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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Brazilian President Lula da Silva has stated that Brazil will impose tariffs on U.S. goods if the United States follows through on its threat to impose a 50% tax on Brazilian imports. This response comes after U.S. President Donald Trump issued the threat, citing Brazil's treatment of former President Jair Bolsonaro as a reason. Lula disputed Trump's claim of a U.S. trade deficit with Brazil, pointing to data showing a U.S. surplus.
Key Facts
U.S. President Trump threatened a 50% import tax on Brazilian goods starting in August.
Trump mentioned Brazil's treatment of former President Bolsonaro as the reason for the tariff threat.
Bolsonaro is on trial for allegedly trying to stage a coup after losing the 2022 election.
President Lula of Brazil plans to respond with equivalent tariffs on U.S. goods.
Brazil is the U.S.'s second-largest trade partner after China.
Lula claims U.S. trade data actually shows a surplus with Brazil, contradicting Trump's deficit claim.
Trump also accused Brazil of imposing secret censorship orders on U.S. social media.
Lula defended Brazil's actions, stating they protect against harmful content and uphold democratic freedoms.
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Four people were arrested for their involvement in cyber-attacks against M&S, Co-op, and Harrods. The attacks started in mid-April, disrupting operations and stealing private data from these businesses. Police are investigating further to identify all responsible parties.
Key Facts
Four individuals arrested include a 20-year-old woman from Staffordshire and three males aged 17 to 19 from London and the West Midlands.
They were arrested for offences under the Computer Misuse Act, blackmail, money laundering, and involvement in organized crime.
The arrests took place at their homes early on a Thursday, and police seized electronic devices.
The attacks involved ransomware, a type of harmful software that makes computer systems unusable until a ransom is paid.
M&S reported significant disruptions, estimating a £300 million loss in profits and ongoing IT issues.
The Co-op experienced empty shelves for weeks after the attack.
Both the Co-op and Harrods had to disconnect their IT systems from the internet to prevent further damage.
The National Crime Agency is working with UK and international partners to continue the investigation.
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Several thousand Microsoft Outlook users experienced problems accessing their email from Wednesday night to Thursday morning. Microsoft is working on a fix and is monitoring the situation, but some issues continue.
Key Facts
Many Outlook users had trouble loading their inboxes or signing in.
Microsoft began investigating the issue on Wednesday night.
The company attempted a fix but ran into problems with it.
Microsoft is continuing to deploy a new solution and monitor its success.
Nearly 2,200 users reported issues to the website Downdetector.
The exact cause of the outage is not yet known.
Microsoft has not provided additional information about the issue as of now.
Outlook was formerly known as Hotmail.
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Houthi rebels in Yemen attempted to hit Israel's Ben Gurion airport with a missile, but Israel intercepted it. The Houthis also attacked a ship called the Eternity C in the Red Sea, killing some crew members and taking others captive.
Key Facts
The Houthis launched a missile at Israel's Ben Gurion airport, but it was intercepted.
The Houthis attacked two vessels in the Red Sea, sinking them.
They attacked the Greek-operated, Liberia-flagged Eternity C ship, resulting in four deaths.
Six crew members from the Eternity C were captured by the Houthis.
10 crew members from the Eternity C were rescued after the ship sank.
The Houthis declared ships connected to Israel as targets in response to the situation in Gaza.
Israel retaliated by attacking locations in Yemen, including ports and a power plant.
The Houthis previously captured a ship named the Galaxy Leader, holding its crew for over a year before releasing them.
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Over the past day, Israeli airstrikes in Gaza killed at least 34 Palestinians, including 10 near a medical clinic, and one Israeli soldier. As Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Donald Trump discuss a ceasefire plan in Washington, violence continues with no immediate resolution in sight.
Key Facts
Israeli airstrikes in Gaza resulted in 34 Palestinian deaths.
Ten of these deaths occurred near a medical clinic where people waited for care.
One Israeli soldier was killed in Gaza during fighting.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu met with President Trump to discuss a U.S.-led ceasefire plan.
Hopes for a ceasefire appear to be fading as Netanyahu returns to Israel.
In recent weeks, 18 Israeli soldiers have died, raising pressure on Israeli leadership.
The Israeli military has been targeting Hamas sites, including tunnels and missile locations.
Violence has also increased in the West Bank, with attacks and military operations leading to several deaths and tensions.
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The US had provided aid to help combat HIV/AIDS in South Africa, but funding cuts under President Trump's administration have disrupted this support. This has affected many HIV-positive individuals who relied on clinics supported by USAID, risking setbacks in the progress made against the disease.
Key Facts
The US provided aid through USAID to support clinics in South Africa, helping HIV-positive patients.
President Trump's administration cut foreign aid funding earlier this year.
Many clinics funded by USAID closed due to these cuts, affecting access to antiretroviral medication.
Patients like Gugu, a former sex worker, now face uncertainty about their medication supply.
Gugu managed to get a nine-month supply of her medicine before her clinic shut down.
Public hospitals in South Africa can have long waiting times, discouraging access for patients.
The UN reported progress in reducing new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths before the funding cuts.
Cuts in funding risk losing the progress made, with potential increases in new HIV infections and deaths globally by 2029.
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A recent conflict between Russia and Azerbaijan began when Russian special forces conducted a raid on ethnic Azerbaijanis in Yekaterinburg, resulting in the deaths of two brothers under suspicious circumstances. Azerbaijan formally protested, accusing Russia of unlawful actions, while also launching its own crackdown on organized crime involving Russian nationals. These events indicate a shift in power dynamics, with Azerbaijan taking a firmer stance against Russia and strengthening ties with Turkey.
Key Facts
Russian special forces raided ethnic Azerbaijanis in Yekaterinburg on June 27.
About 50 people were detained, and two Azerbaijani brothers died in custody.
Autopsies showed the brothers had injuries contradicting claims of death by heart failure.
Survivors of the raid reported abuse, such as beatings and electrocution.
Azerbaijan's ambassador to Russia formally protested the incident on July 1.
Azerbaijan arrested several Russian nationals as part of an organized crime crackdown.
These events suggest Azerbaijan is distancing itself from Russian influence and aligning more with Turkey.
The situation highlights a potential shift in regional power dynamics away from Russia’s traditional influence.
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Lionel Messi scored two goals in Inter Miami's 2-1 win over New England Revolution. This marks the fourth consecutive MLS game where Messi has scored at least two goals, setting a new record. As a result, Miami moved up to fifth place in their conference.
Key Facts
Lionel Messi scored twice in Inter Miami's win against the New England Revolution.
Messi is the first MLS player to score multiple goals in four consecutive games.
He has scored 14 goals in 15 MLS games this season.
Despite playing fewer games, Messi is only two goals behind MLS top scorer Sam Surridge.
Miami's victory improved their standing to fifth in the Eastern Conference.
The game took place at Gillette Stadium, Massachusetts, on July 9, 2025.
Inter Miami took a break from the MLS to compete in the Club World Cup.
Miami's busy July schedule includes three matches in 10 days.
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The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has gained access to a crucial database that manages government payments and loans to U.S. farmers and ranchers. This access allows DOGE to view and alter sensitive personal and financial data. Concerns have been raised about privacy and data protection given the potential impacts on the agricultural sector.
Key Facts
DOGE now has high-level access to a database controlling farmer payments and loans.
The access includes the ability to view and change personal and financial information.
The access goes against usual protocols at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
This access could allow DOGE to cancel loans for farmers and ranchers.
There are ongoing legal challenges regarding DOGE's data access at other government agencies.
Farmers face financial struggles due to tariffs, rising costs, and climate issues.
The Farm Service Agency (FSA), which houses the payment system, supports farmers with aid programs.
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After severe floods in Central Texas over the Fourth of July weekend, around 160 people are missing. Search efforts to find them, led by officials and volunteers, are proving difficult due to debris and challenging environmental conditions.
Key Facts
Around 160 people are missing in Central Texas following floods during the Fourth of July weekend.
Gov. Greg Abbott promised that search efforts will continue until all missing people are found.
Retired Army Lt. Gen. Russel L. Honoré explained that search efforts are slow because debris must be carefully removed piece by piece.
Rain that followed the initial floods made the search process harder.
Kerensville Police urged volunteers not to use heavy machinery, fearing it could harm potential victims trapped in debris.
Volunteers, along with about 2,000 state officials, are actively searching for the missing individuals.
Floodwaters can displace people far from their homes, sometimes by miles, complicating the search process.
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Royal Mail is changing how it delivers second-class letters. It will no longer deliver them on Saturdays to help save money. Ofcom, the industry regulator, approved this change because fewer people are sending letters, which increases costs.
Key Facts
Royal Mail will stop delivering second-class letters on Saturdays.
Ofcom is the industry regulator that approved this change.
Fewer letters are being sent, which causes delivery costs to rise.
The Universal Service Obligation (USO) requires Royal Mail to deliver letters six days a week.
First-class letters will still be delivered six days a week.
New delivery targets require 90% of first-class mail to be delivered next-day and 95% of second-class mail within three days.
A new target aims for 99% of all mail to be delivered no more than two days late.
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"Too Much" is a new romantic comedy series on Netflix, created by Lena Dunham and Luis Felber, featuring Megan Stalter as Jessica, a woman navigating life after a breakup. The story unfolds in London, where Jessica meets Felix, a musician, and they both deal with personal challenges while forming a romantic relationship.
Key Facts
"Too Much" is a romantic comedy series on Netflix.
Megan Stalter plays Jessica, who has broken up with her boyfriend.
Jessica goes to London for a job as a producer on a Christmas ad.
In London, Jessica meets a musician named Felix, played by Will Sharpe.
Jessica and Felix both have personal struggles and baggage from their pasts.
The story explores internal challenges and character development rather than external obstacles.
Lena Dunham co-created the series with Luis Felber and directed most episodes.
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India’s Election Commission plans to recheck the voter documents of nearly 80 million people in Bihar, aiming to identify any foreign illegal immigrants. Critics worry this could lead to many people losing their voting rights and facing possible deportation. The opposition is protesting these actions, fearing they might be politically motivated.
Key Facts
The Election Commission of India wants to reverify the voter records of about 80 million people in Bihar.
This process is partly to identify and remove illegal immigrants from the voter list.
People must re-register by July 26, or they risk losing their voting rights and being marked as possible foreign nationals.
Critics fear many will not be able to provide necessary documents in time, leading to potential disenfranchisement.
Bihar is an important political region in India, with upcoming elections in October or November.
The opposition, including the Indian National Congress, is protesting the move, arguing it targets poor communities.
The Supreme Court of India will soon hear petitions challenging this action.
The ruling party, BJP, supports the move, alleging a large influx of immigrants from Bangladesh and Myanmar.
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Former South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol has been arrested again and placed in a solitary jail cell. Yoon faces charges related to his attempt to impose martial law last December and may stay detained while prosecutors prepare to officially charge him.
Key Facts
Yoon Suk-yeol, former President of South Korea, was arrested for the second time over martial law-related charges.
A court in Seoul ordered his arrest, fearing he might destroy evidence.
Yoon is accused of using soldiers to try to prevent lawmakers from rejecting his martial law declaration in December.
He is under investigation for insurrection and could be detained for up to 20 days while prosecutors prepare charges.
Yoon was first arrested in January but released in March on technical grounds.
South Korea’s Constitutional Court removed him from office in April, leading to a new election in June.
If convicted, Yoon could face life imprisonment or the death penalty.
His legal team argues against the detention, claiming he no longer holds power and citing his poor health as a reason for missing court hearings.
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A report discusses how small business owners, like a bar owner in New Orleans, often fall victim to online scams. It explores whether large tech companies like Meta (which owns Facebook) could do more to stop cyber criminals from targeting these businesses.
Key Facts
Many small businesses operate online, which exposes them to cyber fraud.
The report focuses on a New Orleans bar owner who lost $10,000 due to a scam on Facebook.
The show questions if companies like Meta should better protect small business owners from online scams.
Cyber criminals target social media accounts to gain access to funds.
Fact-checking for the report was done by Sierra Juarez.
The discussion is part of a series that also looks into scam text messages.
The program "The Indicator from Planet Money" produced this report.
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In Fayette County, Georgia, a woman named Beverly Morris says a nearby Meta data center has affected her well water supply. She reports issues like low water pressure and sediment buildup, but Meta denies any connection between the data center's operations and her water problems. The construction of data centers across the U.S., including in Georgia, has raised concerns about their environmental impact and water usage.
Key Facts
Beverly Morris lives 400 yards from a Meta-owned data center in Fayette County, Georgia.
Morris reports low water pressure and sediment in her private well, affecting her home water use.
Meta conducted an independent study, which found no adverse effects on groundwater from the data center.
The increase in data centers is linked to a surge in online activities like artificial intelligence.
Data centers require large amounts of water to cool servers, potentially using millions of gallons daily.
Georgia is a growing market for data centers due to its humid climate, which helps in cooling.
Local activist groups in the U.S. challenge data center projects due to concerns over environmental impact.
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Former US President Donald Trump announced plans to impose a 50% tariff on goods from Brazil. He claims this action is in response to Brazil's treatment of US tech companies and former President Jair Bolsonaro's legal troubles. Trump has also sent similar letters to other countries outlining new tariffs expected to start on August 1.
Key Facts
Trump plans to introduce a 50% tariff on Brazilian goods.
He accuses Brazil of unfair actions against US technology firms.
The tariff announcement is linked to the prosecution of Jair Bolsonaro in Brazil.
Brazilian President Lula stated that Brazil would not accept external interference.
Trump sent tariff letters to countries like Japan, South Korea, and Sri Lanka.
Tariffs are set to begin on August 1, according to Trump's posts.
Previous plans for tariffs were paused due to financial market reactions.
The new tariff rate on Brazilian goods would be a significant increase from an earlier 10% rate.
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