A Russian court has sentenced photographer Grigory Skvortsov to 16 years in prison for treason, alleging he shared details about underground Soviet bunkers with an American journalist. Skvortsov denies wrongdoing, claiming the information was publicly available. The trial was held in secret, and Skvortsov says Russian officers mistreated him during his arrest.
Key Facts
A Russian court found photographer Grigory Skvortsov guilty of treason.
Skvortsov received a 16-year sentence in a maximum-security prison.
He was accused of sharing information about Soviet-era bunkers with a U.S. journalist.
The trial took place in a closed-door session in Perm, Russia.
Skvortsov claims the information he shared was already publicly available or could be bought.
The court released a photo of Skvortsov in a glass cage during the verdict.
Skvortsov alleges he was mistreated by Russian authorities during his arrest.
The rights organization Memorial considers his case possibly politically motivated.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Baby Bank Network Bristol, a charity founded in 2015 by three local mothers, has aided over 11,000 families in need by providing essential items like clothes and strollers. It operates from a small warehouse in Bristol and is seeking funds through a campaign called Power The Hive to expand to a larger location and support more families.
Key Facts
Baby Bank Network Bristol started in 2015 by three mothers to help families in poverty.
The charity has given away nearly 460,000 essential items to families.
Items like clothes and prams were mostly secondhand but valued at £3.4 million if new.
The charity runs from a small warehouse and aims to move to a larger space.
Around 40 families per week receive help from the charity.
The charity has 325 referral partners and relies entirely on donations and fundraising.
The fundraising campaign, Power The Hive, aims to raise £10,000, with the first £5,000 match-funded.
A third of UK children live in poverty, with nearly half under the age of four.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A teacher named Stefanie Lakin from Solihull started a charity called Madrina, which provides free prom dresses and suits to teenagers who might not afford them otherwise. Since 2022, Madrina has given almost 1,000 dresses and works with schools to identify students in need, aiming to make proms more accessible and inclusive for everyone.
Key Facts
Stefanie Lakin set up the charity Madrina in 2022 to provide prom dresses for free.
Madrina has given away almost 1,000 dresses, each worth up to £750.
The charity also offers free suits for boys, with garments donated by local shops.
Madrina collaborates with schools, local charities, and parents to find families who need help.
About 80 schools have pop-up prom shops organized by the charity.
Shoes and bags are also donated by prom dress shops and community members.
The initiative helps students who might skip prom due to financial reasons.
Schools like St Thomas Aquinas Catholic School support the charity to ease the cost burden on parents.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Supreme Court is gathering to make decisions on the last six cases of its term, one of which involves birthright citizenship. The decisions are expected on Friday.
Key Facts
The Supreme Court is meeting on Friday to decide the last six cases for the term.
One of the cases involves birthright citizenship.
Birthright citizenship refers to the right to citizenship for anyone born in a country.
The meeting is part of the Supreme Court's regular schedule to conclude its term.
Steve Inskeep and Nina Totenberg discussed the expectations for these cases on NPR.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Chad Machado and his son Xavier opened a pizza shop in Kekaha, Hawaii, after Chad lost his job during the Covid-19 pandemic. Xavier, who has loved cooking since he was young, teamed up with his father to start the business.
Key Facts
Chad and Xavier Machado are from Kekaha, a town on the island of Kaua'i in Hawaii.
Xavier was not interested in school but had a strong passion for cooking.
Chad lost his job due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
They decided to open a pizza shop as a result of Chad's job loss.
The father-son duo took a risk to start the business together.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
This NPR article discusses three economic topics: the effect of having more babies on climate change, a legal ruling involving an AI company named Anthropic, and the current state of the bond market.
Key Facts
The article features economic stories related to babies, climate change, AI, and the bond market.
It explores whether an increase in the birth rate could significantly impact climate change.
A U.S. judge made a ruling that favored the artificial intelligence company Anthropic.
The bond market appears to be unusually stable, or "chill," as described in the article.
The reporting on these topics is part of a weekly economic update by NPR.
The episode is available on various platforms including Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Japan executed Takahiro Shiraishi, known as the "Twitter killer," who murdered nine people in 2017. Shiraishi connected with his victims on social media, lured them to his apartment, and then killed them. The case led to public discussion about how suicide is discussed online and resulted in a change in Twitter's rules.
Key Facts
Takahiro Shiraishi murdered nine people in 2017.
He used Twitter to find his victims, mostly young women.
He lured them to his apartment by claiming he could assist them with suicide.
Shiraishi strangled and dismembered his victims.
Police discovered the bodies in October 2017 in Zama, near Tokyo.
Shiraishi admitted to the murders and later rejected his defense's claims that the victims consented to die.
He was sentenced to death in December 2020.
The case prompted Twitter to update its rules against promoting or encouraging suicide.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Japan executed Takahiro Shiraishi, known as the "Twitter killer," for murdering and dismembering nine people in 2017. Shiraishi was sentenced to death in 2020 and was executed as debate over the death penalty continues in Japan.
Key Facts
Takahiro Shiraishi was executed for killing and dismembering nine people in 2017.
He was called the "Twitter killer" because he contacted victims through Twitter.
Most victims shared suicidal thoughts on social media before their deaths.
The victims included eight women and one man.
Shiraishi was also found guilty of sexually abusing female victims.
Shiraishi's execution occurred amid discussions in Japan about ending the death penalty.
Japan has a high suicide rate, which has increased as the COVID-19 pandemic affects the country.
The execution was conducted in secrecy and wasn't revealed until after it happened.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A bright object, likely a meteor or space junk, was seen in the sky over parts of the Southeastern U.S. on June 26, 2025. The National Weather Service reported sightings mainly from Georgia and South Carolina, and a house in Georgia was damaged when a rock broke through its roof.
Key Facts
A bright object appeared in the midday sky over southeastern U.S. on June 26, 2025.
The National Weather Service suggested it might be a meteor or space debris.
Most sightings occurred around 12:30 p.m. in Georgia and South Carolina.
A house in Henry County, Georgia, was damaged by the object, which left a golf ball-sized hole.
Officials are investigating the object about 25 miles southeast of Atlanta.
Over 140 people across various states reported seeing the fireball.
Bright fireballs like this are caused by objects entering Earth's atmosphere and slowing down.
While many objects enter the atmosphere, they usually break into very small pieces before reaching the ground.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
In Vilnius, Lithuania, fly larvae are used to process food waste, saving the city money by reducing waste disposal costs. The larvae eat the waste and are then converted into products like animal feed, while their manure is used as fertilizer.
Key Facts
Fly larvae in Vilnius process food waste for the city's residents and nearby councils.
The waste management company Energesman does not charge Vilnius for processing food waste.
This system is expected to save Vilnius up to €2 million per year by 2026.
Energesman uses fly larvae to convert food waste into renewable products like animal feed and industrial materials.
About six million flies are housed at Energesman's plant, producing over three million larvae a month.
The company provides orange waste bags and runs campaigns to encourage waste sorting.
EU regulations restrict fly larvae fed with kitchen waste from being used for human food products.
Energesman collaborates with other industries and universities for trials and research involving fly larvae products.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The PKK, an outlawed group fighting for Kurdish rights, announced it would stop its long conflict with Turkey, which has lasted 40 years and caused over 40,000 deaths. Despite the announcement, no formal peace talks have started, and fighting continues. Families of PKK fighters, like Leila, are waiting for peace, with some hopeful they might reunite with loved ones.
Key Facts
The PKK is known for fighting against Turkey to gain rights for Kurds and has been labeled a terrorist organization by several countries.
In the past, the PKK wanted an independent Kurdish state but now focuses on more autonomy and rights for Kurds.
The conflict between Turkey and the PKK has been ongoing for 40 years and has resulted in the deaths of over 40,000 people.
The PKK announced it would disband and end its fight, but no official peace process has started, and violence continues.
The PKK is based in the Qandil Mountains, a remote area near Iraq's border with Iran.
Leila's son joined the PKK after becoming interested in their ideas, and she hasn't seen him since he left home to train with the group.
Leila often visits the Qandil Mountains hoping to see her son, despite not having contact with him for years.
The BBC visited the Qandil Mountains and found that access is controlled by the PKK, and they display images of their leader Abdullah Ocalan, who has been imprisoned by Turkey since 1999.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Sean Combs is on trial for sex trafficking and related charges in a New York court. Prosecutors claim he used threats and control to force victims into sexual activities over several years. Combs has denied all allegations.
Key Facts
Sean Combs is facing charges including sex trafficking and racketeering.
Prosecutors argued that Combs controlled victims through threats and violence.
Two women testified against Combs, describing pressured participation in sexual events.
These events were allegedly orchestrated by Combs over several years.
Combs allegedly coerced women with financial control, violence, and blackmail.
The jury only needs to believe that the women were coerced in one instance to convict.
Cassie Ventura, one of the accusers, claimed Combs controlled her life and was physically abusive.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Prosecutors in Sean "Diddy" Combs's trial argued that he used his business to coerce women into unwanted sexual acts. Combs, who faces charges including sex trafficking and racketeering, has pleaded not guilty. The prosecution presented evidence over seven weeks, suggesting Combs committed multiple crimes through his network, including drug trafficking and arson.
Key Facts
Sean "Diddy" Combs is on trial facing charges like sex trafficking and racketeering.
Prosecutors claim Combs used his business and a network of employees to coerce women into unwanted sexual activities.
Combs has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Assistant US Attorney Christy Slavik argued that Combs's actions included drug trafficking and hiring someone to destroy a car.
The prosecution presented a video from 2016 showing Combs allegedly attacking one of the victims.
Testimonies from two of Combs's ex-girlfriends describe being manipulated and coerced into sex acts.
One victim claimed Combs threatened her living situation to force compliance.
The jury could start deliberating on the case as soon as Friday.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Bill Moyers, former White House press secretary and renowned TV journalist, passed away at 91 after a long illness. He was known for his influential work in television, producing many programs on public television that explored a wide range of topics. Moyers won numerous awards for his contributions to journalism, including over 30 Emmy Awards.
Key Facts
Bill Moyers died at the age of 91 in a New York City hospital.
He served as a White House press secretary under President Lyndon B. Johnson.
Moyers worked in various roles, including a minister, Peace Corps deputy director, newspaper publisher, and TV journalist.
He was well-known for his public television programs on topics like government corruption, religion, and media consolidation.
Moyers produced a notable series, "The Secret Government," about the Iran-Contra scandal.
He received many awards, such as more than 30 Emmys and 11 Peabody Awards, for his work in journalism.
Moyers was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame in 1995.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A vaccine advisory committee has seen changes in its membership. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. replaced all the previous members with new appointees, who have proposed a new approach during a recent meeting.
Key Facts
A key vaccine advisory committee has experienced a complete change in membership.
The committee is known as ACIP, which stands for Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.
ACIP gives advice to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on vaccine recommendations.
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. removed every former member of the committee.
Seven new members have been appointed to the committee.
The new members held a two-day meeting to discuss their future plans.
Former Surgeon General Dr. Jerome Adams provided additional insights on the changes.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The genetic testing company 23andMe went bankrupt because it could not find a successful way to make money. The company is now being sold to a non-profit started by one of its co-founders, which is postponing the handling of concerns about data privacy.
Key Facts
23andMe is a company that offers genetic testing, which helps people learn about their ancestry and health.
The company went bankrupt as it failed to create a successful business strategy.
23andMe is being sold to a non-profit organization.
One of 23andMe’s co-founders started this non-profit.
The sale delays dealing with issues related to the privacy of customers' DNA data.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
NPR is gathering stories from military veterans who have been charged a fee by private companies to apply for VA (Veterans Affairs) disability benefits. Some organizations provide this help for free, but NPR is interested in hearing about any experiences, good or bad, with paid services.
Key Facts
NPR is investigating stories about veterans being charged fees to apply for VA benefits.
Accredited organizations like the VFW and the Legion offer free help to veterans.
Some private companies are asking veterans for money to help with the same application process.
NPR asks veterans who used these private services to share their experiences.
NPR promises not to share any personal information without the veteran’s permission.
Interaction with NPR through stories will be handled following their Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A government review found that the UK's official statistics agency, the Office for National Statistics (ONS), has significant issues that affect the quality of its economic data. The review pointed out that these problems stem from how the agency makes decisions and manages its resources, leading to unreliable data that impacts government policy and financial decisions. The ONS acknowledges these issues and plans to make changes to improve its data reliability.
Key Facts
A review was conducted by the UK government on the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
The review identified major issues with how the ONS plans and makes decisions.
The ONS provides key data for government decisions on benefits, housing, migration, and crime.
The Bank of England uses ONS data to make decisions on interest rates, which affect loans and mortgages.
Sir Robert Devereux led the review and attributed problems to poor choices by ONS leaders.
There is a suggestion to split the National Statistician role into two positions for better management.
The ONS plans to improve data quality by making management changes and cutting some programs to save money.
Tight budgets and difficulties in staff recruitment and retention were noted as ongoing challenges.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Trump Organisation removed a "Made in the USA" claim from its website for the new Trump T1 phone, although it still asserts the phone will be made in America. Experts doubt the possibility of fully assembling smartphones in the US due to the lack of a local supply chain, suggesting parts might be imported.
Key Facts
The "Made in the USA" statement for the Trump T1 phone was removed from the Trump Organisation's website.
Trump Mobile claims the phone will still be made in America.
The company now describes the phone as having an "American-Proud Design" and being "brought to life right here in the USA."
Tech experts question if the phone can be entirely built in the US, noting a lack of necessary local supplies.
The phone was announced without a working prototype.
It is more likely the phone will be assembled in the US with imported parts.
Donald Trump has previously encouraged Apple to make its iPhones in the US.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Tabarre Hospital in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, operates in temporary structures as one of the few trauma hospitals amid the collapse of the country's health system. Armed groups have taken control of most of the capital, leading to widespread violence and displacement, which has forced hospitals to close and made it challenging to deliver medical care.
Key Facts
Tabarre Hospital uses shipping containers and modular units for its facilities.
The hospital is run by Doctors Without Borders and is one of the few remaining trauma hospitals in Port-au-Prince.
Armed groups have gained control of up to 90% of Port-au-Prince, forming an alliance called Viv Ansanm.
Over 5,600 people were killed in Haiti last year, according to the United Nations.
More than 1 million Haitian people have been forced to leave their homes due to violence.
Around half of Haiti's population is experiencing hunger.
Hospitals have difficulty obtaining supplies due to armed group control and attacks.
Haiti has not conducted a national election since 2016, and the interim government faces accusations of corruption and infighting.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
