Wildfires have also broken out across England, while Scotland battled a major blaze in the Cairngorms, and the Republic of Ireland imposed a nationwide hosepipe ban.
Hosepipe bans are currently in place for 23 million customers (Danny Lawson/PA)
These severe conditions follow last year’s drought summer, underscoring the UK’s growing susceptibility to extreme weather.
Experts attribute this trend to human-caused climate change, primarily driven by fossil fuel combustion.
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What areas are affected?
In Wales, exceptionally dry conditions have led to drying riverbeds, mounting concern from farmers about grazing and water availability, and significantly increased the risk of wildfires – with North Wales in particular experiencing a number of major blazes in recent weeks.
The areas affected by the drought status declaration include North Gwynedd, Ynys Mon, South Gwynedd, Dee (Wales), Clwyd, and Upper Severn.
North Wales and the Upper Severn has received less than 2% of the expected rainfall for the month so far, with river flows across large parts of the region exceptionally low, and some locations recording or approaching record lows.
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In many areas of North Wales, there has been no significant rainfall since July 6, NRW said.
Monitoring by the agency also shows groundwater levels continue to fall and river temperatures have been high.
All remaining catchments across south-west Wales have also moved from “normal” to “prolonged dry weather” status, following the same change in status last week for south-east Wales.
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As a result, all of Wales is now either in drought or prolonged dry weather status.
NRW said it declared drought when a combination of indicators show a significant shortage of rainfall and water availability, affecting rivers, groundwater, agriculture, natural systems and land management.
While water companies report that reservoir levels remain healthy overall, NRW is urging people use water wisely.
Rhian Thomas, sustainable water and nature manager at NRW, said: “The prolonged period of hot, dry weather we have experienced this summer is now having serious impacts on the environment across parts of Wales.
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“We have seen rivers fall to exceptionally low levels, groundwater continuing to decline, and increasing reports of environmental impacts affecting wildlife, fisheries, farming and sensitive habitats.
A number of other areas across the UK are also at risk of drought (Getty)
“The recent wildfires across North Wales and South East Wales are one of the clearest and most visible signs of how dry our landscapes have become.
“Our teams continue to work closely with fire and rescue services, local partners and land managers to respond to these incidents and reduce risks where possible.”
She said: “While drought status does not automatically mean water shortages for customers, it does reflect the growing pressure being placed on our environment.
“We are asking everyone to play their part by using water wisely and helping to protect Wales’ natural resources during this exceptionally dry period.”
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Yellow health alerts declared
As warm weather continues, yellow heat health alerts – warning of minor impacts for health and social care services – have been issued in England for the East Midlands, West Midlands, South East, South West, East of England, and London running from 9am on Friday to 9am on Sunday.
The Met Office said temperatures would be more towards average for the time of the year, in the low to mid 20Cs, although into next week Tuesday could be warmer.
While the south is expected to remain dry, there is some rain in the forecast and parts of northern Scotland could see 10-15mm (0.4-0.6 inches) of rain over a few hours on Saturday, while 30mm (1.2 inches) could fall in parts of west Scotland.
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But just 3-4mm (0.1 inches) is expected further south on Saturday and Sunday, with Met Office spokesperson Stephen Dixon warning: “Although some areas will have more than they have seen in a while, it’s not the heavy rain that some areas may be after in terms of topping up water supplies.”
Anyone with information on Dominic should contact Gwent Police
Police officers are looking to locate a missing 13-year-old boy. Dominic was last seen at around 6am on Thursday, July 23 in Amroth Walk, St Dials, Cwmbran.
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Dominic has also been seen in Cwmbran town centre and using Stagecoach buses (number 1 and number 6).
He is described as white, between 5’9” and six feet tall, with dark brown hair and green eyes.
Dominic was last known to be wearing a grey padded Hoodrich jacket with a black top underneath, black tracksuit bottoms and grey and white trainers. He was carrying a blue bag and a backpack.
The teenager has links to the Torfaen and Blaenau Gwent areas. Always keep on top of the latest Welsh news with our newsletter
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A spokesman for Gwent Police said: “Anyone with information on Dominic’s whereabouts should contact us via our website, direct message us on Facebook or X social media pages or call 101, quoting log reference 2600233810. Dominic is also asked to contact us.”
Tens of thousands of people have been forced to evacuate as another extreme heatwave moves across Sicily, Spain, France and other parts of southern Europe, igniting wildfires as temperatures exceed 44C.
Footage shows vast infernos sweeping through the island as dramatic fires scorched the Sicilian hills around Bivona in the central Agrigento province on Wednesday, while the capital of Palermo suffered blackouts.
In southwest France, more than 20,000 people have been evacuated near Bordeaux, officials said, as some 700 firefighters were called out to tackle the blaze near the popular coastal town of Lege Cap-Ferret.
It comes as Wales becomes the first UK region has officially declared a drought amid record dry conditions, intense heatwaves, wildfires and dwindling rivers. Across Europe, extreme heat supercharged by climate change has been sucking European soils dry, as warmer air pulls moisture from soil and rivers.
Near Bordeaux, two firefighters were killed earlier this week while battling a blaze near the city’s airport.
“Overnight, the fire spread more quickly than we had imagined,” acknowledged Philippe de Gonneville, the mayor of Lège-Cap Ferret. Authorities said 12,000 have already been evacuated, while around 8,800 are being moved.
Earlier this week, two firefighters were killed earlier this week while battling a blaze near the city’s airport.
In neighbouring Spain, authorities were still working to put out fires which have raged for several days. Spain’s railway infrastructure operator ADIF said train traffic between Mejorada del Campo and Alcalá de Henares, near Madrid, had been suspended due to a wildfire close to the tracks.
Europe is highly susceptible to wildfires this year due to a particularly dry summer (AFP/Getty)
Water bombers have been scrambled into action across southern Europe this week (Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)
Across central Spain, firefighters, emergency personnel and military units remained deployed as authorities monitored multiple active fires, including blazes in Guadalajara, Toledo, Ciudad Real and Albacete.
Spain’s meteorological agency warned of “extraordinary danger” with temperatures of up to 44C on Thursday in some regions. Popular Spanish tourist spots, including the areas around Malaga, Valencia and Alicante, could see temperatures reach as high as 42C.
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The disruption affected services on the high-speed rail line linking Madrid and Barcelona, one of the country’s busiest transport corridors.
More than 100,000 hectares have burned nationwide so far this year.
In Avila, Spain, wildfires spread across the Burgohondo mountains (Reuters)
Meanwhile in Italy, a 59-year-old firefighter died after falling ill while battling a large wildfire near San Cataldo in Sicily.
The central areas of Cammarata, Santo Stefana Quisquina and Bivona suffered some of the worst impact of the islands huge wildfires, with health clinics evacuated, phone lines down, roads closed and farmland destroyed as residents helped authorities battle the flames.
More than 100 people were forced to evacuate from homes and clinics on the island, according to local media, as dozens of wildfires strained emergency services battling against fires that threatened rural areas, residential districts, and major public roads.
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Sagana in the territory of Monreale, in Sicily, was ravaged by fires on Wednesday (AFP/Getty)
Wildfires have also plagued other areas of Europe including Le Porge, south-western France, where a fast-moving blae has burned 900 hectares north of Arcachon Bay (AFP/Getty)
Temperatures in inland Sicily exceeded 40C on Wednesday for the second day running, reaching 43 C according to forecaster Ventusky.
On Thursday, the mercury will drop into the mid-30s across most of the island, with some central-northern areas reaching the high 30s. On Friday, the warmest temperatures will move southwards, before the entire island cools down to the low 30s on the weekend.
Farmer Marco Barbaccia told how a wind-fuelled wildfire destroyed olive groves, wiping out this year’s crop and damaging trees needed for future harvests.
“We were unable to save anything. We lost both this year’s harvest and the trees themselves, which means losing future production of Sicilian extra-virgin olive oil as well,” Mr Barbaccia said.
Europe is facing the brunt of climate change, with temperatures rising twice as fast as the next fastest continent (AFP/Getty)
Italian newspaper La Republica reported that families had barricaded themselves in their homes to keep the smoke out.
“The heat was so intense that railings and doorknobs became red-hot,” the paper wrote. “Smoke engulfed several neighbourhoods, and by 4am temperatures in the city exceeded 40 degrees Celsius.”
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Elsewhere in Europe, firefighters struggled on Tuesday to contain Spain’s largest wildfire of the year, while two firefighters were killed battling a fire in southwestern France, as an extreme heatwave continued to fuel dangerous conditions across Europe, bringing drought and forecasts of severe hailstorms.
Rows of trees were scorched by the widespread blaze (AFP/Getty)
In mainland Italy, temperatures have remained in the high 20s and low 30s, while on the island of Sardinia, they neared 40C on Wednesday. Sardinia will remain in the low-to-mid 30s for the rest of the week, with temperatures in mainland Italy around average for this time of year for the rest of the week.
The fires in Sicily, which were fueled by strong sirocco winds – those blowing northward from the Sahara Desert into Southern Europe – reached the western-central town of Santo Stefano Quisquina in the Agrigento province overnight into Wednesday.
The province of Palermo, Sicily’s capital, also battled dozens of fires damaging rural homes and businesses, forcing the temporary closure of the SS186 state road, and disrupting traffic on the Palermo-Catania motorway.
Dozens of people were evacuated from their homes in Sicily (AFP/Getty)
A health clinic, oxygen depot, fuel station and fireworks factory are all under surveillance by firefighters and other authorities, according to local media. Some 22 patients were evacuated from the Ignazio Attardi clinic as a precaution.
In Bivona, a wildfire emergency has caused damage to the water pipes, with emergency systems kicking into response, Mayor Milko Cina said. The TIM telephone line was also put out of service in the area.
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He added that the situation is “improving” after authorities had to “evacuate all the houses along the state road between Bivona and Santo Stefano”.
Residents of the area helped put out fires since the early hours of Wednesday, Mr Cina said.
Forests were hauntingly lit at night as they were engulfed in flames (Reuters)
“Heartfelt thanks in particular to the many farmers who, with their excavators, shovels, tractors and their water-filled barrels, are still on site helping the population,” Mr Cina said. Farms and livestock farms have been damaged by the fires.
But he added that the situation is “improving” after authorities had to “evacuate all the houses along the state road between Bivona and Santo Stefano”
Although wildfires are not new to the region, scientists say they are becoming more frequent and intense as a result of stronger and longer heatwaves and droughts, due to the climate crisis.
We’ve long been told that a healthy diet should contain oily fish like salmon, sardines, mackerel and trout, but very few people actually manage two portions a week – this is where the best fish oil supplements come in.
These yellow capsules contain the omega-3s needed for sound heart and brain health. However, they come in a range of strengths and ratios, with some far more sustainable, pure and effective than others.
“Fish oil provides EPA and DHA, the two long-chain omega-3s most linked to heart health, healthy triglyceride levels and brain cell membrane structure,” explains registered nutritionist Karen Preece Smith. “DHA is a major structural fat in brain cell membranes, so it’s essential, not optional.”
What is fish oil and what are the benefits of taking it?
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The best fish oil supplements tend to use wild anchovy, Alaskan pollock, sardine and mackerel and come in many formulations with differing ratios of EPA and DHA. Our bodies don’t make these naturally, so a daily supplement can contribute to healthy body and brain function.
The benefits of fish oil have been indicated across many recent studies, particularly in high-risk populations with cardiovascular and metabolic issues. The more general benefits are improved heart health, eye health and brain health, along with decreased inflammation, and research into the efficacy of omega-3 supplements is still developing.
Best fish oil supplements at a glance
Best overall – Bare Biology life and soul high-strength omega-3 daily capsules: £28, Healf.com
Best for easy taking – Wiley’s Finest Peak EPA: £26.50, Healf.com
Best for purists – Wild Nutrition Pure Strength Omega-3: £38, Wildnutrition.com
Best for travel – Reviveactive Omega Active – £24.95, Reviveactive.com
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For assured quality, Preece Smith recommends looking for EPA and DHA amounts stated per capsule, not just total fish oil weight; third-party testing such as IFOS and dark, airtight packaging with an added antioxidant like vitamin E.
Quality really matters with fish oil because omega-3 fats are delicate. Registered nutritionist Rhiannon Lambert explains that, “they are prone to oxidation, which is essentially the process of fats becoming rancid. When oils oxidise, the active fats EPA and DHA can be reduced, and the supplement may not contain what the label suggests. Pay attention to the brand’s testing, freshness and transparency rather than being drawn in by a glossy label or a huge ‘high strength’ claim.”
Sustainability is also a concern with fish oil supplements. “I’d want to know where it has come from, whether the brand is sourcing responsibly, and whether they have any sustainability certification or clear sourcing information,” says Lambert.
“Also look for third-party testing, batch testing, sustainability information and clear storage instructions. Ideally, the brand should be able to talk about oxidation testing, contaminants and heavy metals, rather than just making vague claims about purity. Fish oil is one supplement where I wouldn’t just buy the cheapest option in the biggest tub and assume it’s doing the job.”
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Preece Smith adds that the supplement industry uses peroxide and TOTOX values to measure oxidation, and surveys have found that a meaningful proportion of commercial fish oils exceed the recommended limits. “I’d want to see those numbers published, not assumed,” she says.
How do I take them and how often should I take them?
Fish oil supplements are very well tolerated if they’re high quality and haven’t oxidised. If they have, you might be at risk of stomach issues, fishy burps and nausea. Brands will recommend a dose of one to four capsules per day, depending on the ratios inside a capsule – and the beauty of a capsule is no fishy taste.
Preece Smith advises that anyone on blood thinners or anticoagulant medication, or approaching surgery, should speak to their GP before taking fish oil. “I’d also flag caution for anyone with a fish or shellfish allergy, and would generally advise staying under 2g to 3g a day without medical supervision,” she adds.
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Generally, experts advise taking fish oil capsules with a meal because omega-3s are fat-soluble nutrients that are absorbed much more effectively alongside food. For best results, healthy fats like avocados, nuts and eggs can help with optimal absorption and can also stave off any side effects such as nausea or acid reflux.
If you’re in perimenopause or older, new research suggests that splitting your dose across the day can help reduce inflammation markers. So you might consider taking one capsule with lunch and one with your dinner.
Is there a fish liver oil alternative for vegetarians?
Yes, absolutely! There are lots of vegan supplements on the market which are suitable for both vegetarians and vegans, which only contain ALA (alpha-linolenic acid). ALA is one of the three key types of omega-3 fats, and can be found in plant-based foods such as nuts and flax; however, I would say that ALA doesn’t do as much as EPA or DHA on its own.
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Therefore, it’s really important if you’re vegan to choose an alternative supplement which is made from marine algae. This is far better for the oceans and for the planet, offers the same health benefits, and helps you to avoid the risk of those potentially harmful heavy metals and toxins found in some fish oil pills.
Fish oil supplements could improve heart health, eye health and brain health
Emilie Lavinia/The Standard
I’ve tested many of the products on this list for several years, though some I’ve tested for the past few months. I looked for third-party testing and published TOTOX or peroxide values, along with the ratio of DHA to EPA. Sustainability is a very important indicator of quality when it comes to fish oil, so I looked for credible sources to verify each brand’s claims.
What are the best fish oil supplements?
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These supplements are all strong contenders for purity, freshness and impact, but Bare Biology’s Life and Soul takes the top spot here, ticking every box for dose, testing and type. It offers a clinically meaningful 1700mg dose in triglyceride form and an IFOS 5-star certification, which is the closest thing to an independently verified gold standard.
If you want the same quality for less, Inessa is the smarter buy, offering the same IFOS 5-star rating and triglyceride form. ARTAH sits in the middle ground with its strong dose and triglyceride form, but it doesn’t share its credentials, while Wiley’s Finest is the one to reach for if swallowing capsules is an issue. Wild Nutrition and Revive Active serve more specific needs for pill-purists who don’t mind a higher capsule count, or travellers looking for something that won’t shatter in a suitcase.
Why trust me
I’ve been taking fish oil on and off for decades. This is a supplement that’s been around a long time and has gone through several updates based on emerging research so I’m well-versed in new data on omega-3s and how brands are using it. Having been a health and wellbeing journalist for more than a decade, I can separate a ridiculous claim from genuine science and have made it my mission to dispel wellness misinformation.
Lee Greenan, 46, is accused of the murder of Vikki Soloman and also faces two charges of assault.
A man has appeared in court charged with murder following the death of a mum at a house in Edinburgh.
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Aesthetician Vikki Soloman, 44, was found with serious injuries after emergency services were called to a property on Craigievar Square in the East Craigs area of the city at around 8.45pm on Monday, July 20. Emergency crews raced to the scene but she was sadly pronounced dead.
Lee Greenan, 46, was arrested and charged in connection and appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Thursday, July 23, reports the BBC. He made no plea to a charge of murder and two charges of assault. He was remanded in custody and is due to appear again within eight days.
Police cordoned off the property on Craigievar Square. Forensic officers were seen combing the home on Tuesday afternoon.
The Mid Yoken pub, just over a mile away, was also locked down and guarded by police. Police confirmed their presence at the pub is linked to the investigation into Vikki’s death.
A car advertising her Vikki Soloman Aesthetics business could be seen parked in the driveway behind a police cordon. A single bouquet of flowers were also seen laid against the garden fence.
The mum ran her aesthetics business in Edinburgh, named Vikki Soloman Aesthetics, which focused on personalised skin treatments. Her friends and family have been left devastated following the news and tributes have been paid on social media.
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She was described as “beautiful” and “a diamond” by those who knew her.
Lisa Mullen said: “Thoughts to friends and family! You are a diamond, a beautiful person, until we see each other again. You will always hold a special place in my heart.”
Arlene Mill added: “You were beautiful inside and out. I’m gonna miss our wee chats putting the world to right. Can’t take this in. Thoughts are with all the family.”
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SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — Gun Owners of America and Gun Owners Foundation are suing the government of the U.S. Virgin Islands and its police commissioner as a fight over the Second Amendment deepens.
The nonprofits are asking a federal judge to allow nonresidents to apply for and be issued licenses to carry concealed handguns in the U.S. territory.
The lawsuit filed this week asserted that Florida resident Sean Dale Henry, a member of Gun Owners of America and supporter of Gun Owners Foundation, called the U.S. Virgin Islands’ police department multiple times to apply for such a license.
“Henry has been unable to get the USVI police to so much as pick up the telephone,” the lawsuit states. “The fact that the USVI police do not answer their phone makes (Henry’s) need to keep and bear arms for his own self-defense all the more vital.”
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A spokesperson for the U.S. territory’s government did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment.
The lawsuit filed Monday notes that Henry plans to visit the U.S. Virgin Islands at least twice in upcoming months and seeks to bring a concealed gun for self-defense purposes.
“The Second Amendment doesn’t end at the shoreline,” Luis Valdes, the U.S. Virgin Islands’ outreach director for Gun Owners of America, said in a statement. “Americans don’t lose their constitutional rights simply because they travel to a U.S. territory.”
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It is the second time the U.S. Virgin Islands’ government and its police commissioner are sued over the Second Amendment.
In December, the U.S. Justice Department sued the U.S. territory, accusing it of obstructing and systematically denying American citizens the right to possess and carry guns. It cited local laws including that applicants must demonstrate “good reason to fear death or great injury to his person or property,” and have “two credible persons” vouch for their need of a firearm.
At the time, the U.S. Virgin Islands’ government said it was “committed to protecting constitutional rights while maintaining public safety.”
In a February court filing, the U.S. Virgin Islands accused the U.S. government of coming to court “with unclean hands” and of employing hundreds of thousands of law enforcement officers it accused of depriving people of their “rights, privileges and immunities secured and protected by the 1st, 2nd, 4th , 5th and 14th amendments.”
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“The United States of America cannot come to the court with unclean hands and seek to enjoin others while engaging in such blatant, violative, and abusive patterns and practices itself,” the filing read.
Will Glasgow save the Commonwealths… or are these Games just a sticking plaster?
There has been much debate over the future of the Commonwealth Games, even before the Australian state of Victoria pulled out from hosting the 2026 edition due to cost.
Glasgow eventually stepped in but the number of sports and athletes were both reduced. No new stadia has been built – only existing sporting facilities are being used.
There’s no cycle or running race through the city streets this time out. No diving, or hockey, or badminton to name but three of the sports to be dropped.
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Games chiefs say this is the future of the Games. But with the likes of the BBC stepping back, there’s a lot riding on Glasgow getting this right if the Commonwealths are to continue.
Of course, some would argue that they have run their course. That they are now an anachronism and have no real place in the modern sporting world. Certainly, some big names have decided to give them a miss.
As ever, it will come down to the stories that emerge over the next 10 days or so. Give the crowds sporting theatre and drama and they will applaud. Give them guts and glory and they will scream and shout. Give them heroes and the Games will continue.
Donald Trump said Thursday he was near to a decision on a massive escalation of attacks on Iran as oil hit its highest price in two months and Tehran-backed Houthi rebels opened a new front in the Red Sea.
‘I am considering a massive attack. Bigger than ever before,’ the President told Axios. ‘I am close to making a decision. We are all set for it.’
He did not say when he would finalize his decision.
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The President indicated that if he asked, Israel would join in on new strikes, but said the Israelis’ help was unnecessary.
Trump also said that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wants to be at Senator Lindsey Graham‘s wake in DC next week, and that he would meet with Netanyahu if he comes.
Oil prices surged past $100 per barrel for the first time since May 26 as the war escalates after the collapse of the the tenuous ceasefire between the US and Iran.
The US has carried out strikes on Iran for 12 consecutive nights.
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The US has beefed up its military presence around Iran, deploying a powerful B-1 bomber for the first time since the end of the ceasefire, surging additional special operations forces to the area, and sending 150 additional medics to a military hospital in Germany that treats wounded soldiers from the Middle East.
A June 30 photo of US forces in the Arabian Sea
Houthi rebels in Yemen claimed two attacks on Saudi tankers in the Red Sea Wednesday night, threatening another disruption to the global energy supply chain.
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Republicans defending slim majorities in Congress fear that rising fuel prices, combined with an open-ended war, could hand Democrats potent lines of attack in the midterm elections.
Some in the GOP on Capitol Hill have voiced doubts about the war, both publicly and privately.
Analysts warn that the Houthis’ attacks could cut off Saudi Arabia‘s alternative export route through the Red Sea.
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European countries could be hit hard if the Houthis succeed in restricting Red Sea traffic, as the continent is dependent on Saudi exports through that waterway.
Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries have already hurt European oil supply.
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Trump readies ‘massive attack’ on Iran as US military plans devastating strikes ‘bigger than ever before’
A man who claims medical advice from ChatGPT “brought him to the brink of death” has sued OpenAI, the company behind the popular chatbot, and its founder Sam Altman.
A lawsuit filed by Scott Winters, a 55-year-old pastor from Florida, claimed ChatGPT told him not to seek medical help after repeatedly asking about symptoms in the build-up to a near-fatal pulmonary embolism.
Winters’ lawyers alleged the platform “repeatedly and insistently misdiagnosed” him while drawing on previous discussions about religion to assure him he would recover.
OpenAI’s Drew Pusateri told the BBC’s US news partner CBS News that “ChatGPT is not a doctor and should never be used as a substitute for medical care, diagnosis or treatment”.
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He also said it was common for people to seek health information online, adding: “AI can make that experience better by helping them find clearer answers, organise their questions and prepare for conversations with medical professionals.”
The lawsuit, which was filed at the San Francisco County Superior Court on 21 July, details how Winter was a regular ChatGPT user and came to rely it on it for medical advice, resisting efforts from family members and friends to make him go to hospital.
Weeks before falling severely ill, he consulted the tool about recurring dizzy spells and “bouts of blood pressure instability”.
In one response, the lawsuit claims, ChatGPT advised Winters to remain in the recliner chair he had become “mainly confined to” due to ongoing health problems.
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Court documents say Winters suffered a “massive pulmonary embolism due to multiple blood clots in both of his lungs that brought him to the brink of death, one that his doctors stated was likely brought on because of his immobility”.
Screenshots of exchanges that Winters allegedly had with ChatGPT appear to show the chatbot combined medical advice with references to the 55-year-old’s deeply-held Christian faith.
The lawsuit claims ChatGPT told Winters: “God did not design your body to endlessly fail.” It also said: “God is still holding your body together, every heartbeat, every breath, even when it feels like you are on the brink.”
Winters’ lawyers claim ChatGPT’s “sycophantic nature and authoritative tone, combined with its manipulation of Scott’s religious identity, cultivated in him a dangerous reliance on the tool”.
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They say that “subverted Scott’s ability to make sound decisions, isolated him from family members who urged him to seek medical care, and convinced him that seeking medical attention was unnecessary and even potentially lethal”.
Elsewhere the lawsuit describes Winter as a “vulnerable” individual whose reliance on ChatGPT led to him losing his home and career, and left him needing “years of intensive physical and psychological recovery”.
The lawsuit says Winters seeks financial damages and for the court to compel OpenAI to implement “reasonable safeguards that protect other users from harm”.
ChatGPT’s terms of use stipulate that users should not treat the platform as a “sole source of truth”, particularly where it could “have a legal or material impact on that person, such as making credit, educational, employment, housing, insurance, legal, medical, or other important decisions about them”.
Would you use an air taxi service for city-to-airport trips?
Yes, I would love the convenience.
No, it seems unnecessary and costly.
Maybe, depending on the price and safety.
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Virgin Atlantic CEO Corneel Koster said at the Farnborough International Airshow yesterday that it will be part of a ‘premium customer experience’.
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‘This agreement marks an exciting next chapter in our partnership with Joby and a significant step towards bringing electric air taxi services to the UK,’ Koster added.
JoeBen Bevirt, the founder of Jody, added: ‘The UK is one of the most exciting markets for this technology, and this partnership could drive significant opportunities for Joby as we bring air taxi service to some of the country’s busiest cities.’
What is an air taxi?
The aircraft is often billed as a quieter, greener alternative to commercial helicopters (Picture: Virgin Atlantic/Jody Aviation)
Air taxis are a type of electric vertical-takeoff-and-landing aircraft, or eVTOLs (pronounced ‘ee-vee-tols).
Most models are fitted with six propellers to take off vertically, like a helicopter.
Once in the air, these propellers tilt so the aircraft flies like a plane, allowing it to duck in and out of cities to whisk people to airports or, we assume, Tesco’s.
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Air taxi designers tout it as a quieter and cleaner alternative to conventional helicopters, which can be costly to operate.
Some experts say advanced air mobility craft could become a regular sight in the UK by the end of the decade, even replacing cars for some users.
But these same designers have repeatedly delayed their air cab schemes – Uber wanted its air taxis in the skies by 2020, only to sell its unit to Joby that year, which set a new target of 2023.
Swansea City have confirmed the signing of Ghana international Joseph Opoku, completing a deal for the highly-rated winger after his £6m move
Swansea City have confirmed the signing of Ghana international Joseph Opoku, completing a deal for one of Belgium’s brightest young attacking talents.
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The 20-year-old winger has signed a four-year contract at the Swansea.com Stadium, with the club holding the option to extend it by a further 12 months.
Opoku arrives from Belgian side Zulte Waregem after an impressive breakthrough campaign in which he scored 10 goals and registered six assists in 34 league appearances to help the club secure promotion to the Belgian Pro League.
The Swans have now finalised the transfer, with Opoku joining Vitor Matos’ squad at their pre-season training camp in Austria after completing his first training session.
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The Ghana international becomes Swansea’s fourth senior signing of the summer following the arrivals of Stephen Welsh, Moussa Yeo and Leo Walta, although the club have also since strengthened further by bringing in New Zealand international Elijah Just.
A product of Ghanaian side Great Corinthians FC, Opoku moved to Belgium in 2024 before quickly establishing himself at Zulte Waregem.
His outstanding form last season also earned him his senior Ghana debut in May and underlined his reputation as one of the country’s most exciting young prospects.
Head coach Vitor Matos believes the winger has the attributes to make an immediate impact in the Championship.
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“He is a young player, who has been exposed to a lot of senior football in Belgium,” Matos said.
“He will be able to adapt to the physicality, the intensity and the amount of games in the Championship as we know he is a fast and sharp player.
“Opoku has joined us here in Austria, and he has had his first training session and we’re excited to have him here.”
Sporting director Ben Stevens added: “Really excited with Joseph joining us and looking forward to seeing his attacking potential flourish in Vitor’s team.
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“Two full seasons with Zulte Waregem in Belgium plus being involved with Ghana national teams highlight the ability of this young talent.”
Opoku is capable of playing across the front line but is most comfortable cutting in from the left wing, where his pace, direct running and eye for goal made him one of the standout performers in Belgium’s second tier last season.
His arrival continues a busy summer of recruitment under Matos as Swansea reshape their squad ahead of the new Championship campaign.
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