Many American workers rely on union contracts to protect them from the effects of artificial intelligence (AI) at work. Since most U.S. workers are not in unions, only those with union support can negotiate rules about AI use, like preventing job cuts or unfair AI tools.
Key Facts
About 90% of U.S. workers are not in unions, leaving approximately 130 million workers without AI protections through collective bargaining.
The NewsGuild union has 85-90 contracts that include specific rules about AI.
Some unions have stopped companies from using AI tools that replace workers without agreement, such as SAG-AFTRA protecting actors from AI replicas.
AI protections are growing mostly in industries with strong unions, like manufacturing, journalism, and entertainment.
Tech workers are increasingly organizing after realizing AI and layoffs threaten their jobs, even if they perform well.
Current labor laws were created before AI and remote work, making them less effective for today's challenges.
In 2025, only about 11.2% of U.S. workers were unionized, with large differences between industries.
Congress has made little progress on AI workplace rules, while some states are starting to create their own laws.
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ITV Studios has asked Leeds City Council for permission to keep filming the TV drama Emmerdale at their village set in Harewood beyond the current limit of next year. The set has been used since 1997 and includes buildings like the Woolpack pub and a farm, showing rural life in Yorkshire.
Key Facts
Emmerdale’s village set is located on a farm site in Harewood, Leeds.
ITV Studios has used this location since 1997 for filming the show.
Current permission to film there expires in June 2027.
The set features a pub, farm buildings, a village hall, café, church, and homes.
More than 260 episodes are filmed there every year, including outdoor and some indoor scenes.
ITV wants permanent permission to keep using the site.
The location is a tourist attraction due to its connection with the show.
If approved, the site must be restored to its original state within six months after use ends.
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A 21-year-old man named Abdul B. is wanted by German police after using a car to attack a Pride parade in Berlin, killing one person and injuring 16 others. Authorities are working to find the suspect, who may be armed, and are investigating whether others were involved in the attack.
Key Facts
The attack happened at one of Europe’s largest LGBTQ+ Pride events in Berlin.
One person died, 16 were injured, with some suffering life-threatening wounds.
Police identified the suspect as 21-year-old Abdul B., known to authorities and linked to Berlin’s Islamist scene.
The suspect’s car was heavily damaged and remains at the scene.
Police have warned the public not to approach the suspect as he may be dangerous.
There is a possibility others helped or were involved, as some victims had stab wounds.
The attack follows previous car ramming incidents in Germany that raised safety concerns.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz called the attack “an attack on freedom” and promised justice.
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President Donald Trump urged Republican senators to end the filibuster rule so they can pass his voting bill and other laws more easily. He warned that Democrats will remove the filibuster if they gain control, so Republicans should act first.
Key Facts
President Trump called on all Republican senators to end the filibuster.
The filibuster is a Senate rule that allows a minority to block bills by extending debate.
Trump wants to pass the "Save America Act," which includes his voting reform proposals.
He warned that Democrats will remove the filibuster if they get the chance.
Trump made this statement late on a Saturday night.
Ending the filibuster would allow bills to pass with a simple majority instead of needing 60 votes.
The filibuster has been a central issue in Senate debates about voting laws and other legislation.
Trump’s message was aimed at speeding up legislative action before Democrats possibly change Senate rules.
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Zohran Mamdani, the mayor of New York City, often wears a formal suit, even while doing activities like swimming and playing football. His consistent choice of suits aims to show he is serious and always working for the city.
Key Facts
Zohran Mamdani usually wears dark suits with formal ties and black boots.
He wore a suit while cheering for the New York Knicks and even put the team jersey over his shirt and tie.
On New Year’s Day 2025, Mamdani wore a suit while swimming in the cold Atlantic Ocean during a traditional event.
He also jumped into a swimming pool fully dressed in a suit to announce the opening of New York City’s pools.
Previous mayors like Bill De Blasio and Eric Adams dressed more casually, favoring shorts, polo shirts, or cardigans.
Mamdani’s choice to always wear a suit may be to show he is constantly working and committed to his job.
Some believe Mamdani’s suit symbolizes his identity as a young, Muslim, socialist mayor.
Wearing formal clothes can increase how seriously people take political figures and speakers, especially those from minority groups.
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Many small businesses are using AI tools to help their employees work faster and make fewer mistakes, rather than to replace jobs. Contrary to some reports, job numbers, especially in small businesses, have been increasing, and owners plan to hire more people despite the use of AI. AI helps workers with tasks like creating sales quotes and answering customer questions, supporting existing staff.
Key Facts
A small business owner spent $10,000 on AI software that listens to sales conversations and creates quotes automatically.
Another company uses AI connected to product manuals so customer service can quickly find answers.
Most small businesses used AI last year for tasks like contract review and writing emails; now they are applying it to real-time work.
The Department of Labor reports a 9% increase in employment since mid-2021.
Payroll companies confirm job growth, especially among small businesses.
Small businesses currently have about 7.6 million job openings, more than before the Covid pandemic.
The U.S. workforce is expected to shrink in the future due to aging and fewer births.
AI is seen as a tool to help workers, not replace them, especially since many jobs require human skill and technology like robots is not ready yet.
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The article discusses concerns about the idea of using military force against Iran. It suggests that threatening Iran with bombs might make the conflict worse and could involve other countries in the Middle East, as well as harm the global economy.
Key Facts
Some U.S. policymakers are considering stronger military action against Iran.
There is worry that bombing Iran could escalate the conflict instead of ending it.
Escalation might pull other Middle Eastern countries into the conflict.
Increased conflict could negatively affect the world economy.
The article suggests careful thought is needed before using military force in this situation.
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Gatwick Airport’s two terminals are facing problems with water supply due to an issue in the nearby Horley area. This has caused toilets to stop working and restaurants to close, but bottled water and backup plans are being provided to passengers and staff while the problem is being fixed.
Key Facts
Both terminals at Gatwick Airport are affected by a water supply problem.
Toilets are out of order and restaurants have closed because of this issue.
The water supply problem is linked to a power outage at the Bough Beech Water Treatment Works.
SES Water, the local water company, serves Gatwick and nearby areas including Kent, Surrey, and south London.
SES Water is working to fix the complications and restore water service quickly.
Bottled water is being given to passengers and staff during the disruption.
The airport has apologized for the problems and is cooperating with SES Water.
The cause of the water issue is being investigated and efforts are ongoing to resolve it.
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Iran has said it stopped its revenge attacks in the Gulf but warned that if the United States keeps attacking, the conflict might grow in the region. This statement came before Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to Washington.
Key Facts
Iran claims it has halted retaliatory operations in the Gulf.
An Iranian army spokesman, Mohammad Akraminia, delivered the warning.
Iran warned that continued US attacks could cause the conflict to spread regionally.
The warning was issued before Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s trip to the US.
Iran directly addressed the United States in its statement.
The situation involves rising tensions between Iran, the US, and Israel.
The Gulf refers to the Persian Gulf, a key strategic region.
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President Donald Trump endorsed Republican Alexander Kolodin for Arizona's secretary of state race in November. Kolodin, who won the Republican nomination, will compete against Democrat Adrian Fontes and is known for challenging past election results, including supporting Trump's claims of election fraud.
Key Facts
President Trump gave his full endorsement to Alexander Kolodin for Arizona secretary of state.
Kolodin won the Republican nomination, defeating former GOP chair Gina Swoboda.
Kolodin will face Democrat Adrian Fontes in the November general election.
The secretary of state role includes overseeing elections and certifying results in Arizona.
Kolodin is part of the right-wing Freedom Caucus and has questioned past election outcomes.
He represented Trump's campaign in a dismissed lawsuit claiming election fraud in Arizona.
Prediction markets gave Kolodin an 18.1% chance of winning after Trump's endorsement.
The race is important as Arizona will be a key battleground state in the 2028 presidential election.
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Cori Bush and Wesley Bell, two Black Democratic politicians from Missouri, are competing in a primary rematch after Bush lost to Bell two years ago. Their race highlights changes in the Democratic Party, including debates over party leadership, views on Israel, and the influence of progressive activists.
Key Facts
Cori Bush is a progressive politician who began as a Black Lives Matter organizer in Ferguson.
Wesley Bell is a moderate prosecutor who defeated Bush in the last primary by less than six points.
Both candidates have backgrounds connected to the civil rights movement following the 2014 police shooting of Michael Brown.
Bush blames her previous loss partly on spending by the American Israel Public Affairs Committee.
Bush criticizes the war in Gaza and some Democratic leaders, gaining support from progressive groups.
Bell emphasizes his work for St. Louis and has the support of Democratic leaders like Nancy Pelosi.
The primary vote takes place on August 4, with early voting already started.
The race is seen as a test of the Democratic Party’s direction on issues like establishment support and democratic socialism.
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Ali Darwich, a gay Muslim influencer in Berlin, hosted an inclusive Ramadan meal with friends of different backgrounds to promote acceptance and tolerance across religious and sexual identities. He uses his Instagram platform to highlight the challenges queer Muslims face and calls for more understanding and inclusion during important religious times like Ramadan.
Key Facts
Ali Darwich is a 33-year-old German influencer with Palestinian and Lebanese roots.
He shares his experiences as a gay Muslim on Instagram under the name @alifragt or “Ali asks.”
Darwich organized a fast-breaking Ramadan meal (Iftar) with a diverse group of friends including Muslims, Christians, queer, and straight people.
He emphasizes that everyone should be accepted regardless of their religion, sexual orientation, or background.
Attacks and violence against LGBTQ+ people have increased by 40% in parts of Germany in 2024 compared to the previous year.
Darwich speaks publicly about loneliness experienced by queer Muslims who face rejection from their families.
He encourages people to welcome and support queer Muslims so they are not alone during religious holidays like Ramadan.
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A Berlin café with a neon sign saying “QUEER AND FRIENDS” was meant to be a welcoming space for LGBTQ+ people but has faced many attacks, including violence and hateful graffiti. Across Germany, attacks on LGBTQ+ people and friendly places have increased by 40% in many states, with some blaming the rise of far-right groups.
Key Facts
The café, Das Hoven, is located in a popular area of Berlin and is known as a safe place for LGBTQ+ people.
Owner Danjel Zarte reported 45 criminal investigations over 18 months, including physical attacks, vandalism, and Nazi symbols.
One attack involved a person standing outside the café with a gun.
Violence against LGBTQ+ people rose by 40% last year in 12 of Germany’s 16 states.
Activists believe many attacks go unreported because victims fear coming forward.
The growth of far-right political groups in Germany is partly blamed for the increase in hate crimes.
Experts note more demonstrations and violence by neo-Nazis, mostly young men.
People who are openly queer in Berlin face daily risks like insults, attacks, and harassment.
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A car drove into a crowd at Berlin's Pride event on Saturday night, killing one woman and injuring 29 others. German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said the attack appears to be motivated by Islamist terrorism, and police are searching for the main suspect believed to have links to the Islamic State group.
Key Facts
The attack occurred near Berlin's Tiergarten park during the city's Pride celebration.
One woman died and 29 people were injured, some with serious wounds.
The vehicle used was a white Citroen minivan that crashed into a tree after hitting people.
The suspect is identified as 21-year-old Abdul B., who has a criminal record and tried to join the Islamic State last year.
Police consider the attack an Islamist terror attack based on evidence so far.
Abdul B. is described as tall, slim, with black hair, wearing a black hoodie and white pants.
Other suspects may be involved, and police are searching train stations for clues.
The attack ended the Pride event early, with authorities asking people to leave the area.
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Three astronauts—two Russian cosmonauts and one NASA astronaut—returned to Earth after living on the International Space Station for 241 days. They landed safely in Kazakhstan after their Soyuz spacecraft separated from the space station and descended through the atmosphere.
Key Facts
The crew consisted of Sergey Kud-Sverchkov (commander), Sergey Mikaev (flight engineer), and NASA astronaut Chris Williams.
They spent 241 days in space, orbiting the Earth 3,856 times and traveling roughly 102 million miles.
The Soyuz spacecraft undocked from the station early Sunday and landed safely near Dzhezkazgan, Kazakhstan.
The landing involved slowing down with braking rockets and descending with the help of a parachute.
Russian recovery teams helped the astronauts out of the capsule and provided medical checks and refreshments.
Each astronaut received a Russian matryoshka doll, a traditional nesting doll, as a welcome home gift.
This was the first space flight for Mikaev and Williams, while Kud-Sverchkov completed his second.
During the mission, the astronauts performed spacewalks to maintain the space station and prepare for future upgrades.
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Israel is increasing its security actions in the West Bank after Israeli settlers attacked and killed six people. Activist Phyllis Bennis says there are more serious crimes happening against Palestinians without any punishment.
Key Facts
Israeli settlers attacked, resulting in six deaths.
Israel is responding with stronger crackdowns in the West Bank.
The West Bank is an area occupied by Israel with a large Palestinian population.
Phyllis Bennis is an author and activist commenting on the situation.
She calls the settlers’ actions "war crimes," which are serious violations of laws during conflict.
Bennis says these crimes are increasing and no one is held responsible.
The situation reflects ongoing tensions between Israelis and Palestinians.
There is criticism about the lack of justice for Palestinians affected by settler violence.
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Anti-war protesters gathered outside a UK airbase to ask that US forces not use it for attacks on Iran. This protest happened after Iran warned that countries helping such attacks might become targets themselves.
Key Facts
Protesters are against US forces using a UK airbase for military strikes on Iran.
The demonstration took place outside the UK airbase.
Iran issued a warning saying countries aiding attacks on it could become legitimate targets.
The issue involves both the UK and US in relation to military action against Iran.
The protesters want to stop the use of the UK base for bombing missions against Iran.
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The article explains how the United States, under President Donald Trump, is involved in controlling important sea routes like the Strait of Hormuz to protect trade interests, leading to tensions with Iran and other countries. It highlights a growing global maritime conflict where nations challenge each other over control of sea passages that are vital for global trade and security.
Key Facts
The US has a history of using its navy to protect trade routes, dating back to the 1820s in the Mediterranean.
The Strait of Hormuz is a key international waterway where the US and Iran conflict over control and passage fees.
President Trump has suggested that the US might charge tolls on international waterways, a stance that conflicts with traditional international laws.
Iran and Oman signed a memorandum allowing them to charge fees for passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
Similar conflicts are happening in other global straits, like Bab al-Mandab in Yemen and the Strait of Malacca in Indonesia.
China’s military actions in the South China Sea and around Taiwan are increasing regional maritime tensions.
China rejects a 2016 international court ruling that invalidated its broad claims in the South China Sea.
These disputes threaten the free movement of goods, security, and the international rules that have governed seas for decades.
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Costco faces a $14 million settlement in a class-action lawsuit from Washington state customers who received marketing emails with misleading time-limited offers. The settlement could pay those customers who got these emails between June 2021 and July 2026.
Key Facts
The lawsuit claims Costco sent emails promoting deals as if they were temporary, even though the deals were later extended.
The case was filed in King County Superior Court in Washington.
Under Washington law, recipients of misleading marketing emails can seek $500 per message, but the total payout comes from a $14 million fund.
The named plaintiff is Michael Aaland, who replaced the original plaintiff Joseph Zydel.
Costco denies any wrongdoing but agreed to settle to avoid ongoing legal costs and risks.
Eligible claimants must have received emails in Washington from June 2, 2021, to July 7, 2026, and submit their claim by August 24, 2026.
The court has given preliminary approval to the settlement, with a final hearing scheduled for October 2, 2026.
The amount each person receives depends on the number of valid claims minus legal and administrative fees.
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The Government of Jersey is offering a one-time payment called the Back to School Bonus to help families pay for school supplies and uniforms. Families must apply by July 31 to receive up to £150 per child, with payments expected in August.
Key Facts
The Back to School Bonus helps cover costs for uniforms, stationery, and school essentials.
It offers up to £150 per child, with £100 for primary school children and £150 for secondary school children.
Families with a combined income of £75,000 or less, who do not receive income support, can apply.
Parents who already receive Income Support will get the bonus automatically.
The application deadline is Friday, July 31, 2024.
The money will be paid directly into bank accounts in August 2024.
The government introduced this funding in April 2024 to help families facing cost-of-living challenges.
The scheme is for children from reception (first year of school) to Year 11.
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