Hurricane Lala passed near Hawaii without making a direct hit, but it still caused heavy rain, strong winds, flooding, mudslides, and power outages on the islands. Officials are telling people to stay indoors as dangerous weather continues while the storm moves west.
Key Facts
Hurricane Lala narrowly missed a direct hit on Hawaii.
The storm brought heavy rain and hurricane-force winds to the islands.
Flooding and mudslides occurred in many areas across Hawaii.
Power outages are happening due to the storm’s impact.
Authorities advise residents to shelter in place for safety.
The storm is moving west, with unsafe conditions still present.
This weather event is part of a pattern involving severe storms and climate concerns.
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A 19-year-old man named Camron Harris was arrested after a shooting at Virginia State University injured five people. He was found hiding in a dorm closet and is charged with several crimes including wounding and using a firearm during a felony.
Key Facts
The shooting happened at Virginia State University and caused five injuries.
Camron Harris, 19, from Henrico, Virginia, is the suspect.
Harris was not a student at the university.
Four of the injured people were not students; one injured person was a student.
Harris was found hiding in a dormitory closet on campus by police.
He faces eight felony charges, including malicious wounding and firearm use in a felony crime.
Harris is held without bond at Chesterfield County Jail.
Police have not announced a possible motive for the shooting.
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Jenniah Brown, a poet and rapper from Croydon, is using rap and spoken word poetry to help young people understand local council policies. He created a program called Connecting Dots that turns policy documents into performances and discussions to make them easier to understand and more engaging.
Key Facts
Jenniah Brown worked for Croydon Council handling complaints about roads and accessibility before becoming a poet and rapper.
He received funding from Arts Council England for Connecting Dots, a project that explains council policies through rap and poetry.
The program aims to make council documents, which are often hard to understand, more accessible and interesting.
Connecting Dots focuses on topics like local government powers, health policies, creative industries, and economic development funds.
Sessions called Cultural Research Exchanges will be held in Croydon, Lambeth, Bristol, and Exeter to involve residents and artists.
Brown hopes this approach will improve public engagement compared to traditional council consultations.
The first session took place in Croydon with performances and a panel including representatives from universities and government departments.
Brown believes policy should include stories to better connect with people.
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Marco Rubio is the US Secretary of State and also serves as President Donald Trump’s national security adviser. Despite global conflicts like the wars in Ukraine and Iran, Rubio has taken a tough, forceful approach instead of pursuing diplomatic peace efforts. He avoids direct involvement in key peace talks, leaving others to handle difficult negotiations.
Key Facts
Marco Rubio is the US Secretary of State and national security adviser to President Trump.
Major global issues include the Ukraine war and conflicts involving Iran and Gaza.
Rubio promotes US power strongly and prefers imposing solutions rather than diplomatic talks.
He has avoided getting directly involved in peace negotiations over Iran, Ukraine, and Palestine.
Trump has attacked eight countries in the past year, with Cuba as a focus for Rubio.
Other negotiators like Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff handle some diplomatic efforts.
Rubio’s style is seen as different from past secretaries of state who focused on active diplomacy.
Rubio might be avoiding tough roles to protect his chances for the 2028 Republican presidential nomination.
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Admiral Brad Cooper, the U.S. Central Command leader responsible for operations in the Middle East, visited the USS Abraham Lincoln, which had been docked in the region for over 260 days. The visit was part of his 10-day trip and followed concerns about conditions on the ship.
Key Facts
Admiral Brad Cooper leads the U.S. Central Command (Centcom).
Centcom is responsible for U.S. military operations in the Middle East.
The USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier has been docked in the Middle East for more than 260 days.
Admiral Cooper visited the ship on a Saturday during his 10-day Central Command trip.
The visit occurred amid questions about the living or operational conditions aboard the ship.
The U.S. military publicly shared information about the visit.
The USS Abraham Lincoln is a key U.S. Navy aircraft carrier deployed in the Middle East.
Admiral Cooper’s oversight includes managing ongoing tensions with Iran.
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A 19-year-old man was arrested after a shooting at Virginia State University injured five people. The suspect was found hiding on the campus hours after the incident and is now held on multiple felony charges.
Key Facts
The shooting happened outside residence halls at Virginia State University before 1:30 a.m. on August 15, 2026.
Five people were wounded, including one student with non-life-threatening injuries and others who are not students.
The suspect, Camron Harris, 19, is not a student at the university and was found hiding in a closet on campus.
Harris faces eight felony charges, including malicious wounding and using a firearm during a felony.
The university increased police presence and lifted a campus lockdown after the shooting.
Authorities including local police and federal agencies are investigating the incident.
Virginia officials expressed concern and support for victims and the university community.
Police are asking anyone with information about the shooting to contact them.
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Violent crime has decreased to very low levels in several large cities across the United States. For example, Newark, New Jersey, has experienced a big drop in the number of murders.
Key Facts
Many major U.S. cities report historic lows in violent crime.
Newark, New Jersey, has seen a significant reduction in homicides.
The decline in crime is part of a nationwide trend.
Violent crime includes offenses like murder, assault, and robbery.
The data covers recent periods but exact dates are not specified.
Local authorities in affected cities have noted this change.
The reduction in crime may impact public safety and community life.
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Five people were injured in a shooting at Virginia State University on Saturday. Police said several suspects were involved and that some suspects are still not caught.
Key Facts
The shooting happened on the campus of Virginia State University.
Five people were wounded in the incident.
Police confirmed that multiple suspects took part in the shooting.
Some suspects remain at large and have not been arrested.
The event occurred on a Saturday.
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A luxury mall in Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles, has reopened after being closed due to severe wildfires in January. This reopening is seen as a positive sign for the community as it recovers from the damage caused by the fires.
Key Facts
The mall is located in Pacific Palisades, a community in Los Angeles, California.
Wildfires struck the area in January, causing widespread damage.
The mall had been closed since the wildfires hit.
The luxury mall has now reopened to the public.
The reopening is viewed as a hopeful development for local residents and businesses.
The news report was covered by CBS News and featured reporter Mark Strassman.
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The U.S. Navy is exploring design changes for new aircraft carriers to match President Donald Trump’s preference for a look similar to World War II ships. These changes would apply to the Ford-class aircraft carriers currently being built.
Key Facts
The Navy is thinking about redesigning new aircraft carriers.
President Donald Trump prefers the ships to look like those from World War II.
The redesign would affect the Ford-class aircraft carriers.
This information was reported by the Washington Post on a Saturday.
The goal is to better align the ships’ appearance with the President’s preferences.
The Ford-class is the newest type of aircraft carrier for the Navy.
The Navy has not yet made a final decision on the redesign.
Aircraft carriers are large warships that carry planes for military use.
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At least five people have died due to severe flooding in Indiana, especially around Indianapolis, where heavy rain caused rivers to overflow and forced evacuations. Officials are rescuing people and warning residents to avoid floodwaters as the situation remains dangerous.
Key Facts
Indiana experienced its worst flooding in over 30 years, with some areas receiving more than 11 inches of rain in two days.
The White River rose to record levels, surpassing floods last seen in 1913 in some communities.
At least five people died, including a woman driving through floodwaters and a child killed by a fallen tree.
Over 400 people evacuated northern Indianapolis on their own; more than 350 others left homes in Delaware County.
Rescue teams have saved 95 people and 45 pets as of Saturday afternoon.
More than 150,000 people were without power due to the storms.
Indiana Governor Mike Braun said President Donald Trump planned to approve federal aid for flood response and recovery.
Flooding affected areas that do not usually experience this type of disaster.
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The number of unauthorised Gypsy and traveller caravan sites in England has grown significantly, with many people setting up sites without planning permission. Travellers say they often feel forced to break the law because the official planning system does not meet their needs, while local councils express concern about the rise in illegal developments.
Key Facts
In January, there were 4,950 unauthorised traveller caravans in England, a 73% increase since January 2020.
Between July 2019 and July 2025, the total number of traveller caravans in England rose 21%, from 23,636 to 28,659.
The number of unauthorised caravans increased by 44% in the same period.
Basildon, Essex, recorded the highest rise in unauthorised caravans, with a 164% increase.
Travellers like Cliff Codona say they have been evicted many times and feel the planning system blocks their efforts to find legal sites.
Some travellers start sites over weekends or holidays when local councils are closed.
The government says unauthorised developments are unacceptable and that councils have tools to address the problem.
Local residents and officials criticize rapid site developments and express frustration over planning enforcement.
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Many students preparing to start university feel excited but also worried about making friends, managing money, and feeling homesick. Current students share advice on how to handle these challenges, such as joining clubs, using online chats to make friends, and budgeting carefully.
Key Facts
A record number of 18-year-olds are expected to begin university this year.
Students often worry about meeting new people when starting university.
Joining clubs, societies, or student media can help in making friends.
Social media and messaging apps are useful for connecting with future classmates.
Homesickness is common, but many find they adjust quickly once they make friends.
Managing money is a concern; students recommend budgeting and using student discounts.
Maintenance loans come in lumps and must be stretched until the next payment.
Confidence and putting yourself out there are important for social success at university.
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At least five people have died in Indiana due to heavy storms and flooding over the past week. Governor Mike Braun requested a presidential emergency declaration, which President Donald Trump has agreed to, allowing federal aid to help with rescue and recovery efforts.
Key Facts
Fierce storms caused flooding in Indiana, leading to at least five deaths.
Rescue teams are using boats to help people trapped by rising floodwaters.
More than 11 inches (280mm) of rain fell in some areas over two days.
The White River in Indianapolis overflowed, causing dangerous floods.
A woman died trying to drive through floodwaters; authorities warn against crossing flooded areas by car.
A 4-year-old child died when a tree fell on a home during the storms.
A missing teenager was found dead after jumping into a river.
Governor Mike Braun said President Donald Trump will approve a Presidential Emergency Declaration for Indiana to get federal assistance.
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Several US women in politics are sharing their experiences with balancing demanding careers and motherhood, including using egg freezing to delay childbirth. The discussion highlights challenges faced by working mothers in the US, a country with limited paid parental leave compared to other industrialized nations.
Key Facts
Representative Sara Jacobs and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez have publicly shared their decisions to freeze their eggs to extend their ability to have children later.
Egg freezing involves hormone injections and medical procedures that can cost over $10,000 and is seldom covered by insurance.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt is leaving her job to spend more time with her children.
The US is the only industrialized nation that does not require employers to provide paid parental leave.
Less than 25% of US workers have access to paid family leave through their employers.
The average age of mothers giving birth in the US rose from 28.7 years in 2016 to 29.6 years in 2023.
Women are increasingly having children later in life or choosing not to have children.
Flexible schedules, shared parenting responsibilities, and resources like childcare are important for women to balance career and family.
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Rep. Tom Tiffany, who is running for governor of Wisconsin, did not say if President Donald Trump will help him on the campaign trail. When asked about Trump’s support during a TV interview, Tiffany avoided giving a direct answer.
Key Facts
Tom Tiffany is a Republican running for governor of Wisconsin.
He appeared on the Newsmax show "Wake-Up America."
The host, Sharla McBride, asked if President Trump would campaign with him.
Tiffany did not directly answer the question about Trump’s involvement.
President Trump has campaigned for other Republican candidates this year.
Tiffany’s response left uncertainty about whether Trump will assist his campaign.
The interview took place on a Friday before the Wisconsin governor’s race.
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Maisa Lopes Eliaser, wife of an active-duty Army staff sergeant, was taken from an immigration interview in Alabama and held by ICE for over a month before being placed on a deportation flight to Brazil. Midflight, ICE called her back to the United States, releasing her from custody. Her case has drawn national attention and Congressional investigation into how immigration enforcement affects military families.
Key Facts
Maisa Lopes Eliaser is married to Staff Sergeant Alexis Jaramillo, who has served 11 years in the Army.
Eliaser, a Brazilian national with no criminal record, was detained on July 8 during an immigration interview.
She was held in ICE custody for more than a month before boarding a deportation flight to Brazil.
While on the plane, ICE officers contacted her and gave her the option to return to the U.S., which she chose.
Eliaser had entered the U.S. legally in 2019 but overstayed her visa.
She was issued a final order of removal by an immigration judge in 2026.
More than 50 relatives of active-duty service members have been detained under President Trump’s second term starting in 2025.
Over 60 lawmakers have called for investigations into the impact of these deportations on military families.
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Former Arizona Senator Kyrsten Sinema admitted in court that she had a romantic and sexual relationship with her former bodyguard, Matthew Ammel, while still in the Senate. This is part of a lawsuit filed by Ammel’s ex-wife under a rare North Carolina law that allows a spouse to sue someone accused of damaging their marriage.
Key Facts
Kyrsten Sinema is a former U.S. Senator from Arizona who served until early 2025.
Heather Ammel, Matthew Ammel’s ex-wife, filed a lawsuit claiming Sinema’s relationship with Matthew broke their 14-year marriage.
The legal claim is based on North Carolina’s “alienation of affection” law, which lets a spouse seek money from a third party who harms the marriage.
Sinema’s relationship with Matthew Ammel began in May 2024 and involved phone, email, and encrypted messages.
The Ammels separated in November 2024, and their divorce was finalized in March 2026.
Sinema said some texts were related to sports because she is an athlete and referenced a photo showing therapeutic cupping marks.
Sinema argues the relationship happened outside North Carolina and disputes the court’s jurisdiction there.
The judge will decide if the case can continue in North Carolina or if it should be dismissed.
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The Democratic Party has changed the order of states in its 2028 presidential primary to give more influence to states with diverse populations. South Carolina will hold the first primary, followed by Nevada and New Hampshire, aiming to better reflect the diversity of the U.S. population.
Key Facts
The Democratic National Committee approved a new primary calendar on a Saturday in Austin, Texas.
South Carolina will hold the first Democratic primary on January 22, 2028.
Nevada’s primary will follow on February 1, and New Hampshire’s on February 8.
New Mexico, Michigan, and Virginia will hold primaries later in February.
This calendar change continues a shift begun in 2024, which also placed South Carolina first.
The changes aim to give more early influence to racially and ethnically diverse states, such as South Carolina, Nevada, and New Mexico.
There has been past resistance from Iowa and New Hampshire, which have traditionally held early contests but have mostly white populations.
DNC Chairman Ken Martin said the new calendar better captures America’s demographic shifts.
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House Democrats sent a letter to Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao to ask about the living and working conditions on the USS Abraham Lincoln. The ship has been docked in the Middle East for more than 260 days, and the lawmakers want to understand the situation better.
Key Facts
The USS Abraham Lincoln has been docked in the Middle East for over 260 days.
A group of House Democrats wrote to Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao about conditions on the ship.
The letter was sent by Representatives Joe Courtney, Maggie Goodlander, and Wesley Bell, among others.
The lawmakers are investigating issues related to the crew’s environment and well-being.
The USS Abraham Lincoln is a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier.
The inquiry reflects concern about the long deployment and its impact on sailors.
Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao is the official responsible for the Navy at this time.
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