Wally Funk, a pioneering aviator who was among the first women to undergo astronaut testing and later became the oldest woman in space, has died at 87. Funk died peacefully at her Texas apartment after a recent illness.
Jonathan Rinaldi, a New York City council candidate, was arrested for using AI to generate fake news and endorsements, including a fabricated CNN story claiming his opponent dropped out. This case highlights growing concerns about AI's role in political messaging and potential voter manipulation.
Former Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba and former City Council President Aaron Banks pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges in a bribery scheme. They are among several officials who have admitted guilt ahead of a trial, with sentencing set for October 15.
The protective glass over King Richard III's original grave site in Leicester was damaged when a visitor's water bottle fell from a trouser pocket. Repairs, costing nearly £30,000 and largely covered by insurance, are scheduled to begin Wednesday and last three days, temporarily restricting visitor access.
Penang, Malaysia, has implemented stricter littering enforcement after a six-month grace period. Patrol teams can now issue immediate notices for offenses, using body camera footage for transparency and evidence.
Jonathan Rinaldi, a former NYC Council candidate, was arrested and charged with forgery for allegedly using AI to create fake endorsements and news articles on social media. He faces up to two years in prison if convicted.
Bev Craig, leader of Manchester city council, has been named Labour's candidate for the Greater Manchester mayoral by-election on July 30. The election, triggered by Andy Burnham's potential move to national politics, is expected to be a close contest with Reform UK.
Clearwater, Florida residents are protesting the city council's 3-2 vote to vacate South Garden Avenue for the Church of Scientology to build an auditorium. Opponents cite betrayal of taxpayers and the closure of public space, while the church cites safety and harassment concerns.
Amazon engineers who testified at Seattle City Council meetings criticizing AI data center expansion and calling for regulation are now under company investigation. The employees fear disciplinary action, including potential termination, and accuse Amazon of monitoring political advocacy.
Three Amazon software engineers allege the company retaliated against them for testifying at Seattle City Council hearings about data centers, filing a legal complaint accusing Amazon of violating a city law that bars employment discrimination over political speech.
Townsville City Council has increased minimum general rates by 7.2% for households and businesses, citing inflation and fuel price hikes. The average residential ratepayer will see a 6.8% increase, amounting to an extra $5.48 weekly, with a cap of 20% for some properties. The council also found $16 million in savings.
Brisbane City Council will increase property rates by 3.97%, below inflation, in its $3.9 billion austerity budget. Rising fuel costs, Middle East conflict, and natural disaster impacts are cited. The budget also includes $1.35 billion for Story Bridge repairs, with the council seeking 90% federal and state funding.
The Brisbane City Council will invest $5.6 million in its 2026/2027 budget for the 'Move Well Brisbane' campaign, expanding free and low-cost active programs and doubling sessions to 20,000 over two years. The initiative aims to boost resident health and provide cost-of-living relief.
Taiwan's legislature passed an amendment to the Public Officials Election and Recall Act, removing the disqualification for candidates sentenced to probation or community service. This change, dubbed the 'Gao Hung-an clause,' allows New Taipei City Councilor Huang Yong-chang, previously disqualified due to a probation sentence, to run for re-election. The amendment also adds a disqualification for those convicted of fraud offenses.
A Paris City Council group, co-chaired by Sophia Chikirou (LFI), has filed a report with the public prosecutor concerning the city's alleged criminal responsibility in the sexual violence scandal within its after-school programs. The report cites long-standing knowledge of risks and failures in addressing them, including delayed actions and reassignment of accused staff.
A Paris City Council group, co-chaired by Sophia Chikirou (LFI), has reported the city to the prosecutor regarding its handling of a sexual violence scandal in after-school programs. The complaint focuses on the city's alleged prior knowledge of risks and failures in addressing the issue, citing a 2015 inspection report and cases of delayed action against accused staff.
A political group in the Paris City Council, co-chaired by Sophia Chikirou, has filed a report with the prosecutor regarding the city's alleged criminal responsibility in the scandal of sexual violence in after-school programs. The report cites 'ancient knowledge of the risk' and 'failures in its treatment,' including a 2015 inspection report with unheeded recommendations and delayed actions against accused staff.
Seoul City Council Chairman Choi Ho-jung urged the next assembly to prioritize the interests of all citizens and called for a shift of funds from the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education to local government finances. The council will review 86 agenda items, including the 'Hangang Bus Operation Business Agreement Amendment Proposal'.
A former Seoul City Councilor, Ok Jae-eun, has been sentenced to 7 years in prison and fined 400 million won for accepting over 340 million won in bribes from educational equipment suppliers. Accomplices also received significant prison sentences.
Taipei City's plan for 8 pedestrian sunshades in Xinyi District faces scrutiny over a reported cost of 7.4 million NTD per unit. Councilor Jian Shu-pei alleges discrepancies in budget applications and questions the use of an "open contract" for what she deems an unreasonable public art project.
Hobart City Council is reviving a plan to prevent homeowners from converting entire properties into short-stay accommodations like Airbnb. The proposal, which aims to protect the long-term rental market, would affect approximately 20,000 homes zoned for residential use.
Seattle City Council has unanimously approved a one-year moratorium on new large AI data centers, citing concerns over electricity and water usage. Mayor Katie Wilson is expected to sign the bill, which also mandates a study for permanent regulations.
Seattle has enacted a one-year ban on new data center construction, citing environmental concerns and rising electricity costs. The moratorium aims to allow for regulation development and assess data centers' use of urban land.
A surge in anti-AI extremist attacks, including attempts on OpenAI's headquarters and its CEO Sam Altman's home, highlights growing concerns over tech industry backlash, radicalizing old and new extremist groups amid rapid AI-driven societal changes.
