2 Indian soldiers and a suspected militant are killed in a drawn-out gunfight in Kashmir [deltaMinutes] mins ago Now
Day: August 9, 2025
OpenAI Teases Imminent Reveal of GPT-5 AI Model
OpenAI is set to make a significant announcement this Thursday, hinting at the potential unveiling of its highly anticipated GPT-5 AI model. The company’s recent post on X stated, “LIVE5TREAM THURSDAY 10AM PT,” cleverly substituting the letter “s” in “livestream” with the number “5,” signaling the expected announcement, reports 24brussels.
Recent indicators suggest that a release is on the horizon. On Sunday, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman shared a screenshot that featured “ChatGPT 5” prominently, while the company’s head of applied research expressed enthusiasm about the public’s reception of GPT-5 following a post on Monday. Altman previously stated last month that OpenAI aims to launch GPT-5 “soon.”
In a related report last month, Tom Warren indicated that OpenAI was preparing to launch GPT-5 in early August, with Microsoft also reportedly gearing up server capacity for the new model. This anticipated release comes during a noteworthy week for OpenAI, which recently introduced GPT-OSS, a free open-weight model available for personal computing devices.
With the tech community eagerly awaiting further developments, the potential debut of GPT-5 could once again position OpenAI at the forefront of AI innovation, showcasing the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence technology.
Update, August 6th: Added additional context from another report from Tom Warren.
Ninove – Six silver maple trees in Ninove have undergone extensive pruning following complaints from local residents, including William De Neve. While Alderman Pascal Schietecat defended the action as necessary, Groen’s Jordy De Dobbeleer criticized the decision.
According to reports from VRT News, the trees were trimmed using a technique known as “candlestick pruning,” which has sparked considerable dissatisfaction among locals. Positioned near residential apartments, the trees were pruned significantly, leading to concerns about their health and aesthetics.
While experts suggest that the trees will grow new branches in due course, the immediate aftermath has left them devoid of shade and unsightly. This incident has triggered a broader discussion about how municipalities should balance tree maintenance with the needs of residents in the vicinity.
Reasons Behind the Pruning of Silver Maple Trees in Ninove
The decision to prune the trees came after complaints from apartment residents who felt the trees deprived them of sunlight. De Neve highlighted the severity of the situation, suggesting that the lack of natural light forced residents to use artificial lighting during daytime.
Following the pruning, some residents expressed satisfaction with the increased daylight in their homes, while others lamented the barren appearance of the trees and questioned whether the extent of the cutting was excessive. This has initiated a contentious debate regarding the proper treatment of urban trees and the rights of local inhabitants.
Jordy De Dobbeleer from Groen Ninove expressed disappointment with the city’s approach, arguing that previous pruning methods had been more appropriate. He claims that the current technique has harmed the trees, suggesting that the city is unfairly targeting them for simply providing shade.
“It’s a complete mess and shows the city is not supporting green ideas,”
De Dobbeleer asserted.
He further criticized recent decisions made by the council, including cuts to funding directed at Natuurpunt, an organization focused on nature conservation, as well as reducing green areas to accommodate parking facilities.
Alderman Schietecat of the Forza Ninove party maintained that the pruning was a justified action, noting that the silver maples, planted in 2003, were unsuitable for the area’s environment. He explained that initial estimates of the trees’ height were incorrect, as they can grow to 30 meters instead of the anticipated 12 meters.
Schietecat emphasized that the trees had become problematic for nearby residents, necessitating intervention. He acknowledged that while the current state of the trees may not be visually appealing, it was essential for remedying a past oversight. Additionally, he hinted at the possibility of removing the trees in the future and replacing them with smaller, more suitable species, though a final decision has yet to be reached.
, reports 24brussels.
Figures suggest shift from country’s traditional summer culture, with lounger and parasol rentals up to €90 a day
Italians appear to be snubbing beaches this summer, amid claims they are rebelling against the high prices charged by the owners of private beach concessions.
Going to the beach and renting cabins, loungers and parasols – usually at the same location – has long been an ingrained habit of Italian summer holiday culture.
MILWAUKEE — Much of the Mets fan base might feel differently, but the team’s president of baseball operations said Friday he is “excited” he will get to watch Frankie Montas face the Brewers. “I know he’s working hard,” David Stearns said. “And I am looking forward to seeing him get some outs.” Montas, who either…
EU Launches New Network to Combat Child Sexual Abuse
The European Commission has initiated a new offensive in the battle against child abuse across Europe. On Tuesday, it announced a call for applications to join the newly formed Network for the Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse, marking a significant step forward in coordinating efforts among key stakeholders.
This Network aims to enhance collaboration between the Commission, member states, researchers, practitioners on the front lines, and other relevant entities. Its primary objective is to support the effective implementation of EU legislation, programs, and policies designed to prevent child sexual abuse and exploitation.
The scope of the Network encompasses various prevention strategies, including reducing the risk of individuals becoming offenders or re-offenders and decreasing the chances of children falling victim to abuse. A Commission spokesman emphasized that the Network will promote collaboration, share best practices, and aid in research.
“inform research, facilitate cooperation with key partners at both EU and international level, while also offering support to the Commission and Member States in the effective implementation of prevention programmes.”
The establishment of this Network reflects the Commission’s commitment to addressing a core initiative of the EU strategy aimed at intensifying the fight against child sexual abuse. The spokesman reiterated the EU’s strong focus on prevention as a vital component in combatting this issue.
“reaffirming its strong commitment to prevention as a central element in combating child sexual abuse.”
The application process is open until September 15 and is directed toward individual experts and organizations actively engaged in the prevention of child sexual abuse and exploitation.
, reports 24brussels.