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The CBS News program "Sunday Morning" aired a special report about a big increase in tick bites this year. They focused on Alpha-gal syndrome, a condition caused by a Lone Star tick bite that can make people allergic to red meat. The program also included stories about jazz history, an artist’s unique home, a botanist’s nature books, and a retirement home for musicians.
Key Facts
Emergency room visits for tick bites have gone up a lot this year.
Alpha-gal syndrome can cause a strong allergy to eating red meat after a Lone Star tick bite.
Martha’s Vineyard residents are dealing with an outbreak of Alpha-gal syndrome.
Experts from the University of Rhode Island and Tufts University shared advice on avoiding tick bites.
The show featured a famous 1958 photo of jazz legends in Harlem taken by Art Kane.
Artist Ricky Boscarino’s home in New Jersey, called Luna Parc, is filled with sculptures and art.
Botanist Robin Wall Kimmerer discussed the importance of combining Western science and indigenous knowledge in nature.
Casa Verdi in Milan is a retirement home for professional musicians started by composer Giuseppe Verdi.
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The Pentagon announced that more than 750 U.S. service members have been injured since the U.S. started military actions against Iran in late February. Recently, 50 additional injuries were added to the official count.
Key Facts
Over 750 U.S. service members have been wounded since late February.
The injuries are linked to the U.S. war against Iran.
The Pentagon updated its war casualty database this week.
An additional 50 service members’ injuries were recently added.
The totals combine counts from Operation Epic Fury and Overseas Operations.
The information comes from the U.S. Department of Defense.
The timeframe covered is from the start of the conflict in late February until now.
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A federal judge ruled that Michael Jeffries, former CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch, is mentally fit to stand trial on sex trafficking charges despite previous dementia and Alzheimer’s symptoms. Jeffries is currently free on bond and will face trial later in October along with two co-defendants.
Key Facts
Michael Jeffries is facing federal sex trafficking charges.
He was hospitalized for about four months to evaluate his mental fitness.
Judge Nusrat Choudhury determined Jeffries understands the court process and can participate in his trial.
Jeffries and two co-defendants, Matthew Smith and James Jacobson, pleaded not guilty.
Prosecutors allege they lured men to drug-fueled sex parties by promising modeling jobs.
Jeffries’ lawyers had argued he was too mentally impaired to stand trial due to Alzheimer’s and dementia.
The trial is scheduled for late October with a pretrial hearing coming.
Jeffries is known for leading Abercrombie & Fitch and transforming its brand before leaving in 2014.
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The American school bus became the standard yellow color in 1939 for safety reasons, chosen by transportation officials because it is easy to see. Originally designed in rural Georgia to transport workers, the school bus helped support larger, centralized schools and later played a role in desegregation efforts. Today, the yellow school bus faces challenges like driver shortages, affecting students' ability to get to school.
Key Facts
The yellow color of school buses was selected in 1939 for high visibility, not by law but by a conference of state transportation officials.
At their peak in the 1980s, yellow school buses carried over 60% of U.S. students.
The first metal-bodied school bus was created by Albert Luce, a Georgia car dealer, originally to transport workers.
School buses helped with the shift from small neighborhood schools to larger, consolidated ones spread farther apart.
Buses were used to transport Black and white students during desegregation, though many schools have since become more segregated.
Safety features on buses have improved over time, including padded seats and stop signs that flip out.
Driving a school bus is considered very safe and important for society.
There is now a shortage of school bus drivers, which limits the availability of bus transportation for many students.
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Connecticut created the LEAP program during the COVID-19 pandemic to help get students back to school by sending volunteers to visit families and find out why children were missing school. Since starting in 2021, the program has helped reduce the number of students missing school often and improved attendance rates.
Key Facts
LEAP stands for Learner Engagement and Attendance Program.
The program began in 2021 using federal funds from the American Rescue Plan Act.
In 2021-2022, 23.7% of students in Connecticut were chronically absent, almost double the pre-pandemic rate.
In the latest school year, chronic absenteeism dropped to 16.4%, a decrease of about 35,000 students.
LEAP sends trained volunteers to visit families and find reasons for poor attendance, such as transportation issues, illness, housing instability, or language barriers.
Students helped by LEAP improve attendance by double digits and face fewer disciplinary actions.
The program operates in 25 school districts and is funded by a $7 million state budget item after federal funding ended.
Connecticut collects detailed monthly attendance data, helping identify problems early and track progress.
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Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) lowered its estimate of the state's wolf population from 1,094 to about 725 wolves. Despite the lower number, the Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission approved a plan allowing up to 300 wolves to be hunted during the upcoming season, sparking criticism from wildlife advocates.
Key Facts
Montana revised its wolf population estimate down by nearly 400 animals due to a new counting method.
FWP initially recommended allowing 250 wolves to be hunted based on the revised numbers.
The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission voted to allow 300 wolves to be killed, exceeding the agency's recommendation.
The wolf kill limit is divided into different regional quotas within Montana.
Wildlife groups argue Montana is treating wolves as a commodity rather than wildlife to protect.
Wolf advocates say the state’s hunting rules permit methods they consider harmful, such as trapping and snares.
In 2025, hunters and trappers killed 247 wolves out of a quota of 458; 81 more died from other causes.
Officials say the wolf population remains above levels that would require more federal protections.
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A British energy company, 80 Mile, plans to start oil drilling in Greenland but says that President Donald Trump's public threats to buy Greenland have distracted from the project. The company holds a drilling license for a large area in East Greenland but has faced delays after criticism from the Greenland government about lacking permissions.
Key Facts
80 Mile, a British firm, has the drilling license for the Jameson Land Basin in East Greenland covering about two million acres.
The Greenland government criticized companies for advancing the drilling without proper permissions, delaying exploration until winter 2027.
Greenland stopped issuing new oil and gas exploration licenses in 2021 due to environmental concerns.
80 Mile acquired its drilling license from White Flame Energy in 2024.
Greenland Energy, a Texas-based partner with ties to President Trump’s administration, is funding and managing much of the project.
The drilling area is believed to hold around $1 trillion worth of oil.
President Trump’s public talk of buying Greenland has created political controversy overshadowing the project.
Experts say Greenland wants to develop resources to improve its finances and support its bid for full statehood.
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The U.S. housing market has become more favorable for buyers in recent months, especially in certain areas like Miami, Florida, where there are more homes for sale than buyers. This shift is partly due to a large number of condominiums available and higher fees that have reduced demand for condos, giving buyers more power to negotiate prices.
Key Facts
Miami, Florida, has the strongest buyer’s market in the U.S. in ZIP code 33130.
This area has about three times the usual supply of homes, with 15.5 months of supply.
Almost 30% of homes for sale in this area have price cuts.
High homeowners association (HOA) fees, increased after building safety rules from the 2021 Surfside collapse, have decreased condo demand.
Condo supply in Miami-Dade County is 12.3 months, compared to 4.9 months for single-family homes.
Less than 1% of South Florida condo buildings qualify for FHA loans, making financing harder.
Other top buyer’s markets include Port Aransas, Texas, Lahaina, Hawaii, and North Miami Beach, Florida.
Miami’s cost of living has risen sharply, now more expensive than New York and second only to San Francisco in the U.S.
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President Donald Trump announced a plan to temporarily reduce some taxes on imported ground beef to lower beef prices in the U.S. Two Republican lawmakers, Massie and Greene, criticized this decision. The change aims to help consumers by making beef more affordable before the upcoming midterm elections.
Key Facts
President Trump decided to temporarily lift some tariffs (taxes) on imported ground beef.
The goal is to lower the cost of beef for American consumers.
The move was announced publicly on President Trump’s Truth Social account.
This action comes before the midterm elections.
Two Republicans, Massie and Greene, opposed the decision.
The tariffs lifted are specifically on certain types of imported ground beef.
The measure is temporary, not permanent.
The effort is part of the Trump administration’s policy to influence market prices.
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Tropical Depression Two-C is expected to strengthen into Tropical Storm Moke and bring heavy rain and flooding to Hawaii this weekend, especially on the Big Island. The storm is forecast to pass south of the islands, reducing chances of a direct hit but still causing significant rainfall and coastal dangers.
Key Facts
Tropical Depression Two-C has winds of 35 mph and will likely become Tropical Storm Moke by Friday.
Moke is forecasted to pass south of Hawaii’s Big Island and smaller islands by Sunday night.
No tropical storm watches or warnings were issued as of Friday morning.
Heavy rains could cause 5 to 10 inches of rainfall on the Big Island, with some places reaching up to 15 inches.
A flood watch is in effect for much of the Big Island from late Saturday night through Monday afternoon.
Soils on the Big Island are already wet from previous storms, increasing the risk of flash flooding and mudslides.
Maui may receive up to 4 inches of rain, while other islands could get 1 to 2 inches.
The storm’s wind impact is still uncertain but will likely be less severe if Moke stays farther south.
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New treatments show promise for glioblastoma, a common and aggressive brain cancer, and for a rare type of ovarian cancer called clear cell carcinoma. Researchers found that a minimally invasive laser surgery may extend survival and improve quality of life for brain cancer patients, and immunotherapy might work for some ovarian cancer patients.
Key Facts
Glioblastoma is an aggressive brain cancer with no cure, often treated by surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy.
A laser treatment involves a small hole drilled in the skull to insert a robot-controlled laser that kills tumor cells with heat.
Patients with 91% or more of their brain tumor destroyed by laser treatment lived about 2.1 years on average after diagnosis, longer than typical surgery survival of 1.5 years.
Laser treatment is less invasive, requires only a small incision, a short hospital stay, and helps maintain quality of life.
The laser procedure could be an option even for patients who might normally have surgery.
Researchers in Japan found some clear cell ovarian cancers respond well to immunotherapy by targeting a protein called IL-17.
IL-17 helps create an environment around tumors that boosts the immune response.
Both treatments aim to improve survival and quality of life for patients with these difficult-to-treat cancers.
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Scientists warn that a strong El Niño event is developing over the Pacific Ocean and could be the strongest seen in recent times. This weather pattern can change weather conditions worldwide, including impacts expected in the UK.
Key Facts
El Niño is a natural climate pattern occurring over the Pacific Ocean.
This current El Niño is predicted to be very powerful, possibly the strongest in living memory.
It can affect weather globally, causing changes like droughts, floods, or temperature shifts.
The UK may experience weather effects because of this event.
The Met Office, the UK’s weather agency, is monitoring this event closely.
El Niño events usually happen every few years and have wide-reaching impacts.
The article features a video explaining how El Niño influences world weather.
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A Texas appeals court reduced a $50 million damage award against Alex Jones to $1.5 million. This case relates to Jones falsely claiming the 2012 Sandy Hook school shooting was a fake event.
Key Facts
Alex Jones is the founder of the website Infowars.
He claimed the Sandy Hook shooting was a hoax, which is false.
A court in Texas initially ordered Jones to pay $50 million to Sandy Hook parents.
The Texas appeals court lowered the amount to $1.5 million.
The court said the parents did not prove enough harassment to exceed Texas's $750,000 damage limit for such cases.
This Texas ruling does not change a separate $1.4 billion judgment against Jones in Connecticut.
Jones and his company, Free Speech Systems, were found legally responsible for damages related to their false claims.
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The United Nations Security Council is holding a second informal vote to choose who will replace Secretary-General Antonio Guterres when his term ends in December 2026. Eight candidates from different countries are competing for the job, which requires a majority of votes from the council and no veto from its five permanent members.
Key Facts
Antonio Guterres will finish his second five-year term as UN Secretary-General at the end of 2026.
The UN Security Council has 15 members, including five permanent members with veto power.
Eight candidates are running, including Rebeca Grynspan (Costa Rica), Michelle Bachelet (Chile), Rafael Mariano Grossi (Argentina), Maria Fernanda Espinosa (Ecuador), Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett (Guyana), Olara Otunnu (Uganda), Macky Sall (Senegal), and Ivonne A-Baki (Ecuador).
Rebeca Grynspan was the front-runner after the first informal straw poll.
Candidates need at least nine votes on the Security Council to move forward and must avoid a veto by any permanent member.
Rebeca Grynspan previously brokered a deal allowing grain exports from the Black Sea during the Russia-Ukraine war.
Michelle Bachelet is Chile’s former president and former UN human rights chief, supported by Mexico and Brazil but criticized by some countries and the U.S.
Rafael Mariano Grossi leads the UN nuclear watchdog and is involved in issues related to Iran’s nuclear program and the situation in Ukraine.
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The U.S. Navy is considering removing the name of World War II Black hero Doris "Dorie" Miller from a new aircraft carrier and possibly renaming it after President Donald Trump. The carrier, currently being built in Virginia, was originally named USS Doris Miller to honor Miller’s bravery during the Pearl Harbor attack.
Key Facts
Doris "Dorie" Miller was a Black service member who fought heroically during the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor without formal gun training.
Miller helped save his wounded captain and shot down at least one Japanese plane during the attack.
He received the Navy Cross, a high military honor, at a time when the military was still racially segregated.
Miller died in 1943 when the USS Liscome Bay was torpedoed, killing many sailors.
The USS Doris Miller will be the first aircraft carrier named after a Black American and an enlisted service member.
The Navy has been discussing renaming the carrier after President Donald Trump during the summer of 2026.
The Navy and Pentagon have not officially commented on the renaming talks.
Miller may soon have his Navy Cross upgraded to the Medal of Honor, the highest U.S. military award for bravery.
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President Donald Trump’s administration is increasing economic sanctions against Iran, targeting its financial network particularly through Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Dubai serves as a major hub for Iran’s foreign currency transactions, and the U.S. is working with the UAE to cut off Iran’s access to funds from oil sales, especially to China.
Key Facts
President Trump threatened tough economic action against Iran with the "toughest sanctions in history."
About 80% of Iran’s foreign currency exchange happens in Dubai, making the city key to Iran’s economy.
Iran uses Dubai to move money from oil sales to China and to support imports from China.
The U.S. Treasury has targeted shell companies in Dubai that help Iran access oil sale revenues.
Iran’s Shahr Bank, linked to its military group, used Dubai currency exchange firms for money laundering.
The UAE announced it has halted all trade and financial dealings with Iran until further notice.
Iran reportedly launched two missiles at the UAE and attacked an oil company vessel near the Strait of Hormuz.
The U.S. naval blockade and sanctions have severely damaged Iran’s economy, according to a Trump administration official.
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President Donald Trump appeared on Michael Cohen's radio show for a recorded episode. This meeting happened after a long and public disagreement between the two men.
Key Facts
President Trump was a guest on Michael Cohen's radio show.
The recording took place after a very public and intense argument between them.
Michael Cohen is known as President Trump's former fixer, meaning he worked closely with Trump on legal and personal matters.
The reunion was covered by CBS News reporter Aaron Navarro.
The event was described as a significant moment given their past conflict.
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Millions of people in Cuba are facing water shortages because of an ongoing oil crisis. A U.S. oil blockade started by President Trump has caused more power outages and reduced access to running water for many Cubans.
Key Facts
The oil blockade against Cuba began in January 2026 and has lasted seven months.
The blockade was imposed by the Trump administration.
Power outages in Cuba have increased due to this oil crisis.
In August 2025, 2.6 million Cubans had trouble getting water.
Now, about 3.5 million people in Cuba face water access problems.
This number represents roughly one-third of Cuba’s population.
The Cuban Institute of Hydraulic Resources provided the water access figures.
Health risks are growing as a result of the water shortages and power outages.
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In Japan, farmers are shifting their work hours to nighttime because the summer heat during the day has become too dangerous. This change started after a worker got heatstroke while picking sunflowers, leading others to work under artificial lights or in early hours.
Key Facts
Japanese farmers face extremely hot summer days that make daytime work risky.
A flower farmer near Tokyo now harvests flowers at night using greenhouse lights.
One worker had heatstroke three summers ago, prompting changes in work schedules.
A poultry farmer wakes his chickens at 2:30 a.m. to avoid the heat.
These changes help farmers stay safe while continuing their work during hot weather.
The shift to nocturnal schedules is a direct response to rising temperatures and climate effects in Japan.
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