Whales, beards, mules and VIPs: the secret world of high-rolling professional gambling

Cloudflare is currently investigating significant technical issues that have caused widespread outages affecting major web services, including X, LinkedIn, and Zoom. The problems began shortly after 9 AM UK time, leading to difficulties in accessing various online platforms and services.

A wave of luxury housing developments in Bondi and other parts of Sydney is pushing out long-time residents, including surfers and artists, as older apartment blocks are converted into high-end properties. This trend raises concerns about the loss of affordable housing in the area.

Tech billionaires Michael and Susan Dell have pledged a historic $6.25 billion to establish 'Trump Accounts,' tax-deferred investment accounts aimed at benefiting approximately 25 million American children under the age of 10. This initiative has sparked debate regarding the motivations behind such large donations, particularly in relation to political influence and access to power.

Scientists have introduced a new technique called 'soilsmology' that utilizes seismic waves to assess soil health, potentially helping to prevent famine and drought. This method aims to replace traditional soil sampling, which is labor-intensive and can compromise soil structure, with a more efficient and accurate approach.

The UK economy has faced significant challenges, including austerity measures, Brexit, the pandemic, and rising energy costs, leading to widespread dissatisfaction among citizens regarding income, home ownership, and public services. Recent polling indicates a decline in trust towards Labour's economic leadership, particularly under Chancellor Rachel Reeves, who has been criticized for her handling of the economy.

UBS reports that a record number of individuals have become billionaires through inheritance, with 91 new billionaires added this year, raising the global total from 2,682 in 2024 to 2,919 in 2025.