A typewriter found in a basement in New York provides insights into the history of Chinese computing. It raises questions about how language and culture interact with technology.
Key Facts
A typewriter was found in a basement in upstate New York.
This typewriter is linked to the early development of Chinese computing technology.
It is called the MingKwai typewriter.
The typewriter uses keys to help users find and type Chinese characters.
The discovery raises discussions about the relationship between language, culture, and technology.
The triple lock is a system used in the UK to determine how much the state pension rises each year by selecting the highest of three factors: inflation, wage increases, or 2.5%. The cost of maintaining this system is expected to be three times higher by the end of the decade than initially estimated. The state pension has increased over the years and more than 12 million people currently receive it.
Key Facts
The triple lock ensures the state pension rises each year based on inflation, wage increases, or a set 2.5%, whichever is highest.
In April 2025, the state pension increased by 4.1%.
For people who reached pension age after April 2016, the full pension is £230.25 per week.
For those who reached pension age before April 2016, the full basic pension is £176.45 per week.
You generally need 35 years of National Insurance contributions to get a full state pension.
As of July 2025, more than 12 million people receive the state pension.
The Office for Budget Responsibility estimates the triple lock will cost £15.5 billion annually by 2030.
The state pension age is currently 66 and is rising to 67, then 68, in the coming decades.
Four men in Canada, including some Canadian Armed Forces members, are facing charges for allegedly planning to create an "anti-government militia" and seize land. Police seized explosives, firearms, and ammunition from them, and the men are set to appear in court in Québec City.
Key Facts
Four men charged with planning an "anti-government militia" in Canada.
Some of these men are members of the Canadian Armed Forces.
Police seized 16 explosive devices and 83 firearms from the group.
Nearly 11,000 rounds of ammunition and about 130 magazines were also found.
The group allegedly engaged in military-style training and shooting exercises.
The suspects planned to take land by force in the Québec City area.
The arrests happened as the Canadian military faces pressure to address extremism within its ranks.
There was a catastrophic flood at Camp Mystic in Kerrville, Texas, during a holiday weekend. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem reported that many people are still missing. President Trump and his wife Melania plan to visit the area.
Key Facts
A flood hit Camp Mystic in Kerrville, Texas, during the holiday weekend.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem visited the camp a day after the flood.
Many people are still missing, including campers and counselors.
More than 100 people died in the flood, with over 27 campers and counselors among those killed.
Some survivors were found clinging to trees after being swept away.
President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump plan to visit the affected area.
The flood has temporarily paused discussions about reducing the role of FEMA, the agency that helps with disaster response.
Secretary Noem emphasized that FEMA provided necessary support during the disaster.
The first report from the official inquiry into the Post Office Horizon IT scandal reveals significant harm to sub-postmasters who were wrongly accused of financial crimes. The report highlights serious issues, including the mental health impact and challenges in obtaining compensation for victims and their families.
Key Facts
The inquiry is led by Sir Wyn Williams and focuses on the human impact of the scandal.
Hundreds of sub-postmasters were wrongly prosecuted due to issues with the Horizon IT system.
At least 59 individuals contemplated suicide, with 10 attempting it, and over 13 deaths may be linked to the scandal.
The Post Office has apologized unreservedly for the harm caused.
Victims suffered from divorces, mental health issues, and addiction due to the ordeal.
Sir Wyn's report calls for free legal advice, compensation for families, and meetings between victims and relevant parties.
The report criticizes the complexity of the compensation process, managed by four different schemes.
Around 10,000 people are currently seeking compensation, with numbers expected to increase.
Some Post Office and Fujitsu employees knew about the software issues.
The government is urged to define what "full and fair financial redress" means and respond to the findings by October 2025.
California Governor Gavin Newsom started a two-day tour in South Carolina, a state important for early voting in presidential elections. He plans to visit multiple locations to engage with voters and address political divisions, signaling a possible interest in running for president in 2028.
Key Facts
Gavin Newsom is the Governor of California and a member of the Democratic Party.
Newsom is visiting South Carolina, an early-voting state crucial for presidential nominations.
He plans to visit eight locations, including coffee shops, small businesses, and churches.
Newsom wants to connect with people who have different political views.
He is focusing on parts of South Carolina that typically vote for Republicans.
The tour suggests Newsom might run for president in 2028.
South Carolina plays a key role in Democratic primaries due to its diverse voter base.
Other potential Democratic candidates have also visited South Carolina recently to introduce themselves.
Social justice advocates are creating a digital archive to celebrate Bayard Rustin's contributions to the Civil Rights Movement. The Bayard Rustin Center for Social Justice will offer a collection of materials about Rustin's work, and it invites people to add their own stories. Rustin was a key figure in organizing the 1963 March on Washington and was influential in the nonviolent activism model.
Key Facts
Bayard Rustin was a major organizer in the Civil Rights Movement and helped plan the 1963 March on Washington.
A new digital archive will showcase Rustin's work, including articles, photos, and videos.
The archive aims to centralize information about Rustin, which is currently spread out in different places.
Rare footage of Rustin from the 1964 voting rights rally and a 1967 teachers strike has been made available.
Rustin influenced major civil rights leaders, including mentoring Martin Luther King Jr.
Rustin was involved in key moments like the Montgomery bus boycott.
He was arrested multiple times due to discriminatory laws against LGBTQ+ people and was pardoned in 2020.
Rustin's work and legacy continue to inspire modern activism and movements for social justice.
In early July, the Guadalupe River in Kerr County, Texas, experienced severe flooding that caused several deaths. Flood gauges showed the river rose quickly, with one gauge reporting a rise of over 25 feet in just two hours.
Key Facts
Most deaths from the July 4 floods happened in Kerr County, Texas, along the Guadalupe River.
The U.S. Geological Survey recorded record-high water levels in a few hours.
A flood gauge near Camp Mystic showed a 25-foot rise in two hours before it stopped working.
At 25 feet, the flood gauge indicates major flooding; at 32 feet, it indicates life-threatening flooding.
Central Texas is prone to flash floods due to the state's weather patterns and landscape.
The mix of limestone in the area prevents water from soaking into the ground, worsening flooding.
This area is popular for recreation, increasing the impact on people when floods occur.
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.
