jeff Mills with Tomorrow Comes The Harvest. Over at The Everyman, don’t miss one of the biggest names in jazz Nubya Garcia who will bring her fierce, genre-pushing jazz. Another must is American composer, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Adrian Younge, known for his cinematic, soulful sound that fuses jazz, hip-hop, funk, and classical influences. Maverick Sabre takes over Cyprus Avenue, and Khakikid returns to Live at St. Luke’s with new guests Chameleon and Ahmed, With Love. Triskel hosts Norma Winstone & Glauco Venier, Vallon-Michel-Rossy, and Elina Duni & Rob Luft Quartet. For late-night vibes, Ross From Friends brings Bubble Love to Cyprus Avenue, and Zaska (with Oceanna) keeps the groove alive at Kino. And Rory Gallagher: The Legend Lives On fills Cork City Hall with rock nostalgia. Monday finale – October 27 The final night keeps the energy sky-high, with Vieux Farka Touré bringing his Malian desert blues to Cyprus Avenue, followed by Partiboi69 to close out the festival with a full-throttle DJ set. Jazz on the streets and fringe fun Beyond the ticketed shows, the Guinness Jazz Trail brings live music to more than 70 pubs across the city, while the Big Fringe fills the streets with brass bands, parades, and spontaneous jam sessions. Don’t miss the Oliver Plunkett Street Jazz Stroll this evening (Friday, 6:30pm) or Jazz on the Plaza at the Superdome Stage (Saturday and Sunday). The brand-new local food market (Saturday and Sunday, 11am–7pm) is perfect for refuelling between gigs — and the Kinsale Fringe Festival ensures the jazz magic reaches the coast too. Finish it all off at the Festival Club in The Metropole Hotel, the original home of the Jazz Festival, where late-night sessions and surprise performances promise the kind of atmosphere only Cork can create. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here .

Cathal Ryan
What happens when someone goes overboard on a cruise ship?
Technology

What happens when someone goes overboard on a cruise ship?

It is rare for passengers to fall off a cruise ship, but incidents attract plenty of attention when they do happen. In the latest case, a cruise passenger is believed to have died after falling overboard near Portugal on a Norwegian Cruise Line ship that was sailing to Miami. The passenger, who has not been identified, reportedly fell from the Norwegian Jewel ship during a 12-night transatlantic voyage on Monday 20 October. There were search and rescue efforts in the Atlantic Ocean, including by the Portuguese navy, but these were later called off. There have been several high profile cases of passengers falling off cruise ships in recent months. Earlier this summer a five-year-old girl fell from the fourth deck of Disney Dream as it sailed back from the Bahamas to Florida. Her mum has since told the Daily Mail that she had asked her daughter to climb onto a railing for a photo in front of a porthole that she didn’t realise was open. The father jumped off the side and managed to grab her and tread water until they were rescued by the ship’s crew after nine minutes. In another case, Kimberly Burch, fiancée of Faster Pussycat singer Taime Downe, died after she fell overboard from a Royal Caribbean 1980s-themed cruise from Miami in March. Other recent cases include a 72-year-old man who is believed to have died after falling overboard in early December following a Princess Cruises voyage to Mexico. A passenger on MSC Virtuosa died after going overboard in October 2024 during a sailing from Alderney in the Channel Islands to Southampton. In August 2024, a passenger reportedly fell from Royal Caribbean’s Explorer of the Seas near Croatia and was never found, while another passenger died earlier this year after jumping off Icon of the Seas. There have been other incidents in recent years, but passengers shouldn’t be deterred. These cases are very much in the minority and cruise lines have strict measures in place to keep people safe and help launch a rescue when there is a man overboard. Andy Harmer, director of the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), told The Independent: “A cruise holiday is one of the safest forms of travel. Cruise ships today are the safest that ever sailed, thanks to the rules, regulations and technological innovations that govern their design. There are no known cases of someone acting responsibly who has accidentally fallen over the railing of a cruise ship.” Of all the tannoy announcements you may hear on a cruise, “Code Oscar” can be one of the most scary for passengers and crew. This message alerts crew members when someone falls off a cruise ship, known as man overboard. Despite the media coverage, passengers very rarely fall off a cruise ship. Data from the CLIA shows that between 2009 and 2019, there were 212 man overboard incidents on cruise ships. That works out to roughly 19 each year. More recent data from the CruiseJunkie blog up to this year puts the figure at 417. This is still a tiny amount compared with the 32 million who went on a cruise in 2023. Cruise blogger Emma Le Teace, who runs the Emma Cruises YouTube channel, says this makes your chance of falling overboard on a cruise around 1 in 1.4 million. She said: “Luckily, it is almost impossible to fall off a cruise ship. There are still people who manage to fall accidentally – usually while doing something silly or dangerous.” Technically you can fall off a cruise ship. Research by the CLIA shows that in every man overboard incident recorded between 2009 and 2019, it was found to be an “intentional or reckless act.” Legal expert Brad Huffman adds that cruise line liability can be complicated if there is a man overboard incident. He said: “While they have a legal duty to maintain passenger safety, cruise line liability is often capped by the fine print in their ticket contracts, which few passengers fully read or understand. “Maritime law gives them a certain amount of leeway, so a family’s options for seeking compensation can be limited.” One of the first things you will be asked to do on a cruise ship is attend a safety briefing or watch a video that explains what happens if there is an issue. The procedure across most ships if you see someone fall into the water is to shout “man overboard” For example, Princess Cruises advises guests in its pre-cruise pack to alert a crew member if someone goes overboard and throw a lifebuoy or anything that will float. Some cruise ships have sensor systems to detect if someone goes overboard, while ships that go in and out of US ports with more than 250 passengers are required to have cameras so someone can be easily located if they fall. The general procedure if someone falls off a cruise is to stop the ship, while outer decks may be closed. Rescue boats will enter the water and the coastguard will be contacted, while other nearby ships will also be notified to keep a lookout. Unfortunately, CLIA data shows that out of the 212 incidents between 2009 and 2019, just 48 – or 28.2 per cent – ended in a successful rescue. The rescue rate may look scary but it is pretty hard to fall off a cruise ship. The vessels may be getting taller and more intricate, such as Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas, but all ships are designed with safety in mind. The outer decks have glass-panelled railings, which must be at least 42 inches tall, while balconies must be at least one metre high. Harmer adds: “Cruise lines are highly regulated with robust enforcement. The average ship undergoes dozens of announced and unannounced safety inspections per year, involving hundreds of man hours and covering thousands of specific requirements set by the International Maritime Organisation.” Passengers, of course, have to be responsible and avoid dangerous acts such as climbing over balconies and running on slippery decks, especially after a few drinks, but in most cases you should be able to have a smooth sailing without worrying about falling off a cruise ship. Read more: The best cruises from Southampton

Marc Shoffman
Garda checkpoints: Drivers warned as Halloween Bank Holiday safety blitz begins
Technology

Garda checkpoints: Drivers warned as Halloween Bank Holiday safety blitz begins

Gardai have put in place a safety operation as the bank holiday weekend begins with extra patrols and checkpoints on what can be a dangerous time on the country’s roads. While the traffic enforcement operation will mean a greater garda presence on the roads and motorways the force and the Road Safety Authority are urging all road users to take extra care to stay safe. As bank holiday weekends are among the busiest times on Irish roads and carry a higher risk of collisions, gardai will focus on enforcing speed limits, detecting impaired driving, and ensuring compliance with mobile phone and seat belt laws. Gardai and the RSA are advising all pedestrians and cyclists to wear high-visibility clothing and ensure they are clearly visible in darker conditions. They point to statistics showing a rise in pedestrian injuries on Irish roads between October and December each year. Assistant Commissioner for Roads Policing, Catharina Gunne, said that while the will be a greater garda presence over the weekend it is also imperative that road users take extra care. She said: “ An Garda Síochána is appealing to all road users to take extra care this long Halloween weekend. Bank Holidays are particularly busy times on our roads. Road users need to be particularly mindful at this time of year because road conditions are wetter and this weekend, clocks go back, so the evenings are darker and longer. “Therefore, there is a greater risk for our vulnerable road users; pedestrians and cyclists. Please Be Safe, Be Seen. For motorists, we appeal to you to never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, to slow down and to always choose a speed that is appropriate for the driving conditions, to wear your seatbelt and remove any distractions while driving such as mobile phones while driving. “We must continue to raise awareness among all road users about road safety, work together with road users and our partners, to prevent a further rise in road fatalities and serious injury road traffic collisions.” Minister of State with responsibility for Road Safety, Seán Canney also urged those travelling on the country’s roads over the weekend to take care. He added: "As the clocks go back and winter approaches, I urge all road users to make safety the focus of their journeys. No matter how we travel, we need to protect ourselves and each other. Light up your vehicle; wear high visibility clothing; adjust your speed for the road and weather conditions; and never drive distracted or intoxicated. Emergency services are ready to help – but let’s do our best to avoid needing them.” The October bank holiday garda operation began yesterday and will run until 7am next Tuesday. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here .

Pat Flanagan
Warning: The 31 Things In This List Are *Incredibly* Adorable
Technology

Warning: The 31 Things In This List Are *Incredibly* Adorable

Promising review: "Saw this in a BuzzFeed article and was intrigued. The blurb was interesting, and the reviews were correct: this helps my tired eyes with just a swipe under each eye. My puffy eyes aren't so puffy, and my face feels less tense. I keep it in the refrigerator, too, which adds to the cooling effect. I also swipe it over my eyelids, which relaxed me before bed. Will definitely purchase again." —S. B. Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (available in three styles and multipacks).

https://www.buzzfeed.com/about,Rebecca O'connell
Previous 31 32 33 34 35 Next