This week's new book releases include titles about experimental archaeology, a memoir by a self-taught lawyer, a true sea adventure, and a biography of a women's sports star. These books cover topics ranging from ancient history to modern sports achievements. Each offers a unique perspective and insight into different worlds.
Key Facts
Sam Kean's book, "Dinner with King Tut," explores experimental archaeology by recreating ancient sounds, smells, and tastes.
"The Jailhouse Lawyer" by Calvin Duncan and Sophie Cull is a memoir about a self-taught lawyer who learned law while in prison.
Duncan's story includes his efforts to appeal his own conviction and help other inmates with their cases.
"A Marriage at Sea" by Sophie Elmhirst tells the true story of a couple's adventurous trip that ends in a shipwreck.
The book "On Her Game" by Christine Brennan focuses on Caitlin Clark, an NCAA basketball star and her influence on women's sports.
The new books offer a mix of fiction and nonfiction, including history, memoirs, and sports stories.
Judges at the International Criminal Court (ICC) have issued arrest warrants for two Taliban leaders. They are accused of persecuting women and girls by taking away their basic rights and freedoms. The charges cover actions from August 2021 to at least January 2025.
Key Facts
The ICC issued arrest warrants for Taliban leaders Hibatullah Akhundzada and Abdul Hakim Haqqani.
They are charged with gender-based persecution of women and girls.
The alleged crimes happened from August 15, 2021, to at least January 20, 2025.
Persecution included denying women and girls education and other freedoms.
The ICC aims to handle serious crimes, like war crimes, but lacks its own police force.
The Taliban have been accused of preventing 1.4 million girls from attending school.
Overall, 80% of Afghan school-age girls are not receiving an education, totaling 2.5 million girls.
President Donald Trump sent letters to 14 countries, warning them that they will face higher tariffs on their exports to the U.S. if they do not negotiate new trade deals by August 1. The letters also warned these countries of further tariff increases if they retaliate by raising their own tariffs. Several countries expressed plans to negotiate with the U.S. to try and reduce the proposed tariffs.
Key Facts
Trump set a deadline of August 1 for 14 countries to negotiate trade deals with the U.S.
If countries do not make deals or increase their tariffs, they will face even higher tariffs from the U.S.
Myanmar received a letter with a 40% tariff on its key exports like clothing and seafood.
Cambodia's tariff is set at 36%, down from 49%, affecting textiles and bicycles.
Thailand faces a 36% tariff on exports like computer parts, and it submitted a new trade proposal.
Bangladesh is concerned its 35% tariff will hurt its competitiveness in garment exports.
Japan criticized a 25% tariff on its autos but sees room for negotiation.
South Korea plans to speed up talks to avoid a 25% tariff on vehicles and electronics.
The U.S. State Department warned its diplomats that impostors are pretending to be Secretary of State Marco Rubio and possibly other officials using artificial intelligence technology. They attempted to contact several government figures. The department is investigating and has informed employees and foreign governments about these impersonations to enhance their security.
Key Facts
Impostors used AI to pretend to be Secretary of State Marco Rubio and others.
The fake messages targeted at least three foreign ministers, a U.S. senator, and a governor.
The attempts involved texts, Signal messages, and voicemails.
The State Department is investigating the incident to prevent future security breaches.
No specific recipients of the messages were identified in the communication.
The FBI had previously warned about text and voice scams impersonating U.S. officials.
There was a similar case involving an impersonation of President Trump's chief of staff.
Those scams may have involved AI-generated voices.
Recovery efforts continue in central Texas after serious flooding occurred on July 4. Over 100 people died, many in Kerr County, and rescue teams are working through difficult conditions to find survivors and missing people. Local officials face questions about flood warnings and evacuation procedures.
Key Facts
Flooding began on July 4, affecting the Guadalupe River area in central Texas.
The flood resulted in over 100 confirmed deaths, with 87 in Kerr County alone.
The Guadalupe River rose more than 26 feet in less than an hour.
Specialized rescue teams are working through dangerous debris to find survivors.
Camp Mystic, a summer camp, reported that at least 27 campers and counselors are lost, with some still unaccounted for.
Local officials are being questioned about how they managed warnings and evacuations.
Officials are reviewing the effectiveness of cell and radio communications during the emergency.
Kerr County Sheriff emphasized current priorities are locating and identifying victims rather than detailing the timeline of events.
U.S. President Donald Trump has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize again. The nomination was announced by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, adding to several previous nominations from U.S. and international politicians for Trump's efforts in North Korea and the Middle East.
Key Facts
Donald Trump was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Trump has been nominated for the award several times, both by people in the U.S. and abroad.
In 2018, Trump was nominated by U.S. House Republicans and two Norwegian lawmakers for his work in reducing nuclear tensions with North Korea.
One Norwegian and a Swedish lawmaker nominated Trump again for the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts in the Middle East.
The Nobel Peace Prize nomination process is confidential, and only certain people and organizations can nominate someone.
Nominations are submitted by February 1 each year, and the winners are announced in October.
Alfred Nobel, a Swedish industrialist, established the Nobel Prizes, and a winner of the Peace Prize is chosen based on contributions to peace and fraternity between nations.
The Peace Prize is awarded in Oslo, Norway, while other Nobel Prizes are given in Stockholm, Sweden.
President Trump ordered a 25% tax on goods coming from Japan and South Korea due to trade imbalances but delayed other tariff increases until August 1. Meanwhile, he plans to visit Texas, where over 100 people have died in severe flooding, sparking concerns about previous cuts to weather and emergency response services.
Key Facts
President Trump delayed some tariff increases until August 1.
A 25% tax is now applied to goods imported from Japan and South Korea.
The U.S. cites trade imbalances with Japan and South Korea as reasons for this tax.
Trump is holding his first Cabinet meeting since April.
Over 100 people have died in recent floods in Texas.
There are concerns about Trump's cuts to the National Weather Service and FEMA.
Texas is experiencing one of its largest rescue operations in history.
Trump's visit to the flood-affected areas in Texas is scheduled for Friday.
Travelers in the U.S. may soon be able to keep their shoes on during airport security screenings. This change could apply to many airports starting Sunday, although the TSA has not officially confirmed it.
Key Facts
Travelers in the U.S. might not have to remove shoes during security checks at airports.
The TSA is planning this change, which could start at many U.S. airports from Sunday.
The rule to remove shoes began nearly 20 years ago after a failed shoe-bombing attempt in 2001.
Currently, TSA PreCheck members already pass security without removing shoes.
The TSA has not yet officially announced this change.
The decision reflects TSA's ongoing effort to improve security processes.
Ten people were arrested for attempted murder after a police officer was injured in a planned attack at a Texas immigration detention center. The group used fireworks to draw officers outside and then attacked, with some members wearing military-style clothing. The police officer was treated and released, and additional protection has been provided for detention center staff.
Key Facts
The incident happened at the Prairieland Detention Center in Alvarado, Texas.
A police officer was shot in the neck but was treated and released from the hospital.
The group involved wore black military-style clothing and used fireworks to lure officers outside.
Officers found a blocked AR-style rifle at the scene.
Authorities recovered flags and flyers with anti-ICE messages.
Police arrested 10 people; they face attempted murder charges.
Investigators found weapons, body armor, and other gear in further searches.
Heavy floods in Texas have led to over 100 deaths, and crews are still searching for missing people as the weather improves. Texas Governor Greg Abbott visited an affected summer camp where many died, and questions are being raised about warnings and preparations for such floods.
Key Facts
Over 100 people have died due to flooding in Texas.
Flooding occurred in the Hill Country region, specifically affecting places like Camp Mystic.
At least 27 campers and counselors at Camp Mystic died in the flash floods.
Ten campers and one counselor are still missing.
The floodwaters carried people and debris for miles along the Guadalupe River.
Local officials are being asked about their warnings and preparations before the flood.
Some camps moved campers to higher ground before the flood, but many were taken by surprise.
Search-and-rescue efforts involve heavy equipment and many volunteers across multiple counties.
Newcastle City Council will refund residents of the Byker Estate for overpaid energy bills. These homeowners were charged set monthly fees exceeding £200, while gas prices were lower than expected, leading to refunds averaging £646.49 per household.
Key Facts
Residents of Byker Estate complained about high fixed monthly energy bills.
The fixed-rate charge for heating and hot water did not match lower gas costs.
Refunds average £646.49 per household and cover 160 properties.
Refund amounts vary between £276.94 and £821.40 based on charges.
A refund was issued due to lower-than-expected gas prices.
Newcastle City Council does not profit from the district heating network.
Any refunded credit can reduce existing debts, lower future payments, or be cashed out upon request.
A conflict between Armenia's Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and top Christian church leaders is becoming more intense, causing division in the country. The dispute centers around accusations of a coup plot involving church officials, amid ongoing tensions from the 2020 war between Armenia and Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh.
Key Facts
Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and church leaders in Armenia are in a serious conflict.
Pashinyan claimed on Facebook that the church's headquarters were controlled by a negative group and needed to be "liberated."
On June 27, church bells sounded an alarm when a top cleric was detained for allegedly planning a coup.
The church's head, Karekin II, has been publicly arguing with Pashinyan for months.
Observers say the conflict is more personal than a clash between government and the whole church.
The Armenian Apostolic Church has played a role in maintaining Armenian identity under various foreign rulers.
The conflict traces back to tensions after the 2020 war with Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh, a region with historical conflicts.
Pashinyan led protests in 2018 against the political elite tied to Nagorno-Karabakh, leading to his rise as prime minister.
Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun met with U.S. diplomat Thomas Barrack to discuss a proposal from the U.S. about disarming Hezbollah. Barrack expressed satisfaction with Lebanon's response, but details of the reply have not been made public. The visit occurred amid ongoing tensions and Israeli attacks on supposed Hezbollah sites in Lebanon.
Key Facts
Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun met with U.S. diplomat Thomas Barrack in Beirut.
The discussion was about a U.S. proposal concerning Hezbollah's disarmament.
The Lebanese response to this proposal has not yet been made public.
Barrack described Lebanon's response as "spectacular" but did not detail it.
Recent Israeli attacks have targeted Hezbollah sites in Lebanon, causing civilian casualties.
The ceasefire agreement from November 2024 required Hezbollah to move from south Lebanon, but terms were vague.
The U.S. ties support for Lebanon to its alignment with regional changes.
The Lebanese government reportedly demands Israel's withdrawal from all Lebanese territory and adherence to U.N. Resolution 1701.
Heavy rains in central Texas caused severe flooding, with over 100 people losing their lives. A false report about two girls being rescued spread online, reaching a large audience before being corrected by local authorities.
Key Facts
Heavy rains in Texas led to severe flooding.
Over 100 people died due to the floods.
A false story about girls being rescued spread online.
The story was based on unverified witness accounts.
The story was shared widely before being retracted.
Local authorities confirmed the rescue story was untrue.
Verified social media accounts later updated or deleted the false posts.
Journalists face challenges in verifying information during emergencies.
More than 100 people have died due to flash floods in central Texas, and many are still missing. The article focuses on remembering some of these victims.
Key Facts
Over 100 people died in central Texas because of flash floods.
Many people are still missing after the floods.
The article aims to remember and honor those who lost their lives.
This incident has impacted a significant number of families and communities in the area.
Flash floods happen when a lot of rain falls quickly, leading to dangerous water levels.
More than 100 people have died due to flash floods in central Texas, and many others are missing. The article focuses on remembering those who lost their lives in this disaster.
Key Facts
There were over 100 deaths caused by flash floods in central Texas.
Many people are still missing after the floods.
The report highlights the lives of some individuals who died.
The flash floods have caused significant loss and impact in the region.
The information was part of a broadcast on NPR's Morning Edition.
Over 100 people have died in central Texas due to severe flooding, with the Guadalupe River rising rapidly and causing major damage. The flooding hit hard in Kerr County, where 84 deaths were reported, including 28 children. In other news, several U.S. health groups are suing Robert F. Kennedy Jr. over changes to COVID-19 vaccine recommendations, claiming he bypassed standard procedures.
Key Facts
Over 100 people died after flooding in central Texas.
The Guadalupe River rose by 26 feet in less than one hour.
Kerr County reported 84 deaths, including 28 children.
Residents expressed concerns about the lack of early flood warnings.
Camp Mystic, an all-girls summer camp, suffered severe damage and 27 casualties.
President Trump announced new tariffs affecting 14 countries, starting August 1.
Stocks dropped after President Trump communicated tariff plans.
U.S. health groups are suing Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for changes to COVID-19 vaccine guidelines.
The lawsuit claims bypassing usual procedures endangered public health.
Search-and-rescue teams in Texas are working to find people missing due to severe flooding that happened four days ago. Over 100 people have died because of the flood.
Key Facts
Rescue teams are searching for people in central Texas.
The flooding has resulted in more than 100 deaths.
Texans gathered in San Antonio to honor those who died or are missing after flash floods in Central Texas. At least 100 people are dead, and many are still missing, including 27 individuals from Camp Mystic, a Christian girls' camp.
Key Facts
People in San Antonio gathered to remember victims of recent flash floods.
The floods occurred in Central Texas on a Friday.
At least 100 people have died because of the floods.
Many people are still unaccounted for after the flooding.
Camp Mystic confirmed that 27 girls and staff are among the dead.
Ten girls and one camp counselor from the camp are still missing.
