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Technology News

Breaking news and analysis from the world of technology

Diogo Jota: Speeding likely cause of footballer’s car crash, police say

Diogo Jota: Speeding likely cause of footballer’s car crash, police say

July 08, 2025
Diogo Jota, a Liverpool and Portugal football player, and his brother Andre Silva died in a car crash in Spain. Police suspect speeding may have caused the accident. An investigation is ongoing to determine the exact cause.

Key Facts:

  • Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva died in a car crash in Spain on July 3.
  • Spanish police are investigating, suspecting the vehicle was speeding.
  • Police believe it was Jota driving the car.
  • They also noted that one tire may have failed while the car was overtaking.
  • The crash happened in Zamora, Spain, and the car caught fire.
  • Jota had posted a video of his wedding shortly before the accident.
  • Jota was well-known for playing with Liverpool and had a successful career there.
  • Andre Silva played in Portugal’s second-tier football league.

Source Information

Al Jazeera
Shoes off at the airport? TSA appears to be giving the pesky rule the boot

Shoes off at the airport? TSA appears to be giving the pesky rule the boot

July 08, 2025
Some U.S. airports recently stopped requiring travelers to remove their shoes at security checkpoints. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has not officially confirmed this change, but reports from travelers and airport staff indicate the rule may no longer be enforced in certain locations.

Key Facts:

  • The rule to remove shoes at airport security started in 2006 after an attempted shoe bombing incident.
  • Recent observations suggest that some airports, like those in Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia, are allowing travelers to keep their shoes on.
  • Travelers have shared on social media that they did not have to remove their shoes at airports like Buffalo and Seattle.
  • The TSA has not officially announced a change in the shoe removal policy.
  • A spokesperson mentioned that any updates to security measures would be communicated through official channels.
  • There is some confusion among travelers and TSA agents regarding the current policy.
  • A former TSA officer mentioned that current technology can effectively screen passengers without them removing their shoes.

Source Information

NPR Home
Monzo gave account to fake 10 Downing St address

Monzo gave account to fake 10 Downing St address

July 08, 2025
Monzo, a digital bank, was fined £21 million by the UK's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) for not properly checking addresses on account applications, allowing openings with fake addresses like 10 Downing Street and Buckingham Palace. The problems, found during an FCA investigation, led the bank to take on risky customers and happened mainly between October 2018 and August 2020.

Key Facts:

  • Monzo did not verify the addresses on some account applications, allowing fake ones like famous UK sites.
  • The FCA fined Monzo £21 million for its weak anti-financial crime systems.
  • The problems occurred mainly from October 2018 to August 2020.
  • Monzo's customer base grew significantly from 600,000 in 2018 to over 5.8 million in 2022.
  • The bank failed to keep its financial crime controls in line with its rapid growth.
  • Monzo does not have physical branches; it operates only online.
  • The FCA found Monzo breached rules by opening accounts for high-risk customers between August 2020 and June 2022.
  • Monzo's CEO stated that issues have been fixed and improvements made since the investigation.

Source Information

BBC Business
Assume the 100ml airport rule remains, flyers told

Assume the 100ml airport rule remains, flyers told

July 08, 2025
The UK's Transport Secretary advises air travelers to assume the 100ml liquid limit in hand luggage is still in force, despite some airports like Edinburgh and Birmingham allowing larger quantities due to new scanning technologies. These airports have installed advanced scanners that enable passengers to carry up to two liters of liquid, but this change has not yet occurred nationwide.

Key Facts:

  • The 100ml limit for liquids in hand luggage generally remains in place for UK airports.
  • Edinburgh and Birmingham airports allow up to two liters due to new scanners.
  • The new scanners use CT X-ray technology, letting passengers bypass the small container rule.
  • Installing these scanners involves complex and costly processes for airports.
  • There are limited manufacturers for these scanners, causing slow and staggered installations.
  • Airports are responsible for their rollout schedules and have separate contracts and providers.
  • Passengers are advised to check with their specific airport or airline before traveling.
  • The 100ml rule started in 2006 after security measures following terror incidents.

Source Information

BBC Business
Hackers tried to 'destroy' M&S, chair tells MPs

Hackers tried to 'destroy' M&S, chair tells MPs

July 08, 2025
Hackers targeted Marks & Spencer (M&S) in a cyber attack, disrupting online orders and leaving some store shelves empty. The attack is believed to be carried out by a group called DragonForce, with motives possibly related to ransom or extortion. M&S expects the effects of this attack to affect customers until the end of the current month and predicts a profit loss of about £300 million.

Key Facts:

  • Hackers attempted to disrupt or damage Marks & Spencer's business.
  • The attack affected online orders and caused empty shelves in some stores.
  • A group named DragonForce is believed to be responsible for the attack.
  • The exact motives of the hackers are unclear but may include ransom or extortion.
  • Marks & Spencer plans to operate normally for customers by the end of July.
  • Background systems will still be under repair until October or November.
  • The company expects a profit loss of about £300 million due to the attack.
  • Marks & Spencer hopes to recover some financial loss through insurance.

Source Information

BBC Business
Is Russia really ‘grooming’ Western AI?

Is Russia really ‘grooming’ Western AI?

July 08, 2025
A report by NewsGuard claims that some chatbots, like ChatGPT, spread false Russian narratives about one-third of the time. NewsGuard focused on Russian-linked websites called the Pravda network. However, researchers question the report's methods and findings, suggesting that misinformation might occur due to a lack of credible information rather than intentional Russian influence.

Key Facts:

  • NewsGuard is a company monitoring misinformation and released a report about chatbots.
  • The report claims chatbots spread Russian disinformation about 33% of the time.
  • The chatbots were tested with prompts based on pro-Russian Pravda network stories.
  • The Pravda network is a group of websites presenting false news as if it were real.
  • Critics argue the report's methods lacked transparency and may have exaggerated results.
  • Researchers found only 5% of prompts led to false claims, different from NewsGuard’s findings.
  • Chatbots may pull from unreliable sources when credible information is missing.

Source Information

Al Jazeera
WATCH LIVE: Noem announces new TSA screening security policy

WATCH LIVE: Noem announces new TSA screening security policy

July 08, 2025
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) might change its rule about removing shoes during airport security checks. This change would be the first in almost 20 years, and an announcement is expected from Homeland Security later today.

Key Facts:

  • TSA has not confirmed reports about not needing to remove shoes at security.
  • Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem will talk about this at 5 p.m. EDT.
  • The announcement will happen at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
  • The new policy aims to make security checks easier and faster for travelers.
  • The shoe removal rule started after Richard Reid's failed attack in 2001.
  • This would be the first change to this rule in almost two decades.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour

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Five things we now know about the Post Office scandal

Five things we now know about the Post Office scandal

July 08, 2025
The first report from an inquiry into the Post Office Horizon IT scandal reveals the severe impact on sub-postmasters wrongly accused of financial crimes due to faulty data. The report also highlights that the Post Office and Fujitsu were aware of errors in the IT system but continued to rely on it, leading to wrongful prosecutions.

Key Facts:

  • The inquiry report details significant suffering experienced by sub-postmasters wrongly accused of stealing and false accounting.
  • More than 13 people might have taken their own lives due to the scandal, and many others have reported mental health struggles.
  • The Post Office was aware that its Horizon IT system had errors but continued to use it for prosecuting people.
  • The inaccuracies in the data led to the wrongful conviction of around 1,000 people, with only about 50 to 60 being acquitted.
  • The report states that the behavior of the Post Office and Fujitsu, the IT provider, was unacceptable.
  • Compensation schemes for affected sub-postmasters have faced delays and issues, leaving many dissatisfied.

Source Information

BBC Business
Amazon extends Prime Day discounts as retailers weigh tariffs and price increases

Amazon extends Prime Day discounts as retailers weigh tariffs and price increases

July 08, 2025
Amazon's Prime Day sales are now scheduled to last four days instead of two, starting early Tuesday morning. The extension aims to attract more Gen Z shoppers with extra perks, like cash back, while competing with similar sales events from other major retailers. Despite concerns about tariffs and inflation potentially affecting spending, experts expect significant online sales growth during the event.

Key Facts:

  • Amazon's Prime Day begins at 3:01 a.m. Eastern time and will last four days.
  • This is the first time Amazon has extended Prime Day to four days, starting in 2015 as just a single day.
  • Prime members aged 18-24 can get 5% cash back on purchases for a limited time.
  • Other retailers like Best Buy, Target, and Walmart are holding similar sales in July.
  • Analysts are unsure if the extended Prime Day will lead to more spending due to inflation and tariffs worries.
  • Last year, Prime Day achieved record sales, but Amazon does not release specific sales figures.
  • Adobe Digital Insights predicts $23.8 billion in online spending during the Prime Day period.
  • Amazon and many sellers tried to avoid tariff costs by stocking items before the tariffs began, so prices hadn't changed much by May.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour
Chef's food 'decoration' at Chinese pre-school poisons children

Chef's food 'decoration' at Chinese pre-school poisons children

July 08, 2025
More than 200 children were hospitalized with lead poisoning in Tianshui City, China, after school chefs used inedible paint to decorate food at a kindergarten. Eight people, including the school principal, were arrested for their involvement in the incident, and investigations revealed dangerous levels of lead in the food.

Key Facts:

  • Over 200 children in Tianshui City suffered lead poisoning after eating food decorated with inedible paint.
  • The paint used had lead levels 2,000 times higher than the national safety limit.
  • 233 children from Peixin Kindergarten had high lead levels in their blood.
  • The food items involved were steamed red date cake and sausage corn bun.
  • The school principal instructed kitchen staff to buy the paint online, which was marked as inedible.
  • Surveillance footage showed staff adding paint to the food.
  • Lead levels in the food greatly exceeded the safety standard, which is 0.5mg/kg.
  • Eight people, including the kindergarten principal and main investor, are under investigation for producing harmful food.

Source Information

BBC World
Indonesian volcano spews massive ash cloud as it erupts again

Indonesian volcano spews massive ash cloud as it erupts again

July 08, 2025
Indonesia's Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki erupted again, sending ash and lava into the sky and causing over 4,000 people to leave their homes. The eruption led to flight cancellations and increased the alert level, but no injuries have been reported so far. Authorities expanded the exclusion zone around the volcano and warned of possible mudflows called lahars due to heavy rain.

Key Facts:

  • Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki erupted again, shooting an ash cloud 18 kilometers into the sky.
  • No injuries have been reported from the eruptions that started on Monday.
  • The highest safety alert level has been in place due to recent volcanic activity.
  • At least 24 flights to and from Bali were canceled due to the ash cloud.
  • The exclusion zone around the volcano was increased to a 7-kilometer radius.
  • More than 4,000 people have been evacuated from the affected area.
  • Authorities warned about lahar floods, which are mud or debris flows, if it rains heavily.
  • The volcano is located on the Pacific "Ring of Fire," an area with frequent volcanic activity.

Source Information

BBC World
First malaria treatment for babies approved for use

First malaria treatment for babies approved for use

July 08, 2025
The first malaria treatment specifically for babies and very young children has been approved for use. This new drug, called Coartem Baby, is expected to become available soon in African countries, where malaria affects many children under five. This treatment helps fill a gap, as there previously were no safe, approved malaria drugs for infants.

Key Facts:

  • A malaria treatment for babies and young children has been approved.
  • Previously, no malaria drugs were specifically for infants, only for older children.
  • Using drugs meant for older children posed overdose risks for babies.
  • In 2023, malaria caused approximately 597,000 deaths, mostly in Africa.
  • 75% of malaria deaths were children under five years old.
  • The new drug, Coartem Baby, was developed by Novartis and the Medicines for Malaria Venture.
  • Eight African countries helped assess and test the new drug.
  • The drug is primarily being offered on a not-for-profit basis to help reduce healthcare inequality.

Source Information

BBC World
Want to make yourself less appealing to mosquitoes? Our quiz has surprising ideas

Want to make yourself less appealing to mosquitoes? Our quiz has surprising ideas

July 08, 2025
The article talks about various ways to avoid mosquito bites. It mentions a quiz created by experts to test knowledge of different methods, besides the common use of bug sprays or staying inside.

Key Facts:

  • People often use bug sprays or stay indoors to avoid mosquito bites.
  • Other methods, supported by scientific research, can also help prevent bites.
  • Sammy Ramsey from the University of Colorado and Brian Byrd from Western Carolina University share these methods.
  • NPR's Life Kit has created a quiz to help people learn about these methods.
  • The article is part of NPR's Life Kit series, which provides advice and tips.
  • Readers can listen to this topic on various podcast platforms, such as Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
  • NPR offers ways for listeners to leave feedback or get more information via voicemail and email.

Source Information

NPR Home

Will the tax cuts pay for themselves?

July 08, 2025
President Trump signed a new law called the One Big, Beautiful Bill Act on July 4. This law extends tax cuts from 2017 and introduces new ones. The Congressional Budget Office estimates it will increase the U.S. deficit by $3.4 trillion over the next ten years.

Key Facts:

  • The One Big, Beautiful Bill Act was signed into law on July 4 by President Trump.
  • The new law extends tax cuts that were originally introduced in 2017.
  • The law also includes some new tax cuts.
  • The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) predicts the law will add $3.4 trillion to the U.S. deficit over ten years.
  • Some advisors believe the tax cuts will cover their own costs by boosting the economy.
  • Arthur Laffer, known for supporting this idea, discusses these claims on the NPR show.
  • The law could potentially lead to significant government financial challenges, as indicated by CBO forecasts.

Source Information

NPR Business
In Taiwan, migrants flee oppressive workplaces for life on the periphery

In Taiwan, migrants flee oppressive workplaces for life on the periphery

July 08, 2025
The number of undocumented migrant workers in Taiwan is increasing, with many blaming the broker system for their situation. Bernard, a Filipino migrant, became undocumented after issues with his broker and now works jobs illegally to support his family.

Key Facts:

  • Bernard is a 45-year-old Filipino migrant worker in Taiwan.
  • He became undocumented in June 2024 after issues with his employment broker.
  • Brokers in Taiwan can heavily influence migrant workers' living and working conditions.
  • Migrant workers often pay brokers monthly fees and other charges.
  • As of January 2025, there were 90,000 undocumented migrants in Taiwan.
  • Vietnamese migrants made up the largest group of undocumented workers, followed by Indonesians and Filipinos.
  • Over a third of complaints from migrants to Taiwan's Ministry of Labor involve brokers.
  • The broker system was established in 1992 to manage labor recruitment in Taiwan.

Source Information

Al Jazeera
The doctor fighting for women's health on Ukraine's front line

The doctor fighting for women's health on Ukraine's front line

July 07, 2025
Dr. Serhii Baksheiev operates a mobile clinic near the Ukrainian front line, providing free health check-ups to women who have limited access to medical services due to the war. Since 2022, Dr. Baksheiev has performed over 1,000 gynecological examinations in areas lacking healthcare facilities, using a specially equipped vehicle called 'The Feminine Shuttle.'

Key Facts:

  • Dr. Serhii Baksheiev is an obstetrician and gynecologist working near the front line of the Ukraine war.
  • He provides free gynecological care using a mobile clinic named 'The Feminine Shuttle.'
  • Since 2022, Dr. Baksheiev has conducted over 1,000 examinations in areas affected by the war.
  • The mobile clinic includes an ultrasound machine and equipment for minor surgeries.
  • Attacks on health facilities in Ukraine have significantly increased, with the WHO reporting over 1,940 incidents.
  • Detection rates for ovarian and cervical cancers in Ukraine have declined since 2020, partly due to reduced access to medical care.
  • Dr. Baksheiev often conducts his visits to occupied rural villages in secret to avoid detection.

Source Information

BBC World
Why little Lithuania has big plans for space tech

Why little Lithuania has big plans for space tech

July 07, 2025
Lithuania's company Astrolight is developing a laser communications system to link satellites with Earth, aiming to provide faster and more secure data transmission than traditional radio methods. Astrolight's technology is also being explored for military use due to its difficulty to intercept, with Lithuania investing significantly in defense technology as part of its strategy.

Key Facts:

  • Astrolight is a Lithuanian startup focused on space technology.
  • The company has raised €2.8 million to develop its "optical data highway."
  • This technology uses lasers for communication, similar to invisible internet cables.
  • Lasers are faster and more secure compared to radio communications.
  • Astrolight's technology is part of NATO's Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic project.
  • The Lithuanian Navy uses these lasers to communicate during radio silence.
  • Lithuania spends a significant portion of its GDP on defense, higher than many larger countries.
  • 30% of Lithuanian space projects receive EU funding, surpassing the EU average of 17%.

Source Information

BBC Tech
Postmasters await compensation report, but findings on blame months away

Postmasters await compensation report, but findings on blame months away

July 07, 2025
The first part of a report on the Post Office IT scandal will be released, focusing on compensation and the impact on those affected. Many sub-postmasters were wrongly accused of financial losses due to a faulty computer system, leading to numerous legal cases. The second part of the report, which will identify who is to blame, will take several more months.

Key Facts:

  • The Post Office IT scandal involved a faulty computer system called Horizon, developed by Fujitsu.
  • Over 900 sub-postmasters were wrongly prosecuted, with 236 going to jail.
  • An inquiry, led by Sir Wyn Williams, began in 2022 to investigate the scandal and its impact.
  • The first part of the final report will address compensation and the human impact of the scandal.
  • The second part of the report, identifying blame, will be released months later.
  • Compensation schemes have been compared to a "patchwork quilt" due to their varying effectiveness.
  • The inquiry's online coverage attracted over 20 million views, indicating high public interest.
  • Police investigations may result in criminal trials, but they are not expected until 2028.

Source Information

BBC Business
Maternity retailer worn by Kate enters administration

Maternity retailer worn by Kate enters administration

July 07, 2025
The maternity fashion retailer, Seraphine, known for being worn by the Princess of Wales, has stopped trading and entered administration. Most of its 95 employees have lost their jobs, and administrators are now trying to either sell the company or its assets. Economic issues, like increased costs and weak consumer confidence, contributed to its downfall.

Key Facts:

  • Seraphine is a maternity fashion retailer worn by the Princess of Wales.
  • The company has entered administration, meaning it is being managed by administrators to try to save it.
  • Most of its 95 staff members have been laid off.
  • Administrators are considering selling the company or its assets.
  • Seraphine faced economic problems, including higher costs and less consumer spending.
  • The company was founded in 2002 and became public in 2021 before going private again in 2023.
  • Seraphine’s main store was in London, but its clothes were sold in other major stores like John Lewis and Next.
  • Before entering administration, Seraphine offered discounts up to 60% on its website.

Source Information

BBC Business
Emergency alerts to be sent to UK smartphones

Emergency alerts to be sent to UK smartphones

July 07, 2025
The UK government will run another test of its emergency alert system for mobile phones on September 7. This test will make phones vibrate and display a message, even if they are on silent, to check the system's reliability and familiarize people with alerts for threats like severe weather or terror attacks.

Key Facts:

  • The UK will test sending emergency alerts to mobile phones on September 7 at 15:00 BST.
  • Phones will vibrate and sound a siren for 10 seconds, and display a message during the test, even if they are on silent.
  • The test aims to address issues found in a previous nationwide test where some phones didn't receive alerts or got them at the wrong time.
  • Only smartphones connected to 4G or 5G networks will receive the alerts; older phones and those on 2G or 3G will not.
  • Emergency alerts are meant to warn about immediate life threats, like extreme weather or terror events.
  • The alert system has been used regionally, such as during Storm Eowyn and for the evacuation in Plymouth due to an unexploded World War Two bomb.
  • The government advises keeping alerts switched on but provides guidelines for domestic abuse victims on how to disable the alerts.
  • The test will include a British Sign Language version of the message for deaf users.

Source Information

BBC Tech