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As a child, Jayce Carrano was a huge fan of the Pokémon franchise. However, as he grew older, his interests shifted, and he discovered a new passion for birdwatching. In an article for The Guardian, Carrano shares his journey of how he evolved from a Pokémon enthusiast to a dedicated birdwatcher.Carrano's love affair with birdwatching began when he was on a date and his partner asked him to watch a birdwatching documentary called Listers. He was hooked and soon found himself going on hikes and holidays to spot new bird species. Just like in Pokémon, Carrano found himself excited about discovering new 'critters' and even got sidetracked by bird poo.Carrano notes that birdwatching is uniquely suited to those who belong to the Pokémon generation. Both hobbies involve a sense of adventure and a desire to discover new things. He also highlights the similarities between Pokémon trainers and birdwatchers, who often go to great lengths to spot new species.Carrano's passion for birdwatching has also led him to connect with other enthusiasts, including twitchers who use apps to identify bird species. He notes that the community aspect of birdwatching is similar to that of Pokémon, where fans often share their experiences and connect with others.Ultimately, Carrano's love for birdwatching stems from the joy of discovering new species and the sense of loyalty he feels towards certain birds, much like his loyalty to certain Pokémon. He concludes that birdwatching reminds him that it's easy to walk past something remarkable, even when you're looking for it, and especially when you're not.

In the spirit of Carl Linnaeus, the father of taxonomy, a group of scientists has embarked on a mission to document the vast array of species that inhabit our planet. Through the lens of their cameras, they capture the intricate details of tiny wasps and the unique features of hairy plants, highlighting the incredible diversity of life on Earth.This photographic journey is not just about capturing images; it's about sharing a passion for biodiversity and species documentation. By doing so, these scientists aim to inspire a greater appreciation and understanding of the natural world, much like Linnaeus did centuries ago.Their work is a testament to the power of scientific research and environmental studies in promoting conservation and sustainability. Through their photographs, they provide a glimpse into the fascinating world of taxonomy and the importance of preserving our planet's ecological balance.

President Donald Trump's lawyers have filed a court document seeking a 90-day pause in a $10bn lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to explore a potential settlement. The move has sparked concerns about a conflict of interest, as Trump controls both the executive branch and the Department of Justice, which will be involved in the settlement negotiations. The lawsuit stems from the unauthorized release of Trump's tax returns in 2020, which were leaked by a former IRS contractor. Trump's lawyers claim that the release of the tax returns caused him, his businesses, and his sons "significant and irreparable harm", including reputational and financial damage. However, experts have questioned the validity of the lawsuit, citing flaws in the calculation of damages and the statute of limitations. They also argue that the lawsuit represents a conflict of interest, as Trump is essentially negotiating with his own administration for a payout. The $10bn sum sought by Trump is based on media references to his leaked tax returns, which experts say is not a valid formula for damages. Additionally, the lawsuit contends that Trump did not discover the unauthorized disclosures until January 2024, despite posting about the issue on social media in 2020. Government watchdogs have attempted to stop a settlement from unfolding, arguing that it would threaten the integrity of the justice system and the important taxpayer and privacy protections at the heart of this case. The Emoluments Clause in the US Constitution also prohibits the president from profiting off his position, apart from his salary. Trump has justified the sum by saying it would be donated to charity, but legal experts argue that this could still run afoul of the Emoluments Clause. The case has raised significant concerns about the potential for abuse of power and the integrity of the justice system.

A federal judge in the United States has dismissed a Department of Justice lawsuit seeking to access voter data from Rhode Island. The decision on Friday was the latest loss for the administration of President Donald Trump, which has sought to access voter data in dozens of states across the country.In the ruling, US District Court Judge Mary McElroy sided with election officials and civil rights groups, writing that the Justice Department does not have the authority “to conduct the kind of fishing expedition it seeks here”. Rhode Island Secretary of State Gregg Amore praised the ruling in a statement afterwards, highlighting the importance of state rights and the balance of power in the US democratic republic.The Justice Department has sued at least 30 states for their voter information, maintaining it needs the information to secure election security. However, state officials have expressed concerns over privacy, and federal judges have rejected similar attempts in California, Massachusetts, Michigan, and Oregon. At least 12 states have willingly provided or pledged to provide voter information to the Trump administration.The push for voter information is one of several actions that have raised concerns over how the Trump administration will approach the midterm elections in November, which will decide the makeup of the US Congress. Trump is currently calling on Republicans to pass the so-called SAVE America Act, a bill that would create higher documentation standards for voters to prove their citizenship when registering to vote and casting ballots.

Gina Rinehart, Australia's richest person, has been dealt a significant blow with a court ruling that her company, Hancock Prospecting, must pay hundreds of millions of dollars in royalties to a rival mining family, Wright Prospecting.The Western Australian supreme court decision, which came on Wednesday, found that Wright Prospecting was entitled to a half share of royalties from the Hope Downs iron ore project, a joint venture between Rio Tinto and Hancock Prospecting.Hope Downs is a major mining project that exports around 45 million tonnes of iron ore annually from Australia's north-west. The court's ruling is a significant setback for Rinehart, who has been embroiled in a long-standing dispute with the Wright family over mining assets and royalties.The case, which began in 2010, has been a complex and lengthy battle, with multiple parties involved and over 4,000 documents submitted during the trial. The judge's findings, which ran to over 1,650 pages, noted that the dispute required a 'lengthy, diverse, and detailed reconstruction of events' dating back to the 1960s.Rinehart's company, Hancock Prospecting, has estimated that the historical payments to Wright Prospecting could be around $14 million per year, while the Wright camp estimates the amount could near $1 billion. The amount Hancock Prospecting and Rio Tinto are liable to pay will be the subject of a future hearing.The decision has been claimed as a partial victory by all parties involved, with Wright Prospecting welcoming the ruling and Hancock Prospecting declaring victory on the issue of ownership rights over the valuable assets.The 16-year court case may still have many years yet to play out, with neither side ruling out appealing against the verdict.

A recent genealogical study has uncovered a fascinating connection between Nintendo's beloved characters, Super Mario and Luigi, and their real-life namesake, Mario Arnold Segale. Mario Segale's father was named Luigi, a fact that may have inadvertently influenced Nintendo's choice of names for the iconic video game brothers.Mario Arnold Segale, a Washington state businessman, was Nintendo of America's landlord in the 1980s. The company based Super Mario's moniker off Segale – along with aspects of his appearance – before the character went on to sell hundreds of millions of copies across various platforms.Elisabeth Zetland, a senior researcher with the genealogy service MyHeritage, made the discovery while exploring Segale's ancestral background. She found that Luigi Maria Segale, Mario's father, was born in 1886 in Favale di Malvaro, Italy, and immigrated to the US with his brother Giuseppe in 1909.Luigi Segale, who adopted the anglicized first name Louis, served in the US armed forces during World War I and later worked as an independent farmer. By 1940, he and his wife Rina had a six-year-old son named Mario, who would one day inspire the iconic video game character.The study highlights the legacy of Italian dreams and American opportunity that defined Luigi Segale's life and, indirectly, the lives of his son Mario and the fictional characters that bear their names.Mario Segale's connection to Super Mario has been well-documented, but the discovery of his father's name adds a new layer of depth to the story. Nintendo did not comment on whether they were aware of the coincidence between Luigi Segale and the fictional character.

Juba, South Sudan – Growing up, Khloe Nyanda was taught to stay small and avoid taking up space. Defying that lesson, the 21‑year‑old law student at the University of Juba pursued modeling after being inspired by South Sudanese supermodel Adut Akech, whose refugee‑to‑runway story she describes as a "crown".Nyanda’s ambition mirrors that of a new generation of South Sudanese talent, with 95% of models from the country naming Akech as their spark. She began modeling in 2023, but her family remained skeptical, fearing the clash between academic responsibilities and a fashion career.Her personal journey has been marked by familial estrangement after she rejected an arranged marriage and a modelling coach’s advances, leading to loss of support from her stepbrother and other relatives.Beyond social pressures, Nyanda faces systemic obstacles. Since 2023 she has endured multiple visa rejections despite contracts with agencies in London, Paris, and Italy. An attempt to attend Milan Fashion Week was denied by the Italian embassy in Nairobi over bank‑statement issues, while two separate applications to the French embassy in Kampala were also turned down. The absence of South Sudanese embassies in France and Italy forces hopeful models to obtain travel documents from neighboring countries, inflating costs and delays.Another emerging model, 20‑year‑old Alek Mayen Garang, balances her senior‑year studies with runway aspirations. Born in Greater Jonglei and raised in Renk, she spent part of her childhood in Kampala before returning to South Sudan amid the 2016 conflict. Garang draws inspiration from Anok Yai, the American‑South Sudanese model named Model of the Year at the 2025 British Fashion Awards.Unlike Nyanda, Garang found an ally in her elder sister, who accompanied her to her first runway show and helped negotiate parental approval. Her early challenges were technical—learning to walk in heels, maintaining strict diet and skincare regimens—and the lingering fear of rejection at auditions.Both women are part of a broader South Sudanese surge in global fashion. Nine of the world’s top 50 models on models.com hail from South Sudan, underscoring the country’s deep talent pool. Former models have transitioned to design and entrepreneurship, founding South Sudan Fashion Week and creating bespoke wedding gowns.Industry veterans now coach new talent, urging them to prioritize education alongside modeling. Yet a new anxiety looms: the potential rise of AI‑generated Black models, which could further destabilize already precarious careers.Within South Sudan, the Ministry of Culture, Museums and National Heritage has been criticized for its limited engagement with the modeling sector. Advocates argue that official endorsement could shift parental attitudes and legitimize modeling as a respectable profession.Garang recently won the “creativity” award at the national Miss Junub beauty pageant, expanding her vision from personal success to mentoring emerging designers and models. Nyanda, meanwhile, envisions a future beyond the runway: she plans to invest her earnings in establishing a credible mother agency, as well as a school and hospital for orphans, aiming to reinvest in her homeland.“South Sudan is not a place I am running from; it is the place I am running for,” Nyanda declares, embodying a resolve to reshape societal expectations and create pathways for the next generation of South Sudanese talent.

The International Cricket Council’s Integrity Unit has announced a formal investigation into Cricket Canada after a Canadian Broadcasting Corporation documentary raised serious corruption concerns surrounding the nation’s performance at the T20 World Cup hosted by India and Sri Lanka. Canada’s group‑stage match in Chennai, in which they were defeated by New Zealand by eight wickets (173/4 to 176/2), is now under scrutiny. The focus is on the fifth over bowled by Canadian captain Dilpreet Bajwa during New Zealand’s chase, which began with a no‑ball, included a wide, and ultimately yielded 15 runs—a pivotal moment that swung the match in the Kiwis’ favor. Andrew Ephgrave, interim general manager of the ICC’s Integrity Unit, confirmed that the anti‑corruption unit is aware of the CBC programme and is acting in line with the ICC’s constitutional processes. “Governance matters in relation to ICC members are considered by the ICC, where they fall under its jurisdiction,” he said. In addition to the on‑field incident, the ICC is probing a recorded phone call involving former Canada coach Khurram Chohan. In the call, Chohan alleges that senior board members exerted pressure on him to select specific players, suggesting possible governance failures within Cricket Canada. Cricket Canada responded that it is treating the allegations with “utmost importance” and emphasized its commitment to reviewing any concerns responsibly. The organization’s website noted that recent promotional material alludes to “allegations related to organised crime and match‑fixing,” which it takes “extremely seriously.” Should the investigation substantiate the claims, the repercussions could extend beyond sporting sanctions, potentially affecting sponsorships, player morale, and the broader credibility of cricket administration in Canada.

In the devastated Gaza Strip, a father's quest for truth has become a desperate fight against time and uncertainty. Mohammed Lubbad's world was shattered on October 13, 2023, when an Israeli strike destroyed his home, killing several family members, including his wife and daughter.As Mohammed struggled to come to terms with his loss, he received news that his pregnant wife, Amal, had given birth to a son via Caesarean section at Kamal Adwan Hospital. However, the child's fate remained a mystery as Amal had died from head trauma and abdominal wounds shortly after.Mohammed's search for his son was complicated by the chaos and destruction caused by the ongoing war. He was told that his son might be among a group of premature infants at al-Shifa Hospital, but a lack of accurate medical documentation made it difficult to confirm.As the uncertainty grew, a bitter dispute emerged with another family who claimed the child was theirs. Despite similarities in the child's description, the two families were unable to resolve the matter.In a bid to find closure, Mohammed waited over two years for the evacuated children to return to Gaza. When they finally arrived on March 31, he went to Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis to try and see the child he believed was his. However, a minor dispute broke out with the other family, and medical investigators intervened.The police investigations department confirmed the dispute and emphasized that the initial registration of the baby under the other family's name could not be considered conclusive. Mohammed strongly believes the child is his and insists on a DNA test to settle the matter.However, DNA testing is currently unavailable in Gaza due to the destruction of specialized laboratories during the war. The police investigations department has called for the provision of DNA testing equipment or the facilitation of urgent sample transfers to accredited laboratories in Egypt or Jordan.Mohammed's ordeal has taken a significant psychological toll, affecting his life and work. He refuses to give up and plans to escalate his efforts by organizing a protest outside al-Shifa Hospital. For Mohammed, the truth is the only way to move on from the trauma and uncertainty that has haunted him since the war began.