The US is preparing a Qatari jumbo jet to be used as Air Force One for President Donald Trump. Qatar is donating the Boeing aircraft, which is worth $400 million, and the US will cover the costs to modify it. The donation has sparked criticism due to legal and ethical concerns regarding gifts from foreign governments.
Key Facts
The jet, a Boeing 747-8, is being donated by Qatar as a gift for use as Air Force One.
The aircraft is valued at $400 million, and the US government will pay for necessary modifications.
Critics from both political parties worry it could be seen as a "bribe" from a foreign country.
The White House states that accepting the plane complies with legal rules.
US law typically only allows officials to accept gifts valued under $480.
Security checks will be done to ensure the plane is free from surveillance devices.
The plan is to donate the plane to Trump's presidential library after he leaves office.
The cost to retrofit the plane is not yet known but expected to be high.
In Kenya, street protests led by the youth are happening as people question the government's actions and leadership. While protests are seen by some in the government as dangerous, they are a form of democratic expression where people come together to show their concerns.
Key Facts
Street protests in Kenya are partly due to dissatisfaction with government actions.
The Kenyan government views these protests as a threat to public order.
Youth, especially Generation Z, have been leading these peaceful protests for the past 16 months.
President William Ruto has expressed concerns about the impact of ongoing protests on the nation.
Some protestors have faced severe consequences, such as being charged with serious crimes.
The protests seek to challenge and change government policies and leadership.
Protestors have organized independently, offering support like legal aid and civic education.
The protests echo past movements from the 1990s that sought political reform in Kenya.
A large study found that making lifestyle changes like improving diet, exercising regularly, and engaging in brain training can boost mental abilities and slow down the aging process in the brain for older adults. The study involved over 2,100 people aged 60 to 79, showing significant improvement in thinking and memory for those who followed an intensive program.
Key Facts
The study included more than 2,100 people in their 60s and 70s.
Participants followed a two-year intensive program focused on diet, exercise, and brain training.
The study showed improved cognitive functions, similar to people 1-2 years younger.
It was conducted by the Alzheimer's Association and reported at an international conference.
A similar smaller study from Finland previously had consistent findings.
The POINTER study focused on people with a higher risk of cognitive decline and Alzheimer's.
The intensive program included aerobic exercise, a Mediterranean diet, and social activities.
Future plans include applying these lifestyle methods in the community, supported by further investment.
Pro-Ukrainian hacker group Silent Crow claims it attacked Aeroflot's IT systems, leading to the cancellation of dozens of flights. The Russian prosecutor's office confirmed a hacker attack caused issues with Aeroflot's information system and started a criminal investigation. Silent Crow worked with Belarusian hackers called Cyber Partisans, and both groups aim to support Ukraine.
Key Facts
Aeroflot, Russia's national airline, canceled more than 40 flights due to a hacker attack on its IT systems.
The hacker group Silent Crow claimed responsibility for the attack and said it worked with another group called Cyber Partisans from Belarus.
Silent Crow claimed the attack caused severe damage to Aeroflot's systems and threatened to release personal data of Russian travelers.
The Russian prosecutor's office confirmed that a hacker attack occurred and began a criminal investigation.
Due to the attack, some passengers will be moved to other airlines' flights, according to the transport ministry.
Pro-Russian and pro-Ukrainian hacker groups have been actively targeting each other since the invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Cyber Partisans describe themselves as a "hacktivist collective" supporting Belarus's freedom.
Attacks like these have been impacting Russian flights since the full-scale invasion started in February 2022.
European Union investigators have found that the online shopping platform Temu may be selling illegal products within its marketplace. Temu is accused of not following the Digital Services Act guidelines, which aim to make online platforms safer for consumers. The company can review the investigation findings and respond to these claims.
Key Facts
EU watchdogs accused Temu of selling illegal products.
The investigation is based on the Digital Services Act, which requires online platforms to protect users.
Investigators found non-compliant products like baby toys and electronics on Temu.
Temu has 92 million users in the European Union.
EU officials say Temu’s risk assessment methods are not adequate.
Temu is owned by Pinduoduo Inc., a major Chinese e-commerce company.
Potential penalties for Temu include fines up to 6% of its global revenue.
Temu will have a chance to respond to the accusations before a final decision is made.
Cambodia and Thailand have agreed to start a ceasefire to end their recent border conflict. This comes after several days of intense fighting, which resulted in at least 36 deaths and many people being forced to leave their homes.
Key Facts
The ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand will start at midnight, as Monday becomes Tuesday.
The conflict lasted five days and resulted in the deaths of at least 36 people.
Over 270,000 people from both countries have had to leave their homes due to the fighting.
The ceasefire agreement was reached during talks hosted by Malaysia's Prime Minister, Anwar Ibrahim.
The dispute started on July 24 and is connected to disagreements over old colonial maps.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand’s acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai agreed to the ceasefire.
Military leaders from both countries will meet on Tuesday to discuss the next steps.
A meeting of the General Border Committee is planned for August 4 in Cambodia to further address the situation.
People in the UK are downloading VPN apps in high numbers to bypass new age verification rules on certain websites. The VPNs help users avoid sharing personal information like their age to access content. However, experts warn that free VPNs may not be safe and could expose users to risks.
Key Facts
VPN apps are the most downloaded apps in the UK App Store after new age checks on sites like PornHub and Reddit began.
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) lets users hide their true location online by connecting through a remote server.
The Online Safety Act requires websites with adult content to verify users' ages.
VPN downloads in the UK increased by 1,800% following the implementation of age checks.
Free VPNs may have security and privacy issues, and can sometimes be used by companies to collect data.
The new rules require platforms to ensure they do not encourage VPN use to sidestep age checks.
Proton VPN, a popular VPN service, reported a huge rise in new UK users after the age check rules started.
Kidnappers in Nigeria killed at least 35 of the 56 people they took from a village in Zamfara state, even after ransom was paid for some of them. These kidnappings are carried out by groups known as bandits who use this method to get money.
Key Facts
Kidnappers in Nigeria killed 35 hostages from a village in northern Zamfara state.
The abductions happened in March in Banga village within the Kauran Namoda area.
The gunmen initially took 56 people and demanded a ransom of one million naira per person.
After the ransom was paid, 18 people, mostly women and a young boy, were released.
Local officials confirmed that the deceased were mostly young people.
In 2022, a law was passed in Nigeria to make paying ransom illegal and abduction punishable by death if victims die, but no arrests have been made under this law.
Families still often pay ransoms due to a lack of security protection from the government.
A gunman opened fire outside a casino in Reno, Nevada on Monday morning, injuring multiple people before being caught by police. The incident took place at the Grand Sierra Resort around 7:30 a.m. and emergency services responded quickly.
Key Facts
A shooting occurred outside the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, Nevada.
The event happened around 7:30 a.m. in the valet area of the casino.
Several people were injured in the shooting.
The gunman was arrested and is receiving medical treatment.
An officer was involved in the shooting, according to the Washoe County Sheriff's Department.
Reno police advised people to avoid the area.
Many emergency vehicles, including ambulances, went to the scene.
The Grand Sierra Resort has the largest casino in northern Nevada and is near the Reno-Tahoe International Airport.
In a televised interview, Bob Geldof, an Irish singer and activist, suggested that Israelis who wish to protest their country's actions in Gaza should personally visit Gaza and help feed those in need.
Key Facts
Bob Geldof is an Irish singer and activist.
He made comments in a televised interview.
Geldof addressed Israelis who want to protest against Israel's actions in Gaza.
He suggested these Israelis should go to Gaza themselves.
He mentioned the idea of personally feeding people in Gaza.
Since the introduction of age verification rules under the UK's Online Safety Act, VPN apps have become very popular in the UK. People are likely using these apps to bypass age checks on websites that now require users to verify their age.
Key Facts
VPN apps are now among the most downloaded in the UK on Apple's App Store.
Sites like PornHub and Reddit have started requiring age verification as part of the Online Safety Act.
VPNs can hide a user's real location and let them access the internet as if they are in a different country.
There has been an 1,800% increase in downloads of one VPN app since the new rules started.
Experts warn that free VPNs might have security and privacy risks and could expose users to data harvesting.
Ofcom states that platforms should not allow content that promotes using VPNs to avoid age checks.
It's illegal for platforms to encourage bypassing age verification using VPNs.
Many VPN apps declare that they are not intended for children and claim to keep users' data private and secure.
A shooting at a market in Bangkok, Thailand, left five people dead and one injured. The suspect, who shot himself, is being investigated by police for any connections to ongoing border tensions with Cambodia.
Key Facts
Five people died and one person was injured in a shooting in Bangkok.
The incident happened at the Or Tor Kor Market in the Bang Sue district.
All five victims were security guards.
The shooter killed himself after the attack.
Police are looking into the shooter's possible links to border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia.
Surveillance footage shows the shooter wearing a black T-shirt and camouflage shorts.
Gun violence occurs more often in Thailand compared to many other Southeast Asian countries.
Disney has teamed up with delivery service Gopuff to offer quick delivery of select items. Using a QR code on the screen, viewers can buy items and have them delivered in as little as 15 minutes, depending on their location.
Key Facts
Disney partnered with Gopuff to create mini-stores for quick shopping.
Customers use a QR code to access these mini-stores and can get items delivered fast.
Gopuff has many small warehouses in major U.S. cities for quick delivery.
Top items for delivery include everyday things like eggs and paper towels.
Some companies, like Starbucks, use Gopuff for quick delivery by making products directly in Gopuff centers.
Other retailers are exploring delivery with drones and robots.
Walmart aims to offer 3-hour delivery to most U.S. homes by the end of 2025, using advanced technology.
Five people died in a shooting at a food market in Bangkok. The suspect, who had previous issues with the market's security guards, also died by taking his own life. Police stated the incident was not connected to the ongoing conflict between Thailand and Cambodia.
Key Facts
Five people died in a mass shooting at Or Tor Kor Market in Bangkok.
The shooter was a Thai man who had argued with the market's security guards in the past.
The shooter took his own life after the attack.
Four of those killed were security guards, and the other was a market worker.
Two market sellers were injured in the incident.
Police confirmed the attack was not linked to the Thailand-Cambodia conflict.
Thailand has seen a few notable mass shootings recently, although they are not common.
Gun ownership rates in Thailand are relatively high compared to the region.
Five people died in a mass shooting at a food market in Bangkok, Thailand. The suspect is also dead, and local reports say some victims were security guards.
Key Facts
Five people were killed in a shooting at Or Tor Kor Market in Bangkok.
The shooter is confirmed dead by police.
Reports suggest some of the victims were security guards.
The Or Tor Kor Market is known for its high-quality fresh fruit and seafood.
Thailand has relatively high gun ownership, but mass shootings are not common.
Recent violent incidents in Thailand include a mall shooting in 2023 and attacks in 2022 and 2020.
Clashes between Thailand and Cambodia have continued along their disputed border, causing at least 35 casualties and displacing over 270,000 people. Leaders from both countries have planned ceasefire talks in Malaysia to stop the conflict, with additional participation from China and support from the United States.
Key Facts
The fighting between Thailand and Cambodia is in its fifth day.
At least 35 people have died, and more than 270,000 people have been displaced.
Ceasefire talks are happening in Malaysia with Thailand's and Cambodia's Prime Ministers attending.
China and the United States are supporting the peace talks.
Thai officials express doubts about Cambodia's intentions for peace.
Fighting continues with reported rocket and gunfire exchanges at the border.
Cambodia accuses Thailand of heavy military offenses into its territory.
The United States has sent officials to Malaysia to help with peace efforts.
This week, two meteor showers called the Southern Delta Aquariids and the Alpha Capricornids will be visible, producing up to 30 meteors per hour. The moonlight during the Perseid meteor shower in August may make it harder to see, so the current meteor showers might offer better viewing.
Key Facts
The best chance to see meteors is during the Southern Delta Aquariids and Alpha Capricornids showers this week.
The peak nights for these meteor showers are July 29th and 30th.
The moon will be about 25% full, making it easier to see meteors compared to the Perseids in August.
Meteor showers happen when Earth passes through debris left by comets or asteroids.
Tiny rock bits entering Earth's atmosphere create bright flashes, known as shooting stars.
Viewing is best after midnight in areas away from artificial lights.
The Southern Delta Aquariids are best viewed with an open view of the southern sky.
The Alpha Capricornids produce fewer meteors, but they appear as bright, slow fireballs.
Rent prices in Ealing, London, have risen by about 52.5% over the past five years, making it the area with the highest increase in rents in London. The average rent in the borough is now slightly above the London average, while Londoners are spending a larger share of their income on rent than people in other UK regions.
Key Facts
Ealing has seen a 52.5% rent increase from December 2019 to December 2024.
The average monthly rent in Ealing is £2,089.
This rent is higher than the London average of £2,071 and much higher than the UK average of £1,284.
In 2024 alone, Ealing's rents increased by 9.3%.
On average, Londoners use 37.9% of their income for rent, higher than the UK average of 32.6%.
Ealing Council has 7,500 applications for housing assistance, with 200-250 new ones each month.
Some families are placed far from London due to high local rents, such as one family relocated to Newcastle.
Improved transport links, like the Elizabeth line, and limited housing supply are factors in rising rents.
A humanitarian worker in northern Gaza, Amjad Al Shawa, reports that food, water, and medicine are scarce, affecting his own family and many others. Rising costs and Israeli restrictions have created an urgent food crisis, leaving many people in hunger.
Key Facts
Amjad Al Shawa is a humanitarian worker in Gaza, facing food shortages.
Food like milk, vegetables, and fresh fruit has mostly disappeared.
Prices for basic items have skyrocketed; flour costs about $20 per kilo.
Over 470,000 people in Gaza are experiencing severe hunger.
Israeli military says they are not deliberately starving people in Gaza.
Two Israeli groups accuse their government of genocide in Gaza, which has been denied.
The UN warns that famine could soon be officially declared.
Many structures in Gaza are damaged or destroyed, complicating relief efforts.
The article discusses how to search for sea glass at the beach. It explains that sea glass can be found along coastlines and offers tips for finding these treasures.
Key Facts
Sea glass forms when broken glass smooths and weathers over time in the ocean.
It can be found along coastlines where the waves wash up onto the shore.
Look for sea glass during a walk on the beach, especially after a storm or at low tide.
Tides are the rise and fall of sea levels and low tide exposes more of the beach.
Sea glass usually comes from old glass bottles, jars, or windows.
Some sea glass pieces have unique colors and are considered rare collectibles.
