Some companies are switching from plastic to aluminium packaging for products like toiletries and household items. Aluminium is highly recyclable, but making it uses a lot of energy. The packaging industry is exploring aluminium’s benefits as new recycling rules are coming in the EU.
Key Facts
Meadow is a start-up developing aluminium cans for non-drink products like shampoo and ketchup.
Aluminium cans have a higher recycling rate (81%) compared to plastic (52%).
Aluminium is lighter than glass, making it easier and cheaper to transport.
New EU regulations in 2030 require all packaging to be at least 70% recyclable, increasing to 80% by 2038.
Producing aluminium requires almost twice as much energy as making glass.
Aluminium packaging is currently more costly, being four times more expensive than glass.
Consumers might need to adjust to the new look and feel of aluminium packaging.
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Google has introduced a new tool in the UK that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to generate search results in a conversational style. This optional feature, known as "AI Mode," won't replace the current search system but offers a different way to get answers. The tool is part of a larger trend where more AI capabilities are being added to search engines.
Key Facts
Google launched an AI-based search feature in the UK, called "AI Mode."
AI Mode presents search results in a conversational way with fewer links to other sites.
This tool does not replace Google's existing search platform.
AI Mode is already available in the US and India.
Users will see AI Mode as an optional tab or within the search box.
The tool uses Google's Gemini AI platform to generate answers.
Businesses are concerned about fewer web traffic referrals due to fewer direct links.
Google has not decided how advertising in AI Mode will work yet.
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A Texas man named Michael Lewis was sentenced to 2.5 years in prison for sending threatening messages to basketball player Caitlin Clark. Lewis sent numerous inappropriate messages, causing Clark to change her public appearance out of concern for her safety. The court order also prevents Lewis from contacting Clark or attending her games, and he cannot use the internet during his prison term.
Key Facts
Michael Lewis, aged 55, sent threatening and sexual messages online to Caitlin Clark.
Lewis was arrested in January in Indianapolis, close to where Clark's team plays.
Clark reported the messages, leading to Lewis's arrest and sentencing.
Lewis claimed he had an imaginary relationship with Clark and did not intend to threaten her.
The court warned Lewis that his statements during the hearing could break his plea agreement.
Lewis faced up to six years in prison but received a 2.5-year sentence.
He is banned from contacting Clark or attending Indiana Fever games.
Caitlin Clark is a well-known athlete in the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA).
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ISIL (ISIS) claimed responsibility for an attack on a church in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, where at least 43 people were killed during a night service. The attack was carried out by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a group linked to ISIL, using guns and machetes. The United Nations and the Congolese government condemned the violence, which adds to the ongoing conflict in the region.
Key Facts
ISIL (ISIS) said they were behind the attack on a church in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
At least 43 people died, including women and children, according to the UN mission MONUSCO.
The attack took place in Ituri province’s Komanda city, using guns and machetes.
The ADF, linked to ISIL, carried out the attack and took captives.
The UN and Congolese government condemned the violence and called it a "massacre."
Another rebel group, M23, criticized the government's handling of security.
The ADF has a history of attacks in the region and has pledged allegiance to ISIL.
The attack increases the humanitarian crisis in the area, which is already unstable due to various armed groups.
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Doctors in Gaza say that children there are suffering from severe hunger and even if they get food aid now, the damage might already be long-term. In another report, Venezuelans deported from the U.S. to El Salvador report abuse and isolation in a well-known mega prison.
Key Facts
Doctors are concerned about the long-lasting effects of malnutrition on Gaza's children.
Immediate food help may not reverse the damage already done to these children.
Venezuela deportees to El Salvador reported experiencing beatings.
They also faced sexual abuse.
The deportees described being kept in near-total isolation.
The issues occurred at the CECOT mega prison in El Salvador.
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Hulk Hogan, a famous wrestler, won a legal case against Gawker Media in 2016 after the company published a private video of him. This case highlighted the balance between free speech and privacy rights in the internet era. It showed that even if something is true, publishing explicit content could invade someone's privacy.
Key Facts
Hulk Hogan's real name is Terry Bollea.
He sued Gawker Media after it published a video without his knowledge.
The video showed a private encounter and was accompanied by a detailed article.
A Florida jury awarded Hogan $140 million in the lawsuit.
Billionaire Peter Thiel supported Hogan's legal case.
The case led to Gawker Media's downfall and raised questions about privacy in the digital age.
Experts say the case did not change the law but influenced how media approaches privacy.
Before the internet, mainstream media had ethics that prevented them from publishing private matters.
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Gunmen attacked a bar in El Empalme, Ecuador, killing 17 people, including a 12-year-old boy, and injuring 14 others. The attackers used pickup vehicles to fire weapons on the crowd and then targeted another group as they left. This incident is part of ongoing drug-related violence in the region.
Key Facts
17 people were killed, and 14 were injured in the shooting at La Clínica bar in El Empalme, Ecuador.
Among those killed was a 12-year-old boy, who ran over a kilometer before dying from gunshot wounds.
Police reported that the gunmen used pistols and rifles, in two pickup vehicles, to carry out the attack.
At least 40 pieces of ballistic, or bullet-related, evidence were found at the crime scene.
Witnesses heard the attackers mention "active wolves," possibly referring to a local gang involved in drug trafficking.
The shooting took place in the Guayas region, known for violence between drug gangs.
A similar incident occurred a week prior, with nine people killed in a bar in the same region.
Ecuador's President Daniel Noboa has declared a fight against organized crime, with the nation's homicide rate rising to 38 per 100,000 people in 2024.
In the first five months of 2025, there were 4,051 homicides in Ecuador.
Nearly 75% of the world's cocaine passes through Ecuador, according to official statistics.
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Two tropical storms, Hurricane Iona and Tropical Storm Keli, are moving southeast of Hawaii but are not expected to directly impact the islands. While the storms may cause some dry and windy conditions, they are likely to weaken and not pose a significant threat.
Key Facts
Hurricane Iona and Tropical Storm Keli are located southeast of Hawaii.
Hurricane Iona became a Category 1 hurricane quickly, with sustained winds of about 75 mph (120 kph).
Iona is moving west but is not expected to impact Hawaii directly.
Tropical Storm Keli has winds of 40 mph (65 kph) and is also moving west.
Both storms may strengthen slightly before weakening midweek.
No coastal watches or warnings are in effect for Hawaii.
The storms may cause dry and breezy conditions in Hawaii, but nothing severe is expected.
A separate large wave swell, coming from east of New Zealand, is expected to reach Hawaii soon.
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A recent survey shows that more new CEOs are being hired on a short-term basis. In the first half of 2025, 33% of new CEOs were interim, a big jump from previous years.
Key Facts
33% of new CEOs in early 2025 were hired as interim, meaning temporary.
This is a significant increase from the 5% to 9% in past years.
The data comes from Challenger, Gray & Christmas, a firm tracking CEO changes for over 20 years.
This trend is part of a broader move toward short-term executive roles in various company departments.
Many executives are opting for these temporary CEO positions after initially leaving jobs post-pandemic.
The concept of a 'CEO gig economy' suggests executives are choosing flexible, short-term roles.
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Lawyers say that people held at an immigration detention center in Florida cannot meet with their lawyers and are being held without charges. They also say that some people have already been deported without hearings.
Key Facts
Lawyers are asking for a temporary order to stop certain actions at the detention center.
The center is in the Florida Everglades and is nicknamed “Alligator Alcatraz.”
Detainees have reportedly been stopped from meeting their lawyers.
Some people are being held without any charges.
A federal court has canceled some bond hearings, which typically help decide if a detainee can be released while waiting for their case to be resolved.
Lawyers argue that these actions violate the constitutional rights of the detainees.
Around 100 detainees have already been deported from this center.
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A 42-year-old man, Bradford James Gille, is facing terrorism and assault charges for allegedly stabbing 11 people at a Walmart in Traverse City, Michigan. The victims, whose ages range from 21 to 84, are all expected to survive, and the suspect was stopped by civilians and police at the scene.
Key Facts
The suspect's name is Bradford James Gille, and he is 42 years old.
He is charged with terrorism and assault with intent to murder.
The attack happened at a Walmart in Traverse City, Michigan.
11 people, including a Walmart employee, were stabbed.
The victims are between 21 and 84 years old and are expected to survive.
Civilians, including one armed person, helped stop the suspect in the parking lot.
Police arrested the suspect without any further issues.
The motive for the attack is still unclear, and the investigation is ongoing with the FBI's assistance.
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The Jersey government has introduced two grants to assist residents facing financial difficulties. The Community Costs Bonus is designed for general cost-of-living expenses, and the Cold Weather Bonus is aimed at helping pensioners with heating costs. Eligibility depends on meeting certain residency and financial criteria.
Key Facts
Jersey's government has launched two grants for financial help: the Community Costs Bonus and the Cold Weather Bonus.
Eligible individuals can receive £516.50 from the Community Costs Bonus.
The Cold Weather Bonus amount varies based on how cold the temperatures are.
To apply for these bonuses, residents must wait to receive their 2024 tax liability.
The Community Costs Bonus is available to households with a 2024 tax liability of less than £2,735.
Applicants for the Community Costs Bonus must not have had an Income Support Claim open in the last week.
The Cold Weather Bonus requires the household to have someone aged 65 or older who gets an old age pension or has lived in Jersey continuously for 10 years.
Applicants or their spouse/partner must own or be responsible for a home lease to qualify for the Cold Weather Bonus.
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The US is preparing a Qatari jumbo jet to be used as Air Force One for President Donald Trump. Qatar is donating the Boeing aircraft, which is worth $400 million, and the US will cover the costs to modify it. The donation has sparked criticism due to legal and ethical concerns regarding gifts from foreign governments.
Key Facts
The jet, a Boeing 747-8, is being donated by Qatar as a gift for use as Air Force One.
The aircraft is valued at $400 million, and the US government will pay for necessary modifications.
Critics from both political parties worry it could be seen as a "bribe" from a foreign country.
The White House states that accepting the plane complies with legal rules.
US law typically only allows officials to accept gifts valued under $480.
Security checks will be done to ensure the plane is free from surveillance devices.
The plan is to donate the plane to Trump's presidential library after he leaves office.
The cost to retrofit the plane is not yet known but expected to be high.
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In Kenya, street protests led by the youth are happening as people question the government's actions and leadership. While protests are seen by some in the government as dangerous, they are a form of democratic expression where people come together to show their concerns.
Key Facts
Street protests in Kenya are partly due to dissatisfaction with government actions.
The Kenyan government views these protests as a threat to public order.
Youth, especially Generation Z, have been leading these peaceful protests for the past 16 months.
President William Ruto has expressed concerns about the impact of ongoing protests on the nation.
Some protestors have faced severe consequences, such as being charged with serious crimes.
The protests seek to challenge and change government policies and leadership.
Protestors have organized independently, offering support like legal aid and civic education.
The protests echo past movements from the 1990s that sought political reform in Kenya.
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A large study found that making lifestyle changes like improving diet, exercising regularly, and engaging in brain training can boost mental abilities and slow down the aging process in the brain for older adults. The study involved over 2,100 people aged 60 to 79, showing significant improvement in thinking and memory for those who followed an intensive program.
Key Facts
The study included more than 2,100 people in their 60s and 70s.
Participants followed a two-year intensive program focused on diet, exercise, and brain training.
The study showed improved cognitive functions, similar to people 1-2 years younger.
It was conducted by the Alzheimer's Association and reported at an international conference.
A similar smaller study from Finland previously had consistent findings.
The POINTER study focused on people with a higher risk of cognitive decline and Alzheimer's.
The intensive program included aerobic exercise, a Mediterranean diet, and social activities.
Future plans include applying these lifestyle methods in the community, supported by further investment.
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Pro-Ukrainian hacker group Silent Crow claims it attacked Aeroflot's IT systems, leading to the cancellation of dozens of flights. The Russian prosecutor's office confirmed a hacker attack caused issues with Aeroflot's information system and started a criminal investigation. Silent Crow worked with Belarusian hackers called Cyber Partisans, and both groups aim to support Ukraine.
Key Facts
Aeroflot, Russia's national airline, canceled more than 40 flights due to a hacker attack on its IT systems.
The hacker group Silent Crow claimed responsibility for the attack and said it worked with another group called Cyber Partisans from Belarus.
Silent Crow claimed the attack caused severe damage to Aeroflot's systems and threatened to release personal data of Russian travelers.
The Russian prosecutor's office confirmed that a hacker attack occurred and began a criminal investigation.
Due to the attack, some passengers will be moved to other airlines' flights, according to the transport ministry.
Pro-Russian and pro-Ukrainian hacker groups have been actively targeting each other since the invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Cyber Partisans describe themselves as a "hacktivist collective" supporting Belarus's freedom.
Attacks like these have been impacting Russian flights since the full-scale invasion started in February 2022.
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European Union investigators have found that the online shopping platform Temu may be selling illegal products within its marketplace. Temu is accused of not following the Digital Services Act guidelines, which aim to make online platforms safer for consumers. The company can review the investigation findings and respond to these claims.
Key Facts
EU watchdogs accused Temu of selling illegal products.
The investigation is based on the Digital Services Act, which requires online platforms to protect users.
Investigators found non-compliant products like baby toys and electronics on Temu.
Temu has 92 million users in the European Union.
EU officials say Temu’s risk assessment methods are not adequate.
Temu is owned by Pinduoduo Inc., a major Chinese e-commerce company.
Potential penalties for Temu include fines up to 6% of its global revenue.
Temu will have a chance to respond to the accusations before a final decision is made.
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Cambodia and Thailand have agreed to start a ceasefire to end their recent border conflict. This comes after several days of intense fighting, which resulted in at least 36 deaths and many people being forced to leave their homes.
Key Facts
The ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand will start at midnight, as Monday becomes Tuesday.
The conflict lasted five days and resulted in the deaths of at least 36 people.
Over 270,000 people from both countries have had to leave their homes due to the fighting.
The ceasefire agreement was reached during talks hosted by Malaysia's Prime Minister, Anwar Ibrahim.
The dispute started on July 24 and is connected to disagreements over old colonial maps.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand’s acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai agreed to the ceasefire.
Military leaders from both countries will meet on Tuesday to discuss the next steps.
A meeting of the General Border Committee is planned for August 4 in Cambodia to further address the situation.
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People in the UK are downloading VPN apps in high numbers to bypass new age verification rules on certain websites. The VPNs help users avoid sharing personal information like their age to access content. However, experts warn that free VPNs may not be safe and could expose users to risks.
Key Facts
VPN apps are the most downloaded apps in the UK App Store after new age checks on sites like PornHub and Reddit began.
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) lets users hide their true location online by connecting through a remote server.
The Online Safety Act requires websites with adult content to verify users' ages.
VPN downloads in the UK increased by 1,800% following the implementation of age checks.
Free VPNs may have security and privacy issues, and can sometimes be used by companies to collect data.
The new rules require platforms to ensure they do not encourage VPN use to sidestep age checks.
Proton VPN, a popular VPN service, reported a huge rise in new UK users after the age check rules started.
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Kidnappers in Nigeria killed at least 35 of the 56 people they took from a village in Zamfara state, even after ransom was paid for some of them. These kidnappings are carried out by groups known as bandits who use this method to get money.
Key Facts
Kidnappers in Nigeria killed 35 hostages from a village in northern Zamfara state.
The abductions happened in March in Banga village within the Kauran Namoda area.
The gunmen initially took 56 people and demanded a ransom of one million naira per person.
After the ransom was paid, 18 people, mostly women and a young boy, were released.
Local officials confirmed that the deceased were mostly young people.
In 2022, a law was passed in Nigeria to make paying ransom illegal and abduction punishable by death if victims die, but no arrests have been made under this law.
Families still often pay ransoms due to a lack of security protection from the government.
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