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New Data Breach May Have Exposed 3,700 Afghans, Troops, and Civil Servants

A fresh cyber-security incident has put approximately 3,700 individuals at risk, including Afghan evacuees, British military personnel, journalists, and civil servants. The breach stems from a cyberattack on Inflite — The Jet Centre Ltd, a subcontractor handling ground services for flights organized under UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) and Cabinet Office contracts. 

What Happened

Between January and March 2024, flights bringing Afghans under the government’s Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP), along with routine military and official transport, were handled by Inflite at London Stansted Airport. 

Simultaneously, Inflite suffered a ransomware attack, granting unauthorized access to a limited number of company emails. These emails contained names, dates of birth, passport numbers, and ARAP reference numbers. Over 100 British personnel were affected alongside Afghan arrivals. 

Government and Contractor Response

Affected individuals were notified via email, with advice to remain vigilant against phishing attempts or unusual communications. Authorities have stated that, so far, there’s no evidence of data being published online or appearing on the dark web. 

The UK government reaffirmed its commitment to data security and emphasized that no core government systems were compromised by the breach. 

A Pattern of Security Failures

This recent breach follows a notorious 2022 incident when a MoD official accidentally leaked the personal data of 18,700 Afghans—many of whom had worked alongside British forces. That breach was kept secret via a super-injunction until July 2025, sparking widespread criticism and legal scrutiny. 

Campaigners and legal representatives argue that the recurrence of such breaches severely undermines trust in UK institutions—particularly among vulnerable Afghan allies who relied on UK protection. 

Political and Legal Fallout

• Campaigners, including lawyers representing affected Afghans, are calling for independent inquiries into how the MoD and its contractors handle sensitive information. 

• Civil liberties advocates warn the new breach could endanger lives and question the competence of cybersecurity oversight within national security contexts. 

• This second incident has added to mounting pressure on the government to improve data handling protocols—especially for at-risk communities and national security personnel.

Attached is a news article regarding 3,700 afghans troops and civil servants may be victims of new data breach 

https://www.itv.com/news/2025-08-16/up-to-3700-afghans-troops-and-civil-servants-may-be-victims-of-new-data-breach

Article written and configured by Christopher Stanley 

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Edinburgh Castle Hosts Lone Piper to Mark 80th Anniversary of VJ Day

Edinburgh Castle fell silent today as the haunting sound of a lone piper echoed across its historic battlements, marking the 80th anniversary of VJ Day — the day Japan surrendered, bringing the Second World War to an end.

The commemoration, held at dawn, honoured the sacrifices of those who served in the Far East campaign, often referred to as the “forgotten war.” The single piper, dressed in full Highland regalia, played a lament as the Union Jack was raised above the castle’s esplanade.

Veterans, dignitaries, and members of the public gathered to pay tribute, with many laying wreaths in memory of the tens of thousands of British and Commonwealth troops who fought in the jungles of Burma, on the seas of the Pacific, and in the skies above Asia. For many, the solemn ceremony was a reminder of the terrible cost of war and the enduring duty to remember those who never returned home.

Scottish First Minister and military representatives delivered brief speeches, emphasising the importance of ensuring future generations understand the scale of sacrifice made in the closing stages of the war. “VJ Day marked the end of the most devastating conflict in human history,” one official remarked. “But for those who served in the Far East, it also marked recognition after years of fighting in conditions of unimaginable hardship.”

Across the UK and Commonwealth, similar acts of remembrance are taking place, from church services to moments of silence. But the lone piper at Edinburgh Castle, silhouetted against the dawn sky, stood out as a poignant symbol of Scotland’s enduring role in remembrance.

For surviving veterans and their families, the 80th anniversary carries an especially heavy weight. With their numbers dwindling, many expressed gratitude that the nation continues to honour their sacrifice eight decades on.

As the last notes of the lament faded into the morning air, the crowd bowed their heads. The silence that followed seemed to bind past and present, echoing the words inscribed on so many war memorials: We will remember them.

Attached is a news article regarding Edinburgh castle hosts lone piper to mark 80th anniversary of VJ Day 

https://www.wiltsglosstandard.co.uk/news/national/25391886.lone-piper-plays-edinburgh-castle-mark-80th-anniversary-vj-day/

Article written and configured by Christopher Stanley 

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Zelenskyy Meets Trump in Washington Following Alaska Summit — No Ceasefire Agreement Reached

Washington, D.C. — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with former U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington on Sunday, just hours after Trump’s high-profile summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska ended without a breakthrough ceasefire agreement.

The back-to-back meetings underscored Washington’s role as the central stage for efforts to end the war in Ukraine, now grinding through its third year. Despite raised expectations, the Alaska summit between Trump and Putin concluded without any joint statement or commitment to halt hostilities.

Zelenskyy’s Diplomatic Push

Zelenskyy arrived in Washington seeking reassurances of U.S. political and military support, especially after the inconclusive talks in Alaska. He was welcomed at the Capitol and later met privately with Trump at the Trump International Hotel, in what aides described as a “frank but constructive” conversation.

“Our nation continues to defend its sovereignty every day,” Zelenskyy told reporters before the meeting. “Ukraine needs clear guarantees, not vague promises. We look to the United States to stand firmly with us.”

Trump’s Position

Trump, who has positioned himself as a potential dealmaker capable of ending the war, reiterated his belief that he could broker peace if given another term in office. However, he stopped short of offering Zelenskyy new commitments.

“We want peace, but peace must be fair,” Trump said. “Both sides need to come to the table, but the Ukrainians know I’ll never allow them to be abandoned.”

Observers noted that Trump’s remarks mirrored the cautious tone he struck with Putin in Alaska, where discussions revolved around energy exports, sanctions, and battlefield de-escalation.

No Ceasefire in Sight

Despite the diplomatic flurry, the prospects for a ceasefire remain bleak. U.S. officials confirmed that neither the Alaska summit nor the Washington talks produced a framework to halt fighting, and Zelenskyy’s visit ended without a joint announcement.

Analysts say the sequence of meetings revealed just how wide the gulf remains between Kyiv and Moscow. While Putin pressed for recognition of Russia’s territorial claims, Zelenskyy maintained his government’s demand for full withdrawal of Russian forces.

Looking Ahead

The failure to secure a ceasefire leaves Ukraine facing another uncertain winter, with energy shortages and continuing attacks in the east. Meanwhile, Trump’s dual role — as a negotiator with Putin and as a meeting partner for Zelenskyy — has added a dramatic twist to the evolving diplomatic landscape.

For now, however, Washington’s weekend of high-stakes diplomacy has ended without the breakthrough many hoped for. Ukraine’s war grinds on, and the world waits to see if future talks can succeed where Alaska and Washington have failed.

Attached is a news article regarding Zelenskyy  to meet with Trump in Washington and the summit with Putin ends with a end of ceasefire 

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/live-blog/rcna225334

Article written and configured by Christopher Stanley 

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London Is Crawling with Antibiotic‑Resistant Microbes

London’s hustle—packed platforms, humming hospitals, overflowing nightlife—creates perfect crossroads where humans, animals, water, and waste mingle. That overlap is also where antimicrobial resistance (AMR) thrives: bacteria and fungi picking up genes that help them dodge the very drugs meant to kill them. Recent surveillance shows resistant infections in England have climbed back above pre‑pandemic levels, and London—dense, highly connected, and threaded by the Thames—sits at the sharp end of that trend.  

What’s on the surfaces we touch

A landmark survey of 600 swabs from high‑touch public sites across East and West London—ticket machines, washrooms, hospital areas—found 11 species of staphylococci, with nearly half of samples carrying resistance to two or more frontline antibiotics (multidrug resistance). In busier East London, the share was 57%. That’s not hospital-only MRSA lore; it’s everyday surfaces acting as reservoirs for hardier microbes. 

Older transport studies back up the basic point: hand‑touch sites in the city frequently carry staphylococci and other bacteria, even if specific MRSA detection varies by study and era. The take‑home is consistent—high‑traffic surfaces accumulate microbes, and some of those have resistance traits.  

The Thames as a selection engine

Rivers impacted by sewage and runoff can become “training grounds” for resistance. Work on the Thames and central London’s canals has detected high levels of antibiotic‑resistance genes in freshwater, and modelling suggests that to avoid a surge in “superbugs,” antibiotic inputs into the Thames may need to fall by as much as 80%. When antibiotic residues mix with bacteria from human and animal waste, Darwin does the rest—selecting organisms that can shrug the drugs off.  

Hospitals are battling last‑line threats

Within healthcare settings, London clinicians have faced outbreaks of carbapenemase‑producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) and highly resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae—pathogens that can resist carbapenems, our last‑line antibiotics. Such outbreaks are rare but expensive and dangerous, forcing hospitals into intensive infection‑control measures and isolation protocols. 

It’s not just hospitals: resistance in daily life

AMR is a whole‑city problem, not just a ward‑level one. UK‑wide surveillance compiled by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) estimates 66,730 serious antibiotic‑resistant infections in 2023, up from 62,314 in 2019—surpassing pre‑pandemic levels. E. coli (often linked to UTIs) accounts for the majority of resistant bloodstream infections. Urban centres with high patient throughput, travel, and wastewater complexity—like London—feel this burden first. 

Sexual health adds another front: ceftriaxone‑resistant gonorrhoea—once vanishingly rare—has risen in recent UK surveillance, with some cases acquired abroad and others without travel history, underscoring how quickly resistance traits move through social networks.  

Why London

• Density & mobility: Crowded transport and global travel accelerate microbial mixing and spread.  

• Sewage & waterways: Combined sewer overflows and effluents can seed rivers with both antibiotics and resistant genes. 

• Healthcare hub: High volumes of complex care and vulnerable patients raise exposure to last‑line pathogens.  

What’s being done—and what still needs doing

The UK’s 2024–2029 National Action Plan on AMR sets targets across human health, animals, agriculture, and the environment—tightening surveillance, improving antibiotic stewardship, and reducing environmental drivers of resistance. ESPAUR, the national programme tracking antibiotic use and resistance, reports the same sobering trend: infections and resistance are rising, with inequalities widening. Policy is moving, but pressure is mounting.  

What Londoners can do now

• Cut unnecessary antibiotics: Say yes to cultures and delayed scripts; say no to “just in case” antibiotics for viral illnesses. The single biggest lever is using antibiotics only when they help.  

• Hygiene where hands meet surfaces: Clean hands after rides, before eating; cover cuts; wipe down shared gear in gyms and workplaces. These habits reduce transmission of both susceptible and resistant bugs.  

• Water‑wise advocacy: Support infrastructure that reduces sewage overflows and pharmaceutical residues reaching the Thames and canals. Environmental control is health policy.  

• Safer sex, regular testing: Condoms and routine STI screens curb the spread of drug‑resistant gonorrhoea.  

The bottom line

London isn’t uniquely doomed—but it is uniquely connected. That connectivity lets resistant microbes move fast across surfaces, waterways, clinics, and communities. Surveillance shows the tide is rising; policy is catching up; behaviour change can buy time. If we pair careful antibiotic use with environmental fixes and everyday hygiene, the city can keep its microbes on a shorter leash.  

Attached is a news article regarding London Is Crawling with Antibiotic‑Resistant Microbes

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/mind-the-staph-london-is-crawling-with-antibiotic-resistant-microbes/#:~:text=London%20is%20teeming%20with%20bacteria,more%20dangerous%20strains%2Cexperts%20warn.

Article written and configured by Christopher Stanley 

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Andrew Tate Launches $50 Million Defamation Lawsuit Against Ex-Girlfriend

Controversial internet personality Andrew Tate has reportedly filed a staggering $50 million defamation lawsuit against his ex-girlfriend, accusing her of making false and damaging allegations that he claims have severely harmed his reputation and financial interests.

Tate, 37, a former professional kickboxer turned social media figure, has long been a polarising figure online. Known for his unapologetic views on wealth, masculinity, and relationships, he has built a massive following, but also attracted fierce criticism. According to court filings, Tate alleges that his former partner made public statements and social media posts which he insists are “fabricated, malicious, and designed to destroy his livelihood.”

The Claims

The lawsuit reportedly centres on accusations that Tate’s ex-girlfriend made about his personal life and behaviour. While details of the specific allegations remain under wraps due to ongoing legal proceedings, Tate argues that her statements have not only damaged his reputation but also resulted in major financial losses.

His legal team claims that the fallout has affected his businesses, endorsements, and public standing. “Mr. Tate has built his brand on discipline, success, and influence,” a spokesperson for Tate’s camp stated. “Baseless accusations spread online can destroy years of work in an instant. This lawsuit is about accountability and the truth.”

The Defence

The ex-girlfriend at the centre of the case has not yet issued a formal response, but her representatives are expected to argue that her statements were either truthful, made in good faith, or protected under free speech. Sources close to her suggest that she is prepared to contest the claims vigorously.

Legal experts have already noted that defamation suits of this size and nature are notoriously difficult to win, particularly when they involve public figures who must meet a higher legal standard to prove “actual malice” in the United States.

Tate’s Legal Battles

This lawsuit comes amid a series of high-profile legal challenges for Andrew Tate. He is currently facing separate criminal proceedings in Romania, where he and his brother Tristan have been charged with human trafficking and other offences, charges they deny. Tate has consistently maintained his innocence and claimed that the legal cases against him are politically motivated attempts to silence him.

Public Reaction

Unsurprisingly, news of the $50 million defamation suit has divided opinion online. Supporters of Tate argue that he has the right to protect his image and fight back against what they see as targeted smears, while critics accuse him of using litigation to intimidate and silence dissent.

Regardless of the outcome, the lawsuit underscores the growing trend of high-profile figures using defamation cases as a weapon in the digital age, where reputations can be destroyed in hours through viral posts.

Conclusion

As the case develops, it is likely to draw international attention not only because of Andrew Tate’s notoriety, but also because of the enormous sum at stake. Whether the court sides with Tate or his ex-girlfriend, the trial could set a precedent for how defamation is handled in the era of social media influence.

Attached is a news article regarding defamation cases 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/topics/cxwke9d43kkt

Article written and configured by Christopher Stanley 

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Hurricane Erin Intensifies Into a Category 5 Monster Storm

Hurricane Erin has rapidly strengthened into a Category 5 storm, becoming one of the most powerful weather systems recorded in recent years. Meteorologists confirmed the upgrade early Saturday after sustained winds surpassed 160 mph (257 km/h), placing Erin at the top of the Saffir-Simpson scale.

The storm, which formed earlier this week in the Atlantic Ocean, intensified at an alarming rate, fueled by unusually warm sea surface temperatures and favorable atmospheric conditions. Satellite imagery shows a well-defined eye surrounded by towering storm clouds, a classic sign of a highly organized and extremely dangerous hurricane.

Authorities across the Caribbean and along the southeastern United States coastline are now on high alert as the storm’s projected path remains uncertain. While forecasts differ, some models suggest Erin could brush past the northern Caribbean islands before steering toward the eastern seaboard.

“This is a life-threatening situation,” warned Dr. Melissa Carter of the National Hurricane Center (NHC). “Category 5 hurricanes bring catastrophic wind damage, massive storm surges, and flooding rains. Anyone in the projected path needs to begin preparations immediately.”

Governments in the Bahamas and Puerto Rico have already issued evacuation advisories for low-lying coastal regions, with shelters opening to accommodate residents. Meanwhile, U.S. states including Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas are closely monitoring the storm, preparing for possible emergency declarations.

Erin’s rapid intensification highlights growing concerns about the influence of climate change on extreme weather events. Ocean temperatures across parts of the Atlantic are at record highs, providing the storm with an abundance of energy.

For now, forecasters caution that the storm’s track could shift significantly in the coming days. Still, with Erin now classified as a Category 5 hurricane, the message from experts is clear: the potential for catastrophic destruction is very real.

Attached is a news article regarding hurricane Erin that has turned in to a category 5 

https://news.sky.com/story/hurricane-erin-rapidly-strengthens-to-category-5-storm-13413030

Article written and configured by Christopher Stanley 

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Police Officer Seriously Injured After Samurai Sword Attack

A police officer has been left with severe hand injuries after being attacked with a samurai sword during a violent incident, authorities confirmed.

The officer, who has not been named, was responding to reports of a disturbance at a residential property on [date] when he was confronted by a man armed with the sword. During the altercation, the officer’s hand was sliced open as he attempted to defend himself and disarm the suspect.

Emergency services rushed to the scene, and the injured officer was taken to hospital where he underwent surgery. Doctors have described his condition as stable, though his hand injury is said to be “significant.”

A neighbour who witnessed the commotion described hearing “screams and shouting” before seeing armed officers arrive. “It was terrifying,” they said. “You don’t expect to see something like that on your doorstep.”

The suspect, believed to be in his [age range], was arrested at the scene on suspicion of attempted murder and possession of an offensive weapon. He remains in police custody as investigations continue.

Chief Superintendent [name] praised the bravery of the injured officer and his colleagues. “This was a shocking and violent attack,” he said. “Our thoughts are with our officer as he recovers, and we are doing everything possible to support him and his family.”

Police have launched an appeal for information and are urging anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has video footage to come forward.

The use of samurai swords in public has been an increasing concern for law enforcement, with police forces across the UK calling for tighter regulations on the sale of such weapons.

Attached is a news article regarding police officer who hand hand sliced open with samurai sword 

https://news.sky.com/story/blade-split-my-hand-wide-open-police-officer-slashed-in-hainault-sword-attack-speaks-out-13389176

Article written and configured by Christopher Stanley 

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Thomas Walker: Man Murdered After Stealing from Albanian Gang Members

A 34-year-old man, identified as Thomas Walker, has been murdered after reportedly stealing money and drugs from an organised crime group linked to Albanian gang members.

Walker, described by friends as a man who had struggled with addiction in recent years, is believed to have targeted members of the gang in what police have called a “high-risk theft.” According to investigators, the incident triggered a violent response from the group, culminating in his death.

The Killing

Emergency services were called late on [insert location] after reports of a serious assault. Walker was found with severe injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene despite paramedics’ efforts. Police say his injuries were consistent with a targeted attack rather than a random act of violence.

A murder investigation has since been launched, with detectives focusing on links to Albanian organised crime groups operating in the area. It is understood that Walker had stolen a quantity of cash and drugs, which authorities believe sparked the retaliation.

Organised Crime Network

Albanian gangs have increasingly established a foothold in the UK, often controlling drug distribution networks, including the lucrative cocaine trade. Police intelligence suggests Walker’s death highlights the dangerous and violent world of organised crime, where betrayal or theft is rarely tolerated.

One senior officer said:

“This was not a random killing. The victim knowingly crossed a dangerous group, and the consequences were fatal. We are working tirelessly to bring those responsible to justice.”

Community Impact

The murder has sent shockwaves through the local community. Residents have expressed fear over the increasing presence of organised crime and the violence that often follows. Local councillors have called for more resources to disrupt drug networks and protect communities from gang-related violence.

Ongoing Investigation

Detectives are appealing for witnesses and urging anyone with information to come forward. Several individuals linked to Albanian gangs are being sought for questioning, though no formal charges have yet been made.

Thomas Walker’s family have issued a brief statement, describing him as “a loved son and brother who made mistakes but didn’t deserve to die in such a brutal way.”

Attached is a news article regarding Thomas walker who stole of Albanian gang and was murdered 

https://www.gbnews.com/news/albania-gangs-uk-drug-trade-high-prison-rates

Article written and configured by Christopher Stanley 

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No Agreement Reached in UN Plastic Pollution Talks

Global efforts to secure a landmark treaty to tackle plastic pollution stalled this week after marathon negotiations at the United Nations ended without consensus. The talks, held in [city/country – insert location if known], were seen as a critical step toward establishing the world’s first legally binding agreement on reducing plastic waste, which has become one of the most pressing environmental challenges of the century.

Delegates from more than 170 countries took part in the session, but deep divisions emerged over the scope of the treaty. A coalition of nations, led by European Union members and several developing countries most affected by marine waste, pushed for binding global targets to cut plastic production and phase out single-use plastics. However, major oil and petrochemical producers resisted, arguing for a looser framework that focuses instead on waste management and recycling rather than capping production.

Environmental campaigners expressed disappointment at the deadlock. Advocacy groups had hoped the negotiations would set the stage for an ambitious deal similar to the Paris Climate Agreement. Instead, they warned that delays risk worsening the crisis: over 400 million tonnes of plastic are produced each year, with millions of tonnes leaking into oceans and rivers, threatening marine life and human health.

“The world cannot afford another stalemate,” said [Name], a spokesperson for [Environmental NGO]. “Every year we wait, the plastic problem grows bigger, and communities on the frontlines continue to pay the price.”

Despite the setback, negotiators agreed to reconvene for further rounds of discussions, with the aim of finalising a treaty by the end of 2025. Observers say the next sessions will need to bridge the gap between those advocating for curbing plastic at its source and those prioritising downstream solutions such as recycling.

For now, the absence of an agreement underscores the scale of the challenge: balancing the economic interests tied to plastics with the urgent need to protect the planet from the mounting tide of waste.

Attached is a news article regarding a no agreement reached in UN plastic pollution talks 

https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/climate-energy/plastic-pollution-treaty-stalled-geneva-talks-end-without-deal-2025-08-15/

Article written and configured by Christopher Stanley 

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The Truth About Guinness: Inside the World of a Super Brand

Few drinks are as instantly recognisable as a pint of Guinness. With its deep ruby-black colour, creamy white head, and iconic harp logo, Guinness has become much more than just a stout – it’s a global super brand. But what is the truth behind the world-famous drink, and how did it achieve its place among the most powerful names in beverages. 

A Legacy Born in Dublin

Guinness was founded in 1759 when Arthur Guinness signed a 9,000-year lease for a disused brewery at St. James’s Gate in Dublin. What began as a local beer grew into a national symbol, associated with Irish pride and identity. By the 19th century, Guinness had already established itself as Ireland’s leading brewery, exporting its stout around the world.

The Power of Branding

Part of Guinness’s success lies not only in its flavour but in its masterful marketing. Campaigns such as “Guinness is Good for You” in the 1920s and the memorable “Good things come to those who wait” slogan of the 1990s reinforced the idea of Guinness as a drink worth savouring. Its advertising has consistently fused tradition with innovation, from the iconic Toucan illustrations to cinematic commercials that remain etched in popular culture.

What’s Really in a Pint

While Guinness’s ingredients are simple – water, barley, hops, and yeast – the brewing process is highly controlled to maintain consistency across its breweries worldwide. Despite common myths, Guinness does not contain extra iron or fewer calories than other beers, though it is lower in alcohol by volume (ABV) than many lagers, typically around 4.2%. The creamy head comes from nitrogen infusion, which creates its distinctive smoothness.

Global Reach and Modern Evolution

Guinness is now owned by Diageo, one of the world’s largest drinks conglomerates, and is brewed in nearly 50 countries, with Nigeria and the UK among its largest markets outside Ireland. In fact, more Guinness is consumed in Africa than in Ireland. The brand has also diversified, introducing products like Guinness Nitro Cold Brew Coffee and alcohol-free Guinness 0.0 to appeal to changing consumer tastes.

The Cultural Symbol

Beyond sales, Guinness has become a cultural institution. It is inseparable from Ireland’s global identity, often associated with St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, Irish pubs, and gatherings worldwide. Guinness Storehouse in Dublin, its flagship visitor experience, attracts over 1.7 million visitors a year, making it Ireland’s most popular tourist attraction.

The Truth About Guinness as a Super Brand

The truth is that Guinness is more than a stout – it’s a story of tradition, marketing genius, and cultural symbolism. Its success comes from a blend of authenticity and adaptability. While staying true to its heritage, Guinness has embraced new markets, new flavours, and a modern image without losing its mystique.

Guinness proves that a brand becomes “super” not just by selling a product, but by creating an experience, a sense of belonging, and a global identity that transcends borders.

Attached is a News article regarding the truth about Guinness the super brand 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cx2v5z0wvwzo.amp

Article written and configured by Christopher Stanley 

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