Virginia state Senator Louise Lucas was charged by federal authorities for operating an illegal marijuana business. New York City passed a ban on horse-drawn carriage rides in Central Park. A Florida judge ordered President Donald Trump to give a deposition in a $10 billion lawsuit against the BBC or risk dismissal of the case.
Key Facts
Virginia state Senator Louise Lucas faces federal charges for running a criminal marijuana operation.
New York City lawmakers approved a ban on horse-drawn carriage rides in Central Park.
A Florida judge required President Donald Trump to give a deposition in a lawsuit involving $10 billion against the BBC.
The lawsuit demands President Trump’s deposition or the case may be dismissed.
These events were included in a Thursday news summary.
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The latest episode of the TV show "The Celebrity Traitors" featured the removal of Ross Kemp from the game by the group of traitors. The players took part in a mission where they built and sabotaged shields while blindfolded, leading to new suspicions and tensions among them.
Key Facts
Ross Kemp was eliminated by the traitor team.
James Acaster, a traitor, did not actively sabotage others during the mission.
Fellow traitors Maya Jama and King Kenny were frustrated with James Acaster's lack of participation.
The mission involved building shields out of 3D jigsaw pieces hidden in sawdust.
At intervals, players had to wear blindfolds, allowing traitors to sabotage others.
Three other celebrities, James Blunt, Joanne McNall, and Michael Sheen, completed their shields.
No prize money was earned as the traitors did not fully sabotage during the final chance.
Suspicion and paranoia among the players increased, with odd theories discussed about who might be a traitor.
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Iran reported that seven oil tankers were damaged overnight in the Strait of Hormuz due to attacks or naval mines. This is possibly the largest single-day number of tankers hit since the Iran war began on February 28, 2024. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia is increasing oil use through a pipeline that bypasses the strait, and the UN Secretary-General highlighted Egypt’s key role in resolving regional conflicts.
Key Facts
Iran’s state TV said seven oil tankers were either targeted or hit mines in the Strait of Hormuz overnight.
Four tankers caught fire while transferring oil; three others were damaged by naval mines.
The number of tankers damaged in one day could be the highest since the Iran war began on February 28, 2024.
Tankers now travel at night using a U.S.-protected lane near Oman with their tracking turned off, shifting oil transfers to safer areas.
Saudi Arabia’s Aramco has tripled the volume of oil moved through the East-West pipeline that avoids the Strait of Hormuz, from 2 million to 7 million barrels daily.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized Egypt’s important role in Middle East peace efforts and will visit Egypt soon.
Yemen’s Defense Ministry warned that rallies by Iran-backed Houthi rebels will be treated as military targets, a notable escalation.
Saudi Arabia reported two deaths in a recent attack on one of its airports, related to ongoing regional hostilities.
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President Trump said he does not know why the Justice Department is investigating Corey Lewandowski for misconduct. He emphasized that anyone working for him must be honest and that those who are not honest will face legal consequences.
Key Facts
President Trump addressed an investigation by the Justice Department into Corey Lewandowski.
Lewandowski is being looked at for possible misconduct.
Trump said he does not know why the investigation is happening.
He stated that honesty is important for anyone working for him.
Trump warned that people who are dishonest will face the Justice Department.
The comments were made publicly on a Thursday.
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Maine voters are closely watching a Senate race between Republican Susan Collins, who has served five terms, and Democrat Troy Jackson, a former logger and state lawmaker. The race is very competitive and could impact which party controls the Senate.
Key Facts
Susan Collins is a Republican senator currently serving her fifth term.
Troy Jackson is a Democrat, previously a logger and state legislator.
The Senate race in Maine is considered a toss-up, meaning it could go either way.
Both the Republican and Democratic parties are actively campaigning for this Senate seat.
The outcome of this race could affect which party controls the United States Senate.
The race is attracting national attention because of its importance.
Lisa Desjardins, a reporter, is covering the race from Maine.
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Ukraine needs more defense systems to stop attacks from drones and missiles. The U.S. Patriot missile system is very important, but supplies have dropped because the missiles have been used a lot by Ukraine, the U.S., and allies.
Key Facts
Ukraine is facing many attacks by drones and ballistic missiles.
The U.S. Patriot missile system helps defend against these attacks.
Patriot missile supplies are low after heavy use in Ukraine and other conflicts.
The Patriot system has also been used in the war with Iran.
Mike Cerre reports on how the Patriot missiles are made.
There is a race to build more Patriot missiles to support Ukraine and allies.
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Jared Kushner strongly denied a Vanity Fair report claiming Dutch intelligence hacked his phone and found secret financial deals involving Middle Eastern governments. Kushner said the claims are false and said there is no evidence to support them.
Key Facts
The Vanity Fair report says Dutch intelligence got screenshots from Kushner’s iPhone through a Russian spy’s server.
The report claims Kushner accessed a UAE-linked bank account with about $750 million intended for foreign policy efforts.
It also alleges another account in Israel held roughly $1 billion for Kushner’s personal benefit, arranged by UAE and Israeli leaders.
Kushner and his lawyer said these accounts do not exist and called the claims false and defamatory.
Former U.S. Ambassador David Friedman denied knowledge or involvement in any alleged money transfers.
Kushner said he cooperated with multiple investigations during Trump’s first term and none found evidence of wrongdoing.
The accusations are not proven and appear in a forthcoming book by Matthew Cole.
Kushner’s lawyer said they may consider suing over the report.
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Actor Christina Applegate shared that she was incorrectly diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS). This story has raised questions about how hard it can be to correctly identify MS.
Key Facts
Christina Applegate was first told she had MS but later found out this was a mistake.
MS is a disease that affects the brain and spinal cord.
Diagnosing MS is often difficult because its symptoms can look like those of other conditions.
Doctors, including Dr. Michael Kornberg from Johns Hopkins University, explain that tests and symptoms can sometimes be unclear.
Misdiagnosis can lead to unnecessary worry and treatment for patients.
Understanding the challenges of diagnosing MS helps improve patient care.
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Raye won the 2026 Mercury Prize for her album *This Music May Contain Hope*, becoming the first pop artist to win since 1994. The prize recognizes the best British or Irish album that pushes musical boundaries and comes with a £25,000 award.
Key Facts
Raye's album mixes pop with Hollywood-style glamour and tells a story about a difficult relationship.
The album features 17 songs and lasts 73 minutes, including a global hit called "Where Is My Husband?"
It includes contributions from her grandparents, soul singer Al Green, four orchestras, and over 100 musicians.
Released in March, the album reached number one on UK charts and received positive reviews from critics.
Raye's work on the album was delayed by nearly a year after her car, carrying songwriting materials, was stolen and later recovered.
The Mercury Prize started in 1992 to honor albums that advance music beyond commercial trends.
Past winners have often been debut albums from well-known artists like Arctic Monkeys and Franz Ferdinand.
Olivia Dean and Jade were other notable nominees for the 2026 prize.
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Federal Pell Grants, which have helped many low- and middle-income students afford college, will now also fund short-term job training programs. This change aims to help students gain skills and enter the workforce more quickly.
Key Facts
Pell Grants have traditionally helped students pay for college education.
For the first time, these grants will support short-term vocational training programs.
Vocational training focuses on teaching specific job skills.
This program is called Workforce Pell.
Workforce Pell aims to provide new options for career training.
The change is part of a series called Rethinking College.
The goal is to help students enter the workforce faster.
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Severe weather is threatening the western U.S., and a fire has broken out in an assisted living facility. The news also covers topics like President Donald Trump defending an attack ad in Ohio, a Supreme Court ruling on medical care for transgender inmates, and several political and social stories ahead of the midterm elections.
Key Facts
Severe weather poses a threat to the western United States.
A fire occurred in an assisted living facility, impacting residents.
President Donald Trump defended an attack advertisement used in Ohio politics.
The Supreme Court made a decision about medical care for transgender inmates.
Several emergency situations happened, including incidents aboard two planes.
U.S. gas prices are rising as the midterm elections approach.
Immigration enforcement is affecting Latino voters in Texas.
New political ads and races are influencing elections in several states.
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L’Oreal says weight loss drugs called GLP-1s have changed how people buy beauty and skin care products. The company is creating products to help with skin issues caused by rapid weight loss, and sales have grown faster than expected.
Key Facts
GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro were originally made for diabetes but also cause weight loss by reducing appetite.
Rapid weight loss can lead to loose skin, especially around the face, though this is not a direct drug effect.
L’Oreal’s brands SkinCeuticals and Kiehl’s have made products to help with skin sagging linked to weight loss.
L’Oreal’s sales grew by 7.7% in the three months ending September, beating analyst predictions.
L’Oreal increased its investment in dermatology company Galderma to 20% in December.
Galderma makes aesthetic products like Sculptra and Restylane, used to improve skin appearance through injections.
Both L’Oreal and Galderma are testing treatments for people using GLP-1 drugs who are concerned about changes in their facial skin.
Surveys show many weight loss drug users notice changes in their facial look after treatment.
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A security researcher found a way to partially hack the Switch 2 gaming console, allowing users to run homebrew software and modify games. This hack uses a software tool originally designed for the older Switch and requires a PC on the same network to work.
Key Facts
The hack allows limited user access called “userland” but does not give full control of the console.
It exploits a software bug in SmileBasic 4, a programming tool removed from the Switch online store.
The hack needs a macOS or Linux computer on the same network to help gain access.
The researcher used AI software (OpenAI’s Codex) to find and exploit the bug.
The vulnerability allows reading and writing parts of the console’s memory.
The current exploit works on the latest Switch 2 firmware but will likely be fixed in future updates.
This partial hack is less serious than a 2018 full hardware exploit on the original Switch.
The hack lets people create new game content and back up save files on the Switch 2.
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The European Union gave the International Criminal Court (ICC) its top human rights award, the Sakharov Prize, recognizing the court’s work in upholding international law. This comes two weeks after President Donald Trump announced new US sanctions aimed at stopping the ICC from operating, especially after it issued arrest warrants against Israeli officials.
Key Facts
The ICC received the Sakharov Prize, the EU’s main human rights award, for its work on international justice.
The award was announced by the European Parliament President Roberta Metsola.
ICC President Tomoko Akane said the prize is important as the court faces serious challenges.
President Donald Trump has promised to dismantle the ICC, calling it a “fake court.”
Trump’s administration issued sanctions targeting the ICC’s operations and officials.
The ICC tries people accused of war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide.
The EU supports the ICC and said it is ready to help the court continue its work despite US sanctions.
The EU is considering measures to protect the ICC from the effects of US sanctions.
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A group of U.S. senators from both parties is asking Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio to release funds that Congress has already approved. These funds are meant to support the Baltic Security Initiative, which helps strengthen the defense of Baltic countries.
Key Facts
Senators from both political parties signed a letter requesting the release of funding.
The money has already been approved by Congress.
The funding is for the Baltic Security Initiative.
The initiative supports the defense and security of Baltic countries (Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania).
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are the officials being asked to release the funds.
The senators are concerned about delays in sending the money.
Strengthening security in the Baltic region is important due to regional threats.
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The Metropolitan Opera in New York is presenting a new opera called "Lincoln in the Bardo," based on a well-known novel. The opera explores President Abraham Lincoln's personal grief during a significant time in his life.
Key Facts
The opera is adapted from the novel "Lincoln in the Bardo."
It is being performed at the Metropolitan Opera in New York.
The story focuses on President Abraham Lincoln.
The opera explores themes of grief and loss.
This is part of an arts and culture series called CANVAS.
The novel and opera bring a personal view of Lincoln’s life.
Jeffrey Brown reviewed the opera for the series.
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Republican Representative Dan Crenshaw and other lawmakers want Ukraine to regain full access to the SpaceX satellite services. This access is important for Ukraine’s communications and defense.
Key Facts
Rep. Dan Crenshaw supports restoring Ukraine’s use of SpaceX satellites.
Lawmakers from both political parties back the call to restore satellite access.
SpaceX satellites help Ukraine with communication and defense capabilities.
The current situation has limited Ukraine’s access to these satellite services.
The issue involves cooperation between the U.S. government, Ukraine, and private companies like SpaceX.
Restoring access is seen as important amid ongoing conflict involving Ukraine.
Rep. Crenshaw shared his views on a CBS News program called "The Takeout."
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Polling expert Nate Silver criticized Wedgewood Polling for releasing fake polls, calling the company's explanation untrue. Silver warned that fake polls could harm the reputation of the polling industry, an issue made worse by President Donald Trump frequently calling valid polls "fake" when they show bad results for Republicans.
Key Facts
Wedgewood Polling admitted to fabricating its polls as part of a "social experiment," but Nate Silver called this explanation false.
Fake polls by Wedgewood appeared in several states and showed a slight favor toward Democratic candidates.
Several media outlets, including Newsweek, used Wedgewood’s fake poll data and have since retracted or corrected related articles.
Nate Silver said fake polls are not new but are now a bigger problem because they can manipulate prediction markets where people bet on election outcomes.
Silver noted that President Donald Trump has often labeled accurate polls showing poor Republican performance as "fake polls."
Silver defended efforts by professional poll vetting organizations like The New York Times to catch fake polls but said no system is perfect.
The fake poll scandal comes just 10 days before the midterm elections when both Republicans and Democrats closely watch polling results.
The controversy contributes to growing distrust in polling accuracy ahead of important U.S. elections.
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President Donald Trump's immigration enforcement and mass deportation efforts are influencing voting patterns in Texas. CBS News spoke with voters and officials about how these policies could change the way Texans vote in upcoming elections.
Key Facts
President Trump has launched large-scale deportation operations targeting immigrants in Texas.
Immigration enforcement actions are actively taking place in the state.
These operations may affect voter attitudes and decisions in Texas.
CBS News gathered opinions from local voters and officials about these changes.
Texas is considered a key state for upcoming political races.
The immigration policies are part of a broader strategy tied to the midterm elections.
The article focuses on how immigration enforcement could influence Republican voting in Texas.
The discussion is part of a CBS News report on Texas and national politics.
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Rick Jackson, a Republican candidate for Georgia governor, is worried that rural voters in Georgia may not vote as much in the upcoming election. He believes some rural voters assume the state will vote Republican and do not think his race or opponent matters.
Key Facts
Rick Jackson is running for governor of Georgia.
Early voting is currently happening in Georgia.
Jackson is concerned about low voter turnout in rural areas of the state.
He thinks rural voters may feel the election outcome is already decided.
Jackson compares himself to his opponent, implying voters see little difference.
Voter turnout is important for deciding election results.
The comment shows attention to rural voter engagement in Georgia politics.
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