🤖 Fire TV's Alexa+ is now totally free

A freelance journalist shares that the premium Alexa+ subscription for Fire TV is now available for free. This feature was previously behind a $20 paywall, which the writer felt was unnecessary given competitors' free services. The upgrade allows for a more natural, hands-free conversation with Alexa on the TV. The user finds this capability a massive upgrade, making the remote control largely obsolete. This change levels the playing field in the AI assistant arms race for consumers. 🤩

🛡️ Microsoft's own driver can delete security software

Check Point Research discovered a method leveraging Microsoft Defender's BTR.sys driver for kernel-level file and registry manipulation. This technique works on Windows 7 through Windows 11 25H2 without exploiting traditional software flaws or using external drivers. The researchers presented this at Black Hat USA 2026 and DEF CON 34 on August 20, 2026. It allows the driver to delete security binaries during a reboot, even with Tamper Protection active. Microsoft confirmed this doesn't require immediate patching since it needs existing admin privileges. 🛠️

📱 Apple allegedly leaked 10+ unannounced devices in macOS 26.7 code

Apple might have accidentally shown its future product plan through the macOS 26.7 Release Candidate code. The references reportedly cover products across iPhone, AirPods, Apple Watch, iPad, Mac, and smart-home lines. The rumored list includes the iPhone 18 Pro, a foldable iPhone, and new Apple Watch models. These leaks suggest big upgrades like A20 chips and camera improvements are coming soon. Apple has not confirmed these devices, but September 9 is tipped for the next major iPhone event. 🤫

🚨 CBI catches accused who fled for 23 years

The CBI has arrested Roop Singh in a 1998 goods misappropriation case involving Rs 9 lakh worth of goods. This arrest took place in Maharashtra, months after co-accused Arjun Singh was caught. The original theft occurred on September 27, 1998, when two truck drivers allegedly stole ghee and mung. The CBI filed a chargesheet on December 19, 2003, against four individuals for conspiracy and misappropriation. This latest capture is a major breakthrough in the nearly three-decade-old investigation. 🧐

⚖️ Kerala HC suspends sentence in Muthanga violence case

The Kerala High Court has suspended the sentence and ordered bail for four individuals in the Muthanga violence case. The case involves events on February 19, 2003, when police evicted landless tribespeople from the sanctuary in Wayanad. The original sentence was five years rigorous imprisonment and a ₹36,000 fine, decided by the Principal Session’s Court, Kalpetta, on July 31. The convicts argued their conviction was legally unsustainable, challenging the trial court's reliance on prima facie evidence. The CBI has also indicated it will file an appeal against the sessions court's judgment. ⚖️

💧 BRS blames Congress for AP water theft from Krishna rivers

The Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) has accused the Congress Government of enabling Andhra Pradesh to siphon water from shared reservoirs. Former minister G. Jagadish Reddy stated that Nalgonda ministers remained silent while AP drew daily from Srisailam and Nagarjunasagar. As of Friday morning, Sagar reservoir held 532 ft, though AP allegedly diverted 148 tmc ft of Krishna water. This diversion occurred despite conditions requiring Nagarjunasagar to be surplus before drawing. The BRS claims the Congress Government abandoned the Left Canal farmers to this situation.

⚽ Barca checks on Dortmund striker Guirassy

FC Barcelona is actively looking for a new centre-forward as the summer transfer window nears its close. The club, which is currently in talks to sell academy graduate Hector Fort to Borussia Dortmund, inquired about Serhou Guirassy. Guirassy, who has a €30 million release clause, plays for Dortmund and has scored 60 goals and provided 15 assists in 96 matches. This makes the 30-year-old Guinean striker an appealing and potentially affordable option for the La Liga champions. It remains to be seen if Barcelona will pursue this transfer in the final days. 🧐

🏛️ Courtroom learning beats college books, says Justice Karol

Retiring Supreme Court Judge Justice Sanjay Karol emphasized that real legal learning happens in the courtroom, not just from college studies. Speaking at his farewell, he stressed that the Bar is the custodian of the justice delivery system, which is vital for a strong Bench. He urged young lawyers to attend court regularly and utilize every opportunity available to them. Justice Karol also mentioned his intention to undergo mediation training on August 23, 2026. Ultimately, he stressed that judges must remember the common person behind every case.

⚖️ Court sides with regulators against fake paneer eatery

The Bombay High Court refused urgent relief to a Thane eatery over serving banned analogue paneer. The court heard the plea from Udupi Swaad Restaurant in Wagle Estate, Thane (West), regarding the FSSAI license suspension from August 11. This action followed a June lab test finding unsafe paneer, reinforced by a July 30 ban on analogue paneer in Maharashtra. The court emphasized the need for disclosure, stating the restaurant must suffer poetic justice for misleading customers. The FDA was asked to respond by September 2, with the next hearing set for September 7. ⚖️

📸 Photojournalist Gopichand Tandle gets PJAB honour

Photojournalist Gopichand Tandle is set to receive an award from the Photojournalists Association of Bangalore (PJAB). This recognition will take place at the Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath in Bengaluru on Saturday. The honour celebrates his significant contributions to news photography over many years. Tandle has worked with various newspapers, including The Hindu, throughout his career. He expressed gratitude for the recognition and commitment to continue his dedication to the field. 📸

🍉 Rare 1890 'Watermelon' $100 note up for grabs

An extremely rare 1890 $100 Treasury Note, nicknamed the "Watermelon" note, is heading to auction soon. This unique piece comes from the Schwenk Family Collection and is being sold through GreatCollections. Only about 35 of the original 120,000 notes are thought to survive, and the auction is set for Sunday, 4 October 2026. The note was part of a monetary experiment following the Sherman Silver Purchase Act. Collectors have a rare chance to own this piece of American currency history. 🍉