A federal judge in New York has decided that a lawsuit by two voice-over artists against an AI voice company, Lovo Inc., can proceed. The lawsuit claims that Lovo used the artists' voices without permission for their AI training, although the judge dismissed the claim regarding federal copyright law.
Key Facts
Two voice-over artists, Paul Skye Lehrman and Linnea Sage, have filed a lawsuit against Lovo Inc., an AI voice company.
The artists allege their voices were used without permission in an AI product.
A judge has allowed the breach of contract and deceptive business practices claims to go forward, but dismissed the federal copyright claim.
Lovo Inc. requested the case be dismissed, but the judge has allowed part of it to continue.
The artists claim Lovo employees contacted them for work under false pretenses on the freelance site Fiverr.
Lehrman and Sage heard clones of their voices in AI-generated content without their consent.
The alleged cloned voices were later used for content on Lovo's platform but have since been removed.
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The Vysehrad railway bridge in Prague, which is 123 years old, might be replaced with a new bridge because it cannot handle an increase in rail traffic. Some experts and residents believe the bridge should be restored instead of replaced, arguing it is an important historical landmark and can be repaired.
Key Facts
The Vysehrad railway bridge is 123 years old and an important part of Prague's skyline.
The Czech Railway Authority plans to replace the bridge to handle more rail traffic.
Experts from the Vysehrad Bridge Foundation argue only 15% of the bridge's steel needs replacing.
Unesco supports the idea of restoring the bridge instead of replacing it.
Over 25,000 residents signed a petition to save the bridge.
The new bridge would add a third track and improve transport links.
The old bridge might be moved and used for pedestrians and cyclists in a different location.
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The Tech Now program covers the latest sports technology innovations, including artificial intelligence in boxing, the Esports World Cup, and various advancements like e-bikes and biomechanics in Paralympic sports. These technologies aim to enhance sports experiences and performances.
Key Facts
The Esports World Cup is highlighted as a major event in the Tech Now program.
Artificial intelligence is being used in the sport of boxing to improve training and performance.
E-bikes, or electric bicycles, are discussed as a new development in sports.
Paralympic wheelchair fencers are using biomechanics to assist in their training and competition.
The show covers a range of topics, from esports to advancements in technology for sports.
The episode is available to watch for 11 months starting from July 12, 2025.
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Scientists are concerned about a strong heatwave in the Mediterranean Sea, where water temperatures passed 30°C off the coast of Majorca, which is higher than usual. This extreme heat may harm marine life because warmer water helps harmful bacteria and algae grow, and many sea creatures struggle to cope with rising temperatures.
Key Facts
The sea surface in the Mediterranean reached over 30°C in late June and early July 2023.
These temperatures are 6-7°C higher than the normal levels for this time of year.
Marine heatwaves are getting worse due to climate change, which traps more heat in the ocean.
The Mediterranean is especially at risk because it is surrounded by land, making it similar to a bathtub that heats up quickly.
Warmer water can spread harmful bacteria and algae, unlike controlled swimming pools that use cleaning chemicals.
Higher sea temperatures can stress marine life, possibly leading to fish population declines.
Scientists warn that these types of heatwaves are likely to occur more frequently in the future.
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Two recent reports highlight financial challenges the UK is facing. One shows a drop in monthly UK growth, while another warns about long-term risks like increasing government debt. These reports suggest that the UK may need to raise taxes to handle future economic pressures.
Key Facts
The UK economy, measured by GDP, fell in May.
The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) warns UK debt could reach three times the size of its economy in the future.
The UK has high debt compared to other advanced economies, ranking sixth highest.
The government reversed decisions on welfare savings and winter fuel payments recently.
Local councils spend a large part of their budgets, up to 80%, on social care.
Increasing defense spending to meet NATO targets will cost around £40 billion per year by 2035.
The UK government might need to raise taxes by £10 billion to £20 billion in the autumn Budget.
Recent global changes, like US trade policies, have raised UK borrowing costs.
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A flight from Cancun to London had to make an emergency landing in Maine after two passengers started fighting. All 267 passengers had to stay overnight in Bangor, Maine, as the airline arranged a new crew. The two passengers involved in the altercation were sent back to their home countries on different flights.
Key Facts
The incident occurred on a flight from Cancun, Mexico, to London.
The emergency landing took place in Bangor, Maine, around 21:30 EST on Tuesday.
The flight was operated by TUI, a British airline, using a 787 Dreamliner plane.
The crew could not continue the flight immediately because they needed to rest due to work hour limits.
The plane took off the next day at 15:00 EST after a new crew arrived.
No criminal charges were filed against the two passengers.
US Customs and Border Protection processed the passengers for immediate removal from the US.
The plane eventually arrived safely at Gatwick Airport in London.
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A preliminary report on the Air India crash in June revealed that both fuel control switches, which are used to turn off the engines, were moved to the cut-off position. BBC's correspondent Theo Leggett explained that moving these switches involves a two-step process.
Key Facts
A preliminary report investigated the Air India crash in June.
The report found that both engine fuel control switches were moved to the cut-off position.
The fuel control switches are used to turn the engines off.
Moving these switches involves a two-step process.
BBC's Theo Leggett provided insights on the role of these switches.
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A preliminary report on an Air India plane crash that happened after takeoff suggests that the engines' fuel switches were moved to the "cutoff" position shortly before the crash, causing the plane to lose thrust. The crash, which took place on June 12 in Ahmedabad, India, resulted in the deaths of 260 people, including those on the ground.
Key Facts
The Air India flight's fuel switches were moved from "run" to "cutoff" just seconds after takeoff.
The crash occurred on June 12 in Ahmedabad, killing 260 people, including 19 on the ground.
The report comes from India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB).
The report does not explain why the fuel switches were moved to "cutoff".
One pilot questioned the other about the fuel switch change, which was captured in the cockpit voice recorder.
The report did not assign blame or conclude the reasons for the switch change.
A U.S. aviation expert noted that it is difficult to accidentally move the fuel switches.
The only survivor of the crash was a passenger named Viswashkumar Ramesh.
The investigation is ongoing, and no action has been recommended for Boeing 787 operators at this point.
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Lawmakers in Cambodia changed the constitution so that the government can take away citizenship from people they believe have worked with foreign powers. This amendment was approved unanimously and has raised concerns, as some fear it could be misused against political opponents.
Key Facts
Cambodia's National Assembly changed the constitution to allow for taking away citizenship.
The change lets the government strip citizenship from those thought to have collaborated with foreign countries.
All 125 lawmakers in the assembly approved the amendment.
The Justice Minister said they would quickly introduce a law to support this change.
Previously, Cambodian citizens could only lose citizenship through "mutual agreement."
Amnesty International and other groups are worried the law could be used to target critics of the government.
The amendment follows pressure from former leader Hun Sen after opposition figures criticized the government over border issues with Thailand.
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NPR’s Planet Money explored garment manufacturing in the U.S. by following the production of a simple sports bra made in a Los Angeles factory. The episode looked at how many people were involved, the wages they earned, and discussed the current state and future of the domestic garment industry.
Key Facts
The episode focused on a garment factory located in Los Angeles.
It explored the process of making a basic purple sports bra in the U.S.
The report examined how many workers were needed to make the sports bra.
It discussed the wages that these garment workers received.
The program considered if Americans are interested in working in garment manufacturing.
It looked at the reasons why garment manufacturing exists in the United States.
The episode questioned whether the garment industry can expand domestically.
Planet Money encourages listeners to support the show through subscriptions.
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Amanda Anisimova, an American tennis player, is set to compete in her first Grand Slam final at Wimbledon against Iga Swiatek. After a career break for mental health reasons, she has made a comeback and could become the first U.S. woman to win Wimbledon since 2016.
Key Facts
Amanda Anisimova is playing in the Wimbledon final after taking a break from tennis.
She stepped away from the sport to focus on her mental health due to stress and homesickness.
Anisimova was a tennis prodigy at 17, reaching the 2019 French Open semifinals.
After personal struggles and her father's death, she decided to prioritize her mental well-being.
She resumed training in the fall of 2023 after several months off.
Anisimova could become the first American woman to win Wimbledon since Serena Williams in 2016.
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Thousands of people gathered in Bosnia and Herzegovina to remember the Srebrenica massacre, marking its 30th anniversary. Seven victims, whose remains were found recently, were buried during the event. The massacre, part of the Bosnian War, involved the killing of over 8,000 Bosniak men and boys by Bosnian Serb forces in 1995.
Key Facts
The event took place in a valley with many white gravestones in Potocari, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The Srebrenica massacre occurred in July 1995 during the Bosnian War.
At least 8,000 Bosniak men and boys were killed by Bosnian Serb forces.
The massacre happened in Srebrenica, a place designated as a safe zone by the United Nations.
The remains of the victims buried recently were discovered in various mass graves.
Extensive DNA analysis helped identify the victims for the recent burials.
More than 6,000 victims have been buried at the memorial site, but over 1,000 are still missing.
In 2007, the International Court of Justice ruled that the events in Srebrenica were a genocide.
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Martin Lewis shares a method for negotiating better deals when speaking with a call center. The approach is designed to help people save money on personal finance matters.
Key Facts
Martin Lewis is known for providing personal finance advice.
He suggests a strategy for negotiating with call centers to get better deals.
This advice is shared in a podcast episode available on BBC Sounds.
The goal of the strategy is to help people save money.
The strategy is especially relevant for handling personal finance issues.
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President Donald Trump announced that the United States will increase tariffs on Canadian goods to 35%, despite Canada dropping its planned digital tax under U.S. pressure. Trump has sent notices to several countries about these increased tariffs, which will start on August 1 unless new trade agreements are made.
Key Facts
Trump announced a 35% tariff on Canadian goods, up from the previous 25%.
Canada agreed to cancel a digital services tax that would have affected U.S. technology companies.
Tariffs will begin on August 1 unless new trade deals are reached.
Canada is the U.S.'s second-largest trading partner, after Mexico.
The U.S. claims Canada is not doing enough to stop the flow of fentanyl, an addictive drug, into the U.S.
Canada exports items like oil, cars, and industrial machinery to the U.S.
Trump imposed separate tariffs on steel, aluminum, and car parts globally.
Canada has a $63.3 billion trade surplus with the U.S.
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The article discusses why Generation Z (Gen Z) seems to express fear or hesitation towards sex compared to previous generations. This trend is linked to several factors, including growing up during the COVID-19 pandemic, shifts in cultural conversations like the #MeToo movement, and concerns about legal changes affecting reproductive rights.
Key Facts
Gen Z is reportedly having less sex than previous generations did at the same age.
The COVID-19 pandemic affected Gen Z's experiences with in-person relationships.
Online engagement, such as watching porn and participating in LGBTQ+ communities, is more common among Gen Z.
Legal and cultural shifts, like the #MeToo movement and changes to reproductive rights, contribute to anxieties about sex.
Some young people express fear of unwanted pregnancies due to changes in laws regarding reproductive rights.
Despite these concerns, many Gen Z individuals express interest in sex, though they may not act on it as frequently.
The conversation around sexuality and sex for pleasure has evolved, impacting how young people view sex.
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The government is starting a consultation to introduce a new Private Parking Code of Practice to make parking charges fairer. This comes after complaints from drivers who faced high fines, like Rosey Hudson, who was billed £1,906 for a delay in paying at a car park in Derby. The proposed code aims to prevent unfair parking fees and improve transparency and oversight in the private parking sector.
Key Facts
The government wants to create a fairer system for private parking charges.
Drivers like Rosey Hudson have been fined large amounts for minor delays.
The new code seeks to prevent unfair charges due to mistakes or poor technology.
Private parking firms currently self-regulate through two trade associations.
Parking operators can get driver details from the DVLA to issue fines.
A previous code from February 2022 was withdrawn due to legal challenges.
The AA believes the new proposals do not sufficiently protect drivers.
The government is consulting the public on the new code until 5 September.
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The National Trust plans to cut about 550 jobs, which is 6% of its workforce, due to increased costs from higher taxes and wages. The charity is trying to save £26 million and has started talking to staff and their union to reduce the number of forced job losses.
Key Facts
The National Trust will cut about 550 jobs, or 6% of its workforce.
Higher wages and increased taxes are the main reasons for the job cuts.
The National Trust's wage costs have gone up by more than £10 million.
They aim to save £26 million through these cost-cutting measures.
A 45-day consultation period with staff started on Thursday.
The Trust is working with the union Prospect to try and lessen forced job losses.
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Afghan taxi drivers in Kandahar face extremely high temperatures often above 40°C (104°F). To cope, they have found their own ways to stay cool since their car air-conditioners often fail.
Key Facts
Kandahar, a city in Afghanistan, frequently experiences temperatures over 40°C (104°F).
Taxi drivers there often have problems with their car air-conditioning systems breaking down.
To handle the heat, these drivers are creating their own methods to stay cool inside their cars.
The situation highlights the challenges faced by workers in hot climates without reliable cooling options.
The problem is common among many drivers due to the harsh weather conditions and equipment issues.
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Heathrow Airport plans to expand its capacity to handle 10 million more passengers each year by 2031. The expansion includes a £10 billion investment for new terminal spaces and improved facilities, and would require higher passenger charges over the investment period.
Key Facts
Heathrow Airport wants to add 10 million extra passengers yearly by 2031.
The expansion plan involves a £10 billion investment.
It aims to demolish the old Terminal 1, extend Terminal 2, and build a new access road tunnel.
Passenger charges are expected to rise to an average of £33.26, up from £28.46.
The plan includes creating new terminal spaces the size of 10 football fields.
The improvements will lead to faster security and baggage handling.
Heathrow aims to increase its annual passenger capacity by 12%.
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Rayyan Arkan Dikha, an eleven-year-old from Indonesia, created a viral boat-racing dance that has become popular worldwide. His dance, known as "aura farming," is seen in videos across social media, with notable athletes and teams joining in. The dance, which he performed during a traditional boat race, has led him to gain widespread attention.
Key Facts
Rayyan Arkan Dikha is an eleven-year-old boy from Indonesia who created a viral dance.
The dance is performed at the tip of a racing boat during the national Pacu Jalur race.
"Aura farming" is an internet term meaning to build charisma or coolness.
His dance has been replicated by athletes such as Travis Kelce and the Paris Saint-Germain football team.
Videos of his dance have millions of views on TikTok.
Dikha's role during the boat race includes energizing the crew.
His mother expressed concerns about his safety while dancing on the boat, though a rescue team is always nearby.
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