China is a major player in the rare earth minerals market, which are essential for technology. Some of these minerals are mined in Myanmar and this mining is causing environmental issues in neighboring Thailand.
Key Facts
Rare earth minerals are crucial for modern technology.
China dominates the global market for rare earth minerals.
Some of China's rare earth minerals come from Myanmar.
Increased mining activity in Myanmar leads to environmental problems.
These environmental issues impact Thailand, which is next to Myanmar.
The Thai Army is building flood control barriers to deal with these issues.
A new floating robot is being used to collect rubbish from our waterways. This technology aims to reduce plastic pollution using robotics and artificial intelligence.
Key Facts
A floating robot has been developed to collect rubbish from water.
The main goal is to reduce plastic pollution in waterways.
This technology uses robotics, which is the study of creating robots for various tasks.
Artificial intelligence, which is the ability of a machine to mimic human problem-solving, helps the robot work more efficiently.
The floating robot project is featured in a BBC episode available on iPlayer.
The article highlights a segment from "Fresh Air," where past interviews with notable baseball figures, such as Jamie Moyer, Mike Piazza, Tony La Russa, and Brad Ausmus, are replayed. These interviews followed a notable All-Star baseball game.
Key Facts
"Fresh Air" is a radio program that aired a special segment about baseball.
The segment features interviews with famous baseball personalities.
Jamie Moyer, Mike Piazza, Tony La Russa, and Brad Ausmus were interviewed.
The interviews are from the "Fresh Air" archives, meaning they were recorded in the past.
This segment was presented after an important All-Star game.
The conviction of Patricia Owen, a former sub-postmistress, connected to the Post Office Capture system, will be reviewed by the Court of Appeal. This decision comes after it was suggested that her conviction was a result of misuse of the system, which is similar to the Horizon software involved in many wrongful convictions.
Key Facts
Patricia Owen was convicted of theft in June 1998, related to the Capture system, which came before the Horizon system.
She was accused of stealing £6,000 from the Broad Oak Post Office near Canterbury.
Owen's conviction is now under review by the Court of Appeal, although she passed away in 2003.
The Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) is looking into whether the Capture software influenced her conviction.
The Capture and Horizon systems have been involved in about 1,000 wrongful convictions.
The CCRC has already referred more than 70 similar cases to the appeal courts.
An independent report into the Capture software was started last year.
The UK government's Department for Business and Trade is working on a new redress scheme for affected postmasters.
A recent outbreak of violence in the Syrian city of Suweida has resulted in multiple deaths. The clashes began after a Druze merchant was abducted, leading to conflict between Druze and Bedouin groups. Government forces intervened, with accusations of attacks on civilians, and the Israeli military conducted air strikes to protect the Druze.
Key Facts
Suweida, a city in southern Syria, has experienced deadly violence over the last five days.
The violence started with the abduction of a Druze merchant, leading to sectarian clashes.
Government forces and foreign fighters are involved in the conflict, causing fear among residents.
At least 594 people have died, 154 of whom are Druze civilians, since the conflict began.
The interim Syrian government deployed forces to restore order, which led to further tension.
Accusations emerged of government forces attacking Druze fighters and civilians.
The Israeli military launched air strikes in response, aiming to protect the Druze population.
Videos on social media show alleged attacks by government forces on unarmed civilians.
CBS is ending "The Late Show With Stephen Colbert" in May, closing a long-running TV program. The decision is described by CBS as financially driven, not linked to Colbert's show performance or content. Colbert has been a known critic of former President Trump, and his show won several awards and nominations.
Key Facts
CBS will cancel "The Late Show With Stephen Colbert" next May.
Stephen Colbert criticized a settlement involving Trump and CBS's parent company, Paramount.
CBS states the cancellation is purely for financial reasons amid challenges in late-night TV.
Colbert has hosted "The Late Show" since 2015, succeeding David Letterman.
The show has received a Primetime Emmy nomination and won a Peabody Award.
Colbert’s show still holds strong viewership and is leading its broadcast time slot.
Stephen Colbert is known for his political content and has frequently criticized Donald Trump.
Netflix used artificial intelligence (AI) for visual effects in its Argentine show, The Eternaut, to create a building collapse scene. The use of AI helped complete the scene faster and for less money. This comes amid wider debates in the entertainment industry about AI replacing human jobs.
Key Facts
Netflix used AI for visual effects for the first time in its show, The Eternaut.
AI was used to make a building collapse scene in the show.
The technology helped finish that scene 10 times faster than traditional methods.
Netflix's revenue grew to $11 billion in the three months ending in June, partly due to the hit show Squid Game.
The entertainment industry is concerned about AI replacing human jobs.
In 2023, actors' unions called for stricter AI regulations during a Hollywood strike.
Some industry figures, like Tyler Perry, halted projects over AI's job impact concerns.
Generative AI allows smaller studios to create high-quality visual effects.
Serious pollution incidents caused by water companies in England increased by 60% last year, according to government data. These incidents have severe impacts on the environment and pose risks to human health. A report from the Public Accounts Committee criticizes the government and regulators for not effectively managing these issues.
Key Facts
Serious pollution incidents by water companies rose by 60% last year in England.
These incidents harm aquatic life and can affect human health.
Three companies—Thames Water, Southern Water, and Yorkshire Water—were responsible for most of these serious events.
In 2024, 2,801 pollution events were recorded, the highest number on record.
Around 75 events were the most severe, impacting fisheries and drinking water.
England's sewage system handles both rain and waste, and increased rainfall may have stressed the system.
Despite varying rainfall, serious pollution breaches legal permits the water companies hold.
Nearly a quarter of inspected sites by the Environment Agency were not following permit rules.
The Public Accounts Committee criticizes regulators and suggests they need more power and resources to hold companies accountable.
Myanmar's military government has announced that it regained control of a town called Nawnghkio in Shan State from the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) after a year-long battle. The area had been strategically important and captured by the TNLA, a rebel group, in July 2024. The military claims to have succeeded through coordinated ground and air tactics.
Key Facts
Myanmar's military government claims it recaptured the town of Nawnghkio from the TNLA.
Nawnghkio is located in Shan State, on a key highway connecting central Myanmar to China.
The military said it engaged in 566 armed conflicts over 11 months to retake the town.
Nawnghkio is near Myanmar's main military training academy and close to the city of Mandalay.
The TNLA, part of the Three Brotherhood Alliance, did not acknowledge the military's claim but reported difficulty in continuing administrative work due to military pressure.
Myanmar's military overthrew the elected government in a coup in 2021, leading to ongoing civil conflict.
The Three Brotherhood Alliance includes the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army and the Arakan Army, who seek more autonomy from the central government.
The People’s Defence Force, a pro-democracy group, is loosely allied with the Three Brotherhood Alliance against the military regime.
Tesla has launched its Model Y electric car in India, priced around $70,000. This move follows years of challenges and makes India the latest market for Tesla's global expansion. The Model Y will face high import tariffs and competition from other luxury electric vehicles in India.
Key Facts
Tesla launched the Model Y in India, which is the world's third-largest car market.
Tesla's Model Y is priced higher in India compared to other countries, at about $70,000.
India has high import tariffs on fully built cars, affecting Tesla's prices.
The Model Y comes in two versions in India: rear-wheel drive and long-range rear-wheel drive.
Tesla’s Model Y range is 500 kilometers (310 miles) for RWD and 622 kilometers (386 miles) for the long-range version.
Competing electric vehicles in India include models from Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Volvo, and Kia.
Tesla offers a four-year warranty for the Model Y’s battery and drive unit in India.
Standard features on the Model Y include safety systems like emergency braking and collision alerts.
Two park rangers shared their experience of being the first to clean the presidential faces on Mt. Rushmore. They were part of a specially trained team that took on this challenging task.
Key Facts
Two park rangers were involved in cleaning the faces of the presidents on Mt. Rushmore.
This task was the first of its kind; no one had cleaned the monument before.
The park rangers were part of a team that received special training for this job.
They had to work at great heights to reach the facial carvings on the mountain.
The cleaning was done under a program called StoryCorps, which records personal stories.
Residents in the Toledo region of Spain were evacuated by the Spanish Civil Guard due to wildfires threatening homes in the towns of Méntrida and Calypo Fado. The fires have affected around 2,500 hectares of land, with strong winds spreading smoke towards Madrid.
Key Facts
Wildfires are burning in the Toledo region of Spain.
The Spanish Civil Guard is leading evacuation efforts.
Dozens of people in Méntrida and Calypo Fado were told to leave their homes.
About 2,500 hectares (25 square kilometers) of land have been affected by the fire.
Strong winds are pushing smoke towards the capital city, Madrid.
Heavy rains in South Korea have caused four deaths and forced over 1,300 people to evacuate. The government has raised its disaster alert to the highest level due to the severe flooding, which has affected many areas including homes and roads.
Key Facts
Four people died because of heavy rains in South Korea.
More than 1,300 people have been evacuated from their homes.
The government increased the disaster alert to the highest level possible.
In Seosan, more than 400 millimeters of rain fell in just half a day.
The rain has been described as a "once-in-a-century" event by the weather agency.
Pictures and videos show cars and homes submerged under water.
Authorities have warned about high risks of landslides and flash floods.
Injuries reported include hypothermia and leg injuries from the flooding.
The movie-related episode of NPR's The Indicator from Planet Money discusses Christopher Nolan's film, The Odyssey, which is allowing seat reservations a year before its release. It also explores how movie ticket prices might indicate broader economic issues such as tariffs and inflation, and examines efforts in Los Angeles to simplify the filmmaking process.
Key Facts
Christopher Nolan's movie, The Odyssey, is offering ticket reservations a year ahead of its premiere.
Movie ticket prices can provide insights into wider economic trends, like tariffs and inflation.
Los Angeles is trying to make it easier for filmmakers by reducing complex regulations.
The episode is part of a series discussing various aspects of the movie industry.
The Indicator from Planet Money can be accessed through various platforms like Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Netflix used generative AI to create visual effects in an Argentine TV show called "The Eternauts." This marked the first time Netflix used AI to make scenes for one of its original series.
Key Facts
Netflix used generative AI to create a scene of a building collapsing for the TV show "The Eternauts."
Generative AI makes images and videos based on prompts given by users.
The use of AI helped complete the scene 10 times faster than traditional methods.
Netflix's co-CEO, Ted Sarandos, said AI allows smaller budget productions to use advanced effects.
Netflix reported $11.08 billion in revenue for April to June 2023, a 16% increase from last year.
The increase in revenue was partly due to the success of the South Korean series "Squid Game."
The entertainment industry has concerns about AI replacing human jobs.
AI was a major issue during a Hollywood strike in 2023, leading to calls for more regulation.
Congress voted to roll back $9 billion in funding, which includes cutting $1.1 billion for public broadcasting and $7 billion for foreign aid. The cuts mean that federal support for public broadcasters like NPR and PBS will end, affecting their operations. The decision now waits for the President's signature.
Key Facts
Congress approved a plan to cut $9 billion in spending.
The cuts include $1.1 billion that would have supported public broadcasting.
Public broadcasting includes services like NPR and PBS, which provide news and educational programs.
The House vote was 216 in favor and 213 against the cuts.
Two Republicans joined Democrats who opposed the funding rollbacks.
The plan also cuts around $7 billion in foreign aid programs.
Public broadcasting outlets, especially those in rural areas, might struggle due to these cuts.
An amendment to protect U.S. AIDS relief programs passed in the Senate, but most other changes were blocked.
An attempt to collect food aid in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip, ended in tragedy when a crowd rushed a distribution point, causing a deadly stampede. Eighteen-year-old Hani Hammad was hospitalized after being trampled, and 21 people lost their lives in the chaos. The incident happened near a gate managed by a U.S.-backed organization, with reports of pepper spray and gas bombs being used by guards.
Key Facts
Hani Hammad, an 18-year-old, was involved and injured in a stampede at a food distribution point in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip.
The stampede began when a large crowd rushed a narrow corridor to collect food aid.
The incident occurred early Wednesday, and resulted in 21 Palestinian deaths, with 15 dying from suffocation.
The food aid site was managed by the GHF, an organization supported by the United States.
Reports indicated the use of pepper spray and gas bombs by American guards during the chaos.
Hani is the oldest among his siblings and feels pressured to provide due to their parents being in Jordan for medical treatment.
Mohammed Abedin, a 24-year-old, was also injured in the stampede and described the dangerous crowd conditions.
The food aid distribution site had been closed for two days before the incident and was reopened with restricted entry points.
Togo held municipal elections with low voter turnout following recent protests against constitutional reforms. The protests were sparked by dissatisfaction with leader Faure Gnassingbe's extended rule and the arrest of a popular rapper calling for demonstrations.
Key Facts
Togo held municipal elections with low turnout.
Recent protests criticized constitutional reforms and Gnassingbe’s long rule.
Seven protesters died during these protests.
Heavy police and military presence was seen in Lome during elections.
Faure Gnassingbe has ruled Togo since 2005.
The constitutional reforms change the presidential system to a parliamentary one.
Critics of the reforms labeled them a "constitutional coup."
Public demonstrations in Togo have been banned since protests in 2017-2018.
A former trader named Mark Johnson, who used to work for HSBC, had his fraud conviction overturned by a US court after a fight that lasted nine years. He was originally convicted in 2017 for allegedly manipulating currency exchange rates to benefit HSBC. The conviction was overturned because a law used against him was revoked.
Key Facts
Mark Johnson is a former trader from HSBC who was originally found guilty of fraud in 2017.
He was accused of manipulating currency exchange rates to help HSBC make a profit.
He served time in US and UK prisons before being released in 2022.
In 2023, the US court overturned the law used in his prosecution, leading to his acquittal.
Johnson was alleged to have increased the price of British pounds before a large trade.
This practice was called "front-running," but some argued it was normal in the industry.
Johnson's arrest in 2016 happened in the US, avoiding extradition procedures.
His co-accused, Stuart Scott, successfully fought extradition and had charges dropped.
A settlement was reached in a lawsuit against Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and other leaders over the Cambridge Analytica privacy scandal. Investors had claimed Meta leaders did not properly inform users about how their information would be used. Details of the settlement were not disclosed in court.
Key Facts
A class action lawsuit alleged that Meta did not tell Facebook users about data misuse by Cambridge Analytica.
Cambridge Analytica was a firm that worked with Donald Trump's 2016 presidential campaign.
The lawsuit sought billions in refunds for fines and legal expenses.
A settlement was announced in a Delaware court, but details were not given.
Facebook previously agreed to pay a $5.1 billion fine to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
Investors wanted company leaders to reimburse an estimated $8 billion for the FTC fine and legal costs.
Zuckerberg and former COO Sheryl Sandberg were expected to testify.
Former board member Jeffrey Zients testified on the first day of the trial.
