Technology News

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.

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BBC Tech

Why don't we trust technology in sport?

July 07, 2025

At Wimbledon, an error occurred with the electronic line-calling system, failing to call a shot out during a tennis match. The point was replayed, and the mistake was due to the system being accidentally turned off. This incident sparked discussions on the reliability of technology versus human judgment in sports.

Key Facts:

The electronic line-calling system at Wimbledon missed a call during a match between Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova and Sonay Kartal.
The system error happened because someone accidentally switched it off.
The point was replayed, Pavlyuchenkova lost it, but she still won the match.
Electronic line-calling has replaced human judges at Wimbledon this year.
The system is developed by Hawk-Eye and uses 12 cameras and AI to track balls and players.
Many players and coaches have discussed the system's reliability, though it is generally considered more accurate than the human eye.
The All England Lawn Tennis Club affirms confidence in the technology, citing its accuracy.
The system now cannot be manually deactivated to prevent similar issues.

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BBC Tech

How local groups are aiding recovery efforts after devastating Texas floods

July 07, 2025

People in Texas are dealing with flooding. A group called the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country is raising money to help those affected.

Key Facts:

Flooding is happening in Texas, affecting local communities.
Amna Nawaz interviewed Austin Dickson, the head of a local foundation, about the situation.
The Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country is involved in helping those impacted by the flood.
They are using the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund to collect donations.
The collected money is aimed at supporting recovery efforts in the flood-hit areas.

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PBS NewsHour

Flooding is common in Texas Hill Country. This was different

July 07, 2025

Heavy rainfall in Texas Hill Country caused severe flooding along the Guadalupe River. The rapidly rising water killed dozens of people and damaged homes and businesses. Authorities warn that the number of deaths may increase as they search for more survivors.

Key Facts:

Heavy rain caused the Guadalupe River in central Texas to flood severely.
The river rose 26 feet in less than an hour.
Flooding resulted in the deaths of dozens of people.
Homes and businesses in the area suffered significant damage.
Authorities are continuing to search for survivors with the help of emergency crews and volunteers.
Officials expect the death toll to increase.
State officials discussed the event, noting the role of climate change and local geography in the severe flooding.

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NPR National

Why is drought-hit Brazil saying yes to AI data centers?

July 07, 2025

Some companies plan to build data centers in a drought-affected town in Brazil, offering new jobs and opportunities. The local people are thinking about whether the economic benefits outweigh the environmental impact of these data centers, which use a lot of water.

Key Facts:

Companies are planning to set up data centers in a Brazilian town.
These data centers are expected to create jobs for local people.
The community is experiencing a drought, meaning there is less water available.
Data centers need a lot of water to keep their equipment cool.
Residents are considering the trade-off between new job opportunities and the potential strain on water resources.

Source Information

Al Jazeera

Why we need to retire the term ‘pro-Palestinian’

July 07, 2025

A CNN article from July 5, 2023, reported on three separate incidents in Melbourne, Australia: an attempted arson at a synagogue, a confrontation at a restaurant, and three cars set on fire near a business previously targeted by pro-Palestine protesters. The article also discussed how media reports often link violent acts to pro-Palestinian activism, which might mislead the public by not providing full context.

Key Facts:

On July 5, 2023, three incidents occurred in Melbourne: attempted arson at a synagogue, a confrontation at a restaurant, and three cars were set on fire.
The business near the car fires was previously targeted by pro-Palestine protesters.
The article suggests that media reports often connect violence to pro-Palestinian activism.
A shooting on May 21 in Washington, D.C. was associated with pro-Palestinian advocacy after a gunman killed two Israeli embassy staff.
An attack in Colorado by an Egyptian national on June 1 was linked to pro-Palestinian protests.
The term "pro-Palestinian" is criticized for potentially misleading people by simplifying complex situations.
The article highlights concerns about how the media covers activism related to Palestinian causes without proper context.

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Al Jazeera

Edinburgh and Birmingham airports increase 100ml liquid limits

July 07, 2025

Edinburgh Airport has removed the 100ml liquid limit for hand luggage and now allows up to two litres per container. This change is supported by the installation of new scanners and extra lanes at the airport, making it the first in Scotland to adopt this new rule. Passengers do not need to take large electronics out of their bags during security checks, but metal bottles must be empty.

Key Facts:

Edinburgh Airport increased the liquid limit from 100ml to two litres for hand luggage.
There is no limit on the number of two-litre containers passengers can carry.
Metal water bottles must be empty before going through security.
New scanners and extra lanes costing £24 million were added to facilitate this change.
Edinburgh is the first Scottish airport to lift the 100ml restriction.
Large electronics can stay in hand luggage during security checks.
Other Scottish airports still require liquids to be 100ml or less and in sealed bags.
Security rules may differ at other airports, so passengers should check before returning.

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BBC Business

Xbox producer tells staff to use AI to ease job loss pain

July 07, 2025

An Xbox executive suggested using artificial intelligence (AI) to help laid-off workers manage their emotions and workload. This advice came after Microsoft announced it would cut up to 9,000 jobs, affecting several divisions, potentially including Xbox.

Key Facts:

Xbox producer Matt Turnbull suggested using AI tools to help employees cope with job loss.
Microsoft plans to lay off up to 9,000 workers globally.
The layoffs might affect Microsoft's Xbox division, among others.
Microsoft is investing $80 billion in AI and building data centers for AI training.
Turnbull mentioned AI tools like ChatGPT and Copilot to assist with emotional and job-related stress.
He acknowledged AI could cause strong reactions but aimed to offer helpful advice.
Microsoft has about 228,000 employees worldwide, and the cuts are about 4% of its workforce.
Some video game projects in development may be impacted by these job cuts.

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BBC Tech

DOJ says no evidence Jeffrey Epstein had a 'client list' or blackmailed associates

July 07, 2025

The Justice Department and FBI found no evidence that Jeffrey Epstein had a client list or blackmailed associates. Their investigation confirmed that Epstein died by suicide, which is supported by previous findings.

Key Facts:

The Justice Department and FBI conducted an investigation into Jeffrey Epstein's files.
They found no evidence of a client list or blackmailing by Epstein.
A memo explained that the investigation was thorough, examining both digital and physical records.
Epstein died in 2019 at a federal prison in New York City.
His death was investigated and confirmed as suicide by multiple authorities.
The investigation's findings align with earlier reports from other officials.
Public skepticism remains, especially concerning Epstein's ties to influential individuals.

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NPR National

Floods are getting more dangerous around the country, not just in Texas

July 07, 2025

Flash floods in Texas on July 4, 2025, were caused by sudden, heavy rain, with up to 12 inches falling quickly. Climate change is increasing the risk of such extreme rain events across the U.S. because a warmer atmosphere holds more moisture, leading to more severe storms and flooding.

Key Facts:

Flash floods in Texas were caused by up to 12 inches of rain in a short time.
The floods occurred in a region called Flash Flood Alley due to its terrain and frequent heavy rainfall.
Climate change is causing more extreme rainstorms across the U.S., increasing flood risk.
A warmer atmosphere holds more moisture, leading to heavier rainfalls than in the past.
The recent storm in Texas was influenced by leftover moisture from Tropical Storm Barry.
Warmer air and ocean temperatures lead to wetter tropical storms and hurricanes.
Over one third of inland flood damages from 1988 to 2021 are linked to human-caused climate change.
Despite growing risks, many U.S. communities aren't updating infrastructure to handle more intense rain events.

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NPR Home

In pictures: The evidence in Erin Patterson's mushroom murder trial

July 07, 2025

Erin Patterson was found guilty of murdering three relatives by serving them a meal containing deadly mushrooms. She was also found guilty of attempting to murder a fourth person who survived. Evidence showed she lied about the source of the mushrooms and disposed of items to hide her actions.

Key Facts:

Erin Patterson, from Victoria, Australia, was convicted of murder and attempted murder.
Three people, including her former in-laws, died after eating a beef Wellington meal with death cap mushrooms.
A fourth person, Ian Wilkinson, survived after hospital treatment.
Patterson claimed she bought the mushrooms from an Asian grocery but couldn't provide proof.
Investigators found evidence she had searched for death cap mushrooms online and visited areas where they were found.
Her phone data showed she bought a food dehydrator, which had traces of deadly mushrooms.
Patterson disposed of the dehydrator at a dump after the meal, contradicting her claims of never owning one.
Death cap mushrooms are very toxic, and their toxins cannot be removed by cooking or drying.

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BBC World

Tonnes of leftover Grand Prix food to be given out

July 07, 2025

More than eight tonnes of leftover food from the British Grand Prix will be given out by the Towcester Community Larder to local people, preventing the food from being wasted. The event is open to everyone, with a focus on helping those in need, and uses food collected by volunteers from the Grand Prix caterers.

Key Facts:

Over eight tonnes of leftover food from the British Grand Prix will be distributed by Towcester Community Larder.
The event will take place on Islington Road and starts at 18:00 BST.
This is the fifth year of the "food rescue" mission, and last year about 500 people benefited from it.
The event is free and designed to help people experiencing hardship, as well as supporting local schools, councils, and social housing.
The food, including items like fruit, vegetables, pastries, and cold meats, is collected and stored by trained volunteers.
The first rescue mission started with two cars; now it’s a much larger operation.
Queues are expected, with updates available on Towcester Community Larder's Facebook page.
Community larders work to reduce food waste by distributing unsold food to people for a small fee.

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BBC Business

Apple hits back against 'unprecedented' €500m EU fine

July 07, 2025

Apple is challenging a €500 million fine from the European Union, which claims Apple restricted app developers on its App Store. The fine is part of the EU's Digital Markets Act, targeting anti-competitive behavior in large tech companies.

Key Facts:

The European Union fined Apple €500 million for allegedly limiting app developers in its App Store.
The European Commission says Apple broke laws by stopping developers from telling customers about other buying options.
Apple argues that the EU's decision is beyond what the law demands and creates complexity for users and developers.
Apple has appealed the fine to the EU's General Court, questioning the fairness of the imposed changes.
The fines are issued under the EU's Digital Markets Act, which targets large tech firms to encourage fair market practices.
The EU also fined Meta €200 million for similar reasons related to its "consent or pay" model.
The Digital Markets Act can impose fines up to 10% of a company's global annual earnings.
The EU's strict rules on big tech firms have led to criticism from former U.S. President Donald Trump, who compared the fines to a form of taxation.

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BBC Tech

Pamplona’s iconic bull run opens in Spain

July 07, 2025

Thousands of people participated in the first bull run of the San Fermin festival in Pamplona, Spain. The event features runners moving alongside bulls through the city's streets, with many getting injured. The festival also involves cultural activities and bullfights.

Key Facts:

The San Fermin festival takes place in Pamplona, Spain.
The event includes nine morning bull runs over several days.
Thousands of runners take part in each run, which covers 846 meters.
Participants usually wear white clothing with red sashes and neckerchiefs.
Many spectators watch the event from balconies or on live television.
Injuries are common, and medics are on hand to help those who get hurt.
At least 15 people have died in these runs over the last 100 years.
The festival includes not only bull runs but also cultural events and bullfights.

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Al Jazeera

Gaza toddler with shrapnel in brain fights for life after family killed

July 07, 2025

In southern Gaza, three-year-old Amr al-Hams is in a hospital with severe injuries from an air strike. His mother and other family members died in the attack, and Amr needs urgent medical care that is not available in Gaza.

Key Facts:

Amr al-Hams is a three-year-old boy in a hospital in southern Gaza.
He has shrapnel in his brain from an Israeli air strike.
Amr lost his mother, his unborn sibling, two siblings, and his grandfather in the attack.
He is unable to walk or speak and has severe malnutrition due to a lack of proper food.
Doctors say that Amr needs immediate medical care outside Gaza for his brain injuries.
The hospital ran out of fortified milk because of a blockade, so his aunt feeds him mashed lentils.
Without specialized care, there is a high risk of permanent brain damage.
Amr's brain is still developing, and staying in Gaza could prevent his recovery.

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Al Jazeera

Watch: CCTV and phone recording shown to court in mushroom trial

July 07, 2025

Erin Patterson was found guilty of murdering her relatives and attempting to murder another person by serving a dish containing deadly mushrooms. Key evidence, including CCTV footage and phone recordings, was presented in her trial at the Supreme Court of Victoria. She will be sentenced at a later date.

Key Facts:

Erin Patterson was found guilty of murder and attempted murder.
She cooked and served beef Wellington containing death cap mushrooms.
The incident happened in Leongatha, Victoria.
The Supreme Court of Victoria showed CCTV and phone recordings as evidence.
Patterson will receive her sentence later.

Source Information

BBC World

Roads blocked in Kenya’s capital on anniversary of pro-democracy protests

July 07, 2025

Kenya is observing the anniversary of its pro-democracy protests, known as "Saba Saba," amid heavy police presence in Nairobi. Authorities are preparing for possible unrest, as public discontent grows over issues like poor economic conditions and police actions. The government and protesters have differing views on the nature and impact of recent demonstrations.

Key Facts:

Kenya celebrates "Saba Saba" on July 7 to remember the 1990 pro-democracy protests.
Police have blocked roads in Nairobi to prevent anticipated protests.
Recent protests have resulted in violence, with dozens of deaths and property damage.
Protesters claim authorities use vandals to make their movement look bad.
The government has compared the protests to an "attempted coup."
Kenya's Interior Minister emphasized the government's commitment to security during protests.
Social issues like police brutality and economic inequality drive public anger.
At least 80 people have died in protests since June 2024.

Source Information

Al Jazeera

Central Nairobi sealed off ahead of Kenyan protests

July 07, 2025

Kenyan security forces have closed major roads leading into central Nairobi due to planned protests. The protests, called Saba Saba, are organized for better governance and have caused the city center to mostly shut down, with a strong police presence.

Key Facts:

Kenyan police have blocked roads into central Nairobi before planned protests.
The city center is mostly empty, with many businesses closed and heightened security.
Schools advised students to stay home due to the situation.
Commuters and travelers are stuck at checkpoints outside the city.
Roads to important government places like the president's house are blocked.
Protests are in response to calls for better governance and justice for police brutality.
There have been reports of violence and looting during previous protests.
The history of these protests ties back to the 1990s struggle for democracy in Kenya.

Source Information

BBC World

Texas lawmaker wants investigation into weather alert system and storm preparedness

July 07, 2025

A Texas lawmaker, Representative Joaquin Castro, is calling for an investigation into the response to severe floods in Central Texas, where at least 90 people died over the July 4th weekend. The floods happened quickly, and questions are being raised about why residents along the Guadalupe River were not warned to evacuate sooner. The National Weather Service (NWS) staffing levels, after recent cuts and rehiring efforts, are also part of the discussion on improving emergency preparedness.

Key Facts:

At least 90 people died in flash floods in Central Texas over the July 4th weekend, mostly in Kerr County.
Heavy rainfall caused the Guadalupe River to rise over 26 feet in 45 minutes.
The National Weather Service warned of possible floods but didn’t issue a flash flood warning until after significant rain had already fallen.
Rep. Joaquin Castro is calling for an investigation into what went wrong with the warnings and evacuations.
The NWS faced staffing cuts earlier this year but has begun rehiring after public criticism.
The White House defended response efforts, with the Press Secretary dismissing criticisms related to federal funding cuts.
Kerr County is smaller and has fewer resources than larger areas like San Antonio, making recovery efforts more challenging.

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NPR National

What's the best Pixar movie? Here's what our listeners said

July 07, 2025

The article discusses a listener poll that ranked favorite Pixar movies. Participants chose from Pixar's extensive list of films and voted for their top three movies. This resulted in a list of the top 10 Pixar films according to the listeners.

Key Facts:

The poll asked Pop Culture Happy Hour listeners to vote for their favorite Pixar movie.
Participants could vote for up to three films each.
Over 2,500 votes were collected for the ranking.
The poll did not include Pixar's latest film "Elio" as it was conducted before its release.
"Lightyear," a 2022 film, was the only Pixar movie that received very few votes.
The top 10 list includes well-known movies like Toy Story 3 and Monsters, Inc.
The survey highlights the strong opinions people have about Pixar movies and their sequels.

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NPR News

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