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Cuban minister resigns after saying country has no beggars

Cuban minister resigns after saying country has no beggars

July 16, 2025
The Cuban Minister for Labour and Social Security, Marta Elena Feitó-Cabrera, resigned after claiming there were no beggars in Cuba, which sparked widespread criticism. Her remarks came amid worsening poverty and food shortages in the country, leading to a response from Cuba's president and calls for her removal.

Key Facts:

  • Marta Elena Feitó-Cabrera was the Cuban Minister for Labour and Social Security.
  • She claimed there were no beggars in Cuba during a parliamentary session.
  • Feitó-Cabrera's comments suggested people scavenging were doing so by choice and not out of need.
  • Her statements led to widespread criticism from both Cubans and the president, Miguel Díaz-Canel.
  • Feitó-Cabrera resigned shortly after making the comments.
  • Poverty and food shortages in Cuba have been getting worse due to a severe economic crisis.
  • The president stated leaders should not be disconnected from the people's struggles.
  • The Cuban government accepted her resignation, but it does not publish official data on begging.

Source Information

BBC World
The story of China and Hollywood's big-screen romance

The story of China and Hollywood's big-screen romance

July 16, 2025
China has become a major player in the global film industry, rivaling the United States in box office earnings. The relationship between the US and Chinese film industries has evolved over time, with both countries influencing each other's movie markets.

Key Facts:

  • The US historically led global box office earnings until China emerged as a strong competitor.
  • China and Hollywood have a long history of interaction and collaboration in the film industry.
  • The relationship between the two film industries has seen changes in power and influence over time.
  • The collaboration between China and Hollywood is part of a broader look at the movie business discussed in the NPR show.
  • The dynamic between the US and China’s film industries includes periods of closer collaboration and moments of tension.

Source Information

NPR Business
Summer School 2: How taxes change behavior and the economy

Summer School 2: How taxes change behavior and the economy

July 16, 2025
NPR’s Planet Money Summer School episode explores how taxes can influence people's behavior and the broader economy. It discusses whether taxes can help reduce poverty and protect the environment, with insights from Professor Darrick Hamilton.

Key Facts:

  • The episode is part of NPR’s Planet Money Summer School series.
  • Professor Darrick Hamilton from The New School speaks about the effects of taxes.
  • Topics include using taxes to reduce poverty and save the environment.
  • The episode mentions terms like progressive taxation and Pigouvian tax.
  • The show includes other episodes that discuss tax-related themes.
  • The podcast is available on platforms like Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
  • Planet Money+ offers bonus episodes for subscribers.

Source Information

NPR Business
AI and disinformation fuel political rivalries in the Philippines

AI and disinformation fuel political rivalries in the Philippines

July 15, 2025
Former Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested by the International Criminal Court (ICC) over alleged murder charges connected to his war on drugs. Following the arrest, there have been online harassment and disinformation campaigns against victims' families, such as Sheerah Escuerdo, who was targeted with an AI-generated video falsely claiming her brother is alive. Disinformation, involving false posts and AI content, has intensified the political tension between supporters of Duterte and the current Philippine president, Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Key Facts:

  • Former Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested by the ICC for alleged crimes during his war on drugs.
  • Sheerah Escuerdo, who lost her brother during Duterte's war, was targeted with an AI-generated video claiming he was alive.
  • The video, posted by a pro-Duterte influencer, spread widely on Facebook, leading to harassment of Escuerdo.
  • The disinformation campaigns involve fake accounts, doctored images, and AI-generated content.
  • The political tension increased between Duterte supporters and those of current President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
  • Both Duterte and Marcos Jr's camps have used disinformation tactics in the past.
  • The National Union of People's Lawyers and Rise Up group have requested a government investigation into the online harassment.
  • The disinformation campaigns aim to discredit the ICC and Duterte's critics, while portraying Duterte's family as victims.

Source Information

Al Jazeera
Trip drink ad banned over claim it makes you calm

Trip drink ad banned over claim it makes you calm

July 15, 2025
An advertisement for Trip drinks was banned for making claims that the drink can help people feel calm and reduce stress, which violated advertising rules. The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) found that these health claims were not allowed under the current guidelines.

Key Facts:

  • Trip drinks advertised benefits such as calming and reducing stress.
  • The ad featured ingredients like cucumber, mint, and magnesium.
  • The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) upheld three complaints about these claims.
  • The Great Britain nutrition and health claims register does not permit such claims in adverts.
  • The ad included phrases that suggested it could lower anxiety, which the ASA found misleading.
  • Trip's ad falsely claimed to have "0g added sugar."
  • CBD, used by Trip drinks, is a compound in the marijuana plant marketed for relaxation, but it does not cause a high.
  • The ASA banned the ad from appearing in the same form again.

Source Information

BBC Business
US House Speaker calls for 'transparency' on Epstein, in departure from Trump

US House Speaker calls for 'transparency' on Epstein, in departure from Trump

July 15, 2025
US House Speaker Mike Johnson has asked for the release of all justice department files on Jeffrey Epstein, differing from President Trump's stance. While Trump supports Attorney General Pam Bondi's decision to release only credible information, Johnson and other Republicans, like Marjorie Taylor-Greene and Lauren Boebert, call for full transparency.

Key Facts:

  • Mike Johnson, US House Speaker, wants all Epstein files released.
  • President Trump advises releasing only credible information.
  • Epstein died in prison in 2019; his death was ruled a suicide.
  • Some Republicans believe important details about Epstein are hidden.
  • Attorney General Pam Bondi says last week's memo speaks for itself.
  • Some Republican Congress members like Marjorie Taylor-Greene and Lauren Boebert also want transparency.
  • House Democrats attempted to force a vote to release the files but were unsuccessful.
  • The justice department reviewed over 300 gigabytes of data related to Epstein.

Source Information

BBC US
Tech Life

Tech Life

July 15, 2025
A BBC Sounds program called "Tech Life" features a segment where experts answer questions about quantum computers. This episode was released on July 15, 2025, and is available to listen to for over a year.

Key Facts:

  • The "Tech Life" program discusses quantum computers.
  • Experts in quantum computing answer questions from listeners.
  • The episode was released on July 15, 2025.
  • The program is available for listening for more than a year.
  • Quantum computers are an advanced type of computer that can solve certain problems much faster than regular computers.
  • "Tech Life" is a show on BBC Sounds, a platform for audio content.

Source Information

BBC Tech

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Climate change is fueling brutal rainstorms. Here's how to stay safe

Climate change is fueling brutal rainstorms. Here's how to stay safe

July 15, 2025
Heavy rainstorms and flooding are becoming more common due to climate change. Communities across the United States have experienced severe flooding, which reveals that current infrastructure may not be adequate to handle these events. Improving infrastructure to deal with increased flooding will be very expensive.

Key Facts:

  • Climate change is leading to more frequent and intense rainstorms.
  • Many U.S. communities have experienced severe floods recently.
  • These extreme weather events are expected to increase as the planet warms.
  • Current infrastructure is often not sufficient to manage increased flood risks.
  • Upgrading infrastructure to handle flooding better will cost a lot of money.
  • The Federal Emergency Management Agency's flood maps sometimes miss predicted flood zones.
  • Camp Mystic in Texas faced heavy damage from recent flooding.

Source Information

NPR National
Air India crash report raises questions about mental health care for pilots

Air India crash report raises questions about mental health care for pilots

July 15, 2025
The Air India crash that killed 260 people is under investigation. Preliminary findings show no mechanical problems, but the plane's fuel cutoff switches were turned off shortly after takeoff. Experts suggest a pilot might have done this.

Key Facts:

  • The crash involved an Air India plane and resulted in the death of 260 people.
  • Early investigations found no evidence of mechanical problems with the plane.
  • Investigators discovered that the plane's fuel cutoff switches were turned off moments after takeoff.
  • Experts suggest that it is likely one of the pilots turned off the fuel switches.
  • William Brangham and aviation correspondent Miles O’Brien discussed the investigation details.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour
A Brief But Spectacular take on agrivoltaics

A Brief But Spectacular take on agrivoltaics

July 15, 2025
Byron Kominek turned his family's farm in Colorado into a place where crops and solar energy are both produced. The project, called Jack’s Solar Garden, shows how farming and solar power can work together.

Key Facts:

  • Byron Kominek manages a farm in Colorado.
  • The farm combines growing crops with producing solar energy.
  • This approach is known as agrivoltaics, which means using the same land for agriculture and solar power.
  • The farm was originally used to grow hay.
  • It has now been transformed to also include solar panels.
  • The farm's name is Jack’s Solar Garden.
  • The project aims to show how agriculture and clean energy can coexist successfully.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour
Carney says US-Canada trade deal likely to include some tariffs

Carney says US-Canada trade deal likely to include some tariffs

July 15, 2025
Prime Minister Mark Carney stated that a trade deal between Canada and the United States might include some tariffs. The US recently announced a 35% tariff on Canadian goods set to start on August 1, while Canada has responded with its own measures against US tariffs.

Key Facts:

  • Mark Carney is the Prime Minister of Canada, discussing trade negotiations with the US.
  • The US plans to apply a 35% tariff on Canadian goods beginning August 1.
  • Trump has previously imposed a 50% tariff on global aluminium and steel and a 25% tariff on non-US cars and trucks.
  • Canada has responded with its own counter-tariffs to US measures.
  • Canada and the US are major trading partners, with Canada selling about 75% of its exports to the US.
  • Most trade between the US, Canada, and Mexico is currently duty-free due to an agreement called the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (Cusma).
  • Around 91% of Canadian exports to the US are duty-free under this agreement.
  • Talks are ongoing, and Carney mentioned he would only agree to a deal beneficial to Canada.

Source Information

BBC US
Tesla launches Model Y in India with elevated price tag amid high tariffs

Tesla launches Model Y in India with elevated price tag amid high tariffs

July 15, 2025
Tesla has introduced its Model Y car in India, starting at about $70,000, due to high import tariffs. Deliveries are expected to begin in the third quarter, with Tesla competing in the luxury electric vehicle market against brands like BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

Key Facts:

  • Tesla launched its Model Y in India with prices starting around $70,000.
  • High import tariffs drive up the cost of the car in India compared to other countries.
  • Tesla began taking orders and opened its first showroom in Mumbai.
  • Model Y deliveries are expected to start in the third quarter of this year.
  • Tesla targets the high-end electric car market in India, competing with luxury brands.
  • Import duties and tariffs on electric cars in India can exceed 100%.
  • Tesla plans to install superchargers in Mumbai and New Delhi.
  • India mainly uses right-hand drive vehicles, which Tesla's US factories do not currently produce.

Source Information

Al Jazeera
U.S. senator wants DOGE out of sensitive farmer payment system

U.S. senator wants DOGE out of sensitive farmer payment system

July 15, 2025
Senator Tammy Baldwin from Wisconsin has asked the U.S. Department of Agriculture to limit the access of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to a database that manages payments and loans to farmers. Concerns have been raised that the access given to DOGE staffers, who have no agriculture background, could lead to privacy breaches and potential errors that might harm farmers.

Key Facts:

  • Sen. Tammy Baldwin wants DOGE's access to a USDA database controlling farmer payments and loans revoked.
  • DOGE's access could breach farmers' privacy and risk affecting food security and farmland operations.
  • The database, called the National Payment Service, handles financial details and payments for U.S. farmers.
  • Jordan Wick, a DOGE staffer, has been granted unique high-level access to this sensitive system.
  • This access allows Wick to view and alter financial information with little oversight.
  • Concerns exist about possible mistakes by those unfamiliar with the USDA's complex systems.
  • A recent issue flagged over 200 farmers' accounts due to incorrect birthdate entries.
  • USDA has confirmed that DOGE staff are reviewing agricultural loans and payments, citing a drive for government efficiency.

Source Information

NPR Home
MSF says 3 of its workers were ‘intentionally’ killed in Ethiopia’s Tigray

MSF says 3 of its workers were ‘intentionally’ killed in Ethiopia’s Tigray

July 15, 2025
Three staff members from Doctors Without Borders were killed on June 24, 2021, in Ethiopia's Tigray region during the civil conflict. The organization’s internal review states the killings were intentional and accuses the Ethiopian government of not completing its investigation.

Key Facts:

  • Three employees of Doctors Without Borders were intentionally killed in Tigray, Ethiopia.
  • The victims included a Spanish coordinator and two Ethiopian workers.
  • They were clearly identified as aid workers during the attack.
  • The incident involved a convoy of Ethiopian soldiers nearby at the time.
  • MSF has not received answers from Ethiopian authorities, despite several inquiries.
  • A peace deal in the Tigray region is fragile, with ongoing tensions.
  • The civil war in Tigray led to the deaths of about 600,000 people and displaced a million.
  • The New York Times suggested an army officer ordered the killings, but MSF cannot confirm this.

Source Information

Al Jazeera
5 takeaways from the 2025 Emmy nominations

5 takeaways from the 2025 Emmy nominations

July 15, 2025
The 2025 Emmy nominations were announced, with winners to be revealed on September 14. Apple TV+'s "Severance" and "The Studio" received the most nods in the drama and comedy categories. Streaming platforms like Apple TV+, Max, and Disney+ showed strong performances in the nominations.

Key Facts:

  • The Emmy winners will be announced on September 14, 2025.
  • "Severance" received 27 nominations, and "The Studio" received 23 nominations.
  • Both "Severance" and "The Studio" are Apple TV+ shows with many famous actors.
  • Jeff Hiller from "Somebody Somewhere" on HBO received a nomination in his final year of eligibility.
  • Harrison Ford got his first Emmy nomination for "Shrinking" on Apple TV+.
  • Streaming platforms like Apple TV+, Max, and Disney+ are prominent in this year's nominations.
  • Disney+ got 14 nominations for the show "Andor."
  • "Only Murders in the Building" did well for Hulu.

Source Information

NPR Home
Thousands of Afghans brought to UK under secret programme after data leak

Thousands of Afghans brought to UK under secret programme after data leak

July 15, 2025
The UK accidentally revealed personal details of over 33,000 Afghan people, putting them at risk of Taliban reprisals. In response, the UK plans to relocate about 20,000 Afghans, which may cost several billion pounds. Additionally, about 4,500 people have already been relocated or are in transit under a specific program, while the government faces lawsuits over the data breach.

Key Facts:

  • The UK disclosed personal details of more than 33,000 Afghan people by accident.
  • The information leak puts these individuals at risk from the Taliban.
  • About 20,000 Afghan people may be relocated to the UK due to this incident.
  • The relocation effort is expected to cost several billion pounds.
  • Approximately 4,500 people have relocated or are in the process under the Afghan Response Route.
  • The Ministry of Defence realized the data breach in August 2023 after part of the data was published online.
  • A legal ruling called a superinjunction was lifted, letting the court details become public.
  • The Afghan Response Route program has ended, but other resettlement routes continue.

Source Information

Al Jazeera
Fourteen people arrested after anti-migrant riots in southern Spain

Fourteen people arrested after anti-migrant riots in southern Spain

July 15, 2025
Unrest erupted in Torre Pacheco, Spain, after an attack on a 68-year-old man led to anti-migrant violence. Fourteen people have been arrested, and extra police officers have been sent to the town. Social media posts and a far-right group encouraged attacks on individuals of North African origin.

Key Facts:

  • An attack on a 68-year-old man, Domingo Tomás Domínguez, led to several nights of unrest in Torre Pacheco, Spain.
  • Three young men of Moroccan origin were arrested on suspicion of the attack, though they do not live in Torre Pacheco.
  • Fourteen people were arrested in total due to riots and anti-migrant violence.
  • The unrest started after a video related to the incident spread on social media, leading to calls for violence.
  • A far-right group named "Deport Them Now" called for attacks on people of North African origin.
  • Extra police, including 130 local and Guardia Civil officers, have been deployed to the town to stop the unrest.
  • The unrest included clashes between far-right groups and people of North African origin, with property damage reported.
  • The Spanish Interior Minister attributed the violence to anti-immigration rhetoric from far-right parties like Vox.

Source Information

BBC World
Childhood Stamp Collection Opened a Reporter's Eyes to the World

Childhood Stamp Collection Opened a Reporter's Eyes to the World

July 15, 2025
A childhood stamp collection helped a reporter see the world in new ways. Clearing out storage spaces often uncovers items like photos and books that hold personal or financial worth.

Key Facts:

  • A childhood stamp collection belonged to reporter Willem Marx.
  • Marx's collection gave him a new perspective on the world.
  • Stanley Gibbons is a well-known name in the world of stamp collecting.
  • Their catalogues are used by collectors and dealers for reference.
  • The company is considered a leader in the stamp-collecting industry.
  • Cleaning out spaces often leads to discovering valuable personal items.
  • Items found can have emotional or financial value.

Source Information

NPR Home

John MacArthur, influential evangelical preacher in California and beyond, dies at 86

July 15, 2025
Rev. John MacArthur, a well-known evangelical preacher, passed away at 86. He led Grace Community Church in Los Angeles for over 50 years and was known for his conservative teachings and sermons. MacArthur's ministry extended worldwide through broadcasts and books and was noted for defying COVID-19 health orders by holding indoor services.

Key Facts:

  • John MacArthur was an evangelical preacher who died at age 86.
  • He led Grace Community Church in Los Angeles for more than 50 years.
  • MacArthur's teachings were shared globally through broadcasts and books.
  • He became notable for holding indoor services during COVID-19, against health orders.
  • MacArthur supported complementarianism, believing men and women have different roles.
  • In 2021, Los Angeles County paid $800,000 to settle a lawsuit with his church.
  • He was known for "expository preaching," explaining the Bible line by line.
  • MacArthur was part of a family line of pastors and helped train future church leaders.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour
‘Severance’ leads Emmy noms with 27 as ‘The Studio’ tops comedies with 23

‘Severance’ leads Emmy noms with 27 as ‘The Studio’ tops comedies with 23

July 15, 2025
"Severance" led the Emmy nominations with 27 nods, while "The Studio" topped comedy series with 23 for Apple TV+. HBO's "The White Lotus" and "The Penguin" also received many nominations, making it a competitive year for several popular shows. The nominations highlight strong performances and creative achievements across multiple series.

Key Facts:

  • "Severance" received 27 Emmy nominations, the most for any drama series.
  • "The Studio" had 23 nominations and was the leading comedy series.
  • Notable nominees included Adam Scott and Britt Lower for their roles in "Severance."
  • Seth Rogen was nominated for acting, writing, and directing "The Studio."
  • "The Penguin," related to the "Batman" universe, earned 24 nominations for its limited series.
  • "The White Lotus" received 23 nominations, making it second in drama category nods.
  • HBO's "The Last of Us" got 16 nominations in the drama categories.
  • The 2025 Emmy Awards recognized shows across various genres, including dramas, comedies, and limited series.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour