EU orders next-generation Galileo satellites
ESA Artwork: Galileo satellites beam down precise time signals The European Commission has handed down industrial contracts worth a total of €1.47bn (£1.31bn; $1.97bn) to build the next generation of Galileo satellites. The work is going to the continent’s two dominant space manufacturers – Airbus and Thales Alenia Space. They will make six spacecraft each […]
Uber halts self-driving car tests after death
Reuters Uber said it is suspending self-driving car tests in all North American cities after a fatal accident. A 49-year-old woman was hit by a car and killed as she crossed the street in Tempe, Arizona. While self-driving cars have been involved in multiple accidents, it is thought to be the first time an autonomous […]
US vows to ‘disconnect’ Maduro’s funding
Who’s really in charge in Venezuela? The BBC’s Paul Adams explains The Trump administration is trying to cut Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro’s revenue streams, US National Security Adviser John Bolton says. The comments come one day after Mr Maduro cut diplomatic ties with the US. He was angry after they recognised an opposition figure, Juan […]
VAR faces several hurdles in Scotland, says SPFL chief Neil Doncaster
“It was used for the first time properly in the World Cup in Russia and it’s fair to say that the use of VAR wasn’t without controversy,” he told BBC Scotland. “France’s second goal against Croatia in the World Cup final was certainly a controversial goal. “And, indeed, in the group stages, you might remember […]
Google set to offer banking current accounts
Getty Images Google is expanding its financial offerings Google has become the latest big tech firm to move into banking by offering current accounts. The firm said it plans to partner with banks and credit unions in the US to offer the “smart checking” accounts. It said the service, to be launched via Google Pay, […]
The Rap Game UK finalists want to ‘reset’ the music industry
BBC Cbliminal, Haydog, Layyah, Only Zizou (left to right) are the finalists of The Rap Game UK It has been six weeks of intense challenges, clashes and even a live show on the BBC Introducing Stage at Leeds Festival. As The Rap Game UK reaches its last stage, the four finalists say it is time […]
The appetite for protein bars gives much to chew on
Nicola Graham Nicola Graham is doing intensive training to run a marathon and cycle the coast of Ireland From snack bars to shakes, bagels, coffee and even bottled water, food manufacturers are adding protein to an ever-growing list of products. This protein-supplements industry is now worth billions, but does it live up to the hype? […]
Will it damage its star status?
Getty Images People took to the streets this week in Hong Kong to protest against proposed changes to the extradition bill. Changes to Hong Kong’s extradition law could hurt the autonomy that has made it one of Asia’s main financial hubs. The government is seeking to allow extraditions to mainland China, saying it makes sure […]
How Shakespeare’s Hamlet found a virtual stage
Tull Stories A virtual avatar selfie featuring Grand Theft Hamlet’s director, Pinny Grylls, alongside co-star writers and directors Sam Crane (left) and Mark Oosterveen (right) How do you keep Shakespeare fresh after 400 years? Two actors found an unexpected answer inside the computer game Grand Theft Auto (GTA). Prevented from working by the Covid pandemic, […]
‘I just totally fell in love with the family farm’
Life as a woman running the family farm After 20 years of living in Scotland, Bronagh O’Kane came home to help out on the family farm. It was never really in the plan for her, she said: “I wasn’t involved in the farm growing up.” But with one brother emigrating and another starting his own […]