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Just the Facts, from multiple news sources.

Technology News

Breaking news and analysis from the world of technology

Your tinned fish obsession is helping resurrect a lost industry

July 21, 2025
U.S. tinned fish, once a booming industry, is gaining popularity again, especially sardines. This growing interest could help bring back the industry.

Key Facts:

  • Tinned fish was once a major industry in the U.S.
  • The industry declined alongside other U.S. manufacturing sectors.
  • Sardines are currently becoming popular again.
  • Increased interest in sardines could support efforts to revive the tinned fish market.
  • The industry revival is being discussed on platforms like the NPR show, "The Indicator from Planet Money."

Source Information

NPR Business
Forgotten 'weeds' prove a culinary hit in Kenya

Forgotten 'weeds' prove a culinary hit in Kenya

July 21, 2025
Indigenous leafy vegetables in Kenya, once considered weeds or poor man's food, are now gaining popularity. People are choosing these local greens due to their nutritional benefits, and production has doubled in the past decade, supported by research and government initiatives.

Key Facts:

  • Indigenous vegetables like mrenda, managu, and terere are now widely grown and eaten in Kenya.
  • These vegetables are richer in nutrients like vitamin A, C, and antioxidants compared to introduced greens such as cabbage.
  • The demand for local greens, called "kienyeji," is increasing in markets and restaurants.
  • Production of indigenous greens has grown significantly, with 300,000 tonnes produced last year.
  • The shift towards traditional vegetables is partly due to their resistance to diseases and pests, allowing organic growth.
  • Prof. Mary Abukutsa-Onyango has championed research and awareness of these vegetables since the 1980s.
  • In 2021, Unesco recognized Kenya's efforts in preserving its traditional food culture.
  • Despite the rise, vegetables like sukumawiki, a non-native green introduced as animal feed, remain widely farmed.

Source Information

BBC World
Stevie Wonder: 'I'll keep playing as long as I breathe'

Stevie Wonder: 'I'll keep playing as long as I breathe'

July 20, 2025
Stevie Wonder, at 75, remains active in music and plans to keep performing indefinitely. He is working on a new album, "Through The Eyes Of Wonder," while continuing to perform his popular songs and sharing messages of positivity and activism.

Key Facts:

  • Stevie Wonder, a well-known musician, is 75 years old.
  • He recently finished a UK tour and is not planning to retire.
  • Wonder is working on a new album called "Through The Eyes Of Wonder."
  • The album reflects his life experience as a blind man.
  • Wonder began his music career in 1962 when he was 11 years old.
  • He is famous for hit songs like "Superstition" and "Isn't She Lovely."
  • Wonder addressed rumors about his blindness, affirming he became blind shortly after birth.
  • He is a longtime civil rights campaigner and supports positive change through music.

Source Information

BBC US
Man wearing heavy metallic necklace dies after being sucked into MRI machine

Man wearing heavy metallic necklace dies after being sucked into MRI machine

July 20, 2025
A 61-year-old man died after being pulled into an MRI machine at a medical center in New York. He was wearing a heavy metal necklace, and the machine's strong magnet attracted the necklace, leading to a medical emergency. He was taken to the hospital but died the next day.

Key Facts:

  • A man wearing a heavy metal necklace was pulled into an MRI machine.
  • The incident occurred at Nassau Open MRI in Westbury, New York.
  • MRI machines use strong magnets to create images, which can pull in metal objects.
  • Police are investigating the incident.
  • Patients are usually told to take off metal items before being scanned or near the machine.
  • The man was identified by local media as the husband of a patient who was being scanned.
  • The man's wife said he wore a 20lb (9kg) chain for weight training.
  • A similar incident in 2001 involved a boy who died when an MRI machine's magnet moved an oxygen tank.

Source Information

BBC US
Former prosecutors say request to unseal Epstein grand jury transcripts likely to disappoint

Former prosecutors say request to unseal Epstein grand jury transcripts likely to disappoint

July 20, 2025
The U.S. Justice Department wants to release transcripts from a grand jury investigation into Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. This could provide some new information about the case, but experts say these transcripts are usually short and may not contain much new detail.

Key Facts:

  • The Justice Department has asked to unseal grand jury transcripts related to Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell's criminal cases.
  • Epstein died by suicide in 2019 while in federal custody after being charged with sex trafficking.
  • Ghislaine Maxwell is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence for her role in sex trafficking.
  • Grand jury transcripts are typically brief and may not include all investigative details.
  • Prosecutors usually present only enough evidence to secure an indictment.
  • There is concern about protecting the identity of victims in the transcripts.
  • Some former prosecutors believe judges may not approve the release of these transcripts.
  • The case remains relevant because Maxwell is still in custody, and appeals are ongoing.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour

After plea deals are canceled, what happens next with the Guantanamo 9/11 trials?

July 20, 2025
Plea deals for trials related to the 9/11 attacks, held at Guantanamo Bay, have been canceled. Experts like Georgetown University Law professor Stephen Vladeck are discussing what will happen next in these cases.

Key Facts:

  • Plea deals for the 9/11 trials at Guantanamo Bay have been canceled.
  • Stephen Vladeck, a law professor, is discussing the situation.
  • The 9/11 attacks happened on September 11, 2001.
  • The trials are taking place at Guantanamo Bay, a U.S. military prison.
  • The cancellation affects how the cases will proceed.
  • These trials involve individuals accused of planning the 9/11 attacks.

Source Information

NPR Home
Palestinians describe choice between starvation and risking death to get food aid in Gaza

Palestinians describe choice between starvation and risking death to get food aid in Gaza

July 20, 2025
Israel is reportedly getting ready to increase its ground actions in a central part of Gaza. This area has been a safer place for Palestinians who were forced to leave their homes and for aid groups. The Israeli military has told people to evacuate, and reports say at least 85 Palestinians died while trying to get food help.

Key Facts:

  • Israel plans to expand its ground operations in a central Gaza area.
  • This area has been a refuge for displaced Palestinians and aid groups.
  • The Israeli military issued orders telling people to leave the area.
  • Reports indicate at least 85 Palestinians were killed while seeking food aid.
  • John Yang discussed the situation with Sudarsan Raghavan from The Wall Street Journal.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour

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Argentina's stolen children grapple with finding their place in history

July 20, 2025
A book titled "A Flower Traveled In My Blood" by Haley Cohen Gilliland discusses the efforts of the Abuelas of the Plaza de Mayo to reunite families affected by Argentina's history of stolen children. These children, taken during a dictatorship, are now trying to understand their identities and past.

Key Facts:

  • The book "A Flower Traveled In My Blood" is written by Haley Cohen Gilliland.
  • It focuses on Argentina's stolen children, who were taken during a dictatorship.
  • The Abuelas of the Plaza de Mayo is a group that works to find these children and reunite them with their families.
  • The children are now adults who are trying to understand their personal histories and identities.
  • The book and its topics were discussed on the program "All Things Considered."
  • The audio segment from this discussion will be made available later.

Source Information

NPR World
What to know about the rise of mental health misinformation on social media

What to know about the rise of mental health misinformation on social media

July 20, 2025
People are more open about mental health issues, and social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok have millions of posts about it. However, not all the information shared online is correct.

Key Facts:

  • Many people are now more willing to talk about their mental health experiences.
  • The hashtag "mental health" is used in nearly 90 million posts on Instagram and TikTok combined.
  • Sharing online suggests that there is less stigma, which means less negative judgment, associated with discussing mental health.
  • Not all online information regarding mental health is accurate.
  • Stephanie Sy talked with Taisha Caldwell-Harvey, a licensed psychologist, to get more information.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour
Lowering UK voting age benefits “both sides” of political extremes

Lowering UK voting age benefits “both sides” of political extremes

July 20, 2025
The article discusses views from Conservative Commentator Alex Deane, who believes that changing the voting age in the UK to 16 might not only support established political parties like Labour but could also assist more extreme political groups.

Key Facts:

  • Alex Deane is a commentator with conservative views.
  • There is a suggestion to lower the voting age in the UK to 16.
  • Deane argues this change could impact both major and extreme political parties.
  • The discussion includes how different political groups might gain support from younger voters.
  • The article focuses on the possible effects of lowering the voting age on UK politics.

Source Information

Al Jazeera

In the West Virginia mountains, a radio station is caught in the funding cut crossfire

July 20, 2025
Allegheny Mountain Radio, which runs three community radio stations in West Virginia, faces challenges from funding cuts. These stations are not part of the NPR network, but the cuts still affect them.

Key Facts:

  • Allegheny Mountain Radio operates three community radio stations in West Virginia.
  • These stations are not members of NPR (National Public Radio).
  • Despite not being part of NPR, they are impacted by funding reductions.
  • Funding cuts refer to reductions in financial support necessary for operations.
  • The stations provide local news and information important to their community.

Source Information

NPR National
Taiwan coach apologises for 'pressuring' students to give blood

Taiwan coach apologises for 'pressuring' students to give blood

July 20, 2025
A sports coach at a Taiwanese university apologized for allegedly pressuring students to give blood for research projects. An internal investigation revealed that the blood sampling took place from 2019 to 2024, and concerns were raised about the methods used for collecting the blood.

Key Facts:

  • The coach involved was Chou Tai-ying from National Taiwan Normal University.
  • The issue came to light in 2024 when a politician, Chen Pei-yu, raised concerns.
  • The students were reportedly told their academic credits might be affected if they didn't participate.
  • An investigation found the blood was collected from 2019 to 2024 for research.
  • Students were allegedly asked to give blood once a day, and the samples were discarded after problems were found.
  • The research aimed to help student athletes but ended up causing concerns and harm.
  • The university's principal, Wu Cheng-chi, apologized for the school's lack of oversight.
  • Taiwan's education ministry is reviewing the case and considering actions against the coach.

Source Information

BBC World
Most teens have used AI to flirt and chat — but still prefer human interaction

Most teens have used AI to flirt and chat — but still prefer human interaction

July 20, 2025
Nearly three-quarters of U.S. teenagers have used AI tools to chat or seek support, according to a study by Common Sense Media. While many teens use these digital companions, most prefer interacting with real friends. The study raises concerns about teens sharing personal info with AI and the potential impact on their social skills.

Key Facts:

  • Almost 75% of U.S. teens have used AI tools for communication or support.
  • AI tools like CHAI, Character.AI, Nomi, and Replika allow teens to engage in role-playing and seeking mental health support.
  • 52% of teens use AI companions regularly, meaning a few times each month.
  • One-third of teens have discussed serious topics with AI rather than people.
  • A quarter of teens shared personal information like names and locations with AI companions.
  • 80% of teens still favor human friendships over interactions with AI.
  • Many teens expressed distrust in the advice from AI companions, especially older ones.
  • Common Sense Media advises against under-18s using AI companions due to risks and potential addiction.

Source Information

NPR Home
'Disappointment' after real living wage bid paused

'Disappointment' after real living wage bid paused

July 20, 2025
Vale of White Horse District Council in Oxfordshire has paused its efforts to become an accredited real living wage employer. The council decided to wait because evaluating and reaching agreements with contractors to pay the real living wage is demanding in terms of time and resources, especially as local government reorganisation is planned in the area.

Key Facts:

  • Vale of White Horse District Council stopped its effort to become an accredited real living wage employer.
  • A real living wage is £12.60 per hour outside London, more than the national minimum wage of £12.20.
  • More than 16,000 employers are already accredited as paying the real living wage.
  • The council said contacting contractors to agree to the higher wage is time-consuming and requires a lot of work.
  • Local government in Oxfordshire will be reorganised by 2028, changing the structure of councils.
  • Green councillors proposed the move to pay the real living wage in 2023.
  • The reorganisation means councils like Vale of White Horse will no longer exist, affecting decision-making on future wage policies.

Source Information

BBC Business
Trains return to public ownership in south Essex

Trains return to public ownership in south Essex

July 20, 2025
Rail services between south Essex and London are now under public ownership for the first time since the 20th century, as c2c, the operator of these routes, was nationalized. The change is part of a government effort to unify the rail system in England, Wales, and Scotland under Great British Railways to improve service and reduce costs.

Key Facts:

  • Rail services between south Essex and London are now publicly owned.
  • c2c, the operator of these services, became nationalized on a Sunday.
  • The move is under the Great British Railways, a new governmental body managing the rail system.
  • This change is possible due to the Passenger Railway Services (Public Ownership) Act 2024.
  • c2c is the sixth rail operator in the UK to be nationalized.
  • Greater Anglia, another rail operator, will also be nationalized on 12 October.
  • Nationalization aims to save up to £150 million and reduce delays and cancellations.
  • Critics worry that nationalization might increase taxpayer costs.

Source Information

BBC Business
Bonus episode: The Indicator plays... movie business trivia!

Bonus episode: The Indicator plays... movie business trivia!

July 20, 2025
The Indicator from Planet Money released a bonus episode where the hosts play a movie business trivia game. The episode is part of a series about Hollywood and encourages listeners to join in on the fun.

Key Facts:

  • The Indicator from Planet Money is a podcast by NPR.
  • In the bonus episode, hosts play a trivia game related to movie businesses.
  • The episode is part of a series focused on Hollywood topics.
  • Listeners can play along with the hosts in the trivia game.
  • The bonus episode is available on various platforms like Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
  • Fact-checking for the episode was done by Sierra Juarez.

Source Information

NPR Business
Parked in lay-bys - the drivers determined to avoid airport drop-off fees

Parked in lay-bys - the drivers determined to avoid airport drop-off fees

July 19, 2025
Many drivers at Edinburgh Airport are parking in nearby lay-bys to avoid high fees in the official drop-off zone. Research shows that drop-off charges have increased at many UK airports, including Edinburgh, where it costs £6 for a 10-minute stay.

Key Facts:

  • Drivers park near Edinburgh Airport to avoid drop-off fees.
  • Edinburgh Airport charges £6 for a 10-minute stay in the drop-off zone.
  • RAC research found drop-off fees have increased at more than half of the UK's busiest airports.
  • Edinburgh Airport lacks clear signage about these fees before entering the drop-off area.
  • Some drivers park along Eastfield Road and wait for a message to pick up passengers.
  • Most of the busiest airports in the European Union do not charge for drop-offs.
  • Edinburgh Airport offers a free 30-minute drop-off zone about half a mile from the terminal.

Source Information

BBC Business
Are we willing to drop cash Isas and take more risks with our money?

Are we willing to drop cash Isas and take more risks with our money?

July 19, 2025
The UK government is discussing ways to encourage people to invest in stocks and shares instead of keeping money in low-interest savings accounts. Some experts believe this could especially benefit women, who currently invest less than men. However, increasing investments among the general population may require reducing financial jargon and improving education about investing.

Key Facts:

  • The Chancellor of the UK is considering sending savers details about investment opportunities.
  • There is a possibility that the tax-free allowance for cash Isas could be reduced to encourage stock and share investments.
  • Experts note that women tend to invest less than men and suggest targeted efforts to make investing more appealing to women.
  • Investment interest or returns from savings accounts are predictable, while stocks and shares can fluctuate in value.
  • Improving financial literacy and reducing complex language may help more people, especially beginners, feel comfortable with investing.
  • A group of women investors noted the challenge of breaking into a male-dominated area, emphasizing the need for better education and resources.
  • Some women shared experiences of having to quickly learn about investing after personal life changes like divorce.

Source Information

BBC Business
Anti-immigrant rallies staged across Poland

Anti-immigrant rallies staged across Poland

July 19, 2025
Large anti-immigration rallies happened in many Polish towns and cities, with the biggest one in Katowice involving about 3,000 people. The protests were organized by far-right groups, but official data shows that migration into Poland is not as high as claimed by these groups.

Key Facts:

  • Anti-immigration protests took place in several towns and cities across Poland.
  • The largest rally was in Katowice, with around 3,000 participants.
  • The protests were organized by a far-right group called Konfederacja and another nationalist group.
  • Politicians from Konfederacja claim a high level of illegal migration, but official numbers do not support this.
  • A moment of silence was observed at some rallies for a murdered Polish woman in Torun.
  • In Warsaw, there were rival protests close to each other, but no violence was reported.
  • Police have arrested a Venezuelan man related to the case of the murdered woman.
  • Poland introduced border checks with Germany and Lithuania this month, following Germany's move to control its borders.

Source Information

BBC World
Usyk destroys Dubois to reclaim undisputed crown

Usyk destroys Dubois to reclaim undisputed crown

July 19, 2025
Oleksandr Usyk defeated Daniel Dubois in the fifth round to become the undisputed heavyweight boxing champion again. The match took place at Wembley Stadium, where Usyk maintained his unbeaten record with 24 wins. Dubois lost his third professional fight and will need to regroup after this defeat.

Key Facts:

  • Oleksandr Usyk won against Daniel Dubois in round five.
  • The fight was held at Wembley Stadium in front of 90,000 fans.
  • Usyk is now a two-time undisputed heavyweight champion.
  • Usyk remains undefeated with a record of 24 wins.
  • Dubois has now lost three times as a professional.
  • Usyk reclaimed the IBF title and also holds the WBA (Super), WBO, and WBC titles.
  • Dubois had previously defended his IBF title by beating Anthony Joshua.
  • Usyk plans to rest for a few months before considering his next move.

Source Information

BBC World