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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The article mentions a weekly quiz by NPR, which includes questions about Elon Musk's new political party and his company, xAI. It also invites readers to submit their own quiz questions related to news from July 7 to July 15 for a chance to be featured.
Key Facts
NPR hosts a weekly quiz that includes questions about current events.
Some quiz questions are related to Elon Musk's new political party and his company, xAI.
Readers are invited to submit their own questions for the quiz.
Submissions should relate to news from the week of July 7 through July 15.
If selected, contributors will be acknowledged on NPR's website.
Submissions are subject to NPR's Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
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The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) recently obtained high-level access to a database that manages government payments to farmers and ranchers in the United States.
Key Facts
DOGE stands for the Department of Government Efficiency.
DOGE now has high-level access to a specific database.
The database controls government payments to farmers and ranchers.
These payments total billions of dollars.
The database is used across the U.S.
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A recent report discusses three areas affected by red tape: the challenges facing professional gamblers, potential increases in business spending on research and development, and difficulties in unsubscribing from services. A court has stopped a rule from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) that aimed to make unsubscribing easier.
Key Facts
Professional gamblers in the U.S. are concerned about future obstacles due to government rules and procedures, often called red tape.
Businesses may invest more in research and development (R&D), which involves creating new products or improving existing ones.
The FTC introduced a 'click to cancel' rule meant to simplify the process of unsubscribing from services.
A court has blocked this 'click to cancel' rule from being implemented.
The discussion includes related topics such as sports gambling expansion and the difficulties faced by day traders.
The report is part of a series called "Indicators of the Week" presented by NPR’s Planet Money.
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The Srebrenica massacre, where over 8,000 Bosnian men and boys were killed by Bosnian Serb forces in 1995, remains a painful memory in Bosnia and Herzegovina. A new play, "Flowers of Srebrenica," highlights this tragedy and ongoing ethnic tensions in the region. Despite convictions for the genocide, some leaders still deny it happened, reflecting deep divisions within the country.
Key Facts
In July 1995, over 8,000 Bosnian men and boys were killed in Srebrenica by Bosnian Serb forces.
The United Nations was supposed to protect Srebrenica, but Dutch soldiers did not prevent the massacre.
Bodies were originally placed in mass graves but later moved to hide the crime, complicating identification.
DNA testing has helped many families identify and bury their loved ones at Potočari Cemetery.
The play "Flowers of Srebrenica" shows the identification of massacre victims by clothing and personal items.
Some Bosnian Serb leaders deny the genocide, despite international convictions of Ratko Mladić and Radovan Karadžić.
Bosnia and Herzegovina is divided into two entities by the Dayton Peace Agreement, contributing to current tensions.
Republika Srpska’s president, Milorad Dodik, has taken steps challenging Bosnia's national institutions, causing further conflict.
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Autofocus glasses from Finnish company IXI use liquid crystal lenses that adjust automatically to help people see clearly at different distances. These glasses aim to improve vision corrections compared to traditional bifocals or varifocals as the global population ages and eyesight issues grow. The glasses' design focuses on looking like regular eyewear, and they include technology to track eye movements.
Key Facts
IXI's glasses use liquid crystals in the lenses to adjust vision correction using an electric field.
The glasses have a built-in eye tracker that changes the lens based on where the wearer looks.
Autofocus lenses aim to replace traditional bifocal or varifocal glasses, offering a smooth transition for different distances.
The glasses' earlier prototypes had poor quality, but newer versions show improvement in tests.
IXI's glasses feature a small battery that lasts about two days and can be recharged overnight.
The design of the frames offers some adjustability, but limited due to internal electronics.
The CEO has not revealed the launch date or final pricing but hinted at a possible high cost.
These glasses might help where traditional options are challenging, but more evidence is needed to confirm their effectiveness for critical tasks like driving.
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A retired woman in Georgia, Beverly Morris, is facing water issues she believes are caused by a nearby data center built by Meta, the company that owns Facebook. While Meta denies its data center affects groundwater, the increasing number of data centers raises concerns about water usage, as they require significant amounts to keep servers cool.
Key Facts
Beverly Morris lives near a data center in Mansfield, Georgia, owned by Meta.
Morris blames the data center for problems with her well water, including sediment buildup.
Meta conducted a groundwater study, stating their operations don't affect local water conditions.
The US, including Georgia, is seeing growth in data centers, driven by increased online activity and needs for AI tools.
Data centers use large amounts of water to cool servers; one facility can use millions of gallons daily.
In Georgia, data centers are attractive due to the humid climate aiding cooling processes.
Local activism is increasing, with some data center projects delayed or stopped.
A study predicts AI-driven data centers worldwide may use 1.7 trillion gallons of water by 2027.
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Liberians feel upset and confused after a comment from U.S. President Donald Trump about their President Joseph Boakai's English skills. Trump expressed surprise about Boakai's English during a meeting with West African leaders at the White House, leading to mixed reactions. Liberia has a long history with English as its official language and strong ties with the United States.
Key Facts
U.S. President Donald Trump complimented Liberian President Joseph Boakai's English, calling it "beautiful."
English has been the official language of Liberia since the 1800s.
The meeting happened at the White House with five West African leaders present.
Liberia has historical ties with the U.S., including efforts to relocate freed slaves.
Some Liberians viewed Trump's comments as condescending and disrespectful.
Liberia's foreign minister said the comment acknowledged Liberia's American-influenced accent.
The U.S. recently stopped a major aid program, which affected Liberia's economy.
Liberia's political system and flag are modeled after those of the United States.
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The number of measles cases in 2025 is higher than it has been in over 30 years in this country. Over 150 people have needed hospital care because of a growing outbreak, and three people have died.
Key Facts
2025 has the highest number of measles cases in over 30 years.
More than 150 people have been hospitalized due to the outbreak.
Three people have died from measles.
Two of the deceased were unvaccinated children in Texas.
Amna Nawaz discussed the outbreak with Dr. Adam Ratner.
Dr. Ratner is the author of a book about measles and children's health.
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A festival in Omaha, Nebraska, showcased new art projects that connect art, disability, and technology. The event aimed to explore themes like who is given a voice in society.
Key Facts
The festival took place in Omaha, Nebraska.
It featured new art projects.
The main focus was on the relationships between art, disability, and technology.
The event raised questions about whose voices are heard in society.
Jeffrey Brown reported on this event for an arts and culture series called CANVAS.
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Nigerian security forces have killed at least 30 gunmen in a joint operation after armed groups attacked villages in the country's northwest. The operation, which involved both police and military forces, resulted in the deaths of three police officers and two soldiers. The attacks are part of a larger pattern of violence by armed groups in Nigeria's northwestern and north-central regions.
Key Facts
Nigerian security forces killed at least 30 gunmen in the northwest.
A joint police and military operation took place on Wednesday.
Hundreds of armed men attacked several villages on Tuesday.
Three police officers and two soldiers died in the operation.
Violence in northwest and north-central Nigeria has increased recently.
Armed groups often engage in killings and kidnappings for ransom.
These groups usually consist of former herders.
Nigeria is also dealing with an insurgency in the northeast, affecting many civilians.
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More than 500 migrants landed at Lavrio port near Athens after Greek authorities intercepted their boat south of Crete. Greece moved the migrants to the mainland because the facilities on Crete are full. Greece has paused asylum processing for migrants arriving by sea for three months due to an increase in migrant crossings.
Key Facts
Over 500 migrants arrived at Lavrio port near Athens after Greek authorities intercepted their boat.
The migrants mainly consisted of young men and were moved from a fishing boat to a larger ship before reaching the mainland.
Makeshift reception centers on Crete are overcrowded, leading to transfers to the mainland.
Greece has paused asylum processing for migrants arriving by sea from North Africa for three months.
The Greek government stated that these steps aim to reduce migration from North Africa.
More than 7,000 migrants have arrived in Crete from Libya in the past 10 days.
The European Union reported a 20% drop in irregular crossings into the EU in the first half of 2025, though there were increases around the Mediterranean.
The International Rescue Committee criticized Greece's pause on asylum as illegal and inhumane.
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A trial in Dayton, Tennessee, 100 years ago involved a teacher accused of unlawfully teaching human evolution, sparking a national debate known as the "Monkey Trial." Today, the debate over the role of religion in public schools continues, with controversies over displaying religious symbols like the Ten Commandments in classrooms and incorporating religious education. Recent court cases have challenged laws requiring religious displays, reflecting ongoing tensions between religious inclusion and the separation of church and state.
Key Facts
The "Monkey Trial" involved teacher John T. Scopes, who was tried for teaching evolution against Tennessee's Butler Act.
The trial became famous for its courtroom debates between a famous lawyer and a Christian politician.
New laws in several states now require the display of the Ten Commandments in public classrooms, but these face legal challenges.
The U.S. Supreme Court's decisions influence ongoing debates about religion in taxpayer-funded education.
Recent legal cases upheld the exclusion of religious teachings, citing the Establishment Clause, which prevents government-sponsored religion.
The governor of Texas supports the connection between the Ten Commandments and Texas history, despite legal disputes.
Efforts to include religious elements in schools include adding prayer time and vouchers for religious schools.
Legal scholars argue that the principle of a secular state continues to be relevant and defend its importance.
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Lawyers for MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell were fined for submitting a court document with many mistakes made by AI, including fake legal cases. A judge in Colorado ruled that the lawyers broke court rules by not making sure their claims were based on real law. This incident highlights the growing issues with using AI to create legal documents.
Key Facts
Two lawyers for Mike Lindell used AI to prepare a court document that contained mistakes and fake cases.
A federal judge in Colorado fined the lawyers $3,000 each for the errors.
"AI hallucination" is when AI tools create incorrect or fake information.
The lawyers violated a rule requiring that legal claims be well-grounded in law.
Mike Lindell lost the defamation case and was ordered to pay over $2 million.
The use of AI in creating legal documents is not illegal, but users must ensure accuracy.
There have been over 200 recent cases where AI-generated errors occurred in legal settings.
Experts say issues with AI errors in legal documents are becoming more common in courts.
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The UK and France are close to reaching a new deal to prevent migrants from crossing the English Channel in small boats. The proposed agreement involves France taking back some migrants who cannot prove family ties to the UK, while the UK would accept an equal number from France who can prove such ties.
Key Facts
The agreement aims to stop dangerous boat crossings by migrants between France and the UK.
Over 20,000 people have crossed the Channel this year in small boats.
France would take back migrants who cannot prove a family connection to the UK.
For each person France takes back, the UK would accept one migrant from France with family connections in the UK.
Initially, the UK plans to send approximately 50 migrants a week back to France.
If successful, the plan may expand beyond the initial 2,600-person limit per year.
Both countries have accused each other of contributing to the migrant influx.
France's President visited London for negotiations as the first European state visit since Brexit.
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Caster Semenya, a two-time Olympic champion, received a partial victory from the European Court of Human Rights. The court found that her right to a fair trial was violated by the Swiss Supreme Court in her case against World Athletics' gender eligibility rules. This case may influence other sports organizations' rules about women's competition eligibility.
Key Facts
Caster Semenya is a two-time Olympic champion runner.
She challenged World Athletics' rules on athlete eligibility based on sex characteristics.
The European Court of Human Rights ruled she did not get a fair hearing in Switzerland.
The court voted 15-2, supporting Semenya's claim against the Swiss Supreme Court.
The ruling awarded Semenya 80,000 euros for costs and expenses.
This decision does not change existing World Athletics rules but sends the case back to Swiss courts.
Some judges in the court had differing opinions about whether discrimination occurred.
Semenya's case could affect rules in other sports about athlete eligibility in women's events.
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Researchers and users have found fake TikTok videos where AI copies the exact words of real creators, but uses a different voice and image. These videos, known as deepfakes, can trick people into believing false information, like a recent rumor about incinerators in a Florida detention facility.
Key Facts
Fake TikTok videos use AI to copy creators' exact words with a different voice and image.
These AI-made videos are known as deepfakes.
A rumor about incinerators in a Florida detention center spread on TikTok using these deepfake videos.
One video with the false rumor got nearly 20 million views.
Two forensic experts confirmed these videos were made using AI tools.
TikTok requires users to label AI-generated content, but many videos are not labeled correctly.
A digital forensics professor noted that AI can easily copy people's exact words.
Ali Palmer, a TikTok creator, found her words copied by AI, which she reported but found no action was taken.
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Earlier this year, the FDA approved a new painkiller called Journavx, offering an alternative to opioids. However, its high cost and limited insurance coverage make it hard for many people to access. The medication is approved only for short-term acute pain and not for chronic pain, affecting its availability to those with ongoing pain issues.
Key Facts
The FDA approved Journavx, a new non-opioid painkiller, for the first time in over 20 years.
Journavx is designed for severe acute pain and works by blocking pain signals.
The medication is approved for short-term use, not for chronic pain that lasts longer than three months.
Journavx costs about $15 per pill without insurance.
Many insurance companies do not cover Journavx for chronic pain, limiting access.
In some states, insurance coverage for Journavx is improving slightly, but it remains inconsistent.
Traditional opioids are much cheaper since they are off-patent and available in generic forms.
Some patients face difficulties getting refills of Journavx even after initial insurance approval.
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A handbag known as the original Birkin bag, first drawn on an airplane bag in the 1980s, was sold for 7 million euros ($8.2 million) at a Paris auction. This is the highest amount ever paid for a handbag at auction. The bag was initially created for Jane Birkin by Hermès after a conversation with its former head, Jean-Louis Dumas.
Key Facts
The original Birkin bag was sold for 7 million euros (about $8.2 million) at auction.
This amount set a new record for the most expensive handbag ever sold at auction.
The bag was initially designed for Jane Birkin, a singer and actress, in the 1980s.
Bidding began at 1 million euros and reached 7 million euros; with fees, the total was 8.6 million euros ($10.1 million).
The bag has special features unique to this model, like a nonremovable shoulder strap and a nail clipper.
The idea for the Birkin bag came from a chance meeting on a flight between Jane Birkin and Jean-Louis Dumas, the then-head of Hermès.
The Birkin bag is now known as a symbol of luxury and exclusivity worldwide.
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Chancellor Rachel Reeves may change the rules for tax-free Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs). We will likely know more about her plans during her upcoming Mansion House speech. ISAs let people save money without paying tax on the returns, up to a yearly limit.
Key Facts
ISAs are savings or investment accounts that allow tax-free returns.
The current limit for annual savings in an ISA is £20,000.
You can have different types of ISAs, like cash ISAs or stocks and shares ISAs.
Cash ISAs work like regular savings accounts but without taxes on interest.
Stocks and shares ISAs involve investing money in stocks or bonds, with tax-free earnings.
Junior ISAs and Lifetime ISAs are special types for young people and specific goals, like buying a house.
Chancellor Reeves has not yet detailed her plans, but changes may be announced soon.
The government is exploring changes to balance cash savings and investment returns.
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