The Guardian · 19 Jul, 05:32
Terence Donovan, a British-born Australian actor and father of Jason Donovan, has died aged 90. He was known for his roles in police dramas Division 4 and Cop Shop, as well as his character Doug Willis in Neighbours.
Terence Donovan, a British-born Australian actor, has passed away at the age of 90. He was popular for his roles in two police dramas, Division 4 and Cop Shop, which aired in the 1970s and 1980s. Donovan was also a regular cast member on Neighbours in the early 1990s, playing the character Doug Willis, which he reprised several times over the years. His sons, Jason and Paul Donovan, released a statement describing their father as 'a huge character, larger than life' and said they take comfort in knowing they were by his side in his final days.
Why it matters: Terence Donovan's death marks the end of an era for Australian television, as he was a well-known and beloved actor for many years. His contributions to Australian television, particularly in the 1970s and 1980s, are still remembered and celebrated today. As the father of actor Jason Donovan, he will also be remembered for his influence on his son's career.
90 (Terence Donovan's age at death), 1970s and 1980s (decades when Division 4 and Cop Shop aired), $100,000 (grant from Create NSW to the Divine Playhouse)
Our dad was a huge character, larger than life. We will desperately miss him but we take comfort knowing we were all here by his side in his final days.
The Guardian · 19 Jul, 05:34
An Australian man, Phu Nguyen, 57, was detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Los Angeles after an earlier attempt to arrest him in Las Vegas was interrupted by bystanders.
Phu Nguyen, an Australian citizen originally from Vietnam, was first approached by ICE agents at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas on July 13. However, the attempt to detain him was interrupted by bystanders, and the agents chose not to proceed with the arrest at that time. Nguyen was eventually taken into custody on Tuesday after landing in Los Angeles. According to ICE Los Angeles, Nguyen had overstayed his visa, which expired in May 2015.
Why it matters: The incident has sparked controversy and criticism of ICE's actions, with some lawmakers and citizens expressing concern over the agency's tactics and accountability. The incident also highlights the issue of immigration enforcement and the treatment of individuals who overstay their visas.
57 (Nguyen's age), 2013 (year Nguyen entered the US), 2015 (year Nguyen's visa expired), 22 (number of deaths in ICE custody in 2026), 12,000 (number of ICE officers hired during the Trump administration)
The article does not contain a direct quote from Phu Nguyen that stands out as particularly notable beyond his expressions of confusion during the attempted arrest.
The Guardian · 19 Jul, 04:00
A new book titled 'Langers & Lashes: A Compendium of Cork Slang' by Des MacHale offers a comprehensive collection of Cork's unique slang terms, showcasing the city's rich and playful language.
Des MacHale, an 80-year-old mathematician and University College Cork emeritus professor, has published a book titled 'Langers & Lashes: A Compendium of Cork Slang'. The book is a collection of Cork's unique slang terms, which MacHale describes as 'an extraordinarily rich area that most dictionaries avoid'. The book includes terms such as 'langer', which can mean idiot, drunkenness, or penis, and 'lash', which refers to an attractive woman. MacHale drew on two earlier books about Cork slang and conversations with Cork residents to compile the compendium.
Why it matters: The book matters because it documents and preserves Cork's unique slang, which is an important part of the city's culture and identity. It also highlights the city's distinct language and wit, which sets it apart from other parts of Ireland. Additionally, the book aims to encourage contemporary Cork speakers to embrace the city's renowned wit while rejecting harmful stereotypes.
80 (Des MacHale's age), 55 (years MacHale has lived in Cork), 50 (years since MacHale's book of Kerryman jokes was first published)
'Langer is an absolutely beautiful word. I'm very fond of it,' says MacHale.
NPR News · 19 Jul, 04:00
Argentina and Spain will meet in the 2026 World Cup final, featuring a matchup between their star players Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal.
The 2026 World Cup final will be played between Argentina and Spain. The match is scheduled for Sunday afternoon in East Rutherford, New Jersey. This will be the first meeting between the two teams' star players, Lionel Messi of Argentina and Lamine Yamal of Spain.
Why it matters: This match is significant because it features two of the world's top soccer teams and players. The matchup between Messi and Yamal is highly anticipated, and the game is expected to be a classic.
NPR News · 19 Jul, 00:57
The Tate brothers, Andrew and Tristan, were arrested in Miami on a sealed warrant. They are sought for extradition by British prosecutors on charges of rape and trafficking.
The Tate brothers, Andrew and Tristan, were taken into custody by U.S. Marshals in Miami on a sealed warrant. British prosecutors are seeking their extradition on charges of rape and trafficking. The arrest was confirmed by the U.S. Marshals Service, who told the Associated Press about the detention.
Why it matters: This arrest is significant because it marks a development in a high-profile case involving allegations of serious crimes. The extradition request from British prosecutors indicates that the Tate brothers will face trial in the UK if extradited.
NPR News · 18 Jul, 20:06
Josh Kerr of Britain broke the 27-year-old world record in the mile on July 18, 2026, at the London Stadium.
Josh Kerr of Britain announced his bid to break the world record in the mile months in advance and successfully achieved it on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at the London Stadium during the Novuna London Athletics Meet, part of the 2026 Wanda Diamond League. This event marked a significant milestone in Kerr's career as he surpassed the existing record that had stood for 27 years. The exact details of his record-breaking time were not provided in the given text.
Why it matters: This achievement is significant as it marks a new milestone in track and field history, showcasing Kerr's exceptional athleticism and dedication. Breaking a 27-year-old record highlights the rarity of such accomplishments and underscores Kerr's outstanding performance.
27 years (duration the previous record stood), July 18, 2026 (date of the record), 2026 (year of the event)
Ars Technica · 18 Jul, 11:18
The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in prior authorization for health insurance claims may help expedite approvals, but it also raises concerns about increasing wrongful denials of coverage. A survey of physicians found that 61% worry that AI will exacerbate denials of necessary treatments.
Prior authorization is a process used by health insurers to verify the medical necessity of certain treatments or services before covering them. While it can help control costs, it can also cause care delays and patient frustration. AI is being considered as a potential solution to streamline the process, but there are concerns that it may lead to more wrongful denials of coverage. A 2025 American Medical Association survey found that many physicians are worried about the application of AI tools in prior authorization.
Why it matters: The use of AI in prior authorization has the potential to significantly impact patient care and healthcare costs. If implemented poorly, it could lead to more denials of necessary treatments, exacerbating existing problems with the prior authorization process. On the other hand, if done correctly, AI could help reduce care delays and improve the efficiency of the process.
61% (of physicians surveyed who expressed concern that AI will exacerbate denials of necessary treatments), 2025 (year of American Medical Association survey)