Ellen

Signal has started allowing users to create accounts without a phone number. In the current Android beta, new accounts can be set up using a 32-digit account ID instead of SMS verification, with a 64-digit recovery key provided for account restoration. The change, long requested by privacy advocates, has drawn attention in German-language tech and security communities, where commentators see it as a significant step toward true anonymity in secure messaging.

Supporters are celebrating what they describe as a major victory in India's fight against narcotics trafficking. Commentators frame drug smuggling into India as a form of hybrid warfare, likening it to a strategy of weakening the country through a thousand cuts orchestrated by hostile adversaries, and argue that strong enforcement is essential to protecting the nation.

Paramount Pictures has released a second official trailer for Ebenezer, a film slated for 2026 starring Johnny Depp, Ian McKellen, Rupert Grint and Sam Claflin. The trailer has drawn massive engagement worldwide within days of its release, making it one of the most talked-about upcoming movie announcements. Fans are reacting to the star-studded cast and the film's take on the classic Dickens character.

DBH Finance PLC, a Bangladesh-based home financing institution, is marking three decades of operations. The company is highlighting 30 years of providing housing loans and related financial services, drawing significant public attention. Observers are noting the milestone as a reflection of DBH's long-standing role in Bangladesh's housing finance sector and its continued prominence in home lending.

Season 2 of A People's Climate, the podcast hosted by Shilpi Chhotray, has debuted with an interview with Abby Martin, co-director of the documentary Earth's Greatest Enemy. Martin traces how military power has shaped the climate crisis, including the toxic legacy of US military bases. The episode frames the climate emergency as inseparable from war and militarism.

Ellen Jareckie, an artist known for her work in photography and painting, is drawing fresh attention online as posts about her art circulate among art-focused audiences. The mentions highlight her output across multiple mediums, including fotografie and paintings, with small but notable engagement from people sharing and discussing her creative work.

The County of Maui Department of Finance has been recognized for excellence in financial reporting. The award highlights the department's standards in preparing and presenting the county's financial documents. Officials in Hawaii say such recognition reflects the department's commitment to transparency and accountability in managing public funds, and it adds to the county's record of strong fiscal reporting practices.

A theatre critic has praised a new production of the musical Annie, highlighting the cast's strong vocals and the work of the live orchestra. The reviewer wrote that the orchestra brought the familiar score to life, giving the show much of its warmth, energy and emotional impact.

An author is promoting MONSTERS, a dystopian novel about a teenage girl who is literally transforming into a monster. The promotional push quotes praise calling the book gripping, action-packed and well-plotted, and highlights themes of apocalypse, mutants and military conflict. It is aimed at ebook readers, with the story pitched as a page-turner set in a dystopian future world.

Techlore has released new videos for its Incognito V2 online privacy course. Early viewers praise the material, noting the snappy, professional pacing and clear explanations of privacy concepts and terminology. One long-time privacy writer said the lessons still taught him something new, suggesting the course is well received among privacy enthusiasts.

The American Political Science Association has announced the winners of its 2026 Contingent Faculty Awards, honoring contingent and adjunct faculty for excellence in scholarship, teaching, and leadership in the profession. The announcement introduces the award recipients through the association's news outlet, recognizing contributions from instructors often underrepresented in academic honors.

The University of Vermont's Larner College of Medicine is marking its 2026 Dean's Celebration of Excellence in Research, an event honouring faculty achievements in scientific research. The announcement highlights the institution's ongoing commitment to recognising outstanding scholarship and research contributions within its medical school community.

Debt.com has announced the winners of its 2026 FinTalk Awards, which recognise excellence in digital financial literacy and personal finance education online. The announcement, carried by PR Newswire and picked up by Morningstar, highlights creators and educators the company says are helping people better understand money, debt and budgeting.

A call is going out for people in the Celle area of Germany to help stage a local 'Digital Independence Day'. The initiative promotes digital sovereignty, data protection and stronger democracy by encouraging people to use alternatives to big tech services. Organizers are looking for like-minded locals to join the planning effort.

The Dutch automobile association ANWB has published a top 10 of the cheapest new cars, and electric models feature prominently. Commenters note that small cars in general are no longer truly cheap, costing around 20,000 euros, but argue that buyers looking for a new, affordable car are better off choosing an EV because running costs are much lower. The finding challenges the common assumption that electric driving is expensive.