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A rescued generation of chicks has hatched as a result of efforts to safeguard the subspecies. Severe flooding across the Nene and Ouse Washes meant Black-tailed Godwits struggled to find suitable nest sites, meaning the number of breeding Godwits would continue to fall. To safeguard the subspecies eggs laid by wild birds were collected. A minimum of 20 will be released this year to establish the world’s first captive breeding po[CENSORED]tion. A Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT) member said that without human intervention, there "would probably be no Black-tailed Godwit chicks fledging in the UK this year". The Black-tailed Godwit chicks were hatched by the WWT to increase breeding po[CENSORED]tions with hand-reared birds. There are fewer than 50 pairs of the birds left in the wild and efforts are being made to help safeguard the subspecies. William Costa, project manager and lead aviculturist at WWT, said: “Without ongoing efforts to restore wetlands around the Fens there would probably be no Black-tailed Godwit chicks fledging in the UK this year. “This rescued generation of Black-tailed Godwits will be crucial to helping the species remain as a breeding bird in the UK. "By releasing a minimum of 20 of them this year and establishing the world’s first captive breeding po[CENSORED]tion, we will be giving this subspecies the lifeline it needs to survive as our wetland restoration work ramps up around the UK.” Partners including Natural England, the Environment Agency, WWT and the RSPB are working together to maintain and improve existing breeding sites and increase the extent of lowland wet grassland in the Fens. To help the species, eggs laid by wild birds were collected from the Nene and Ouse Washes and from nearby arable fields. They were also taken from lifeboat sites, designed to be healthy wetland habitats, accessible even when the surrounding areas are flooded. The chicks can walk and feed themselves just hours after hatching. WWT staff will care for them until they are able to fly and are more likely to survive in the wild on their own. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cnkeknvg90jo

Chinese giant BYD unveiled its first pickup truck, dubbed Shark, at an exclusive event in Mexico City. The 2024 BYD Shark is a midsize truck with a plug-in hybrid powertrain that can cover over 500 miles. This was the first time the automaker had a global debut outside of China, which speaks of the importance that Mexico plays for its future—despite all the controversy going on with the emergence of Chinese EVs in North America. The Shark is slated to compete against the Ford Ranger and Chevrolet Colorado, as well as Toyota Hilux and Nissan Navara in global markets. While BYD doesn’t sell cars in the U.S., the Shark could make a big impact around the world, as the pickup segment is big in Latin America and Asia. For now, the truck will be built in China, but the automaker is planning to unveil the location of its plant in Mexico in the coming months, and the Shark could be one of the vehicles built there. Masculine Design Penned by Wolfgang Egger, BYD’s global design director who previously worked at Alfa Romeo, Audi and Lamborghini, the Shark has a bold overall design with masculine and boxy lines. There are a lot of similarities with the Ford F-150 Lightning, with squared headlights and taillights, and a light bar that runs across the front and rear of the vehicle. The BYD name is stamped on the tailgate and grille, like what we’ve seen in the F-150 Raptor. BYD says its design was inspired by a the ocean predator that bears its name, though it’s hard for us to see that. Its front rocker panel, and wide wheel arches add some macho flare, and its raised beltline and lack of chrome add an overlanding charisma. Its 128.3-inch wheelbase aligns with other midsize trucks, giving it good proportions while helping with off-road duties. Inside, BYD used multiple colors to highlight some of the cabin’s design features. The rectangular air vents and some toggle switches in the center console are painted in orange, with contrast stitching on the seats, dashboard, and door panels. A chunky shifter stands out in the center console, and there’s a tray on the front passenger’s dashboard that can be used to place smaller items like a wallet or keys. A rotative 12.8-inch screen is the star of the show, and it’s similar to what we’ve seen in the BYD Yuan Plus and Seal. The screen can be used in portrait or landscape mode and supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A separate 10.25-inch screen for the driver displays vital information about the truck, and the 12-inch head-up display can show the speed and directions to the driver. Utilizing NFC technology, drivers will be able to lock, unlock and start their Shark with their iPhone or Android phone. An NFC card and physical key will also be given upon purchase. How’s its Capability? Powered by a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine mated to two electric motors, the 2024 BYD Shark makes 430 hp combined. No torque numbers were given, but BYD says the plug-in hybrid truck can tow 5,511 pounds (2,500 kg) and has a payload capacity of 1,841 pounds (835 kg). The automaker also said the Shark can sprint from 0-62 mph in 5.7 seconds. The Shark has an EV-only range of 62 miles thanks to its 30-kWh blade battery, and can cover 528 miles with a full tank and charged battery. This is more range than any other midsize pickup truck in America, including the hybrids. Despite being a PHEV, the Shark supports fast-charging thanks to its CCS1 port. While no specs were given on charge speeds, BYD representatives said the truck can be charged from 20 to 80 percent in about 30 minutes, which is subpar for a PHEV, but not terribly bad. The truck debuts BYD’s Dual Mode Off-Road chassis, which enables an intelligent all-wheel drive system with a “virtual” differential that prevents wheel slip. Three off-road modes are available, Sand, Snow and Mud. We’ll have to wait until we get behind the wheel to check out these capabilities, and see how they compare against other midsize trucks in the segment. Like other EVs in the market, the Shark can be used to power some devices, like farming or construction tools, or electric grilles at a campsite. Owners can access its interior remotely through the BYD App to do some tasks like turning on the AC, lowering the windows, or opening its locks. How Much Does It Cost? While the 2024 BYD Shark is not available in America, the truck will be sold south of the border starting at $53,440 as of this writing’s exchange rate. There will be two versions available, both equipped with the same powertrain—the GL and GS. BYD didn’t specify what the differences are between the two trucks, but we think it’s all related to the equipment inside the Shark. The 2024 BYD Shark will be available in Mexico in the coming weeks, with reservations already open. https://motortrend.com/news/2024-byd-shark-phev-pickup-truck-first-look-review/

Adrian Newey has said for the first time that he expects to join another Formula 1 team following his decision to leave Red Bull. The 65-year-old design legend said that he was “seriously considering changing teams, going somewhere else and doing another four or five years or whatever”. Newey added: “I feel a little bit tired at the moment, but at some point I’ll probably go again.” Newey’s decision to leave his role as Red Bull chief technical officer after 19 years was announced earlier this month. His latest comments come in an interview with his manager Eddie Jordan, the former F1 team boss, in a marketing video for a yacht company that has been released on YouTube. Newey, regarded as the greatest F1 designer in history, does not reveal where he might go, but he is known to have had conversations with Ferrari about moving there. Ferrari, who are regarded as the strong favourites to land Newey, have refused to comment. McLaren Racing chief executive officer Zak Brown has said “never say never” about recruiting Newey. Williams team principal James Vowles said he approached him and had a “light conversation”. And Aston Martin are believed to have made him an offer, although the team officially deny that. Newey negotiated an early release from his Red Bull contract that allows him to start working for another team in early 2025, in time for him to have a major influence on the design of that team’s car for the new F1 technical regulations that are being introduced in 2026. Lewis Hamilton, who is joining Ferrari next season, has said he is keen for Newey to join him in Maranello. Newey said that made him feel good, but added that it was “not why I get up”. Newey's decision to leave Red Bull was partly influenced by the controversy surrounding team principal Christian Horner, who has been accused of sexual harassment and coercive, controlling behaviour by a female employee. Horner denies the allegations, and has been cleared by one internal investigation. Another is ongoing after the complainant appealed, and while that is also expected to end with the same result, there will be further developments as time goes by. Newey was also frustrated by what he perceived to be attempts by some figures at Red Bull to publicly play down his influence in their current success. In the interview, he said: “To walk away from Red Bull was a very hard decision but it was one I needed to take for a whole host of reasons. They had been my family.” He acknowledged being caught by surprise by the level of interest in his decision. “I never really thought it would be big news so for it to be in all the flipping papers and on the telly was almost a bit of a shock,” he said. Newey said that his decision to keep working beyond retirement age had been influenced by two factors. One was that his father retired at 65 and “kind of lost his way a bit, just lost his mojo a bit”. The other was asking motorsport veterans Bernie Ecclestone and Roger Penske, still working in their 90s and 80s respectively, about retirement. “They both said the brain is like muscle, it needs exercise so you need to keep doing that,” he said. https://www.bbc.com/sport/articles/cd181jy0nm5o

Let’s unpack this theory. A viral TikTok video has led more than 75 million viewers to believe that red luggage is loaded into the cargo compartment first due to its eye-catching color that is visible in the darkness of the aircraft hold — but is it true? “If the red are at the back then they are less likely to get left behind when unloading,” one user argued in the comments. “So that it’s easier to check if there is any bag left at end corner of loading area and prevent missing out black bags at dark corners, maybe,” reasoned another. “What color is loaded last ?? As I’ll be buying that color thanks,” quipped someone else. However, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines called the claims “nonsense” in a response posted to TikTok. The KLM employee loading luggage in the video, which has reached over 215,000 viewers, said it “doesn’t matter” what color of bag you travel with. The original video, a spokesperson for the International Air Transport Association told Simple Flying, “was made purposefully to mislead or provide false information.” Not to mention, there is just simply not enough space nor time to sort baggage by color, the aviation news outlet reported. “If we had taken the time and brain power to load bags based on color I’d still be loading flights from 2015,” a Redditor, who claimed to be a ramp worker for half a decade, wrote online. So don’t run out and buy a bright red bag just because you don’t think it will get lost — according to Simple Flying, red bags can be delayed just as often as other colors. According to a 2015 article by HuffPost, luggage is more likely distributed in the cargo hold by weight — not even by the time it’s checked in by the desk agent. A representative from Delta Airlines at the time told the outlet that, behind the scenes, suitcases are usually categorized into “cans” or boxes that are weighed and organized by weight in order to balance the weight on wide-body aircrafts, or planes with twin aisles. https://nypost.com/2024/05/15/lifestyle/are-red-bags-loaded-first-on-planes-viral-tiktok-explained/

Fighting around the city of Kharkiv which has seen Russia make its largest territorial gains in Ukraine in 18 months has been described as "very difficult" but "under control" by Volodymyr Zelensky. Ukraine's president made the comments while speaking to military leaders in the city on Thursday, just 18 miles (30km) from the Russian border. Moscow launched a major ground assault across the border into the Kharkiv region last week. The surprise move has further stretched Ukraine's outgunned and outmanned forces. Writing on Telegram, Mr Zelensky said Ukrainian soldiers were "inflicting significant losses on the occupier". "However, the area remains extremely difficult. We are reinforcing our units." According to analysis by news agency AFP, Moscow seized 278 sq km (107 sq miles) of Ukrainian territory between 9 and 15 May - figures it based on data from the Institute for the Study of War. This has been the largest territorial gain by Russia in a single operation since mid-December 2022. Earlier, Ukraine's army said it had managed to halve advancing Russian forces in some places. Military spokesman Lt Col Nazar Voloshyn said on state TV on Thursday that its forces had "significantly reduced the activity of the Russian occupiers". He added: "The enemy is still trying to create the conditions for further advances." Most of Russia's recent gains came in the Kharkiv area, though they also claim to have captured territory in the eastern Donetsk and southern Zaporizhzhia regions. Ukraine has also claimed that Russia executed a number of civilians in the town of Vovchansk during fierce fighting. Writing on Telegram, Ukraine's Interior Minister Igor Klymenko claimed one resident was killed while trying to escape on foot. The BBC has not independently verified this claim. Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday his troops were advancing on "all fronts". Some military analysts say Moscow may be trying to force Ukraine to divert troops from other hot spots. The intensification of Russian attacks on multiple fronts has underscored the acute ammunition and manpower shortages affecting the Ukrainian military. The advances happened ahead of a rare international visit by President Putin to China, meeting President Xi Jinping. During the visit, both leaders called for a "political solution" for what they termed the "Ukraine crisis". https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4n1nqrv2e8o

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Motorola Edge 50 Fusion was launched on Thursday by the Lenovo-owned smartphone maker. This midrange handset runs on Android 14 out-of-the-box and the company says it will receive three major Android OS upgrades. The smartphone sports a 6.67-inch pOLED screen with a 144Hz refresh rate, and packs a 5,000mAh battery with 68W TurboPower charging support. The Motorola Edge 50 Fusion is powered by a Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 chip from Qualcomm and features up to 12GB of RAM and up to 256GB of built-in storage. Motorola Edge 50 Fusion price in India, availability Motorola Edge 50 Fusion price in India starts at Rs. 22,999, for the base model with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of inbuilt storage. The handset is also available in a 12GB_256GB RAM and storage configuration that is priced at Rs. 24,999. The Motorola Edge 50 Fusion is available in Hot Pink and Marshmallow Blue colourways with a vegan leather finish, as well as a third Forest Blue colour option with a polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) finish. The company has announced that the Edge 50 Fusion will go on sale on May 22 via Flipkart and the company's official website, as well as via retail stores in India. Customers will also be able to avail of a Rs. 2,000 instant discount on ICICI Bank credit card and credit card EMI transactions. Motorola Edge 50 Fusion specifications, features Running on Android 14-based MyUX, the Motorola Edge 50 Fusion is a dual SIM smartphone that is equipped with a 6.7-inch full-HD+ (1,0800x2,400 pixels) pOLED curved display with a 144Hz refresh rate, 360Hz touch sampling rate, and a peak brightness of up to 1,600 nits. The company says that the screen has Gorilla Glass 5 protection. The Edge 50 Fusion is powered by Qualcomm's 4nm Snapdragon 7s Gen2 chip, paired with up to 12GB of LPDDR4X RAM. For capturing photos and videos, the newly announced Motorola Edge 50 Fusion is equipped with a 50-megapixel primary camera with a Sony LYT-700C sensor and an f/1.88 aperture. It also has a 13--megapixel ultra-wide angle camera with an f/2.2 aperture, that also doubles as macro camera. You can take selfies and make video calls using the 32-megapixel front facing camera sensor with an f/2.45 aperture. The Motorola Edge 50 Fusion has up to 256GB of UFS 2.2 storage. It supports 5G, 4G LTE, Wi--Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, GPS, and NFC connectivity, along with a USB Type-C port. It has an in-display fingerprint sensor for biometric authentication. The phone also features a proximity sensor, accelerometer, gyroscope, e-compass, and an ambient light sensor. The company has equipped the Edge 50 Fusion with a 5,000mAh battery that can be charged at 68W using a compatible TurboPower charging brick. The handset has an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. It measures 162x73.1x7.9mm (vegan leather) and 162x73.1x7.8mm (PMMA), according to the company. https://www.gadgets360.com/mobiles/news/motorola-edge-50-fusion-price-in-india-launch-sale-date-specifications-features-5675436#pfrom=topstory

As Windows 11 users are becoming accustomed to more ads in key places of the operating system, Microsoft is seemingly experimenting with adding yet another advert covertly presented as a recommendation. This time the software giant is trying out having PC Manager suggest that you 'repair' your system by reverting to Microsoft's default search engine, Bing. PC Manager is a Microsoft utility available in some regions that enables you to get a handle on system storage management and file management, and it can help optimize your PC's performance. Generally speaking, it's considered a pretty good app, but as with a lot of its products, that's not enough for Microsoft - it's also increasingly in the business of turning various products and features into ad vehicles (especially if they’re free!). Windows 11 has already seen ads introduced in parts of the interface like File Explorer, the Settings app, and, most recently, the Start menu. That roster is being expanded, as Windows Latest discovered, to include PC Manager, which recently got the addition of a 'Repair Tips' section and a Files Cleanup feature (which can detect duplicate files and more besides). Looking for potential repairs? Microsoft has a suggestion The advert was discovered when Windows Latest checked out the new 'Repair Tips' section of the PC Manager app, which suggested that the PC be 'repaired' by switching the default search engine back to Bing (which is the Windows pre-installed default) from Google Search (or whatever other browser is set as default). People who use Windows have picked up on Microsoft's persistence when it comes to ads, for example the 'promoted' third-party ads beginning to show up in the Start menu's 'Recommended' section. The suggestion that switching back to Bing is a ‘repair’ is a new low, though, as it’s effectively implying that using another search engine is actually a fault with your PC, in a way. Switching to Bing search is not going to improve your PC’s performance, is it? Hardly. As Windows Latest reports, the PC Manager app was developed by Microsoft engineers in China, and it’s possible that the company may drop odd manner to push Bing if the software is rolled out more broadly elsewhere - it may come to the US eventually. \] Letting Edge, Bing, and PC Manager stand on their own merits From what we've seen so far, aside from this advertising push that's been witnessed across Windows 11 more broadly, PC Manager looks like a good app to help you better manage your PC's resources and files, and Windows Latest recommends it as a seemingly secure performance-boosting app. This makes sense as it's developed by Microsoft itself, which has an interest in ensuring that its apps are as secure as they can be. https://www.techradar.com/computing/windows/microsoft-stoops-to-new-low-with-ads-in-windows-11-as-pc-manager-tool-suggests-your-system-needs-repairing-if-you-dont-use-bing

Earlier this year SK hynix and TSMC announced a collaboration to develop and build base dies for HBM4 memory, but refrained from revealing any official details. At the European Technology Symposium 2024 this week, TSMC said that it would build HBM4 base dies using its 12FFC+ (12nm-class) and N5 (5nm-class) process technologies, reports AnandTech. The use of such advanced nodes will enable HBM4 to offer unprecedented performance and energy efficiency. "We are working with key HBM memory partners (Micron, Samsung, SK hynix) over advanced nodes for HBM4 full stack integration," said the Senior Director of Design and Technology Platform at TSMC. "12FFC+ cost effective base die can reach HBM for performance and N5 base die can provide even more logic with much lower power at HBM4 speeds." TSMC's N5 process technology is currently one of the most advanced production nodes available. It is used to make some of the best CPUs and best GPUs, so using it for memory is a big deal. What such an advanced node allows is to pack more logic and features into the HBM4 base die as well as enable very fine interconnection pitches (we are talking about pitches from 9 to 6 microns), which are essential for direct bonding on logic chips, thus boosting memory performance for AI and HPC processors. Base dies made on TSMC's 12FFC+ process (derived from the company's established 16nm FinFET technology) will enable to build 12-Hi and 16-Hi HBM4 memory stacks that will offer capacities of 48 GB and 64 GB, respectively. Use of 12FFC+ will enable 'cost effective' base dies that will use silicon interposers to connect memory to host processors. TSMC is also optimizing its packaging technologies, particularly CoWoS-L and CoWoS-R, to support HBM4 integration. These advanced packaging methods enable the building of interposers of up to eight reticle sizes and facilitate the assembly of up to 12 HBM4 memory stacks. New interposers will feature up to eight layers to ensure efficient routing of more than 2,000 interconnects while maintaining proper signal integrity. By now, experimental HBM4 memory stacks have reached data transfer rates of 6 GT/s at 14mA, according to a TSMC slide. "We are also optimizing CoWoS-L and CoWoS-R for HBM4," the TSMC representative said. "Both CoWoS-L and CoWoS-R [use] over eight layers to enable HBM4's routing of over 2,000 interconnects with [proper] signal integrity. We collaborate with EDA partners like Cadence, Synopsys, and Ansys to certify HBM4 channel signal integrity, IR/EM, and thermal accuracy." TSMC's collaborative efforts with leading memory producers like Micron, Samsung, and SK hynix, as well as EDA partners including Cadence, Synopsys, and Ansys, are crucial to enable HBM4 memory subsystems a few years down the road. https://www.tomshardware.com/pc-components/gpus/tsmc-to-build-base-dies-for-hbm4-memory-on-its-12nm-and-5nm-nodes

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PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — A convicted scammer who claimed to be an Irish heiress and who is accused of stealing tens of thousands of dollars from several victims should be extradited to the United Kingdom, a federal court has ruled. Marianne Smyth, who accusers say has also fashioned herself as a witch, a psychic and a friend to Hollywood stars, has been in a Maine jail waiting to learn if she will be extradited. She faces allegations that she stole more than $170,000 from the victims from 2008 to 2010 in Northern Ireland. U.S. Magistrate Judge John Nivison ruled on Thursday that there is sufficient evidence to certify Smyth’s extradition to the U.K. to face charges. Nivison wrote that Smyth will be in custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending a decision on extradition by Secretary of State Antony Blinken. An attorney for Smyth, who has declined to comment in the past, did not respond to phone calls and emails on Thursday. The judge’s ruling that Smyth should be extradited could help bring about the end of a bizarre saga in which victims have painted Smyth as a master of disguise and a veteran traveling grifter. Smyth faces four counts of fraud by abuse of position under the U.K. Fraud Act of 2006, and four counts of theft in violation of Northern Ireland’s Theft Act of 1969, Nivison wrote. Authorities overseas have said Smyth stole money that she had promised to invest and arranged to sell a victim a home but took the money. A court in Northern Ireland issued arrest warrants for her earlier this decade. “The evidence presented regarding Ms. Smyth’s interactions with and transactions involving the individuals ... is sufficient to sustain the four fraud charges and the four theft charges that are the subject of the extradition request,” Nivison wrote. Smyth’s case is similar in some respects to that of Anna Sorokin, a scammer who was convicted of paying for her lifestyle by impersonating a German heiress. Smyth’s victims included Johnathan Walton, a podcaster who warned others of Smyth’s grifts. Smyth was found guilty of stealing tens of thousands of dollars from Walton and spent about two years in jail. The two had grown close in Los Angeles, and Smyth told Walton she was due an inheritance of $7 million from her wealthy Irish family, but Smyth’s story began to fall apart when Walton learned she was jailed for stealing $200,000 from a travel agency she worked for. Walton used his podcast to gather tips from Smyth’s other accusers. Some of those accusers said Smyth started a fake charity and others said she posed as everything from a cancer patient to Jennifer Aniston’s best friend. Smyth, who is in fact American, was found and arrested in Maine in February. https://apnews.com/article/marianne-smyth-con-artist-uk-extradition-67b578cba1cf5274f27e8e875b2fb365

The government has watered down planned police powers to deal with "nuisance" rough sleepers after opposition from Tory MPs. Under changes to the Criminal Justice Bill, forces in England and Wales will no longer be able to move people on because of "smells". Officers will also have to inform them of support services first before they can move them on for other reasons. The move comes ahead of the bill's return to Parliament on Wednesday. It follows meetings with potential Conservative rebels who had threatened to team up with opposition MPs to vote through similar changes. However, homelessness charity Crisis said rough sleepers would "continue to be viewed as a nuisance". The bill, drafted under former home secretary Suella Braverman, would deliver a longstanding government promise to get rid of Victorian-era legislation that currently criminalises rough sleeping. It would replace this with new powers for police and council officials to direct "nuisance" rough sleepers to leave a place and not return for up to three days. Those failing to comply could potentially be fined up to £2,500 or jailed for up to a month. The draft law hit the headlines last month after some MPs objected to provisions that said rough sleepers causing "smells" could be considered a nuisance and therefore ordered to move on. The Home Office now says this reference was only intended to tackle rubbish or "human waste" - but will now be removed entirely. Powers to move people on for other reasons - including for damage to property or using threatening language - will remain. But an amendment will specify that before this power can be used, rough sleepers will have to be told how they can access support services, such as addiction treatment or shelters. Powers 'not needed' A reference to giving "the appearance of" sleeping rough will also be removed, following warnings from critics this was too vague. Policing Minister Chris Philp said ministers had "listened carefully" to critics of the bill and had agreed to make changes to ensure the new powers are "properly targeted". He added the amendments would "ensure vulnerable people are directed towards support, while protecting communities from antisocial behaviour". Crisis, the homelessness charity, said it was pleased that "some of the more outrageous measures" in the bill had been removed. However, chief executive Matt Downie said rough sleepers would "remain at risk of fines and prison sentences," calling this "unacceptable". "We have said time and time again that these powers are not needed," he added. "If the Westminster government really wants to end rough sleeping, then it should focus on the things we know work - such as building thousands more social homes and increasing funding for support services like Housing First." https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-69005091

Four fox cubs that suffered serious injuries when they fell into deep concrete pits are being cared for by a wildlife centre. The RSPCA said the first cub was rescued from a construction site in Cannock on 29 April, followed another the following day and then two more on 1 May. The charity said workers called them after discovering the cubs at the bottom of 19.6ft pits (6m), covered in oil. They are believed to be from the same litter, although their mum is thought to have died. RSPCA animal rescue officer Sophie Taylor said: “It was a steep descent and I was amazed but relieved to find they hadn’t broken any bones. “The pits were huge and they were difficult to spot at first, but they were well and truly stranded down there, there was absolutely no way out for them.” The cubs are now being cared for by a team at the charity’s Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre in Nantwich and are expected to make a full recovery. Centre manager Lee Stewart said the cubs were covered in oil when they arrived and their coats smelt of chemicals. “They’ll be carefully monitored by our wildlife team and will be with us for about six months. “They’ll be joined over time by other fox cubs, most of whom will also have been orphaned.” The team will then find them a safe space where they can be released and supported before they venture off to establish their own territory. The RSPCA said workers at the site where they were found will try to close entry ways and keep an eye out for further cubs. A thorough search of the immediate area was carried out, they added, but no other foxes were seen. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cn0rrgx87n4o

Before you ask, no, we don't yet know how much Volkswagen's retro-futuristic ID Buzz electric van will cost when it arrives in showrooms later this year. We can guess, of course—expect to pay around $60,000 and up before any applicable EV tax incentives kick in—but we no longer need to speculate as to what the 2025 ID Buzz's trim levels will look like. VW has released a detailed outline of the ID Buzz lineup, which will launch in three variants: Pro S, Pro S Plus, and 1st Edition. ID Buzz Pro S Every 2025 ID Buzz will come well equipped with standard 20-inch wheels, a 91-kWh battery, a 12.9-inch touchscreen, wireless device charging, 30-color ambient lighting, electronic parking assistants, IQ.Drive adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist, and at least one electric motor. The entry-level Volkswagen ID Buzz Pro S model will only be available with rear-wheel drive and a single electric motor (4Motion all-wheel drive won't be offered on the Pro S, at least for now), and a second-row bench seat that brings the van's seating total to seven. ID Buzz Pro S Plus Stepping up to the Pro S Plus trim opens up the option for dual-motor all-wheel drive, upping peak output from 282 hp to 335 hp total. Stick with the rear-drive ID Buzz Pro Plus, and you get a second-row bench seat standard, but the option is available for a pair of captain's chairs (limiting total seating to six). Go for 4Motion all-wheel drive, and the captain's chairs are your only choice; you can't get an AWD ID Buzz with the second-row bench or seating for seven. Other benefits of the Pro S Plus over the base Pro S? More standard equipment, of course! There is an expanded parking camera, head-up display for the driver, 700-watt harman/kardon audio system, and a Euro-style manually retractable tow hitch that can tuck up under the bumper when not needed. Options include a panoramic sunroof, as well as a Flexboard, which helps create a flat and level load surface across the backs of the folded seats. ID Buzz 1st Edition This special-edition Buzz will only be offered at the van's launch, so aim to get one while you can. As with the Pro S Plus, the 1st Edition offers both rear- and all-wheel drive configurations, along with exclusive 20-inch wheels, a two-tone paint job, special floor mats, and the "coastal" light-colored "Dune" interior scheme. (Other Buzzes are offered with this same colorway, as well as a darker "Moonlight" scheme and a "mid-century modern" "Copper" layout.) Every 1st Edition comes loaded with a panoramic sunroof, the Flexboard, easy-open power-sliding rear doors and tailgate, the harman/kardon audio system, parking cameras, and 1st Edition badging. Volkswagen will offer several paint color options in addition to the three interior schemes outlined above, with the two-tone choices including a Candy White top with either Energetic Orange, Pomelo Yellow, Blue Charcoal, Mahi Green, Metro Silver, Cabana Blue, or Indium Gray lower; or a Metro Silver roof paired with Cherry Red lower bodywork. For monochrome fans, the Buzz is available in Deep Black Pearl, Candy White, and Metro Silver. Pricing for the ID Buzz lineup will be announced closer to the van's on-sale date this fall, but again, expect to pay nearly $60,000 and up. VW has plans to limit price gouging and other shenanigans, but remember: This will likely be a vehicle with more demand than supply. Range figures for the ID Buzz are similarly forthcoming, but figure on 220 to 260 miles depending on the spec, with rear-drive models going longer distances between charges. https://www.motortrend.com/news/2025-volkswagen-id-buzz-electric-van-price-msrp-trim-levels/

They should not have been playing. The only illumination came from forks of lightning, distant but uncomfortably close for a golf tournament to continue. Fearsome black late summer clouds accelerated the fall of darkness. They really should have been preparing to complete the 2014 US PGA Championship the following day. But there was another force of nature at play - Rory McIlroy. And back then he was an unstoppable presence at the top of the game. Memories of his most recent major success, almost a decade ago, are rekindled this week as the US PGA returns to Valhalla in Kentucky. And not because of the devastating way he won at Quail Hollow last Sunday - a performance that reminded us of McIlroy in his absolute pomp. It was at the Louisville course in 2014 that McIlroy refused to be stopped by the elements to triumph amid dramatic, chaotic scenes on the final hole. This was his third win in consecutive tournaments, each time beating the best players in the world to win The Open at Hoylake, a World Golf Championships event at Firestone and then the Wanamaker Trophy in the evening gloom of America’s gateway to the south. His one stroke victory over Phil Mickelson completed the highest summer in what remains a glorious career for the Northern Irishman. McIlroy was 25 years old and the winner of four major titles, a feat matched at such a young age by only Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Bobby Jones and Young Tom Morris. His rate of success was keeping company with legends. Natural talent allied with the cockiness that comes with knowing you are more gifted than your rivals made him an irresistible force. So nothing was going to stop him on that final day at Valhalla, where he led by one heading into a delayed closing round, but trailing Rickie Fowler by three when he embarked on the inward half. Back then, things would fall into place for McIlroy. He had the knack and this victory appeared to prove he could win a dogfight as well as dominate the biggest events. His first two major wins - the 2011 US Open and the following year’s PGA were won by eight shots. He won wire to wire at Hoylake, but Valhalla was different. It was a scrap and on the par-five 10th hole McIlroy was on the ropes playing his second from 283 yards out. He wanted a high draw from his fairway wood, instead it was a low mishit that flew in the opposite fashion. “Oh, he’s necked it,” Sir Nick Faldo accurately told American TV viewers. But the ball bounded to the green and ran up to six feet. Faldo apologised, erroneously thinking the ultimately successful shot had been fully intended. McIIroy, meanwhile, capitalised by calmly canning the eagle putt. He added birdies at 13 and from a fairway bunker on the penultimate hole. Fired up by Fowler and Mickelson fist pumping together on their way to the 12th tee, as if on a joint mission to take down the European upstart, McIlroy fed from an empowering incentive to deny these American stars. He wanted the win and needed it that night. Arriving on the 18th tee two ahead with playing partner Bernd Wiesberger, McIlroy was dismayed to find that the US pair were only just teeing off on the closing par-five hole. The only way the last two players could finish would be if those in front called them up to hit their drives and second shots - an unprecedented scenario that was deeply unappealing to Mickelson and Fowler. At McIlroy’s behest, officials convinced the Americans. “I'm not a huge fan of conflict, but when push comes to shove, I will,” McIlroy said. “That was one of those times when I needed to sort of assert my will on a situation. I think if I wasn't as pushy as I was, I would have had to sleep on that lead and on that tee shot overnight, I just didn't want to do that. “I think the guys up ahead were pretty unhappy with how it all unfolded. I got the result that I was looking for in the end and that's all that matters.” Mickelson very nearly chipped in for eagle while Fowler three putted in the gloom. McIlroy required only a par, but that was in jeopardy as his drive headed towards water down the right. It found dry land - another break, the sort of which seems the preserve of enduring champions but that has subsequently been so elusive. He hit into sand with his second, then splashed on to the green. McIlroy’s first putt was not the best, but sneaked up to the hole side and he tapped in before unleashing a smile that lit up the pitch darkness enveloping the scene. No-one could have envisaged that 10 years on we have not seen McIlroy add to his major tally. “At that point in my life, golf was absolutely everything to me,” he recently told Geoff Shackelford’s Quadrilateral sub stack. “And I lived and died by every result. It's a little different today where I’m married, have a child and after the round you’re just a father.” He is a better all round golfer these days; he has won consistently at every level other than the majors in the ensuing decade and now has 26 PGA Tour wins. But he has never possessed the killer instinct that was so apparent at that 2014 PGA Championship. Then, McIlroy was the undisputed world number one and he currently lies second behind Scottie Scheffler in the rankings. In all bar one of the year end standings in the past decade he has resided comfortably inside the top 10 - he was 11th at the end of 2017. Of the top 10 players that week in 2014, Jason Day is currently the highest ranked at 19 in the world. No one should argue with McIlroy’s astonishingly and enduringly consistent performances on the toughest tour in the game. But in the majors he has not been able to impose his will in the way that he did in that win at Valhalla. He failed to do so in the final group of the 2018 Masters, likewise at the 2022 Open when he was overhauled by Cameron Smith. And in Los Angeles last year he coughed up an untimely bogey at the par-five 14th, which ultimately cost him US Open defeat to Wyndham Clark. “Even at LACC last year, I go back to the house afterward and I'm just dad,” McIlroy told Shackelford. “It's a different perspective. So I think that's where I don't live and die as much by my results or by the day-to-day like I used to.” But given the imperious form he showed in Charlotte last week, perhaps this is the PGA Championship to rekindle the ruthless streak of old. And not just because he is back at Valhalla (the Nordic word for the hall of the fallen). It also became clear last week that McIlroy is somewhat persona non grata to the PGA Tour’s Policy Board. His views on a global future for this damagingly split sport do not seem to chime with the American dominated body. His offer to return to the board from which he resigned earlier this year was rejected and he has been left as a mere non-voting member of the “transaction committee” dealing with a potential deal with Saudi Arabia. McIlroy insists there are “no hard feelings” but there should be. No player has worked harder for their sport during this period of unprecedented tumult and the board has rejected someone many people regard as the game’s most articulate and enlightened international voice. Now is, surely, the time for McIlroy to feel slighted and respond with his his clubs. Play as though he has a chip on his shoulder, but in the knowledge that he is generationally the most consistent golfing force out there. In short, stick two fingers up to the rest. Just like he did almost 10 years ago at the same venue. https://www.bbc.com/sport/golf/articles/crgyywzjezgo

Motherhood is the gift that keeps on giving — and giving, and giving until sometimes it seems you can’t take it anymore. Brooke Sharkey, a married Brooklyn mom of a 2-year-old daughter, had nearly reached her limit just ahead of Mother’s Day last year. But instead of having a breakdown, she got a much-needed break. “My husband booked me a one-night stay at the Walker Hotel Tribeca the Saturday before Mother’s Day,” Sharkey, 30, a personal assistant from Bed-Stuy, told The Post. “I took a long shower, watched whatever I wanted on TV, ordered room service, scrolled through social media in peace, treated myself to a fancy dinner and caught a Broadway show.” “It was the best Mother’s Day gift ever.” Rather than enduring long restaurant wait times for a platter of pancakes and cold eggs at Sunday brunch, or receiving yet another bouquet of store-bought roses, Sharkey basked in the kid-free, responsibility-free glory of the “anti-Mother’s Day” movement. It’s a trend away from the sweet, albeit stale, holiday traditions. The unconventional gift grants mom a mini “me time” vacation to sleep, nosh, primp, shop or do absolutely nothing. Pooped mamas in need of a respite get to dedicate at least one day (and maybe night) of their hallowed weekend to themselves — either luxuriating at a haute hotel or sending the hubby and cubs away in order to serenely savor an at-home staycation. Mommies everywhere are putting solo escapes at the top of their wish lists, too. Westchester mom of two sons, Johanna Riehm, 34, told The Post she’s looking forward to lounging around like a queen in her empty castle on Sunday. “I’ve had the Mother’s Day breakfasts in bed that come with a lot of screaming and chaos in the house,” said the comedian and lifestyle influencer. “This year, my husband is taking the kids out for a ‘boys’ day,’ and I’ll be home reading, getting out into nature, snacking and just laying down. “Spending some silent time at home or enjoying some peace at a hotel is what Mother’s Day is all about.” In fact, an April survey of 2,000 mothers across the US revealed that “a chore-free day,” “a spa day,” “alone time” and “a weekend getaway” were high-ranking requests this year. Thea Gallagher, a clinical associate professor of psychiatry at NYU Langone Health, tells The Post that a mom’s day off may be just what the doctor ordered. “Mom burnout can happen when women become exhausted by the massive amounts of physical, mental, emotional and logistical effort that it takes to be a parent,” she explained of the psychological phenomena. A May study from the Ohio State University College of Nursing found that mental overload affects over 57% of parents, and can ignite stress, anxiety and depression. Gallagher encourages gals to indulge in as much self-care as possible — especially during their special celebration. “If Mother’s Day is about honoring the mother, then she needs some time to escape her mothering duties,” said the psych. “When we recharge, we have more to give to our kids, jobs, partners and friends. “We can’t pour into others from an empty cup.” Sharkey agrees. After her 24-hour hiatus, the dynamo darling reunited with her family feeling refreshed and renewed. “I had the best of both worlds. I got to sleep in, do the things that make me happy and get some rest,” she said. “Then, the next day, I met up with my husband and daughter for some family time.” Samantha Brown, a travel expert of 25 years and Brooklyn mom of 11-year-old twins, said it’s not too late to spoil your No.1 lady with a little getaway this holiday. But she warns gift-givers against dropping mom off at any ol’ lodge — be sure to research before gifting her a resort stay. “No family-friendly hotels,” Brown, who’ll be road-tripping down Route 66 this weekend, told The Post. “She’ll just be there with everyone else’s screaming children. No mom wants that.” https://nypost.com/2024/05/09/lifestyle/were-anti-mothers-day-moms-we-love-our-kids-but-we-deserve-a-break-this-sunday/

A group of current and former politicians from nine countries have demanded to be called as witnesses in the trial of Hong Kong’s imprisoned media mogul and democracy activist, Jimmy Lai. The group, including former UK Conservative party leader Iain Duncan Smith and Japan’s former defence minister Gen Nakatani, say that they have been cited dozens of times in evidence presented during Mr Lai’s national security case. Despite this, they have not formally been contacted about the trial - which the letter says "undermines the integrity of the investigation". Mr Lai has been accused of colluding with foreign forces under the Beijing imposed national security law. If found guilty, the 76-year-old founder of the now defunct pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily, is facing possible life in prison. His case, which began last December after a year-long delay, has sparked an international outcry and is widely seen as a test of Hong Kong's judicial independence. In a joint letter - seen exclusively by the BBC - the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance (IPAC) on China say its members have been cited more than 50 times in Jimmy Lai’s national security trial, and have requested to submit evidence to the court. “The fact that IPAC as 'witnesses' or 'accomplices' to an alleged crime have never been approached by the Hong Kong authorities is revelatory of the degree to which the integrity of this trial is in question," said Luke De Pulford, the executive director of the IPAC. "This case was never about the truth," Sir Iain added. "But we now have an opportunity to see how far English common law used in Hong Kong, respected by the world over, has been traduced by the national security law of China." Hong Kong insists it is still underpinned by the rule of law, upheld by a common law legal system inherited from the British. Beijing has also previously dismissed IPAC as being "anti-China". Its members include individuals known to be highly critical of China's Communist rulers, including US Senator Marco Rubio, the former British leader Liz Truss and Australia's ex-prime minister Scott Morrison. Founded in 2020, IPAC is formed of lawmakers from 34 legislatures and parliamentary bodies who are pushing for a coordinated policy from democratic countries towards China on issues such as trade, security and human rights. The alliance has vigorously opposed the implementation of Hong Kong’s National Security law, declaring that it made “Hong Kong one of the most dangerous places in the world to disagree with the government”. The BBC has contacted the Hong Kong Department of Justice for comment. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/czrxx7nj7vno

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