Author: damazah@gmail.com

Chinese company Moonshot AI released a new version of its Kimi model this week, leading to a perhaps-inevitable wave of discourse about China and open source AI. Moonshot said that although Kimi K3 “still trails the most powerful proprietary models, Claude Fable 5 and GPT 5.6 Sol,” the new open source model “demonstrated frontier-level performance across our evaluation suite, consistently outperforming other tested models.” Independent analyses from Arena.ai and Vals AI also suggested that Kimi is competitive with flagship frontier models. The announcement, which coincided with a speech from Chinese president Xi Jinping at the World AI Conference in Shanghai,…

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja Healthcare professionals, development partners, corporate leaders, security agencies, academics, and civil society organisations prepare to converge for the Mental Health and Gender-Based Violence Conference Nigeria 2026, scheduled for October 8–10, 2026. The three-day national conference on mental health organised by US-based Echoes Africa Initiatives, a nonprofit organisation, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare will be held under the theme: ‘Invisible Wounds: Understanding Mental Health, Trauma, Gender-Based Violence and Their Impact on Society’. The conference is a national call to action aimed at addressing the growing psychological, social, and economic consequences of untreated mental…

The rocket – named after Vikram Sarabhai, who is called the father of India’s space programme – is small and has the capacity to carry payloads of up to 350kg, Skyroot co-founder and CEO Pawan Kumar Chandana told the BBC before the launch.Chandana says today, access to space remains “a major bottleneck, with satellite operators often waiting for months or even years for a launch opportunity” and that their venture expects to change that.He says Skyroot aims to cut long waits for satellite launches by offering dedicated missions for small payloads. Instead of sharing space on large rockets that fly…

Jul 18, 2026, 04:18 PM ETCHICAGO — The ball from current Cubs first baseman Michael Busch’s first-inning solo homer against Minnesota on Saturday was recovered in Wrigley Field’s right-field bleachers by former Chicago first baseman Anthony Rizzo.Rizzo didn’t catch Busch’s 12th homer on the fly, but reached behind and picked the ball up off the concrete after it landed. Rizzo held it high in the air with a small boy on his shoulder.”That was super mind-blowing,” Busch said after the game, a 6-2 win for the Cubs. “That was pretty cool.”It’s the second homer Rizzo has nearly caught over the…

Going out: CinemaThe OdysseyOut nowChristopher Nolan tackles one of the granddaddies of the western canon – Homer’s meaty tale of Odysseus (Matt Damon) and his long trip home after 10 years in the Trojan war. Also starring Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong’o, Zendaya and Charlize Theron.Our Hero, BalthazarOut nowA rich teen from New York hopes to attract the attention of his crush, an activist, by posting impassioned pro-gun-control videos, but instead finds himself the focus of a troll’s outbursts, which he decides are evidence of a dangerous potential murderer who must be confronted. Drama with Jaeden Martell, Asa Butterfield and Jennifer…

Picture credit: 3blmedia.com …the recent controversies surrounding FIFA, and the perception that politics has found its way onto the pitch during this World Cup, concern me deeply. FIFA owes supporters, players and national associations complete transparency. If its rules have been applied correctly, it should explain its decisions clearly. If mistakes have been made, it should acknowledge them and take responsibility. That is how trust in major international institutions is built. In Bangui, the capital of the Central African Republic, I attended a tournament organised by the United Nations peacekeeping mission. Young people from communities that had recently been on…

The Battle for Bronze. The Battle for Pride. The Battle to Finish on the World Cup Podium. The Match Many Call a Consolation… But History Calls a Medal Bronze Is Not Gold. But It Is Forever. By Paul Lucky Okoku Victory is not always measured by the trophy you wanted. Sometimes it is measured by the character you show after losing the trophy you dreamed of. Stoic Reflection “The obstacle is the way” — Marcus Aurelius Every World Cup produces two kinds of champions. Those who lift the trophy… …and those who refuse to let heartbreak define them. France and…

Brondello suspended for a game after calling Reese a ‘protected species’ in Toronto Tempo’s game against Atlanta Dream.Published On 19 Jul 202619 Jul 2026Toronto Tempo coach Sandy Brondello was suspended for one game by the WNBA for an inappropriate comment she used during a game against the Atlanta Dream on Friday.“The WNBA expects all coaches and team personnel to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and respect that are fundamental to our league,” the league said on Saturday in a statement announcing the suspension.She’ll miss Monday’s game against the Las Vegas Aces.During the 111-92 loss to the Dream, the broadcast…

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 12: General view inside the stadium as fans watch on during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D match between USA and Paraguay at Los Angeles Stadium on June 12, 2026 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Matt McNulty – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)FIFA via Getty ImagesHow will the 2026 FIFA World Cup be remembered? More importantly, what will be its impact on the United States?Unforgettable matches, packed stadiums and widespread celebration will certainly be remembered for years to come. The tournament will also help shape the future of soccer in a country where the sport still…

Andrew and his brother Tristan, both US-UK nationals, were arrested in the US on Saturday, and the UK is seeking their extradition.Published On 19 Jul 202619 Jul 2026Influencer brothers Andrew and Tristan Tate were arrested in Miami, Florida, on Sunday on a sealed warrant, the United States Marshals Service said, and the United Kingdom government will seek their extradition on rape and sex trafficking charges.British prosecutors announced that they will bring further charges, including rape and indecent images of a child, against the Tate brothers, who are dual US-UK citizens.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemsend of listThe UK’s Crown Prosecution…