More than half of the U.S. states have joined a major lawsuit against Meta, the company behind Instagram and Facebook. They accuse Meta of creating addictive features that harm children and collecting data from kids under 13 without permission. The trial is held in federal court in California and could last six to eight weeks.
Key Facts
29 U.S. states have joined together to sue Meta over child social media addiction claims.
The lawsuit claims Meta designed addictive features that harm young users and lied about the risks.
The trial is taking place in Oakland, California, with top Meta executives expected to testify.
The states allege Meta collects data on children under 13 without parental consent, which breaks laws.
The lawsuit asks for up to $200 billion in damages and changes to make Meta’s products safer for children.
Meta denies all claims, calling the lawsuit unproven and financially unreasonable.
Features like infinite scrolling, constant notifications, and "likes" are said to push kids to spend too much time online.
A recent separate case against Meta led to a $567 million penalty in New Mexico.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Fourteen people, including current and former Penn State students, were charged in a drug-trafficking case involving cocaine. Prosecutors said some fraternity pledges were forced to cut and package cocaine as part of their initiation.
Key Facts
Fourteen people were charged in a cocaine drug-trafficking operation linked to Penn State fraternities.
Thirteen charged individuals were current or former students; one was a father of a participant.
The fraternities involved were Sigma Chi and Delta Upsilon.
Most drug activities happened during 2023 and 2024.
Some pledges were made to cut and package cocaine as part of their fraternity initiation.
Two main suspects, Agostino Abbatiello and Thomas Robinson, traveled to New York and Philadelphia to get cocaine.
Cocaine was mainly prepared at fraternity houses and then sold mostly to Penn State students.
Penn State temporarily suspended Delta Upsilon; Sigma Chi is not officially recognized by the university.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Human remains were found near Tucson, Arizona, about 15 miles from Nancy Guthrie’s home. Authorities said the remains are not connected to Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance, and such findings are common in the area due to environmental factors and the presence of unidentified migrants.
Key Facts
Human remains were found near West Ajo Way and South La Cholla Boulevard in Pima County, Arizona.
The remains appear to have been there for a long time before Nancy Guthrie went missing.
Nancy Guthrie, 84, disappeared from her home outside Tucson on February 1 and is believed to have been taken against her will.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department said there is no current link between the remains and Nancy Guthrie’s case.
Pima County handles about 4,500 death investigations annually and keeps around 600 sets of skeletal remains.
The area has many unidentified remains, partly due to migrants dying in the desert’s hot and dry conditions.
High-profile missing persons cases like Guthrie’s often bring more attention to routine discoveries like this one.
No suspects have been arrested related to Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Australia’s major political parties agreed on new rules to restrict gambling ads and inducements, but some MPs from the Coalition party said the rules are too weak and crossed the floor to vote against them. The new law includes limits on advertising times, an opt-out register for gambling ads, and bans on some inducements, but it does not fully ban ads or inducements as earlier reports recommended.
Key Facts
The Australian government passed new restrictions on gambling advertising and inducements after a deal between Labor and Coalition parties.
Two Coalition MPs, Andrew Wallace and Pat Conaghan, opposed the deal and voted against the amendments.
The rules include a one-stop “opt-out register” that lets people choose not to receive gambling ads.
Inducement ads are banned for people identified as at risk of harm, for 14 days after signing up to a service, and for three months after leaving self-exclusion programs.
Ad blackout periods before live sports are extended from 5 to 15 minutes, and there are tighter limits on ads during children’s programs.
Some previously announced reforms were included, such as banning gambling ads on player jerseys, in stadiums, and bans on celebrities promoting gambling.
Some MPs and advocacy groups say the reforms are not strong enough and do not fully follow recommendations from a 2023 report on gambling harms.
Crossbench MPs complained they had little time to review the changes before voting.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Andy Burnham is being urged to act over HMP Millsike, a privately run prison near York, which plans to hire custody officers on zero-hours contracts for escorting prisoners. The prison, managed by Mitie, has staff shortages and empty cells, raising concerns from the prison officers’ union about worker rights, security, and safety.
Key Facts
HMP Millsike is a category C prison near York, run by the company Mitie.
Mitie wants to hire prison custody officers on zero-hours contracts, meaning workers have no guaranteed hours.
The prison currently has about 350 empty cells due to a lack of staff.
The Prison Officers’ Association (POA) opposes zero-hours contracts, saying they harm worker rights and prison safety.
The prison officers on zero-hours would escort prisoners to courts, other prisons, and medical appointments.
The role offers flexible hours but involves handling prisoners, which differs from other support staff roles.
There have been serious safety concerns about violence at HMP Millsike, with watchdogs feeling unsafe alone.
Mitie receives about £33 million a year to manage the prison and has been criticized for its management so far.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump has issued a new executive order aimed at limiting birthright citizenship, specifically targeting "birth tourism." Legal experts say this order will face strong legal challenges, especially since the Supreme Court already ruled against a previous attempt by President Trump to restrict birthright citizenship.
Key Facts
President Trump issued an executive order to limit birthright citizenship.
The order focuses on stopping "birth tourism," where people travel to the U.S. to have babies for citizenship purposes.
The Supreme Court has previously ruled against President Trump’s efforts to limit birthright citizenship.
Legal experts doubt the new order will succeed in court.
Birthright citizenship means anyone born in the U.S. automatically becomes a citizen.
This issue involves interpreting the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.
President Trump’s new order is part of his broader immigration policy efforts.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A Sydney court heard allegations that broadcaster Alan Jones groomed a junior staffer at 2GB over 10 years, involving unwanted sexual touching and explicit text messages. The complainant said he maintained contact with Jones due to the broadcaster’s powerful position in the industry. Jones denies the charges.
Key Facts
Alan Jones faces 20 charges of indecent assault and two counts of sexual touching involving six men.
The complainant, known as C, was a junior staffer and driver for Jones starting at age 18 in the mid-2000s.
C alleges Jones touched his penis and kissed him without consent during their working relationship.
The complainant sent explicit texts to Jones, which he says were influenced by being groomed for 10 years.
The defence argued C’s texts and behavior suggest he was not uncomfortable, but C said the texts reflected how he felt pressured to speak.
C kept contact with Jones after leaving the job, partly because Jones was highly influential in the industry.
Jones gave C a $2,000 wedding gift, and C invited Jones to his wedding despite claims of discomfort.
The trial is ongoing and being heard by Judge Glenn Walsh.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier has been deployed in the ongoing US-Iran conflict since December 11, with reports of difficult living conditions for the crew, including food shortages and exhaustion. President Donald Trump and military officials have downplayed these reports, saying the deployment is normal and that mental health cases are low compared to other carriers.
Key Facts
The USS Abraham Lincoln has been on deployment since December 11 as part of US-Iran tensions.
Reports from military-focused publications say crew members face food shortages, broken plumbing, and fatigue.
Some family members say sailors’ mental health is worsening, and there are claims some sailors tried to jump overboard.
Military officials and veterans contest the severity of these reports, calling them exaggerated or inaccurate.
President Trump commented the deployment time is “not nearly long enough” to cause serious problems.
The head of US Central Command said the Lincoln has one of the lowest rates of mental health cases among US carriers.
Former Navy photographer Jonny Burnell described his experience on another carrier, USS Carl Vinson, noting the mental toll long deployments can have.
The environment on a carrier can be very noisy and isolating, with many sailors rarely seeing the outside sky due to their duties.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A food bank in Salisbury, Wiltshire, has seen a drop in pet food donations, causing concern as some pet owners are choosing to feed their animals before themselves. Support organizations report that higher costs are making it harder for people to donate pet food and some animals are being given up.
Key Facts
Salisbury Foodbank is running low on dog and cat food and is accepting all types of pet food donations.
Some pet owners, like Vicky Bye, have relied on pet food banks during financial difficulties to keep their pets fed.
Many owners face tough choices, such as feeding their pets before paying bills or feeding themselves.
Bath Cats and Dogs Home has noticed fewer donations of dog food, partly because dog food is more expensive than cat food.
Financial hardship and rising living costs contribute to increased demand for pet food assistance and more animals being surrendered.
Food bank managers emphasize the importance of feeding all family members, including pets.
Donations have been affected by the cost of living crisis, influencing what people can afford to donate in stores.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Florida plans to execute William Frances Silvia, convicted of killing his estranged wife and injuring her mother, marking the state's 13th execution this year. Florida has carried out more than half of the 22 executions in the U.S. so far in 2026, with two more executions scheduled for September.
Key Facts
William Frances Silvia, 61, was convicted of first-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder in a 2006 shooting.
Silvia is scheduled for execution by lethal injection at Florida State Prison near Starke at 6 p.m. local time.
Florida has executed 13 prisoners in 2026 and has two more executions planned in September.
Florida has carried out more than half of all U.S. executions this year (22 total nationwide).
Silvia’s death sentence was overturned and reissued after an appeal related to sentencing procedures.
Florida’s Capital Collateral Regional Counsel represents death row inmates, but Silvia’s lawyers argued the agency was overworked.
Florida uses a three-drug lethal injection process: a sedative, a paralytic, and a drug to stop the heart.
In 2025, Florida executed a record 19 people, leading the nation in executions.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Guinea Pig Sanctuary in Salisbury, Massachusetts cares for nearly 400 guinea pigs that have been abandoned or need temporary homes. The sanctuary provides food, medical care, and helps find new owners for these small pets. Volunteers work hard every day in a crowded space to meet the needs of the guinea pigs.
Key Facts
The sanctuary is located about 40 miles north of Boston in Salisbury, Massachusetts.
It houses between 350 and 400 guinea pigs at any time.
Guinea pigs live in stacked cages inside a converted office building.
Each guinea pig has a name and unique personality described by volunteers.
The sanctuary also offers boarding services for guinea pigs when owners travel.
Guinea pigs come from South America and were domesticated around 5,000 B.C.
The animals are sensitive and can provide therapy similar to horses, according to a volunteer.
Many guinea pigs need to be adopted in pairs to keep them happy and healthy.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Florida is holding primary elections for governor and Congress, with key races testing President Donald Trump’s influence in the state. Republican Byron Donalds, endorsed by President Trump, seeks the governorship while Democrats compete for fewer seats due to new district maps.
Key Facts
Florida’s governor, Ron DeSantis, cannot run for a third term in a row.
Byron Donalds is a Republican candidate aiming to become Florida’s first Black governor.
Donalds has President Trump’s endorsement and faces opponents Jay Collins and James Fishback.
David Jolly, a former Republican congressman turned Democrat, leads the Democratic race for governor.
Florida’s congressional districts were recently redrawn, reducing the number of seats for Democrats.
Angie Nixon, a progressive Democrat, and Alex Vindman, a former National Security Council official, compete in a Democratic U.S. Senate primary.
Senator Ashley Moody, appointed by DeSantis, is running for re-election and has President Trump’s endorsement.
These primaries will influence Florida’s role as a political battleground ahead of the November elections.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Florida is scheduled to carry out its 13th execution of 2026, continuing its high rate of using the death penalty. William Frances Silvia will be executed for a 2006 murder, and Florida has carried out more than half of the country’s 22 executions this year.
Key Facts
William Frances Silvia, 61, is set to be executed on Tuesday at Florida State Prison.
Silvia was convicted of killing his estranged wife and wounding her mother in 2006.
He was sentenced to death twice, once in 2008 and again in 2018 after an appeal.
Silvia’s lawyers argued they did not have enough resources to represent him well, but the Florida Supreme Court rejected this claim.
Florida has executed 13 people in 2026 and has two more executions planned in September.
Florida accounts for more than half of the 22 executions in the U.S. so far in 2026.
Executions in Florida use a three-drug injection: a sedative, a paralytic, and a drug that stops the heart.
The state’s use of the death penalty has increased during the final term of Republican Governor Ron DeSantis.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Alaska voters took part in a primary election to select candidates for the November general election, including a key U.S. Senate race. The Senate contest features two candidates named Dan Sullivan—one the incumbent Republican senator and the other an independent challenger—as well as Democratic former U.S. Rep. Mary Peltola.
Key Facts
Alaska held primary elections for the U.S. Senate, U.S. House, governor, legislature, and a campaign finance initiative.
Alaska uses an open primary system where all candidates appear on the same ballot regardless of party.
The top four vote-getters in the primary advance to a ranked choice voting general election in November.
The U.S. Senate race in Alaska includes incumbent Senator Dan Sullivan (Republican), former Congresswoman Mary Peltola (Democrat), and an independent candidate named Dan J. Sullivan Jr.
The two Dan Sullivans are listed differently on the ballot to reduce voter confusion: the senator as Dan S. Sullivan (Republican) and the challenger as Daniel J. Sullivan Jr. (no party).
Senator Dan Sullivan supports military funding, opening land for oil development, and President Trump’s tax and spending policies.
Mary Peltola campaigns on protecting fishing, family values, freedom, and criticizes political special interests.
The independent Dan J. Sullivan argues his candidacy aims to offer an alternative due to dissatisfaction with the incumbent senator.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
On Tuesday, several states including Florida and Alaska will hold important primary elections that could shape the U.S. Congress and influence President Donald Trump’s second term. Key issues include new voting districts drawn by Republicans, challenging matchups, and historic Black candidates running for governor.
Key Facts
Florida’s congressional districts have been changed by Republicans, creating tough races.
Byron Donalds, a Black Republican congressman supported by President Trump, is running for Florida governor.
If elected, Donalds would be Florida’s first Black governor.
Other Black candidates for governor are running in Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Nevada, South Carolina, and Georgia.
Current Black governors are rare, with Maryland’s Wes Moore being the only one now, and he seeks reelection.
Democratic candidate David Jolly will likely face Donalds in Florida’s governor race.
In Florida, Democratic Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz faces a tough contest against Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, who resigned earlier this year but wants her old seat back.
Alaska has a unique Senate race involving two candidates named Dan Sullivan.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Students at India's Nalsar University of Law have asked their college not to invite Chief Justice Surya Kant to their graduation because of his response to police violence during recent protests. The controversy began after the Chief Justice reportedly dismissed urgent requests to hear cases about police brutality at a student demonstration in Delhi.
Key Facts
Nalsar University students sent an email asking that Chief Justice Surya Kant not be the chief guest at their convocation.
About 450 out of 1,400 students supported this request.
The protests involved police using force against unarmed students demanding education reforms.
The Chief Justice was said to have dismissed requests to urgently hear cases on police brutality.
Surya Kant denied refusing to hear the cases and said he was misquoted.
The Supreme Court has started hearing cases about the violence and concerns over police using face recognition on protesters.
Bar Council of India chairman Manan Kumar Mishra threatened to block Nalsar graduates from enrolling as lawyers over the protest.
Mishra is a member of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and asked for a report on students behind the campaign.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
California’s governor, Gavin Newsom, is considering vetoing a bill that would give more power to the independent watchdog overseeing the state’s high-speed rail project. The watchdog says he needs these powers to properly check on the project, which has faced cost increases and delays for more than ten years.
Key Facts
California is building the nation’s first bullet train, but the project is over budget and behind schedule.
An independent inspector general was created in 2023 to monitor the rail project and look for problems like fraud or contract issues.
The inspector general, Ben Belnap, says he lacks the authority to fully do his job.
Assembly Bill 1608 would give the inspector general more power, such as control over spending and job roles.
Governor Newsom has already approved a controversial part of the bill quietly that allows withholding some reports for security or legal reasons.
Newsom’s office is now reportedly planning to veto the rest of the bill giving the inspector general added powers.
The bill has bipartisan support and passed several legislative committees.
The governor’s office declined to comment specifically on the veto threat and said it doesn’t usually discuss pending bills.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump’s approval rating has dropped to 33 percent, matching the lowest point during his time in office. This decline comes amid the ongoing war with Iran, rising gas prices, and growing concerns about the economy, with several voter groups showing less support for Trump.
Key Facts
A Reuters/Ipsos poll (Aug 14-17) found 33% of U.S. adults approve of Trump’s job performance, while 64% disapprove.
Concern about the U.S. war with Iran lasting a long time is shared by 80% of respondents, including 87% of Democrats and 71% of Republicans.
Trump’s approval is lowest among women (-36), white Americans (-19), and college graduates (-42) according to an Economist/YouGov poll.
Approval among independents fell from 32% to 18% this year.
Support from Hispanic men dropped, now with a net approval of -41, despite Trump winning this group in the previous election.
Non-MAGA Republicans’ approval dropped from 90% at the start of Trump’s second term to 51% now.
MAGA supporters remain highly supportive, with 92% approval.
Rising gas prices, linked to geopolitical tensions, remain a major economic concern for Americans heading into the midterm elections.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A U.S. judge has stopped President Donald Trump’s administration from moving the FBI headquarters to a federal office building in Washington, D.C. The judge ruled the administration acted illegally by canceling a previously approved plan to build a new FBI headquarters in Greenbelt, Maryland.
Key Facts
The original plan approved during President Biden’s administration was to build a new FBI headquarters in Greenbelt, Maryland.
President Trump’s appointees tried to change this plan and instead move the FBI to the Ronald Reagan Building in Washington, D.C.
U.S. District Judge Theodore D. Chuang blocked the move, saying the administration did not follow the law.
The lawsuit was filed by the state of Maryland and Prince George’s County.
Maryland officials had invested over a decade of work and pledged hundreds of millions of dollars for the Greenbelt site.
The current FBI headquarters is the J. Edgar Hoover Building in Washington, D.C., which opened in 1975 and requires repairs.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore supports building the new headquarters in Prince George’s County, Maryland.
The judge’s ruling clears the way to continue with the Maryland plan.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A company called Median Strategies said a poll showing Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass leading over City Council member Nithya Raman in the mayoral race was fake. The company stopped distributing the poll after revealing it was not genuine.
Key Facts
A poll showed Mayor Karen Bass with a big lead against Nithya Raman.
Median Strategies released the poll but later said it was fake.
The company announced it would stop sharing the poll results.
The poll was related to the Los Angeles mayoral race.
Nithya Raman is a member of the Los Angeles City Council.
The controversy happened earlier in the month the article was published.
This issue involves local politics in Los Angeles.
The company took responsibility for the false poll information.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
