Author: damazah@gmail.com

Instagram is ramping up its efforts to attract more viewers on television in a way that may look very, well, old-school. Starting Monday, the Meta-owned social app will be testing out horizontal video on Instagram for TV, their preexisting feature that allows viewers to watch social videos on the big screen in their living room. And that’s not all. Coming soon, the company will also be experimenting with longer-form storytelling and episodic series with creators, in addition to trying live TV creator experiences on for size. The changes are timed to the launch of Instagram for TV on Samsung TV…

U.S. and Iranian negotiators concluded their first round of talks on Monday to turn an initial peace agreement into a lasting deal within 60 days.Pakistani and Qatari mediators said the countries had made “encouraging progress” and would proceed to discussions on technical details this week. But frictions over the Israel-Hezbollah conflict in Lebanon and shipping in the Strait of Hormuz could derail the negotiations.On Monday, the mediators laid out guardrails aimed at protecting the negotiations from these risks. They said both sides had agreed to create a committee to oversee the technical discussions, a direct communication line to avoid incidents…

There’s considerable pride to be taken from graduating, and it’s a moment friends and family are often eager to mark with a gift. But what presents best cement this major milestone? As leaving celebrations of all stripes approach, we asked recent graduates to tell us about what they loved receiving, from the sentimental to the practical.“When I graduated from York, my parents treated me to a meal at a restaurant I’d had my eye on since starting my course,” says reader Toby Beer, a biology graduate. “It was a brilliant send-off to celebrate my time in Yorkshire.”Alternatively, buy them a…

Michael Olugbode in Abuja Nigeria is poised to assume a rare position of influence in global climate governance as former federal lawmaker and principal sponsor of the Climate Change Act 2021, Hon. Sam Onuigbo, prepares to become President of GLOBE International, a powerful cross-party alliance of legislators driving climate legislation across continents. The leadership transition, scheduled to take place on June 24, 2026, at the House of Commons in the UK Parliament, will mark the first time an African will head the organisation since its founding in 1991, underscoring what observers describe as a gradual but significant shift in global climate…

Founders don’t grow alone. They learn from peers tackling similar challenges, connect with those who have already navigated the road ahead, and build relationships with investors aligned with their vision. For the next five days, save up to $190 on your pass to TechCrunch Founder Summit 2026. On November 4 in Boston, TechCrunch Founder Summit 2026 brings together 1,000+ founders and investors for a day focused on growth, execution, and building lasting connections. This is TechCrunch’s flagship founder conference, designed for founders first. The experience centers on peer-to-peer learning, candid conversations, and practical, expert-led insights, with opportunities to connect directly with investors aligned…

The Converse First String Jack Purcell offers a reintroduction of the story court shoe popular in tennis.ConverseOne of the most storied shoes in court history—especially tennis—never really went away, but it’s still making a massive comeback. Converse is reintroducing the Jack Purcell, launching the shoe this fall in the brand’s premium First String treatment while teasing future iterations of what the brand calls its second most storied shoe. For tennis fans, it’s certainly number one. And with ample reason.Originally created as a signature badminton shoe in 1935 by Canadian world champion Jack Purcell, tennis players soon usurped the model as…

Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja Merck Foundation and  the First Ladies of 12 African and Asian countries have reiterated commitment to improving health and well-being by building healthcare capacity and providing access to quality and equitable healthcare across Africa, Asia, and beyond.Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, conducted the 13th Edition of Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2026 on 18th and 19th June, through an online video conference. Chairman of Merck Foundation Board of Trustees, Prof. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp said, “I extend my heartfelt appreciation to the First Ladies of Africa and Asia who joined us as Guests of Honour, as well…

Follow updates as Messi's Argentina play Austria in Group J, including the build-up, analysis and live text commentary.

Trees planted along farmland to shield crops from strong winds are often viewed as a simple way to support biodiversity. But new research suggests the picture is more complicated, especially in agricultural wetlands where many bird species depend on open landscapes. A team of researchers studying farmland wetlands on the western coast of central Japan found that shelterbelts, rows of trees planted as windbreaks, do not benefit all birds equally. While they provide habitat for some species, they can also reduce the abundance and diversity of birds that rely on open grassland and wetland environments. The findings were published in…

Raheem Akingbolu The overall winner of the 2026 Maltina Teacher of the Year competition will receive a brand-new Honda HR-V in addition to the grand prize of N10 million, the management of Nigerian Breweries-Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund has declared. Speaking at the flag-off and call for entry of the 12th edition of the award held in Lagos, the Sustainability Manager, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Oluseye Olokun, said this year’s winner will, for the first time, receive a brand-new Honda HR-V in addition to the grand prize of N10 million. The entries, which opened recently will close on August 7, while…