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Ealing tenants experience steepest rise in rent

Ealing tenants experience steepest rise in rent

Rent prices in Ealing, London, have risen by about 52.5% over the past five years, making it the area with the highest increase in rents in London. The average rent in the borough is now slightly above the London average, while Londoners are spending a larger share of their income on rent than people in other UK regions.

Key Facts:

  • Ealing has seen a 52.5% rent increase from December 2019 to December 2024.
  • The average monthly rent in Ealing is £2,089.
  • This rent is higher than the London average of £2,071 and much higher than the UK average of £1,284.
  • In 2024 alone, Ealing's rents increased by 9.3%.
  • On average, Londoners use 37.9% of their income for rent, higher than the UK average of 32.6%.
  • Ealing Council has 7,500 applications for housing assistance, with 200-250 new ones each month.
  • Some families are placed far from London due to high local rents, such as one family relocated to Newcastle.
  • Improved transport links, like the Elizabeth line, and limited housing supply are factors in rising rents.

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Roles reversed: A veteran Gaza aid worker pleads for survival

Roles reversed: A veteran Gaza aid worker pleads for survival

A humanitarian worker in northern Gaza, Amjad Al Shawa, reports that food, water, and medicine are scarce, affecting his own family and many others. Rising costs and Israeli restrictions have created an urgent food crisis, leaving many people in hunger.

Key Facts:

  • Amjad Al Shawa is a humanitarian worker in Gaza, facing food shortages.
  • Food like milk, vegetables, and fresh fruit has mostly disappeared.
  • Prices for basic items have skyrocketed; flour costs about $20 per kilo.
  • Over 470,000 people in Gaza are experiencing severe hunger.
  • Israeli military says they are not deliberately starving people in Gaza.
  • Two Israeli groups accuse their government of genocide in Gaza, which has been denied.
  • The UN warns that famine could soon be officially declared.
  • Many structures in Gaza are damaged or destroyed, complicating relief efforts.

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Learn how to find sea glass on your next trip to the beach

The article discusses how to search for sea glass at the beach. It explains that sea glass can be found along coastlines and offers tips for finding these treasures.

Key Facts:

  • Sea glass forms when broken glass smooths and weathers over time in the ocean.
  • It can be found along coastlines where the waves wash up onto the shore.
  • Look for sea glass during a walk on the beach, especially after a storm or at low tide.
  • Tides are the rise and fall of sea levels and low tide exposes more of the beach.
  • Sea glass usually comes from old glass bottles, jars, or windows.
  • Some sea glass pieces have unique colors and are considered rare collectibles.

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At Repair Fairs, volunteers help people learn to fix their broken things

A movement called Repair Fairs is gaining popularity. These events teach people how to fix their broken items instead of throwing them away.

Key Facts:

  • Repair Fairs are events focused on teaching people to repair their broken items.
  • The goal is to reduce waste by keeping items out of landfills.
  • Volunteers at these fairs help participants learn repair skills.
  • The movement is growing and spreading to different locations.
  • NPR covered a Repair Fair event in northern New York.

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Investigative journalist Vicky Ward reviews just who Jeffrey Epstein was

NPR interviewed investigative journalist Vicky Ward about Jeffrey Epstein. Ward discussed Epstein's life and her experiences when she wrote about him in 2003.

Key Facts:

  • NPR conducted an interview with Vicky Ward, an investigative journalist.
  • Vicky Ward wrote a profile on Jeffrey Epstein for "Vanity Fair" in 2003.
  • Jeffrey Epstein was a financier, a person involved in managing large amounts of money.
  • Vicky Ward shared her insights and experiences related to Epstein during the interview.
  • The discussion focused on understanding who Epstein was.
  • The detailed audio from the interview will be available later.

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Some advice on picking the best weather apps

NPR provided advice on choosing reliable weather apps. The article focuses on helping people find apps that give accurate weather forecasts.

Key Facts:

  • Many people often complain about weather apps not being accurate.
  • NPR discussed ways to find more reliable weather apps.
  • The advice aimed to help people get better weather forecasts from their apps.
  • The information was shared during a segment on the Morning Edition program.
  • The article was published on July 28, 2025.

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Musk announces Tesla, Samsung Electronics chip supply deal

Musk announces Tesla, Samsung Electronics chip supply deal

Tesla's CEO Elon Musk announced that Tesla has made a deal with Samsung Electronics to get semiconductor chips. Samsung previously announced a $16.5 billion supply agreement but did not name Tesla as the company involved.

Key Facts:

  • Elon Musk confirmed Tesla's agreement with Samsung for semiconductor chips.
  • Samsung announced a $16.5 billion supply agreement without naming Tesla initially.
  • Samsung will use its factory in Texas to produce chips for Tesla's next-generation AI technology.
  • Currently, Samsung manufactures the AI4 chip, while TSMC produces the AI5 chip.
  • Samsung agreed to let Tesla help improve manufacturing efficiency at their facility.
  • Elon Musk plans to personally oversee progress at the new Texas factory.
  • Samsung did not respond to a request for comment regarding the deal.

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Google failed to warn 10 million of Turkey earthquake severity

Google failed to warn 10 million of Turkey earthquake severity

Google admitted that its earthquake alert system did not work properly during the February 2023 earthquake in Turkey. Instead of sending high-level alerts to millions of people as intended, only a few received warnings of severe shaking. Google is working to improve the system after identifying problems with its alert calculations.

Key Facts:

  • Google's earthquake alert system did not send high-level alerts to 10 million people during Turkey's earthquake in February 2023.
  • Instead, 469 "Take Action" alerts, which are meant for severe earthquakes, were sent out.
  • Half a million people received a lower-level alert meant for lighter shaking.
  • The system runs on Android phones, which are used by over 70% of people in Turkey.
  • More than 55,000 people died in the earthquake, with over 100,000 injured.
  • Google admitted the system underestimated the earthquake's strength, wrongly identifying it as between 4.5 and 4.9 magnitude instead of 7.8.
  • After the earthquake, Google updated its system's algorithm for better accuracy.
  • Future simulations after the update showed the system would generate 10 million "Take Action" alerts for such strong earthquakes.

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Google failed to warn 10 million of Turkey earthquake

Google failed to warn 10 million of Turkey earthquake

Google's earthquake early warning system did not effectively alert people during the February 2023 Turkey earthquakes. Instead of notifying millions with a high-level warning to seek safety, only a few hundred received it, while others got a lesser alert. Google later acknowledged flaws in the system and made improvements.

Key Facts:

  • Google's warning system failed to properly alert 10 million people during the Turkey earthquake in February 2023.
  • Only 469 high-alert messages were sent for the first earthquake, which was a 7.8 magnitude.
  • Half a million lower-level "light shaking" alerts were sent to users.
  • More than 55,000 people died, and 100,000 were injured in the earthquakes.
  • The system uses data from Android phones, detecting shaking through sensors.
  • Improvements were made after researchers found the system underestimated the earthquake's strength.
  • Google emphasized that its system is meant to support, not replace, national warning systems.
  • The system's limitations were acknowledged by researchers, who have since updated the algorithm to better identify serious shaking.

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

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

A 42-year-old man is facing terrorism and attempted murder charges after stabbing 11 people at a Walmart in Traverse City, Michigan. The victims, who range in age from 21 to 84, are expected to survive, and the suspect is in custody.

Key Facts:

  • A man, aged 42, is charged with terrorism and assault with intent to murder.
  • The incident occurred at a Walmart in Traverse City, Michigan.
  • The attacker used a folding knife to stab 11 people, including a Walmart worker.
  • Victims' ages range from 21 to 84, and all are expected to recover.
  • The suspect, Bradford James Gille, was stopped by bystanders and is now in custody.
  • Police arrived within two minutes of the emergency call.
  • The motive is still unknown, and the FBI is assisting in the investigation.
  • Traverse City is located about 255 miles northwest of Detroit.

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Piastri holds off Norris to win rain-hit F1 Belgian Grand Prix

Piastri holds off Norris to win rain-hit F1 Belgian Grand Prix

Oscar Piastri won the rain-delayed Belgian Grand Prix, defeating his McLaren teammate Lando Norris and increasing his lead in the Formula One standings. The race experienced significant delays due to weather conditions, but Piastri managed an early move to take the lead and maintain it until the end. McLaren celebrated a strong performance, finishing first and second in the race.

Key Facts:

  • Oscar Piastri won the Belgian Grand Prix, held at Spa-Francorchamps.
  • The race was delayed by an hour and 20 minutes due to rain and poor visibility.
  • Piastri overtook his teammate Lando Norris during the early laps to secure the lead.
  • The win marked Piastri's sixth victory of the 2025 season.
  • Piastri now leads the championship with 266 points, followed by Norris with 250 points.
  • McLaren tops the constructors' standings with 516 points, well ahead of Ferrari's 248.
  • Max Verstappen finished fourth, following his team's recent managerial changes.
  • The race included a strategy shift to medium tires on a drying track, which Piastri managed efficiently until the end.

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Facing persistent scrutiny over Epstein, the Trump administration rehashes 2016 probe

Facing persistent scrutiny over Epstein, the Trump administration rehashes 2016 probe

The Trump administration is facing questions about how it handled files related to Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender. While in Scotland, President Trump discussed trade with the European Union and addressed these ongoing concerns. Additionally, the administration brought up issues from the 2016 election, including Russia's involvement.

Key Facts:

  • President Trump was in Scotland to discuss trade with the European Union and play golf.
  • Trump faced questions about the handling of Jeffrey Epstein-related files.
  • Epstein was a convicted sex offender.
  • The investigation into Epstein has led to increased pressure on the Trump administration.
  • Some of this pressure is coming from within Trump's own political party.
  • The Trump administration is revisiting issues from the 2016 election, including claims about Russia's interference.
  • Trump has accused former President Obama of treason in relation to the 2016 election issues.

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Passengers evacuate smoking jet at Denver airport after apparent landing gear problem

Passengers evacuate smoking jet at Denver airport after apparent landing gear problem

Passengers on American Airlines Flight 3023 used an emergency slide to exit a smoking plane at Denver International Airport due to a possible issue with the landing gear involving a tire. The Boeing 737 MAX 8 was headed to Miami and carried 173 passengers and six crew members. One person was hospitalized with a minor injury, while firefighters put out a fire on the aircraft, and the FAA is investigating.

Key Facts:

  • The incident occurred at Denver International Airport.
  • The plane involved was American Airlines Flight 3023, a Boeing 737 MAX 8.
  • The flight was going to Miami International Airport.
  • A possible issue with the landing gear, specifically an aircraft tire, was reported.
  • Passengers evacuated using an emergency slide.
  • One person required hospitalization for a minor injury; five others were evaluated on-site.
  • Firefighters extinguished a fire on the aircraft.
  • The FAA is conducting an investigation into the incident.

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Several reported killed in German train derailment

Several reported killed in German train derailment

A passenger train derailed near Riedlingen, close to Stuttgart in southwest Germany. The accident resulted in several deaths and at least three injuries, with about 100 people on board during the incident.

Key Facts:

  • A train derailed in southwest Germany near Riedlingen.
  • Several people died, and at least three were injured.
  • The accident happened around 18:10 local time.
  • About 100 people were on the train when it derailed.
  • The derailment took place in a forested area.
  • Images show train carriages on their sides and emergency services at the scene.
  • Fallen trees were visible, and reports mention a storm before the accident.

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Prosecutors seek terrorism charges for suspect in Michigan Walmart knife attack

Prosecutors seek terrorism charges for suspect in Michigan Walmart knife attack

A man named Bradford Gille is accused of stabbing 11 people at a Walmart in Traverse City, Michigan. Authorities plan to charge him with terrorism and multiple assault charges. Bystanders helped detain him until police arrived shortly after the attack.

Key Facts:

  • The incident occurred at a Walmart in Traverse City, a city near Lake Michigan.
  • Bradford Gille is the man accused of the stabbings.
  • The attack led to plans to charge him with one count of terrorism and 11 counts of assault with intent to murder.
  • Gille's motive for the attack is not yet known.
  • Authorities said he had past incidents involving assault and violations related to controlled substances.
  • The victims were both men and women, aged between 29 and 84, and included a Walmart employee.
  • Emergency responders arrived three minutes after calls began at 4:43 p.m.
  • Bystanders intervened and kept Gille in the parking lot until police detained him.
  • All stabbed victims are expected to survive, with several in fair or serious condition.

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At least 38 killed in church attack in eastern DR Congo

At least 38 killed in church attack in eastern DR Congo

An attack on a church in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo killed at least 38 people and injured 15 others. The attack was carried out by suspected members of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) using guns and machetes during a prayer vigil in Komanda city. Several homes and shops were also set on fire, and more people are still missing.

Key Facts:

  • The attack happened at a Catholic church in Komanda city, located in the Ituri province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
  • At least 38 people died in the incident, and 15 were injured.
  • The attackers are believed to be members of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a rebel group with ties to ISIL (ISIS).
  • The ADF uses violence against civilians and has been active in the region since moving operations from Uganda to the DRC in the early 2000s.
  • Several houses and shops were burned during the attack, and some bodies were found in these burned buildings.
  • The attack took place while people attended a prayer vigil in the church, organized by the Caritas charity.
  • A civil society leader stated that more bodies might be found, and some residents have fled to a nearby town for safety.
  • The United Nations has condemned the increase in violence in Ituri province.

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Firefighters battle to contain Greek wildfires

Firefighters battle to contain Greek wildfires

Firefighters in Greece are working to contain five large wildfires in different parts of the country. People living just north of Athens have been evacuated due to the fires, which are happening during a severe heatwave with temperatures expected to reach 44°C (111.2°F).

Key Facts:

  • Greece is dealing with five major wildfires across the country.
  • Residents north of Athens have been evacuated to keep them safe.
  • A severe heatwave is affecting Greece, with temperatures forecasted as high as 44°C (111.2°F).
  • The large number of fires is making it challenging for the fire service to manage resources effectively.
  • The ongoing wildfires are part of a broader emergency situation in Greece.

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Week in Pictures: From Gaza starvation deaths to Thailand-Cambodia clashes

Week in Pictures: From Gaza starvation deaths to Thailand-Cambodia clashes

Photos from the week show Russia and Ukraine exchanging air strikes and a tragic plane crash in Bangladesh that resulted in many deaths.

Key Facts:

  • Russia and Ukraine both launched air strikes against each other.
  • The military activities between these two countries continue.
  • A plane crash occurred in Bangladesh involving a fighter plane.
  • The crash in Bangladesh resulted in the loss of many lives.
  • Images from these events have been captured and shared widely.

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How a flat tire scam in Colombia can lead to costly car repairs

How a flat tire scam in Colombia can lead to costly car repairs

In Bogotá, Colombia, some people on motorcycles deliberately puncture car tires to trick drivers into paying for overpriced repairs. These scammers, known as "pinchallantas," lead drivers to repair shops that may be part of the scam, causing further damage to the tires to increase repair costs. The authorities are now trying to stop this fraudulent activity by targeting repair shops suspected of involvement.

Key Facts:

  • In Bogotá, a scam involves puncturing car tires to lead drivers to repair shops that overcharge.
  • The scammers are called "pinchallantas," which means "tire-puncturers" in Spanish.
  • The scam is often carried out by people on motorcycles who place sharp objects on the road.
  • These objects cause slow leaks, or immediate deflation, forcing drivers to seek repairs quickly.
  • Authorities are targeting repair shops for suspected collaboration with the scammers.
  • More than 100 complaints about this scam are reported each month in Bogotá.
  • Police temporarily shut down a repair shop for out-of-date business permits and suspected involvement.
  • Despite efforts to catch them, the con men are hard to catch, as they work quickly.

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Denmark introduces legislation to protect its citizens from AI deepfakes

Denmark plans to pass new laws to protect its people from deepfakes, which are fake images or videos created by artificial intelligence (AI). An AI expert, Henry Ajder, discussed the possible effects of this law with NPR.

Key Facts:

  • Deepfakes are fake images or videos made using AI technology to look real.
  • Denmark's new laws aim to safeguard people from these AI-created deepfakes.
  • The proposed legislation will focus on preventing harm caused by these deepfakes.
  • NPR's Ayesha Rascoe interviewed AI expert Henry Ajder for more insights on the topic.
  • The bill's goal is to address the misuse of AI technology in creating misleading media.

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