Technology News

Sirens and evacuations as Taipei rehearses to counter China invasion threat

July 17, 2025

Taipei held large civil defense exercises to prepare for a potential invasion by China. Air raid sirens sounded, and residents participated in evacuation drills as part of Taiwan's largest annual military exercise. The event highlighted efforts to strengthen Taiwan's defenses and raise awareness among the population.

Key Facts:

Taipei conducted one of its biggest civil defense drills against a potential Chinese invasion.
Snaring sirens and evacuation exercises temporarily halted city activities, including traffic and businesses.
The drills were part of the Han Kuang exercises, Taiwan's major annual military event.
China claims Taiwan as its territory and has not ruled out using force for reunification.
The event included air-raid drills, mass casualty simulations, and the presence of local and foreign officials.
Taiwan's President William Lai emphasized unity, resilience, and the aim to prevent war through preparedness.
China criticized the drills as an attempt by Taiwan's government to promote independence.
A poll indicated over 60% of Taiwanese do not believe an invasion will happen within the next five years.

Source Information

BBC World

Babies born in UK using DNA from three people to avoid genetic disease

July 17, 2025

Eight healthy babies have been born in the UK using a new IVF technique that combines DNA from three people. This procedure aims to help prevent inherited mitochondrial diseases, which currently have no cure.

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The IVF technique uses DNA from the mother's egg, the father's sperm, and healthy donor mitochondrial DNA.
Mitochondrial diseases affect about 1 in 5,000 births and cause serious health issues.
The procedure was approved in the UK in 2015, but remains controversial.
In the study, 22 women underwent the treatment, resulting in eight births.
These eight babies are between less than six months and over two years old.
For six of the babies, mutated mitochondrial DNA was reduced by 95-100%.
Two of the babies had their mutated mitochondrial DNA reduced by 77-88%.
This technique is not yet approved in many countries, including the US and France.

Source Information

Al Jazeera

Stand back! This explosive cucumber is bursting with seeds

July 17, 2025

Researchers studied the squirting cucumber, a plant that spreads its seeds by exploding. The plant's fruit builds up pressure and, when disturbed, bursts open, sending seeds flying far from the parent plant to reduce competition.

Key Facts:

The squirting cucumber releases its seeds by bursting when ripe.
The fruit is filled with fluid that creates pressure and causes the explosion.
The plant's seeds can travel nearly 40 feet away due to this mechanism.
Researchers measured a consistent fruit angle of about 50 degrees, which helps the seeds shoot far.
The seeds can reach speeds of nearly 30 miles per hour.
High-speed videos and micro-CT scans helped researchers understand how the seeds are lined up and ejected.
A similar study found the seeds can travel at 37 miles per hour and also confirmed the long distance of seed travel.
The seed expulsion is unique because the plant uses fluid to propel its seeds.

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NPR Home

Food voucher scheme 'paused' due to high demand

July 17, 2025

North Northamptonshire Council has temporarily stopped accepting new applications for food vouchers due to a high number of requests. These vouchers support low-income families and other vulnerable groups, with the program set to resume on August 4.

Key Facts:

The council paused new voucher applications because many people applied since June 23.
Only certain groups, like low-income families and people with disabilities, could apply for the vouchers.
Vouchers vary in amount: £150 for a single person, £260 for two people, and £320 for three or more.
The funding for these vouchers comes from the Department of Work and Pensions through the Household Support Fund.
Inflation in the UK rose to 3.6%, influenced by increased prices in food, clothing, travel, and smaller decreases in fuel costs.
People who applied after June 23 don't need to reapply, and processing of applications may take up to two months.
New applications are expected to open again on August 4.

Source Information

BBC Business

Fire ‘severely damages’ Belgium’s Tomorrowland stage ahead of Friday start

July 17, 2025

A fire destroyed the main stage at the Tomorrowland music festival in Belgium. No one was hurt in the incident, which happened two days before the festival was supposed to start and be attended by around 100,000 people. Organizers say the festival will still begin as planned, and authorities are investigating the fire, which seems to have been accidental.

Key Facts:

A large fire damaged the main stage of the Tomorrowland electronic dance music festival in Belgium.
The event was set to start two days later, with an expected attendance of 100,000 people.
No injuries were reported from the fire incident.
Firefighters tried to save the stage, and investigators believe the fire was accidental.
Tomorrowland is an annual festival in Boom, near Brussels, and will proceed as planned.
The festival's campground is opening on Thursday, and campers will start arriving then.
Several famous DJs are set to perform, with events split between different stages.
Tomorrowland also has winter editions in France and Brazil, and was founded 20 years ago.

Source Information

Al Jazeera

Virginia is for … data centers? Residents are increasingly saying no

July 17, 2025

In Virginia, there are many data centers, which are large buildings that store internet data. Some residents are unhappy because these centers use a lot of electricity and water and can be noisy. The demand for data centers is growing because more people are using the internet and artificial intelligence.

Key Facts:

Virginia has nearly 600 data centers, including 150 very large ones.
Data centers store internet data and are essential for online activities like banking and emergency services.
The rise in artificial intelligence has increased the need for more data centers.
Some residents are concerned about the high power and water usage of these centers.
A major utility company in Virginia plans to expand its power capacity to support new data centers.
Critics say these centers are impacting residential areas with noise and environmental issues.
The data center industry invested $24 billion in Virginia last year.
Balancing community concerns with the economic benefits of data centers is an ongoing issue.

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NPR Home

When is cosplay a crime?

July 17, 2025

Dressing up as characters from movies or comics, known as cosplay, can sometimes create legal issues related to intellectual property, which are the rights given to companies for their creations. The episode features cosplayers, a lawyer, and a company discussing how to balance these rights while allowing people to express themselves creatively.

Key Facts:

Cosplay involves dressing up as characters from popular culture.
It can lead to legal questions about intellectual property, which are the exclusive rights held by creators or companies over their work.
Lucasfilm, a film production company, is mentioned in discussions around these legal concerns.
A lawyer provides insights into the legal complexities of cosplay.
The episode explores how cosplayers and companies can coexist economically while respecting legal boundaries.
The show is part of "The Indicator from Planet Money" series on NPR.
Fact-checking was done by Sierra Juarez.
The podcast is available on platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and others.

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NPR Business

Edward Said and the Question of Palestine

July 17, 2025

Edward Said was a professor at Columbia University who worked to bring the issues of Palestine to the attention of people in the United States. Even after he passed away, his work continues to influence students and scholars around the world, with his writings and interviews being widely shared and studied.

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Edward Said was a professor at Columbia University for almost 40 years.
He focused on raising awareness about the Palestinian perspective.
His work is still influential, two decades after his death.
Students and activists continue to mention him during pro-Palestine protests.
Said's interviews and writings are shared on social media.
His books are part of university curricula worldwide.
Guests on the NPR episode include people who have studied and written about his work.

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NPR World

Senate approves cuts to NPR, PBS and foreign aid programs

July 17, 2025

The Senate approved a plan from the Trump administration that aims to cut $9 billion from certain programs. This includes reducing funds for public broadcasting, like NPR and PBS, and foreign aid programs. The decision now moves to the House for final approval.

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The Senate voted to cut $1.1 billion from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, affecting NPR and PBS funding.
An additional $7.9 billion is cut from foreign aid and other programs.
The Senate decision passed with a 51-48 vote; most Democrats opposed it, while most Republicans supported it.
Two Republican senators, Susan Collins from Maine and Lisa Murkowski from Alaska, voted against the bill.
The House had already approved a previous version of this funding cut plan.
Senator Tina Smith from Minnesota missed the vote because she was in the hospital.
Senator Lisa Murkowski proposed an amendment to protect public broadcasting, citing its role in emergency alerts, but it was not passed.
Public broadcasting organizations expressed concern that these cuts could harm community services and public safety alerts.

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NPR Home

Busiest UK airports raise kiss-and-fly fees, says RAC

July 16, 2025

More than half of the UK's busiest airports have increased fees for "kiss-and-fly" drop-offs, where cars briefly stop to let passengers off near terminals. This trend contrasts with European airports, where most do not charge for such drop-offs. Airports claim the charges help manage congestion and environmental issues.

Key Facts:

11 out of 20 major UK airports have raised their "kiss-and-fly" fees since July.
Gatwick, Bristol, Leeds Bradford, and Southampton charge £7 for a brief stop close to terminals.
Nine out of the 10 busiest airports in the European Union do not charge drop-off fees.
London Heathrow, Edinburgh, Birmingham, and Liverpool increased their fees by £1 to £6.
Cardiff Airport introduced a new fee of £3 for 10 minutes.
London Luton and Manchester charge £5 for 5 minutes, the highest per minute cost.
Airports argue the fees help reduce congestion and emissions and support new flight routes.
Blue Badge holders, such as those with disabilities, are exempt from these charges at some airports.

Source Information

BBC Business

Watch: 'She took me back' - Obamas joke about divorce rumours

July 16, 2025

Former President Barack Obama appeared on a podcast with Michelle Obama to address rumors about their marriage. Michelle Obama dismissed the rumors of divorce, saying they had never thought of splitting up. Speculation began after she missed several public events earlier this year.

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Barack Obama made a surprise appearance on a podcast and video show with Michelle Obama and her brother, Craig Robinson.
Michelle Obama refuted rumors about her and Barack's divorce, stating she never considered leaving him.
Speculation about their marriage began when Michelle skipped several high-profile events, including Donald Trump's inauguration and Jimmy Carter's funeral.
The couple used humor to address and dispel the divorce rumors on the show.
The podcast episode aired on a Wednesday, although no specific date was mentioned in the article.

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BBC US

Largest Mars rock ever found on Earth sells for $4.3m at auction

July 16, 2025

A large piece of Mars rock, weighing about 54 pounds, sold for $4.3 million at a Sotheby's auction in New York. This meteorite, found in Niger, is the largest Martian meteorite discovered on Earth.

Key Facts:

The Martian meteorite is known as NWA 16788.
It weighs 54 pounds (24.5 kilograms) and is nearly 15 inches (38.1 centimeters) long.
It was found in a remote area of Niger in November 2023.
The meteorite is 70% larger than the next biggest piece of Mars found on Earth.
It is described as "unbelievably rare" by Sotheby's, with only about 400 Martian meteorites ever found on Earth.
The total price, including taxes and fees, was about $5.3 million.
The auction also sold a Ceratosaurus skeleton for $26 million and a dinosaur skull for $1.4 million.
The final buyer of the meteorite remains unknown, as details of the sale are private.

Source Information

BBC World

Clawing back foreign aid is tied to 'fraud, waste and abuse.' What's the evidence?

July 16, 2025

The Trump administration proposed taking back $7.9 billion in foreign aid, citing claims of waste, fraud, and abuse. However, some experts and former officials argue there was little evidence to support these claims, and the aid cuts might be politically motivated.

Key Facts:

The Trump administration aimed to cut $7.9 billion in foreign aid due to alleged "waste, fraud, and abuse."
USAID, responsible for handling foreign aid, was shut down on July 1 with programs moved to the State Department.
Senate was set to vote on rescinding nearly $8 billion, approved earlier by the House, by the end of the week.
Paul Martin, USAID's former inspector general, and other experts questioned the evidence supporting these claims.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated a review of 6,500 programs found inefficient spending.
Some officials reported that the review process was not thorough, only involving search for specific key words.
These officials suggested that cuts happened before any detailed evaluations of programs.
The decision to cut programs led to internal turmoil at USAID and the State Department.

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NPR Home

Fire engulfs main stage of Tomorrowland festival, two days before opening

July 16, 2025

A fire has destroyed the main stage of the Tomorrowland festival in Belgium, two days before the event's opening. No one was hurt, and organizers are working on solutions to proceed with the festival as planned.

Key Facts:

The fire happened on the main stage of the Tomorrowland festival in Belgium.
The fire occurred just two days before the festival was set to begin.
No injuries were reported from the incident.
Tomorrowland expects around 400,000 attendees over two weekends.
Firefighters addressed the fire in Boom, south of Antwerp.
Videos online showed flames and smoke covering the stage.
Some reports suggest the fire might have started from pyrotechnics.
The festival campsite is still set to open on Thursday.

Source Information

BBC World

Virginia is for…data centers? Residents are increasingly saying 'No'

July 16, 2025

Virginia has the highest number of data centers in the world, which many local residents oppose. They are concerned about the impact these facilities have on their communities.

Key Facts:

Virginia has more data centers than anywhere else in the world.
Data centers are large buildings that store digital information.
Some residents in Virginia do not like the growth of data centers.
Concerns include noise, environmental impact, and the use of land.
Data centers are important for storing and managing the internet's data.
Companies build data centers in Virginia because of affordable land and proximity to internet infrastructure.

Source Information

NPR Business

Idaho farmer calls for new look at immigration policy amid raids

July 16, 2025

Immigration arrests have increased across the United States under President Trump. Arrests have more than doubled in 38 states, with Idaho seeing the largest rise.

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Immigration arrests have increased in all 50 states.
In 38 states, these arrests have more than doubled.
Idaho has experienced the largest increase, with over 300 arrests by ICE.
ICE stands for Immigration and Customs Enforcement, a U.S. agency responsible for enforcing immigration laws.
Shay Myers, a farmer in Idaho, spoke about his workforce, which includes immigrants.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour

The U.K. government secretly relocated thousands of Afghans to Britain for two years

July 16, 2025

The UK government moved thousands of Afghans to Britain after their identities were exposed in a data leak. The plan was kept secret to protect these individuals from the Taliban.

Key Facts:

The UK government secretly relocated thousands of Afghans to Britain.
The relocation was in response to a data leak that put these Afghans at risk from the Taliban.
These Afghans had helped British troops during their time in Afghanistan.
The plan to move them to Britain cost around a billion dollars.
The government's goal was to protect these individuals and their families from possible harm.

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NPR World

Meet the oldest runner to complete the Badwater Ultramarathon

July 16, 2025

Bob Becker, aged 80, became the oldest person to finish the Badwater 135 ultramarathon. The race is extremely difficult, starting in the hot conditions of Death Valley and crossing three mountain ranges.

Key Facts:

Bob Becker is 80 years old.
He completed the Badwater 135 ultramarathon.
The race starts in Death Valley, known for its high temperatures.
The course is 135 miles long.
Racers must cross three mountain ranges during the event.
Becker is now the oldest person to finish this ultramarathon.

Source Information

NPR National

More than 1,000 arrested in Cambodian cyber-scam raids

July 16, 2025

Cambodian authorities have arrested over 1,000 people in a crackdown on cyber-scam operations across five provinces. The raids follow a directive from Prime Minister Hun Manet to stop online scams, which often involve organized crime groups. Many arrested individuals were found in compounds where people were forced to carry out scams, tricking victims out of large amounts of money.

Key Facts:

Authorities conducted raids in at least five provinces in Cambodia.
Over 1,000 people were arrested between Monday and Wednesday.
The crackdown targets cyber-scam operations linked to organized crime.
Many of these scams are run from compounds where workers are forced to participate.
Prime Minister Hun Manet warned officials they could lose their jobs if they do not act against scams.
Equipment like computers and mobile phones was seized during the raids.
Those arrested included nationals from Vietnam, China, Taiwan, Thailand, Indonesia, and Myanmar.
The UN estimates 100,000 people are enslaved in Cambodia's scam operations, part of a larger $40 billion scam network in Southeast Asia.

Source Information

Al Jazeera

How a third parent's DNA can prevent an inherited disease

July 16, 2025

Scientists have developed a method to create "three-parent" babies to help prevent certain genetic disorders. British researchers used this technique to help eight children, who appear healthy and do not have inherited mitochondrial diseases. These disorders affect the mitochondria, which are parts of cells that produce energy.

Key Facts:

"Three-parent" babies are created using DNA from three people to prevent genetic disorders.
British researchers helped eight children using this method; they are all under three years old.
Mitochondrial disorders can cause severe health issues, such as heart failure and blindness.
This new method aims to prevent these disorders by addressing defects in mitochondrial DNA.
Some scientists and doctors are excited about the advancement, calling it a breakthrough.
Critics are concerned about potential risks and ethical implications, like creating "designer babies."
The technique is not allowed for childbearing in the U.S., but it is legal in countries like Australia.

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