Over the years, the game has sometimes been a victim of its own hype and global appeal.
Police and safety groups once warned players not to become so engrossed in catching the next Psyduck that they got lost or put themselves in danger.
The game’s immense popularity sometimes also meant “servers buckled under the strain”, said Reynolds, meaning connectivity problems were “rife for some time”.
And while the pandemic was seen as a boon for many in the video game industry, Steranka says the initial strict lockdowns “impacted Pokémon Go probably more than any other game out there”.
The game later bounced back as restrictions eased and people once again looked for reasons to get outside.
Then in 2025, some fans questioned how the game’s future might change when Scopely – which is itself owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, bought developer Niantic for $3.5bn (then £2.7bn).
“My hope is that we prove to players over time that this is definitively a good thing for the game and the community,” Steranka says.
Looking ahead, Steranka says the focus for the game remains on community, memories and creating experiences families can share.
“No matter where I was and what phase of my life, Pokémon Go has been there for me,” he says.
“It meets people where they are, at whatever phase of life they’re in.”
Luke Pettitte, the son of Yankees legendary pitcher Andy Pettitte, was selected by his father’s old ballclub in the eighth round of the 2026 MLB Draft on Sunday.
Luke, a two-way player for Dallas Baptist University, was named to the Second Team All-Central Region (ABCA) and First Team All-Conference USA during his 2026 season.
Orleans Firebirds pitcher Luke Pettitte poses for a portrait before a game against the Falmouth Commodores in Falmouth, Mass., on July 17, 2025.(Matthew J. Lee/The Boston Globe)
While he has pitching roots like his father, though from the right side, Luke was the Conference USA Hitter of the Week (Week of May 11) during the season, while hitting .341 with 16 homers and 48 RBI across 186 plate appearances.
On the mound, Luke was efficient with a 3.19 ERA, striking out 56 batters faced across his 48 innings total during the 2024 and 2025 seasons.
The 21-year-old was unable to pitch in 2026 due to Tommy John surgery, but he was able to hit.
If Luke ends up signing on with the Yankees, it will be interesting to see how they wish to utilize him, though he is highly touted for his pitching accuracy.
Orleans Firebirds pitcher Luke Pettitte poses for a portrait before a game against the Falmouth Commodores in Falmouth, Mass., on July 17, 2025.(Matthew J. Lee/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
Andy, a three-time All-Star, five-time World Series champion and ALCS MVP, was a 22nd round pick in 1990 out of Deer Park High School in Texas. While he had a three-year stint with the Houston Astros from 2004-06,
Andy spent 15 of his 18 MLB seasons wearing pinstripes and becoming one of the best left-handed starters in the game.
He owned a career 3.85 ERA with 2,448 strikeouts, many of which coming on a wicked, 12-6 curveball that became a patented pitch.
Orleans Firebirds pitcher Luke Pettitte poses for a portrait before a game against the Falmouth Commodores in Falmouth, Mass., on July 17, 2025.(Matthew J. Lee/The Boston Globe)
The Chief Minister of Gibraltar, Fabian Picardo, says the new arrangements, which are due to be provisionally implemented with their approval by the UK and European Parliaments still pending, represent “a huge change” for the territory.
“One of the key things which has defined the past eight generations of Gibraltarians is the restrictions at the frontier,” he told the BBC in the Gibraltarian government’s headquarters.
Picardo describes the agreement as introducing “complete and utter fluidity of people and goods” between Gibraltar, on the one hand, and Spain and the EU on the other.
The most obvious economic benefit for Gibraltar, Picardo says, will be an increase in arrivals.
“Business will now be able, in Gibraltar, to see a footfall increase which is not going to be restrained by a potential queue on the way in or frontier queue on the way out.”
With Spain contesting the UK’s sovereignty of Gibraltar, it is an issue that occasionally flares up in the political arena. In the most notorious episode of bilateral tensions in recent times, Spain’s dictator, Francisco Franco, introduced a blockade of the Rock in 1969, which was only lifted in 1982, well after his death.
The chief minister casts the new arrangement as the opposite of the blockade – a logical, mutually beneficial opening up of a border.
“This will be huge for human relations, it will be huge for business, it will be huge for frontier workers, it will be a new dawn” for Gibraltar’s relationship with Spain and the EU, says Picardo.
Spain’s foreign minister, José Manuel Albares, has cast it in a similar light, speaking of “a new era” for the Rock.
However, the deal also means that goods sold in Gibraltar must comply with EU regulations, something that had not been the case until now.
May temperatures, meanwhile, hit a new UK high of 35.1C at Kew Gardens on May 26 – a significant increase on the previous high mark of 32.8C, which had been set back in 1922 and equalled in 1944.
Both heatwaves were caused by a “heat dome” – a stalled area of high pressure that trapped hot air over the region, say experts.
The heat dome was made worse by human-induced climate change, the researchers say. This has warmed the planet by around 1.4C since pre-industrial times and scientists believe it added between 3 and 4C to the maximum temperatures recorded in May and June.
Hot tropical nights added to the sweltering conditions, offering little respite.
Many UK homes are not built to cope, leaving people vulnerable to prolonged, high temperatures.
Heat puts immense physical strain on the body, made worse if you are dehydrated, with the heart pumping harder and faster to cool you off.
Babies and older people are among those most at risk of harm, as well as those with existing health conditions.
It can lead to more heart attacks, strokes and other potentially fatal emergencies.
Intense heat can affect anyone, including fit and healthy people, and is dubbed a ‘silent killer’ because early symptoms are easily overlooked.
And when the hot air is very wet or humid, like it was in June, it’s more difficult for the body to cool down through sweating.
The one-off vaccination programme targets Year 13 pupils aged 17 and 18, requiring two doses administered at least 28 days apart.
Additionally, individuals under 25 attending university or other residential further education institutions this autumn can also secure appointments, with jabs commencing from 20 July.
This initiative follows a government announcement last month, prompted by a series of serious meningitis outbreaks, including a particularly severe incident in Kent that tragically claimed the lives of two teenagers.
Meningitis B (MenB) is a severe and rapidly progressing infection that can prove fatal. The bacteria responsible for the illness spreads through close contact, such as kissing, sharing drinks, or living in close quarters like university halls of residence.
NHS England data indicates that first-year university students face approximately seven times higher risk of MenB compared to their non-university peers of a similar age.
Antibiotics and vaccines are being offered to young people currently in school years 7 to 13 across the Weymouth, Portland and Chickerell areas of Dorset (Gareth Fuller/PA) (PA Wire)
Dr Shamez Ladhani, consultant epidemiologist at the UK Health Security Agency, said: “The risk of MenB rises sharply for young people starting university, where mixing closely with so many new people increases exposure to the bacteria.
“Getting both doses of the vaccine over the summer will provide robust protection against most meningococcal strains, offering vital peace of mind for students and families as they take this next big step.”
Caroline Temmink, NHS director of vaccination, said: “Heading off to university is an exciting time, but it’s also when the risk of MenB disease is higher as you spend lots of time with new people in shared living spaces, making it easier for the bacteria that cause this potentially deadly disease to spread.
“So, before you pack your bags, take a few minutes to get your meningitis jab – it’s one of the simplest things you can do to protect yourself before starting university.
“We’ve seen the tragic consequences of MenB earlier this year, so if you’re eligible, don’t leave it to chance – get vaccinated.”
(Getty)
Brian Davies, head of health insights and policy at Meningitis Research Foundation, said: “Too many of the people we support are left asking ‘what if?’ after MenB has changed their lives forever.
“This vaccination programme gives young people and their families the chance to avoid that heartbreak.
“Having supported thousands of people through the Kent outbreak and other recent clusters of cases, we know how important it is to close the MenB protection gap for teenagers and young adults.
“If you’re eligible, don’t delay – get to your local pharmacy, have both doses and give yourself the best possible protection now.”
It comes as the Department of Health and Social Care and Department for Education launch a school-aged vaccination taskforce in a bid to improve uptake of jabs.
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation is also currently looking at whether a bigger and longer programme is needed for young people.
Health Secretary James Murray said: “We’ve already worked in partnership to encourage international students to get their first MenB dose before coming to the UK.
“By coming together we can help more young people protect themselves so they can get on and enjoy the next chapter of their education.”
Around one in three adults owns a vintage music player, according to an insurer.
Some 34% of people surveyed for Aviva said they own a vintage music player, such as a vinyl record player, a cassette tape player or a vintage radio.
People aged 80-plus were particularly likely to own a vinyl record player, with nearly two-fifths (39%) of those surveyed doing so.
But vinyl record players also prove popular among the younger generations, with 18% of Gen Z 18 to 28-year-olds and and 16% of Millennials aged 29 to 44 owning one.
The survey also indicated a preference for using older gadgets for other hobbies, with two-fifths (40%) of people surveyed owning a digital camera and a fifth (20%) owning an analogue or polaroid camera.
Just 11% said they own a newer form of camera such as a specialist action camera or drone.
Hannah Davidson, a senior underwriting manager at Aviva, said: “Despite younger generations growing up in the of era of the iPod, MP3 player and CD player, it’s interesting to see a potential shift towards more nostalgic – and potentially costly – ways of enjoying music – even in a digital-first world.
“Record players are often more intricate and can easily be damaged.
“Some home insurance policies offer an optional add‑on, known as accidental damage cover, which can provide cover for things like accidental spills or breakages.
“Accidents happen and home insurance can help provide peace of mind knowing that your items are protected.”
Aviva commissioned Censuswide to survey more than 2,000 people across the UK in March.
One month after the world number one suffered a seismic shock at the French Open, another upset was brewing.
Confronted with unwanted history, Sinner would have to come from behind to beat Miomir Kecmanovic in five sets and avoid becoming only the third defending Wimbledon men’s champion to lose in the first round.
The 24-year-old’s durability in marathon encounters has long been a concern, with Sinner having lost eight of his previous nine matches that went the distance.
There had also been a shattering event in Paris for the second year in a row.
Sinner arrived at Wimbledon having not competed since his extraordinary collapse in the French Open second round, when he lost to Argentine Juan Manuel Cerundolo from two sets and 5-1 up.
He had recovered from a far greater catastrophe to triumph at the All England Club in 2025, taking revenge on rival Carlos Alcaraz just 35 days after losing their epic Roland Garros final from two sets and three championship points up.
But now his physical resilience was under the spotlight – and the early signs at Wimbledon offered encouragement to those eyeing his throne.
Both junctures would have taken others months to recover from. For Sinner, they became catalysts for greater heights.
“This one means a lot because it was a tough one after Paris, again,” Sinner said.
“Last year was also tough. But coming here, I tried to put myself in the best position to be as competitive as possible.
“We put in a lot of long days, sacrificing a lot to be in this position.”
A migrant wanted in connection with the brutal murder of an American mother in Ireland was in the country despite having his asylum application rejected, according to Irish media.
The man, described by Irish police as a “person of interest,” was in the process of appealing the asylum decision and was allowed to remain in the country when Jamey Carney, 43, was beaten and suffocated in her home in Killarney, County Kerry, the Irish Mirror reported.
Despite his status, the outlet said he was still in the possession of his passport and left Ireland on a flight to Istanbul, Turkey, before Carney’s body was discovered Tuesday, triggering an international manhunt and a murder investigation.
It is unclear when his asylum application was refused or why it was denied. Irish police have refused to name the man.
American citizen Jamey Carney, left, and Inch Beach in County Kerry, Ireland, a popular tourist destination on the country’s scenic southwest coast near Killarney.(Jamey Carney/Facebook; Athanasios Gioumpasis/Getty Images)
The reports are likely to intensify scrutiny of Ireland’s asylum system and why the man remained in the country after reportedly being denied asylum.
The Irish Mirror reported the Jordanian national had arrived in Ireland in 2024 and been living in a state-run migrant shelter in the idyllic town before spending increasing amounts of time at Carney’s home after they became romantically involved.
He first arrived in the United Kingdom before traveling through Northern Ireland and eventually settling in County Kerry, according to the Irish Mirror.
His social media accounts contain posts from the United Kingdom and Turkey in recent years.
Carney’s social media profiles described her as a “New Yorker in Ireland” and showed her with a man she identified as her partner and writing that they were a “mixed couple.” Multiple Irish media outlets have identified the man as the person police are seeking, though Irish police have not publicly confirmed his identity or reported immigration status.
Fox News Digital asked Irish police and the Department of Justice to confirm reports that he had been refused asylum and was appealing that decision. Neither agency confirmed the reports.
American citizen Jamey Carney, left, and members of Ireland’s national police force, An Garda Síochána, patrol Grafton Street in Dublin in a file photo. Irish police have faced criticism for not publicly identifying the person of interest in Carney’s murder.(Jamey Carney/Facebook; Artur Widak/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Detectives believe Carney died around 11 p.m. Monday, roughly 14 hours before her body was discovered, according to The Irish Independent.
Her body was found on Tuesday at around 1:30 p.m. local time by her 13-year-old daughter.
By that time, the man had boarded a flight to Istanbul having traveled 200 miles by bus to Dublin Airport.
Despite the manhunt entering its sixth day, police have yet to name or provide any details about the person on the run, drawing criticism on both sides of the Atlantic. Irish police said that investigators are working with international law enforcement partners as the murder investigation continues.
Detectives issued alerts to airports, ports, train stations and bus stations within just over an hour of Carney’s body being discovered, The Irish Independent reported. However, by then, the man had already left Ireland.
According to the Irish Mirror, investigators now fear he may already have traveled onward to his home country of Jordan, which does not have an extradition treaty with Ireland.
A law enforcement source told Fox News Digital the search is expected to be difficult because the man had a significant head start before investigators were alerted to Carney’s death.
The entrance to the Homeland housing estate off Muckross Road in Killarney, County Kerry, where American citizen Jamey Carney was found dead at her home. Irish police have launched a murder investigation.(Google Maps)
Arsenal want to sign Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez, Aston Villa hijack Newcastle‘s move for Johan Manzambi, and Pep Guardiola is on the shortlist to become Italy manager
Arsenalare attempting to sign Atletico Madrid and Argentina striker Julian Alvarez, 26, before pre-season begins. (Independent), external
Bayern Munich remain confident they will tie England striker Harry Kane, 32, down to a new long-term contract despite growing interest from some of Europe’s biggest clubs including Real Madrid. (TeamTalk), external
Sunderland are aiming to make Roma’s 23-year-old Argentinian winger Matias Soule their first signing of the summer. He is valued at around €35m (£30m) (Northern Echo), external
