Outage Plagues X, Spotify, ChatGPT; New Train Station Homes Approved; US Sells F-35 Jets to Saudi Arabia; Brazil Creates Indigenous Territories Amid COP30 Protests; Cambridge Dictionary Names ‘Parasocial’ Word of the Year; Australian Murderer Seeks Vegemite Permission in Prison; UK Online Pricing Crackdown Targets 100+ Firms; Government Cuts Ticket Resales at Face Value
X, Spotify and ChatGPT Hit by Major Outage Affecting Thousands
Major tech outages have disrupted services for millions of users across platforms including X (formerly Twitter), Spotify and ChatGPT. The incidents were reported to be widespread, impacting access to the sites and features for a large number of online consumers.
- X, Spotify and ChatGPT down for thousands of users — Sky News
- X, Spotify and ChatGPT among those hit by major outage — Sky News
New Homes Near Train Stations: Planners Set to Approve Default
Sky News reports that planners are expected to automatically approve the development of new homes near train stations, making it nearly impossible for residents or groups to block such projects.
- Live near a train station? Expect lots of new homes — Sky News
- New homes near stations to be made almost impossible to block — Sky News
US to Sell F-35 Jets to Saudi Arabia Ahead of Crown Prince’s Visit
President Trump announces the sale of advanced F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia during Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit, signaling strengthened defense cooperation.
- US to sell F-35 jets to Saudi Arabia, Trump says ahead of crown prince’s visit — BBC News
- US investor snaps up screen rights licensing group MPLC — Sky News
Brazil creates new Indigenous territories amid COP30 protests
During the UN climate summit in Brazil, protesters disrupt proceedings to secure recognition of additional Indigenous lands.
- Brazil creates new Indigenous territories during protest-hit COP30 — BBC News
- Brazil creates new Indigenous territories after COP30 protests — BBC News
Cambridge Dictionary names ‘parasocial’ its word of the year
The Cambridge Dictionary has named ‘parasocial’ its Word of the Year for 2025, reflecting the growing phenomenon where individuals feel they have an intimate relationship with celebrities or public figures despite limited interaction.
Australian Murderer Seeks Permission to Eat Vegemite in Prison
An Australian murderer has filed a lawsuit seeking the right to consume Vegemite, a popular spread, while incarcerated. The case highlights debates over food rights and dietary restrictions for prisoners.
- Australian murderer sues for right to eat Vegemite behind bars — BBC News
- Australia detains South African seen at neo-Nazi rally — BBC News
Online Pricing Crackdown Targets Over 100 UK Firms
More than a hundred firms in the UK face enforcement action over online pricing practices, as regulators crackdown on unfair or misleading pricing strategies.
Ticket resales to be capped at face value under government crackdown on rip-off prices
The UK government plans to cap ticket resale prices at face value in an effort to prevent scalpers and unscrupulous operators from exploiting fans, particularly during major events like concerts and sports matches.
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