Italian CS Teacher Builds Free Open-Source School Register to End Vendor Lock-In

An Italian computer science teacher has developed il_registro, a free and open-source electronic class register, to challenge the dominance of costly proprietary software in Italian public schools. Italian law requires all schools to use a certified digital platform for attendance, grades, and communications, a market currently controlled by a handful of private vendors funded by taxpayer money. The developer built the full-stack, self-hostable system using Go, Vue 3, Kotlin, and Swift, incorporating features such as real-time notifications, digital signatures compliant with eIDAS, and integrations with national identity systems like SPID and CIE. The platform also includes accessibility tools meeting WCAG 2.2 AA standards, native mobile apps for students, parents, teachers, and administrative staff, and supports 11 languages. A live demo with sample accounts for all school roles is publicly available, and the project aims to give public institutions transparent, verifiable, and high-performance tools free from commercial lock-in.

iPhone 18 Pro gains variable aperture and expanded manual camera controls

Apple's iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max feature a new variable aperture system in their main cameras, allowing users to shoot at four aperture settings ranging from f/1.48 to f/4. The mechanical iris lets more or less light reach the sensor depending on shooting conditions. Alongside the aperture control, Apple has introduced additional manual options including adjustable shutter speed, manual white balance, and manual focus. Users can also let the camera handle aperture selection automatically. Together, these additions represent a significant expansion of manual camera controls for the iPhone lineup.

Clearview AI Prototype Uses xAI Model to Build Detailed Profiles for Police

Clearview AI has been quietly testing a new prototype tool called InquiryIQ, which has not been previously reported. The tool leverages a model from xAI, the company behind the Grok AI system, to aggregate personal data about individuals. Once a person is identified through Clearview's facial recognition system, InquiryIQ can surface their social media accounts, associates, and other online information. The tool is designed for law enforcement use, potentially giving police a comprehensive digital profile of a subject from a single search.

Polymarket CLOB Raises Crypto Taker Delay to 150ms, Adds Volume-Tier Rate Limits

Polymarket's central limit order book introduced a 150ms taker delay for crypto orders on September 4 at 14:00 UTC, up from the previous 50ms, alongside volume-based rate-tier limits that have been active since around August 6. The taker delay includes a cancel-lock mechanism, meaning orders already in the delay window cannot be freely withdrawn, increasing the cost of rapid enter-and-cancel strategies. These changes particularly affect high-frequency tactics that rely on immediate order placement and quick cancellation in response to price ticks. Slower, clip-based trading approaches tied to a 60-second Chainlink TWAP remain viable but must account for the added latency and stricter cancellation rules. Traders are advised to re-measure fill quality, treat rate-limit signals as primary inputs, and recalibrate entry thresholds using only post-September 4 execution data.

What Recruiters Actually Want in a Developer Portfolio: A Practical Checklist

A developer portfolio should function as a clear, short path from professional positioning to proof of work to a contact opportunity — not a visual showcase or duplicate resume. Experts recommend leading with a single specific sentence that names your role, domain expertise, and the type of opportunity you seek, giving recruiters an immediate reason to continue. The portfolio should feature a small, curated set of projects where each one answers key questions: what problem existed, what you personally owned, and what the measurable outcome was. A dedicated section on work preferences — such as contract type, timezone, availability, and domains of interest — helps recruiters quickly determine fit without unnecessary back-and-forth. The core principle is honest, minimal signal over comprehensive coverage: a small, truthful surface that makes your strongest evidence easy to find and act on.

Most Local Businesses Need Simple Websites, Not Complex Ones, Developer Argues

A web developer writing on DEV Community argues that most local businesses do not need elaborate websites, but rather simple pages that answer a few key customer questions quickly. The insight emerged through the developer's own project, ZeevoNet, a platform based in Buea that connects local service providers and job seekers. The author notes that shifting client conversations from 'building a website' to 'making your shop easier to discover' leads to better outcomes for business owners. Research into user behavior suggests customers typically want fast answers to four questions: what is sold, whether it is available, where the business is located, and how to contact it. The developer acknowledges the idea is still being tested and refined, but observes that simplicity and clarity consistently outperform visually complex, feature-heavy designs.

Ugandan Royal Family Split Over Succession to Tooro Kingdom Throne

A succession dispute has emerged within Uganda's Tooro royal family following the death of King Oyo. The king's family claims he left a will designating his young son as heir to the throne. However, a popular TV news presenter has reportedly been chosen to succeed him, contradicting the family's account. The conflict has created a rift within the royal household over who holds the legitimate claim to lead the Tooro kingdom.

Quraishi hits maiden first-class ton as East Zone clinch Duleep Trophy

East Zone secured the Duleep Trophy title after already holding a decisive first-innings lead over their opponents. Jharkhand allrounder Quraishi was the standout performer on the final day, scoring his maiden first-class century. The milestone knock came before East Zone chose to declare their innings. The first-innings advantage had effectively sealed the trophy for East Zone heading into the last day of play.

28-year-old woman with Rs 2 cr net worth debates quitting her Rs 4L/month job

A 28-year-old Indian woman shared on Reddit that she has accumulated a net worth of approximately Rs 2 crore and earns around Rs 4 lakh per month with no outstanding EMIs. Her husband contributes an additional Rs 3 lakh monthly income and holds a net worth of roughly Rs 1.5 crore. Together, the couple has a combined net worth of around Rs 3.5 crore and a joint monthly income of Rs 7 lakh. The woman took to the social media platform to seek public opinion on whether she should consider leaving her job given her strong financial position.

Teen Girl's Death Sparks Debate Over Choking in Pornography

The death of a teenage girl has reignited calls to ban depictions of sexual strangulation in pornographic content. Experts warn that choking during sexual activity carries serious health risks, including brain injury and death. Some researchers and advocates argue that widespread access to adult content has normalized the dangerous practice among young people. The case has prompted renewed scrutiny of the pornography industry and its potential influence on adolescent sexual behavior. Lawmakers and health professionals are now debating whether regulatory action is needed to restrict such content.

TMC Leader Abhishek Banerjee's Aide Arrested After Supreme Court Denies Bail

Sumit Roy, a close aide of Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee, was arrested in connection with a land-related case. The Supreme Court had rejected his bail plea, paving the way for his detention. Following his arrest, Roy was taken to the state-run SSKM Hospital in West Bengal for a mandatory medical examination. The case highlights ongoing legal scrutiny surrounding individuals linked to senior TMC leadership.

Arya.ag to Put $2B in Grain-Backed Loans on Avalanche Blockchain

Indian agricultural warehouse platform Arya.ag is leveraging Avalanche blockchain technology to tokenize grain deposits worth $2 billion. The initiative aims to bring agricultural lending onchain, making it easier for lenders to verify the crops used as collateral for loans. By tokenizing grain stored in warehouses, the platform seeks to improve transparency and trust in the agri-lending process. The move represents a significant step in applying blockchain technology to India's agricultural finance sector.

'Not invited': Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman on Brics Summit in Delhi

Drone Alert Issued Around Amritsar Airport After Recent Flight Diversions

Authorities have issued a drone alert in the vicinity of Amritsar Airport following a series of recent flight diversions. The alert designates a three-kilometre radius around the airport as a Red Zone, with an extended five-kilometre area placed under Yellow Alert. The police advisory covers villages falling within these zones. The measures appear to be a direct response to the security concerns that prompted the earlier flight diversions.

Philippine Ferry Fire Survivor Describes Chaos During Narrow Escape Near Coron

A survivor of a Philippine ferry fire has spoken to the BBC about the terrifying scenes onboard the vessel. The incident occurred near Coron, a well-known tourist destination in the Philippines. The survivor described chaotic conditions, including passengers trampling over one another in the rush to escape. The account highlights the dangerous and disorderly circumstances that unfolded as the fire broke out on the ferry.

Manipur musician killed in Delhi; family demands justice and end to Northeast discrimination

Chongtham Vikram Singh, a musician from Manipur, was killed in New Delhi, prompting his brother to call for justice and fair treatment of people from India's Northeast. The brother urged the government to address discrimination faced by Northeastern communities in the capital. Singh's remains were brought back to Imphal, where fellow musicians rallied to demand accountability for his death. The incident has drawn attention to a broader pattern of discrimination against people from the Northeast region in Delhi.

ESPN's Mina Kimes Credits Motherhood With Reducing Her Screen Time

ESPN journalist Mina Kimes has shared an unconventional tip for cutting down on smartphone use: having a baby. Kimes suggested that parenthood has been the most effective way for her to spend less time on her phone. She made the remarks in a lighthearted tone, directing the advice at younger generations, particularly Zoomers. The comment highlights a broader cultural conversation around smartphone addiction and the search for practical solutions.

North Carolina moves to restore peatlands damaged by failed farming drainage

North Carolina is undertaking a major ecological restoration project targeting ancient peatlands that were damaged by past agricultural practices. Decades of farming led to the construction of roughly 50 miles of drainage ditches, which lowered water levels and exposed peat to air. This exposure caused the peatlands to release stored carbon, undermining their role as vital carbon sinks. Scientists are now planning to reflood the land by blocking existing ditches to raise the water table and rehydrate the peat. The initiative aims to reverse long-term environmental damage and restore the carbon-storing capacity of these ecosystems.

Georgia's Roswell Area Park pond reopens after $3.1M restoration project

Roswell Area Park in Georgia has reopened a farm pond originally built in the 1950s following a $3.1 million restoration effort. The aging pond had suffered from long-standing leaks and sediment buildup over several decades. Restoration work included rebuilding the embankment, upgrading stormwater infrastructure, and clearing accumulated sediment. The project also restored a walking trail, planted 35 trees, and created new turtle habitat. The pond serves an important function by managing stormwater runoff from a 52-acre drainage area.

UIDAI working to take Aadhaar global: CEO