North Korea’s limited internet hit by major outage, says analyst

A monitor from the United Kingdom believes that North Korea’s internet access has experienced a significant downtime, but the exact culprit may be internal rather than a cyberattack.

Junade Ali, a researcher who monitors the North Korean internet, reported on Saturday that systems that monitor global internet activity do not register the secretive nation’s entire internet infrastructure.

All routes, whether they enter through China or Russia, are currently experiencing a significant outage on North Korea’s internet, according to Ali.

Although it’s difficult to determine whether this was intentional or unintentional, he said it seems like it’s internal rather than an attack.

Pyongyang maintains a number of government websites with access to the outside, including those for the Foreign Ministry and official news organizations like the Korea Central News Agency (KCNA). When Al Jazeera attempted to access these sites on Saturday morning, both of them were down.

It is believed that Chinese servers provide the majority of the country’s internet traffic and links.

North Koreans only have about 25 million people who have direct access to the global internet, according to estimates.

Kwangmyong, a highly regulated and carefully curated intranet, is available to citizens of North Korea when access to the authoritarian nation is strictly restricted.

In the past, the nation has been the target of cyberattacks, including one in January 2022 when American-based hacker Alejandro Caceres used distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks to shut down every publicly accessible North Korean website.

Officials from the US and the UN have accused North Korean leader Kim Jong Un of running armies of hackers domestically as part of an expanding global cyber theft campaign.

Why are ice cream prices soaring this summer?

Staying cool just got a little more expensive this summer. The price of coconut oil, a key ingredient in ice cream, has soared in 2025. Looking ahead, further price gains are likely as demand continues to outpace supply.

At the end of May, the wholesale price for Philippine coconut oil delivered in Rotterdam, an industry benchmark, reached $2,800 a tonne, roughly twice as much as the year before.

Adverse weather in Indonesia and the Philippines, which together account for three-quarters of global coconut oil supplies, has negatively affected production. Ice cream prices, in turn, have risen.

According to an analysis by RIFT, a British business consultancy, United Kingdom supermarket ice lollies and cones shot up by 7.6 percent in May.

Due to its high melting point, coconut oil keeps industrially made ice cream solid for longer at room temperature. Crucially for food companies, it does so without affecting ice cream’s flavour and texture.

The global ice cream industry, worth $81bn in 2024, is now paying close attention to the market dynamics affecting coconut prices.

What role has the weather played?

Coconuts are found in the tropics, where they benefit from lots of rain and sunshine. But the El Nino weather pattern, which produces warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures across the Pacific, led to drier weather across Southeast Asia, particularly from June last year to October.

During that period, coconut farms suffered from extreme heat and droughts. Because coconuts take a year to grow, last year’s weather pattern has meant that palm trees have yielded less fruit than normal in 2025, reducing supply.

The United States Department of Agriculture expects that unfavourable weather conditions will see global coconut oil production fall to 3.6 million tonnes in 2024-2025, down 5 to 10 percent from the previous season.

Output is also likely to stay low in the 2025-2026 season, according to analysts.

Are biofuels to blame too?

In October, the Philippine government mandated blending larger amounts of coco methyl ester, a fatty derivative of coconut oil, with diesel to produce biodiesel.

Until recently, the impact of the coconut-for-diesel policy was limited. A blending target of 1 percent was introduced in 2007 and then 2 percent from 2009. But that changed last year, when Manila hiked the target to 3 percent.

The government announced a further jump to 4 percent by late 2025 and 5 percent by the end of 2026. A 1-percentage-point increase requires an extra 900 million coconuts for the biofuels market, raising demand and prices.

Last year, Philippine Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla said: “Implementing the higher biofuels blend is a win-win solution as we promote economic growth, uphold environmental stewardship and strive for cleaner energy utilisation.”

If the Philippine government carries out its plan, it will use 4.5 billion coconuts to generate the 500 million litres of coco methyl ester necessary to meet the biodiesel target by 2026. That would amount to nearly one-third of the country’s annual crop of 15 billion coconuts.

For context, the US diverts about 40 percent of its annual corn crop into its bioethanol, a fuel made primarily from fermented cornstarch designed to lower greenhouse gas emissions.

Are chocolates eating into coconut too?

In an effort to maintain profit margins and contain costs, increasing numbers of chocolate makers have started reformulating products with cocoa substitutes. One of those is coconut oil.

In December, the US ICE cocoa futures contract surged to a record $12,931 per tonne, up a staggering 177 percent from the same period the year before. Since then, prices have come down but continue to remain elevated.

The high price of cocoa – currently trending about $10,000 per tonne – continues to be supported by crop shortages and resilient consumer demand for cocoa-based products, especially chocolate.

Coconut oil is an established alternative for cocoa butter, particularly in vegan or dairy-free chocolate recipes. And even at its elevated price, coconut oil is still cheaper than cocoa.

“I expect many confectionery and chocolate makers to substitute cocoa for coconut oil in the near term,” Felipe Pohlmann Gonzaga, a Switzerland-based commodity trader, told Al Jazeera.

Platforms like TikTok and Instagram have become another source of demand. In recent years, coconuts have been extolled by celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow and Kourtney Kardashian for their nutritional benefits.

Wellness Mama, a popular healthcare website, lists 101 uses for coconuts, including as a treatment for insomnia, heartburn, cuts, acne, haemorrhoids, mosquito bites and sunburn.

In the makeup and beauty market, coconut oil is seen as a natural and environmentally friendly alternative to palm oil. Here too, industrial consumption is rising.

While the health benefits of coconut oil continue to be questioned, this niche source of demand is rising. And although they wouldn’t have a big impact on their own, health-conscious buyers are entering an already tight market, lifting prices.

Can coconut production rise to meet the demand?

Despite coconut oil’s growing popularity, expanding production is a difficult task.

“Unlike with other crops, coconut farmers can’t simply add acres in response to higher prices,” Pohlmann Gonzaga says.

“It takes at least a year for the trees to reach maturity and production. Deforestation concerns and environmental laws also make expansion difficult,” he added.

Like palm fruit, coconuts grow on trees in tropical areas where forests would have to be removed to plant more trees.

“The European Union deforestation regulation, for instance, inhibits the destruction of biodiverse forests in order to import monoculture crops,” Pohlmann Gonzaga said.

He also pointed out that “we’re moving from El Nino to La Nina, which tends to bring more flooding in Southeast Asia. So planting, harvests and logistics will be impacted.”

With demand for coconuts likely to remain firm and supplies constrained, he added that he does not expect the prices to come down anytime soon.

“We can expect ice cream prices to be high this summer and stay high next year,” he said.

Zayn Malik and Keir Starmer embrace viral ‘dadcore’ fashion trend loved on TikTok

The ‘dadcore’ trend first made an appearance in 2016, but it’s really taken off in recent years. With masculine tailoring making a comeback, here’s a beginner’s guide on how to nail the aesthetic

There’s a new aesthetic that’s taking the fashion world by storm(Image: WWD via Getty Images)

You might be familiar with the whimsical charm of cottagecore, the elegance of balletcore, or the ethereal allure of dreamcore – but brace yourself for a trend that’s a bit closer to home: ‘dadcore’.

Imagine an offshoot of normcore – that easy-going, comfy vibe with plenty of neutral and oversized items – dadcore is all about those basic, no-fuss pieces you’d likely spot in your old man’s closet, think jean shorts and roomy jackets.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer rocked the trend at the Paris Olympics opening ceremony last year, where he was spotted wearing a Team GB-branded cagoule. Similarly, Zayn Malik tapped into dadcore at New York Fashion Week in September 2024. The former One Direction star donned a bushy beard, long, grown out hair and a brown collared leather jacket.

But how do you rock this look without appearing as though you’ve raided the bargain bin at the local charity shop? With masculine tailoring making a comeback, here’s your guide to nailing the trend.

READ MORE: Labubu alternatives to add to your shopping haul before they sell out too

Kier Starmer
The ‘dadcore’ aesthetic is an offshoot of ‘normcore’ – easy, laid-back, and oversized – and Keir Starmer loved it at the Olympics Paris Opening ceremony(Image: PA)

What is ‘dadcore’?

Once the epitome of uncool, ‘dad’ fashion has now become a hot trend. The dadcore style – think functional parkas, bulky trainers, and acid-washed jeans – first made waves in 2016 on Balenciaga’s catwalks and by the end of the decade, it had captured the public eye.

Article continues below

Its charm may well stem from its embrace of imperfection. Celebrity stylist Oriona Robb says: “I think it has gained momentum through a mix of irony, comfort and a pushback against the hyper-curated and over-styled looks we’ve seen a lot of. It’s that imperfect laidback style instead.”

This trend is all about deliberately donning those “unfashionable” garments typically linked with middle-aged dads, like drainpipe jeans, polos and loafers.

These items – when styled knowingly – become statements of authenticity and effortlessness. “[It’s about] simple basics with a sense of humour and deeper sentimentality,” says Robb, “and it’s thrown together effortlessly.”

Zayn Malik
Zayn Malik embraced dadcore at NYFW(Image: WWD via Getty Images)

‘A deliberate rejection of recent prim, proper trends’

Much like grunge and indie sleaze spoke to the youth of the ’90s, dadcore pushes back against polished conformity. It’s a deliberate rejection of recent prim, proper trends like ‘quiet luxury’.

Dadcore is riding the wave of a growing cultural movement. “It’s deeply tied to the broader nostalgia wave that’s [sweeping] fashion,” says Robb, noting the connection with an era craving something solid in swiftly changing times.

A woman wearing a light blue striped cropped shirt, a black leather belt, a brown suede maxi bag, light grey bermuda denim shorts, white socks and black leather loafers
The dadcore aesthetic particularly resonates with the younger generations(Image: Getty Images)

Highlighting the warming charm behind it, Robb explains: “The dadcore style is supposed to feel familiar and almost an aesthetic version of childhood home videos or Sunday morning routines.”

With a keen eye for fashion cycles, younger millennials and Gen Z are dressing up in past styles with a fresh perspective. “This trend allows them to play with irony, comfort and storytelling all at once,” comments Robb on the trend’s unique blend.

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How to nail ‘dadcore’

Building a dadcore wardrobe doesn’t necessitate a massive overhaul. Robb recommends beginning with staples such as chunky classic trainers – think New Balance or Reebok – combined with comfy jeans like relaxed-fit or stonewashed.

Essentials of this retro vibe include oversized tees, whether graphic or plain, in washed-out hues, plaid or flannel shirts typically tucked in, and practical outerwear such as anoraks or windbreakers.

This is a stock image of Balenciaga as they debuted parkas and dadcore on the runway in 2017
Balenciaga debuted the ‘dadcore’ aesthetic on the runway back in 2017(Image: © 2025 PA Media, All Rights Reserved)

Robb acknowledges that fully committing to the suburban dad vibe might not suit everyone’s taste. “It’s a tough one as for those with a love of luxury or classic feminine style, it can feel like the total opposite! But dadcore doesn’t mean abandoning your style.”

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You can begin by incorporating a windbreaker or a pair of chunky trainers into an otherwise tailored or contemporary ensemble. “The goal isn’t to costume yourself but to reinterpret the aesthetic through your lens,” shares Robb.

TV teen who needed French polisher in Yellow Pages ad unrecognisable 34 years on

A floppy-haired teenager woke up after a party he’d hosted while his parents were away in one of the best-known advertisements for the Yellow Pages phone directory.

Before the rise of the internet, we had the Yellow Pages, a comprehensive directory of local businesses – from advice centres to zoos – all vying for your custom, packaged in a hefty, distinctively coloured phone book. In the 1990s, the Reading-based company became famous for its unforgettable TV adverts, each new release bringing a buzz of anticipation akin to the unveiling of a new John Lewis Christmas advert today.

These TV commercials even turned their stars into temporary celebrities, long before the era of reality TV, and gave birth to several catchphrases. Anyone around at the time will easily remember the Yellow Pages ad featuring elderly man searching for a book titled Fly Fishing by J R Hartley, with the surprising twist that it was Mr Hartley himself seeking his old publication.

READ MORE: Pop Idol star Rik Waller unrecognisable with brand-new career 24 years later

After hosting a house party while his parents were away, a shaggy-haired teenager awoke on the floor of his living room.

The cheeky youngster attempted to kiss the cheeky boy under the Christmas mistletoe while he was standing next to the stack of Yellow Pages. And in 2003, Cold Feet’s actor, James Nesbitt, hired to resurrect the company by using the Yellow Pages to navigate difficult circumstances. The actor channeled his character Adam’s helpless persona from the show.

However, one of the most memorable advertisements, which first aired in 1991, showed a shaggy-haired teenager hosting a house party while his parents were away. He stumbles upon a stranger on the bed as he enters the bedroom and declares, “Wake up! As a small group hastily cleans up the house, my parents return today. Then, after discovering a scratch on a wooden table and being horrified, he searches the trustworthy Yellow Pages for a solution.

Yellow Pages
He needs a French polisher in desperate need.
Continue reading the article.

“Hello, French polishers,” He calls in and says, “It’s possible you could save my life.” The unfortunate lad discovers that someone has doodled a beard and glasses onto a woman on one of the family’s prized paintings at the last minute and manages to salvage the scratch.

Simon Schatzberger, a Nottingham actor who later portrayed Adrian Mole in a stage production in London’s West End, played the teenager in the commercial and has since since reprised his role in a Woody Allen-like role in a stand-up comedy show.

Yellow Pages
On one of the family’s most prized paintings, a man has a beard and glasses on a woman, making the unfortunate man aware.

Now aged 57, he’s also had a stint as David Klarfeld on the BBC soap Doctors and made appearances in EastEnders as a Rabbi, both in December 2018 and again in January 2019. His other television roles include Band Of Brothers, Daniel Deronda and Father Brown.

In 2019, Yellow Pages announced it would cease printing its iconic directories, after more than half a century. The final editions of the once-indispensable guide were delivered in Brighton, the city where the directory’s original copies were distributed.

Simon Schatzberger
Simon Schatzberger, from the Yellow Pages ads, is now 57(Image: sischatzberger/twitter)
Continue reading the article.

It boasted 104 editions, each customised to specific areas of the UK, with nearly 23 million copies circulated each year. And in 2023, a perfume was launched that even smelled like Yellow Pages, proving the brand lives on… sort of.

READ MORE: NARS’ new summer collection includes cream eyeshadow that ‘doesn’t budge’ on oily eyelids

Zayn Malik and Keir Starmer embrace viral ‘dadcore’ fashion trend loved on TikTok

The “dadcore” trend started out in 2016 but has since grown in popularity. Here’s a beginner’s guide on how to nail the aesthetic, with masculine tailoring making a comeback.

There’s a new aesthetic that’s taking the fashion world by storm(Image: WWD via Getty Images)

You might be familiar with the whimsical charm of cottagecore, the elegance of balletcore, or the ethereal allure of dreamcore – but brace yourself for a trend that’s a bit closer to home: ‘dadcore’.

Imagine if you had a normcore offshoot: a relaxed, easy-going style with plenty of neutral and oversized items. Dadcore is all about the simple, no-fuss pieces you’d likely find in your old man’s closet, such as jean shorts and roomy jackets.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer rocked the trend at the Paris Olympics opening ceremony last year, where he was spotted wearing a Team GB-branded cagoule. Similarly, Zayn Malik tapped into dadcore at New York Fashion Week in September 2024. The former One Direction star donned a bushy beard, long, grown out hair and a brown collared leather jacket.

But how can you rock this outfit without spouting out that you’ve used up the local charity shop’s bargain bin? Here’s your guide to capturing the masculine tailoring trend, with masculine tailoring making a comeback.

READ MORE: Labubu alternatives to add to your shopping haul before they sell out too

Kier Starmer
The ‘dadcore’ aesthetic is an offshoot of ‘normcore’ – easy, laid-back, and oversized – and Keir Starmer loved it at the Olympics Paris Opening ceremony(Image: PA)

What exactly is “dadcore”?

“Dad” fashion, which was once the epitome of uncool, has since become a hot trend. The dadcore aesthetic, which includes bulky trainers, acid-washed jeans, and functional parkas, first appeared on Balenciaga’s catwalks in 2016 and was well-known by the end of the decade.

Continue reading the article.

Its charming attitude may be the result of its embrace of imperfections. Oriona Robb, a celebrity stylist, says, “I think it has gained momentum because it has challenged the over-curated and over-styled looks we’ve seen a lot of.” Instead, it has that imperfect, laid-back vibe.

This trend focuses solely on purposefully showcasing the “unfashionable” items that are typically associated with middle-aged dads, such as drainpipe jeans, polos, and loafers.

When properly styled, these items become declarations of authenticity and ease. It’s “about] simple basics with a sense of humor and deeper sentimentality,” says Robb, “and it’s thrown together effortlessly.”

Zayn Malik
Zayn Malik embraced dadcore at NYFW(Image: WWD via Getty Images)

A deliberate rejection of recent trend-following, proper fashions

Dadcore rebels against polished conformity in the same way that grunge and indie sleaze did for the youth of the 1990s. It defys the recent prevailing, proper fashions, such as “quiet luxury.”

A growing cultural movement is roiling Dadcore. Robb says the connection to an era that was looking for something solid in rapidly changing times is “deeply tied to the broader nostalgia wave that’s]sweeping] fashion.”

A woman wearing a light blue striped cropped shirt, a black leather belt, a brown suede maxi bag, light grey bermuda denim shorts, white socks and black leather loafers
The dadcore aesthetic particularly resonates with the younger generations(Image: Getty Images)

Robb explains that the dadcore style is intended to be edgy and almost akin to old home videos or Sunday morning routines, and that it is “almost an aesthetic version of that.”

Young millennials and Gen Z are dressing up in old fashions with a new perspective because of their keen interest in fashion cycles. Robb praises the trend’s unique blend of irony, comfort, and storytelling all at once.

By completing the survey below, help us make our content better. We’d like to hear from you.

How to master the “dadcore”

A major overhaul is not necessary to create a dadcore wardrobe. Robb advises pairing comfy jeans like relaxed-fit or stonewashed with staples like chunky classic trainers like New Balance or Reebok.

The most important elements of this retro vibe are oversized tees, whether plain or graphic, plaid or flannel shirts, and practical outerwear like anoraks or windbreakers.

This is a stock image of Balenciaga as they debuted parkas and dadcore on the runway in 2017
Balenciaga debuted the ‘dadcore’ aesthetic on the runway back in 2017(Image: © 2025 PA Media, All Rights Reserved)

Robb acknowledges that not everyone’s taste would be attracted to the suburban dad vibe. It’s a challenging one because it can feel like the complete opposite to those who love luxury or traditional feminine fashion! Dadcore, however, does not imply sacrificing your style.

Continue reading the article.

An otherwise tailored or contemporary ensemble can be made up of a windbreaker or two chunky trainers. The goal is to reinterpret the aesthetic through your eyes, says Robb.

Today’s horoscope for June 7 as Scorpio feels argumentative

One star sign’s desire for freedom is revealed in today’s horoscope for Saturday, June 7; the other reconnects with friends.

Find out what’s written in the stars with our astrologer Russell Grant(Image: Daily Record/GettyImages)

One star sign is having a difficult time with a friend on Saturday, June 7, and the other takes a break.

There are 12 zodiac signs – Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces – and the horoscopes for each can give you the lowdown on what your future holds, be it in work, your love life, your friends and family or more.

These daily forecasts have been compiled by astrologer Russell Grant, who has been reading star signs for over 50 years. From Aries through to Pisces, here’s what today could bring for your horoscope – and what you can do to be prepared.

Aries (Mar 21 – Apr 20)

Although some of the things being said are intriguing, it would be best not to get involved because there is gossip in the air. Some people will try to entice you into their discussions, but not all of the comments will be positive. You won’t want to be associated with what is happening.

Taurus (Apr 21 – May 21)

A neighbor will step in to help you with a family issue, which will surpass anything you could have accomplished on your own. You’ll be surprised at how they handled this situation, and you’ll be surprised at how effectively they handled it on your own.

Gemini (May 22 – June 21)

You stay on your toes in a competitive environment. You are aware of how important it is to stay ahead of your competition. There is a sense that you should remain vigilant and alert in both social and familial settings. rely on your gut feeling. You can demonstrate your abilities to others by having the ability to think quickly.

Continue reading the article.

Cancer (June 22 – July 23)

You would never give in to your responsibilities, but you also acknowledge that you might occasionally need a break to relax and enjoy yourself. You might have an overly serious relationship with many of the people you are with today. A housemate appears to have lost their sense of humor.

Leo (July 24 – Aug 23)

You can help plan a themed party for your family and friends. It will be challenging but enjoyable. Consider your health. Encourage your loved ones to take at least 30 minutes of a stroll. You’ll feel great while walking and can talk.

Virgo (Aug 24 – Sept 23)

You initially believed you understood a friend, but there was a strong emotional connection. You are starting to wonder why their strange behavior is this. When you can’t figure out why they act in such a strange way, it seems like they are sending different signals.

Libra (Sept 24 – Oct 23)

You are prepared to consider ways to simplify life. Making household chores simple can be very beneficial. Colleagues and coworkers can work together to speed up the pace and make the work more enjoyable. You’ve always preferred to work together.

Scorpio (Oct 24 – Nov 22)

Your feelings are intense. If you suddenly find yourself in a fight with a powerful personality, don’t be alarmed. Although there will be angst, they will soon be forgotten. You will triumph over adversity in a battle.

Sagittarius (Nov 23 – Dec 21)

Try meditation if it’s difficult to stop thinking. You might also consider experimenting with creative ways to improve your living space to uplift your spirits. Enjoy some music this evening. Dance to the soothing beat of its rhythm while relaxing. Spend some time outside.

Capricorn (Dec 22 – Jan 20)

Your spirits will be lifted when you reconnect with friends you haven’t seen in a while. Conversations will be lively and entertaining. You should feel relieved that your close and loving relationship is progressing. You and I are finding it easier to talk about sensitive subjects, and we will work together to resolve a common problem.

Aquarius (Jan 21 – Feb 19)

You have put a lot of effort into helping those who don’t appreciate your kindness. Feel free to decline if someone approaches you for a favor the next time. You are free to justify your choice. You can make new friends and connect with other users of the same interests by signing up for an online chat room.

Continue reading the article.

Pisces (Feb 20 – Mar 20)

You want more freedom, variety, and space in your life. You are starting to feel depressed as a result of your current routines. You feel trapped because you are confined to the same place or people. Don’t tell yourself there’s no such thing as a thing; instead, start looking for ways to get out of this rut.

READ MORE: Father’s Day gift guide for 2025: Handpicked presents from £7 to suit every kind of dad