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Technology News

Breaking news and analysis from the world of technology

The man accused of killing four people in a Manhattan skyscraper believed he had CTE

July 30, 2025
A man is accused of killing four people in a Manhattan skyscraper. He suspected he had chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a brain disease linked to repeated head injuries.

Key Facts:

  • An incident occurred in a Manhattan skyscraper where four people were killed.
  • The accused gunman believed he had CTE.
  • CTE is a brain disease that often affects people with a history of repeated head injuries, such as football players.
  • The incident took place on Park Avenue in Manhattan.
  • The news was reported by journalists Sarah Ventre and Steve Inskeep.

Source Information

NPR National
Summer School 4: Who are all these regulations protecting?

Summer School 4: Who are all these regulations protecting?

July 30, 2025
An NPR Planet Money episode discusses the purpose of government regulations and whom they protect. The episode explores whether these rules help the general public or favor the wealthy and powerful.

Key Facts:

  • The NPR Planet Money episode is titled "Who are all these regulations protecting?"
  • The episode examines how regulations can impact businesses and individuals.
  • It highlights concerns about whether regulations primarily benefit the public or wealthy groups.
  • The episode is hosted by Robert Smith and produced by Eric Mennel.
  • This discussion is part of Planet Money's Summer School series.
  • Listeners can access the episode on NPR's website and various podcast platforms.

Source Information

NPR Business
YouTube to be included in Australia's youth social media ban

YouTube to be included in Australia's youth social media ban

July 30, 2025
Australia will include YouTube in its social media ban for children under 16, starting in December. The ban aims to protect children from harmful content by restricting them from having accounts on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, X, Snapchat, and now YouTube.

Key Facts:

  • Australia will ban children under 16 from having accounts on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, X, and Snapchat.
  • YouTube's initial exclusion from the ban has been reversed.
  • Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated the ban is to reduce social harm to children.
  • YouTube argued it should not be included because it provides educational value.
  • eSafety Commissioner recommended including YouTube due to harmful content seen by young users.
  • Tech companies could face fines up to A$50 million if they don't follow the rules.
  • The ban does not include online gaming, messaging, education, and health apps.
  • More details on how the ban will be enforced are expected in parliament soon.

Source Information

BBC Tech
Outcry after German zoo culled baboons due to overcrowding

Outcry after German zoo culled baboons due to overcrowding

July 30, 2025
A zoo in Nuremberg, Germany, killed 12 healthy Guinea baboons due to overcrowding in their enclosure. This decision led to protests from animal rights activists, with some being arrested for trespassing. The zoo stated that it could not relocate the baboons or control their population growth through other means.

Key Facts:

  • The zoo killed 12 Guinea baboons because their enclosure was overcrowded.
  • The baboons were fed to predators after being killed.
  • Seven animal rights activists were arrested for protesting at the zoo.
  • Overcrowding caused conflicts among the baboons, and no rehousing options were found.
  • The zoo had planned this culling since last year due to population size exceeding acceptable levels.
  • Other zoos could not take in more baboons and contraceptive methods failed.
  • The zoo closed for a day, during which the culling took place.
  • The European Association of Zoos and Aquaria's guidelines were followed, according to the zoo's director.
  • Animal rights groups have filed a complaint against the zoo, calling the culling illegal.

Source Information

BBC World
Plan for 40,000 homes to be built on railway land

Plan for 40,000 homes to be built on railway land

July 29, 2025
The UK government plans to build up to 40,000 new homes on unused railway land over the next ten years, beginning with sites in Manchester, Newcastle, Nottingham, and Cambridge. This initiative aims to create new communities and address housing shortages by attracting private investment. Challenges include planning delays and infrastructure demands.

Key Facts:

  • The government plans to construct 40,000 homes on disused railway land in the next decade.
  • Initial developments will include projects in Manchester, Newcastle, Nottingham, and Cambridge.
  • The plan is part of a "brownfield first" approach, focusing on previously used land.
  • The government seeks £350 million in private investment to help develop these sites.
  • A new company, Platform4, will oversee the developments by combining existing organizations.
  • Industry groups warn of delays due to planning and regulatory challenges.
  • Current planning delays are impacting at least 40,000 homes, with many projects awaiting regulatory approval.
  • The Building Safety Regulator is rejecting a significant number of applications for not meeting legal standards.

Source Information

BBC Business
Greece claims 'invasion' in Crete as it tries to halt asylum on Med route

Greece claims 'invasion' in Crete as it tries to halt asylum on Med route

July 29, 2025
Greece is holding migrants on the island of Crete before moving them to other facilities on the mainland. The country has temporarily stopped allowing new arrivals to apply for asylum, citing an emergency situation, and plans to detain and send back anyone arriving illegally.

Key Facts:

  • Migrants arriving in Crete from North Africa, including Libya, cannot apply for asylum and are moved to closed facilities on the mainland.
  • The right to apply for asylum is part of EU and international law, as well as Greek law, but Greece has suspended this right for at least three months.
  • Greek Migration Minister Thanos Plevris has declared a state of emergency, describing the situation as an "invasion."
  • Over 7,000 migrants have arrived in Crete from January to late June 2023, which is more than three times the number compared to 2024.
  • The migration route from Libya to Crete has become the main path in the Eastern Mediterranean.
  • The Greek government has announced that all migrants entering the country illegally will be detained.
  • Migrants in detention facilities report poor living conditions, such as inadequate access to water, clothing, and hygiene supplies.

Source Information

BBC World
Why plane turbulence is really becoming more frequent - and more severe

Why plane turbulence is really becoming more frequent - and more severe

July 29, 2025
Turbulence during flights is becoming more frequent and severe. Experts say climate change is causing changes in the atmosphere that may make air travel bumpier in the future. Severe turbulence already accounts for a significant portion of injuries in air travel.

Key Facts:

  • Severe turbulence on a flight can cause the plane to drop suddenly, leading to injuries.
  • There have been four reported deaths from turbulence since 1981.
  • In the United States, 207 people have been severely injured by turbulence since 2009.
  • Climate change is affecting atmospheric conditions, increasing turbulence frequency and severity.
  • Severe turbulence affects around 5,000 flights each year out of over 35 million global flights.
  • Nearly 40% of serious injuries to passengers in 2023 were caused by turbulence.
  • The North Atlantic route has experienced a 55% increase in severe turbulence over the last 40 years.
  • Different types of turbulence include convective (from thunderstorms), orographic (near mountains), and clear-air (sudden wind changes).

Source Information

BBC World

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What is the conflict between Thailand and Cambodia?

What is the conflict between Thailand and Cambodia?

July 29, 2025
Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to stop fighting on their disputed border, an area with old temples and a long history of disagreements. Their conflict involves political issues and changing relationships, with China's presence being important.

Key Facts:

  • Thailand and Cambodia have a disputed border area.
  • The border has ancient temples, which are part of the conflict.
  • They have agreed to a ceasefire, which means they will stop fighting.
  • The conflict involves political dynasties, or family-based political power.
  • Changing alliances have affected the situation.
  • China's role and influence in the region are significant.

Source Information

Al Jazeera
Calls for US to sanction Israeli settlers after Palestinian activist killed

Calls for US to sanction Israeli settlers after Palestinian activist killed

July 29, 2025
A State Department spokesperson in the United States was questioned about the death of Palestinian activist Awdah Hathaleen, allegedly caused by an Israeli settler, Yinon Levi. This incident has renewed focus on policies related to Israeli settlements in occupied territories. Levi has been charged with manslaughter and is under house arrest.

Key Facts:

  • Awdah Hathaleen, a Palestinian activist, was reportedly shot and killed by Israeli settler Yinon Levi.
  • Levi is on house arrest and faces charges of manslaughter and unlawful firearm use.
  • Levi had been previously sanctioned under the Biden administration for violence against Palestinians; the Trump administration later reversed these sanctions.
  • A State Department spokesperson declined to comment on Levi's accountability but mentioned that Israel is conducting an investigation.
  • Hathaleen helped produce a documentary highlighting the impact of Israeli settlements on Palestinians.
  • Israeli settlements in the West Bank are widely considered illegal under international law and are a key obstacle to peace.
  • The reversal of sanctions on settlers by the Trump administration has been scrutinized amid ongoing violence.
  • The incident provoked discussions on US policies regarding Israeli settlements and their impact on Palestinian territories.

Source Information

Al Jazeera
New Brazil development law risks Amazon deforestation, UN expert warns

New Brazil development law risks Amazon deforestation, UN expert warns

July 29, 2025
A new law in Brazil aims to simplify environmental licensing for development projects, which could speed up approvals but might lead to environmental damage and deforestation, especially in the Amazon. Critics, including a UN expert, are worried that these changes could harm human rights and environmental protections, while supporters argue that it will streamline processes and boost economic growth.

Key Facts:

  • Brazil's new law simplifies environmental licensing for infrastructure projects like roads, dams, and mines.
  • The law allows some developers to self-report environmental impact through an online form.
  • Critics worry this could lead to more deforestation and environmental harm, especially in the Amazon region.
  • The law lets environmental agencies take up to 24 months to decide on project licenses, after which a license could be granted automatically if no decision is made.
  • Some traditional communities might not be consulted unless directly affected by a project.
  • Supporters believe the law will reduce bureaucracy and aid economic development, including renewable energy projects.
  • Critics fear the law could lead to environmental disasters and violate indigenous rights.
  • The law is approved by the Brazilian Senate and Chamber of Deputies but awaits the president's decision by August 8.

Source Information

BBC World
Watch: Fighter jet swerves dramatically to avoid birds near packed beach

Watch: Fighter jet swerves dramatically to avoid birds near packed beach

July 29, 2025
A Spanish F-18 fighter jet performed a sudden evasive move during an air show in Gijon to avoid a flock of birds. The jet turned upside down and flew towards the sea before safely departing the area. The Spanish air force confirmed that this maneuver is part of standard procedures to keep the pilot and audience safe.

Key Facts:

  • A Spanish F-18 fighter jet was involved in an incident at an air show in Gijon, Spain.
  • The jet had to make a quick move to avoid hitting birds.
  • The jet was flying at a low height when the incident happened.
  • It turned upside down to avoid the birds and moved towards the sea.
  • The Spanish air force stated that such moves are routine to ensure safety.
  • The action aimed to protect both the pilot and the people watching the air show.

Source Information

BBC World
Tech Life

Tech Life

July 29, 2025
The BBC Sounds program titled "Tech Life: Your AI Servant" explores what the future holds with agentic AI, which is artificial intelligence that can make decisions and act on its own. The episode was released on July 29, 2025, and will be available for over a year.

Key Facts:

  • The program is called "Tech Life: Your AI Servant."
  • It discusses the potential of agentic AI, a type of AI that can make its own decisions.
  • The episode was released on July 29, 2025.
  • The content will be accessible for over a year.
  • The program is part of BBC Sounds, a platform offering audio content.
  • The discussion focuses on how agentic AI might change our lives in the future.

Source Information

BBC Tech
This Underwater Sculpture Garden Protects Italian Fishing Grounds

This Underwater Sculpture Garden Protects Italian Fishing Grounds

July 29, 2025
An underwater sculpture garden near Talamone, Italy, is helping to protect local fishing areas. This project uses sunken sculptures and concrete blocks to prevent trawling nets, which can harm marine life, from damaging the ocean floor.

Key Facts:

  • The sculpture garden is located near Talamone, Italy.
  • It aims to protect fishing grounds from trawling nets.
  • Trawling nets are used in fishing and can harm marine life when they drag along the seabed.
  • The project involves artists' sculptures and concrete blocks placed underwater.
  • A student from an art high school participated by creating a piece intended to give octopuses an alternative home.
  • The goal is to provide a safe environment for marine life and reduce illegal fishing practices.

Source Information

NPR World
Authorities say shooter in New York City blamed NFL for brain injuries

Authorities say shooter in New York City blamed NFL for brain injuries

July 29, 2025
A gunman named Shane Tamura killed five people, including himself, in a New York City building. Tamura's note indicated he was targeting the NFL due to a brain condition he believed he got from playing football. He mistakenly opened fire in a real estate office instead of the NFL offices.

Key Facts:

  • Shane Tamura, 27, carried out the shooting in a New York City building.
  • Tamura's note blamed the NFL for his brain injury, known as CTE, common in contact sports.
  • He accidentally went to the wrong floor and shot people in a real estate office.
  • Five people, including Tamura, were killed in the incident.
  • Among the victims was a police officer named Didarul Islam, originally from Bangladesh.
  • The NFL has faced lawsuits over concussions but denies direct links to CTE.
  • Tamura used an AR-15-style rifle in the shooting.
  • Tamura lived in Las Vegas and had a history of mental health issues; he played high school football but not in the NFL.

Source Information

Al Jazeera
Why ‘manosphere’ content is appealing to some young men

Why ‘manosphere’ content is appealing to some young men

July 29, 2025
The spread of harmful attitudes towards women on the internet is becoming more common, and it is starting to affect real-life behavior among young men. John Yang shares a story about a teenager from Detroit and what this trend might mean for society.

Key Facts:

  • Online misogyny, or negative attitudes towards women, is increasing.
  • This online trend is starting to affect young men's behavior in real life.
  • A teenager from Detroit experienced these issues firsthand.
  • The topic is being reported by John Yang.
  • The situation might have wider effects on society.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour
Trump says Epstein ‘stole’ young women from Mar-a-Lago spa, including Virginia Giuffre

Trump says Epstein ‘stole’ young women from Mar-a-Lago spa, including Virginia Giuffre

July 29, 2025
President Donald Trump stated that Jeffrey Epstein took young women who were employed at the spa at Mar-a-Lago. He mentioned that one of these women was Virginia Giuffre, who is known for accusing Epstein of sex trafficking.

Key Facts:

  • Donald Trump said Jeffrey Epstein took young women from Mar-a-Lago's spa.
  • Trump mentioned this while talking about their past relationship.
  • Virginia Giuffre was one of the women taken and is a known accuser of Epstein in sex trafficking cases.
  • Mar-a-Lago is a resort and national historic landmark in Palm Beach, Florida, owned by Donald Trump.
  • Jeffrey Epstein was a financier accused of sex trafficking girls and young women.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour

Famine is unfolding in Gaza, an alert from UN-backed food security experts confirms

July 29, 2025
Gaza is at a high risk of famine, based on a report from food security experts backed by the UN. Food access and nutrition in the area are worse than at any previous time during the ongoing conflict.

Key Facts:

  • Gaza is facing a severe risk of famine.
  • The information comes from a report by UN-backed food security experts.
  • Food consumption and nutrition levels in Gaza are at their worst.
  • This decline is the most severe since the conflict in the area began.
  • The famine risk is linked to ongoing conflict in the region.

Source Information

NPR World

Two data breaches in one week on social media site Tea

July 29, 2025
A dating app called Tea experienced two breaches in one week, compromising user data. The app was designed for people to share information privately, but these hacks have put user information at risk.

Key Facts:

  • Tea is a dating app focused on privacy for its users.
  • In one week, Tea experienced two separate security breaches.
  • These breaches exposed user information to unauthorized access.
  • The app's purpose is to let people share information privately.
  • News about these breaches was reported by NPR journalists.

Source Information

NPR Technology
Union Pacific to buy Norfolk Southern for $85bn

Union Pacific to buy Norfolk Southern for $85bn

July 29, 2025
Union Pacific plans to buy Norfolk Southern for $85 billion, creating the first coast-to-coast freight rail operator in the U.S. This would be the largest railroad merger ever if approved, affecting how goods are transported across the country and facing significant regulatory review.

Key Facts:

  • Union Pacific is based in Omaha, Nebraska, and wants to buy Norfolk Southern.
  • The proposed deal is worth $85 billion.
  • If approved, this would be the largest merger in the railroad industry.
  • Union Pacific operates mostly in the western U.S., while Norfolk covers 22 eastern states.
  • Together, they estimate a combined value of $250 billion and $2.75 billion in savings.
  • Norfolk Southern's stock price includes an 18.6% premium from its previous value.
  • The merger faces regulatory review for up to 22 months due to concerns about job losses and service issues.
  • Other railroad companies are considering mergers because of this deal.

Source Information

Al Jazeera
Human dignity must be protected from rise of AI, Pope says

Human dignity must be protected from rise of AI, Pope says

July 29, 2025
Pope Leo XIV emphasized the need to protect human dignity in the face of advancing artificial intelligence. Speaking at a Vatican event for Catholic social media influencers, he encouraged the use of technology for the benefit of all people and urged influencers to promote unity and care for those in need.

Key Facts:

  • Pope Leo XIV spoke at the Vatican's first Mass for Catholic social media influencers.
  • He highlighted the importance of protecting human dignity as artificial intelligence (AI) develops.
  • The Pope wants technology to benefit all humanity, not harm anyone's dignity.
  • He urged people to develop ways of communicating that support love and understanding.
  • Social media influencers were encouraged to use their platforms to help those who suffer and to spread unity.
  • Pope Leo XIV is the first Pope from the United States and was elected in May.
  • He has a background in mathematics and worked with marginalized communities in Peru.

Source Information

BBC World