The Post Office Horizon scandal involved more than 900 sub-postmasters who were wrongly prosecuted because of faulty software, known as the Horizon system. A public inquiry is underway, and compensation schemes have paid over £1 billion to affected individuals. The scandal gained public attention after a TV drama highlighted the issue.
Key Facts
The Horizon computer system gave incorrect data, leading to over 900 sub-postmasters being wrongfully prosecuted.
The Post Office prosecuted 700 individuals between 1999 and 2015, while other bodies brought 283 more cases.
In 2019, the Post Office agreed to pay £58 million in compensation, although much went to legal costs.
Convictions for many sub-postmasters were overturned in 2021 following legal action.
A TV drama, "Mr Bates vs The Post Office," increased public awareness of the scandal.
Compensation schemes have awarded more than £1 billion to over 7,300 affected sub-postmasters as of June 2025.
The Horizon system is still used, but improvements are being made with plans to replace it.
A public inquiry started in 2022 to investigate the scandal and gather evidence from involved parties.
A BBC Sounds program titled "How Trade Deals Are Really Made," released on July 7, 2025, offers insights into the process of negotiating trade agreements. The program discusses how these deals are created and the strategies involved.
Key Facts
The program is called "How Trade Deals Are Really Made."
It was released on July 7, 2025.
The show is available on BBC Sounds.
The program explores the process of negotiating trade agreements.
It looks at the methods and strategies used in creating trade deals.
Flooding in central Texas caused more than 70 deaths, including 21 children. Rescue teams are still searching for missing individuals, including those from a girls' summer camp. Key people affected include Tanya Burwick, a grandmother, Jane Ragsdale, a camp director, and Sarah Marsh, an elementary student.
Key Facts
The floods started with fast-moving waters on the Guadalupe River.
Over 70 people died due to the flooding, including 21 children.
Missing persons include campers from a summer camp for girls.
Tanya Burwick, a 62-year-old grandmother, was found dead after her SUV was submerged.
Jane Ragsdale, director of a Texas summer camp, also passed away in the floods.
Sarah Marsh, an eight-year-old from Alabama, died while attending Camp Mystic.
The flooding affected more than 12,000 buildings in the San Angelo community.
Rescue efforts are still ongoing, with searches for missing people continuing.
Akash Deep, substituting for Jasprit Bumrah, took six wickets to help India win against England by 336 runs in the second Test match at Edgbaston. This victory helped India level the series 1-1, and the next Test will be held at Lord's.
Key Facts
Akash Deep replaced Jasprit Bumrah, who was rested for fitness reasons, in the second Test.
Akash took six wickets in England's second innings, which was crucial for India's victory.
India defeated England by 336 runs at Edgbaston, marking their first win at the venue in nine attempts.
The win leveled the cricket series between India and England at 1-1.
England was set a target of 608 runs and was bowled out for 271 runs.
Akash's match figures were 10 wickets for 187 runs across both innings.
Shubman Gill scored 269 runs in the first innings and 161 in the second for India.
The next Test between India and England will start at Lord’s on Thursday.
Since October 7, 2023, images from the conflict in Gaza have spread widely through social media, influencing global opinion more than traditional media. The spread of these images has affected Israel's international relationships and its own citizens' views on the conflict.
Key Facts
Images from Gaza, such as those of destroyed hospitals and suffering children, have been shared widely on social media platforms.
These images hold more influence than official statements and have altered public opinion globally.
Prominent figures who once supported Israel publicly question its actions due to these images.
Social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram allow quick sharing of these images, bypassing traditional media controls.
International allies of Israel face pressure at home to reconsider their support due to the spread of these images.
Israel has tried to influence social media platforms to control the spread of negative images but has struggled to do so.
The Israeli military has warned its soldiers about the risks of sharing images and footage that could be used as evidence of war crimes.
Some Israeli citizens have faced legal action abroad due to these shared images and have had to leave certain countries.
**Summary:** A senior officer of Hamas's security forces reported that Hamas has lost control of about 80% of the Gaza Strip, largely due to ongoing Israeli strikes. As a result, armed clans are taking over, and the region faces chaos with a collapsed security structure.
**Key Facts:**
- A senior Hamas officer reported that the group lost 80% of its control over Gaza.
- Israeli strikes have severely damaged Hamas's leadership and command systems.
- The officer said Hamas's security structure has mostly collapsed.
- Armed gangs and clans are now prevalent throughout Gaza.
- During a ceasefire, Hamas tried to reorganize, but Israeli actions left it in further disarray.
- People have looted Hamas's former security headquarters in Gaza.
- A recent Israeli strike killed 18 Palestinians, targeting a Hamas police unit.
- Six powerful armed groups have emerged, trying to fill the power vacuum in Gaza.
Pediatricians are working to rebuild trust with families about vaccines. This comes as changes in vaccine recommendations are announced by the health department led by Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.
Key Facts
Pediatricians are trying to restore trust in vaccines among families.
Recent changes in vaccine recommendations have caused confusion for parents.
Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.'s health department is involved in altering past recommendations.
NPR's Pien Huang spoke with professionals from the medical and research fields about these changes.
The discussion explores how these changes might impact public health.
Conversations between doctors and families are important in this situation.
The article is part of an NPR program that offers episodes through various platforms.
A fast-moving flash flood in the Hill Country of Texas killed at least 70 people and left many missing, including girls at a summer camp. About 850 people were rescued, with more heavy rain expected, prompting ongoing flood warnings. Flash floods happen quickly, catching many off guard, and can be difficult to escape.
Key Facts
A flash flood occurs within six hours of heavy rain, often surprising people.
The flood in Texas raised river levels by 26 feet in just 45 minutes, damaging homes and vehicles.
About 850 people were rescued from the flood, some with helicopters.
Flash floods kill more people in the U.S. than any other storm-related event.
Nearly half of flood-related deaths happen in vehicles because cars can be swept away in just 18 inches of water.
A flood watch was issued in Texas before the flood, but it was upgraded to a warning overnight.
Flash floods can occur in both rural and urban areas, and they can be caused by heavy rain, hurricanes, or dam failures.
A ship in the Red Sea was set on fire after being attacked, leading the crew to abandon it. The attack was suspected to be carried out by Yemen's Houthi rebels, using bomb-carrying drone boats. This incident highlights ongoing tensions in the region, particularly around sensitive political and military issues.
Key Facts
A ship caught fire in the Red Sea after being attacked and the crew had to leave the vessel.
The attacks involved bomb-carrying drone boats and other weapons like small arms and grenades.
The ship was targeted around 60 miles southwest of Hodeida, Yemen, which is controlled by Houthi rebels.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center reported the attacks and ongoing investigations.
A maritime security firm, Ambrey, linked the attack to the Houthis, who have a history of similar actions in the region.
The vessel is believed to be the Liberian-flagged tanker, Magic Seas, though it was not officially identified immediately.
The Houthi rebels have been using attacks to oppose Israel's actions against Hamas.
Between 2023 and 2025, the Houthis have targeted over 100 merchant ships, impacting trade routes through the Red Sea.
Archaeologists have found a 3,500-year-old city called Peñico in northern Peru. This ancient city served as an important trading hub that connected different communities, including those from the coast, mountains, and jungle. The discovery provides new insights into the Americas' oldest civilization, the Caral.
Key Facts
The ancient city Peñico was discovered in Peru's northern Barranca province.
Peñico is estimated to be about 3,500 years old and was a key trading center.
The city is located roughly 200 kilometers north of Lima and 600 meters above sea level.
Researchers found 18 structures, including temples and homes, and discovered ceremonial objects and sculptures.
The city is near Caral, the oldest known civilization in the Americas, established around 3,000 BC.
Peñico's strategic location facilitated trade between coastal, highland, and jungle communities.
The excavation was led by Dr. Ruth Shady, who also researched Caral in the 1990s.
Peñico is considered a continuation of Caral society, which was impacted by climate change.
The Education Secretary explained that the government's recent reversal on welfare changes makes it harder to decide on future spending. Although there is interest in ending the two-child benefit cap, the government must consider the financial impact of such a move.
Key Facts
The government reversed a decision on welfare changes after pressure from Labour MPs.
The original welfare changes aimed to save £5 billion a year by 2030.
The Education Secretary said removing the two-child benefit cap would be costly.
The two-child benefit cap limits benefits to help families with no more than two children.
This cap affects children born after April 2017.
Decisions about lifting the cap are uncertain due to financial concerns.
The reversal of the welfare changes delays or possibly cancels the planned savings.
The Chancellor faces added pressure ahead of the upcoming autumn Budget.
Windsor, Ontario is stopping its bus service to Detroit after several decades. This decision affects people who have relied on the route, including a couple who used it for their cross-border relationship.
Key Facts
The cross-border bus service connected Windsor, Ontario, and Detroit.
The service has been running for several decades.
Windsor decided to end the bus route.
Tariffs are a reason for stopping the service.
Two regular riders, a couple, shared their thoughts on how this impacts them.
The federal government may soon advise against using flu vaccines that contain thimerosal, a mercury-based preservative. Despite most flu shots already being thimerosal-free, a CDC advisory panel suggests using vaccines without this ingredient. The preservative is mainly used in multi-dose vials, but it's been largely phased out due to safety concerns, even though there's no proven harm.
Key Facts
Thimerosal is a preservative containing mercury and has been used in vaccines since the 1930s.
The CDC’s advisory committee recommended using single-dose flu vaccines without thimerosal for children, pregnant women, and adults.
Most flu vaccines today do not use thimerosal; 94% of the 2024-25 flu shots were thimerosal-free or reduced.
The mercury in thimerosal is called ethylmercury, which breaks down more quickly than methylmercury, the harmful form found in seafood.
Thimerosal helps prevent contamination in multi-dose vials, which are less common now.
Thimerosal's use became less frequent after the 1997 FDA Modernization Act prompted a review of mercury in vaccines.
The committee's decision follows a recent change where Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. replaced all members of the advisory committee.
Tropical Storm Chantal has become stronger and is nearing the South Carolina coast. It is expected to bring heavy rain and cause flash floods in parts of South and North Carolina.
Key Facts
Tropical Storm Chantal is approaching the southeast coast of the United States.
It will bring heavy rain to the Carolinas on Sunday, July 6, 2025.
Tropical storm warnings have been issued in parts of South and North Carolina.
The storm was located 75 miles east of Charleston, SC, and 85 miles southwest of Wilmington, NC.
Maximum sustained winds were recorded at 60 mph, and the storm is moving north at 8 mph.
Rain bands from the storm are reaching the shore, raising concerns about flash floods.
The storm is expected to weaken once it moves over land after making landfall in South Carolina.
South Carolina authorities have warned about possible tornadoes, coastal flooding, and advised against driving on flooded roads.
Grace Pickett, who recently completed her A-levels, has been unsuccessful in finding a summer job due to her lack of paid work experience, despite volunteering at a charity shop. Many young people face similar challenges as employers often prefer candidates with specific experience, amid increased job competition and economic factors impacting hiring trends.
Key Facts
Grace Pickett has been looking for part-time work for two years but hasn't been hired due to her lack of paid work experience.
Grace plans to attend Liverpool John Moores University to study history.
A charity shop volunteering stint didn't suffice for employers seeking more experience.
Online job applications have increased competition for summer jobs.
Increases in the minimum wage and National Insurance have affected hiring.
The percentage of young people working while studying has decreased since the early 1990s.
Many young people find jobs in retail, hospitality, healthcare, warehousing, and office settings.
Dropping off CVs at local businesses can show initiative and may lead to job opportunities.
Omar Barghouti, who helped start the BDS movement, believes people should urge governments and companies to stop supporting harmful actions in Gaza. A UN report mentions companies benefiting from violence against Palestinians.
Key Facts
Omar Barghouti is a co-founder of the BDS movement.
BDS stands for Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions, a campaign promoting various forms of non-violent pressure on Israel.
Barghouti urges public action to push governments and corporations against actions in Gaza.
A UN Special Rapporteur, Francesca Albanese, shared a report about the situation.
The report identifies companies that are making money from the conflict involving Palestinians.
Football players and family members gathered in Portugal for the funeral of Diogo Jota and André Silva, who died in a car accident. The brothers were remembered by teammates and local supporters who brought flowers to the ceremony.
Key Facts
Diogo Jota and André Silva died in a car crash.
Jota was 28 years old and Silva was 25.
Their funeral took place in Portugal on Saturday.
Teammates Virgil van Dijk and Andy Robertson brought floral tributes.
The ceremony was held at the Igreja Matriz in Gondomar, Portugal.
Locals and fans attended the funeral to pay their respects.
A former Mossad official stated that advanced technology and innovation were crucial for Israel in a recent conflict with Iran, which lasted 12 days. Israel reportedly targeted and killed key Iranian military leaders and nuclear scientists. The official noted that despite these killings, Iran's military capabilities remain substantial.
Key Facts
A former Mossad deputy chief highlighted the role of technology in Israel's conflict with Iran.
Israel's initial attack on June 13 targeted top Iranian military officials and nuclear scientists.
Iran believes Mossad has operatives working within its borders.
Despite significant Iranian military figure casualties, Iran maintains a large military force.
The conflict has seen missile exchanges between Iran and Israel, causing casualties and destruction.
Iran retaliated by launching missile strikes on various Israeli locations, including Tel Aviv and Haifa.
Emergency workers have been active in Israel, responding to missile strikes and assessing damage.
The ongoing conflict could potentially lead to a prolonged military campaign.
Two American aid workers with the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) were injured in an attack involving grenades in Khan Younis, Gaza. The attack was blamed on Hamas, and the GHF reported that no other workers or civilians were hurt. The attack occurred as debates continue over a ceasefire plan and aid distribution methods in the region.
Key Facts
Two US workers from the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation were injured in a grenade attack.
The attack happened during aid distribution in Khan Younis, Gaza.
GHF claims Hamas is responsible for the attack.
The injured workers are in stable condition and receiving medical care.
Since GHF started, over 400 Palestinians have been killed collecting aid, according to the UN and local doctors.
Hamas has shown willingness to discuss a ceasefire with Israel.
Hamas wants the GHF aid system replaced by UN-led efforts.
The ongoing conflict began after Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.
