Officials decided not to release cool water from Lake Powell, a Colorado River reservoir, to protect a threatened fish called the humpback chub. This decision aims to avoid harming hydropower electricity production, which is already under strain due to low water levels and drought.
Key Facts
The Bureau of Reclamation will not release cold water from Glen Canyon Dam in northern Arizona in 2024.
Releasing cold water would reduce electricity from hydropower turbines, as those turbines are not in the cold, deep sections of the reservoir.
Lake Powell is only about 23% full because of years of water overuse and evaporation caused by rising temperatures.
Warm water released downstream helps smallmouth bass, an invasive fish, to survive and spawn, threatening native fish like the humpback chub.
The humpback chub is a threatened species living downstream from the dam.
Past cool water releases in 2024 and 2025 helped stop smallmouth bass from spawning.
Temperatures below the dam have regularly been above 60°F (15.5°C), a point when cool water releases are usually considered.
Officials plan to continue other efforts like removing invasive fish and improving river habitats to protect native species.
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Ohio Congressman Max Miller is trailing his Democratic opponent by a large margin in a new poll amid allegations of domestic abuse, which he denies. To support his campaign, Miller is personally loaning $1 million despite calls from some Republican leaders for him to withdraw from the race.
Key Facts
Max Miller is running for reelection in Ohio's 7th Congressional District.
A recent poll shows Miller behind Democratic challenger Brian Poindexter by double digits.
Miller faces allegations of domestic abuse made by his ex-wife, which he denies.
Miller plans to loan his campaign $1 million in two payments of $500,000 each.
Some Republican leaders, including Senator Bernie Moreno (Miller’s former father-in-law), have called for Miller to step down.
Miller was a senior adviser to President Donald Trump during his first term.
Miller has sued his ex-wife for defamation related to the abuse allegations.
Political experts say the loan shows commitment but may not overcome damage to Miller’s reputation.
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Heavy monsoon rains have caused severe flooding in India’s Assam state, displacing thousands of people since July. The floods have resulted in at least 87 deaths so far.
Key Facts
Severe flooding began in Assam, northeastern India, due to heavy monsoon rains starting in July.
More than one million people have been affected by the floods.
At least 87 people have died because of the flooding.
Thousands of residents have been forced to leave their homes.
The state of Assam is one of the areas hardest hit by the floods.
The flooding has disrupted daily life and posed challenges for relief efforts.
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Tennessee voters chose Justin Pearson and Brent Taylor to compete in a newly drawn U.S. House district important to President Donald Trump’s effort to keep a Republican majority in Congress. The district was changed by Republicans in a way that shifts its political balance toward their party, despite concerns from some Memphis voters.
Key Facts
Brent Taylor, a Republican state senator endorsed by President Trump, won the GOP primary for Tennessee’s new 9th congressional district.
Justin Pearson, a Democratic state representative known for his gun control protests, won the Democratic primary for the same district.
The 9th district was redrawn to stretch 200 miles from Memphis eastward and north toward Nashville, changing from majority Black and Democratic-leaning to favoring Republicans.
The redrawing of the district followed a Supreme Court ruling that limited federal protections for minority voters.
This redistricting is part of a larger plan supported by Trump aiming for Republican wins in Tennessee’s congressional seats.
In another race, Charlie Hatcher, backed by Tennessee’s Republican governor but not by Trump, defeated incumbent Republican Andy Ogles in the 5th district primary.
Ogles faced an FBI investigation over campaign finance that was recently closed.
In statewide races, Senator Marsha Blackburn won the GOP primary for governor, and Memphis council member Jerri Green won the Democratic primary for governor.
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Voters in Tennessee chose Charlie Hatcher over Republican Rep. Andy Ogles in a primary election. This result is seen as a setback for President Trump, who had supported Ogles.
Key Facts
Tennessee held primary elections on Thursday.
Republican Rep. Andy Ogles was challenged by Charlie Hatcher.
Charlie Hatcher is a former state agriculture commissioner.
Governor Bill Lee, a Republican, supported Hatcher.
Hatcher won the primary against Ogles.
President Trump had endorsed Ogles in this election.
This loss is a rare defeat for Trump’s endorsed candidates this election season.
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U.S. crude oil supplies have dropped to their lowest point since 1983. The country's strategic oil reserve now has enough oil to last about 43 days, partly due to ongoing conflict involving Iran.
Key Facts
U.S. crude oil supplies are at a 45-year low.
The Strategic Petroleum Reserve is the government’s stockpile of oil for emergencies.
Current oil reserves can cover about 43 days of U.S. crude oil needs.
The last time reserves were this low was in 1983.
The conflict involving Iran has affected the oil reserves.
Bank of America Global Research provided the data on oil supplies.
Lower oil reserves may impact energy prices and security.
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Nigerian security forces have freed 308 people who were kidnapped in separate incidents in northern Niger and Kwara states. Kidnapping for ransom by armed groups and bandits is a serious problem in Nigeria. Families of the rescued people are now recovering from their experience.
Key Facts
308 people were rescued by Nigerian security forces.
The kidnappings happened in northern Niger and Kwara states in Nigeria.
These kidnappings were carried out by armed groups and bandits.
Kidnapping for ransom is a growing crisis in Nigeria.
The rescued individuals are currently with their families who are helping them recover.
The report was given by Al Jazeera’s Ahmed Idris, who had exclusive access to the recovery sites.
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A New Mexico judge ordered Meta to pay $567 million after finding the company harmed children and created a public nuisance through its social media platforms. The ruling requires Meta to fund mental health programs and change product features to better protect children under 18, especially those under 13.
Key Facts
Meta was previously ordered to pay $375 million in March after a jury found it liable for exposing children to online predators.
The new ruling increases the payment to $567 million, covering damages and programs over five years.
About 75% of the money must be used for mental health treatment for affected children.
Meta must also support programs for awareness, prevention, screening, and coordination related to child safety.
The ruling orders Meta to limit push notifications and usage for users under 18 to about 3 hours per day (90 hours per month).
Meta must make efforts to keep children under 13 off Facebook and Instagram.
The lawsuit was filed by New Mexico Attorney General Raul Torrez, who accused Meta of failing to protect children from online risks.
Meta plans to appeal the ruling and stated it works to keep people safe on its platforms.
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Four men were arrested after a violent event took place near Pontypool in south Wales on Thursday evening. Three men were taken to the hospital, with two in serious condition, and police are investigating the incident.
Key Facts
The incident happened around 7:15 pm in Pontnewydd, near Pontypool, south Wales.
Four men were arrested in connection with the violent disorder.
Two of the arrested men are currently held in police custody.
Three men were taken to the hospital, with two in critical condition.
Firearms officers and the police air service were called to the scene.
Police have closed the road between Mill Road and Hospital Road in both directions.
Officers are asking the public for any information or footage from around 7:00 to 7:30 pm.
Police said they will investigate thoroughly and do not accept this kind of violence in the community.
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Columbia Mayor Chaz Molder won the Democratic primary to run against Representative Andy Ogles in Tennessee’s 5th Congressional District. He defeated former educator Carrie Ann Iacomini and will face Ogles in the general election in November.
Key Facts
Chaz Molder is the mayor of Columbia, Tennessee.
He is a Democrat running for Tennessee’s 5th Congressional District seat.
Molder won the Democratic primary against Carrie Ann Iacomini.
Carrie Ann Iacomini is a former educator.
Molder will compete against incumbent Republican Rep. Andy Ogles.
The general election is scheduled for November.
The information comes from Decision Desk HQ (DDHQ).
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An Australian aviation team completed a difficult rescue mission to fly a sick US expedition member from Antarctica to New Zealand for medical care. The flight happened near the winter solstice in extreme cold and total darkness, with temperatures around -43°C.
Key Facts
The rescue took place last Friday after a medical evacuation request from McMurdo Station in Antarctica.
The team used an Airbus A319 plane, nicknamed Snowbird 1, specially refitted for medical evacuation in 24 hours.
The plane took off from Hobart, Tasmania, and landed on an ice runway at McMurdo Station in very harsh conditions.
Temperatures at the landing site were about -43°C (-45.4°F), with total darkness due to the time of year.
The patient was safely flown to Christchurch, New Zealand, and is now recovering well.
The mission required a 12-hour weather delay before a safe window allowed takeoff.
Skytraders said this was likely the closest flight to the winter solstice a civilian plane has made in Antarctica.
The operation involved pilots, meteorologists, planners, runway staff, and medical personnel working together to handle the difficult environment.
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President Donald Trump issued two executive orders aiming to limit birthright citizenship, which currently grants automatic US citizenship to most babies born in the country. These orders target children born to non-citizens and seek to stop "birth tourism," but legal experts and recent court rulings have upheld the constitutional right to birthright citizenship.
Key Facts
Birthright citizenship is protected by the 14th Amendment of the US Constitution and was recently confirmed by the Supreme Court.
President Trump’s executive orders try to make some children born in the US ineligible for automatic citizenship.
Trump claims "birth tourism" involves hundreds of thousands of births annually, but independent data shows numbers closer to 9,600–26,000.
Trump has made ending birthright citizenship a campaign goal since 2015, calling it a problem linked to undocumented immigrants.
Legal experts largely disagree that the President can end birthright citizenship by executive order alone.
John Eastman, a legal scholar, supports Trump's view and argued that some children born to non-citizens should not be US citizens.
Trump has made false claims about US citizenship rules, including that the US is the only country granting citizenship by birth and misrepresented Kamala Harris's citizenship status.
The Supreme Court rejected Trump’s previous order on this issue in June 2023, maintaining the birthright citizenship protections.
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An Israeli military raid in the Qalandiya refugee camp in the occupied West Bank injured at least 51 Palestinians. Israeli forces demolished shops, imposed curfews, and detained dozens while continuing operations in neighboring areas amid ongoing tensions in the region.
Key Facts
At least 51 Palestinians were injured during the Israeli raid in the Qalandiya refugee camp.
Israeli forces demolished commercial shops near Qalandiya checkpoint and imposed a curfew on Kafr Aqab.
Medical teams reported hospitalizing 35 Palestinians for serious injuries, including beatings and tear gas inhalation.
Ambulance crews faced restrictions but managed to evacuate patients needing urgent care like dialysis.
Israeli soldiers fired stun grenades at journalists and detained many Palestinians, including children and women.
Similar raids occurred in the city of Jenin, with at least two Palestinians shot or assaulted.
Human rights groups say Israeli military and settler attacks on Palestinians have increased dramatically in recent months.
A UN inquiry found Israeli authorities often fail to stop settler violence and sometimes support it.
Israeli officials have legalized or established many illegal settlements and provided settlers with firearms.
Some Western countries have sanctioned Israeli settlers and officials linked to violence against Palestinians.
President Donald Trump revoked some US sanctions on Israeli settlers accused of attacking Palestinians after his return to office last year.
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A New Mexico judge ordered Meta, owner of Facebook and Instagram, to pay $567 million and make changes to protect young users' mental health. The court found Meta responsible for harming children by hiding safety risks and required the company to improve features like age checks and privacy settings.
Key Facts
Meta must pay $567 million after a New Mexico court ruling about harm to youths’ mental health.
$420 million of the money will fund treatment services for young people over five years.
The rest will go to awareness, prevention, screening, and related costs.
The judge ordered changes to Meta’s platforms, including banners explaining safety features and tools against harmful comments.
Prosecutors want Meta to limit addictive features, improve age verification, and better prevent child sexual exploitation.
Meta will appeal the ruling and says it is working to remove harmful content.
The trial focused on whether Meta created a “public nuisance” under New Mexico law.
Similar lawsuits are happening in other US states and cities to push social media companies to protect children better.
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Senator Marsha Blackburn won the Republican primary for Tennessee governor, beating Representative John Rose. Blackburn is expected to win the November election because Tennessee usually votes Republican in statewide races.
Key Facts
Marsha Blackburn won the Republican primary for Tennessee governor.
She defeated John Rose, who spent $13 million of his own money on the race.
Blackburn raised $10.8 million for her campaign.
Tennessee has not elected a Democrat for statewide office since 2006.
Governor Bill Lee cannot run again because of term limits.
Blackburn used President Trump's support in her campaign but did not receive his official endorsement.
Rose and another candidate criticized Blackburn for voting to certify the 2020 election results.
Blackburn supports the SAVE America Act, which Rose supported in the House but has not been debated in the Senate.
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Tennessee state Representative Johnny Garrett is expected to win the Republican primary to replace Congressman John Rose. Garrett, who supports President Trump’s policies, will compete against Democrat Mike Croley in the November general election.
Key Facts
Johnny Garrett is a Tennessee state representative.
He is running for the U.S. House seat being vacated by Republican John Rose.
Garrett describes himself as a “Trump Conservative,” meaning he supports President Trump’s political views.
He is projected to win the Republican primary according to Decision Desk HQ.
The November election opponent will be Democrat Mike Croley, a former park ranger.
The contest is for a U.S. House of Representatives seat.
The primary win allows Garrett to advance to the general election in November.
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Republican Representative Andy Ogles, who was supported by President Donald Trump, is expected to lose the primary election for Tennessee’s 5th Congressional District. Dr. Charlie Hatcher, a former Tennessee Commissioner of Agriculture and the only Republican challenger, is projected to win.
Key Facts
Andy Ogles is the current Republican House member for Tennessee’s 5th Congressional District.
President Donald Trump endorsed Andy Ogles in the primary race.
Dr. Charlie Hatcher challenged Ogles in the Republican primary.
Hatcher previously served as Tennessee Commissioner of Agriculture.
Election results from Decision Desk HQ show Hatcher likely winning the primary.
The loss of Ogles is seen as a setback for President Trump’s influence in the district.
This primary determines the Republican candidate for the upcoming general election.
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A 23-year-old man died after what police believe was a dog attack on a rural property in Sydney’s south-west. Police are investigating the death and have set up a crime scene at the location where the body was found.
Key Facts
The man was found dead on a rural property in Eschol Park, Sydney’s south-west.
Police reported he had significant injuries when they discovered him.
Authorities think he was attacked by animals before he died.
About eight dogs lived on the property.
None of the dogs were registered or had microchips.
Campbelltown City detectives are leading the investigation.
Police will prepare a report for the coroner.
The investigation is still ongoing.
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Republican state Senator Brent Taylor is expected to run against Democratic state Representative Justin Pearson for the U.S. House seat in Tennessee. The seat is open because Representative Steve Cohen is retiring, and the district has been redrawn to favor the Republican Party.
Key Facts
The race is for the U.S. House seat in Tennessee currently held by Steve Cohen, who is retiring.
Brent Taylor is a Republican state senator running for the seat.
Justin Pearson is a Democratic state representative also running for the seat.
The district lines were recently redrawn to strongly favor Republicans.
Brent Taylor has the support of President Donald Trump.
The election will take place in the fall.
If elected, Brent Taylor would join the U.S. Congress as a representative from Tennessee.
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