Technology News

“Every single person in Gaza is starving”

July 26, 2025

The Israeli blockade has resulted in a severe hunger crisis in Gaza. Palestinian journalists are working to highlight this situation, despite the risks to their own safety.

Key Facts:

Gaza is facing a hunger crisis due to an Israeli blockade.
This blockade limits the flow of aid, leading to food shortages.
Palestinian journalists report on this situation, risking their lives.
Some believe starvation is being used deliberately to harm people.
Contributors to the discussion include a human rights lawyer and a health advisor.
The article also mentions nationalism in Iran following a war with Israel.
In Ghana, journalists covering illegal gold mining face dangerous challenges.

Source Information

Al Jazeera

PEPFAR escaped the rescission ax. But where does it stand?

July 26, 2025

PEPFAR, a U.S. program that helps fight HIV/AIDS worldwide, was almost cut from the budget, but the Senate decided to keep its funding. This program, started in 2003, has saved millions of lives by providing funding for HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention in over 50 countries.

Key Facts:

PEPFAR stands for the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief.
It was nearly cut from the budget as part of a larger budget reduction plan.
The Senate decided not to cut PEPFAR's funding, preserving $400 million meant for the program.
President George W. Bush created PEPFAR in 2003 to fight HIV/AIDS globally.
Since 2003, PEPFAR has spent over $120 billion combating HIV/AIDS in more than 50 countries.
The program claims to have saved 26 million lives and greatly reduced HIV infection rates.
PEPFAR has had strong support from both major U.S. political parties.
There are ongoing discussions about PEPFAR’s future and its ability to continue making progress against HIV/AIDS.

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NPR Home

Opinion: Ozzy Osbourne, no ordinary man

July 26, 2025

Ozzy Osbourne, a well-known musician, passed away at the age of 76. He was famous for being a member of the band Black Sabbath and had a successful solo career, selling over 100 million albums. Ozzy's life included struggles with drugs and alcohol, but he also gained fame through a reality TV show about his family.

Key Facts:

Ozzy Osbourne was born in Birmingham, England, and had a challenging childhood.
He joined the band Black Sabbath, which helped create heavy metal music.
In 1979, Black Sabbath let Ozzy go due to his heavy drinking and drug use.
Ozzy launched a successful solo career, selling over 100 million albums.
His behavior included notorious incidents, like biting the head off a bat during a concert.
Osbourne appeared on the MTV reality show "The Osbournes," which showed his family life.
Despite having Parkinson's, he performed with Black Sabbath for a final show in Birmingham recently.
Osbourne passed away at the age of 76.

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NPR Home

Cambodians flee border with Thailand as clashes continue for third day

July 26, 2025

Fighting near the Thai-Cambodia border has injured Cambodian soldiers and displaced civilians. Conflicts have erupted around the Ta Moan Thom and Ta Krabei temples, leading to injuries and fatalities on both sides and forcing many villagers to leave their homes.

Key Facts:

Explosions occurred along the Thai-Cambodia border, injuring soldiers and civilians.
A Cambodian soldier was hurt by shrapnel and needed surgery.
The fighting involves the area near the Ta Moan Thom and Ta Krabei temples, which are in a disputed border region.
Cambodia claims control of certain contested areas but this hasn't been confirmed by independent sources.
More than 30 people, mostly civilians, have died due to the clashes.
Infrastructure has been damaged on both sides of the border.
Civilians have fled from border areas, seeking safety in shelters.
Displaced Cambodians lack food and are concerned about their homes and livelihoods.

Source Information

Al Jazeera

New technology shows how illegal fishing has impacted oceans across the world

July 26, 2025

New technology is helping reveal how illegal fishing has affected oceans globally. Studies indicate that areas where fishing is banned are doing well.

Key Facts:

Illegal fishing has been a problem in oceans around the world.
New technology is being used to understand how widespread illegal fishing is.
Studies have found that protected areas, where fishing is not allowed, are thriving.
Protected areas are parts of the ocean designated to prohibit fishing to preserve marine life.
The research highlights both ongoing illegal activities and the success of conservation efforts in protected zones.

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NPR Technology

An ICE facility in the Everglades is under scrutiny for the treatment of detainees

July 26, 2025

An ICE facility located in the Florida Everglades is being examined closely due to claims about how detainees are treated there. Detainees at this location, sometimes called "Alligator Alcatraz," report experiencing tough punishments from the guards.

Key Facts:

There is an ICE facility in the Florida Everglades.
The facility is sometimes called "Alligator Alcatraz."
Detainees at this facility allege they face harsh treatment.
This treatment is said to come from the guards.
The facility is currently under scrutiny, meaning it is being examined closely.

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NPR National

Transcripts reveal details on the cargo ship crash into the Francis Scott Key Bridge

July 26, 2025

A transcript has provided information about a cargo ship's actions before it crashed into the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore last year. The crash resulted in the bridge collapsing and caused the deaths of six workers.

Key Facts:

A cargo ship crashed into the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore.
The incident happened last year.
The crash caused the bridge to collapse.
Six workers died because of the collapse.
A transcript has revealed details about what was happening on the ship before the crash.

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NPR National

How do air conditioners work, and what is the effect on the environment?

July 26, 2025

Heatwaves are getting longer and more intense around the world, increasing the demand for air conditioning. Air conditioners work by moving heat from inside a building to the outside, using a chemical fluid called refrigerant. The history of air conditioning dates back to 1820 with important developments over the years, making cooling more accessible and efficient.

Key Facts:

Heatwaves are increasing in length and intensity globally.
Demand for air conditioning is rising because of these heatwaves.
Air conditioners use a chemical fluid called refrigerant to cool indoor spaces.
The process involves moving warm air over cold coils, where the refrigerant absorbs the heat.
British scientist Michael Faraday made a breakthrough in cooling technology in 1820.
Modern air conditioning started in 1902 with Willis Carrier's invention.
The first window-mounted air conditioning unit was made in 1931, making cooling more accessible.
By the 1940s and 1950s, air conditioning saw rapid growth in use due to economic expansion.

Source Information

Al Jazeera

Death toll in Thailand-Cambodia border clashes hits 32, dozens wounded

July 26, 2025

A conflict at the border between Cambodia and Thailand has led to 32 deaths, including both soldiers and civilians. Thousands of people have been evacuated from both countries, as fighting continues with accusations of war crimes on both sides.

Key Facts:

12 more deaths reported by Cambodia bring the total deaths to 32 from both sides.
Cambodian casualties include seven civilians and five soldiers.
At least 50 Cambodian civilians and over 20 soldiers have been injured.
Thai casualties include 13 civilians and six soldiers dead, plus 29 soldiers and 30 civilians injured.
Around 20,000 people have been evacuated from Cambodia's Preah Vihear province.
More than 138,000 people have been evacuated from Thailand's border regions.
Thailand has declared martial law in eight districts along the border.
Both countries accuse each other of initiating attacks; Thailand claims Cambodia fired rockets at civilian areas.
Cambodia accuses Thailand of using cluster munitions, which are controversial weapons.
The United Nations Security Council discussed the conflict but did not release a public statement.

Source Information

Al Jazeera

Two teens jailed over machete murder of 14-year-old on London bus

July 26, 2025

Two British teenagers have been sentenced to life in prison for killing a 14-year-old boy by stabbing him on a bus in London. They will serve at least 15 years before being considered for release. The attack has raised concerns about youth gang violence and the increase in knife crimes in the UK.

Key Facts:

Two teenagers were sentenced to life in prison for a stabbing murder, with parole consideration after 15 years.
The victim, 14-year-old Kelyan Bokassa, was stabbed 27 times on a bus in southeast London.
The attack occurred on January 7, and the attackers, aged 16 and 15, were arrested later that month.
Both teenagers admitted to murder in May.
Knife crimes in the UK have increased by nearly 80% since 2015.
In 2022, 10 teenagers were fatally stabbed in London.
There have been other recent incidents of teenage stabbings in the UK, highlighting ongoing concerns about gang violence.
Judge Mark Lucraft mentioned the influence of gang exploitation on both attackers.

Source Information

Al Jazeera

Artist explores the toxic mining legacy of Zambia's 'black mountains'

July 26, 2025

Stary Mwaba, a visual artist from Zambia, uses his artwork to highlight the lives of young people mining dangerous waste heaps known as "black mountains" in the Copperbelt region. These heaps are remnants of a century of industrial mining, and young people search for valuable copper ore amidst hazardous conditions, as it's often their only way to earn money. Mwaba's art, showcased at the Lusaka National Museum, brings attention to their stories and the environmental impact of mining waste.

Key Facts:

The "black mountains" are huge piles of mining waste in Zambia's Copperbelt region.
Young men search these waste heaps for copper ore, which can be dangerous and sometimes illegal.
Stary Mwaba, a Zambian artist, paints portraits using old newspapers to tell the miners' stories.
His artwork aims to show the importance of the miners' personal stories amid larger news narratives.
These mining activities continue despite environmental damage and risks to health.
Earlier in the year, a spill from a copper mine contaminated the water supply for Kitwe, a city of 700,000 people.
Mwaba's art exhibition is currently on display at the Lusaka National Museum.
The mining waste contains toxic heavy metals, which harm both people and the environment.

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BBC World

Tech Now

July 26, 2025

The article discusses how technology is being used to help finish the Sagrada Família, a historic building in Barcelona. Yasmin Morgan-Griffiths provides insights from behind the scenes to show how tech tools are shaping the completion of this landmark.

Key Facts:

The Sagrada Família is a famous building in Barcelona.
The building is based on designs by the architect Gaudí.
Technology is now being used to help finish the construction.
Yasmin Morgan-Griffiths reports with special access to the site.
The program episode is available for 11 months for viewers.
Technology is playing a crucial role in completing Gaudí's vision.

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BBC Tech

Thais and Cambodians slug it out on social media, as border tensions flare

July 26, 2025

Border tensions between Thailand and Cambodia have escalated into a conflict both at the border and online, where nationalists from both countries are engaging in heated exchanges over cultural and historical issues. The recent clashes have resulted in deaths on both sides and intensified discussions on social media, where users support their respective national narratives.

Key Facts:

Border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia have led to several deaths.
Nationalists from both countries are arguing on social media over national pride issues like temples and cultural elements.
The online conflict includes accusations about which country fired first during the recent border incidents.
The longstanding dispute involves the Preah Vihear temple, registered by Cambodia as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which Thailand protested.
Both countries have increased military presence at the border and imposed travel restrictions on each other since May.
There are concerns that the social media arguments could worsen the situation and divide the people further.
Cambodian and Thai journalists urged social media caution to prevent spreading unverified information.
The conflict traces back over a century to colonial times and includes disputes over cultural heritage and historical sites.

Source Information

BBC US

What is inside the GHF food aid box being distributed in Gaza?

July 25, 2025

The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) is distributing food aid boxes in Gaza, but experts have expressed concerns about their nutritional value. These boxes contain mostly dried foods and provide enough calories but lack important nutrients, which could lead to health problems over time.

Key Facts:

The GHF has distributed 91 million meals in Gaza, with each food aid box designed to feed 5.5 people for 3.5 days.
Each box contains dried foods like pasta, chickpeas, lentils, wheat flour, cooking oil, salt, and tahini.
Some ready-to-eat foods, like halva bars, are also included, but nutritional experts say the boxes lack essential vitamins and minerals.
Dr. Andrew Seal noted deficiencies in calcium, iron, zinc, and vitamins C, D, B12, and K.
The GHF's food boxes are criticized for providing calories but not a balanced diet, leading to potential health issues like anemia or scurvy.
The UN and other organizations typically supplement food aid with targeted nutritional support, especially for vulnerable groups like children and pregnant women.
The ongoing water and fuel crisis in Gaza makes it difficult to cook the dried foods in these boxes.
Due to the conflict, people in Gaza rely on the black market for cooking gas, where prices are extremely high.

Source Information

BBC World

Caitlin Clark breaks record again - with a rookie card

July 25, 2025

A rookie card featuring WNBA star Caitlin Clark sold for $660,000, breaking the previous record for the highest-selling women's sports card. The card includes her signature, a photo, and a patch from her uniform, highlighting her achievement as a top rookie scorer.

Key Facts:

Caitlin Clark's WNBA rookie card sold for $660,000.
This sale more than doubled the previous women's sports card record.
The card was sold through an auction hosted by Fanatics Collect.
Clark's card includes her signature, a photo, and a uniform patch.
The card also features "769 pts and counting," referencing her points record.
Her previous record-breaking card sold for $366,000.
Clark has 14 cards that have sold for more than her annual salary.
She has been out with a groin injury since July 15, with no return date set yet.
Clark was drafted first overall by the Indiana Fever in 2024 and named rookie of the year.

Source Information

BBC US

US confirms it will destroy contraceptives previously designated as aid

July 25, 2025

The United States has decided to destroy reproductive health supplies worth $10 million instead of donating them. This decision, which follows regulations against supporting groups that provide or promote abortions, has upset several advocacy groups that had offered to redistribute the supplies at no cost.

Key Facts:

The US will destroy reproductive health supplies rather than donate them.
Supplies are worth $10 million, and destruction will cost $167,000.
US regulations prevent aid to groups involved in abortion services.
Advocates and aid groups have criticized the decision.
Groups like IPPF and others offered to distribute supplies for free, but the US declined.
Supplies are set to be destroyed in France.
The supplies were initially purchased under President Biden's administration.
Former President Trump had already canceled orders worth $34.1 million.
Trump administration policies have reduced US aid programs and cut assistance globally.

Source Information

Al Jazeera

Meta to suspend political advertising in the EU as transparency law looms

July 25, 2025

Meta, the company that owns Facebook and Instagram, will stop showing political and social issue ads in the European Union starting in October. This decision comes in response to new EU rules requiring transparency about political ads, which create legal challenges for the company.

Key Facts:

Meta will suspend political and social issue ads in the EU starting October 2025.
This change is due to the EU’s new Transparency and Targeting of Political Advertising (TTPA) regulation.
The TTPA requires tech companies to label political ads and disclose who paid for them, targeting which elections.
Companies that don't follow these rules could face fines up to 6% of their annual revenue.
Alphabet, Google's parent company, made a similar decision in November.
The EU introduced these rules to prevent misinformation and foreign influence in elections.
Meta's Facebook and Instagram are under investigation by the EU for not adequately handling misinformation.
The Digital Services Act requires tech companies to counter illegal and harmful content or face fines.

Source Information

Al Jazeera

What's needed to help historic starvation levels in Gaza is 'tragically simple,' aid group says

July 25, 2025

An aid group reports that many people in Gaza are facing severe hunger. They say delivering food to the half a million people in need is challenging.

Key Facts:

An aid group reports severe hunger in Gaza.
About half a million people in Gaza need food.
Delivering food to those in need is difficult.
The situation in Gaza is described as having "historic starvation levels."
The aid group believes the solution to the crisis is simple but hard to implement.

Source Information

NPR Middle East

Acquaintance of suspect in plot to attack Taylor Swift concerts convicted in Austria

July 25, 2025

An Austrian court convicted an 18-year-old named Luca K. on terrorism charges unrelated to a plan to attack Taylor Swift concerts in Vienna. He was found guilty of being part of a terrorist and criminal organization and sentenced to two years in prison.

Key Facts:

Luca K., an 18-year-old, was convicted in an Austrian court on terrorism charges.
The charges relate to involvement with a terrorist and criminal organization.
He shared propaganda from the Islamic State group.
Luca K. was not part of the plot to attack Taylor Swift concerts.
He admitted to his actions and expressed regret over them.
The court sentenced him to two years, and his time spent in custody will count toward this sentence.
The main suspect in the concert attack plot, Beran A., is still under investigation.
The verdict against Luca K. can be appealed.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour

What does it take for a famine to be declared in Gaza?

July 25, 2025

The hunger crisis in Gaza is severe, with one-third of its population experiencing significant food shortages. Despite the scarcity, it has not been officially declared a famine. Authorities rely on an international system called the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) to decide when to label a situation as a famine.

Key Facts:

Hunger in Gaza has reached high levels, affecting a third of the over 2 million people living there.
Gaza faces extreme shortages of food, water, and medicine.
The World Food Programme is part of the United Nations and monitors hunger crises around the world.
The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) system helps determine the severity of hunger situations globally.
The IPC uses a five-phase scale to categorize food security, from normal conditions to famine.
For a famine to be declared, specific criteria need to be met according to the IPC scale.
FEWS NET and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) play important roles in monitoring hunger and using the IPC system.

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NPR Home

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