Technology News

‘Flour, fire and fear as I try to parent in a starving Gaza’

July 22, 2025

The people in Gaza, including the author and her family, are facing severe food shortages and hunger. Basic food supplies like flour and lentils are running low, and many families cannot find or afford essential items.

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People in Gaza are experiencing severe hunger due to food shortages.
The author’s family has not had a full meal in four months.
Basic food items like flour and lentils are scarce, with remaining supplies barely lasting two weeks.
Some families have money but cannot buy food because stores are empty.
The author describes small amounts of flour as precious and necessary for making bread.
Many families, including the author’s, cannot find essential items like diapers.
The current situation is described as worse than past hardships due to lack of essential resources.

Source Information

Al Jazeera

The boy who bled to death as an Israeli soldier ‘celebrated his shot’

July 22, 2025

Young people in Sebastia, a town in the West Bank, try to avoid encounters with Israeli soldiers by running home when they hear of military vehicles approaching. In January, 14-year-old Ahmed Jazar was shot and killed by an Israeli soldier during one of these incidents, raising concerns about the safety of children in the area.

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Sebastia is a town in the West Bank where residents often see Israeli military actions.
People in the town use lookout points and social media to warn each other about approaching military vehicles.
In January 2023, an Israeli soldier shot and killed 14-year-old Ahmed Jazar.
Ahmed was unarmed at the time and his family said he was not involved in any hostile actions.
Ahmed's family described him as a caring son who planned to support his family financially.
The nursery near where Ahmed was shot still shows bullet marks.
An investigation by the Israeli Military Police was launched, but locals express skepticism about its effectiveness.

Source Information

Al Jazeera

Ozzy Osbourne dies at 76 just weeks after farewell show

July 22, 2025

Ozzy Osbourne, the lead singer of Black Sabbath, died at the age of 76, shortly after his final concert. Known for his role in heavy metal music and his wild behavior, Osbourne had publicly shared his Parkinson's diagnosis in 2020. He was celebrated for his contributions to heavy metal music, both as part of Black Sabbath and as a solo artist.

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Ozzy Osbourne was 76 years old when he passed away.
He was the lead singer of the heavy metal band Black Sabbath.
Osbourne had Parkinson’s disease, which he revealed in 2020.
Black Sabbath's music played a huge role in developing heavy metal.
Osbourne had a well-documented history of substance abuse and outrageous behavior.
He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame with Black Sabbath in 2006 and as a solo artist in 2024.
The original Black Sabbath members reunited in 2025 for his farewell concert.
Osbourne's solo career included successful albums like "Blizzard of Ozz" and "Diary of a Madman."

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PBS NewsHour

Brewdog to close 10 pubs across UK, some 'within days'

July 22, 2025

Brewdog will close 10 of its pubs in the UK due to business challenges like rising costs and economic pressures. They will hold a consultation process for staff affected by the closures, and attempt to find them new roles within the company.

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Brewdog plans to close 10 pubs in the UK, including one in Aberdeen and three in London.
Reasons for the closures include rising costs and economic difficulties in the industry.
Brewdog was started in 2007 by James Watt and Martin Dickie in Aberdeenshire, Scotland.
The company will hold a 14-day consultation for staff at risk of losing their jobs, aiming to redeploy them where possible.
Brewdog has 71 bars in the UK and also operates in countries like the USA, Australia, and Dubai.
Trade union Unite criticized Brewdog for the short notice given to staff about the closures.
Brewdog faced criticism in the past for its workplace culture and wage policies.

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BBC Business

Cancer stole her voice. AI, curse words, and children's books saved it

July 22, 2025

Sonya Sotinsky, diagnosed with advanced tongue cancer, had to have her tongue and voice box removed. Using past recordings of her speech, she collaborated with researchers to create an AI-generated voice, allowing her to communicate again with her original tone and personality.

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Sonya Sotinsky had to undergo surgery for stage 4 tongue cancer, which involved removing her tongue and voice box.
Before her surgery, she recorded various phrases and children's books to preserve her voice.
Sotinsky included a mix of personal expressions, including curse words, to maintain her unique personality.
She partnered with an artificial intelligence company to create a digital replica of her original voice.
This AI-generated voice is stored in a mobile app, enabling her to type and speak in her own voice again.
The process of diagnosing her cancer took nearly a year after initial complaints about painful symptoms.
Dr. Sue Yom, a radiation oncologist, highlighted the vital role of voice in expressing identity and understanding the world.

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NPR Home

‘Starvation or bullets’: The dilemma facing Palestinians in Gaza

July 22, 2025

The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) has been providing aid in Gaza since May. They operate four centers, much fewer than the previous network of over 400 run by the United Nations. Over 900 people have died in attacks at these GHF centers.

Key Facts:

The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation began distributing aid in Gaza in late May.
GHF operates four aid centers in Gaza.
Previously, the United Nations ran more than 400 aid centers in the area.
Over 900 Palestinians have died in attacks at GHF aid distribution sites.
There are concerns about safety, as people must decide between risking danger for food or facing starvation.
The situation involves significant risks for those seeking help at these centers.

Source Information

Al Jazeera

Former officer gets 33 months in prison for violating Breonna Taylor's rights

July 22, 2025

Former Louisville police officer Brett Hankison was sentenced to 33 months in prison for violating the civil rights of Breonna Taylor. This relates to a police raid in 2020 that resulted in Taylor's death.

Key Facts:

Brett Hankison is a former police officer from Louisville.
He was sentenced to 33 months in prison.
The sentence is for violating Breonna Taylor's civil rights.
The violation happened during a police raid in 2020.
Breonna Taylor was killed during this raid.

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NPR National

Hurry up! Scientists predict today will be (slightly) shorter than normal

July 22, 2025

Scientists predict that July 22, 2025, will be slightly shorter than a normal day, by about a millisecond. This is due to small changes in Earth's rotation, which are influenced by factors like weather and movements inside the planet. The idea of potentially needing to remove a second from the official time has been raised due to recent short days, but it is considered unlikely.

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Scientists say July 22, 2025, will be about a millisecond shorter than a typical 24-hour day.
Earth's rotation can change due to weather, tides, and movements inside Earth.
The organization tracking Earth's rotation is the International Earth Rotation and Reference Systems Service.
The shortest day recently was July 5, 2024, which was 1.65 milliseconds shorter than usual.
Earth’s rotation has been gradually slowing due to the moon's gravitational pull causing ocean tides.
In the past, extra seconds called "leap seconds" were added to keep time accurate.
Recent faster rotations raise the idea of removing a second, called "negative leap seconds," though this has never been done.

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NPR Home

Efforts to shrink Social Security's phone wait times are putting a strain elsewhere

July 22, 2025

The Social Security Administration (SSA) moved some of its field office workers to answer calls on their main phone line to reduce long wait times. While this change has made phone service faster, it has also increased stress and workload for remaining staff, causing delays in other local services.

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The SSA reassigned about 4% of its field office workers to help with answering calls on the national 800 number.
This reassignment aims to decrease wait times for callers by providing better phone service.
The change has improved phone service, with average wait time dropping to 13 minutes.
Local office workers report higher stress and more work due to fewer staff remaining to handle in-person services.
Some claim specialists, essential for processing benefits like disabled children's payments, were reassigned to the phone line.
Staffing issues are partly due to a shrinking workforce despite more people qualifying for benefits.
Critics say the reassignment is a temporary fix that shifts problems around rather than solving them.
The SSA recently removed some of the performance data it used to share publicly, making it hard to evaluate overall service improvements.

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NPR Home

Typhoon Wipha whips Vietnam as Philippines flooding displaces thousands

July 22, 2025

Heavy rains and floods from Typhoon Wipha have killed five people and forced thousands to evacuate in the Philippines. The typhoon is now moving toward Vietnam, where 350,000 soldiers are on alert for potential flooding and landslides due to expected heavy rainfall.

Key Facts:

Typhoon Wipha caused heavy rains and flooding in the Philippines, resulting in five deaths and thousands displaced.
The storm is headed towards northern Vietnam, near Haiphong City, with wind speeds up to 102 kph (63 mph).
As of Tuesday morning, the storm was about 60 km (37 miles) from the Vietnam coast.
Vietnam has prepared 350,000 soldiers for potential emergencies such as floods and landslides.
Up to 500 mm (20 inches) of rain is expected in Vietnam, which could lead to dangerous flooding.
In the Philippines, two people are missing after being swept away in a stream.
Around 48,000 people in Manila and nearby areas have been evacuated due to flooding.
The storm is expected to weaken after making landfall in Vietnam.

Source Information

Al Jazeera

OpenAI and UK sign deal to use AI in public services

July 22, 2025

OpenAI has partnered with the UK government to apply artificial intelligence (AI) in public services like education, defense, and justice. This collaboration aims to boost productivity and enhance the country's economic growth while addressing AI-related security and privacy concerns.

Key Facts:

OpenAI and the UK government signed a deal to use AI in public services.
AI could be applied in sectors such as education, defense, and the justice system.
The agreement involves sharing data and understanding AI capabilities and risks.
The UK aims to boost its economy, which has shown only slight growth recently.
OpenAI's technology, like ChatGPT, generates content from user prompts.
There are concerns about AI's impact on copyright and data privacy.
The UK has also partnered with other AI companies like Google and Anthropic.

Source Information

BBC Business

Migrants deported from US tortured in El Salvador, Venezuela says

July 22, 2025

Venezuela is investigating claims that over 250 Venezuelan migrants, who were detained in a prison in El Salvador after deportation from the US, suffered human rights abuses. The allegations include reports of torture, such as beatings and lack of proper food. Venezuela is looking into the actions of some El Salvador officials and has called on international organizations to investigate.

Key Facts:

Over 250 Venezuelan migrants were deported from the US and held in El Salvador's CECOT prison.
Venezuela claims these migrants faced "systemic torture", including sexual abuse and mistreatment.
Venezuelan Attorney General Tarek William Saab presented evidence of injuries, although it hasn't been independently verified.
El Salvador has not yet responded to these accusations.
Venezuela plans to investigate El Salvador's President and other officials related to the prison.
The Attorney General asked international bodies like the UN and ICC to investigate.
The migrants were accused of gang affiliations, which their families and lawyers dispute.
The US used the Alien Enemies Act to deport the Venezuelans, allowing deportation without normal legal processes.

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BBC World

Accuser says 'roller coaster' of Epstein files saga is a 'real weight' on victims

July 22, 2025

Annie Farmer, a key witness in the case against Jeffrey Epstein's associate Ghislaine Maxwell, wants the government to release more information about Epstein. She is frustrated with the political use of the case and feels this makes it harder for victims like her to find justice.

Key Facts:

Annie Farmer is one of the early accusers of Jeffrey Epstein and testified in the trial against Ghislaine Maxwell.
She and her sister reported Epstein's abuse to the police and FBI in 1996.
Farmer feels the case's political use brings little justice to the victims.
She is skeptical about how President Trump's administration handled the case.
Trump claimed there were no additional files to release on Epstein.
There is controversy over a supposed "client list" linked to Epstein, with recent claims denying its existence.
Farmer is concerned about the firing of federal prosecutor Maureen Comey.
She spoke out more after the death of Virginia Giuffre, another accuser, renewed her focus on justice for victims.

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BBC US

Billy Joel feels 'good' after brain disorder diagnosis

July 21, 2025

Billy Joel, the famous singer, says he feels good despite being diagnosed with a rare brain condition called Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH). The condition has caused him to struggle with balance, leading to the cancellation of some concert dates, but he is receiving treatment and focusing on his health.

Key Facts:

Billy Joel was diagnosed with Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH), a condition that causes fluid build-up in the brain.
NPH can affect balance, hearing, vision, and mobility and is most common in people over 60.
Joel announced a series of concert cancellations after his doctors advised him that his condition worsened with recent performances.
He is undergoing specific physical therapy to help manage his condition.
Joel’s wife expressed gratitude for the quick diagnosis and care he received, hoping for a swift recovery.
He canceled 17 performances planned for 2025 and 2026 in North America and Europe.
Joel ended a long residency at Madison Square Garden and had an incident on stage in 2025, which led to postponing his tour for medical reasons.

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BBC World

Trucking's uneasy relationship with new tech

July 21, 2025

Technology is changing the trucking industry, making it easier for truck drivers to find and book jobs online. However, some drivers report lower earnings and rising fuel costs as digital platforms become more common, while industry groups are concerned about the impact on wages and working conditions.

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New digital trucking apps help match truck drivers with companies that need to move goods.
The term "Uberised" is used to describe these platforms, similar to the Uber app for taxis.
In Canada, about 80% of trucking companies have fewer than five employees.
Eight major digital platforms, like Uber Freight, now serve the Canadian trucking market.
Some drivers, like Jared, report that pay rates have dropped since the introduction of these apps.
The cost of fuel is also increasing, affecting drivers' earnings.
Industry unions, such as Teamsters Canada, express concerns that these digital platforms might keep wages low.
A Vancouver-based company, Freightera, allows drivers to quickly find routes without setting prices themselves.

Source Information

BBC Tech

'My friend died right in front of me' - Student describes moment air force jet crashed into school

July 21, 2025

A Bangladeshi air force training jet crashed into the Milestone School and College in Dhaka, killing at least 20 people and injuring over 170 more. The crash happened after the plane experienced a mechanical problem during a training exercise, and an investigation is underway to understand what went wrong.

Key Facts:

A Bangladeshi air force jet crashed into a school in Dhaka.
At least 20 people died, and more than 170 were injured.
The crash occurred because the jet had a mechanical fault.
The pilot, Flight Lieutenant Md. Taukir Islam, was killed in the crash.
Witnesses reported seeing fire and smoke after the crash.
Many victims were children, aged between 9 and 14.
The interim government announced a day of mourning across Bangladesh.
An investigation committee has been formed to look into the incident.

Source Information

BBC World

Security committee launches inquiry into Afghan data leak

July 21, 2025

Parliament's Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC) is starting an inquiry into a data leak that exposed the identities of many Afghans and British military personnel. The breach, which happened in February 2022, was discovered in August 2023 and led to an urgent response, including legal actions and efforts to bring affected individuals to safety in the UK.

Key Facts:

The data leak revealed information about thousands of Afghans and British military officials.
The ISC is investigating the role of the UK intelligence community in the data loss.
The data breach involved an email mistake at the UK Special Forces headquarters in February 2022.
The breach was not discovered until August 2023, when details surfaced online.
The Ministry of Defence asked for a legal order to prevent news of the leak due to Taliban risks.
The UK set up a special program to relocate about 7,000 people affected by the leak.
The ISC is asking for all relevant intelligence documents to review the breach.
The Ministry of Defence will support the ISC's inquiry and defend against any legal claims.

Source Information

BBC World

Microsoft cyberattack hits 100 organisations, security firms say

July 21, 2025

A major cyber espionage attack targeted Microsoft server software, affecting about 100 organizations, mainly in the US and Germany. The attack exploited a previously unknown flaw in SharePoint servers, but Microsoft quickly provided security updates to fix the issue.

Key Facts:

The cyber attack affected about 100 organizations using Microsoft server software.
Two cybersecurity groups announced the discovery of the attack on Monday.
The attack targeted self-hosted SharePoint servers, a tool for sharing documents, while Microsoft-hosted versions were not affected.
The term "zero-day" refers to a flaw that hackers exploit before it's known or fixed.
Most affected organizations were in the United States and Germany, including some government groups.
Microsoft has issued security updates to help protect against this attack.
The identity of the hackers remains unknown, and the FBI is investigating.
Over 8,000 servers globally could potentially be at risk from similar attacks.

Source Information

Al Jazeera

Canadian couple recounts frightful encounter with grizzly bear

July 21, 2025

A couple from Calgary had a close encounter with a grizzly bear while hiking for their wedding anniversary in Trolls Falls, located in Alberta's Kananaskis Country. They managed to stay calm and scare the bear away by making themselves look bigger. Bear activity is reportedly increasing in the area.

Key Facts:

A Calgary couple saw a grizzly bear while hiking during their anniversary.
The encounter took place at Trolls Falls in Kananaskis Country, Alberta.
They calmed down and made themselves appear large to scare the bear off.
Bears are commonly seen in the Trolls Falls and Kananaskis Country region.
Recent reports show that bear activity is going up in this area.

Source Information

BBC US

Watch: At the final checkpoint before the 'dangerous' road to Suweida city

July 21, 2025

Fighting near Suweida city in southern Syria has stopped temporarily as Bedouin fighters agreed to a ceasefire with the Druze community, although they might resume fighting in the future. The Bedouin fighters moved to nearby villages after violent clashes involving Druze fighters, Bedouins, and Syrian government forces, with Israeli airstrikes supporting the Druze. The Bedouin fighters demand the release of wounded Bedouins in Suweida, whom they call hostages, and threaten to re-enter the city if this is not done.

Key Facts:

Bedouin fighters have agreed to a temporary ceasefire with the Druze in Suweida.
The clashes included Druze fighters, Bedouins, and government forces.
Israel conducted airstrikes to support the Druze side in the conflict.
Bedouin fighters moved from Suweida to nearby villages.
Bedouin fighters demand the release of injured Bedouins they call hostages.
Heavily armed government security personnel prevent Bedouins from re-entering Suweida.
Bedouin fighters threaten to force their way back into the city if demands are not met.

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BBC World

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