Professor Simon Baron-Cohen, who developed the “extreme male brain” theory of autism, now says the phrase is unhelpful because it causes misunderstandings. He will lead a new £26 million research centre at Cambridge University focused on improving the health and quality of life for autistic people, including studying their physical health risks.
Key Facts
Simon Baron-Cohen created the “extreme male brain” theory, linking autism to strong systemizing skills over empathy.
He regrets using the phrase “extreme male brain” because it can lead to wrong ideas, such as autistic people lacking empathy.
A donation of £26 million from US philanthropist Lisa Yang will fund a new autism research centre and a clinical autism centre at Cambridge.
The research will focus on improving life expectancy, health outcomes, early diagnosis, and practical support for autistic people.
Recent data suggest autistic people have higher risks of heart disease, especially autistic women who face 71% higher risk of serious heart events.
Baron-Cohen says autism research has often ignored physical health, despite autistic people tending to die younger.
The centre will also study issues specific to autistic women, such as childbirth and menstrual distress.
Past autism community concerns led to the cancellation of a proposed genetic sequencing project involving autistic people.
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Rishi Sharma has interviewed over 3,000 World War II veterans in the last 10 years to record their stories about sacrifice and freedom. These veterans, known as the "Greatest Generation," shared experiences that are seen as important lessons for society.
Key Facts
Rishi Sharma has conducted more than 3,000 video interviews with World War II veterans.
The veterans are often called the "Greatest Generation."
The interviews aim to preserve veterans’ stories about their service and sacrifices.
These veterans fought to defend freedom during World War II.
The project captures lessons about liberty from these veterans.
Steve Hartman reported on the story for CBS News.
The interviews are available on the CBS News app and website.
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A Delta Air Lines flight was hit by a firework while landing at Chicago’s Midway International Airport on July 4. The plane landed safely with minor damage and no injuries reported.
Key Facts
The incident happened around 8:30 p.m. on July 4.
A fireworks mortar struck Delta Flight 1076 during its descent.
The flight was arriving from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
The plane was an Airbus A319.
The crew felt a loud bang but landed the plane safely.
Chicago police reported minor paint damage on the aircraft.
Delta Airlines said the plane was checked for damage the next day.
No passengers or crew were injured.
Chicago police passed questions to the FBI for further investigation.
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Residents at more than 50 aged care homes run by Arcare in Australia are suing the company for charging fees for extra services like high teas, exercise classes, and internet, even when many could not use these services. The lawsuit says Arcare included these fees as part of a mandatory package from 2020 to 2026, which may have broken laws about charging residents only for services they can use and agree to.
Key Facts
The class action covers over 50 Arcare aged care facilities across four Australian states.
Residents were charged a daily "additional services fee" from July 2020 through July 2026.
Some residents were immobile, unable to swallow, or had cognitive impairments, making them unable to use some charged services.
Charges included items like high teas, exercise classes, alcohol, Foxtel TV, newspapers, and wireless internet.
Australian law says aged care fees can only be charged if residents agree and can access the services.
The lawsuit claims Arcare forced these fees as a non-negotiable condition to enter the facility.
Some charges were based on how much Arcare thought residents could afford, not the real value of services.
Arcare has not yet responded formally to the court but says they are committed to quality care.
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Lake Tahoe, a popular outdoor destination on the California-Nevada border, has a suicide rate almost twice as high as the California state average. Local residents and health professionals are working together to improve mental health resources and prevent suicides in this community.
Key Facts
About 2 million people visit Lake Tahoe each year for outdoor activities like skiing and lake recreation.
The area’s suicide rate is nearly double California’s average of 10.1 deaths per 100,000 people.
Since 2022, there have been about 40 confirmed suicides around Lake Tahoe, including Truckee and four nearby counties.
Nearly 25% of these suicides involved firearms.
South Lake Tahoe has far fewer mental health providers (153 per 100,000 people) than California overall (323.7 per 100,000).
Up to 10% of adults in both the north and south shores of Lake Tahoe report being unable to access mental health care, mostly low-income residents.
The area lacks an official suicide-prevention network after funding ended more than three years ago.
Residents often travel outside the area, up to 40 minutes away, to reach mental health support groups due to limited local options.
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UK experts and former education ministers warn that cutting language courses at universities and schools could harm students’ future chances and social mobility. They say fewer language classes, especially in state schools and elite universities, could limit job opportunities and widen inequality.
Key Facts
The University of Exeter plans to cut 150 full-time jobs, mainly in humanities, putting 70 language academics at risk.
The University of Nottingham has proposed stopping all language degree courses.
Only 22% of state secondary schools require languages at GCSE level, compared to 41% of independent schools.
Language degrees often have lower entry requirements than subjects like maths, law, or economics at elite UK universities.
More students from less wealthy backgrounds could get into top universities by studying languages due to less competition.
Experts warn that closing language faculties reduces links between languages and tech, engineering, and digital studies.
Former education secretaries say cutting languages sends a negative message and could deepen social divides.
Language skills are important for many job opportunities and improving social mobility, but cuts threaten these benefits.
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Beneath New York City’s Waldorf Astoria hotel lies a secret railway platform called Track 61, built in the late 1920s and used for private train cars to deliver distinguished guests directly to the hotel. Notable users included General John J. Pershing and President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The hotel recently reopened after extensive restoration, reflecting a larger trend in the U.S. to renovate historic buildings.
Key Facts
Track 61 is a hidden railway sidetrack beneath the Waldorf Astoria hotel in New York City.
The platform was created by routing private rail cars directly under the hotel, with elevator access to the lobby and suites.
The idea was announced in 1929 before the hotel’s opening in 1931.
General John J. Pershing was the first documented user of the platform in 1938.
President Franklin D. Roosevelt also used Track 61 during his 1944 presidential campaign.
The hotel is built over active New York Central Railroad tracks using air rights bought above the rails.
The Waldorf Astoria reopened recently after a major renovation led by a prominent architectural firm.
This restoration is part of a wider movement across the U.S. to preserve and reuse historic buildings for modern purposes.
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Scientists and engineers are exploring the use of antimatter rockets to send space probes to other star systems. This technology could allow spacecraft to travel much faster than current methods.
Key Facts
Antimatter rockets use antimatter, a type of particle that annihilates when it meets normal matter, releasing a lot of energy.
This energy could power rockets to speeds high enough to reach stars beyond our solar system.
Current space travel technology is too slow for interstellar missions.
Developing antimatter propulsion could make exploring distant star systems possible in the future.
Experts are discussing the challenges and potential of using antimatter for space travel.
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Listening bars, places where people gather to listen to full albums in a shared space, are becoming more popular in the U.S. These venues focus on high-quality sound and the experience of focused, intentional listening, in contrast to the casual way many listen to music today.
Key Facts
Seattle's Shibuya HiFi is a listening bar where guests remove their shoes and listen quietly to full albums together.
Listening bars are inspired by Japanese jazz kissas, which began in the 1930s.
Shibuya HiFi hosts about 80 listening sessions each month, which often sell out.
Fans pay around $20 for tickets to hear albums in these special settings.
Artist and audio engineer Devon Turnbull builds custom speakers and designs public listening rooms to improve sound quality.
Turnbull’s installation at the Smithsonian Cooper Hewitt Museum highlights the importance of the music listening experience beyond just sound.
The rise of digital music streaming has increased access to songs but some feel it reduces the quality and emotional impact of listening.
Listening bars emphasize a multi-sensory experience, including comfort, lighting, and ambiance to enhance music enjoyment.
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Barbara Mullaney, owner of Animal Fayre pet shop in Cricklade, died in a car crash that police are investigating as a murder. A 43-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder after the crash seriously injured a teenage passenger.
Key Facts
Barbara Mullaney, in her 70s, owned Animal Fayre pet shop in Cricklade, Wiltshire.
She died at the scene of a car crash on the B4696 near Royal Wotton Bassett on Tuesday evening.
A 43-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder related to the collision.
The teenage passenger in the suspect’s car was seriously injured but later discharged from hospital.
Police had received several calls concerning the suspect before the crash and referred the case to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.
Mullaney was remembered by the local community as kind and caring, and many tributes and flowers have been left outside her shop.
The crash involved two cars: a black Vauxhall Astra and an orange Peugeot 107, which Mullaney was driving.
Police say there is no danger to the public and are asking witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage to come forward.
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Millions of people attended funeral prayers in Tehran for Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. He was reportedly killed in a joint US-Israeli strike on February 28.
Key Facts
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was Iran’s Supreme Leader.
He died as a result of a strike involving the US and Israel.
The strike occurred on February 28.
Funeral prayers were held in Tehran, Iran’s capital.
Millions of people took part in the funeral prayers.
Aerial videos showed very large crowds at the event.
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At least 15 Yemeni government soldiers were killed in fighting with Houthi rebels in the Hodeidah region on Yemen’s western coast. The clashes involved attacks by Houthis using snipers, drones, and mortars, with both sides suffering casualties.
Key Facts
The fighting took place in the Jabal Dabbas area of Hodeidah governorate.
At least 15 government troops from the Tihama region were killed.
Over 50 Houthi fighters were reported killed, with many others wounded.
Around 23 government soldiers were wounded in the battles.
Houthis briefly captured some government positions but lost them after a counterattack.
The Houthis used snipers, drones, and mortars during their assault.
The conflict is part of a long-running war between Houthi rebels and Yemen’s internationally recognized government.
A UN-brokered truce from 2022 has reduced but not stopped violence along the front lines.
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Large wildfires are spreading across southern Europe, damaging land and threatening a stage of the Tour de France cycling race in southern France. Officials are deciding whether Monday’s race stage can proceed as the fires force evacuations and stretch firefighting resources.
Key Facts
A wildfire near the Pyrenees in southern France has burned about 1,500 hectares (3,700 acres).
Around 700 firefighters are working to control the fire.
The third stage of the Tour de France is planned to finish near the fire area, and officials will decide if it can go on.
Roads providing access to the race route have been closed due to the fire.
Wildfires have damaged over 19,000 hectares (47,000 acres) across Portugal, Spain, Greece, and France.
High temperatures reaching up to 40°C (104°F) and recent heatwaves have worsened fire risks.
Fires in Greece caused the evacuation of areas near factories in Thessaloniki due to toxic smoke.
Authorities warn that the wildfire season is starting earlier and may be longer than usual.
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CBS News aired a segment called "In Memoriam" on Sunday Morning. The segment honored notable people who have recently passed away, including Victor Willis, the lead singer of the music group The Village People.
Key Facts
CBS News featured an "In Memoriam" segment.
The segment aired on the Sunday Morning program.
It remembered people who died recently.
Victor Willis, the frontman of The Village People, was mentioned.
The Village People is a well-known music group.
Viewers can watch the segment on the CBS News app or website.
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Dr. Hussam Abu Safia, the director of a hospital in Gaza, is reportedly in very bad health while in Israeli detention. His family says his condition is worsening, and Palestinian prisoner authorities claim he has been tortured.
Key Facts
Dr. Hussam Abu Safia is the director of a hospital in Gaza.
He is currently detained by Israeli authorities.
During a recent prison visit, he told his lawyer, “This is the last time you’ll see me.”
His family reports that his health has gotten much worse.
Palestinian prisoner authorities say he has been tortured while in detention.
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Pop singer Taylor Swift and professional football player Travis Kelce have gotten married. Their relationship developed while Swift created songs about love, breakups, and marriage.
Key Facts
Taylor Swift is a famous pop music star.
Travis Kelce is a professional football player.
The couple recently tied the knot.
Swift’s music often talks about romance and marriage.
Their relationship drew public interest due to their different careers.
A CBS News correspondent interviewed experts about their marriage.
The story was shared in a CBS News segment.
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A couple met by chance while backpacking in Europe in the 1990s and found a creative way to stay in touch despite having no phones or social media. Their story, shared by their daughter on TikTok, shows how an unexpected meeting turned into a lifelong marriage.
Key Facts
The couple, Tom and Kim, met in Central Europe during separate backpacking trips in the mid-1990s.
They spent one night together but had no way to contact each other afterward because phones and social media were not common.
Tom joined a street performer’s act in a busy square to make himself noticeable and tried to find Kim.
Kim appeared, and they decided to travel together instead of parting as planned.
They married soon after their travels and have been together for 27 years.
Their daughter, Kate Latkovic, shared their story on TikTok, where it has attracted over 1.7 million views.
The story aims to give people hope about love and relationships.
A journal entry from the night they met predicted their marriage, and this entry is now a family keepsake.
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In 1776, Thomas Paine, a writer from England, wrote a short pamphlet called "Common Sense" that encouraged American colonists to seek full independence from British rule. This work played an important role in turning the colonial rebellion into the American Revolution.
Key Facts
Thomas Paine was born in England.
He was influenced by ideas against monarchy (king’s power).
Paine wrote "Common Sense," a 47-page pamphlet in 1776.
The pamphlet encouraged American colonists to demand independence from Britain.
"Common Sense" helped turn a rebellion into a revolution.
The article includes a visit to Lewes, England, where Paine grew up.
Thomas Paine became an important figure in American history as a Founding Father.
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Stars and Stripes is a newspaper for American military members, run by the Department of Defense but traditionally independent in its reporting. Recently, the Pentagon has imposed new rules on the paper, limiting some content and connections to outside news sources, which has raised concerns about press freedom and led to a lawsuit.
Key Facts
Stars and Stripes serves mainly the U.S. military community with news important to service members and their families.
The paper is owned by the Department of Defense, but has a history of editorial independence.
About 1.4 million people read Stars and Stripes daily, mostly online, with print versions overseas.
The Pentagon announced changes in January 2026, saying it would modernize the paper and reduce "woke distractions."
New rules banned comics and news from some outside sources like the Associated Press.
These changes made it harder for the paper to cover breaking news.
Two advisory board members sued the Defense Department, claiming the changes violate the First Amendment (freedom of the press).
Pentagon spokespeople have not commented publicly due to the ongoing court case.
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The CBS News Almanac for July 5 reviews important events that have happened on this date in history. It provides a look back at these past events without adding opinions or commentary.
Key Facts
The Almanac focuses on historical events occurring on July 5.
It is presented by CBS News.
The program is available on the CBS News app.
Viewers can watch it using web browsers like Chrome and Safari.
The segment is part of the "Sunday Morning" show.
It offers a simple review of past events without editorial commentary.
The content is factual and historical in nature.
The Almanac covers multiple events, not just one specific story.
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