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The wind is whistling through the vibrant motorcycle markets of Thailand, and the engines are roaring louder with every turn as we find ourselves racing through the months of 2025. However, tread cautiously—the flashy numbers and adrenaline-fueled stats might hit a sudden curb, with industry giants warning of potential speed bumps ahead. So far, the story goes like this: In the first five months, motorcycle production and sales have kicked it up a gear. Thailand, a nation practically humming with the purr of motorbikes, has managed an impressive churn of over 1 million motorcycles—a 5% boost year-on-year. Out of these, a little over 865,000 rolled off the line as completely built-up units, marking a 3% rise. Meanwhile, the completely knocked-down kits jumped an impressive 13% to nearly 200,000 units. The domestic thirst for two-wheelers seems unquenchable—motorcycle sales are up by 1.6%, with a total of 751,848 motorcycles finding new homes.…

MANILA, Philippines — Seasoned journalist and corporate communications executive Dave Gomez took his oath on Friday as the new secretary of the Presidential Communications Office (PCO). He was sworn in by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin at Malacañan Palace. READ: Marcos appoints ex-journalist Dave Gomez as PCO secretary In a brief statement to reporters, Gomez vowed

Here’s a quick roundup of today’s top stories: 9 years after arbitral ruling, China still defies PH Sea claim The Philippine government sounded the alarm over China’s continued rejection of the historic arbitral award, nine years after the arbitral tribunal ruled in favor of Manila and dismissed Beijing’s claims over the South China Sea. Foreign

AS the soaring temperatures continue, you may find yourself blasting your car’s air con.

However, an overlooked button on your dashboard can help to instantly cool your vehicle without even turning on your AC.

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A handy hack can help to cool your car down without draining your fuel (stock image)[/caption]

This simple hack could prove to be your summertime saviour as the scorching heatwave continues.

While it may be tempting to reach for your car’s air conditioning dial, another feature can be just as effective without costing you as much money to run.

Look for a button marked with a little arrow pointing back on itself, often accompanied by a car symbol.

Recirculate air

This “recirculate air” button is designed to cool down your vehicle’s interior even when the air con is off.

Rather than drawing in hot air from outside, this button recirculates the air already inside the car.

By cutting off the hot air outside, it helps to cool the cabin as quickly as possible.

This is an ideal technique when the air outside the car is hotter than the air inside.

If you want to ensure this is the case, blow the air con for a couple of minutes and then hit the recirculate button.

Or you could even avoid the air con altogether, helping to save on fuel.

How it works

“No more waiting for the air conditioning to kick in – the air recirculation button has your back,” a spokesman for UK Car Discount told the Express.

According to the pro, this helps in “ensuring you experience a swift and soothing transition from the outside heat”.

“It works by recirculating the cool air you get from your A/C when you first turn it on,” the expert explained.

“The longer it’s on for, the cooler your vehicle will get! If you don’t use it, the car will use the air from the outside that is a lot warmer, and your AC will work harder and continuously to cool the hot air.”

And while the temperature continues to rise, so do fuel prices, making this a handy hack to have in your back pocket.

There are other tricks you can use to cool down your car’s interior this summer.

More car hacks for hot weather

The RAC agrees has offered another tip to drivers who are looking to save cash on hot days.

“Start driving, but keep the car windows open for a minute or two to let all the hot air escape, do this until the air from the vents feels cooler than the outside temperature,” they said.

“Once the air conditioning is blowing cold, close all the windows and switch to (pre-cooled) recirculated air.”

Or if you still prefer to use your car’s AC, use this budget buy to elevate it further.

And avoid keeping these six items in your car during the soaring summer temperatures.

Another kitchen staple can also help to keep your car cool in a heatwave.

Plus, how to look out for symptoms of your body overheating this summer.

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Pressing the air recirculation button can help to instantly cool down your car’s interior (stock image)[/caption]

A MOTHER has revealed that she and her family are moving from their campervan in Wales to a house in Bulgaria.

Despite such a big move abroad, the mum-of-three explained that she and her partner Stuart didn’t bother viewing their new property before they purchased it.

tiktok/@therollingrucks

A mum-of-three has revealed that she and her family are ditching life in a campervan in Wales for a £6,500 house they bought in Bulgaria[/caption]

tiktok/@therollingrucks

But Charlie has shared a glimpse at the property, which has a ceiling that’s caving in and missing windows[/caption]

They bought it online for only £6,500, but Charlie was left gobsmacked when she arrived and saw it for the first time in the flesh.

Charlie, who posts online under the username ‘The Rolling Rucks’, took to social media to give her followers a close-up look at the rundown property, which not only has windows missing, but trees growing out of the stairs.

And as well as the garden being massively overgrown, the ceiling is caving in too. 

Not long after arriving at her new house, Charlie, who is ditching life in a campervan and moving to Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria with her three kids – Oliver, Dexter, and Emilia – said: “Now we’ve arrived I think we may have taken on more than we can chew.”

Charlie claimed that the house is “much bigger” than she was expecting and pointed out the masses of “overgrown” greenery taking over the land.

Not only this, but she also admitted to “freaking out” about the thought of finding snakes in the overgrown shrubs.

But it’s not just snakes that were causing issues, as Charlie acknowledged she “can’t get access” to the house as everything is “so overgrown.”

However, moments later Charlie was able to get into one of the downstairs rooms, as she shared: “As you can see, the ceiling’s all come away, the render is all coming off the walls, it’s in a bit of a state.

“The windows are all smashed and some of them are missing altogether.”

She also recognised: “Even the entrance to the door is overgrown, there’s trees coming out of the stairs.”

The content creator admitted that prior to arriving, she and partner knew they “had a challenge” on their hands.

But after visiting the Bulgaria property for the first time, Charlie claimed it was “a lot worse” than what she was expecting.

Social media users react

The TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @therollingrucks, has clearly left many open-mouthed, as it has quickly racked up 339,800 views, 5,285 likes and 689 comments in less than 24 hours. 

I think we may have taken on more than we can chew

Charlie

But social media users were left hugely divided by Charlie’s new pad – whilst some thought it had “amazing potential,” others thought she was “mad” to buy it.  

One user wrote: “It’s all fixable.”

Another chimed in: “Don’t look at it as a whole, look at it in smaller projects. We have a house in Bulgaria, absolutely LOVE it!”

And someone else gushed: “The potential is amazing. Stay positive and remember Rome wasn’t built in a day.” 

This is why they are so cheap!

TikTok user

Meanwhile, at the same time, one person said: “You’re mad. It’s for sale because even the Bulgarians won’t buy it.” 

A second added: “Lol it’s no surprise.”

Whilst a third commented: “This is why they are so cheap!”

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A forensic pathologist has this to say about the bones found in Taal Lake. Authorities have sacks containing bones found in Taal Lake, and an expert said this about how these bones can help the investigation. More sacks that contain bones suspected to be human remains were found in Taal Lake, as the search for ... Read more

The post Bones Found in Taal Lake: Can They Help Identify the Missing Sabungeros? appeared first on PhilNews.

AMAZON has confirmed the exact date its popular Freevee streaming app will disappear from devices — and it’s sooner than you might think.

The free TV service will shut down for good on 31 August 2025, vanishing from Fire TV Stick, Roku, and dozens of other platforms.

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Amazon’s decision follows similar moves across the industry, with companies consolidating their services[/caption]

The closure affects viewers in the UK, as well as the United States, Germany, and Austria, where Freevee has been available as a standalone, ad-supported streaming service.

From 1 September, users will no longer be able to stream TV shows, films or live channels via the Freevee app.

A message now pops up when opening Freevee, reading:
“Prime Video is the new exclusive home for Freevee TV shows, movies and Live TV.

“The Freevee app will be accessible until August 2025.

“Continue watching your favourite Free Originals and our library of hit movies, shows, and live TV on Prime Video for free, no subscription needed.

“Download Prime Video to get started and sign-in with your Amazon account.”

Freevee, which once boasted over 3,000 films and 450 TV shows, had some standout hits during its run — including Jury Duty, Neighbours, and Bosch: Legacy.

It also offered ad-supported access to major Amazon originals such as Reacher and The Wheel of Time, usually exclusive to Prime Video subscribers.

The shutdown of Freevee is part of a broader move by Amazon to streamline its entertainment offerings.

By folding Freevee into Prime Video, the tech giant is aiming to reduce confusion and offer all of its content through a single platform — even if that means introducing ads for everyone.

Importantly, Amazon has confirmed that the entire Freevee catalogue will remain available via Prime Video after the standalone app is retired.

Non-Prime subscribers will still be able to access this content for free, with ads, under the “Watch for Free” section.

It’s not just the Freevee app getting the axe.

According to industry insiders, some of Freevee’s FAST (Free Ad-Supported TV) channels will also be shut down.

These include smaller themed channels and spin-offs that focused on specific genres or older series.

While the main shows will still be available, some of the 24/7 linear-style streams are expected to vanish completely.

Amazon’s decision follows similar moves across the industry, with companies consolidating their services.

Google has folded Play Movies & TV into YouTube, and Warner Bros.

Discovery has merged Discovery+ content into Max.

Even Paramount is reportedly reviewing the future of Pluto TV in certain markets.

Freevee was launched in 2019 under the name IMDb Freedive, before becoming IMDb TV and finally rebranding to Freevee in 2022.

It entered a crowded streaming market alongside other ad-supported platforms like Tubi, The Roku Channel, Plex, Crackle, and Fawesome.

Many of these continue to operate, but the space is tightening as big tech firms streamline their offerings.

Viewers who still use Freevee on Smart TVs from Samsung, LG, Sony, Hisense, or on devices like Apple TV, Chromecast, Fire TV Stick, PlayStation, Xbox, or mobile phones and tablets, will need to download Prime Video and sign in with their Amazon account to continue watching.

Prime Video remains free to download.

For those without a subscription, the app will still offer a large selection of ad-supported content — effectively replacing what Freevee used to provide.

Earlier this year, Amazon introduced advertising to its Prime Video service unless users pay an extra £2.99 per month.

That controversial decision blurred the lines between Freevee and Prime Video, and likely played a key role in the company’s choice to merge the two.

In a statement to Deadline, an Amazon spokesperson explained:
“To deliver a simpler viewing experience for customers, we have decided to phase out Freevee branding.

“A vast offering of free streaming content will still be accessible for non-Prime members, including select Originals, licensed movies and series, and FAST Channels – all available on Prime Video.

“A vast offering of free streaming content will still be accessible for non-Prime members, including select Originals, licensed movies and series, and FAST Channels – all available on Prime Video.”

Amazon also confirmed that no redundancies are expected as a result of the closure, with Freevee’s team already merged into Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios as part of earlier restructuring.

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Prime Video remains free to download[/caption]

A POPULAR Ring doorbell rival has just slashed £86 off a mega bundle for Prime Day.

Ring may be the big brand most people think of when it comes to home security systems but there’s another lesser-known name also owned by Amazon.

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You can avoid a subscription for video storage with Blink[/caption]

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You get most of the same features found on a Ring doorbell[/caption]

Blink Outdoor 4 camera + Blink Video Doorbell: Now £33.99, was £119.98

Blink offers more budget friendly options and the big win adored by many is the ability to store videos without any subscription fees.

While Ring requires cloud storage you have to pay for every month, Blink has an alternative option.

Instead, you can save footage on a device at home, meaning there’s no need for a subscription at all.

You’ll need to get hold of a Sync Module 2, which is sold separately, to do that.

But as for the product in question, Amazon is offering it’s new Blink Outdoor 4 camera device for only £33.99 at the moment.

You can choose to add on a Blink video doorbell for free, saving 72%.

Normally, the pair would cost you £119.98.

As for the specs, both offer 1080p HD day and infrared night video, as well as two-way audio whenever anyone turns up.

You’ll get alerts to your phone whenever motion is detected and you can pair it up with Alexa too.

There are no rechargeable batteries on these, instead you need to use two AA lithium batteries – a pair are included in the box to start you off.

On the Blink Outdoor 4 camera, Amazon claims you can get up to two years of power.

You can also set up two Privacy Zones to block out areas in view of your camera, which is important for the privacy of neighbours and legally too.

This Prime Day deal is only available until midnight so you’ll need to snap it up fast.

All prices in this article were correct at the time of writing, but may have since changed.

Always do your own research before making any purchase.

A PICTURE-POSTCARD town in the English countryside is set to get a train line for the first time in 60 years.

The quaint town, in the west of England, is currently one of the largest towns in the UK without a railway station.

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This picturesque town is set to get a brand new railway[/caption]

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The coastal town hasn’t had a railway for 60 years[/caption]

However, this will not be the case for much longer, as Portishead has been given a whopping £27.6 million sum to build a new one, which will take passengers to Bristol in just 25 minutes.

The Bristol to Portishead line closed way back in 1964, meaning residents have been unable to travel to the city by train for over 60 years.

When the new train line opens, in three years’ time, an hourly service will run to Bristol, transporting commuters from the coastal town to the bustling city.

Work to start in spring 2026

Work is due to start on the train line in spring 2026, and will hopefully be completed in 2028.

The neighbouring town of Pill is also set to get a new train line to Bristol.

The line has already been restored for freight trains but will be made more suitable for passenger trains.

Helen Godwin, the West of England mayor, said: “The West of England and North Somerset, with government backing and industry partners, will connect more people to opportunity, leisure and nature.

“We’re investing in jobs and economic growth. Local people will see and feel the difference from commutes being cut in half through train travel, and building this key transport infrastructure will unlock sites for much-needed new homes.

“Pill and Portishead are two of the five new railway stations being built in the West over the next few years.

“But our ambition goes further. Delivering projects like the Bristol & Portishead Line now lays the foundations for a better transport system overall for the West of England, building the suburban railway network that other places take for granted.”

More UK train news

This comes as bold new plans to tunnel beneath a major UK city for a massive underground train and tram network have been officially unveiled.

The dramatic move aims to transform how people travel in and out of the busy urban centre and tackle future congestion.

The ambitious project, based in Manchester and led by Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, would see trains and trams running below ground for the first time in the city’s history, aiming to ease congestion and support future economic growth

Plus, a direct train service between a central Scottish city and London is due to launch as early as spring 2026.

Lumo, which is part of FirstGroup, will run four return services a day to Stirling in Scotland, with the exception of Sundays, where there will be three.

The route will provide first-ever direct services to London for Whifflet, Greenfaulds, and Larbert.

Currently, the Lumo brand runs on the East Coast Main Line between London King’s Cross and Edinburgh.

The new West Coast services were due to start this year, however FirstGroup said they are “currently expected to commence mid-2026 following the delivery of the trains and staff training”.

Lumo’s new route will link London Euston directly to Stirling, also calling at Milton Keynes, Nuneaton, Crewe, Preston, Carlisle, Lockerbie, Motherwell, Whifflet (serving Coatbridge), Greenfaulds (serving Cumbernauld) and Larbert.

MAYA Jama firmly put one Love Island boy in his place as he made a cruel comment during the brutal Casa Amor recoupling. 

In last night’s Love Island, Maya, 30, was on hand to reveal who would be leaving the villa as the Islanders reunited after Casa Amor. 

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Maya wasted no time in putting Ben firmly in his place[/caption]

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He was quick to comment on Harrison swapping Toni for Casa girl Lauren[/caption]

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Toni also had a feisty response after Ben’s cruel words[/caption]

After it was revealed that Harrison Solomon had recoupled with bombshell Lauren Wood, despite previously being in a romance with Toni Laites, Maya asked the American for her thoughts. 

Referring to Tommy Bradley swapping Emily Moran for Lucy Quinn, Toni, 24 replied: “Tommy obviously surprised me, the rest of them not so much.”

Ben Holborough then fired back: “I think I’ve got to give it to Harrison – what Lauren’s been able to give him in three days, you haven’t been able to do in two or three weeks.”

Toni quickly replied: “Save it, b****.”

And Maya made it clear Ben had crossed a line, telling him: “I didn’t really like that Ben, that was unnecessary.” 

Shakira Khan also jumped to Toni’s defence, saying of Ben: “There’s two brain cells up there, I swear.” 

Maya also hit out at Harry Cooksley and Helena Ford, when she was seen sniggering as his Casa Amor behaviour was revealed. 

The presenter said: “I don’t know, I probably wouldn’t find that funny if I was in a couple with someone like that.

“You laugh quite a lot when he’s been doing things. Is that to avoid upset or are you genuinely not bothered?”

Helena admitted: “It’s not that I’m not bothered, I’m just not surprised.”

Harry tried to justify himself again: “If I wanted to come back with Rheo I’d have coupled up with her…”

But Maya hit back: “It doesn’t exclude everything that happened.”