Turbulence during flights is becoming more frequent and severe. Experts say climate change is causing changes in the atmosphere that may make air travel bumpier in the future. Severe turbulence already accounts for a significant portion of injuries in air travel.
Key Facts
Severe turbulence on a flight can cause the plane to drop suddenly, leading to injuries.
There have been four reported deaths from turbulence since 1981.
In the United States, 207 people have been severely injured by turbulence since 2009.
Climate change is affecting atmospheric conditions, increasing turbulence frequency and severity.
Severe turbulence affects around 5,000 flights each year out of over 35 million global flights.
Nearly 40% of serious injuries to passengers in 2023 were caused by turbulence.
The North Atlantic route has experienced a 55% increase in severe turbulence over the last 40 years.
Different types of turbulence include convective (from thunderstorms), orographic (near mountains), and clear-air (sudden wind changes).
Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to stop fighting on their disputed border, an area with old temples and a long history of disagreements. Their conflict involves political issues and changing relationships, with China's presence being important.
Key Facts
Thailand and Cambodia have a disputed border area.
The border has ancient temples, which are part of the conflict.
They have agreed to a ceasefire, which means they will stop fighting.
The conflict involves political dynasties, or family-based political power.
Changing alliances have affected the situation.
China's role and influence in the region are significant.
A State Department spokesperson in the United States was questioned about the death of Palestinian activist Awdah Hathaleen, allegedly caused by an Israeli settler, Yinon Levi. This incident has renewed focus on policies related to Israeli settlements in occupied territories. Levi has been charged with manslaughter and is under house arrest.
Key Facts
Awdah Hathaleen, a Palestinian activist, was reportedly shot and killed by Israeli settler Yinon Levi.
Levi is on house arrest and faces charges of manslaughter and unlawful firearm use.
Levi had been previously sanctioned under the Biden administration for violence against Palestinians; the Trump administration later reversed these sanctions.
A State Department spokesperson declined to comment on Levi's accountability but mentioned that Israel is conducting an investigation.
Hathaleen helped produce a documentary highlighting the impact of Israeli settlements on Palestinians.
Israeli settlements in the West Bank are widely considered illegal under international law and are a key obstacle to peace.
The reversal of sanctions on settlers by the Trump administration has been scrutinized amid ongoing violence.
The incident provoked discussions on US policies regarding Israeli settlements and their impact on Palestinian territories.
A new law in Brazil aims to simplify environmental licensing for development projects, which could speed up approvals but might lead to environmental damage and deforestation, especially in the Amazon. Critics, including a UN expert, are worried that these changes could harm human rights and environmental protections, while supporters argue that it will streamline processes and boost economic growth.
Key Facts
Brazil's new law simplifies environmental licensing for infrastructure projects like roads, dams, and mines.
The law allows some developers to self-report environmental impact through an online form.
Critics worry this could lead to more deforestation and environmental harm, especially in the Amazon region.
The law lets environmental agencies take up to 24 months to decide on project licenses, after which a license could be granted automatically if no decision is made.
Some traditional communities might not be consulted unless directly affected by a project.
Supporters believe the law will reduce bureaucracy and aid economic development, including renewable energy projects.
Critics fear the law could lead to environmental disasters and violate indigenous rights.
The law is approved by the Brazilian Senate and Chamber of Deputies but awaits the president's decision by August 8.
A Spanish F-18 fighter jet performed a sudden evasive move during an air show in Gijon to avoid a flock of birds. The jet turned upside down and flew towards the sea before safely departing the area. The Spanish air force confirmed that this maneuver is part of standard procedures to keep the pilot and audience safe.
Key Facts
A Spanish F-18 fighter jet was involved in an incident at an air show in Gijon, Spain.
The jet had to make a quick move to avoid hitting birds.
The jet was flying at a low height when the incident happened.
It turned upside down to avoid the birds and moved towards the sea.
The Spanish air force stated that such moves are routine to ensure safety.
The action aimed to protect both the pilot and the people watching the air show.
The BBC Sounds program titled "Tech Life: Your AI Servant" explores what the future holds with agentic AI, which is artificial intelligence that can make decisions and act on its own. The episode was released on July 29, 2025, and will be available for over a year.
Key Facts
The program is called "Tech Life: Your AI Servant."
It discusses the potential of agentic AI, a type of AI that can make its own decisions.
The episode was released on July 29, 2025.
The content will be accessible for over a year.
The program is part of BBC Sounds, a platform offering audio content.
The discussion focuses on how agentic AI might change our lives in the future.
An underwater sculpture garden near Talamone, Italy, is helping to protect local fishing areas. This project uses sunken sculptures and concrete blocks to prevent trawling nets, which can harm marine life, from damaging the ocean floor.
Key Facts
The sculpture garden is located near Talamone, Italy.
It aims to protect fishing grounds from trawling nets.
Trawling nets are used in fishing and can harm marine life when they drag along the seabed.
The project involves artists' sculptures and concrete blocks placed underwater.
A student from an art high school participated by creating a piece intended to give octopuses an alternative home.
The goal is to provide a safe environment for marine life and reduce illegal fishing practices.
A gunman named Shane Tamura killed five people, including himself, in a New York City building. Tamura's note indicated he was targeting the NFL due to a brain condition he believed he got from playing football. He mistakenly opened fire in a real estate office instead of the NFL offices.
Key Facts
Shane Tamura, 27, carried out the shooting in a New York City building.
Tamura's note blamed the NFL for his brain injury, known as CTE, common in contact sports.
He accidentally went to the wrong floor and shot people in a real estate office.
Five people, including Tamura, were killed in the incident.
Among the victims was a police officer named Didarul Islam, originally from Bangladesh.
The NFL has faced lawsuits over concussions but denies direct links to CTE.
Tamura used an AR-15-style rifle in the shooting.
Tamura lived in Las Vegas and had a history of mental health issues; he played high school football but not in the NFL.
The spread of harmful attitudes towards women on the internet is becoming more common, and it is starting to affect real-life behavior among young men. John Yang shares a story about a teenager from Detroit and what this trend might mean for society.
Key Facts
Online misogyny, or negative attitudes towards women, is increasing.
This online trend is starting to affect young men's behavior in real life.
A teenager from Detroit experienced these issues firsthand.
The topic is being reported by John Yang.
The situation might have wider effects on society.
President Donald Trump stated that Jeffrey Epstein took young women who were employed at the spa at Mar-a-Lago. He mentioned that one of these women was Virginia Giuffre, who is known for accusing Epstein of sex trafficking.
Key Facts
Donald Trump said Jeffrey Epstein took young women from Mar-a-Lago's spa.
Trump mentioned this while talking about their past relationship.
Virginia Giuffre was one of the women taken and is a known accuser of Epstein in sex trafficking cases.
Mar-a-Lago is a resort and national historic landmark in Palm Beach, Florida, owned by Donald Trump.
Jeffrey Epstein was a financier accused of sex trafficking girls and young women.
Gaza is at a high risk of famine, based on a report from food security experts backed by the UN. Food access and nutrition in the area are worse than at any previous time during the ongoing conflict.
Key Facts
Gaza is facing a severe risk of famine.
The information comes from a report by UN-backed food security experts.
Food consumption and nutrition levels in Gaza are at their worst.
This decline is the most severe since the conflict in the area began.
The famine risk is linked to ongoing conflict in the region.
A dating app called Tea experienced two breaches in one week, compromising user data. The app was designed for people to share information privately, but these hacks have put user information at risk.
Key Facts
Tea is a dating app focused on privacy for its users.
In one week, Tea experienced two separate security breaches.
These breaches exposed user information to unauthorized access.
The app's purpose is to let people share information privately.
News about these breaches was reported by NPR journalists.
Union Pacific plans to buy Norfolk Southern for $85 billion, creating the first coast-to-coast freight rail operator in the U.S. This would be the largest railroad merger ever if approved, affecting how goods are transported across the country and facing significant regulatory review.
Key Facts
Union Pacific is based in Omaha, Nebraska, and wants to buy Norfolk Southern.
The proposed deal is worth $85 billion.
If approved, this would be the largest merger in the railroad industry.
Union Pacific operates mostly in the western U.S., while Norfolk covers 22 eastern states.
Together, they estimate a combined value of $250 billion and $2.75 billion in savings.
Norfolk Southern's stock price includes an 18.6% premium from its previous value.
The merger faces regulatory review for up to 22 months due to concerns about job losses and service issues.
Other railroad companies are considering mergers because of this deal.
Pope Leo XIV emphasized the need to protect human dignity in the face of advancing artificial intelligence. Speaking at a Vatican event for Catholic social media influencers, he encouraged the use of technology for the benefit of all people and urged influencers to promote unity and care for those in need.
Key Facts
Pope Leo XIV spoke at the Vatican's first Mass for Catholic social media influencers.
He highlighted the importance of protecting human dignity as artificial intelligence (AI) develops.
The Pope wants technology to benefit all humanity, not harm anyone's dignity.
He urged people to develop ways of communicating that support love and understanding.
Social media influencers were encouraged to use their platforms to help those who suffer and to spread unity.
Pope Leo XIV is the first Pope from the United States and was elected in May.
He has a background in mathematics and worked with marginalized communities in Peru.
A Russian court sentenced journalist Olga Komleva to 12 years in prison for her links to an opposition group and for allegedly spreading false information about the Russian military. The charges relate to her past volunteering with a banned political party and her reporting on Russia's military actions in Ukraine.
Key Facts
Olga Komleva, a journalist, was sentenced to 12 years in prison by a Russian court.
She was accused of having ties to an "extremist" group and spreading false information.
Komleva volunteered for Alexey Navalny’s banned political party and reported on protests and the war in Ukraine.
Navalny's party was banned in 2021, and his death later occurred under unclear circumstances in prison.
The court in Ufa found her guilty of participating in extremist activities and sharing false information.
Kremlin has increased restrictions on journalists, limiting criticism of the military.
Olga did not admit guilt and expressed affection for her supporters at the verdict.
While detained, she reportedly struggled to access diabetes medication.
Protests broke out in Angola's capital following a government decision to increase diesel prices by 30%, resulting in four deaths and hundreds of arrests. Many transport services in the city stopped, and there was widespread damage to shops and vehicles.
Key Facts
Four people died, and police arrested hundreds during protests in Angola’s capital.
The protests began after the government increased the price of diesel by 30%.
The diesel price went from 300 to 400 kwanzas per litre, raising transport costs for minibus taxis.
Minibus taxi associations launched a three-day strike to protest the price rise.
Gunfire and looting were reported in different city areas, and transport services stopped.
The police reported damage to 45 shops, 25 private vehicles, and 20 public buses during the unrest.
Angola is a major oil producer, but many residents live in poverty.
Human Rights Watch stated that police used excessive force during earlier protests related to fuel price hikes.
The album "Buckingham Nicks" by Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham, their only record as a duo before they joined Fleetwood Mac, will be reissued nearly 50 years after its original release. The album, which was not commercially successful initially, will be available again on September 19 through Rhino Records on vinyl, CD, and digital platforms.
Key Facts
"Buckingham Nicks" is the only album Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham recorded together before joining Fleetwood Mac.
Originally released in 1973, the album did not sell well and was dropped by Polydor Records soon after.
Despite its initial lack of success, copies have become rare and sought after by fans and collectors.
The reissued album will be available starting September 19, 2025, via Rhino Records.
The reissue will include remastered versions on vinyl, CD, and digital platforms.
The duo's relationship was marked by ups and downs, and they broke up during their time with Fleetwood Mac.
Buckingham and Nicks' work with Fleetwood Mac helped change the band from an English blues-rock group to a major hit-making band.
Rights issues and changing views may have delayed the album's reissue until now.
The Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) will delay the full removal of melted nuclear fuel from the Fukushima Daiichi plant until 2037 or later. This postponement affects the ongoing efforts to safely decommission the plant, originally targeted for completion by 2051.
Key Facts
TEPCO announced a delay in removing melted nuclear fuel at the Fukushima Daiichi plant.
The new timeline for starting full removal is set for 2037 or later.
The delay impacts the original decommissioning target of 2051.
About 880 tons of melted fuel and debris are inside the affected reactors.
Preparations include lowering radiation levels and constructing necessary facilities.
A small sample of fuel debris was successfully retrieved in November, after a three-year delay.
TEPCO aims to maintain the 2051 decommissioning goal despite anticipated challenges.
Experts believe that decommissioning might take more than a century due to the complexities involved.
A zoo in Nuremberg, Germany, killed 12 baboons because it had no space for them. The decision followed attempts to move the animals to other zoos, which did not work. Animal rights groups criticized the zoo and said the action broke animal protection laws.
Key Facts
The Tiergarten Nürnberg zoo killed 12 baboons due to space issues.
The zoo announced plans to kill the baboons in February 2024 but did it earlier due to ongoing space concerns.
Offers to relocate the baboons were considered, but none were successful.
Activists protested the killings and filed a complaint, claiming it violated animal protection laws.
The baboon group grew too large, with 43 animals, and exceeded the 25-animal capacity of their enclosure.
The zoo had previously relocated some baboons to other zoos, but those zoos were also full.
Attempts at using contraception to control the population failed.
The zoo made the decision after "years of consideration," according to the deputy director.
Nigel Farage has asked Technology Secretary Peter Kyle to apologize for linking him to sex offenders like Jimmy Savile over his opposition to the Online Safety Act. The new law aims to protect children from harmful content online, but critics, including Reform UK, argue it limits free speech and pushes people to use tools that bypass age checks.
Key Facts
Nigel Farage wants Peter Kyle to say sorry for suggesting he sides with sex offenders by opposing the Online Safety Act.
Reform UK plans to scrap the Online Safety Act, claiming it doesn't protect children and limits free speech.
The Online Safety Act requires stricter checks on age-restricted content and quick action on harmful content.
Companies that don't follow the rules could be fined up to £18 million or 10% of their earnings.
The rules have led to an increase in people downloading VPNs, which can hide users' locations online.
Reform UK argues that using VPNs can lead children to more dangerous parts of the internet.
Peter Kyle insists the law is a major step toward keeping harmful content away from children.
Kyle acknowledges some people are bypassing the rules but says the government will not ban VPNs.
