Claude Sonnet 5 becomes the default model on free plans
Claude Sonnet 5 is now the default model on Anthropic’s free and pro plans, arriving with cut-price introductory token pricing for developers.
Technology
International
Zaire Wade arrested on felony domestic violence charges
Zaire Wade, son of Dwyane Wade, was arrested on felony domestic violence charges in Burbank and freed after posting a $50,000 bond.
News
Nigeria seeks compensation from South Africa over assets
Nigeria will seek compensation from South Africa for returnees who abandoned businesses and homes during the anti-immigration protests.
Movies
‘Moana’ live action release date arrives next Friday
The ‘Moana’ live action release date is Friday, 10 July 2026, with Dwayne Johnson back as Maui and Catherine Laga’aia leading Disney’s remake.
Movies
‘Minions and Monsters’ lands as franchise’s best-rated film
‘Minions and Monsters’ opened on 1 July 2026 with a record 92% Rotten Tomatoes score, the best-reviewed film in the Despicable Me franchise.
Technology
Anthropic launches Claude Science workbench for researchers
Anthropic Claude Science is a new AI workbench for researchers, launched 30 June 2026 with grants of up to $30,000 for 50 science projects.
Crime
Hillbrow shooting sees three arrested for attempted murder
Three arrested after the Hillbrow shooting that wounded two during the 30 June anti-immigration marches, with attempted murder charges to follow.
International
Madonna ‘Confessions II’ release date lands this Friday
Madonna ‘Confessions II’ release date is Friday, 3 July 2026, the long-awaited dancefloor sequel to her 2005 album on Warner Records.
International
Karamo Brown seemingly confirms Jussie Smollett romance
Karamo Brown has seemingly confirmed he is dating Jussie Smollett, telling a podcast the actor will one day become his husband.
International
Caroline Flack’s brother Paul Flack dies aged 55
Caroline Flack’s brother Paul Flack has died aged 55, a Norfolk coroner confirmed, six years after the Love Island host’s death in 2020.
Sports
Serena Williams beaten on Wimbledon singles return
Serena Williams’ Wimbledon singles return ended in a three-set loss to Maya Joint, capping a comeback after nearly four years away from singles.
Gaming
‘Black Flag Resynced’ release date confirmed for July 9
The ‘Black Flag Resynced’ release date is Thursday 9 July 2026 on PS5, Xbox and PC, with a ground-up remake and new Blackbeard content.
Gaming
‘Palworld 1.0’ release date set for July with huge update
‘Palworld 1.0’ release date is Friday 10 July 2026 on PS5, Xbox and PC, bringing new Pals, a World Tree region and doubled map size
International
Lil Durk moves to split racketeering counts before trial
Lil Durk has asked a judge to split or dismiss the new racketeering counts in his murder-for-hire case, weeks before his August trial
International
Kanye West settles ex-assistant sexual assault lawsuit
Kanye West is close to ending his ex-assistant’s sexual assault lawsuit after a mediation deal, with settlement terms expected to stay private
News
Birthright citizenship upheld as Supreme Court rejects Trump
The US Supreme Court has upheld birthright citizenship in a 6-3 ruling against Donald Trump, settling who counts as a citizen at birth
International
‘Elle’, the ‘Legally Blonde’ prequel, lands on Prime Video
‘Elle’, the ‘Legally Blonde’ prequel with Lexi Minetree, lands all eight episodes on Prime Video on 1 July 2026, rewinding to a teen Elle Woods.
Gaming
‘Splatoon Raiders’ release date set for 23 July on Switch 2
‘Splatoon Raiders’ release date is set for 23 July 2026 on Switch 2, a single-player spin-off Nintendo detailed in a dedicated Direct.
International
Kevin Spacey says Hollywood comeback is finally happening
Kevin Spacey says his Hollywood comeback is finally happening, telling Bill Maher he feels much more welcomed nine years after the allegations.
International
‘Enola Holmes 3’ Netflix release date confirmed for July
‘Enola Holmes 3’ Netflix release date is set for 1 July 2026, with Millie Bobby Brown chasing a kidnapped Sherlock to Malta on her wedding day.
News
Pakistan strikes Afghanistan border, dozens killed
Pakistan strikes on the Afghanistan border killed dozens, with Islamabad and Kabul giving sharply different accounts of who died on 28 June 2026.
International
Prince Harry UK visit in doubt over security row
Prince Harry’s UK visit with Meghan Markle and their children is in doubt after the government reportedly rejected a last-minute security request.
International
Taylor Swift wedding: Gigi Hadid and Selena confirmed
Gigi Hadid and Selena Gomez are the only two bridesmaids confirmed for the Taylor Swift wedding, reportedly set for 3 July at Madison Square Garden.
Technology
OpenAI previews GPT-5.6 Sol, Terra and Luna models
OpenAI begins a limited preview of GPT-5.6 Sol, Terra and Luna, its new model family, with fresh reasoning modes and a three-tier pricing split.
News
July 2026 fuel price adjustments confirmed: Here’s everything you must know
The highly anticipated July 2026 fuel price adjustment South Africa brings massive financial relief, as petrol decreases and wholesale diesel drops following significant global market shifts.
News
30 June protest puts Cape Town police on high alert
Western Cape police are on high alert for the 30 June protest as anti-immigration groups push a nationwide day of action. Here is what you must know.
Gaming
‘Halo: Campaign Evolved’ release date set for July
The ‘Halo: Campaign Evolved’ release date is set for 28 July 2026 on Xbox, PS5 and PC, with early access from 23 July and Game Pass day one.
Crime
Feroz Khan shot in Houghton assassination attempt
Crime intelligence boss Feroz Khan shot in a Houghton assassination attempt, days before his expected Madlanga Commission testimony.
Movies
‘Tangled’ live-action filming begins in Spain and UK
Disney’s ‘Tangled’ live-action filming has begun in Spain and the UK, with Teagan Croft as Rapunzel and Kathryn Hahn as Mother Gothel.
International
‘X-Men ’97’ season 2 release date confirmed for Disney+
Marvel confirms the ‘X-Men ’97’ season 2 release date on Disney+, with the mutant heroes scattered across time to face Apocalypse.