A band named The Velvet Sundown has gained popularity on Spotify but has faced accusations that their music is generated by artificial intelligence (AI). Confusion surrounds the band's identity, with claims and counterclaims about whether their music is AI-generated and some platforms and people questioning its authenticity.
Key Facts
The Velvet Sundown has over 850,000 monthly listeners on Spotify.
There is no public information about the band members, such as interviews or social media accounts.
Rolling Stone reported an AI tool named Suno was used for their music, but the source making this claim was later deemed fake.
An official statement on Spotify says the band has no connection to the person who made the false claim.
A fake social media account claimed to represent the band.
An AI tool on Deezer flagged the music as entirely AI-generated.
Spotify's CEO indicated AI-generated music would not be banned from their platform.
There are concerns in the music industry over AI's impact, with artists like Elton John and Dua Lipa unsuccessfully campaigning for new copyright laws to address AI.
Some businesses are using AI to create content and run their websites, but it often leads to poor results and extra costs. Professionals like Sarah Skidd and Sophie Warner are earning money fixing these mistakes. They say that while AI can help, it often needs human oversight to avoid problems.
Key Facts
Sarah Skidd, based in Arizona, rewrites AI-generated content for $100 per hour due to its poor quality.
Sarah is not against AI and finds it useful, especially for people with challenges like dyslexia.
Sophie Warner from Create Designs faces more clients needing help after trying AI solutions themselves.
AI errors have led to website crashes and security risks for some businesses.
One client's improper use of AI ended up costing them £360 and three days of downtime.
Businesses are increasingly using AI, with a third planning to expand its use within two years.
Professor Feng Li explains that AI can "hallucinate," creating content that is incorrect or irrelevant.
Both Skidd and Warner stress the importance of human oversight to prevent mistakes and extra costs.
Mexican boxer Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., age 39, was arrested by U.S. immigration agents and may be deported to Mexico due to an active arrest warrant for alleged involvement in organized crime. U.S. officials claim he is linked to the Sinaloa drug cartel, but his lawyer denies these accusations.
Key Facts
Immigration agents in the U.S. arrested Mexican boxer Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.
Chavez Jr. has an active arrest warrant in Mexico for organized crime.
U.S. officials allege Chavez Jr. is connected to the Sinaloa drug cartel.
He married a U.S. citizen last year and applied for U.S. residency.
Chavez Jr. has prior arrests in the U.S., including for illegal weapon possession.
His lawyer disputes the organized crime allegations and says this is the first they have heard of such claims.
Chavez Jr. overstayed a tourist visa that expired last February.
DHS officials mention his expedited removal from the U.S. is in process.
New data shows that more immigrants without criminal records are being detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) under President Trump's deportation campaign. Nearly 30,000 non-criminal immigrants are currently in detention facilities, and this group has seen the largest increase recently.
Key Facts
Over 56,000 immigrants are currently in ICE detention.
About half of these detainees, or around 30,000 people, have no criminal convictions.
This group of non-criminal detainees has experienced the most significant growth in recent months.
The Trump administration aims for 3,000 ICE arrests daily.
Detentions of non-criminal immigrants nearly doubled since May 2025.
Despite the focus on violent criminals, collateral immigration arrests are happening for those without legal U.S. status.
Pastor Maurilio Ambrocio, a Guatemalan immigrant with no criminal record, was detained and deported after living in the U.S. for 30 years.
Some Trump supporters, like neighbor Greg Johns, express discomfort with the current approach to immigration enforcement.
Actor Michael Madsen, known for his roles in Quentin Tarantino movies, died at age 67 in his California home. Authorities found him unresponsive after receiving a 911 call, and he is believed to have died from cardiac arrest.
Key Facts
Michael Madsen was 67 years old when he died.
He passed away in his home in Malibu, California.
Authorities responded to a 911 call and found him unresponsive.
He is believed to have died from cardiac arrest.
Madsen was known for roles in Quentin Tarantino films like "Reservoir Dogs" and "Kill Bill: Vol. 2."
In his career, he played various characters, from law enforcers to criminals.
He also did voice work for video games, like "Grand Theft Auto III."
Madsen was born in Chicago in September 1957.
He is survived by four children, including actor Christian Madsen.
A study by MIT indicates that relying on AI chatbots, such as ChatGPT, might affect people's critical thinking skills. The research explores how using these AI tools could impact the brain's ability to think independently.
Key Facts
MIT conducted a study on the effects of AI chatbots.
The study focused on how tools like ChatGPT might influence critical thinking skills.
Critical thinking is the ability to analyze situations or information carefully and thoughtfully.
The research raises concerns about over-reliance on AI tools affecting independent thinking.
The study seeks to understand how people can use AI without losing their ability to think for themselves.
Indonesian rescuers are searching for 29 missing people after a ferry sank near the island of Bali, resulting in six confirmed deaths. The ferry was traveling from East Java to Bali when it sank, and 30 passengers have been rescued so far. Rescue operations are ongoing, with challenging weather conditions affecting the search.
Key Facts
A ferry called KMP Tunu Pratama Jaya sank near Bali, Indonesia.
The ferry had 53 passengers and 12 crew members on board.
Six people have died, and bodies, including a mother and her 3-year-old son, have been recovered.
Authorities rescued 30 people, while 29 remain missing.
Strong waves and darkness hindered nighttime rescue efforts.
Rescuers used a helicopter and 15 boats, supported by fishermen, to search for survivors.
Some survivors were unconscious when found due to drifting in rough waters.
The cause of the accident is under investigation, with a possible engine room leak reported by survivors.
More than 70 writers wrote an open letter asking publishers not to release books created by artificial intelligence (AI). They want publishers to ensure human authors are the ones writing books.
Key Facts
Over 70 writers are involved in this effort.
They sent an open letter to literary publishers.
The letter outlines their concerns about AI in writing.
The writers' main demand is for publishers not to release AI-written books.
AI, or artificial intelligence, refers to machines performing tasks that typically require human intelligence.
The writers aim to protect the role of human authors.
The United States added 147,000 jobs in June, surpassing expectations, as the labor market remained mostly steady despite economic uncertainties. The unemployment rate slightly decreased to 4.1%, but several industries experienced little change in hiring due to policy uncertainties. Government and healthcare sectors saw the most job gains, while federal jobs continued to decline.
Key Facts
In June, the U.S. economy added 147,000 jobs.
The unemployment rate dropped by 0.1% from May, reaching 4.1%.
Government jobs, especially state-level education positions, saw significant growth, adding a total of 73,000 jobs.
The healthcare sector added 39,000 jobs, while social assistance employment increased by 19,000.
Federal employment decreased by 7,000 jobs, contributing to a total loss of 69,000 since January.
Average hourly wages rose by 0.2% from May and 3.7% compared to the previous year.
The private sector showed little change in employment due to uncertainties around tariffs and immigration policies.
Weekly jobless claims fell by 4,000 to 233,000, indicating relatively low layoffs.
The U.K. High Court criticized MI5, the U.K.'s domestic intelligence agency, for misleading courts about an informant involved in alleged abuse. This case involves a woman named "Beth" who claims her former partner, known as "X," abused her and used his MI5 connections to escape consequences. MI5 admitted to errors and a lack of transparency, leading to calls for independent investigation.
Key Facts
The U.K. High Court criticized MI5 for misleading courts about an informant.
A woman, referred to as "Beth," accused her former partner, "X," of abuse.
"X" allegedly used his MI5 ties to claim he had immunity from the law.
Beth's case first became public through a BBC report in 2022.
MI5 admitted to inaccuracies in past statements but claimed they were internal errors.
The High Court recommended an independent investigation into MI5's conduct.
The case has raised questions about MI5's practice of keeping secrets and its oversight.
MI5 stated it never knowingly lied but emphasized the need to protect agent identities.
China is working to become a leading country in artificial intelligence (AI) and electric vehicles (EVs). To achieve this, they are focusing on gaining control over key data for AI and are involved in intense price competition in the EV market.
Key Facts
China aims to be a top player in the fields of AI and EVs.
In AI, having access to large amounts of data is crucial for developing advanced technologies.
China is involved in a competitive price battle to gain an advantage in the electric vehicle industry.
A data worker in China is involved in tagging information that helps train self-driving car technology.
Self-driving cars use AI systems to operate and navigate without human drivers.
A Maryland man, Kilmar Ábrego García, who was mistakenly deported to El Salvador, claims he was tortured and beaten in a prison there. He has returned to the US to face human trafficking charges, to which he pleads not guilty. His wife brought a lawsuit against the Trump administration regarding his deportation and treatment.
Key Facts
Kilmar Ábrego García was mistakenly deported from the US to El Salvador.
He was detained at the Cecot prison in El Salvador, where he claims he was beaten and tortured.
Court documents say he lost 30 pounds during his detention due to mistreatment.
García was extradited back to the US in June to face human trafficking charges, which he denies.
His wife sued the Trump administration, alleging mistreatment and wrongful deportation.
El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele previously stated that the country’s prisons are free from abuses.
The Trump administration initially refused to bring García back to the US, though a judge ordered it.
In the US, a judge ruled he could be released, but he remains in jail due to fears of another deportation.
A motorcyclist was killed by a bear in a mountain region of Romania. The incident happened after he stopped on a well-known road where there was a warning sign about feeding bears. An investigation is underway, and officials have not yet euthanized the bear involved.
Key Facts
A man was attacked and killed by a bear in Romania's mountains.
The attack occurred on the Transfagarasan road, a popular tourist spot.
The bear dragged the man down an 80-meter ravine.
The victim wore a helmet and protective gear, but the injuries were too severe.
Authorities said the man parked near a sign warning against feeding bears.
Romania has the largest brown bear population in the European Union.
Human-bear encounters in Romania have increased, leading to more deadly incidents.
The environment ministry estimates there are between 10,400 and 12,800 bears in Romania.
Former officials suggest reducing the bear population for better management.
Conservationists point to mismanagement as a key problem in preventing such incidents.
Cleveland Guardians pitcher Luis Ortiz is on non-disciplinary leave because Major League Baseball (MLB) is investigating him for gambling activities. The MLB has placed him on leave through the All-Star break, and his leave might continue if the investigation is not completed by then.
Key Facts
Luis Ortiz, a pitcher for the Cleveland Guardians, is under investigation for gambling by MLB.
Ortiz has been put on non-disciplinary leave and will not play until after the All-Star break, at the earliest.
The investigation details were first reported by The Athletic.
Ortiz joined the Guardians in a trade with the Pittsburgh Pirates last December.
He has a record of 4 wins and 9 losses with a 4.36 ERA this season.
Ortiz's nine losses are among the highest in the American League this season.
Joey Cantillo will replace Ortiz as the starting pitcher for a game against the Chicago Cubs.
The MLB has a history of suspending players and officials involved in gambling, including a lifetime ban for a different player, Tucupita Marcano, last year.
Bryan Kohberger, who was charged with the murder of four University of Idaho students, agreed to plead guilty earlier this week to avoid the death penalty. During a court hearing, the prosecutor presented evidence linking Kohberger to the crime, including DNA and surveillance footage, and described his actions on the night of the killings.
Key Facts
Bryan Kohberger agreed to plead guilty to avoid the death penalty for the murder of four students.
The prosecutor shared key evidence, including DNA from a Q-tip found in the garbage, that connects Kohberger to the crime.
Surveillance footage and cell phone tracking placed Kohberger near the crime scenes before and during the time of the killings.
The murders occurred on November 13, 2022, at a rental home near the University of Idaho campus.
Kohberger attacked and killed the victims using a knife.
Kohberger had started a doctoral program in criminal justice nearby months before the murders.
Evidence showed Kohberger's phone was in the area of the crime 23 times before the stabbings.
After the murders, Kohberger took extensive measures to evade detection.
Portuguese soccer player Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre Silva, died in a car crash in Spain. Jota was a forward for Liverpool and recently played with Cristiano Ronaldo on Portugal’s national team.
Key Facts
Diogo Jota was 28 years old and played for Liverpool.
He died in a car crash on the A-52 highway in Zamora, Spain.
Jota's brother, Andre Silva, also died in the crash.
Jota last played for Portugal’s national team in the UEFA Nations League final on June 8, 2025.
He appeared in 49 games for Portugal and debuted internationally in November 2019.
Jota helped Liverpool win several titles, including the Premier League and FA Cup.
He scored 65 goals in 182 games for Liverpool.
Jota married his longtime partner just days before his passing.
The Supreme Court will hear a case about whether states can set rules on which school sports teams transgender students may join. This follows recent rulings that supported transgender athletes' rights in Idaho and West Virginia. These cases are part of a larger national debate about transgender participation in sports.
Key Facts
The Supreme Court will review cases involving Idaho and West Virginia about transgender students in school sports.
Two weeks ago, the Court upheld a ban on gender-affirming care for transgender youth.
Over 24 states have passed laws preventing transgender women and girls from taking part in certain sports.
Republican leaders argue these laws ensure fairness in women's and girls' sports.
The University of Pennsylvania changed records from a transgender swimmer and will apologize to other female athletes as part of settling a case.
The new Supreme Court case involves Becky Pepper-Jackson, a transgender student from West Virginia.
The 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals supported Pepper-Jackson’s rights based on equal protection and Title IX, which bans sex discrimination in education.
Idaho was the first state to ban transgender women and girls from public school sports teams in 2020.
The Trump administration's increased efforts to find and deport immigrants are impacting industries that depend on immigrant workers. Businesses like agriculture, construction, and long-term care are particularly affected by ICE raids seeking unauthorized workers.
Key Facts
ICE stands for Immigration and Customs Enforcement, a government agency involved in enforcing immigration laws.
The Trump administration has focused on cracking down on unauthorized immigrants in the workforce.
Industries like agriculture, construction, and long-term care heavily rely on immigrant labor.
ICE is actively conducting raids on businesses believed to employ unauthorized workers.
These raids affect the ability of these industries to retain their workforce.
Representatives from affected industries are discussing the challenges of maintaining sufficient staff.
Diogo Jota, a Liverpool football player, died in a car crash in Spain. His brother, Andre, was also in the car when it went off the road. Both brothers lost their lives in the accident.
Key Facts
Diogo Jota was 28 years old and played for Liverpool Football Club.
The car crash happened in Spain, where Jota and his brother Andre were traveling.
Andre Jota, also a footballer, was in the car during the accident.
The crash occurred two weeks after Diogo Jota married Rute Cardoso.
Liverpool Football Club has requested privacy for the family and expressed support.
The Prime Minister of Portugal and sports organizations expressed their condolences.
Diogo Jota had played around 50 times for Portugal's national football team.
Many football clubs and players publicly mourned the loss.
Thailand has appointed Interior Minister Phumtham Wechayachai as the interim prime minister after the Constitutional Court suspended Paetongtarn Shinawatra. The court is investigating allegations that Paetongtarn violated ethics by calling Cambodia's former leader, Hun Sen. She was suspended and had previously served as culture minister in a new cabinet.
Key Facts
Thailand appointed Phumtham Wechayachai as acting prime minister.
The Constitutional Court suspended leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra.
Paetongtarn was involved in a phone call with Cambodia's ex-leader, Hun Sen.
The call led to allegations of breaching ministerial ethics.
Paetongtarn was temporarily barred from office while under investigation.
She had referred to Hun Sen as "Uncle" during the call.
Paetongtarn was also appointed culture minister before the suspension.
Her government faced challenges with low popularity and economic issues.
