Home Blog Page 8

Josep Guardiola addresses his Man City future – “What’s next?”

1

Manchester City defender Josep Guardiola has spoken about his future after attracting interest from Barcelona and Bayern Munich.

Josep Guardiola made his return for Manchester City in the victory against Crystal Palace. (Photo: Naomi Baker/Getty Images)

Josep Guardiola says he has everything he needs to be happy at Manchester City but did not commit to his future at the club. The Croatian defender has addressed transfer speculation without shutting it down as he prepares for the World Cup.

City are hoping to tie Guardiola down to a long-term deal, with his contract expiring in the summer of 2028.

They are still trying to tie him down to a long-term deal but have yet to do so, and Barcelona and Bayern Munich have been linked with a move for the 24-year-old in recent times.

Guardiol is again performing well on the biggest stage this summer with Croatia, having worked hard to recover from a broken leg in January that could have ruled him out of the World Cup.

He made his debut against Crystal Palace just four months after suffering the injury, and the centre-back has been able to link up with his national team as he aims to excel once again.

Asked about his future in the Croatia camp, Guardiola was happy to dispel the rumours and discuss his satisfaction with his situation at the Etihad.

However, he still left some uncertainty about what will happen after the World Cup.

“We’ve all seen the different rumours coming from every direction. I’m happy at Man City; I have everything I need. Before the injury, I played almost a full 90 minutes in every game. After the World Cup we’ll see what happens next,” he said.

City’s players will have to deal with the first change of manager at the club for ten years this summer after Pep Guardiola opted to end his stay at the Etihad. Enzo Maresca will replace him, and Guardiola is confident the club will have the team in the right place.

“Unfortunately he [Guardiola] decided that his journey would end. Ever since he arrived, we have all seen how many trophies he has lifted.

We learned a lot. Everyone who had the opportunity to work with him became a better player and person. I am confident that Manchester City will choose the right new coach and continue where we left off.

Source link

Strava declares war against scrapers ahead of the IPO.

1

AI companies have evolved into data-hungry organisations that require large datasets to train their models. To meet that need, many AI startups disregard long-standing Internet conventions – e.g.,

Respecting robots.txt files. This signals to automated crawlers which parts of the website are off-limits and allows them to aggressively scrape the data.

This trend has forced websites to restrict access to their data and in some cases make licensing deals with AI companies.

Fitness and social running company Stmoving is in this direction by restricting its website and charging a fee for developer access.

To prevent scraping, the company is increasing security around its website and will now only allow authenticated users to view certain data.

Previously, users were able to view details such as public profiles and fitness club listings without logging in. The company is keeping all that data behind authentication to protect it from unauthorised AI scraping.

On the API front, developers could start building apps on Strava through a free, tiered access programme – first applying for basic access and then requesting more as their app grew.

Now the company is adding a fee of $11.99 per month for all developers, although it notes that the price may vary by geography.

Strava said its developer community has grown from 185,000 members last year to 241,000 this year, and the company plans to continue supporting them.

As part of this, Strava also plans to add support for the Model Context Protocol (MCP), an emerging standard that lets AI assistants and apps access external data in a structured way, giving Strava more control over exactly what is shared and how.

The company is also planning to retire some API endpoints – separate access points that protect user data and let external apps pull specific data, such as club details.

Strava had already tightened API rules in 2024, banning its use for AI training and banning third-party apps from displaying other users’ data. Those changes attracted feedback. This feedback came from developers who said their apps would be severely affected.

Although some developers may accept payment of subscription fees, disabling certain API endpoints may impact dependent apps. Strava is giving developers a 90-day grace period before making these changes.

In an interview with TechCrunch, Strava CEO Michael Martin said that unchecked AI scraping could destroy the public internet.

“Given their endless need for training data, AI companies are ruthlessly scraping public websites, causing poor site performance,” Martin said. Over the past several months, we have had several instances where performance has decreased and, in some cases, degraded.

In addition to crawling public sites, they are also trying to use our API to gain access to our data, bypassing the API terms.

He said Strava has rejected overtures from major AI labs seeking data licensing deals. He particularly highlighted the perplexity that AI search startups routed their scrapings through aggregator services to obscure their origins, even though they were shunned.

This is consistent with Perplexity’s past accusations of similar behaviour elsewhere.

Martin also flagged server overload caused by poorly constructed Vibe-coded apps, whose API calls are often inefficiently structured and generate a disproportionate load on Strava’s systems.

It’s a pattern: When Meta banned third-party chatbots from WhatsApp last year, it made a similar argument about system overhead.

This timing is probably not a coincidence. Strava filed confidently for an IPO earlier this year, and its move to protect its data may be aimed at signalling data discipline to potential investors.

Martin quickly drew comparisons to Reddit’s 2024 crackdown on API access. Unlike Reddit, which priced API access based on the number of calls (making it unaffordable for many app developers), Strava is betting that a flat fee keeps the developer ecosystem intact.

“We want users to feel they own their data and feel comfortable with how we’re controlling and securing it. But we also want developers to continue to thrive and grow,” Martin said.

Source link

Serena Williams will return to tennis at Queen’s Club

1

The highest-earning female athlete of all time, Williams has attracted giant crowds throughout her career and is someone who has truly transcended her sport.

Possessing the best serve ever in the women’s game, Williams was known for her big groundstrokes, strong service returns, and excellent movement.

After retiring, Williams largely stayed away from the game and gave birth to her second daughter in 2023.

Last year, he spoke on the Today Show in the US about losing 31 pounds (14 kg) in the past eight months.

He said he had to see his extra weight as a ‘rival.’ Despite “training five hours a day” and “running, walking, biking, and climbing stairs”, he told the show that he had no other choice but to “try something different”.

Williams did not reveal which weight loss drug she was taking, although she recently became a spokeswoman for Ro, a company that sells GLP-1 brands such as Wegovy and Zepbound (known as Monjaro in the UK) through its weight loss programme. Her husband, Reddit founder Alexis Ohanian, is also an investor.

Williams said she was seeing the benefits of her hard work in the gym, training for a half-marathon and “running further than I ever have.”



Source link

Indian student jumps to save three friends as they drown in Wisconsin dam; foot stuck in fishing line

0

Indian student dies after saving three friends from drowning in America.

Just weeks after his graduation, Indian student Anurag Reddy Koduru lost his life by drowning in the Toledo Bend Reservoir, located between Texas and Louisiana.

Reddy was an excellent swimmer and jumped into the water when he saw his three friends drowning.

He saved all three of them, but his foot got entangled in the fishing line. The current pulled him into the stream and he was found lifeless at a depth of 20 feet.

This incident happened on 29 May. His brother Ashtrith Reddy Koduru had set up a fundraiser to seek help to transport Reddy’s body to India and for his last rites.“

We are completely devastated, and our immediate priority is to take his body back from the United States to our parents and family in India.

The costs of international repatriation, legal documentation and transportation are incredibly high,” the family said.

Reddy was a student at the University of North Texas and had graduated a few weeks earlier. The local sheriff’s office released a statement on the death without identifying him.

Sheriff Aaron Mitchell tragically reports that a 22-year-old Denton, Texas man drowned this afternoon, Friday, May 29, 2026. Initial reports indicate the man was swimming with friends at the spillway near the Toledo Bend Dam when he went under.

Agencies involved include South Sabine Fire District, LA (Louisiana) Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, North Sabine Fire District, Sabine River Authority, Acadian Ambulance, Life Air Rescue and Sabine Parish Sheriff Dive Team.

“Sheriff Mitchell and the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office offer our condolences to the man’s family and friends,” the statement said.

Source link

SoftBank says it will invest up to €75 billion to build French data centres.

1

softbank group announced today It plans to spend up to €75 billion (about $87 billion) to expand data centre capacity in France.

The goal is to develop and operate up to 5 gigawatts of additional data centre capacity, the company said. The first phase of the plan involves the construction of data centres in Dunkirk (Lune-Plage), Bosquel and Bouchain to provide 3.1 gigawatts of capacity in the Hauts-de-France region by 2031.

SoftBank, which is both an investor and customer of OpenAI, saysthe projects will be its largest AI infrastructure investment in Europe.

In a statement, French Economy Minister Roland Lescure described the announcement as “proof of President Emmanuel Macron’s ambition to establish France as a leading destination in the AI ​​value chain”.

In the United States, opposition to data centre construction is fuelled by environmental concerns as well as questions about how data centres impact the electrical grid and utility prices. Nonetheless, SoftBank previously announced plans to build a new 9.2-gigawatt data centre powered by a natural gas plant in Ohio.

Source link

Constitution River goes for French Derby glory at Chantilly. Racing News

1

It’s Prix du Jockey Club day at Chantilly, with the big French classic headlining a huge day in France.

3.30 Chantilly – Ballydoyle duo favoured for French Derby.

A stunning renaissance of exclusivity Group 1 Qatar Prix du Jockey Club. Where all eyes will be. Ain River as he bids to overcome a wide draw in Stall 15.

Aidan O’Brien, son of Wootton Bassett, rattled the class when making his winning return in the D-Stakes and, with that form clarified and glowing reports from his connections, he rated the beat. The wide draw isn’t ideal for Ryan Moore, but he should have plenty of pace to target.

Image:
Constitution River ran out an impressive winner of the Dee Stakes.

Steady partner Hawk Mountain enjoyed high-level success as a two-year-old and made a pleasing reappearance here by scoring in a trial. Still showing signs of greenness, he will need to be more professional if he is to earn this prize.

At great prices among them, Henclow Stall One has a good draw and can suit that extra distance, while being unbeatable, Dolmalan Mikel looks excited for Delzangles but now faces his toughest test yet.

Darizan, a half-brother to Arch Victor Derez, will be expected to race big as he moves up significantly in grade under Mikel Barzalona.

1.40 Chantilly – Qualificar and Goliath lock horns

An excellent edition of this Group 2 Grand Prix de Chantilly: Goliath and Qualificar headline a field of six.

Andre Fabre has won the award on a record twelve occasions. Culliffeker looks ready to go closer. Winner of the Prix Nil last season, he disappointed a bit in the arc himself but should be fit for his narrow third in the Prix d’Harcourt last month. This 12-furlong distance would be more to his liking and he would receive a vote under William Buick.

Goliath: The red-hot Francis Henry Graffard is a major threat to the team. A dual Group 1 winner – including the 2024 King George – he was runner-up at Doha in February and must be feared if fully recovered after a 106-day layoff. Christophe Soumillon, who partnered him in his famous Ascot win, is once again at the plate.

Goliath won the 2024 King George.
Image:
Goliath won the 2024 King George.

British invader Aiden scored in this grade last season and, after finishing a solid second to Santorini Star in his last outing, he respects the combination of Oisin Murphy and Andrew Balding.

4.15 Chantilly – Mudasimah headlines the Prix de Sandringham

Together with Andrew Balding and Oisin Murphy Madasma In this group 2 Prix ​​de Sandringham 4.15 pm

The daughter of Frankel was beaten at two on her last start in a Group 3 race at Newmarket but has yet to be at her best this spring. Only sixth when favourite to Neil Gwynn in April, she failed to make a breakthrough in the 1000 Guineas and can appreciate the drop in class.

Trained by Francis Henry Graffard, Dima, a newcomer to the event over this course and distance, made a strong impression with an easy victory and deserves a chance in this improved race. e.

Joseph O’Brien’s Green Sense Despite the disappointment in the Goffs Million at the Curragh, the remaining selection is on the final day.

Best of all

There is plenty going on in the Far East early in the day, with legendary jockey Zac Purton just one win away from the 2000 Hong Kong winners. He has some good opportunities available and should complete the assignment today.

Renewal of 2026 Tokyo Yunsun (Japanese Derby) A cracker at 7.40am, with Lovcen likely to be well-favoured after finishing third in the Japanese 2000 Guineas recently.

Also at Chantilly, Amy Murphy saddles up. Tokaido, which goes in search of listed honours at 12.30pm. Prix ​​La Fleche. This gelded son of Ubettabelieveit was exemplary over course and distance last time and will be hard to beat under Tony Piccone.

Owned by the Aga Khan Studs, there are also two Group 3 races to enjoy. Bahrain Backing up the initial commitment before 1.05pm Sajar attempts to bounce back at 2.53pm.



Source link

WATCH: Russia’s ‘fire-and-forget’ $500 Yolka drone hunter that fits in a soldier’s hand

1

New footage circulating online shows the Russian military deploying handheld “Yolka” interceptor drone systems in combat, indicating widespread operational use of the low-cost anti-drone weapon designed to target enemy reconnaissance and FPV drones

The latest video shows a Russian soldier launching the compact interceptor from a pistol-like handheld device before it autonomously tracks and attacks its target.

The Yolka system first attracted public attention during Russia’s Victory Day military parade in May 2025, when a security officer standing near President Vladimir Putin was seen carrying a compact drone-like device, which analysts later speculated might be the Yolka system or a related variant.

Video evidence of the drone’s use first surfaced in September 2024, highlighting its role as a portable “spot-and-forget” interceptor designed to counter the growing threat posed by battlefield drones. Unlike conventional interceptors, the Yolka does not use explosive warheads.

Instead, it relies on direct kinetic impact to destroy or disable hostile drones, reducing the risk of collateral damage. The interceptor has a cylindrical body with two sets of X-shaped wings and is powered by four electric motors mounted on its rear.

Open-source reports indicate that it uses a bi-spectral seeker that combines thermal and optical tracking with an artificial intelligence module.

“Once the seeker locks onto the target, the drone transitions to autonomous flight.” The AI-assisted guidance system allows the drone to independently track targets after launch and is reported to be resistant to conventional electronic warfare jamming.

To available specifications, Yolka can attack targets at ranges of up to 3-4 kilometres and reach speeds of approximately 200-250 km/h. The interceptor reportedly weighs between 1 and 3 kg, while the entire launcher system weighs about 6 kg.

allowing it to be operated by a single soldier. Open-source assessments estimate each Yolka interceptor to cost around US$500, making it a relatively inexpensive solution against increasingly common battlefield drones.

The emergence of systems like Yolka reflects the growing emphasis on portable anti-drone weapons as militaries look for cost-effective ways to counter the widespread use of unmanned aerial vehicles in modern warfare.

Source link