Chinese immigrants in Taiwan must prove they have given up their household registration in China by the end of June, or they risk losing their residency rights in Taiwan. This requirement affects about 12,000 people, including many who have lived in Taiwan for decades.
Key Facts
Around 12,000 Chinese immigrants in Taiwan must prove they no longer have household registration in China by June 30.
If they do not meet this deadline, they could lose their right to live in Taiwan and might be deported.
Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council set this rule in response to national security concerns.
Many affected immigrants, like Chang Chih-yuan, have lived in Taiwan for many years.
Household registration ties a person's legal status and access to services to a specific location.
Roughly 140,000 Chinese spouses have permanent residency in Taiwan.
As of June 23, about 5,200 immigrants submitted necessary documents, while around 2,400 faced difficulties or asked for more time.
Some immigrants fear losing their residency despite living in Taiwan for decades and contributing to the community.
A chess club in the Katwe slums of Uganda's capital, known from the movie Queen of Katwe, continues to train successful players despite facing financial challenges. Run by chess coach Robert Katende, who was portrayed in the 2016 film, the club has helped many children like Phiona Mutesi achieve notable success in chess and life.
Key Facts
Robert Katende started the chess club in Katwe, a poor area of Kampala, Uganda.
The club inspired the 2016 Disney film Queen of Katwe, based on Phiona Mutesi's life.
Phiona Mutesi, a former club member, became a national chess champion and earned the Woman Candidate Master title.
Katende has run the program for over two decades, introducing more than 4,000 children to chess.
The club received a $50,000 grant from Disney, allowing expansion to other areas.
The program now also operates in prisons and slums across several African countries.
More than 2,500 children and 800 inmates currently participate in the programs.
Despite the film's lack of profit, Katende continues his work, emphasizing chess as a tool for life lessons.
A study by the University of Oxford found that Uber's new pricing system made passenger fares go up while driver earnings went down. The study also noted an increase in the amount Uber takes from each fare after changing its pricing method in 2023.
Key Facts
The study looked at data from 258 Uber drivers in the UK over 1.5 million trips between 2016 and 2024.
Uber introduced a dynamic pricing system in 2023, which led to higher costs for passengers.
Drivers' earnings dropped from more than £22 per hour to just over £19 per hour.
Uber's share from each fare increased from 25% to 29%.
Drivers spent more unpaid time waiting for rides since the new pricing system was introduced.
The study showed a growing gap between passenger fares and driver earnings.
Uber disputed some claims in the study, stating that all drivers are shown potential earnings before accepting a trip.
NPR sometimes uses anonymous sources to share important information in their stories. They follow a careful process to decide when it is necessary to keep a source's identity secret to protect them or when the information is crucial for the public.
Key Facts
NPR uses anonymous sources to report important stories that may otherwise go unreported.
The preference is to name sources, but anonymity is considered if disclosure risks the source's job or safety.
NPR grants anonymity only after senior editors approve based on specific guidelines.
Editors balance transparency with the potential harm the source may face.
Vetting involves confirming the source's credibility and the importance of their information.
If anonymity is granted, NPR explains why in the story.
NPR avoids using pseudonyms to maintain factual reporting.
NPR's ethics handbook provides additional information on these practices.
The government in England has announced plans for supermarkets and food manufacturers to make it easier for people to buy healthy food. The goal is to reduce obesity rates by introducing promotions, adjusting store layouts, and changing product compositions, though no specific targets are set. The plan will be part of a larger health improvement strategy, which includes additional support and regulation changes.
Key Facts
Supermarkets and food manufacturers in England will work with the government to encourage healthier shopping habits.
These efforts could involve promotions on healthy foods, adjustments in store loyalty schemes, and redesigns of shop layouts.
The policy will involve major food retailers reporting on healthy food sales, but it does not set specific targets for them to meet.
The plans are part of a 10-year NHS health improvement plan aiming to curb obesity and pressure on the healthcare system.
More than one in five children are currently obese by the time they leave primary school.
A study found that healthy food costs more than twice as much as less healthy options in terms of calorie content.
The government will also offer incentives like vouchers for healthy living and expand health management programs.
The new policies aim to reduce sugar and calorie intake to lower obesity rates.
Children as young as five are learning about sun protection through a new program at schools in Kent, UK. The initiative aims to reduce skin cancer cases by teaching children how to protect their skin from UV exposure, a major cause of melanoma. This program is expected to become part of nationwide lessons by 2026.
Key Facts
Children are learning to check UV levels and apply sunscreen properly.
The program is currently being tested in Kent primary schools and will expand to all UK schools by 2026.
Melanoma is a serious skin cancer linked to UV exposure, with cases expected to rise from 18,300 in 2021 to 21,300 by 2026 in the UK.
Teaching sun safety when young can help prevent future skin cancer cases.
Most melanoma cases are caused by exposure to the sun and sunbeds.
"Safe tan" is a myth, as tanning means skin damage, according to experts.
The ABCDE checklist helps check moles for signs of melanoma: asymmetry, border, color, diameter, and evolving changes.
Cancer Research UK emphasizes keeping kids in the shade during peak hours and using wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, clothing, and SPF 30+ sunscreen.
Hundreds of people protested in Venice against Jeff Bezos' wedding celebrations, which took place over three days. Some locals expressed frustration over issues like high tourism, expensive housing, and climate concerns. Despite the protests, local leaders supported the wedding, seeing it as an economic benefit.
Key Facts
Protesters marched in Venice during Jeff Bezos' three-day wedding celebration.
Jeff Bezos married Lauren Sanchez in a private ceremony with about 200 celebrity guests.
Public banners and signs expressed opposition to Bezos and concerns about over-tourism and climate issues in Venice.
Some locals are upset with issues like high housing costs and climate-related flooding.
The Venetian Environmental Research Association confirmed Bezos donated 1 million euros each to three environmental groups.
Local businesses and political leaders saw the wedding as economically beneficial.
Venice’s mayor viewed Bezos positively, aligning him with the city’s business culture.
In June, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. removed all 17 members of an important vaccine advisory panel. He then selected eight new members, some of whom have doubts about certain vaccines. This led to Dr. Fiona Havers, a top vaccine expert at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), deciding to resign from her post.
Key Facts
In June, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. dismissed all 17 members of a vaccine advisory panel.
He appointed eight new members to the panel.
Some of the new members have shown skepticism about certain vaccines.
Dr. Fiona Havers was a leading vaccine expert at the CDC.
Dr. Havers resigned following these changes to the panel.
Ali Rogin interviewed Dr. Havers about why she chose to quit.
Scientists are using advanced facial recognition technology to track humpback whales as they migrate across oceans. This technology helps researchers understand the whales' behaviors and overall health.
Key Facts
Humpback whales are among the largest animals on Earth.
These whales are found in all of the world's oceans.
Humpback whales migrate thousands of miles each year.
Scientists use AI-powered facial recognition to monitor these whales.
This tracking provides information on the whales' habits.
It also helps assess the health of humpback whale populations.
Robin Tyler is a comedian and activist who became the first openly lesbian comic on national TV in 1979. She has used her comedy and public presence to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights.
Key Facts
Robin Tyler is both a comedian and an activist.
In 1979, she appeared as the first openly lesbian comic on national television.
She uses humor as a tool to support LGBTQ+ rights and equality.
Tyler's work is part of efforts to raise awareness and acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community.
She was featured in a "Hidden Histories" series, which discusses lesser-known historical contributions.
Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and TV presenter Lauren Sanchez held a grand wedding in Venice, which ended with a big party. While the event attracted many celebrities, some local Venetians held protests against over-tourism and environmental concerns. The protests led to a change in venue for the party to a more secure location.
Key Facts
Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez celebrated their wedding in Venice.
The event attracted many celebrities like Leonardo DiCaprio and Kim Kardashian.
Some Venetians protested against over-tourism and climate change concerns linked to the event.
Protesters planned to disrupt the wedding but decided against more extreme actions.
City officials see the wedding as a chance to boost Venice's wedding tourism.
The protest led to moving the party to a more secure location called Arsenale.
Security measures, such as preventing graffiti and protest slogans, were in place.
Minimal disruption was reported in Venice despite the grand event.
New video games are becoming more expensive, causing some gamers to worry about the cost of their hobby. A young gamer, Kady, mentions she now researches games more to manage her expenses. Nick Poole, from the UK Interactive Entertainment, explains that game development costs have increased significantly over the past decade.
Key Facts
Video game prices are reaching record highs.
Some gamers feel their hobby is becoming too costly.
Gamer Kady, aged 21, says she researches games more to manage her money.
Aspiring professional gamer Dirk Casinillo wonders if rising prices are due to inflation or increased profit motives by developers.
Nick Poole, CEO of UK Interactive Entertainment, represents over 2,000 gaming businesses in the UK.
Poole states that game development costs are much higher now than they were 10 years ago.
Protests are happening in Venice against the wedding of Amazon's founder, Jeff Bezos, and TV host Lauren Sanchez. Critics say the billionaire is treating Venice like a theme park, but Bezos is reportedly giving millions to local causes.
Key Facts
Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon, is getting married to TV presenter Lauren Sanchez in Venice.
There are ongoing protests in Venice against the extravagant wedding.
Some protests focus on the claim that Bezos is using the city as a theme park.
Bezos is reportedly donating millions to various causes in Venice.
Many celebrities have come to Venice for the wedding celebration.
The protests and donations are happening simultaneously with the wedding event.
A 70-year-old man named Hamed Ramadan Bayoumy Aly Marie admitted in court to kicking a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) beagle named Freddie at Washington Dulles International Airport. The dog was injured while inspecting Marie's luggage, which contained prohibited food items, and Marie was ordered to pay the dog's medical bills and will be sent back to Egypt.
Key Facts
A CBP beagle named Freddie was kicked and injured by a traveler at Washington Dulles International Airport.
The traveler, a 70-year-old Egyptian man, pleaded guilty to the offense.
Freddie is a 5-year-old agriculture detector dog used by CBP to search luggage.
The man, named Hamed Ramadan Bayoumy Aly Marie, kicked Freddie during a baggage search.
Freddie was hurt, suffering contusions on his ribs.
The man attempted to bring in prohibited food items, including beef, rice, eggplant, and corn seeds.
Marie will pay for Freddie's medical treatment and will be deported to Egypt.
Customs and Border Protection uses dogs like Freddie to prevent harmful plants and diseases from entering the U.S.
More than 70 authors wrote an open letter to publishers, asking them not to use artificial intelligence (AI) to create books. They want publishers to promise that AI won't replace human writers and other employees. The letter has gained over 1,100 signatures from authors in less than a day.
Key Facts
Over 70 authors, including Dennis Lehane and Gregory Maguire, wrote an open letter to publishers about AI use in creating books.
The letter asks publishers to stop using AI to write books or replace employees without consent or payment to authors.
Authors want publishers to hire human narrators for audiobooks instead of using AI.
The letter is addressed to major U.S. publishers like Penguin Random House and HarperCollins, as well as others.
More than 1,100 authors signed the letter’s petition within 24 hours of its release.
Authors previously addressed AI issues through lawsuits, focusing on copyright infringement cases against AI companies.
Federal judges recently ruled that AI companies could use copyrighted works for training if they obtain them legally.
There is concern that AI can create "copycat" books, affecting authors’ income on platforms like Amazon.
Authors worry about AI replacing human voices in audiobooks, impacting their additional earnings from narration.
A memorial service was held for Arthur "Afa" Ah Loo, who was killed at a protest in Salt Lake City called the No Kings rally. He died from a gunshot at the event, and no one has been charged with his death.
Key Facts
Arthur "Afa" Ah Loo was killed at a protest in Salt Lake City.
The protest was called the No Kings rally.
He died from a gunshot at the event.
A public memorial service was held to honor him.
No legal charges have been filed in connection to his death.
"M3GAN 2.0" is a movie about a killer robot coming back to life. The film includes new storylines, but it keeps the fun parts of the first movie, which many people liked.
Key Facts
"M3GAN 2.0" is a sequel to a 2022 film about a killer robot.
The original movie featured a robot named M3GAN created by a roboticist named Gemma for her niece Cady.
In the first film, M3GAN was turned off after a series of violent events.
The sequel involves new characters and storylines, including a rogue robot named AMELIA.
The film contains various subplots, including interactions with the FBI and technological secrets.
Fans of the first movie expect to see M3GAN return and entertain with her unique personality.
Gemma, a main character, initially resists rebuilding M3GAN but is eventually persuaded.
The U.S. Department of Defense has decided to stop sharing satellite weather data used by hurricane forecasters. This change means that forecasters will no longer have access to important information from Defense Department satellites, which has been used for over 40 years to monitor and predict hurricane activity.
Key Facts
The Department of Defense will stop providing satellite weather data to forecasters.
This data has been used for more than 40 years to track weather conditions, including hurricanes.
The Fleet Numerical Meteorology and Oceanography Center in the Navy processes this satellite data.
Forecasters use the data to predict hurricanes and understand storm structure and movement.
The decision to stop sharing the data is due to unspecified cybersecurity concerns.
The U.S. Space Force states that the satellites are still operational and will be used internally.
The data helps identify when a hurricane might intensify, aiding in timely evacuation warnings.
Canadian businesses, like Taurus Craco, are facing challenges due to the shifting tariffs imposed by the United States, which makes it difficult to plan for the future. The ongoing trade conflict has led to economic uncertainty, impacting Canada’s economy as it heavily relies on trade with the US.
Key Facts
Taurus Craco, a business in the Toronto area, imports machinery and sells it in North America, mainly the US.
Shifting US tariffs have caused uncertainty and financial burdens for small businesses like Taurus Craco.
Taurus Craco had to pay C$35,000 extra when a shipment to the US faced unexpected tariffs.
The trade conflict includes a series of tariffs particularly on metals and autos between the US and Canada.
Prime Minister Mark Carney labeled the US tariffs as "unjust" and stated that the old US-Canada trade relationship is over.
In April, Carney visited the US to discuss a new trade and security deal.
President Trump recently stopped trade talks with Canada over a digital services tax.
Canada relies heavily on trade with the US, sending 75% of its exports there.
The Canadian economy slowed, growing only 0.8% in early 2025 due to the trade dispute.
The UK Labour government reversed its decision to cut disability benefits after facing opposition. The original aim was to save money quickly, but critics argue it was more important to focus on long-term plans to help people with health issues return to work.
Key Facts
About 25% of people aged 16 to 64 in the UK do not have a job.
Many are jobless due to caring responsibilities or health problems.
Labour initially sought quick budget savings by tightening rules on benefit payments.
They reversed this plan after a potential rebellion within the party.
Critics argue the government should focus on long-term strategies to help people with health issues work part-time.
The welfare reform aimed to save £5 billion per year by 2029-30.
The reforms were initially planned to address a budget shortfall due to higher borrowing costs.
Former Conservative official Iain Duncan Smith criticized the approach, saying piecemeal budget cuts without broader reform are ineffective.
