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NCDA to launch ‘unified’ PWD ID system in July to fight fake IDs

MANILA, Philippines — The National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) will begin the pilot implementation of the unified identification system for persons with disabilities (PWDs) in July, aiming to curb the proliferation of fake PWD IDs. According to the NCDA, the new ID and database system will initially cover 200,000 PWDs in 35 local government

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Glastonbury opening ceremony branded a flop by disappointed revellers as fireworks display ‘dogged by sound issues’

THE opening ceremony at Glastonbury has been branded a flop by disappointed festival-goers.

Disgruntled revellers called out a fireworks display and criticized sound issues at the iconic event in Somerset this evening.

Aerial performers above a concert crowd.
supplied
Fans have complained about reported sound issues at the opening ceremony[/caption]
Concert pyrotechnics over a large crowd.
supplied
One reveller claimed they couldn’t hear any music for half an hour[/caption]
Fireworks display over a concert crowd.
supplied
Ticket-holders dubbed the display “underwhelming”[/caption]

One festival goer told The Sun: “The opening ceremony started 10 minutes late, there was a huge choir on stage that no one could hear.

“All we could hear was the sound of a couple of drums.

“It was a massive fireworks display with no music, the whole silence lasted 30 minutes.”

And their comments were echoed by fellow visitors, one fuming reveller penned on X: “Not good from a sound standpoint. I think you have let the performers down here to say the least.”

“Sack the sound guy,” wrote another.

A third agreed: “Is there meant to be no sound at the #Glastonbury2025 opening ceremony? Local regs? Crowds a bit restless at the back.”

“Where’s the sound? Kicked out of Greenpeace for crowds. No sound and lost audience at opening ceremony. Get it together,” posted someone else.

One fuming ticket-holder slammed: “No sound. Can’t hear anything. Underwhelming.”

The Sun contacted Glastonbury for comment.

It comes as thousands arrived to set up camp for the first day of Glastonbury today.

But revellers at the festival in Worthy Farm, Somerset, faced a drenching – after the Met Office forecast rain and thunderstorms.

However, temperatures are set to soar by the weekend, with highs of 30C.

Although it could be a messy start to the festival, with its 1,500 acres of farmland turning into a mud bath in previous years.

While the festival is best known for its music, revellers can enjoy the range of stalls, set up their tents and explore the grounds in the meantime before the main performances kick off on Friday.

Opening headliner The 1975 take to the stage at 10pm, while acts such as Neil Young and the Chrome Hearts, Charli XCX, and Doechii will perform on Saturday.

Aerial view of Glastonbury Festival campsite.
EPA
Thousands of revellers pitched their tents today[/caption]
Performers in colorful costumes at the Glastonbury Festival.
AFP
Performers take part in the ‘glasto latino’ carnival on the first day of the Glastonbury festival[/caption]
Festival-goers at Glastonbury Festival.
EPA
Festival-goers at the festival in Worthy Farm, Somerset, faced a drenching today[/caption]

Sunday is due to see Rod Stewart gracing his fans – with Lewis Capaldi also set to make a sensational return to music.

The singer will be dropping his comeback single at the festival.

The release, Lewis’ first since he put out Strangers and A Cure For Minds Unwell in January last year, coincides with his secret set on the Pyramid Stage at Glasto.

As the gates to Worthy Farm opened to let the first of this year’s revellers through, a source said: “Lewis took a decent chunk of time away and now he’s ready for his fans to hear what he has been working on.

“Tomorrow is a huge day for him. He will be releasing a brand new single and it is his Pyramid Stage performance. He is in a great place and feels ready to come back into the spotlight.”

Lewis’ last performance at Glastonbury on that very stage in 2023 ended in tears, with the Someone You Loved star breaking down before cutting the set short.

However, Amyle and the Sniffers’ upcoming set is still hanging in the balance after illness swept through the band and their team.

The Aussie rockers were forced to cancel their Vienna gig on Monday after two band members and a crew member came down with “a very nasty virus”.

And it comes just days before they’re due to hit the stage at Worthy Farm.

Meanwhile, a huge US popstar has hinted that they’re the secret act ‘Patchwork’ at the festival.

Ever since organisers revealed the full line-up and stage times for Glasto, revellers have been trying to work out who the mysterious act is.

At the beginning of the month, Glastonbury organisers shared the complete schedule.

However, there are still several ‘TBA’ slots that hint at secret sets on the Pyramid Stage and beyond.

Now fans have a brand new theory about who could make a surprise appearance at the legendary festival.

On the 2025 Glastonbury schedule, the Saturday 6.15pm slot has a mysterious act called “Patchwork” pencilled in, and fans have been trying to work out what it means.

Now fans are convinced that Chappell Roan is “Patchwork” after she posted a telling clue on Instagram.

It came after the Pink Pony Club star shared a picture of herself holding a patchwork quilt, and wrote next to it: “Insane vibe.”

Glastonbury 2025 - confirmed acts so far

TICKETS to the 2025 festival sold out in just minutes before some of the acts were even confirmed. Here is who has been confirmed so far.

Confirmed headliners:

  • The 1975 will take to the Pyramid Stage on Friday.
  • Neil Young will headline the festival for the second time after his last set in 2009 on Saturday after RAYE makes her return.
  • Charli xcx will headline the Other Stage on Saturday night.
  • On Sunday, Olivia Rodrigo is due to belt out her hits for her first appearance while Rod Stewart will perform in the legends slot.
  • More acts to appear on the Other Stage include Loyle Carner and The Prodigy.
  • Doechii will make her Glastonbury debut on the West Holts Stage on Saturday night.
  • Other names confirmed include Noah Kahan, Alanis Morissette, Gracie Abrams, Busta Rhymes, Lola Young, Brandi Carlile, Myles Smith, En Vogue, Amaarae, Cymande, Shaboozey, Osees and Gary Numan.

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Kanlaon Volcano emits higher sulfur dioxide levels in 24 hours

MANILA, Philippines — Kanlaon Volcano on Negros Island emitted 2,626 tons of sulfur dioxide over the past 24 hours, marking a significant increase from the 870 tons recorded the previous day, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported on Thursday. In its latest 24-hour monitoring report, Phivolcs said the volcano produced a moderate plume

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Every summer bargain hitting Aldi’s middle aisle TODAY – and £1.49 buy is a picnic must-have

ALDI are launching a summer must have American snack perfect for picnics.

The middle aisle buy is coming to stores today (June 26) at an impressively low price of just £1.49.

Bag of Snackrite salted pretzels.
Aldi
The salted pretzels will cost less than £1.50[/caption]

A bag of American salted pretzels made by budget snack firm Snackrite will make the perfect addition to a summer picnic basket.

Aldi are selling the 250g bags for less than £1.50, working out to only 60p per 100 grams.

Part of Aldi’s summer range of special buys the bag of pretzels will launch today, alongside a number of other products.

Appearing on shelves the pretzels can be bought in store – subject to availability.

Not every location will stock the snack and customers will have to visit their local store to check if they are on offer.

The pretzels cannot be purchased online and Aldi warns that prices may vary.

Aldi are offering a “taste of America” with today’s special buys.

There will be 21 American themed products on offer at the budget shop.

Each celebrates American food and flavour with the pretzels offered up as part of the range.

The taste of America special buys range will offer bizarre crisp flavours including cheeseburger and hot dog mustard.

Aldi is also offering a fruit loops dupe and American diner style coffee grounds as part of its new range of special buys.

The pretzel packaging boasts an American flag and a disclaimer reading: “Next stop flavour town.”

The American range of snacks is perfect for picnics in the sun this summer.

Aldi quietly launched the snack yesterday, June 24, announcing the special buy range on its website.

Exterior view of an Aldi supermarket.
Getty
Aldi announced the release of the new special buys quietly on their website[/caption]

The American style snacks, including the salted pretzels, will begin to appear on shelves overnight.

As with all special buys the snacks can only be bought while stocks last so shoppers better rush to get their hands on them if they want them.

A whole range of sweet and savoury treats are coming to the aisles today and once they are gone they are gone.

Each has an impressive price tag with the budget store selling products at a fraction of the price of most supermarkets.

More Aldi middle aisle buys

IF it's middle aisle buys that you're looking here, some of the new items you won't want to miss.

Shoppers recently went wild for Aldi’s new ‘pregnancy and menopause essential’ – and it’s only £6.99.

Garden enthusiasts raced to nab a £6.99 buy that will add style to any garden in an instant.

A £12.99 garden find left shoppers open-mouthed – but you’ll need to sprint to nab it.

If you’re looking to light up your garden this summer, you won’t want to miss this £8.99 solar light.

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Digital nomading in Bangkok? What US$1,000 a month really gets you

Living in Bangkok as a digital nomad on a budget of US$1,000 (~31,100 Thai baht) a month can be both exciting and challenging. Some digital nomads feel this budget only covers the basics, while others see it as enough for a simple lifestyle in the city. In this article, we’ll break down the costs of …

The story Digital nomading in Bangkok? What US$1,000 a month really gets you as seen on Thaiger News.

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Health Insurance for families and children in Thailand: What to choose

It’s easy to put off health insurance in Thailand when it’s just you (though you really shouldn’t). You feel fine, the costs seem manageable, and the risk feels low. But that changes the moment your family comes into the picture, especially when you have a child. Suddenly, you’re not only thinking about hospital bills, but …

The story Health Insurance for families and children in Thailand: What to choose as seen on Thaiger News.

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A rooftop evening of movement, wellness & culture at Sole Mio Boutique Hotel & Wellness

Aligned with the spirit of the Phuket Biennale 2025, this edition of Sole & Soul Sunset Journeys continues Sole Mio’s mission to create immersive experiences where wellness and art intersect, bringing together community, cultural identity, and mindful living in a single rooftop moment. Guests can expect light movement, nourishing bites, mini recovery sessions, and creative …

The story A rooftop evening of movement, wellness & culture at Sole Mio Boutique Hotel & Wellness as seen on Thaiger News.

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Fair weather with chances of thunderstorms expected across PH on June 26

MANILA, Philippines — Generally fair weather with chances of thunderstorms in the afternoon and evening will prevail over most parts of the country on Thursday, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa). In its 5 a.m. forecast, Pagasa weather specialist Chenel Dominguez said that generally fair weather is expected from morning to

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Lottery results and numbers: Lotto and Thunderball draw tonight, June 25, 2025

THE NATIONAL Lottery results are in and it’s time to find out who has won a life-changing amount of money tonight (June 25, 2025).

Could tonight’s £5.2 million jackpot see you handing in your notice, jetting off to the Bahamas or driving a new Porsche off a garage forecourt?

a lottery ticket that says your numbers on it
Could you win big tonight with the National Lottery?
a glass with the national lottery logo on it
Previous winners have gone on to build mansions and buy islands

You can find out by checking your ticket against tonight’s numbers below. Good luck!

Tonight’s National Lottery Lotto winning numbers are: 14, 16, 21, 42, 49, 54 and the Bonus Ball is 41.

Tonight’s National Lottery Thunderball winning numbers are: 07, 13, 20, 23, 30 and the Thunderball is 12.

The first National Lottery draw was held on November 19 1994 when seven winners shared a jackpot of £5,874,778.

The largest amount ever to be won by a single ticket holder was £42million, won in 1996.

Gareth Bull, a 49-year-old builder, won £41million in November, 2020 and ended up knocking down his bungalow to make way for a luxury manor house with a pool.

TOP 5 BIGGEST LOTTERY WINS ACROSS THE WORLD

  1. £1.308 billion (Powerball) on January 13 2016 in the US, for which three winning tickets were sold, remains history’s biggest lottery prize
  2. £1.267 billion (Mega Million) a winner from South Carolina took their time to come forward to claim their prize in March 2019 not long before the April deadline
  3. £633.76 million (Powerball draw) from a winner from Wisconsin
  4. £625.76 million (Powerball)  Mavis L. Wanczyk of Chicopee, Massachusetts claimed the jackpot in August 2017
  5. £575.53 million (Powerball)  A lucky pair of winners scooped the jackpot in Iowa and New York in October 2018

Sue Davies, 64, bought a lottery ticket to celebrate ending five months of shielding during the pandemic — and won £500,000.

Sandra Devine, 36, accidentally won £300k – she intended to buy her usual £100 National Lottery Scratchcard, but came home with a much bigger prize.

The biggest jackpot ever to be up for grabs was £66million in January last year, which was won by two lucky ticket holders.

Another winner, Karl managed to bag £11million aged just 23 in 1996.

The odds of winning the lottery are estimated to be about one in 14million – BUT you’ve got to be in it to win it.

Sandra Devine and her husband Mike won by chance - can you too?
Sandra Devine and her husband Mike won by chance – can you too?

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