Tag

Independence

All articles tagged with #independence

Lavrov Questions UK's Viability Amid Devolved Nations' Independence Push
politics14 days ago

Lavrov Questions UK's Viability Amid Devolved Nations' Independence Push

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has publicly questioned the future of the United Kingdom, suggesting its cohesion is weakening as its constituent nations pursue independence. Speaking at a youth conference in Yekaterinburg, Lavrov stated he did not know what would become of 'Great Britain' and noted that 'the Celts' (Wales, Ireland, and Scotland) are seeking referendums. He also criticized the UK's diminished global influence, arguing it no longer justifies its permanent seat on the UN Security Council. These remarks follow a recent agreement among the first ministers of Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland to assert that Westminster cannot block democratic self-determination. While UK political parties rejected the Kremlin's interference, the comments highlight the tension between Moscow's geopolitical interests and the UK's internal constitutional shifts.

Tiny English village proclaims independence over migrant housing plan
world26 days ago

Tiny English village proclaims independence over migrant housing plan

Residents of Piddington, a village of about 350 in Oxfordshire, voted in a non-binding referendum to become the “Principality of Piddington” in a symbolic protest against the government’s plan to house up to 1,200 male asylum seekers at a nearby former military base. The 285-26 vote was praised by some as a victory for local democracy and criticized by others as fear-driven; the government says the site will be largely self-sufficient and has pledged to move migrants into better housing and speed up asylum processing. Refugee groups cautioned against scapegoating migrants amid broader debates over housing and safety.

Stay Independent Longer: 5 Strength-First Habits for Aging Well
health1 month ago

Stay Independent Longer: 5 Strength-First Habits for Aging Well

Fitness coach Carrie Sisson, 70, credits decades of consistent strength training with her mobility and independence, and outlines five habits to start between your 30s and 60s: focus on lifting more than chasing a small number on the scale; build and preserve muscle as an aging insurance policy; include cardio but don’t rely on it for weight loss; don’t let age define what you can do and try new activities; and feed the mind as well as the body, supported by research showing resistance training improves strength and bone density and cardio benefits for older adults.

Double Fine Regains Independence From Microsoft as Union Push Fades and Layoffs Hit
technology1 month ago

Double Fine Regains Independence From Microsoft as Union Push Fades and Layoffs Hit

Double Fine is officially independent from Microsoft, reclaiming IP ownership and signaling a new phase with publishing rights returning to Compulsion. Tim Schafer outlined a Kickstarter-backed Amnesia Fortnight and a live, backer-driven game jam to prototype new ideas. However, the studio laid off 23 employees, and the prior union push appears withdrawn with little update, leaving the studio’s long-term future uncertain as it seeks new deals.

Compulsion Games goes independent, regains IP after leaving Xbox
business1 month ago

Compulsion Games goes independent, regains IP after leaving Xbox

Compulsion Games has become independent from Xbox Game Studios, with leadership buying the studio and its staff to pursue independence. The studio regains ownership of its IP (Contrast, We Happy Few, South of Midnight) and its publishing rights, and plans to become self-sustaining while exploring partnerships. Some staff left during the transition, and Microsoft had previously laid off about 20% of the team, but CEO Guillaume Provost says the exit was gracious and the move keeps the team intact.

world1 month ago

Norfolk Island votes to secede as Canberra shrugs

Norfolk Island, home to about 2,200 residents, voted on New Year’s Day to secede from Australia, a move Canberra has largely dismissed as political theater while promising to restore local democracy through a Norfolk Island Transition Assembly; with no constitutional path to secession, islanders face a choice between seeking greater autonomy within Australia or pursuing independence amid decades of tension over remote governance.

Blanche refuses to pledge DOJ independence from White House
politics1 month ago

Blanche refuses to pledge DOJ independence from White House

US Attorney General Todd Blanche refused to pledge that the DOJ would always act independently of the White House, saying no attorney general should promise to defy the president; narrowly confirmed 50-49, Blanche has defended Trump-era actions (including moving Maxwell to a minimum-security prison and pardons for Capitol attackers) and defended an anti-weaponization fund that is reportedly dead, while insisting the DOJ will pursue election-integrity efforts despite court defeats and facing scrutiny over Epstein-related files.

Compulsion Games Goes Independent, Publishes South of Midnight on Steam Amid Xbox Shake-Up
technology1 month ago

Compulsion Games Goes Independent, Publishes South of Midnight on Steam Amid Xbox Shake-Up

Compulsion Games is now listed as the publisher of South of Midnight on Steam, signaling its full detachment from Microsoft's Xbox division during a major restructuring that has seen several studios become independent. The studio retains rights to Contrast, We Happy Few, and South of Midnight and plans to continue as an independent developer; however, broader layoff activity affects up to 1,600 roles by next summer, and some storefronts still show Microsoft/Xbox as publisher on other platforms.

Three Simple Moves to Preserve Independence as You Age
health-and-wellness2 months ago

Three Simple Moves to Preserve Independence as You Age

A personal trainer recommends a tiny, three‑move routine—pogo jumps, lunge pulses, and ski poling—to boost mobility, balance, and leg strength so people can stay independent into their 80s. The exercises are quick (about a minute each), require no gym, and can be done anywhere (even while cooking). Regularly practicing these moves may also support bone health and reduce fall risk as we age.

Trump Signals Push to Reshape Fed Through Warsh Talks
economy-and-policy2 months ago

Trump Signals Push to Reshape Fed Through Warsh Talks

Bloomberg reports that President Trump has been calling Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh since his confirmation, signaling an effort to influence the Fed while publicly affirming its independence; conversations reportedly focus on Warsh’s views and the economy, not on specific policy moves, with the White House saying Trump is giving Warsh space to restore confidence in decision-making amid inflation, energy prices and global tensions.