Author: NCIJ NETWNCIJ NETWORK

A new NHS-style social care system for England could take decades to be implemented, economist Sir Andrew Dilnot has told the BBC.Sir Andrew, who led a commission proposing reform of the system 15 years ago, said Prime Minister Andy Burnham appeared to want social care to be completely free, including residential costs.He told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme the cost of such a scheme would be “very substantial”.And with Burnham promising to put his plans before voters at the next general election, Sir Andrew said change “is now further away”.Adult social care provides state support to help people live more…

As WIRED’s resident wearable tester, I’ve tried enough smartwatches to know there’s life beyond the Apple Watch. I just apparently don’t want it. Maybe it’s because I joined the Apple ecosystem at 10 years old and have been indoctrinated ever since. I’m fluent in iOS, macOS, and watchOS, and for better or worse, the Apple Watch is my default wearable.But what’s the best Apple Watch to buy? There are now three models, each with its own set of features, and the differences between them can appear minor even when the prices aren’t. Fortunately, I’ve tested them all; Here’s how the…

The threat actor known as JADEPUFFER has been observed orchestrating destructive actions within a Microsoft Azure environment using compromised service principals. Microsoft, which is tracking the activity under the name Storm-3168, has called it an evolution of the threat actor’s tradecraft. The attack took place in early June 2026 over a period of about 18 hours. “The destructive operations were facilitated by compromising service principals and targeted Azure Storage Accounts, SQL databases, Key Vaults, Function Apps, recovery protection locks, Virtual Machines, and App Services,” researchers Yossi Weizman and Tushar Mudi, along with the Microsoft Security Research team, said. JADEPUFFER was…

Bitcoin (BTC) fell to weekly lows on Monday as upside momentum gave way to liquidity hunting on exchange order books.Key points:Bitcoin reversed downward after over $30 million in ask liquidity was added to exchange order books at around $85,700.Crypto and US stock-market futures dropped after US president Donald Trump refused to rule out further strikes on Iran.Analysis by markets commentator Aksel Kibar warned that Bitcoin risked returning to its sub-$80,000 range.Liquidity manipulation halts BTC price upsideData from TradingView showed BTC/USD dropping below $82,700 for the first time since Sept. 21.BTC/USD four-hour chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewAfter posting its highest weekly close since…

The idea of humans and robots working side-by-side in space was once the stuff of science fiction, but with NASA launching increasingly complex missions deeper into space, human-robot collaboration could become reality. Advanced robotic systems are critical for human spaceflight because they can enhance a crew’s performance and productivity while reducing risk and expanding the capabilities for space exploration. The Dexterous Robotics Team at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston plays a key role in developing robotic hardware and software to support NASA’s bold vision for the future, with a focus on robots that can complete tasks humans do with…

Singapore plans to reclaim an estimated 590 hectares (1,460 acres) of seascape and merge several islands to create a new “western island”.The mega-project could bury up to 60% of Singapore’s remaining reefs, many of which are “mother” reefs and of regional ecological significance.The reefs are traditional fishing grounds for the Indigenous Orang Laut, who say that the project would restrict their access to an area of cultural significance.The project raises awkward questions about the volume and source of sand needed to construct the island.See All Key Ideas SINGAPORE — “For seven thousand years, Singapore has changed around these…

Reading Time: < 1 minute Wisconsin Watch partners with Gigafact to produce Fact Briefs — bite-sized fact checks of trending claims. Read our methodology to learn how we check claims. Yes. Republicans have had the power to place constitutional amendment questions on Wisconsin’s statewide ballots since taking control of the state Legislature in 2011. To make those amendments, both houses of the state Legislature must pass the proposed change two sessions in a row. Then, a majority of voters must vote “yes” to ratify it. Republicans have controlled the Legislature since 2011 and have used that power in recent years to pitch…

I was out with a mate one evening when she asked where I’d like to go. My response was immediate: “A pub with no atmosphere.” I cannot think of anywhere better. You get served straight away, you get a seat and, if you’re really lucky, there’s no music. Seriously, what’s not to like?First things first: by “pub”, I mean the old-fashioned type, with carpets that stick to the soles of your shoes – no gastropub nonsense. I’m still fuming from the time I ordered fish and chips in one of these (unbeknown to me) gastropubs. It’s a simple meal; a…

With speculation about whether he may defect from the Democratic party swirling around him, US senator John Fetterman described himself seemingly unintentionally as a “lifelong Republican” during a fireside chat in Texas over the weekend.Fetterman made the comment when someone listening to him speak with CBS News political correspondent Major Garrett at the Texas Tribune Festival on Saturday asked the Pennsylvania senator why he had not become an independent.“Because I’m a lifelong Republican,” Fetterman replied. Garrett promptly corrected him by saying, “Democrat,” as Fetterman raised a hand and shook his head in disbelief.“That’s a moment right there that’s clippable, ladies…

Avanti West Coast train services will be nationalised from March next year, the government has announced.”For years, we’ve heard stories of Avanti underperforming, with passengers left paying the price. Enough is enough,” Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said.The move is part of a government plan to improve rail infrastructure, cut train delays and improve experiences for passengers.Avanti West Coast’s managing director said he was “proud of what we’ve achieved over the last six years”. The company’s contract was due to come to an end on 7 March.In a post on social media, Prime Minister Andy Burnham echoed Alexander’s comments.”For years, people…