The best party speakers for 2025, tested and reviewed

The Midlands is now officially in a drought, joining the North West and Yorkshire, after weeks of scorching, rainless weather have left the region parched. Authorities have made the call as reservoirs shrink and the land dries out.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about a few brown lawns—droughts mean water shortages, strain on farmers, and potential restrictions for households. With more regions hitting this status, it’s another red flag that extreme weather is becoming the norm, not the exception.

This article digs into whether your area might be facing a drought by checking the latest data on rivers, reservoirs, and underground water supplies—all of which have taken a hit after months of unusually dry weather.

Editor’s Note: Water shortages aren’t just about a few rainless weeks—they ripple into agriculture, daily life, and even long-term planning. If you’re wondering why this matters, think water bills, crop prices, or even whether that backyard garden will survive the summer. Dry spells aren’t just inconvenient; they’re a preview of bigger climate challenges.

Astronomers just hit the cosmic jackpot—they found a colossal alien planet, a whopping 35 times heavier than Earth, lurking in a star system we already knew about. And here’s the kicker: there might be even more hidden planets waiting to be spotted. The hunt is on, but spotting these sneaky giants isn’t easy.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another exoplanet discovery—it’s a reminder that even well-studied star systems can still surprise us. Finding a planet this massive in a known system shakes up our understanding of how planets form and hide. Plus, the possibility of more undiscovered worlds out there keeps the excitement alive for astronomers (and space nerds everywhere). Who knows what else is lurking in the cosmic shadows?

Missed out on Prime Day deals for a robot vacuum? No worries—this sponsored post highlights a steep 68% discount on a 3-in-1 vacuum and mop that handles both dirt and spills. It’s a last-chance grab for anyone who slept on earlier sales.

Editor’s Note: Let’s be real—robot vacuums are pricey, and Prime Day FOMO is real. This deal softens the blow for procrastinators (or forgetful shoppers) by offering a high-end cleaning gadget at a fraction of the cost. If you’ve been eyeing one, now’s the time to pull the trigger before the discount vanishes.

Scientists have developed a tiny but powerful laser—no bigger than a penny—that could give self-driving cars a major upgrade in how they "see" their surroundings. This breakthrough in lidar tech (the laser-based radar that helps autonomous vehicles navigate) means sharper, more reliable detection of obstacles, pedestrians, and other cars, even in tricky conditions like fog or rain.

Editor’s Note: Right now, lidar systems can be bulky, expensive, and sometimes struggle with accuracy. A smaller, more sensitive laser could make driverless cars safer and more practical for everyday use—potentially speeding up their adoption. It’s not just about clearer vision; it’s about convincing people these vehicles are truly ready for the road.