Increase in road deaths amid rise of e-bikes prompts Houten to test willingness of freedom-loving cyclists to slow down

As road deaths increase and cycle lanes overflow with e-bikes, the Netherlands is considering a cycling speed limit of 12mph (20km/h).

The government has started a two-week trial in Houten, near Utrecht, to gauge whether freedom-loving Dutch cyclists are willing to slow down – and whether they have any idea how fast they are going in the first place.

Continue reading...

© Photograph: Posed by model; GabrielPevide/Getty Images

© Photograph: Posed by model; GabrielPevide/Getty Images

© Photograph: Posed by model; GabrielPevide/Getty Images

Check-in counters at Hong Kong International Airport’s Terminal 2 will open at the end of the month, with 15 airlines – including HK Express and Hong Kong Airlines – moving to the new location in phases.

The departure hall at Terminal 2, which will open on May 27, will be home to eight aisles totalling 160 check-in counters, Airport Authority Hong Kong said in a press release on Friday.

Three Hong Kong carriers – HK Express, Hong Kong Airlines and Greater Bay Airlines – will have their check-in services gradually moved to Terminal 2.

Starting from May 27, those flying Hong Kong Airlines will have to check in at the new terminal, local media reported earlier. Greater Bay Airlines and HK Express passengers will start checking in at Terminal 2 on June 3 and June 10, respectively.

The other affected airlines include AirAsia, Vietjet Air, Bangkok Airways and Cebu Pacific Air.

Airport Authority Hong Kong said 29 airport bus routes would have an additional Terminal 2 departures stop, while those arriving by taxi or car can alight at the kerbside outside the new terminal.

The new terminal will also be connected to Car Park 3 via a covered walkway.

Passengers for all of the airlines will still have to board their flights at Terminal 1, which they can access via the Automated People Mover trains after checking in.

Four restaurants will be in operation at Terminal 2, according to a restaurant listing on the airport’s website, including chains Luckin Coffee and Tong Kee Bao Dim.

Terminal 2 has been closed since 2019 to facilitate the airport’s upgrade to a three-runway system.

WASHINGTON: A major US surveillance authority is set to expire on Friday midnight, deepening concerns over national security as the World Cup gets underway and Washington remains deadlocked over President Donald Trump’s intelligence leadership.

Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act allows US spy agencies to collect communications of foreign targets overseas without a warrant, including when they contact people inside the United States.

Officials describe the program­­me as one of Washington’s most im­­portant counterterrorism and espionage tools, while privacy advocates and lawmakers in both parties have long warned that it can sweep up Americans’ communications without adequate safeguards.

The authority expires at midnight Friday going into Saturday after the House of Representatives and Senate both failed to pass a short-term extension on Thursday.

Congress fails to extend Surveillance Act’s section that allows warrantless surveillance of foreign targets overseas

The lapse comes as the United States co-hosts the World Cup with Canada and Mexico, bringing fans from the 48 participating countries to stadiums across the continent.

FBI Director Kash Patel said this week that preventing terrorist attacks during the World Cup is the bureau’s top priority, noting it is expected to be one of the largest US sporting events ever held.

The immediate consequences of expiration remain uncertain, however, because surveillance operations under Section 702 are authorised through annual certifications approved by the secretive Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court.

The court approved a new certification in March, meaning some existing surveillance could theoretically continue until March 2027 even without fresh congressional action. But lawmakers and intelligence experts warn that the legal picture is murkier in practice.

With the House out of session until June 23 and Senate leaving Washington, Congress has no clear path to restore the authority.

‘Tighten World Cup security’

Meanwhile, a hacker group claims to have breached FBI drones and has threatened to target the World Cup that kicked off this week, a monitoring group said on Friday.

The SITE Intelligence Group published a statement from Handala said to be linked to Iran saying they had had access “for months” to “every image and every suspect” captured by first-person view drones used by the FBI.

“Better tighten your World Cup security, we don’t like some of those teams at all. Don’t forget: FPVs are everywhere; you never know when one might end up right in your team’s bus,” Handala said in the statement quoted by SITE.

Published in Dawn, June 13th, 2026

MELAKA, June 8 — The Pekanbaru-Melaka-Pekanbaru flight route, which will begin operating at Batu Berendam International Airport on Wednesday (June 10), is expected to invigorate the state’s health tourism sector through the arrival of visitors from Indonesia seeking medical treatment in Melaka.

State Works, Infrastructure, Public Facilities and Transportation Committee chairman Datuk Hameed Mytheen Kunju Basheer said the flight service, operated by Wings Air, will operate three times a week, namely Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

“There is a high demand for health services in Melaka among Indonesians, and this route will make it easier for them to obtain treatment in the state.

“Previously, many used the ferry service, but now, with this flight route, they have an option to either travel by ferry or by air,” he told a media conference at the Batu Berendam International Airport here today.

Hameed said the state government, through the Tourism Promotion Division (BPP), will collaborate with private hospitals to intensify health tourism promotions to attract more visitors from Indonesia to Melaka.

He said the flight for the Pekanbaru-Melaka-Pekanbaru route is set to operate using the ATR 72 aircraft, which can carry 72 passengers.

The first flight is scheduled to begin on Wednesday, with more than 50 passengers expected to arrive from Pekanbaru at the Batu Berendam International Airport.

He said the flight is scheduled to arrive at 12.40pm, then return to Pekanbaru at 1.10pm.

Meanwhile, Hameed said another new route, namely Melaka to Penang, by Batik Air is expected to operate within the next two months.

He said the route has received approval from Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) and is currently undergoing the process related to the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM).

“However, the dates and frequency of flights have yet to be finalised by the airline company,” he said.

He said the addition of the flight route was among the state government’s efforts to strengthen Melaka’s air transportation system, thus increasing the presence of tourists and investors from both within and outside the country. — Bernama 

Following several Iranian missile strikes targeting Turkey, Ankara is accelerating its efforts to create its own missile defence system dubbed the “steel dome”. According to reports, it is in talks to procure Europe's latest anti-missile system. But Ankara’s aspirations are unnerving Israel – as well as its neighbours, Greece and Cyprus.

The United States opened their World Cup campaign with a 4-1 win over Paraguay on Friday, powered by a first-half double from striker Folarin Balogun, but the victory was tempered by concern over the fitness of Christian Pulisic.

The emphatic Group D win marked a dream start for the co-hosts, whose four goals were their most ever in a World Cup match. Balogun became the first US player to score twice in a World Cup game since the 1930 tournament.

“Amazing result,” US captain Tim Ream said.

“It’s exactly the way we wanted to start the tournament.”

The US broke through Paraguay’s vaunted defence in the seventh minute when Pulisic deftly split two players and found Weston McKennie, whose cross was kicked into the net by Damian Bobadilla for an own goal.

Shortly after the first-half hydration break, Pulisic raced with the ball up the left side and sent a perfect cross to Balogun, who angled his shot past the diving goalkeeper Orlando Gill for a 2-0 lead.

Balogun struck again on the stroke of halftime, taking a long pass and shaking off a sliding defender and hammering a left-footed shot into the top corner of the net to wrap up a flawless half for the home side.

Pulisic injury concern

The only blemish on the night for the US came when Pulisic was substituted at halftime by coach Mauricio Pochettino because of tightness in his calf.

“It was difficult for him to walk, but I hope that it is not a big issue and he can be ready for the next one,” Pochettino said.

Paraguay came out of the break with more intensity, and finally got on the board in the 73rd minute with a goal from substitute Mauricio, who took advantage of a defensive lapse by the US.

But the Americans continued to control the game and Gio Reyna scored from the edge of the box with the outside of his right foot in the closing action of the match.

“The opposition were better than us,” Paraguay defender Junior Alonso said.

“We were able to play further forward (in the second half). These are things we need to improve on for the next match. We have two games left, and we must improve. Regretting things wont help us at all; we need to use these mistakes to improve and put in a better performance that brings us closer to victory.”

Ream said his team would seize on the momentum.

“There’s not a whole lot of words to describe the feeling,” he said.

“You want to start the tournament off on a good foot, scoring four goals, getting three points. It sets you up for the rest of the group stage, for sure.”

High-profile spectators

Played under Los Angeles Stadium’s massive, semi-translucent roof, the game drew a crowd of high-profile spectators, including Tom Cruise and David Beckham, who was honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame earlier in the day.

Despite pre-tournament concerns over high ticket prices, Los Angeles Stadium was sold out for the match, with the NFL home of the Rams and Chargers and site of next year’s Super Bowl configured for a World Cup capacity of 70,492.

“Massive thank you to the fans because the energy they gave to the team was amazing,” Pochettino said.

“We can do amazing things if the fans are in this as well.”

The US entered the tournament looking to improve on their last-16 finish in Qatar.

Paraguay, meanwhile, came through the demanding Conmebol qualifying campaign to make their first appearance in the tournament since 2010.

The first men’s World Cup match on US soil in 32 years included a pregame performance by singer Katy Perry and a parade of nations, where some booing could be heard when the flag of Iran was carried into the stadium. Iran play their first match of the tournament in Los Angeles on Monday.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio watched the match alongside Paraguay President Santiago Pena and FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

The US will again be favoured when they face Australia on June 19 in Seattle, while Paraguay will look to bounce back when they travel to Santa Clara to face Turkiye.

Co-hosts Mexico became the first team to secure a place in the World Cup knockout stage after a 1-0 victory over South Korea at a jubilant Guadalajara Stadium on Thursday. Luis Romo scored shortly after half-time, capitalising on a goalkeeping error, to seal Mexico's second straight win and confirm them as Group A winners with one match remaining.

GRAHAM CHRIMES posted a photo:

Stoke Row Steam Rally 2026.

NEW YORK, June 2 — Meta is facing scrutiny after security researchers found that its AI‑powered support chatbot could be manipulated to grant unauthorised access to Instagram accounts.

Futurism reported that multiple users and cybersecurity researchers demonstrated how Meta’s automated support agent — designed to help with account recovery — could be tricked into handing over access links simply by claiming to be the account owner. In several documented cases, the bot allegedly provided password‑reset or login‑recovery URLs without verifying the requester’s identity.

According to the report, the vulnerability allowed attackers to bypass standard security checks, including two‑factor authentication, by exploiting the chatbot’s willingness to accept unverified claims. Screenshots shared by researchers showed the bot responding with recovery links after minimal prompting.

Meta told Futurism that it had taken action to address the issue, but did not specify what changes were made. The company also said it had not found evidence of “widespread abuse,” though researchers quoted in the article argued that the flaw was significant and easily exploitable.

Cybersecurity analysts warned that the incident highlights broader risks in deploying AI systems for sensitive support functions without robust verification safeguards. Some experts said the case underscores how AI‑driven customer service tools can unintentionally create new attack surfaces if not properly secured.

The report noted that several affected Instagram users have since regained control of their accounts.

England began their World Cup campaign against Croatia with a 4-2 victory in a rematch of the 2018 semi-final. Thomas Tuchel's side put aside the pre-match selection controversy to claim three points in Group L. Follow the key moments from the match below.

In a digital-first world, technology is no longer just a support function—it is the foundation of how businesses operate, compete, and grow. From cloud platforms and cybersecurity to collaboration tools and data analytics, organizations rely on a complex ecosystem of technologies to drive efficiency and innovation. For growing businesses, managing this environment internally can quickly become overwhelming.

Managed IT services have emerged as a critical solution, enabling organizations to offload the complexity of IT management to experienced providers. By delivering proactive support, strategic guidance, and scalable solutions, managed IT services empower businesses to focus on growth while maintaining secure, high-performing systems.

The Increasing Complexity of IT Environments

As businesses expand, their technology needs evolve rapidly. What may begin as a simple setup—basic networks, a few applications, and limited infrastructure—can quickly grow into a complex system involving cloud platforms, remote work tools, cybersecurity measures, and integrated software solutions.

This complexity introduces challenges such as:

• Managing multiple systems and vendors
• Ensuring consistent performance across platforms
• Maintaining security across expanding networks
• Supporting a growing and distributed workforce

Without the right expertise, these challenges can slow growth and introduce risk. Managed IT services provide the structure and oversight needed to manage increasingly complex environments effectively.

Supporting Scalable Growth

Growth requires flexibility. As businesses add employees, expand into new markets, or launch new products, their IT infrastructure must be able to scale accordingly. Managed IT services are designed with scalability in mind, allowing organizations to adjust resources and capabilities as needed.

Managed providers support growth by:

• Scaling infrastructure to match demand
• Deploying new systems and applications efficiently
• Supporting onboarding for new employees and locations
• Ensuring systems remain stable during periods of expansion

This scalability ensures that technology supports growth rather than becoming a bottleneck.

Enhancing Cybersecurity in a High-Risk Landscape

Cybersecurity threats are increasing in both frequency and sophistication. For growing businesses, which may lack dedicated security teams, this presents a significant risk. A single breach can result in financial loss, operational disruption, and reputational damage.

Managed IT services strengthen security by implementing:

• Continuous monitoring for threats and vulnerabilities
• Regular updates and patch management
• Endpoint protection and firewall management
• Employee training and awareness programs

By taking a proactive approach to security, managed providers help businesses protect their data, systems, and customers.

Improving Operational Efficiency

Managing IT internally often requires significant time and resources. Teams must handle everything from troubleshooting technical issues to maintaining infrastructure and ensuring system updates. This can divert attention away from core business objectives.

Managed IT services improve efficiency by:

• Automating routine maintenance tasks
• Providing 24/7 monitoring and support
• Resolving issues quickly to minimize disruption
• Streamlining IT operations through standardized processes

With fewer operational burdens, internal teams can focus on strategic initiatives that drive growth and innovation.

Reducing Costs and Improving Budget Predictability

Hiring, training, and retaining an in-house IT team can be costly, particularly for growing businesses with limited budgets. Additionally, unexpected IT issues can lead to unplanned expenses.

Managed IT services offer a more predictable cost structure, typically through a subscription-based model. This allows businesses to:

• Control and forecast IT spending
• Avoid large capital expenditures on infrastructure
• Reduce costs associated with downtime and system failures
• Access enterprise-level expertise without the overhead

This financial predictability makes it easier for businesses to plan and allocate resources effectively.

Enabling Remote and Hybrid Work

The modern workforce is increasingly distributed, with employees working from multiple locations and devices. Supporting remote and hybrid work environments requires secure access, reliable connectivity, and consistent performance.

Managed IT services enable this flexibility by:

• Implementing secure remote access solutions
• Supporting collaboration tools and platforms
• Managing devices and endpoints across locations
• Ensuring consistent user experiences regardless of location

This capability not only improves productivity but also helps businesses attract and retain talent.

Providing Access to Expertise and Innovation

Technology evolves rapidly, and staying up to date with the latest tools, trends, and best practices can be challenging. Managed IT service providers bring specialized expertise and industry knowledge that many businesses cannot maintain internally.

This includes:

• Guidance on adopting new technologies
• Recommendations for improving infrastructure
• Support for digital transformation initiatives
• Insights into industry trends and best practices

Access to this expertise helps businesses remain competitive and make informed technology decisions.

Ensuring Business Continuity and Resilience

Unexpected disruptions—whether caused by cyberattacks, hardware failures, or natural disasters—can have serious consequences. Managed IT services help businesses prepare for and respond to these events.

Providers support continuity by:

• Implementing backup and disaster recovery solutions
• Designing resilient infrastructure
• Monitoring systems to detect issues early
• Responding quickly to incidents

These measures ensure that businesses can continue operating even in the face of challenges.

Aligning IT Strategy with Business Goals

One of the most significant advantages of managed IT services is the ability to align technology with broader business objectives. Rather than taking a reactive approach, managed providers work with organizations to develop long-term IT strategies that support growth.

This includes:

• Planning for future infrastructure needs
• Identifying opportunities for efficiency and innovation
• Ensuring technology investments deliver measurable value
• Supporting overall business strategy

By aligning IT with business goals, organizations can use technology as a driver of growth rather than just a support function.

Conclusion

Managed IT services are essential for growing businesses navigating the demands of a digital-first world. By providing scalable solutions, enhanced security, operational efficiency, and strategic guidance, these services enable organizations to manage complexity while focusing on growth.

As technology continues to evolve and play an even greater role in business success, the importance of managed IT services will only increase. Businesses that invest in these services are better equipped to scale, innovate, and compete in an increasingly digital and competitive landscape.

The post Why Managed IT Services Are Essential for Growing Businesses in a Digital-First World appeared first on Social Lifestyle Magazine.

Turkey’s role in Somalia is under growing scrutiny, with the East African country embroiled in controversy over elections and Israel stepping up efforts to challenge Turkey in the region.