The first report from an inquiry into the Post Office Horizon IT scandal reveals the severe impact on sub-postmasters wrongly accused of financial crimes due to faulty data. The report also highlights that the Post Office and Fujitsu were aware of errors in the IT system but continued to rely on it, leading to wrongful prosecutions.
Key Facts
The inquiry report details significant suffering experienced by sub-postmasters wrongly accused of stealing and false accounting.
More than 13 people might have taken their own lives due to the scandal, and many others have reported mental health struggles.
The Post Office was aware that its Horizon IT system had errors but continued to use it for prosecuting people.
The inaccuracies in the data led to the wrongful conviction of around 1,000 people, with only about 50 to 60 being acquitted.
The report states that the behavior of the Post Office and Fujitsu, the IT provider, was unacceptable.
Compensation schemes for affected sub-postmasters have faced delays and issues, leaving many dissatisfied.
Amazon's Prime Day sales are now scheduled to last four days instead of two, starting early Tuesday morning. The extension aims to attract more Gen Z shoppers with extra perks, like cash back, while competing with similar sales events from other major retailers. Despite concerns about tariffs and inflation potentially affecting spending, experts expect significant online sales growth during the event.
Key Facts
Amazon's Prime Day begins at 3:01 a.m. Eastern time and will last four days.
This is the first time Amazon has extended Prime Day to four days, starting in 2015 as just a single day.
Prime members aged 18-24 can get 5% cash back on purchases for a limited time.
Other retailers like Best Buy, Target, and Walmart are holding similar sales in July.
Analysts are unsure if the extended Prime Day will lead to more spending due to inflation and tariffs worries.
Last year, Prime Day achieved record sales, but Amazon does not release specific sales figures.
Adobe Digital Insights predicts $23.8 billion in online spending during the Prime Day period.
Amazon and many sellers tried to avoid tariff costs by stocking items before the tariffs began, so prices hadn't changed much by May.
More than 200 children were hospitalized with lead poisoning in Tianshui City, China, after school chefs used inedible paint to decorate food at a kindergarten. Eight people, including the school principal, were arrested for their involvement in the incident, and investigations revealed dangerous levels of lead in the food.
Key Facts
Over 200 children in Tianshui City suffered lead poisoning after eating food decorated with inedible paint.
The paint used had lead levels 2,000 times higher than the national safety limit.
233 children from Peixin Kindergarten had high lead levels in their blood.
The food items involved were steamed red date cake and sausage corn bun.
The school principal instructed kitchen staff to buy the paint online, which was marked as inedible.
Surveillance footage showed staff adding paint to the food.
Lead levels in the food greatly exceeded the safety standard, which is 0.5mg/kg.
Eight people, including the kindergarten principal and main investor, are under investigation for producing harmful food.
Indonesia's Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki erupted again, sending ash and lava into the sky and causing over 4,000 people to leave their homes. The eruption led to flight cancellations and increased the alert level, but no injuries have been reported so far. Authorities expanded the exclusion zone around the volcano and warned of possible mudflows called lahars due to heavy rain.
Key Facts
Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki erupted again, shooting an ash cloud 18 kilometers into the sky.
No injuries have been reported from the eruptions that started on Monday.
The highest safety alert level has been in place due to recent volcanic activity.
At least 24 flights to and from Bali were canceled due to the ash cloud.
The exclusion zone around the volcano was increased to a 7-kilometer radius.
More than 4,000 people have been evacuated from the affected area.
Authorities warned about lahar floods, which are mud or debris flows, if it rains heavily.
The volcano is located on the Pacific "Ring of Fire," an area with frequent volcanic activity.
The first malaria treatment specifically for babies and very young children has been approved for use. This new drug, called Coartem Baby, is expected to become available soon in African countries, where malaria affects many children under five. This treatment helps fill a gap, as there previously were no safe, approved malaria drugs for infants.
Key Facts
A malaria treatment for babies and young children has been approved.
Previously, no malaria drugs were specifically for infants, only for older children.
Using drugs meant for older children posed overdose risks for babies.
In 2023, malaria caused approximately 597,000 deaths, mostly in Africa.
75% of malaria deaths were children under five years old.
The new drug, Coartem Baby, was developed by Novartis and the Medicines for Malaria Venture.
Eight African countries helped assess and test the new drug.
The drug is primarily being offered on a not-for-profit basis to help reduce healthcare inequality.
The article talks about various ways to avoid mosquito bites. It mentions a quiz created by experts to test knowledge of different methods, besides the common use of bug sprays or staying inside.
Key Facts
People often use bug sprays or stay indoors to avoid mosquito bites.
Other methods, supported by scientific research, can also help prevent bites.
Sammy Ramsey from the University of Colorado and Brian Byrd from Western Carolina University share these methods.
NPR's Life Kit has created a quiz to help people learn about these methods.
The article is part of NPR's Life Kit series, which provides advice and tips.
Readers can listen to this topic on various podcast platforms, such as Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
NPR offers ways for listeners to leave feedback or get more information via voicemail and email.
President Trump signed a new law called the One Big, Beautiful Bill Act on July 4. This law extends tax cuts from 2017 and introduces new ones. The Congressional Budget Office estimates it will increase the U.S. deficit by $3.4 trillion over the next ten years.
Key Facts
The One Big, Beautiful Bill Act was signed into law on July 4 by President Trump.
The new law extends tax cuts that were originally introduced in 2017.
The law also includes some new tax cuts.
The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) predicts the law will add $3.4 trillion to the U.S. deficit over ten years.
Some advisors believe the tax cuts will cover their own costs by boosting the economy.
Arthur Laffer, known for supporting this idea, discusses these claims on the NPR show.
The law could potentially lead to significant government financial challenges, as indicated by CBO forecasts.
The number of undocumented migrant workers in Taiwan is increasing, with many blaming the broker system for their situation. Bernard, a Filipino migrant, became undocumented after issues with his broker and now works jobs illegally to support his family.
Key Facts
Bernard is a 45-year-old Filipino migrant worker in Taiwan.
He became undocumented in June 2024 after issues with his employment broker.
Brokers in Taiwan can heavily influence migrant workers' living and working conditions.
Migrant workers often pay brokers monthly fees and other charges.
As of January 2025, there were 90,000 undocumented migrants in Taiwan.
Vietnamese migrants made up the largest group of undocumented workers, followed by Indonesians and Filipinos.
Over a third of complaints from migrants to Taiwan's Ministry of Labor involve brokers.
The broker system was established in 1992 to manage labor recruitment in Taiwan.
Dr. Serhii Baksheiev operates a mobile clinic near the Ukrainian front line, providing free health check-ups to women who have limited access to medical services due to the war. Since 2022, Dr. Baksheiev has performed over 1,000 gynecological examinations in areas lacking healthcare facilities, using a specially equipped vehicle called 'The Feminine Shuttle.'
Key Facts
Dr. Serhii Baksheiev is an obstetrician and gynecologist working near the front line of the Ukraine war.
He provides free gynecological care using a mobile clinic named 'The Feminine Shuttle.'
Since 2022, Dr. Baksheiev has conducted over 1,000 examinations in areas affected by the war.
The mobile clinic includes an ultrasound machine and equipment for minor surgeries.
Attacks on health facilities in Ukraine have significantly increased, with the WHO reporting over 1,940 incidents.
Detection rates for ovarian and cervical cancers in Ukraine have declined since 2020, partly due to reduced access to medical care.
Dr. Baksheiev often conducts his visits to occupied rural villages in secret to avoid detection.
Lithuania's company Astrolight is developing a laser communications system to link satellites with Earth, aiming to provide faster and more secure data transmission than traditional radio methods. Astrolight's technology is also being explored for military use due to its difficulty to intercept, with Lithuania investing significantly in defense technology as part of its strategy.
Key Facts
Astrolight is a Lithuanian startup focused on space technology.
The company has raised €2.8 million to develop its "optical data highway."
This technology uses lasers for communication, similar to invisible internet cables.
Lasers are faster and more secure compared to radio communications.
Astrolight's technology is part of NATO's Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic project.
The Lithuanian Navy uses these lasers to communicate during radio silence.
Lithuania spends a significant portion of its GDP on defense, higher than many larger countries.
30% of Lithuanian space projects receive EU funding, surpassing the EU average of 17%.
The first part of a report on the Post Office IT scandal will be released, focusing on compensation and the impact on those affected. Many sub-postmasters were wrongly accused of financial losses due to a faulty computer system, leading to numerous legal cases. The second part of the report, which will identify who is to blame, will take several more months.
Key Facts
The Post Office IT scandal involved a faulty computer system called Horizon, developed by Fujitsu.
Over 900 sub-postmasters were wrongly prosecuted, with 236 going to jail.
An inquiry, led by Sir Wyn Williams, began in 2022 to investigate the scandal and its impact.
The first part of the final report will address compensation and the human impact of the scandal.
The second part of the report, identifying blame, will be released months later.
Compensation schemes have been compared to a "patchwork quilt" due to their varying effectiveness.
The inquiry's online coverage attracted over 20 million views, indicating high public interest.
Police investigations may result in criminal trials, but they are not expected until 2028.
The maternity fashion retailer, Seraphine, known for being worn by the Princess of Wales, has stopped trading and entered administration. Most of its 95 employees have lost their jobs, and administrators are now trying to either sell the company or its assets. Economic issues, like increased costs and weak consumer confidence, contributed to its downfall.
Key Facts
Seraphine is a maternity fashion retailer worn by the Princess of Wales.
The company has entered administration, meaning it is being managed by administrators to try to save it.
Most of its 95 staff members have been laid off.
Administrators are considering selling the company or its assets.
Seraphine faced economic problems, including higher costs and less consumer spending.
The company was founded in 2002 and became public in 2021 before going private again in 2023.
Seraphine’s main store was in London, but its clothes were sold in other major stores like John Lewis and Next.
Before entering administration, Seraphine offered discounts up to 60% on its website.
The UK government will run another test of its emergency alert system for mobile phones on September 7. This test will make phones vibrate and display a message, even if they are on silent, to check the system's reliability and familiarize people with alerts for threats like severe weather or terror attacks.
Key Facts
The UK will test sending emergency alerts to mobile phones on September 7 at 15:00 BST.
Phones will vibrate and sound a siren for 10 seconds, and display a message during the test, even if they are on silent.
The test aims to address issues found in a previous nationwide test where some phones didn't receive alerts or got them at the wrong time.
Only smartphones connected to 4G or 5G networks will receive the alerts; older phones and those on 2G or 3G will not.
Emergency alerts are meant to warn about immediate life threats, like extreme weather or terror events.
The alert system has been used regionally, such as during Storm Eowyn and for the evacuation in Plymouth due to an unexploded World War Two bomb.
The government advises keeping alerts switched on but provides guidelines for domestic abuse victims on how to disable the alerts.
The test will include a British Sign Language version of the message for deaf users.
At Wimbledon, an error occurred with the electronic line-calling system, failing to call a shot out during a tennis match. The point was replayed, and the mistake was due to the system being accidentally turned off. This incident sparked discussions on the reliability of technology versus human judgment in sports.
Key Facts
The electronic line-calling system at Wimbledon missed a call during a match between Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova and Sonay Kartal.
The system error happened because someone accidentally switched it off.
The point was replayed, Pavlyuchenkova lost it, but she still won the match.
Electronic line-calling has replaced human judges at Wimbledon this year.
The system is developed by Hawk-Eye and uses 12 cameras and AI to track balls and players.
Many players and coaches have discussed the system's reliability, though it is generally considered more accurate than the human eye.
The All England Lawn Tennis Club affirms confidence in the technology, citing its accuracy.
The system now cannot be manually deactivated to prevent similar issues.
Heavy rainfall in Texas Hill Country caused severe flooding along the Guadalupe River. The rapidly rising water killed dozens of people and damaged homes and businesses. Authorities warn that the number of deaths may increase as they search for more survivors.
Key Facts
Heavy rain caused the Guadalupe River in central Texas to flood severely.
The river rose 26 feet in less than an hour.
Flooding resulted in the deaths of dozens of people.
Homes and businesses in the area suffered significant damage.
Authorities are continuing to search for survivors with the help of emergency crews and volunteers.
Officials expect the death toll to increase.
State officials discussed the event, noting the role of climate change and local geography in the severe flooding.
Some companies plan to build data centers in a drought-affected town in Brazil, offering new jobs and opportunities. The local people are thinking about whether the economic benefits outweigh the environmental impact of these data centers, which use a lot of water.
Key Facts
Companies are planning to set up data centers in a Brazilian town.
These data centers are expected to create jobs for local people.
The community is experiencing a drought, meaning there is less water available.
Data centers need a lot of water to keep their equipment cool.
Residents are considering the trade-off between new job opportunities and the potential strain on water resources.
A CNN article from July 5, 2023, reported on three separate incidents in Melbourne, Australia: an attempted arson at a synagogue, a confrontation at a restaurant, and three cars set on fire near a business previously targeted by pro-Palestine protesters. The article also discussed how media reports often link violent acts to pro-Palestinian activism, which might mislead the public by not providing full context.
Key Facts
On July 5, 2023, three incidents occurred in Melbourne: attempted arson at a synagogue, a confrontation at a restaurant, and three cars were set on fire.
The business near the car fires was previously targeted by pro-Palestine protesters.
The article suggests that media reports often connect violence to pro-Palestinian activism.
A shooting on May 21 in Washington, D.C. was associated with pro-Palestinian advocacy after a gunman killed two Israeli embassy staff.
An attack in Colorado by an Egyptian national on June 1 was linked to pro-Palestinian protests.
The term "pro-Palestinian" is criticized for potentially misleading people by simplifying complex situations.
The article highlights concerns about how the media covers activism related to Palestinian causes without proper context.
Edinburgh Airport has removed the 100ml liquid limit for hand luggage and now allows up to two litres per container. This change is supported by the installation of new scanners and extra lanes at the airport, making it the first in Scotland to adopt this new rule. Passengers do not need to take large electronics out of their bags during security checks, but metal bottles must be empty.
Key Facts
Edinburgh Airport increased the liquid limit from 100ml to two litres for hand luggage.
There is no limit on the number of two-litre containers passengers can carry.
Metal water bottles must be empty before going through security.
New scanners and extra lanes costing £24 million were added to facilitate this change.
Edinburgh is the first Scottish airport to lift the 100ml restriction.
Large electronics can stay in hand luggage during security checks.
Other Scottish airports still require liquids to be 100ml or less and in sealed bags.
Security rules may differ at other airports, so passengers should check before returning.
An Xbox executive suggested using artificial intelligence (AI) to help laid-off workers manage their emotions and workload. This advice came after Microsoft announced it would cut up to 9,000 jobs, affecting several divisions, potentially including Xbox.
Key Facts
Xbox producer Matt Turnbull suggested using AI tools to help employees cope with job loss.
Microsoft plans to lay off up to 9,000 workers globally.
The layoffs might affect Microsoft's Xbox division, among others.
Microsoft is investing $80 billion in AI and building data centers for AI training.
Turnbull mentioned AI tools like ChatGPT and Copilot to assist with emotional and job-related stress.
He acknowledged AI could cause strong reactions but aimed to offer helpful advice.
Microsoft has about 228,000 employees worldwide, and the cuts are about 4% of its workforce.
Some video game projects in development may be impacted by these job cuts.
