Technology News

‘Alligator Alcatraz’ detainees held without charges, barred from legal access, attorneys say

July 28, 2025

Lawyers say that people held at an immigration detention center in Florida cannot meet with their lawyers and are being held without charges. They also say that some people have already been deported without hearings.

Key Facts:

Lawyers are asking for a temporary order to stop certain actions at the detention center.
The center is in the Florida Everglades and is nicknamed “Alligator Alcatraz.”
Detainees have reportedly been stopped from meeting their lawyers.
Some people are being held without any charges.
A federal court has canceled some bond hearings, which typically help decide if a detainee can be released while waiting for their case to be resolved.
Lawyers argue that these actions violate the constitutional rights of the detainees.
Around 100 detainees have already been deported from this center.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour

Suspect faces terrorism charges in stabbing of 11 at Walmart in Michigan

July 28, 2025

A 42-year-old man, Bradford James Gille, is facing terrorism and assault charges for allegedly stabbing 11 people at a Walmart in Traverse City, Michigan. The victims, whose ages range from 21 to 84, are all expected to survive, and the suspect was stopped by civilians and police at the scene.

Key Facts:

The suspect's name is Bradford James Gille, and he is 42 years old.
He is charged with terrorism and assault with intent to murder.
The attack happened at a Walmart in Traverse City, Michigan.
11 people, including a Walmart employee, were stabbed.
The victims are between 21 and 84 years old and are expected to survive.
Civilians, including one armed person, helped stop the suspect in the parking lot.
Police arrested the suspect without any further issues.
The motive for the attack is still unclear, and the investigation is ongoing with the FBI's assistance.

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BBC World

Cost of living and cold weather payments open

July 28, 2025

The Jersey government has introduced two grants to assist residents facing financial difficulties. The Community Costs Bonus is designed for general cost-of-living expenses, and the Cold Weather Bonus is aimed at helping pensioners with heating costs. Eligibility depends on meeting certain residency and financial criteria.

Key Facts:

Jersey's government has launched two grants for financial help: the Community Costs Bonus and the Cold Weather Bonus.
Eligible individuals can receive £516.50 from the Community Costs Bonus.
The Cold Weather Bonus amount varies based on how cold the temperatures are.
To apply for these bonuses, residents must wait to receive their 2024 tax liability.
The Community Costs Bonus is available to households with a 2024 tax liability of less than £2,735.
Applicants for the Community Costs Bonus must not have had an Income Support Claim open in the last week.
The Cold Weather Bonus requires the household to have someone aged 65 or older who gets an old age pension or has lived in Jersey continuously for 10 years.
Applicants or their spouse/partner must own or be responsible for a home lease to qualify for the Cold Weather Bonus.

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BBC Business

US begins preparing Qatari jet to be used as Air Force One

July 28, 2025

The US is preparing a Qatari jumbo jet to be used as Air Force One for President Donald Trump. Qatar is donating the Boeing aircraft, which is worth $400 million, and the US will cover the costs to modify it. The donation has sparked criticism due to legal and ethical concerns regarding gifts from foreign governments.

Key Facts:

The jet, a Boeing 747-8, is being donated by Qatar as a gift for use as Air Force One.
The aircraft is valued at $400 million, and the US government will pay for necessary modifications.
Critics from both political parties worry it could be seen as a "bribe" from a foreign country.
The White House states that accepting the plane complies with legal rules.
US law typically only allows officials to accept gifts valued under $480.
Security checks will be done to ensure the plane is free from surveillance devices.
The plan is to donate the plane to Trump's presidential library after he leaves office.
The cost to retrofit the plane is not yet known but expected to be high.

Source Information

BBC US

Kenya’s protests are not a symptom of failed democracy. They are democracy

July 28, 2025

In Kenya, street protests led by the youth are happening as people question the government's actions and leadership. While protests are seen by some in the government as dangerous, they are a form of democratic expression where people come together to show their concerns.

Key Facts:

Street protests in Kenya are partly due to dissatisfaction with government actions.
The Kenyan government views these protests as a threat to public order.
Youth, especially Generation Z, have been leading these peaceful protests for the past 16 months.
President William Ruto has expressed concerns about the impact of ongoing protests on the nation.
Some protestors have faced severe consequences, such as being charged with serious crimes.
The protests seek to challenge and change government policies and leadership.
Protestors have organized independently, offering support like legal aid and civic education.
The protests echo past movements from the 1990s that sought political reform in Kenya.

Source Information

Al Jazeera

Trying to keep your brain young? A big new study finds these lifestyle changes help

July 28, 2025

A large study found that making lifestyle changes like improving diet, exercising regularly, and engaging in brain training can boost mental abilities and slow down the aging process in the brain for older adults. The study involved over 2,100 people aged 60 to 79, showing significant improvement in thinking and memory for those who followed an intensive program.

Key Facts:

The study included more than 2,100 people in their 60s and 70s.
Participants followed a two-year intensive program focused on diet, exercise, and brain training.
The study showed improved cognitive functions, similar to people 1-2 years younger.
It was conducted by the Alzheimer's Association and reported at an international conference.
A similar smaller study from Finland previously had consistent findings.
The POINTER study focused on people with a higher risk of cognitive decline and Alzheimer's.
The intensive program included aerobic exercise, a Mediterranean diet, and social activities.
Future plans include applying these lifestyle methods in the community, supported by further investment.

Source Information

NPR Home

Pro-Ukraine hacker group claims Aeroflot cyber-attack

July 28, 2025

Pro-Ukrainian hacker group Silent Crow claims it attacked Aeroflot's IT systems, leading to the cancellation of dozens of flights. The Russian prosecutor's office confirmed a hacker attack caused issues with Aeroflot's information system and started a criminal investigation. Silent Crow worked with Belarusian hackers called Cyber Partisans, and both groups aim to support Ukraine.

Key Facts:

Aeroflot, Russia's national airline, canceled more than 40 flights due to a hacker attack on its IT systems.
The hacker group Silent Crow claimed responsibility for the attack and said it worked with another group called Cyber Partisans from Belarus.
Silent Crow claimed the attack caused severe damage to Aeroflot's systems and threatened to release personal data of Russian travelers.
The Russian prosecutor's office confirmed that a hacker attack occurred and began a criminal investigation.
Due to the attack, some passengers will be moved to other airlines' flights, according to the transport ministry.
Pro-Russian and pro-Ukrainian hacker groups have been actively targeting each other since the invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Cyber Partisans describe themselves as a "hacktivist collective" supporting Belarus's freedom.
Attacks like these have been impacting Russian flights since the full-scale invasion started in February 2022.

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BBC World

EU says Temu is failing to prevent sale of illegal and counterfeit products

July 28, 2025

European Union investigators have found that the online shopping platform Temu may be selling illegal products within its marketplace. Temu is accused of not following the Digital Services Act guidelines, which aim to make online platforms safer for consumers. The company can review the investigation findings and respond to these claims.

Key Facts:

EU watchdogs accused Temu of selling illegal products.
The investigation is based on the Digital Services Act, which requires online platforms to protect users.
Investigators found non-compliant products like baby toys and electronics on Temu.
Temu has 92 million users in the European Union.
EU officials say Temu’s risk assessment methods are not adequate.
Temu is owned by Pinduoduo Inc., a major Chinese e-commerce company.
Potential penalties for Temu include fines up to 6% of its global revenue.
Temu will have a chance to respond to the accusations before a final decision is made.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour

Thailand and Cambodia agree to ceasefire: Will it stop the deadly fighting?

July 28, 2025

Cambodia and Thailand have agreed to start a ceasefire to end their recent border conflict. This comes after several days of intense fighting, which resulted in at least 36 deaths and many people being forced to leave their homes.

Key Facts:

The ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand will start at midnight, as Monday becomes Tuesday.
The conflict lasted five days and resulted in the deaths of at least 36 people.
Over 270,000 people from both countries have had to leave their homes due to the fighting.
The ceasefire agreement was reached during talks hosted by Malaysia's Prime Minister, Anwar Ibrahim.
The dispute started on July 24 and is connected to disagreements over old colonial maps.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand’s acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai agreed to the ceasefire.
Military leaders from both countries will meet on Tuesday to discuss the next steps.
A meeting of the General Border Committee is planned for August 4 in Cambodia to further address the situation.

Source Information

Al Jazeera

VPNs top download charts as age verification law kicks in

July 28, 2025

People in the UK are downloading VPN apps in high numbers to bypass new age verification rules on certain websites. The VPNs help users avoid sharing personal information like their age to access content. However, experts warn that free VPNs may not be safe and could expose users to risks.

Key Facts:

VPN apps are the most downloaded apps in the UK App Store after new age checks on sites like PornHub and Reddit began.
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) lets users hide their true location online by connecting through a remote server.
The Online Safety Act requires websites with adult content to verify users' ages.
VPN downloads in the UK increased by 1,800% following the implementation of age checks.
Free VPNs may have security and privacy issues, and can sometimes be used by companies to collect data.
The new rules require platforms to ensure they do not encourage VPN use to sidestep age checks.
Proton VPN, a popular VPN service, reported a huge rise in new UK users after the age check rules started.

Source Information

BBC Tech

Nigeria kidnappers kill 35 hostages even after ransom paid

July 28, 2025

Kidnappers in Nigeria killed at least 35 of the 56 people they took from a village in Zamfara state, even after ransom was paid for some of them. These kidnappings are carried out by groups known as bandits who use this method to get money.

Key Facts:

Kidnappers in Nigeria killed 35 hostages from a village in northern Zamfara state.
The abductions happened in March in Banga village within the Kauran Namoda area.
The gunmen initially took 56 people and demanded a ransom of one million naira per person.
After the ransom was paid, 18 people, mostly women and a young boy, were released.
Local officials confirmed that the deceased were mostly young people.
In 2022, a law was passed in Nigeria to make paying ransom illegal and abduction punishable by death if victims die, but no arrests have been made under this law.
Families still often pay ransoms due to a lack of security protection from the government.

Source Information

BBC World

Gunman opens fire outside Reno casino, wounding several people

July 28, 2025

A gunman opened fire outside a casino in Reno, Nevada on Monday morning, injuring multiple people before being caught by police. The incident took place at the Grand Sierra Resort around 7:30 a.m. and emergency services responded quickly.

Key Facts:

A shooting occurred outside the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, Nevada.
The event happened around 7:30 a.m. in the valet area of the casino.
Several people were injured in the shooting.
The gunman was arrested and is receiving medical treatment.
An officer was involved in the shooting, according to the Washoe County Sheriff's Department.
Reno police advised people to avoid the area.
Many emergency vehicles, including ambulances, went to the scene.
The Grand Sierra Resort has the largest casino in northern Nevada and is near the Reno-Tahoe International Airport.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour

‘Stock your cars full of food and drive through that border’

July 28, 2025

In a televised interview, Bob Geldof, an Irish singer and activist, suggested that Israelis who wish to protest their country's actions in Gaza should personally visit Gaza and help feed those in need.

Key Facts:

Bob Geldof is an Irish singer and activist.
He made comments in a televised interview.
Geldof addressed Israelis who want to protest against Israel's actions in Gaza.
He suggested these Israelis should go to Gaza themselves.
He mentioned the idea of personally feeding people in Gaza.

Source Information

Al Jazeera

VPNs top App Store charts as Online Safety Act age checks kick in

July 28, 2025

Since the introduction of age verification rules under the UK's Online Safety Act, VPN apps have become very popular in the UK. People are likely using these apps to bypass age checks on websites that now require users to verify their age.

Key Facts:

VPN apps are now among the most downloaded in the UK on Apple's App Store.
Sites like PornHub and Reddit have started requiring age verification as part of the Online Safety Act.
VPNs can hide a user's real location and let them access the internet as if they are in a different country.
There has been an 1,800% increase in downloads of one VPN app since the new rules started.
Experts warn that free VPNs might have security and privacy risks and could expose users to data harvesting.
Ofcom states that platforms should not allow content that promotes using VPNs to avoid age checks.
It's illegal for platforms to encourage bypassing age verification using VPNs.
Many VPN apps declare that they are not intended for children and claim to keep users' data private and secure.

Source Information

BBC Tech

Five people killed in shooting at market in Thailand’s Bangkok

July 28, 2025

A shooting at a market in Bangkok, Thailand, left five people dead and one injured. The suspect, who shot himself, is being investigated by police for any connections to ongoing border tensions with Cambodia.

Key Facts:

Five people died and one person was injured in a shooting in Bangkok.
The incident happened at the Or Tor Kor Market in the Bang Sue district.
All five victims were security guards.
The shooter killed himself after the attack.
Police are looking into the shooter's possible links to border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia.
Surveillance footage shows the shooter wearing a black T-shirt and camouflage shorts.
Gun violence occurs more often in Thailand compared to many other Southeast Asian countries.

Source Information

Al Jazeera

Brands are trying to get to your door in 15 minutes or less

July 28, 2025

Disney has teamed up with delivery service Gopuff to offer quick delivery of select items. Using a QR code on the screen, viewers can buy items and have them delivered in as little as 15 minutes, depending on their location.

Key Facts:

Disney partnered with Gopuff to create mini-stores for quick shopping.
Customers use a QR code to access these mini-stores and can get items delivered fast.
Gopuff has many small warehouses in major U.S. cities for quick delivery.
Top items for delivery include everyday things like eggs and paper towels.
Some companies, like Starbucks, use Gopuff for quick delivery by making products directly in Gopuff centers.
Other retailers are exploring delivery with drones and robots.
Walmart aims to offer 3-hour delivery to most U.S. homes by the end of 2025, using advanced technology.

Source Information

Axios

Five killed in Bangkok market mass shooting

July 28, 2025

Five people died in a shooting at a food market in Bangkok. The suspect, who had previous issues with the market's security guards, also died by taking his own life. Police stated the incident was not connected to the ongoing conflict between Thailand and Cambodia.

Key Facts:

Five people died in a mass shooting at Or Tor Kor Market in Bangkok.
The shooter was a Thai man who had argued with the market's security guards in the past.
The shooter took his own life after the attack.
Four of those killed were security guards, and the other was a market worker.
Two market sellers were injured in the incident.
Police confirmed the attack was not linked to the Thailand-Cambodia conflict.
Thailand has seen a few notable mass shootings recently, although they are not common.
Gun ownership rates in Thailand are relatively high compared to the region.

Source Information

BBC World

Five killed in Thailand market mass shooting

July 28, 2025

Five people died in a mass shooting at a food market in Bangkok, Thailand. The suspect is also dead, and local reports say some victims were security guards.

Key Facts:

Five people were killed in a shooting at Or Tor Kor Market in Bangkok.
The shooter is confirmed dead by police.
Reports suggest some of the victims were security guards.
The Or Tor Kor Market is known for its high-quality fresh fruit and seafood.
Thailand has relatively high gun ownership, but mass shootings are not common.
Recent violent incidents in Thailand include a mall shooting in 2023 and attacks in 2022 and 2020.

Source Information

BBC World

Thailand-Cambodia border clashes continue before Malaysia ceasefire talks

July 28, 2025

Clashes between Thailand and Cambodia have continued along their disputed border, causing at least 35 casualties and displacing over 270,000 people. Leaders from both countries have planned ceasefire talks in Malaysia to stop the conflict, with additional participation from China and support from the United States.

Key Facts:

The fighting between Thailand and Cambodia is in its fifth day.
At least 35 people have died, and more than 270,000 people have been displaced.
Ceasefire talks are happening in Malaysia with Thailand's and Cambodia's Prime Ministers attending.
China and the United States are supporting the peace talks.
Thai officials express doubts about Cambodia's intentions for peace.
Fighting continues with reported rocket and gunfire exchanges at the border.
Cambodia accuses Thailand of heavy military offenses into its territory.
The United States has sent officials to Malaysia to help with peace efforts.

Source Information

Al Jazeera

Don't wait for the Perseids in August — look for meteors this week

July 28, 2025

This week, two meteor showers called the Southern Delta Aquariids and the Alpha Capricornids will be visible, producing up to 30 meteors per hour. The moonlight during the Perseid meteor shower in August may make it harder to see, so the current meteor showers might offer better viewing.

Key Facts:

The best chance to see meteors is during the Southern Delta Aquariids and Alpha Capricornids showers this week.
The peak nights for these meteor showers are July 29th and 30th.
The moon will be about 25% full, making it easier to see meteors compared to the Perseids in August.
Meteor showers happen when Earth passes through debris left by comets or asteroids.
Tiny rock bits entering Earth's atmosphere create bright flashes, known as shooting stars.
Viewing is best after midnight in areas away from artificial lights.
The Southern Delta Aquariids are best viewed with an open view of the southern sky.
The Alpha Capricornids produce fewer meteors, but they appear as bright, slow fireballs.

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NPR Home

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