Technology News - The Actual News

Trains cancelled due to Waterloo signal failure

July 21, 2025

A major signalling problem at London Waterloo station led to significant train disruptions on Monday morning, affecting South Western Railway (SWR) routes. Passengers are advised not to travel as about 14 platforms are out of service, and the issue is expected to last until at least 4:00 PM BST.

Key Facts:

A signalling failure at London Waterloo occurred early in the morning.
14 platforms at the station are not operational.
South Western Railway (SWR) asked passengers not to travel.
Disruptions affect all SWR routes and are expected to last until at least 4:00 PM.
Passengers can use their train tickets on certain bus and train services as an alternative.
Engineers are working to fix the issue, but only a few trains can move in and out of Waterloo.
Network Rail stated that services may still face delays even after some are restored.
SWR was the first train operator brought into public ownership by the Labour government.

Source Information

BBC Business

Victims' families decry report blaming pilot error for Jeju Air crash

July 21, 2025

An investigation into the Jeju Air crash in December found that the pilot accidentally turned off the wrong engine after a bird hit the plane. Families of the victims disagree with this finding, arguing that other factors, like a concrete barrier, also contributed to the crash's severity.

Key Facts:

A Jeju Air plane crashed while landing at Muan International Airport in December, killing 179 people.
The investigation found that the pilot mistakenly shut off the left engine, which was not damaged, after a bird strike.
Families believe the concrete barrier at the runway's end worsened the crash's impact.
The report's release was delayed due to protests from victims' families.
South Korea's transport ministry plans to remove concrete barriers from seven airports.
Families have filed a complaint against Jeju Air's CEO and others for negligence.
Video shows the plane made a belly landing without landing gear and hit a concrete barrier.

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BBC World

Free school uniform event at shopping centre

July 21, 2025

On August 1st, a free school uniform event will take place at Queensgate Shopping Centre in Peterborough. The event will offer free clothing and other school essentials to help families prepare for the new school year while promoting environmental benefits.

Key Facts:

The event will happen at Queensgate Shopping Centre in Peterborough on 1 August.
Families can get free primary and secondary school uniforms.
The event will occur near the centre's Superdry store.
Activities like recycling games, upcycling, and crafts will be held from 11:00 to 16:00 BST.
Peterborough City Council and Peterborough Youth Council organized the event.
The event aims to reduce costs for families and support environmental goals.
The National Literacy Trust and Goal2Grow initiative will also be present.
Attendees can exchange pre-loved football shirts at the event.

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BBC Business

Charity staff face burnout amid 'triple crisis'

July 21, 2025

Charity organizations in Oxfordshire are experiencing a "triple crisis" with rising demand for services, difficulties in raising money, and increased operational costs. These challenges have led to staff burnout and a struggle to maintain services for vulnerable people in the community, as detailed in a discussion among charity leaders.

Key Facts:

Charity leaders in Oxfordshire discussed challenges including higher demand, funding difficulties, and rising costs.
There are roughly 4,000 registered charities in Oxfordshire.
Charity staff, from junior roles to CEOs, are facing exhaustion due to increasing workload and financial pressures.
Charities are tackling issues once addressed by the government, such as mental health and poverty.
The crisis includes difficulties in recruiting volunteers and trustees due to financial constraints.
Many communities rely on charities, especially in deprived areas like east Oxford.
Oxfam, a notable charity, has faced potential job cuts due to economic issues.
There is concern that some charities could close, leaving vulnerable people without support.

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BBC Business

Former Louisville detective to be sentenced for role in Breonna Taylor's death

July 21, 2025

A former Louisville detective will be sentenced on Monday for his involvement in a raid that led to Breonna Taylor's death. Last year, he was found guilty of breaking her civil rights.

Key Facts:

A former Louisville detective is facing sentencing for his part in a raid linked to Breonna Taylor's death.
The detective was convicted last year of violating Breonna Taylor's civil rights.
Breonna Taylor's death occurred during a botched police raid.
The sentencing is scheduled for Monday.
The event is covered by "Morning Edition," a radio program.

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NPR National

Some states aim to protect residents as private investors buy up mobile home parks

July 21, 2025

Some states in the U.S. are trying to protect residents of mobile home parks from quick rent increases. This is happening because private investors are buying these parks where many people live in manufactured homes, which are often more affordable options.

Key Facts:

Some states are taking steps to help people who live in mobile home parks.
These actions are in response to private investors purchasing these communities.
Manufactured homes are a common affordable housing option for many people.
There is a concern that when investors buy these parks, they might raise rent quickly.
States want to ensure that residents can continue to afford their homes.

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NPR National

Many beauty products have toxic ingredients. Newly proposed bills could change that

July 21, 2025

Democratic lawmakers have reintroduced the "Safer Beauty Bill Package" to make sure beauty products are safe and ingredients are clearly listed. The package consists of four bills aimed at banning harmful ingredients and protecting those who use a lot of these products, like women of color and salon workers. Some states have already started banning certain chemicals because federal rules are lacking.

Key Facts:

The "Safer Beauty Bill Package" is a set of four new bills aimed at improving the safety of beauty products.
Many personal care products currently have little federal oversight and may contain toxic ingredients like formaldehyde and mercury.
The average U.S. adult uses about 12 such products daily, exposing them to around 168 different chemicals.
The proposed bills focus on banning very harmful ingredients and improving protections for frequent users like women of color and salon workers.
A similar package was introduced in 2021, but the recent 2022 law, MoCRA, has not significantly improved product safety.
Some states like Vermont, California, and Washington have already enacted their own bans on harmful chemicals in cosmetics.
The Personal Care Products Council says it is committed to safety and often exceeds federal requirements.

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NPR Home

Your tinned fish obsession is helping resurrect a lost industry

July 21, 2025

U.S. tinned fish, once a booming industry, is gaining popularity again, especially sardines. This growing interest could help bring back the industry.

Key Facts:

Tinned fish was once a major industry in the U.S.
The industry declined alongside other U.S. manufacturing sectors.
Sardines are currently becoming popular again.
Increased interest in sardines could support efforts to revive the tinned fish market.
The industry revival is being discussed on platforms like the NPR show, "The Indicator from Planet Money."

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NPR Business

Forgotten 'weeds' prove a culinary hit in Kenya

July 21, 2025

Indigenous leafy vegetables in Kenya, once considered weeds or poor man's food, are now gaining popularity. People are choosing these local greens due to their nutritional benefits, and production has doubled in the past decade, supported by research and government initiatives.

Key Facts:

Indigenous vegetables like mrenda, managu, and terere are now widely grown and eaten in Kenya.
These vegetables are richer in nutrients like vitamin A, C, and antioxidants compared to introduced greens such as cabbage.
The demand for local greens, called "kienyeji," is increasing in markets and restaurants.
Production of indigenous greens has grown significantly, with 300,000 tonnes produced last year.
The shift towards traditional vegetables is partly due to their resistance to diseases and pests, allowing organic growth.
Prof. Mary Abukutsa-Onyango has championed research and awareness of these vegetables since the 1980s.
In 2021, Unesco recognized Kenya's efforts in preserving its traditional food culture.
Despite the rise, vegetables like sukumawiki, a non-native green introduced as animal feed, remain widely farmed.

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BBC World

Stevie Wonder: 'I'll keep playing as long as I breathe'

July 20, 2025

Stevie Wonder, at 75, remains active in music and plans to keep performing indefinitely. He is working on a new album, "Through The Eyes Of Wonder," while continuing to perform his popular songs and sharing messages of positivity and activism.

Key Facts:

Stevie Wonder, a well-known musician, is 75 years old.
He recently finished a UK tour and is not planning to retire.
Wonder is working on a new album called "Through The Eyes Of Wonder."
The album reflects his life experience as a blind man.
Wonder began his music career in 1962 when he was 11 years old.
He is famous for hit songs like "Superstition" and "Isn't She Lovely."
Wonder addressed rumors about his blindness, affirming he became blind shortly after birth.
He is a longtime civil rights campaigner and supports positive change through music.

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BBC US

Man wearing heavy metallic necklace dies after being sucked into MRI machine

July 20, 2025

A 61-year-old man died after being pulled into an MRI machine at a medical center in New York. He was wearing a heavy metal necklace, and the machine's strong magnet attracted the necklace, leading to a medical emergency. He was taken to the hospital but died the next day.

Key Facts:

A man wearing a heavy metal necklace was pulled into an MRI machine.
The incident occurred at Nassau Open MRI in Westbury, New York.
MRI machines use strong magnets to create images, which can pull in metal objects.
Police are investigating the incident.
Patients are usually told to take off metal items before being scanned or near the machine.
The man was identified by local media as the husband of a patient who was being scanned.
The man's wife said he wore a 20lb (9kg) chain for weight training.
A similar incident in 2001 involved a boy who died when an MRI machine's magnet moved an oxygen tank.

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BBC US

Former prosecutors say request to unseal Epstein grand jury transcripts likely to disappoint

July 20, 2025

The U.S. Justice Department wants to release transcripts from a grand jury investigation into Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. This could provide some new information about the case, but experts say these transcripts are usually short and may not contain much new detail.

Key Facts:

The Justice Department has asked to unseal grand jury transcripts related to Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell's criminal cases.
Epstein died by suicide in 2019 while in federal custody after being charged with sex trafficking.
Ghislaine Maxwell is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence for her role in sex trafficking.
Grand jury transcripts are typically brief and may not include all investigative details.
Prosecutors usually present only enough evidence to secure an indictment.
There is concern about protecting the identity of victims in the transcripts.
Some former prosecutors believe judges may not approve the release of these transcripts.
The case remains relevant because Maxwell is still in custody, and appeals are ongoing.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour

After plea deals are canceled, what happens next with the Guantanamo 9/11 trials?

July 20, 2025

Plea deals for trials related to the 9/11 attacks, held at Guantanamo Bay, have been canceled. Experts like Georgetown University Law professor Stephen Vladeck are discussing what will happen next in these cases.

Key Facts:

Plea deals for the 9/11 trials at Guantanamo Bay have been canceled.
Stephen Vladeck, a law professor, is discussing the situation.
The 9/11 attacks happened on September 11, 2001.
The trials are taking place at Guantanamo Bay, a U.S. military prison.
The cancellation affects how the cases will proceed.
These trials involve individuals accused of planning the 9/11 attacks.

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NPR Home

Palestinians describe choice between starvation and risking death to get food aid in Gaza

July 20, 2025

Israel is reportedly getting ready to increase its ground actions in a central part of Gaza. This area has been a safer place for Palestinians who were forced to leave their homes and for aid groups. The Israeli military has told people to evacuate, and reports say at least 85 Palestinians died while trying to get food help.

Key Facts:

Israel plans to expand its ground operations in a central Gaza area.
This area has been a refuge for displaced Palestinians and aid groups.
The Israeli military issued orders telling people to leave the area.
Reports indicate at least 85 Palestinians were killed while seeking food aid.
John Yang discussed the situation with Sudarsan Raghavan from The Wall Street Journal.

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PBS NewsHour

Argentina's stolen children grapple with finding their place in history

July 20, 2025

A book titled "A Flower Traveled In My Blood" by Haley Cohen Gilliland discusses the efforts of the Abuelas of the Plaza de Mayo to reunite families affected by Argentina's history of stolen children. These children, taken during a dictatorship, are now trying to understand their identities and past.

Key Facts:

The book "A Flower Traveled In My Blood" is written by Haley Cohen Gilliland.
It focuses on Argentina's stolen children, who were taken during a dictatorship.
The Abuelas of the Plaza de Mayo is a group that works to find these children and reunite them with their families.
The children are now adults who are trying to understand their personal histories and identities.
The book and its topics were discussed on the program "All Things Considered."
The audio segment from this discussion will be made available later.

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NPR World

What to know about the rise of mental health misinformation on social media

July 20, 2025

People are more open about mental health issues, and social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok have millions of posts about it. However, not all the information shared online is correct.

Key Facts:

Many people are now more willing to talk about their mental health experiences.
The hashtag "mental health" is used in nearly 90 million posts on Instagram and TikTok combined.
Sharing online suggests that there is less stigma, which means less negative judgment, associated with discussing mental health.
Not all online information regarding mental health is accurate.
Stephanie Sy talked with Taisha Caldwell-Harvey, a licensed psychologist, to get more information.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour

Lowering UK voting age benefits “both sides” of political extremes

July 20, 2025

The article discusses views from Conservative Commentator Alex Deane, who believes that changing the voting age in the UK to 16 might not only support established political parties like Labour but could also assist more extreme political groups.

Key Facts:

Alex Deane is a commentator with conservative views.
There is a suggestion to lower the voting age in the UK to 16.
Deane argues this change could impact both major and extreme political parties.
The discussion includes how different political groups might gain support from younger voters.
The article focuses on the possible effects of lowering the voting age on UK politics.

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Al Jazeera

In the West Virginia mountains, a radio station is caught in the funding cut crossfire

July 20, 2025

Allegheny Mountain Radio, which runs three community radio stations in West Virginia, faces challenges from funding cuts. These stations are not part of the NPR network, but the cuts still affect them.

Key Facts:

Allegheny Mountain Radio operates three community radio stations in West Virginia.
These stations are not members of NPR (National Public Radio).
Despite not being part of NPR, they are impacted by funding reductions.
Funding cuts refer to reductions in financial support necessary for operations.
The stations provide local news and information important to their community.

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NPR National

Taiwan coach apologises for 'pressuring' students to give blood

July 20, 2025

A sports coach at a Taiwanese university apologized for allegedly pressuring students to give blood for research projects. An internal investigation revealed that the blood sampling took place from 2019 to 2024, and concerns were raised about the methods used for collecting the blood.

Key Facts:

The coach involved was Chou Tai-ying from National Taiwan Normal University.
The issue came to light in 2024 when a politician, Chen Pei-yu, raised concerns.
The students were reportedly told their academic credits might be affected if they didn't participate.
An investigation found the blood was collected from 2019 to 2024 for research.
Students were allegedly asked to give blood once a day, and the samples were discarded after problems were found.
The research aimed to help student athletes but ended up causing concerns and harm.
The university's principal, Wu Cheng-chi, apologized for the school's lack of oversight.
Taiwan's education ministry is reviewing the case and considering actions against the coach.

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BBC World

Most teens have used AI to flirt and chat — but still prefer human interaction

July 20, 2025

Nearly three-quarters of U.S. teenagers have used AI tools to chat or seek support, according to a study by Common Sense Media. While many teens use these digital companions, most prefer interacting with real friends. The study raises concerns about teens sharing personal info with AI and the potential impact on their social skills.

Key Facts:

Almost 75% of U.S. teens have used AI tools for communication or support.
AI tools like CHAI, Character.AI, Nomi, and Replika allow teens to engage in role-playing and seeking mental health support.
52% of teens use AI companions regularly, meaning a few times each month.
One-third of teens have discussed serious topics with AI rather than people.
A quarter of teens shared personal information like names and locations with AI companions.
80% of teens still favor human friendships over interactions with AI.
Many teens expressed distrust in the advice from AI companions, especially older ones.
Common Sense Media advises against under-18s using AI companions due to risks and potential addiction.

Source Information

NPR Home