Kenyans are continuing to protest despite recent clashes. Elijah Rottok from the Kenyan National Commission on Human Rights commented on their determination.
Key Facts
Elijah Rottok works at the Kenyan National Commission on Human Rights.
Rottok commented about the protests happening in Kenya.
Recent demonstrations in Kenya have involved some violence.
Kenyans want to continue protesting despite these challenges.
Some schools in Maine allow students to go on a hike as an alternative to sitting in detention. This option lets students spend time outdoors instead of staying indoors for discipline.
Key Facts
The school is located in Maine.
Students can choose to hike instead of sitting in detention.
This alternative takes place in the woods.
The program is meant for high school students.
The goal is to offer a different way for students to deal with discipline.
A U.S. federal judge dismissed a copyright lawsuit against Meta Platforms, filed by authors claiming their works were used to train Meta's AI technology without permission. The court indicated that the authors did not present their case correctly, although the ruling does not confirm that Meta’s use of these materials is legal.
Key Facts
A judge in San Francisco dismissed a copyright infringement case against Meta.
The lawsuit was brought by 13 authors, including Sarah Silverman and Ta-Nehisi Coates.
The judge stated that the authors used the wrong arguments in their case.
The ruling noted that it does not confirm the legality of Meta's use of the materials.
Meta claimed the decision supports the fair use of copyright material by its AI models.
The case involved the use of copyrighted books to train Meta's AI system Llama.
The court ruling seems to encourage other authors to file better-prepared lawsuits.
Meta has acknowledged a technical error that led to the wrongful suspension of some Facebook Groups. The company denies there is a wider issue but admits to errors in enforcement, and some Instagram users have reported similar problems.
Key Facts
Meta confirmed a mistake in suspending some Facebook Groups.
Group administrators said they got automated messages that incorrectly claimed policy violations.
Some Instagram users also reported similar account suspensions.
A petition on change.org about wrongful account disabling received nearly 22,000 signatures.
Users find it hard to contact Meta after being suspended or banned.
Meta uses a combination of artificial intelligence and humans to enforce its policies.
The company reported 4.6 million actions against child sexual exploitation in early 2023.
Meta explains that AI is crucial to its process for reviewing content.
Violence erupted during antigovernment protests in Nairobi and other Kenyan cities, resulting in several deaths and injuries. The protests marked the anniversary of a 2024 demonstration against tax increases that had turned deadly. Authorities have not officially confirmed the number of casualties, but reports indicate between eight and 16 people were killed.
Key Facts
Protests took place in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisii, and other cities.
Demonstrations were held to mark last year's violent anti-tax protests.
Protesters in Nairobi carried flags and chanted against President Ruto's government.
Shops and businesses in central Nairobi were attacked and damaged.
Protesters in Kikuyu town set fire to government buildings.
Police used tear gas, water cannons, and live ammunition to disperse crowds.
Violence was reported in multiple towns, but some areas remained peaceful.
The number of deaths reported varies, with estimates between eight and 16.
Kenya's Faith Kipyegon is trying to be the first woman to run a mile in under 4 minutes. While her attempt in Paris is not eligible for an official record, experts believe she has the potential to achieve this feat with the help of pacers and special equipment.
Key Facts
Faith Kipyegon is aiming to run a mile in under 4 minutes, a feat no woman has achieved yet.
Her current personal best mile time is over 7 seconds slower than 4 minutes.
The event in which Kipyegon is attempting the run is sponsored by Nike and is considered an exhibition, so it won't count as an official record.
Pacers will help Kipyegon reduce air resistance during her run, similar to the method used by Roger Bannister when he broke the 4-minute mile in 1954.
Kipyegon will use special equipment, including custom spikes, a specially designed speed suit, and a 3D-printed sports bra.
The attempt will take place in Paris at the Stade Sébastien Charléty, where Kipyegon previously won Olympic gold.
Scientists believe, based on experiments and calculations, that Kipyegon can achieve the 4-minute milestone.
Wind conditions might affect her performance during the attempt.
Brad Pitt stars as Sonny Hayes, a former rising Formula One driver, in the movie "F1 the Movie". Sonny returns to racing with an old friend's struggling team and faces challenges with a young teammate. The film shows Sonny navigating both personal and professional obstacles while competing in races around the world.
Key Facts
Brad Pitt plays a character named Sonny Hayes, a veteran race car driver.
The movie is titled "F1 the Movie" and is directed by Joseph Kosinski.
Sonny was a promising F1 driver in the 1990s but a crash put his career on hold.
Thirty years later, Sonny becomes a professional gambler and occasional driver.
He joins a struggling F1 team at the request of his old friend Ruben.
Sonny conflicts with his younger teammate, Joshua Pearce, played by Damson Idris.
The storyline includes races in locations like Monza, Las Vegas, and Abu Dhabi.
Pitt and co-star Idris performed their own driving stunts, reaching speeds of up to 180 mph.
A group of parents in Granada, Spain, hold daily silent protests outside a school, displaying banners supporting Gaza and opposing violence against children. Their protests are not large, but they aim to raise awareness about the situation in Gaza, where many children have died.
Key Facts
Parents in Granada protest daily for Gaza by holding banners outside a school.
The banners read “No more dead children” and “Against Genocide.”
The protest started after a video circulated among parents, inspiring them to take action.
They protest quietly, standing in a line to avoid disrupting passers-by.
Gaza has the highest number of child amputees per capita due to ongoing conflict.
Over 17,000 children have been killed in Gaza.
Almost every child in Gaza, over 930,000, is at risk of famine.
Spain has shown support for Palestine and criticized Israeli actions in Gaza.
Sabrina Carpenter released new art for her album "Man's Best Friend" after her original cover led to debate. The new images are meant to be less controversial, and the album will be out on August 29. Some people criticized the first artwork as promoting negative stereotypes.
Key Facts
Sabrina Carpenter changed the cover art for her album "Man's Best Friend" after criticism.
The original cover showed her in a pose some thought catered to negative male stereotypes.
Carpenter's new cover features her holding a suited man's arm, and she called it "approved by God."
The album, Carpenter's seventh, is set to release on August 29.
Critics like Glasgow Women's Aid said the initial image was "regressive" and suggested violence and control.
Some defended the original artwork as satirical, claiming it reflected public perceptions.
Criticism included its timing, seen as inappropriate because of current political issues in the US.
Carpenter is known for bold music and performances that sometimes attract attention and controversy.
The musical Evita is playing in London's West End, and while people watch it inside, the actress playing Eva Perón sings the famous song "Don't Cry For Me Argentina" from a balcony outside the theater. This unique performance draws large crowds on the street, offering a free experience to many who might not afford a ticket.
Key Facts
The musical Evita is being performed at London's Palladium theater.
Actress Rachel Zegler sings from a balcony during the performance.
The song "Don't Cry For Me Argentina" is played outside the theater.
Crowds gather outside to watch this balcony performance for free.
This outdoor performance is livestreamed back into the theater.
Composer Andrew Lloyd Webber arranged for the street closure for the performance.
The theater hopes to make theater accessible to people who can't buy tickets.
This staging style is typical of shows involving Andrew Lloyd Webber and director Jamie Lloyd.
Three new movies are hitting theaters this weekend: "F1," "M3GAN 2.0," and "Sorry, Baby." "F1" features Brad Pitt as a racing driver returning to the Formula One scene, while "M3GAN 2.0" is a sequel about a rebuilt killer robot. "Sorry, Baby" is a debut film by Eva Victor, blending emotional themes with humor.
Key Facts
"F1" stars Brad Pitt as Sonny Hayes, a retired Formula One driver making a comeback.
The film "F1" includes advanced camera techniques to immerse viewers in the racing scenes.
Damson Idris plays a rookie driver named Joshua, alongside Brad Pitt in "F1."
"M3GAN 2.0" follows the story of a killer robot being rebuilt despite resistance.
Allison Williams plays Gemma, a roboticist, in the movie "M3GAN 2.0."
"Sorry, Baby" is directed by Eva Victor, who previously worked at the satirical site Reductress.
The film "Sorry, Baby" blends humor with emotional storytelling.
Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton appears as himself in "F1" and serves as a producer.
Aylo, the owner of Pornhub and other adult sites, plans to introduce government-approved methods to check user ages in the UK by July 25. This change is to comply with UK laws requiring pornographic sites to ensure effective age verification, beyond just clicking a button.
Key Facts
Aylo owns adult websites like Pornhub, YouPorn, and RedTube.
The UK requires porn sites to implement strong age checks under the Online Safety Act.
Aylo aims to introduce new age verification methods by July 25 in the UK.
Ofcom, the UK regulator, says simple button clicks are not enough for age verification.
Other possible age checks include photo ID or credit card verification.
Pornhub is the most visited adult site globally.
Regulators worldwide are reviewing Pornhub's measures to prevent underage access.
Ofcom is investigating several adult sites for possibly breaking child safety rules.
Hugo Carvajal, a former Venezuelan military intelligence director, has admitted in a U.S. court to involvement in drug trafficking and narcoterrorism. He worked with a Colombian group to distribute cocaine in the U.S., and he faces a long prison sentence.
Key Facts
Hugo Carvajal was a director in Venezuela's military and worked under President Hugo Chavez from 2004 to 2011.
He pleaded guilty to drug trafficking and narcoterrorism in a U.S. court.
Carvajal's charges include attempting to bring large amounts of cocaine into the U.S. and conspiring with others to do so.
He worked with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), which was previously considered a terrorist group by the U.S.
Prosecutors suggest Carvajal should receive at least 50 years in prison.
Carvajal was nicknamed "El Pollo," which means "the chicken" in Spanish.
He took part in a failed coup in 1992 that helped Chavez become well-known.
Carvajal was extradited from Spain to the U.S. in July 2023, after a long effort by the U.S. Justice Department.
A new report from UNICEF and the International Labor Organization shows that child labor has decreased worldwide over the past five years, with 20 million fewer children working. However, 138 million children still work, often in unsafe conditions. Poverty and lack of access to education are leading causes of child labor, and regions like Asia have made progress with strategies that include financial support for families and access to free schooling.
Key Facts
UNICEF and the International Labor Organization report on child labor shows a decline in working children by 20 million in five years.
Currently, 138 million children are involved in child labor around the world.
Of these, 54 million children work in dangerous conditions that harm their health.
Poverty is a key reason children start working, often from as young as 5 years old.
Access to free education and financial support for families helps reduce child labor.
In Asia, child labor dropped from 13% in 2008 to 3% in 2024, partly due to improved access to schooling and financial aid.
In sub-Saharan Africa, child labor remains high, with 22% of children working as of 2024, due to limited schooling and reliance on agriculture.
Many children in sub-Saharan Africa work on family farms, where schooling options are often not available.
Thailand is facing a growing problem with electronic waste, often from Western countries. The government is trying to control this by inspecting and closing down unlicensed recycling plants, but the situation is worsening as more e-waste is mislabelled and illegally processed, harming the environment.
Key Facts
Thailand is inspecting unlicensed recycling sites to control electronic waste.
China banned e-waste imports in 2018, causing more waste to be sent to Thailand.
Thailand's e-waste imports have increased from 3,000 to 60,000 tonnes in ten years.
Many e-waste shipments are falsely labelled as second-hand goods for resale.
Processing e-waste can release harmful chemicals like mercury and lead.
The valuable metals retrieved from waste are often exported to China.
These recycling practices are damaging the environment and people's livelihoods.
Despite a 2020 import ban, Thailand still struggles with illegal e-waste processing.
The Thai government plans to restrict cannabis use to medical purposes only, reversing the 2022 move that allowed recreational use. Although the order isn't law yet, the decision has created uncertainty in the $1 billion cannabis industry.
Key Facts
Thailand's Ministry of Public Health wants cannabis use limited to medical purposes only.
Recreational cannabis use was decriminalized in Thailand in 2022.
The change is not official until it is published in the Royal Gazette.
Government spokesperson Jirayu Houngsub mentioned concerns about social issues among young people.
Thousands of cannabis stores have opened since decriminalization.
The Bhumjaithai Party left the ruling coalition over issues unrelated to cannabis.
The Thai Chamber of Commerce estimated the cannabis market could be worth $1.2 billion by 2025.
The cannabis industry has faced regulatory uncertainty since its decriminalization.
Season 4 of "The Bear" on FX continues to explore the life of Carmy Berzatto as he navigates his career and personal challenges. The show delves into Carmy's ongoing pursuit of perfection in the restaurant industry, while also showing more about Sydney's family and her work dynamics with Carmy.
Key Facts
Season 4 of "The Bear" is now available on FX on Hulu.
The main character, Carmy Berzatto, is played by Jeremy Allen White.
Carmy struggles with his career choice as a chef, seeking perfection in his work.
The season addresses Carmy's past issues, including family and previous bosses.
The Bear restaurant's finances are under pressure, set against a ticking clock.
Sydney Adamu, played by Ayo Edebiri, faces career decisions and family dynamics.
The show highlights standout episodes featuring Carmy's extended family and their interactions.
The article discusses the closure of all Homebase stores, a DIY chain. It provides information on how to listen to a related program on the BBC Sounds platform.
Key Facts
Homebase is a DIY chain store.
All of its store locations have been closed.
The BBC has a program discussing why these stores closed.
The program is available on the BBC Sounds platform.
The release date of the program is June 26, 2025.
The program lasts 25 minutes.
The BBC Sounds platform offers help with signing in and other information.
The U.S. shipbuilding industry thrived during World War II but is now almost non-existent. Currently, China leads the world in shipbuilding. The article examines the decline of American shipbuilding and the possible effects of U.S. policies aimed at protecting it.
Key Facts
The U.S. had a strong shipbuilding industry during World War II.
Today, China's shipbuilding industry is the largest in the world.
American shipbuilding has significantly declined in recent years.
Protectionist policies could impact efforts to revive U.S. shipbuilding.
The discussion is part of an NPR series called "The Indicator from Planet Money."
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has appointed a new panel to review vaccine schedules for children in the U.S. The panel includes individuals known to be skeptical of vaccines, which has raised concerns among health experts and politicians.
Key Facts
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. replaced all 17 members of a U.S. vaccine advisory committee with new members.
The new panel will review vaccination schedules for children and vaccines approved over seven years ago.
The committee advises the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on vaccines.
Concerns have been raised about the qualifications and potential biases of the new panel members.
The review of long-approved vaccines, like hepatitis B for newborns, is a point of concern.
The panel postponed a vote on vaccines for RSV, a respiratory virus affecting infants.
They plan to discuss thimerosal, a preservative not used in most current vaccines.
Dr. Martin Kulldorff, the new chair, was previously removed from his university position for not getting a Covid-19 vaccine.
