Brian Harman, the 2023 Open Champion, heads into the weekend of the 2025 Open Championship with a narrow one-shot lead at 7-under par after Round 2 at Royal Portrush.
Harman’s consistent play has kept him ahead of a tightly packed leaderboard, as top contenders including world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and local hero Rory McIlroy trail behind. Scheffler sits four shots back at 3-under, while McIlroy, still searching for momentum, is at 2-under, showing flashes of brilliance but yet to make a strong push.
China’s Haotong Li climbed to 6-under par, just one stroke off the lead, maintaining his form from a solid opening round. England’s Tyrrell Hatton and Denmark’s Rasmus Højgaard remain well within striking distance, with Hatton at 5-under and Højgaard closing his round with a stunning 33-foot birdie on the 18th green.
Chris Gotterup made headlines early in the round with an eagle on the par-five second hole, while Keegan Bradley posted the best score of the day—a 4-under 67—vaulting himself into contention.
McIlroy’s birdie on the 12th hinted at a possible weekend charge in front of his home fans, though he’ll need to find another gear to close the gap. Meanwhile, players like Justin Thomas and Tommy Fleetwood experienced mixed rounds, with steady stretches offset by untimely errors.
The projected cut line hovers around +2, with several big names still battling to secure their spots for the weekend as conditions at Royal Portrush continue to challenge the field.
Stay with News Access NG for continued coverage of The Open Championship.
The Coldplay fan behind the viral kiss cam video that exposed Astronomer CEO Andy Byron and his HR chief Kristin Cabot in a compromising moment has come forward, sharing her side of the story as the internet continues to reel from the scandal.
Grace Springer, 28, from New Jersey, captured the now-infamous footage during Coldplay’s concert at Gillette Stadium in Boston on Wednesday night. What began as a fun night out for a die-hard fan quickly turned into an online firestorm after she shared the video on TikTok.
“I had no idea who the couple was. Just thought I caught an interesting reaction to the kiss cam and decided to post it,” Grace told The U.S. Sun. “A part of me feels bad for turning these people’s lives upside down, but, play stupid games… win stupid prizes.”
Grace added that although the situation has sparked global attention, she hopes the video helps bring clarity to those affected. “I hope their partners can heal from this and get a second chance at the happiness they deserve,” she said. “Maybe my video was a blessing in disguise.”
Grace had traveled with friends to Boston for the concert and said the kiss cam moment was the main topic of conversation after the show. “It was definitely a hot topic, but no one knew who they were,” she said. That quickly changed after the video began gaining traction online.
Coldplay fan who filmed viral CEO affair moment finally opens up, defends action
“I posted it late last night before bed and it had a couple thousand views. I woke up to seven million. Now it’s over 30 million,” she revealed. As of Friday morning, the clip had racked up more than 46 million views and nearly 5 million likes.
The video shows CEO Andy Byron, who has been married and leads the $1.3 billion software firm Astronomer, embracing Chief People Officer Kristin Cabot as Coldplay frontman Chris Martin directed the kiss cam toward them. Martin, noticing the interaction, quipped, “Oh look at these two,” before Byron abruptly dropped his arms and ducked behind a barrier, while Cabot turned away and covered her face.
Audience laughter erupted when Martin added, “Either they’re having an affair or they’re very shy.” Byron could be seen mouthing “f hell, it’s me” as he realized they were on the giant screen.
The backlash was immediate, with social media users criticizing the pair for their apparent indiscretion. Despite no public confirmation, many assumed infidelity, especially as both executives are—or were—believed to be married. Online commenters didn’t hold back, with one saying, “Sorry for the wife but glad they’re being exposed and embarrassed,” and another writing, “They are both incredibly stupid. Why would you go to a concert of all places if you are having an affair?”
Adding to the irony, Cabot’s LinkedIn profile highlights her ability to “win trust with employees of all levels,” while Byron had publicly praised her “exceptional leadership and deep expertise” in talent management. In return, Cabot described her interactions with Byron and the leadership team as “energising.”
Though speculation swirled that the moment might have been staged, insiders have confirmed it was entirely real and unscripted. Amid the fallout, fake apology statements have circulated online, but no official comment has been made by either party or the company.
The viral clip has not only lit up social media but also raised fresh questions about workplace relationships and public accountability—putting a spotlight on two high-level executives who found themselves exposed under the most unlikely of circumstances.
Netflix reported stronger-than-expected earnings on Thursday, with second-quarter revenue climbing 16% year over year to $11.08 billion, surpassing analysts’ estimates.
The streaming giant posted earnings per share of $7.19, beating the $7.08 expected by analysts polled by LSEG. Net income rose to $3.1 billion, up from $2.1 billion in the same quarter last year, while operating cash flow hit $2.4 billion—an 84% increase year over year. Free cash flow also jumped by 91%, reaching $2.3 billion.
Netflix raised its full-year revenue forecast to between $44.8 billion and $45.2 billion, citing favorable currency exchange rates, strong subscriber growth, and increased ad revenue. The previous forecast range was between $43.5 billion and $44.5 billion. The company also increased its free cash-flow projection for 2025 to $8–$8.5 billion, up from a prior target of around $8 billion.
This quarter marked the second time Netflix has not provided a quarterly update on its subscription numbers. Instead, the company emphasized that revenue growth was driven by a larger subscriber base, higher pricing, and expanding advertising income.
Operating margin for Q2 stood at 34.1%, up nearly 3 percentage points from the previous quarter and 7 points year over year. However, Netflix warned that margins in the second half of the year are expected to be lower due to increased content costs and marketing spend tied to a busy release schedule.
Despite the strong financials, Netflix shares dipped about 1% in after-hours trading. The company has a packed lineup ahead, including the highly anticipated second season of Wednesday, the Stranger Things finale, Happy Gilmore 2, and Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein.
Felix Baumgartner, the Austrian daredevil known globally for his historic 2012 skydive from the edge of space, has died in a tragic paragliding accident in Italy.
He was 56.
According to local reports, the accident occurred on Thursday in Porto Sant’Elpidio, a coastal city in central Italy. Firefighters responding to the scene discovered a paraglider had crashed into the side of a swimming pool.
The town’s mayor, Massimiliano Ciarpella, confirmed Baumgartner’s death in a heartfelt Facebook post, saying, “Our community is deeply affected by the tragic disappearance of Felix Baumgartner, a figure of global prominence, a symbol of courage and passion for extreme flight.”
Record-Breaking Jump from the Edge of Space
Baumgartner etched his name in history on October 14, 2012, when he ascended into the stratosphere—approximately 24 miles (39 kilometers) above Earth—aboard a capsule lifted by a helium balloon. From there, he executed a freefall jump over New Mexico, becoming the first human to break the sound barrier without mechanical assistance, reaching speeds of 843.6 mph during descent.
The groundbreaking feat, sponsored by Red Bull and known as the Stratos Project, took five years of preparation and shattered several world records, including:
Fastest free fall
Highest skydive
First person to break the sound barrier in freefall
Baumgartner trained under the guidance of legendary U.S. Air Force Captain Joe Kittinger, who previously held the high-altitude jump record from 1960.
Born in Austria, Baumgartner began skydiving at the age of 16 and later honed his skills in the Austrian military. By 1988, he had partnered with Red Bull, who went on to sponsor many of his extreme sports projects.
In 1999, he set two BASE jumping records—one from the Petronas Towers in Malaysia and another from the Christ the Redeemer statue in Brazil, considered the lowest-ever BASE jump at just 95 feet.
Outside of skydiving and BASE jumping, Baumgartner was also a licensed helicopter pilot and a member of Red Bull’s aerial stunt team.
In an interview, he once said, “I was only afraid of the things that were not on the list,” referring to the detailed risk planning that went into his high-stakes stunts.
A Controversial Figure
While widely admired for his fearless spirit and technical achievements, Baumgartner’s political views stirred controversy. He was openly critical of climate change activists and LGBTQ rights and had publicly praised Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán for his anti-immigration stance, even suggesting he deserved a Nobel Peace Prize.
A Legacy That Soared
Despite the controversy, Baumgartner’s accomplishments in extreme sports inspired millions across the globe. His legacy lives on through the record books, the adrenaline-fueled sports he helped popularize, and the boundary-pushing attitude he embodied.
He is remembered as a man who quite literally took flight into the unknown—and survived to tell the tale, until his final, tragic flight.
In a stunning announcement, CBS has revealed that The Late Show with Stephen Colbert will end in May 2026—a move coming just days after Colbert criticized a controversial settlement involving former President Donald Trump and CBS’s parent company, Paramount Global.
Colbert, the long-time host and political satirist, broke the news during Thursday night’s broadcast, stating, “I’m not being replaced. This is all just going away,” drawing boos from the studio audience.
While CBS has claimed the cancellation is “purely a financial decision”, many are pointing to the timing as suspicious. Earlier this week, Colbert openly slammed Paramount’s decision to settle a $16 million lawsuit filed by Trump over a 2024 60 Minutes interview with then-Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris.
Colbert Called Settlement a “Bribe”
On Monday’s show, Colbert didn’t hold back. He labeled the payout to Trump as a “big fat bribe”, mocking the network’s decision in a scathing monologue.
“I don’t know if anything will repair my trust in this company,” he said, before joking, “but $16 million would help.”
The lawsuit alleged that CBS intentionally edited the interview to present Harris in a more favorable light. While media watchdogs have dismissed the lawsuit as frivolous and politically motivated, the large payout has drawn criticism for potentially emboldening Trump’s attacks on the press.
Critics Say Cancellation Raises Red Flags
Several press freedom groups and Democratic lawmakers expressed alarm, accusing Paramount of caving to political pressure. Some even speculated that the settlement—and Colbert’s subsequent show cancellation—may be tied to Paramount’s ongoing efforts to secure government approval for its merger with Skydance Media.
The timing has fueled concerns about corporate media’s independence, especially with the 2026 election season drawing closer.
End of an Era
The Late Show has been a late-night staple since 1993. Colbert took the reins in 2015, succeeding David Letterman, and quickly became a leading voice in political comedy—particularly for left-leaning audiences.
Despite its critical acclaim and solid ratings, the show will come to a close without a replacement, according to Colbert. CBS has not announced any plans for a successor program.
The White House has confirmed that former U.S. President Donald Trump has been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI)—a circulatory condition where veins struggle to return blood from the legs back to the heart.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced the diagnosis on Thursday while addressing recent concerns over swelling in Trump’s legs and visible bruising on his hand.
According to a medical memo released by the president’s physician, Dr. Sean P. Barbabella, the 79-year-old former president noticed mild swelling in his lower legs, prompting a full medical evaluation. Tests revealed the presence of CVI, which Dr. Barbabella described as “benign” and common in adults over the age of 70.
What Is Chronic Venous Insufficiency?
Chronic venous insufficiency affects 10% to 35% of U.S. adults and occurs when veins—usually in the legs—fail to efficiently transport blood back to the heart. The condition often leads to leg swelling, and in some cases, varicose veins, discomfort, or venous ulcers, which are sores that heal slowly.
Dr. Prakash Krishnan, director of endovascular services at Mount Sinai Fuster Heart Hospital in New York, explained that age, obesity, pregnancy, and prolonged standing are key risk factors. The veins in the legs work against gravity using one-way valves and muscle contractions to circulate blood. When valves weaken or leak, blood pools, leading to pressure and vein enlargement.
Common Treatments
Doctors usually begin treatment with non-invasive methods, such as:
Compression stockings to improve blood flow.
Leg elevation (30 minutes, 3 times a day).
Lifestyle changes, including weight loss and exercise.
In more severe cases, patients may undergo:
Sclerotherapy, a procedure that collapses faulty veins using a chemical injection.
Laser or heat treatments to seal the affected veins and reroute blood through healthier ones.
Additional Findings and Trump’s Health Status
The White House also addressed the bruising on Trump’s hand, which Dr. Barbabella attributed to frequent handshaking and the regular use of aspirin—a medication he takes for heart health.
As part of the full checkup, Trump underwent blood tests and an echocardiogram, all of which came back normal, showing no signs of cardiac, kidney, or systemic problems.
“President Trump remains in excellent health,” Dr. Barbabella concluded.
The wife of Astronomer CEO Andy Byron has deleted her Facebook account following a viral video that appeared to capture her husband in an intimate moment with a top executive at his company during a Coldplay concert.
Megan Kerrigan Byron took swift action on social media after the footage sparked widespread backlash. Page Six reports that Megan initially removed her last name from her Facebook profile before permanently deactivating the account, which had previously featured personal and family photos.
The decision came shortly after online users flooded her page with comments reacting to the viral clip of her husband, Andy Byron, seen with Kristin Cabot, Astronomer’s Chief Human Resources Officer, at a Coldplay concert held Wednesday night at Gillette Stadium in Boston.
In the now-infamous video shared on TikTok, the pair were caught on the venue’s jumbotron, swaying closely and embracing. As the camera zoomed in, Cabot quickly turned around while Byron appeared to duck out of frame. Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, narrating the moment from the stage, remarked, “Either they’re having an affair or they’re just very shy,” drawing loud reactions from the crowd.
The footage quickly went viral, amassing millions of views on social media and igniting discussions about workplace relationships and public accountability. Many users expressed sympathy for Megan while slamming the alleged affair. One X (formerly Twitter) user wrote, “Feel so bad for his wife and at the same time so happy they were humiliated like that in front of thousands.”
Andy Byron and Kristin Cabot both hold top positions at Astronomer, an AI and data-focused company valued at $1.2 billion. Byron joined the firm in July 2023, while Cabot, a veteran HR professional with over two decades of experience, came on board in November 2024. A press release at the time praised Cabot’s “exceptional leadership.”
Neither Byron nor Cabot has issued a public statement regarding the incident, and attempts to reach the CEO for comment have so far been unsuccessful.
Astronomer has not responded to requests for clarification, and the scandal continues to generate intense interest online.
The wife of Astronomer CEO Andy Byron has reportedly taken a bold step following viral allegations of infidelity involving her husband and a top executive at his company.
Megan Kerrigan Byron, wife of the tech executive, was said to have removed her last name from her Facebook profile before deleting the account entirely. The move comes in the wake of a social media storm sparked by footage of her husband hugging Kristin Cabot, Astronomer’s Chief People Officer, during a Coldplay concert.
The incident, which took place at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, was captured on a jumbotron and quickly went viral. The video shows Byron wrapping his arms around Cabot from behind, only for the pair to abruptly separate after realizing they were being broadcast to the crowd.
In a now widely shared clip that has amassed over 45 million views on TikTok alone, Coldplay’s frontman Chris Martin can be heard commenting, “Either they’re having an affair, or they’re just very shy,” drawing laughter from concertgoers and sparking widespread speculation online.
Following the viral exposure, Megan Byron’s Facebook account was reportedly flooded with comments related to the incident, prompting her to deactivate the account. Meanwhile, Andy Byron appears to have deleted his LinkedIn profile, which now returns an error message.
Despite the growing attention, none of the individuals involved have issued a public statement. A supposed apology post attributed to Byron circulated online, but Astronomer confirmed it was fake.
Cabot, who joined Astronomer in November 2024, was previously married to Kenneth Thornby. Their divorce was reportedly finalized in 2022. Byron became CEO of the company in July 2023.
Astronomer, a data infrastructure startup, reached unicorn status in 2022 after being valued at over $1 billion.
The controversy continues to unfold, with both the tech and social media communities watching closely for further developments.
Former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, has taken a new wife, Hiqma, marking his fourth marriage in a private ceremony held over the weekend in Abuja.
The intimate event was attended by close friends and family members. Confirmation of the union came through a heartwarming post by Bello’s third wife, Hafiza Yahaya Bello, on Instagram.
“Our family just got a little bigger and more loving,” Hafiza wrote, warmly welcoming Hiqma into the family. She also offered prayers for peace and continued blessings in their home.
Yahaya Bello, who served as governor of Kogi State from 2016 to 2023 under the All Progressives Congress (APC), is already married to Amina Oyiza Bello, Rashida Yahaya Bello, and Hafiza Bello.
Despite his prominent role in Nigerian politics, Bello is known for keeping his family life relatively private. His latest marriage signals a new chapter in his personal journey following the end of his gubernatorial tenure.
The former governor is an alumnus of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Business Administration.
Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has approved the appointment of Prof. Francisca Bassey as the substantive Vice Chancellor of the University of Cross River (UniCross).
The announcement was made in a statement issued by Prof. Anthony Owan-Enoh, Secretary to the State Government, on Thursday. According to the statement, the appointment takes immediate effect, following the recommendation of the university’s Governing Council.
Prof. Bassey had served as acting Vice Chancellor for the past six months after taking over from Prof. Augustine Angba.
Owan-Enoh stated that the governor’s approval reflects his administration’s continued commitment to placing capable and competent individuals in strategic leadership positions across the state.
He described the appointment as a testament to the governor’s belief that leadership in tertiary education should be anchored on competence, integrity, and vision.
While congratulating Prof. Bassey on her appointment, Owan-Enoh charged her to provide transformational leadership that would consolidate ongoing reforms and position UniCross as a centre of academic excellence, research, and innovation.
He assured the new Vice Chancellor of the state government’s full support in her new role, adding that education remains a central pillar of the Otu-led administration’s “People’s First” agenda.
“You are stepping into a role that demands courage, creativity, and character,” the SSG said. “The future of our university system must be anchored on global standards, and I have every confidence that you will lead with distinction.”
