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Luigi Mangione's lawyer speaks out after he announced plans to plead guilty in federal case

Luigi Mangione's lawyer speaks out after he announced plans to plead guilty in federal case

Summary

Luigi Mangione's lawyer said outside a New York federal court that Mangione plans to plead guilty in a federal case. The announcement was made during a court appearance in New York City.

Key Facts

  • Luigi Mangione is involved in a federal legal case.
  • His lawyer spoke to reporters outside the federal court in New York City.
  • Mangione plans to enter a guilty plea.
  • The statement happened during a court session.
  • CBS News reporters Tom Hanson and Katrina Kaufman covered the event.
  • The lawyer's name is Karen Friedman Agnifilo.
  • The news was shared through CBS News platforms.
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Royal Parks gardeners to strike over pay

Royal Parks gardeners to strike over pay

Summary

Gardeners working in London's Royal Parks plan to strike because they are unhappy with their proposed pay raise. Their union says the raise of 70p per hour is too low, and the workers want a better pay deal.

Key Facts

  • The gardeners work for a company called Idverde, which is a sub-contractor managing the parks' workforce.
  • There are eight Royal Parks in London, including Hyde Park and Regent's Park.
  • Skilled gardeners and team leaders currently earn 55p more per hour than the London Living Wage (£14.80 per hour).
  • The union, GMB, says the new offer of a 70p raise per hour is insulting and too low.
  • The union believes Idverde does not value the workers' skills and treats the Living Wage as the highest pay instead of the lowest.
  • 75% of union members voted, and 95% of those voted to strike.
  • Royal Parks said pay decisions are up to Idverde and hope the issue is resolved soon.
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Army identifies identifies 2 Fort Hood helicopter pilots killed in Apache crash

Army identifies identifies 2 Fort Hood helicopter pilots killed in Apache crash

Summary

The Army identified two Fort Hood helicopter pilots who died in an Apache helicopter crash during a maintenance test flight in central Texas. The crash occurred near Salado, about 30 miles from Fort Hood, and an investigation is underway.

Key Facts

  • Two pilots, Chief Warrant Officer 2 Deontre T. Huey (34) and Warrant Officer Seth L. Olmstead (25), died in the crash.
  • The crash happened on Wednesday in a grassy field near Salado, Texas.
  • Both pilots were the only people on board the Apache helicopter.
  • The cause of the crash has not been released yet.
  • An Army safety investigation team from Fort Rucker, Alabama, is leading the investigation.
  • Huey joined the Army in 2014, and Olmstead in 2023; both served in Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment.
  • Fort Hood is a large military base used for training heavy forces and has had previous deadly helicopter accidents.
  • The Apache helicopter has been used by the U.S. military since 1984 and seats two crew members, one behind the other.
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Peru steps up fight against illegal gold mining as activity enters protected Amazon reserve

Peru steps up fight against illegal gold mining as activity enters protected Amazon reserve

Summary

Peru’s navy has increased efforts to stop illegal gold mining in the Amazon rainforest, especially in the protected Tambopata National Reserve. Illegal mining uses harmful chemicals like mercury and damages forests, rivers, and local Indigenous communities that rely on the environment.

Key Facts

  • Peruvian navy soldiers carried out raids by helicopter in Madre de Dios, an Amazon region rich in wildlife.
  • Illegal gold mining creates large, muddy holes and uses pumps and tubes to extract gold from sediment.
  • Miners often flee when authorities arrive, leaving behind camps with food and supplies.
  • Mercury used in mining pollutes water, fish, and harms nearby Indigenous communities.
  • Mining activity has reached protected areas and even close to military monitoring stations.
  • The Tambopata National Reserve, a protected Amazon area, is already seeing hundreds of illegal mining dredges.
  • Indigenous groups report criminal groups linked to illegal mining operating near their communities.
  • The government’s campaign aims to stop mining advance to preserve the rainforest and ecosystem.
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Colombia grapples with rebuilding a shattered nation after a deadly earthquake

Colombia grapples with rebuilding a shattered nation after a deadly earthquake

Summary

Colombia suffered a powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake that killed at least 285 people and affected over 100,000 others. The government is working with private companies to rebuild homes, schools, and hospitals damaged in the disaster.

Key Facts

  • The earthquake struck Colombia on Monday, 2026, with a magnitude of 7.4.
  • At least 285 people died, nearly 4,000 were injured, and hundreds remain missing.
  • More than 100,000 people lost their homes or were affected by damage.
  • Thousands of houses, schools, medical facilities, and community centers were damaged or destroyed.
  • Some of the hardest-hit cities include Cali, Pereira, Manizales, and Quibdo.
  • President Abelardo de la Espriella announced plans to work with private companies to rebuild the country.
  • The government is providing subsidies to homeless families while aid continues in some areas.
  • Many people are currently relying on volunteers and neighbors because government help has not reached all regions.
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Canadian plasma clinics pause collections after deaths of two donors

Canadian plasma clinics pause collections after deaths of two donors

Summary

A private plasma clinic chain in Canada called Grifols has stopped collecting plasma after two donors died and Health Canada began investigating safety problems. The government found multiple issues with the clinics, including poor staff training and failure to follow rules.

Key Facts

  • Grifols runs 17 private plasma donation clinics across Canada and is the only private plasma clinic chain in the country.
  • Two donors died after donating plasma in Manitoba, in October 2025 and January 2026.
  • Health Canada found that Grifols clinics had safety issues like poor staff training, incomplete records, and not following procedures.
  • One donor, Rodiyat Alabede, 22, died of cardiac arrest shortly after donating plasma in Winnipeg.
  • Health Canada said there was no proven link between the donations and the deaths, but advocates dispute this and want more investigation.
  • The plasma donation process involves separating plasma from blood with a machine and takes about 90 minutes.
  • In Manitoba, paying donors for plasma is allowed, unlike in some other provinces.
  • Grifols paused donations voluntarily to cooperate with Health Canada and Canadian Blood Services during the review.
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US aircraft carrier on way to relieve USS Lincoln after issues reported on board

US aircraft carrier on way to relieve USS Lincoln after issues reported on board

Summary

A US aircraft carrier, the USS George Washington, is heading to the Middle East to relieve the USS Abraham Lincoln, which has been at sea for nine months. Sailors on the Lincoln have experienced food shortages and poor living conditions, causing concern among their families and some lawmakers.

Key Facts

  • The USS Abraham Lincoln has been deployed at sea since December 11, originally scheduled to return in May.
  • Thousands of sailors on the Lincoln have faced food shortages, poor sanitation, broken plumbing, and exhaustion.
  • Some sailors reportedly attempted to jump overboard because of the difficult conditions.
  • The USS George Washington left Japan in May and is expected to reach the Middle East in about nine days to replace the Lincoln.
  • The US Navy acknowledges supply issues caused by combat actions during the conflict with Iran but denies a mental health crisis.
  • Families of affected sailors have expressed concern about their loved ones’ physical and mental health.
  • Senator Richard Blumenthal called for immediate attention to the conditions and questioned the Navy’s ability to maintain its current operational demands.
  • Defense officials say media reports are misrepresented and that efforts are underway to support all crews effectively.
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Case of Surrogate Fleeing to Texas Raises Complex Legal Questions

Case of Surrogate Fleeing to Texas Raises Complex Legal Questions

Summary

A legal dispute has arisen involving surrogate McKenna West from Alaska, a California couple who hired her, and a baby born in Texas with a serious heart condition. The conflict centers on decisions about the pregnancy after the diagnosis, parental rights, and custody, with Texas courts now involved alongside those in Alaska and California.

Key Facts

  • The baby was diagnosed with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, a severe heart defect, after a 20-week scan.
  • The surrogate, McKenna West, and the intended parents disagreed on whether to continue the pregnancy; West alleges the parents wanted to end it.
  • West traveled from Alaska to Texas, which has strict abortion laws, and sought specialized medical care there.
  • Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton intervened to ensure the baby receives medical treatment and stays in Texas during the dispute.
  • The baby was born in Dallas and is currently receiving medical care.
  • The intended parents and their lawyer say the surrogate and Texas officials are politicizing the case.
  • Surrogacy laws vary by state; California is friendly to surrogacy contracts, while Texas and Alaska do not have identical rules.
  • A legal hearing is scheduled for August 25 to address custody and parental rights.
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RFK Jr. says he’s seen ‘boxes and boxes’ of McDonald’s on Trump plane

RFK Jr. says he’s seen ‘boxes and boxes’ of McDonald’s on Trump plane

Summary

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said in an interview that he saw many boxes of McDonald’s food on Air Force One while traveling with President Trump. Kennedy explained that President Trump chooses fast food because he worries about getting sick from other foods.

Key Facts

  • Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is the Health and Human Services Secretary.
  • He gave an interview about his experience traveling on Air Force One with President Trump.
  • Kennedy saw many boxes of McDonald’s food on the plane.
  • President Trump eats fast food during flights.
  • The reason given is that President Trump fears food poisoning from other meals.
  • Air Force One is the official plane used by the President of the United States.
  • The information focuses on the President’s food choices while traveling.
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Luigi Mangione has pleaded guilty to federal charges. What happens now?

Luigi Mangione has pleaded guilty to federal charges. What happens now?

Summary

Luigi Mangione pleaded guilty in federal court to stalking charges that led to the death of United Healthcare boss Brian Thompson. He faces life in prison federally and still has a state trial for murder starting in September.

Key Facts

  • Luigi Mangione pleaded guilty to two federal stalking charges related to Thompson’s death.
  • The federal charges involve traveling across state lines and using surveillance.
  • Mangione could get up to life in prison without parole from the federal case.
  • A federal judge dismissed some charges earlier, including those related to firearms and the death penalty.
  • Mangione faces a separate state trial in New York with eight felony charges, including second degree murder.
  • His state trial begins on September 8, and Mangione denies the state charges.
  • Defense lawyers may argue that the guilty plea federally prevents the state trial due to double jeopardy protections.
  • If convicted in state court, he could face 25 years to life in prison.
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French teen social media ban struck down by top constitutional authority

French teen social media ban struck down by top constitutional authority

Summary

France’s top constitutional court rejected a law that would have banned children under 15 from using social media. The court said the law violated young people’s freedom of expression and raised privacy concerns about age verification systems.

Key Facts

  • The law would have stopped children under 15 from using platforms like TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram.
  • The law aimed to protect children from issues like anxiety, depression, sleep problems, and online bullying.
  • France’s Constitutional Council said the law was not suitable or necessary for protecting freedom of expression.
  • The court also worried about privacy risks from requiring all users to prove their age.
  • The law was set to start on September 1 but was blocked by this ruling.
  • President Emmanuel Macron asked the Prime Minister to create a new law that follows the court’s guidance and European rules.
  • Macron wants to keep working on protecting children online before his presidency ends next year.
  • The court did not decide on banning mobile phones in high schools, which is a separate rule also starting September 1.
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Retail sales slump in July

Retail sales slump in July

Summary

Retail sales in the United States dropped by 0.6% in July, the largest decrease in over a year, showing that consumer spending slowed after strong growth earlier this year. This slowdown, along with weak jobs data and low inflation, suggests the Federal Reserve may pause on raising interest rates in the near future.

Key Facts

  • Retail sales fell 0.6% in July, below the expected 0.1% increase.
  • Even when removing gas stations and car dealers, sales declined by 0.3%.
  • Sales at auto dealers dropped 2%, gasoline stations 0.9%, and electronic stores 0.5%.
  • Early timing of Amazon’s Prime Day and the previous month’s World Cup spending affected July’s numbers.
  • The retail control group, a key measure for GDP, fell 0.4% instead of rising as predicted.
  • Consumer spending contributed strongly to GDP growth in the second quarter but showed less momentum going into the third quarter.
  • The stock market is strong, gas prices are lower, and unemployment is low, so no large spending drop is expected.
  • The data indicates a pause in big increases in consumer spending rather than a significant decline.
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U.S. and Iran in "deadlock" as both claim control of Stait of Hormuz, expert says

U.S. and Iran in "deadlock" as both claim control of Stait of Hormuz, expert says

Summary

The United States and Iran are both claiming control over the Strait of Hormuz, an important waterway for global oil transport. Experts say neither side has clear dominance, leading to a stalemate between the two countries.

Key Facts

  • The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow passage used to ship much of the world’s oil.
  • Both the U.S. and Iran are sending mixed signals about who controls the strait.
  • Mona Yacoubian, an expert on Middle East issues, commented on the situation.
  • The situation is described as a "deadlock," meaning neither side is clearly in charge.
  • Control of the strait is important for global energy security.
  • Tensions in the area affect international relations and trade.
  • CBS News is reporting on the ongoing dispute between these two countries.
  • The U.S. and Iran have a history of conflict and competition in this region.
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Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder looks to help kids with rare "butterfly" skin disease

Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder looks to help kids with rare "butterfly" skin disease

Summary

Pearl Jam’s singer Eddie Vedder is working to support children who have Epidermolysis Bullosa, a rare disease that makes their skin very fragile and painful. Doctors and researchers are trying to better understand and find treatments for this condition.

Key Facts

  • Eddie Vedder is the lead singer of the band Pearl Jam.
  • He is focusing on helping children with Epidermolysis Bullosa.
  • This disease causes very fragile skin that can tear or blister easily, often called “butterfly skin.”
  • Children with this condition experience severe pain and require special care.
  • Researchers and doctors are studying this rare childhood disease.
  • Efforts are ongoing to improve treatments and quality of life for affected children.
  • Dr. Céline Gounder, an expert, provides information about these rare diseases and current research.
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Book excerpt: Modesty on the line in "The Summer of Death"

Book excerpt: Modesty on the line in "The Summer of Death"

Summary

In 1936, a severe heat wave caused about 5,000 deaths in the United States. During this time, a female police officer in Covington, Kentucky, tried to enforce rules against women and girls wearing what she considered revealing summer clothes in public.

Key Facts

  • The heat wave of 1936 caused roughly 5,000 deaths in the U.S.
  • In Covington, Kentucky, police patrolled to watch for girls and women wearing shorts and halter tops.
  • Police matron Elizabeth Cohran, a rare female officer at the time, asked for these patrols.
  • Cohran wanted to cite girls over ten years old for indecent exposure if seen wearing skimpy clothes outdoors.
  • Some local officials disagreed, saying shorts and halters were common and not indecent.
  • Cohran's actions reflected the social norms and concerns about modesty and safety in 1936.
  • Women in her role handled sensitive cases like runaways, abuse victims, and pregnancies.
  • The story is from Geoff Williams’s book "The Summer of Death," published in 2026.
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Ars Live recap: How can we stop publishers from killing their own games?

Ars Live recap: How can we stop publishers from killing their own games?

Summary

Ars Technica hosted a live talk about the Stop Killing Games movement, which aims to keep video games playable after publishers shut down their online servers. Ross Scott explained that planning for game preservation early can lower costs and that legal clarity is needed, especially in the European Union.

Key Facts

  • The Stop Killing Games movement works to prevent games from becoming unplayable when online servers shut down.
  • Ross Scott felt the issue of long-term game access was a problem over 15 years ago but no one had started fixing it.
  • Currently, publishers can close game servers at any time with little or no warning to players.
  • Planning for end-of-life support during game development can make transferring games to third-party servers cheaper and easier.
  • Most online games have local test servers, which could help maintain game access after official servers close.
  • The EU Parliament has been slow to clarify laws on game preservation.
  • There is hope that the Digital Fairness Act will address some issues related to game access and preservation.
  • The movement seeks clear legal rules to protect gamers’ rights to keep playing old games online.
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Lottery frenzy hits Illinois town where winning billion-dollar Powerball ticket was sold

Lottery frenzy hits Illinois town where winning billion-dollar Powerball ticket was sold

Summary

A town in Illinois called Quincy is very excited because a billion-dollar Powerball lottery ticket was sold there. Many people are visiting the convenience store where the winning ticket was purchased.

Key Facts

  • The winning Powerball ticket is worth one billion dollars.
  • The ticket was sold in Quincy, Illinois.
  • The news report showed the convenience store that sold the ticket.
  • There is increased excitement and activity in the town.
  • Lottery fever describes many people hoping to win or feeling lucky.
  • The story was covered by CBS News and reporter Lana Zak.
  • The Powerball is a popular lottery game in the U.S.
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Philippines drug war victims seek justice through truth commission

Philippines drug war victims seek justice through truth commission

Summary

The Philippines has started public hearings through a new Drug War Truth Commission to investigate killings linked to the anti-drug campaign launched by former President Rodrigo Duterte. Families of victims share their stories, while the commission gathers evidence but does not have power to prosecute.

Key Facts

  • Luzviminda Siapo’s teenage son Raymart was killed in 2017 during Duterte’s war on drugs.
  • Raymart was found dead with a gun and drugs planted near his body; witnesses said masked men forced him to sit and then shot him.
  • The Drug War Truth Commission began in May to investigate extra-judicial killings linked to the campaign.
  • The government reports about 6,000 deaths, but rights groups estimate between 20,000 and 30,000.
  • Duterte was arrested and sent to the International Criminal Court in 2025, facing trial for crimes against humanity related to the drug war.
  • The commission holds public, livestreamed hearings with victims’ families and witnesses giving testimony.
  • The commission cannot prosecute but shares information with Philippine courts and the International Criminal Court.
  • One known case where police were held accountable involved the 2017 killing of 17-year-old Kian delos Santos.
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Inside Russia's alleged plot to murder a dual U.S.-Ukrainian citizen in Poland

Inside Russia's alleged plot to murder a dual U.S.-Ukrainian citizen in Poland

Summary

Polish officials stopped a plan by Russia to kill a man who has citizenship in both the United States and Ukraine. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced that the assassination attempt was prevented.

Key Facts

  • The target was a dual citizen of the U.S. and Ukraine.
  • The plot was allegedly carried out by Russia.
  • Polish authorities discovered and stopped the plan.
  • The Polish Prime Minister, Donald Tusk, shared this information publicly.
  • The incident took place in Poland.
  • U.S. and Ukrainian officials have been informed.
  • The motive and further details about the plot are under investigation.
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Scottish police expect ‘great deal of public opposition’ to planned Larbert datacentre

Scottish police expect ‘great deal of public opposition’ to planned Larbert datacentre

Summary

Scottish police have warned that a new datacentre planned in Larbert, Scotland, may face strong public opposition and will need strict security to prevent disruptions. Many local people and groups are concerned about the environmental impact and health risks, especially due to the backup diesel generators planned for the site.

Key Facts

  • Police expect “a great deal of public opposition” to the Larbert datacentre and want the developer to work with them on security.
  • Larbert is about 30 miles west of Edinburgh.
  • Nearly 7,000 people have formally objected to the project.
  • Local protests have drawn over 100 people, with more planned soon, including in Edinburgh.
  • Scotland has at least 23 large “hyperscale” datacentre plans that could use more energy than Scotland’s peak demand.
  • The Scottish National Party passed a motion to freeze all new datacentres, which could affect the UK’s AI plans.
  • The planned datacentre will use 200 diesel generators as backup power, raising concerns about pollution and noise near hospitals and care homes.
  • Local residents worry about health impacts, especially those with vulnerable family members.
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