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New AI voice tool trained to copy British regional accents

New AI voice tool trained to copy British regional accents

July 14, 2025
A new AI tool from the British company Synthesia can mimic regional UK accents more accurately than some other AI products. The tool, called Express-Voice, was developed using a database of UK voices and aims to preserve people's actual accents in various digital content. Concerns exist about losing language diversity and the potential misuse of advanced voice-cloning technology.

Key Facts:

  • Synthesia, a UK firm, has created a voice-cloning tool called Express-Voice.
  • Express-Voice can mimic a wide range of UK regional accents.
  • The tool was developed by collecting voice data from people with different UK accents.
  • It is intended for use in training videos, sales support, and presentations.
  • Many AI voice products traditionally use North American voice data, making it harder to reproduce non-American accents.
  • The company says it addresses customer needs for accurate regional accent representation.
  • There are fears that digital technology might lead to the loss of diverse languages and accents.
  • Voice-cloning technology could be misused, as there are already free tools available that may lack safety protections.

Source Information

BBC Tech
Heat pump makers are ready for a rush: Will customers come?

Heat pump makers are ready for a rush: Will customers come?

July 14, 2025
Octopus Energy is producing heat pumps at a factory in Northern Ireland. The UK government aims to install 600,000 heat pumps annually by 2028, but the country has not yet reached this goal. Demand for heat pumps grew in Europe after gas prices went up in 2022 but has slowed since gas became cheaper again.

Key Facts:

  • Octopus Energy manufactures heat pumps in Craigavon, Northern Ireland.
  • Heat pumps use electricity instead of oil or gas, helping to reduce carbon emissions.
  • The UK government wants to install 600,000 heat pumps per year by 2028.
  • UK sales of heat pumps were below 100,000 in 2024.
  • Demand increased in Europe after gas prices rose following the 2022 Russia-Ukraine conflict.
  • Octopus Energy's factory can produce 600 heat pumps monthly, with plans to double output.
  • Heat pumps absorb environmental heat, using a compressor and refrigerant to transfer warmth.
  • Octopus has a unique design and uses technology like insulation beads to improve efficiency.

Source Information

BBC Tech
UK to start processing Syrian asylum claims again

UK to start processing Syrian asylum claims again

July 14, 2025
The UK is resuming the processing of asylum claims from Syrians after more than seven months. This decision follows changes in Syria’s government and aims to handle asylum applications with accurate and reliable information. The UK hopes to enforce returns to Syria by the end of the year, following updated guidelines for assessing risks.

Key Facts:

  • The UK paused Syrian asylum claims in December after a change in Syria's leadership.
  • Over 7,000 Syrians in the UK were waiting for decisions on their asylum claims.
  • The UK aims to start enforcing returns to Syria before the year ends.
  • Updated guidance helps officials decide on Syrian asylum claims.
  • The guidance states that uncertain security does not automatically qualify someone for asylum.
  • Decisions must consider the individual's specific risk of persecution.
  • The UK is gradually lifting sanctions on Syria.
  • The Refugee Council welcomes the move, emphasizing case-by-case assessments of risk.

Source Information

BBC World
Electric vehicles to be discounted in government scheme

Electric vehicles to be discounted in government scheme

July 14, 2025
The UK government is starting a scheme to make electric vehicles cheaper by offering discounts up to £3,750 on new cars that cost up to £37,000. These grants aim to encourage people to switch from petrol and diesel cars, and carmakers can apply for this funding starting soon. The initiative is part of a larger government plan to ban new petrol and diesel cars by 2030, but there are concerns about the current lack of charging points.

Key Facts:

  • The UK government is offering up to £3,750 discounts on new electric cars.
  • Discounts apply to cars costing up to £37,000, with bigger cuts for eco-friendly models.
  • About 1.3 million electric cars are on UK roads, but there are only around 82,000 public charging points.
  • The government has budgeted £650 million for these discounts, running for three years.
  • The UK plans to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030.
  • Some people find the cost of upgrading home electricity connections for charging too expensive.
  • A new £63 million investment will help build more EV charging points in the UK.
  • The grants make electric cars cheaper than before, with added tax benefits for drivers using company car schemes.

Source Information

BBC Business
Reddit starts verifying ages of users in the UK

Reddit starts verifying ages of users in the UK

July 14, 2025
Starting from July 14, Reddit will begin checking the ages of its users in the UK to prevent those under 18 from accessing mature content. This move is part of the UK's new Online Safety Act, which requires websites showing adult material to use strong age verification methods.

Key Facts:

  • Reddit is starting age verification for UK users to stop under-18s from accessing adult content.
  • This change is to comply with the UK's Online Safety Act.
  • An outside company, Persona, will handle the age checks through a selfie or government ID photo.
  • Reddit will not see or keep the photos used for verification.
  • The policy starts on July 14 and helps Reddit follow new rules effective on July 25.
  • Companies not following these rules could face fines or other penalties from the UK regulator, Ofcom.

Source Information

BBC Business
Film critics reveal their favorite and most anticipated summer movies

Film critics reveal their favorite and most anticipated summer movies

July 14, 2025
Superman had a successful debut at the box office during its opening weekend. Jeffrey Brown interviewed two film critics to discuss their favorite recent movies, including big releases, comedies, and smaller films as part of the CANVAS arts and culture series.

Key Facts:

  • Superman is a highly anticipated movie that did well in its first weekend at theaters.
  • Jeffrey Brown, a journalist, spoke with two film critics about recent movies.
  • They discussed major film releases, comedies, and lesser-known movies.
  • This discussion is part of the CANVAS series, which covers arts and culture topics.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour

Excavation of mass grave begins at a notorious home for unwed mothers in Ireland

July 14, 2025
Ireland has started digging up the remains of up to 800 infants buried in a septic tank at a former home for unwed mothers. This home was known as part of the "Magdalene Laundries," where many young women were sent in the past.

Key Facts:

  • The excavation is taking place in Ireland.
  • Up to 800 infant remains are expected to be found.
  • The remains are buried in a septic tank.
  • The site was a home for unwed mothers.
  • These homes were called "Magdalene Laundries."
  • The site has been under investigation for several years.

Source Information

NPR World

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HBO's new Billy Joel documentary is revelatory — even if it pulls some punches

HBO's new Billy Joel documentary is revelatory — even if it pulls some punches

July 14, 2025
HBO's new documentary "Billy Joel: And So It Goes" offers a detailed look at the life of musician Billy Joel. The film shares personal stories about Joel's career and personal life, featuring interviews with family, friends, and other famous musicians.

Key Facts:

  • The documentary is in two parts and directed by Susan Lacy and Jessica Levin.
  • It includes personal insights from Joel, his family, friends, and former bandmates.
  • The film premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival earlier in the year.
  • Joel discusses personal challenges, including an affair and attempts at suicide.
  • The documentary features stars like Paul McCartney, Pink, and Bruce Springsteen.
  • Key songs and their origins, like "Piano Man," are explored in the documentary.
  • Joel's past relationships and behaviors, such as heavy drinking, are discussed.
  • The documentary highlights his influence on music, with comments from top musicians.

Source Information

NPR News

Trump tells supporters not to 'waste time' on Epstein files. They're not happy

July 14, 2025
President Trump is receiving criticism from both his supporters and opponents. The criticism is about how his administration has dealt with information about Jeffrey Epstein's death.

Key Facts:

  • President Trump told his supporters not to focus on documents related to Jeffrey Epstein.
  • Some of Trump's supporters are upset with his approach.
  • Criticism is coming from both Trump’s supporters and those who oppose him.
  • The criticism is based on how the information about Jeffrey Epstein is being handled by the Trump administration.
  • Jeffrey Epstein was a financier who was involved in legal controversies.

Source Information

NPR National
First Harry Potter image released as production begins

First Harry Potter image released as production begins

July 14, 2025
Production has started on a new Harry Potter TV series by HBO. The first photo of Dominic McLaughlin dressed as Harry Potter has been released. The series aims to stay true to the books and is set to take about 10 years to complete.

Key Facts:

  • HBO is making a new Harry Potter TV series.
  • Dominic McLaughlin plays Harry Potter in the series.
  • Other cast members include Rory Wilmot as Neville, Amos Kitson as Dudley, and John Lithgow as Dumbledore.
  • The show will be filmed at Warner Bros Studios in Hertfordshire, the same place as the Harry Potter movies.
  • The series is planned to stay true to the original books by JK Rowling.
  • The first series of the show will release in 2027.
  • Filming includes many staff who worked on "The Crown."
  • The series will give more time to explore book storylines compared to the films.

Source Information

BBC World
German customs officers find 1,500 tarantulas hidden in spongecake boxes

German customs officers find 1,500 tarantulas hidden in spongecake boxes

July 14, 2025
Customs officials in Germany found about 1,500 young tarantulas hidden in chocolate cake boxes at an airport. The spiders were in a package from Vietnam, and many did not survive. There is an ongoing investigation into violations of customs and animal-welfare rules.

Key Facts:

  • Customs officials found about 1,500 young tarantulas at Cologne Bonn airport.
  • The spiders were hidden in plastic containers within chocolate spongecake boxes.
  • The package came from Vietnam and was detected due to an unusual smell.
  • Many tarantulas did not survive the journey.
  • Survivors were handed over to an expert for care.
  • This discovery is linked to possible violations of German animal-welfare laws.
  • Criminal proceedings are underway against the recipient for not declaring the shipment properly and not paying import duties.
  • The discovery occurred about three weeks ago, but was only recently made public.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour
What is the US’s Crypto Week? Why has Bitcoin hit a record high?

What is the US’s Crypto Week? Why has Bitcoin hit a record high?

July 14, 2025
Bitcoin's value hit a record $122,055, driven by anticipation of "Crypto Week" in the US, where lawmakers will discuss new cryptocurrency-related bills. These bills could establish clearer regulations for digital currencies, which some people in the industry believe are needed. The discussions may influence how easily crypto products can be launched and traded in the US.

Key Facts:

  • Bitcoin reached a new high of $122,055 for the first time.
  • "Crypto Week" in the US will focus on debates about cryptocurrency regulations.
  • Three important bills will be discussed: the GENIUS Act, the Clarity Act, and the Anti-CBDC Surveillance State Act.
  • The GENIUS Act aims to clarify how digital currencies are categorized to reduce legal uncertainty.
  • The Clarity Act seeks to prevent federal agencies from overreaching their regulatory powers.
  • The Anti-CBDC Surveillance State Act would stop the Federal Reserve from creating a digital currency.
  • The sector's total market value is about $3.8 trillion.
  • Critics, including some Democrats, worry the new bills might favor the crypto industry too much.

Source Information

Al Jazeera
Israeli technology “amplifies the scale and speed” of attacks

Israeli technology “amplifies the scale and speed” of attacks

July 14, 2025
A drone strike in Gaza, carried out by Israel, resulted in the deaths of 10 Palestinians at a water collection point. The Israeli military stated the strike missed its intended target due to a "technical error."

Key Facts:

  • A drone strike by Israel occurred in Gaza.
  • 10 Palestinians were killed in this strike.
  • The incident happened at a water collection point.
  • The Israeli military described the missed target as a result of a "technical error."
  • Jessica Dorsey, a professor, noted that Israel generally faces little accountability for its use of advanced weapons.

Source Information

Al Jazeera
In Belgium, a mother fears for her children under Israel’s bombs in Gaza

In Belgium, a mother fears for her children under Israel’s bombs in Gaza

July 14, 2025
Rawan Alkatari, who resettled in Belgium, is separated from her family still in Gaza. Though they have approved visas to join her, they remain in Gaza due to issues with evacuation procedures.

Key Facts:

  • Rawan Alkatari moved to Belgium before the conflict in Gaza started in October 2023.
  • Alkatari's husband and three children have visas to join her but are stuck in Gaza.
  • The family reunification visas were approved by Belgium on October 1, 2024.
  • The family’s travel documents are at the Belgian embassy in Egypt, awaiting Israeli approval for evacuation.
  • Alkatari's home in Gaza was destroyed, and her family lives in a crowded camp in al-Mawasi, designated a safe zone but frequently attacked.
  • Conditions in the camp are poor, with limited food, medical supplies, and sanitation.
  • Alkatari communicates with an Israeli aid group, which reports that the evacuation request was not received by Israel's aid coordination agency, COGAT.

Source Information

Al Jazeera
Paddy Power and Betfair users warned of 'email danger' after breach

Paddy Power and Betfair users warned of 'email danger' after breach

July 14, 2025
Paddy Power and Betfair customers were warned to stay alert after a data breach affected up to 800,000 users. Personal information like IP and email addresses was compromised, but passwords and payment details were not impacted. Experts warn that this data could be used for phishing attacks, which are misleading emails that trick people into giving away personal information.

Key Facts:

  • Up to 800,000 Paddy Power and Betfair users had their data breached.
  • Breached data included IP addresses, email addresses, and online activity.
  • No passwords, identification documents, or payment details were compromised.
  • Flutter Entertainment, the company behind these brands, urged users to stay vigilant.
  • The company controls other betting brands such as Sky Bet and Tombola.
  • Experts warn about spear phishing, where hackers send convincing emails to steal information.
  • AI technology can help attackers send automated, personalized phishing emails.
  • Users are advised to be cautious of emails asking for personal or financial information.

Source Information

BBC Tech
Excavation of child mass grave at church-run home begins in Ireland

Excavation of child mass grave at church-run home begins in Ireland

July 14, 2025
Excavation has started in Tuam, Ireland, to identify the remains of about 800 infants and toddlers buried at a former church-run home for unmarried mothers. This investigation, involving experts from several countries, aims to uncover more about the deaths that occurred at this site between 1925 and 1961.

Key Facts:

  • Excavation in Tuam, Ireland, aims to investigate the remains of around 800 children.
  • These children died at a home run by Catholic nuns for unmarried mothers.
  • The site was in use from 1925 to 1961, with a high child mortality rate of about 15%.
  • Forensic archaeologists from several countries, including Canada and the U.S., are involved in the investigation.
  • Catherine Corless, an amateur historian, uncovered initial evidence of the mass grave over a decade ago.
  • Test excavations in 2016 and 2017 found remains in a disused septic tank on the site.
  • The place is now part of a housing complex, following the demolition of the original building in the 1970s.
  • The investigation will attempt to identify and respectfully reburial the remains found.

Source Information

Al Jazeera
Wrongly convicted, he became 'The Jailhouse Lawyer' — and helped free himself

Wrongly convicted, he became 'The Jailhouse Lawyer' — and helped free himself

July 14, 2025
Calvin Duncan was wrongfully convicted of murder in 1982 at age 19 and received a life sentence. While in prison, he studied law and became a jailhouse lawyer, helping many inmates with their cases. After 28 years, the Innocence Project aided in his exoneration, and he was released. Duncan later earned a law degree and currently leads a program to help incarcerated individuals access legal help.

Key Facts:

  • Calvin Duncan was arrested in 1982 for murder in New Orleans and sentenced to life in prison.
  • The eyewitness testimony against him was unreliable, and his defense was minimal.
  • In prison, Duncan studied law and became a jailhouse lawyer, aiding other inmates.
  • Jailhouse lawyers are inmates who help others with legal issues when they can't hire a lawyer.
  • Duncan worked on hundreds of cases, focusing on unfair trials and wrongful convictions.
  • He donated plasma to afford public records crucial for case reviews.
  • The Innocence Project helped him get his case reopened, leading to his release in 2011.
  • Duncan was later exonerated and earned a college degree followed by a law degree.
  • He founded the Light of Justice program to improve legal access for incarcerated individuals.

Source Information

NPR Home
Four people killed in small plane crash at London airport

Four people killed in small plane crash at London airport

July 14, 2025
Four people died when a small plane crashed shortly after taking off from London Southend Airport. None of the victims are believed to be British. Investigators are looking into what caused the accident.

Key Facts:

  • Four people died in a plane crash after leaving London Southend Airport.
  • The plane was a Beechcraft B200 Super King Air owned by Zeusch Aviation.
  • The flight had previously traveled from Athens, Greece, to Pula, Croatia, and was heading to the Netherlands.
  • All victims onboard were not British citizens.
  • The plane caught fire moments after takeoff.
  • London Southend Airport was closed following the crash.
  • The UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch is investigating the incident.
  • The Beechcraft B200 Super King Air is commonly used for various types of flights worldwide.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour
Hackers blamed for antisemitic posts on Elmo's X account

Hackers blamed for antisemitic posts on Elmo's X account

July 14, 2025
Hackers posted antisemitic and other offensive messages on Elmo's X (formerly Twitter) account. Sesame Workshop, the group behind Sesame Street, confirmed the account was compromised and is working to secure it.

Key Facts:

  • Hackers posted antisemitic messages on Elmo's verified X account.
  • The account also had posts attacking former US President Donald Trump.
  • The posts included demands to release files related to Jeffrey Epstein.
  • Sesame Workshop stated they are trying to regain full control of the account.
  • Elmo is a popular character from Sesame Street, known for promoting kindness.
  • There is a reported rise in social media account hacks, with over 35,000 incidents last year.
  • It is recommended to use strong passwords and two-step verification to enhance security.

Source Information

BBC US
From Bitcoin to XRP: Key cryptocurrency terms and what they mean

From Bitcoin to XRP: Key cryptocurrency terms and what they mean

July 14, 2025
The article explains key terms related to cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, blockchain, crypto exchanges, and crypto wallets. It highlights Bitcoin's price reaching a peak of $120,000 due to supportive policies in the U.S. and discusses concepts like blockchain technology and the Bitcoin "halving" process.

Key Facts:

  • Bitcoin is a type of digital currency not controlled by central banks, making it popular but also volatile in price.
  • U.S. President Donald Trump supports cryptocurrencies and aims to make the US a leading crypto market, contributing to Bitcoin's rise in value.
  • Blockchain is the technology that records all cryptocurrency transactions in a secure and public way.
  • The Bitcoin "halving" event reduces the reward for miners who validate transactions, which limits the supply of new Bitcoins.
  • A crypto exchange is an online platform where people can trade regular money for cryptocurrencies.
  • A crypto wallet is a tool used to store digital currencies; it can be connected to the internet (hot wallet) or offline (cold wallet).

Source Information

BBC Tech