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.
Diogo Jota and André Silva were honored at a funeral in Gondomar, Portugal, following their deaths in a car accident. Many family members, friends, and well-known football players attended the service. The accident happened while the brothers were traveling from Spain back to Liverpool.
Key Facts
Diogo Jota and André Silva died in a car accident in the Spanish province of Zamora.
The funeral took place in Gondomar, Portugal, where they were from.
Jota was 28 years old and Silva was 25 years old at the time of their death.
Hundreds of people, including famous football players, attended their funeral.
The brothers were traveling back for Jota's pre-season training when they died.
Jota had recently married Rute Cardoso and they had three children together.
Jota played as a striker for Liverpool FC and was known for his goal-scoring ability.
Many attendees had to watch the service from outside due to the large number of people.
The funeral for footballer Diogo Jota and his brother took place in Gondomar, Portugal, after they died in a car crash in Spain. Family, friends, and people from Jota's football club, Liverpool, attended the service. Spanish police are investigating the crash, which involved no other vehicles.
Key Facts
Diogo Jota and his brother died in a car crash in Spain, near Zamora.
The funeral was held at Igreja Matriz church in Gondomar, Portugal.
Jota's teammates from Liverpool and other football players attended the funeral.
The crash happened as the brothers were heading to catch a boat to England.
Spanish police think a blown tire might have caused the crash, but they are still investigating.
Jota had just married his long-time partner and had three children.
The brothers' bodies were returned to Portugal after being identified by family.
Jota started his football career in Gondomar and played for Liverpool.
An arson attack took place at a synagogue in Melbourne, Australia, where a man set the front door on fire. The incident did not cause any injuries, as around 20 people inside were evacuated safely. The Australian Prime Minister has promised to take strong legal action against such antisemitic crimes, which have increased recently due to tensions linked to the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Key Facts
A man set fire to the front door of a Melbourne synagogue while about 20 people were inside.
The people inside the synagogue were evacuated safely, and no one was hurt.
Police are investigating if this attack is connected to an incident at a Jewish-owned restaurant the same night.
The Australian Prime Minister promised strong action against those responsible.
There have been more antisemitic attacks in Australia recently, tied to tensions from the Israel-Hamas conflict.
The Australian government has appointed a special envoy to combat antisemitism.
New laws have been passed in Australia to strengthen action against hate crimes.
Protests and increased tension have been observed in both Jewish and Muslim communities in Australia.
Starting next year, the Prince and Princess of Wales will give Royal Warrants, which are special approvals for certain products and services. King Charles III and Queen Camilla have already granted more than 400 of these approvals, influencing choices in luxury brands.
Key Facts
Starting next year, the Prince and Princess of Wales will grant Royal Warrants.
Royal Warrants are approvals that indicate certain goods and services are favored by the British monarchy.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla have already granted over 400 Royal Warrants.
Items with these warrants include brands like Bentley, Jaguar, and Burberry.
The list also includes unique items like brooms from A. Nash and services like Milborrow Chimney Sweeps.
A survey found that 19% of U.S. voters would prefer the British monarch over their current U.S. President.
More than a third of young Americans aged 19 to 29 favor bringing back a monarchy.
Kabul may run out of water in the next five years, as a new report highlights severe groundwater depletion due to overuse and climate change. The city's aquifers could dry up by 2030, affecting millions of residents and causing severe water shortages and contamination.
Key Facts
Kabul's groundwater levels have dropped by 25 to 30 meters in the past decade.
Water extraction in Kabul exceeds natural recharge by 44 million cubic meters each year.
Nearly half of Kabul's bore wells, which provide drinking water, are dry, according to UNICEF.
80% of the groundwater is unsafe for consumption due to contamination.
Kabul's population has grown from less than one million to six million since 2001, increasing water demand.
The divide between wealthy and poor residents is worsening, as richer people can afford deeper wells.
Approximately 120,000 unregulated bore wells exist in Kabul, adding to the water management challenges.
The water crisis could displace approximately three million residents by 2030 if not addressed.
The Dalai Lama, approaching his 90th birthday, expressed hope to live until 130. He also confirmed that his successor will be chosen following traditional Tibetan Buddhist methods, which clarifies ongoing speculation. China asserts its own claim over the process, but the Dalai Lama insists Tibetans will choose his successor.
Key Facts
The Dalai Lama said he hopes to live to 130 years old.
He made this statement ahead of his 90th birthday.
Followers held a ceremony offering prayers for his long life.
He confirmed that his successor will be chosen according to past Tibetan Buddhist traditions.
The Dalai Lama has set up a foundation to recognize his future reincarnation.
Chinese officials argue they should approve his successor via a traditional lottery involving a "golden urn."
Since 1959, the Dalai Lama has lived in Dharamshala, India, after leaving Tibet due to a failed uprising against China.
The article discusses a program featuring Ione Wells as she investigates the case of children who were taken from their families during Chile's military dictatorship. It looks into whether technology can help many families solve the mystery of what happened to their lost children.
Key Facts
Ione Wells investigates the issue of Chile's stolen children.
These children were taken during Chile's military dictatorship.
The investigation seeks to find if technology can aid families in getting answers.
The story is part of a broader tech program.
The program "Chile's Lost Children" first aired on July 5, 2025.
A recent discussion focuses on whether it's okay to cry at work, inspired by a public figure, Rachel Reeves, who appeared emotional in a political setting. Experts argue that showing emotion in the workplace is becoming more accepted, with emotional intelligence viewed as a strength rather than a weakness.
Key Facts
Rachel Reeves appeared emotional during a political event, which affected financial markets temporarily.
Both men and women report crying at work for various personal and professional reasons.
Some people feel pressure to hide emotions in certain work environments, particularly male-dominated ones.
Experts now often see emotional intelligence, which means understanding and expressing emotions, as a positive trait in the workplace.
Supportive work environments can lead to happier and more motivated employees.
Crying at work is no longer widely seen as a sign of weakness, according to some career experts.
Personal stories from various professionals highlight that showing emotion at work can be acceptable and even beneficial.
The "One Big Beautiful Bill," a new budget law backed by President Donald Trump, includes significant cuts to Medicaid and is expected to increase healthcare costs. The bill could lead to the closure of many hospitals, particularly in rural areas, and leave millions without health insurance.
Key Facts
The bill plans to cut about $1 trillion from Medicaid over the next ten years.
It was passed in the House mostly along party lines, with just two Republican Representatives voting against it.
Experts predict the cuts will cause healthcare costs to rise for patients and could force hospitals to close.
Nearly 12 million people might lose health insurance by 2034 due to reductions in Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act.
Rural hospitals are expected to suffer the most, with possible funding reductions of 20% in half of the states.
About 20% of Americans live in rural areas where Medicaid is essential for healthcare funding.
As many as 338 hospitals could close in the U.S., with nearly 800 already in financial difficulty.
The bill includes $50 billion for rural hospitals to help with financial stress, but it might not be enough to prevent closures.
A five-story building in Karachi, Pakistan, collapsed, killing at least eight people and injuring nine others. Rescue teams are searching for more people trapped in the rubble. The building was in a poor area of Karachi with a history of construction issues.
Key Facts
A five-story building collapsed in the Lyari neighborhood of Karachi, Pakistan.
At least eight people died, and nine others were hurt in the incident.
It happened around 10 a.m. local time on a Friday.
Up to 100 people were estimated to live in the building.
Rescuers are searching for additional people who might be trapped.
The narrow street made it hard for rescuers to bring in heavy equipment.
Building collapses are common in Pakistan due to poor construction standards.
Karachi is known for illegal building work and weak safety rules, leading to frequent incidents.
A new version of baseball is gaining popularity, which involves a lively and exciting style. This version was showcased in a game between the Savannah Bananas and the Firefighters.
Key Facts
The newer form of baseball is called "banana ball."
"Banana ball" is known for being fast-paced and entertaining.
The Savannah Bananas team is part of this baseball style.
The recent game mentioned was against a team called the Firefighters.
"Banana ball" is attracting a lot of attention and interest from the audience.
Protests have started in Kenya a year after a previous violent crackdown. People are upset after a blogger died in police custody and a demonstrator was shot by police at close range. There are increasing demands for police to be held responsible.
Key Facts
Protests have erupted in Kenya following a blogger's death while in police custody.
A demonstrator was also shot at close range by police.
The protests are happening a year after a previous incident where the police violently suppressed demonstrations.
People in Kenya are demanding accountability from the police.
Concerns are growing about ongoing police brutality in the country.
There is a focus on why officers continue to avoid punishment for their actions.
Kenyan President William Ruto plans to build a large church at the presidential residence in Nairobi, costing about $9 million, which he says he will fund personally. There has been criticism regarding the project's cost and its compatibility with Kenya's secular constitution, as well as concerns about building it on state property.
Key Facts
President William Ruto wants to build an 8,000-seat church at the State House in Nairobi.
The project's cost is estimated at $9 million.
Ruto says he will pay for the church himself.
The construction raises questions about using state property for a religious building.
Critics argue the project may conflict with Kenya's secular constitution.
Kenya has a diverse religious population, including Christians, Muslims, and other faiths.
Some have criticized the church's cost during a time of economic hardship for many Kenyans.
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The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed by Speaker Mike Johnson, includes making permanent tax cuts paid for by reducing Medicaid spending and borrowing more money. This episode of Planet Money examines how these decisions affect the federal deficit and what that could mean for everyday life.
Key Facts
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act was signed by Speaker of the House Mike Johnson on July 3, 2025.
The bill makes many tax cuts permanent.
The funding for these tax cuts will partly come from reducing Medicaid, a government program that helps provide health care to low-income individuals.
Along with cutting Medicaid, the government plans to borrow more money.
The bill's impact on the federal deficit, which is the amount the government overspends compared to its income, is a major concern discussed.
The episode explores how the increased borrowing and spending cuts might affect everyday life for people.
Planet Money's episode discusses other related topics such as the national debt and tax policies.
The podcast episode was hosted by several NPR journalists, including Sally Helm and Kenny Malone.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US President Donald Trump agreed to work on improving Ukraine's air defenses amid concerns over military aid. They discussed joint defense production and investments to help protect Ukraine from escalating Russian attacks.
Key Facts
President Zelenskyy spoke with President Trump about strengthening Ukraine's air defenses.
They agreed to collaborate on air defense and joint defense production.
The call took place after a large Russian drone attack on Kyiv.
Russia used 539 drones and 11 missiles in the attack, killing one person and injuring 23.
Ukraine seeks more Patriot missiles from the US for defense against Russian air strikes.
US discussion with Germany included air defense and trade issues related to Ukraine.
Ukraine emphasizes the importance of cooperation with the US in defense technologies, especially regarding drones.
Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for international support, mentioning its role in protecting Ukrainian independence.
Elon Musk has suggested the idea of creating a new political party to rival Democrats and Republicans in the U.S., especially after a recent budget bill led to differences between him and former President Donald Trump. The bill, which has passed Congress, includes tax cuts and spending that some say will raise the national deficit and reduce funding for social services.
Key Facts
Elon Musk proposed the creation of a new political party via social media.
This proposal follows disagreement with Trump's new budget bill.
The "One Big Beautiful Bill," supported by Trump, includes permanent tax cuts from 2017.
The bill passed Congress, raising the debt ceiling by $5 trillion.
It is expected to add $3.3 trillion to the national deficit.
The bill reduces funding for Medicaid and food assistance programs.
Fiscal conservatives and some Republicans opposed the increase in debt.
Senator Rand Paul was among a few Republicans who voted against the bill.
Thomas Partey, a former Arsenal football player, has been charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault in the UK. The charges involve incidents reported by three women between 2021 and 2022. Partey is set to appear in court on August 5.
Key Facts
Thomas Partey faces five rape charges and one sexual assault charge in the UK.
The incidents involve three women and occurred between 2021-2022.
The first police report was made in February 2022, leading to an investigation.
Partey is a former midfielder for Arsenal, a football club in the English Premier League.
He became a free agent after his contract with Arsenal ended recently.
Partey was initially arrested in July 2022 but was not named publicly at that time.
He will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on August 5.
Partey was signed by Arsenal from Atletico Madrid for €50 million in October 2020.