More than 24,000 people in the United States have gotten sick with cyclosporiasis, a parasite infection linked to shredded iceberg lettuce. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) say new cases are growing more slowly, but health officials recall lettuce from Taylor Farms due to the outbreak.
Key Facts
Cyclosporiasis is caused by a parasite called Cyclospora cayetanensis that infects the intestines.
The CDC reports at least 13,895 lab-confirmed cases and 740 hospitalizations so far.
An additional 10,455 cases are suspected but not yet confirmed by labs.
The outbreak is linked to iceberg lettuce that was supplied by Taylor Farms and sourced from central Mexico.
The lettuce was recalled voluntarily by Taylor Farms last month.
The outbreak has affected at least 15 states, with 6,358 illnesses linked to the recalled lettuce.
Two deaths connected to the outbreak were reported in Michigan, both involving people with serious health problems.
There is a delay of about six weeks between when people get sick and the CDC reports cases, so more cases may appear.
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Four human rights groups sued the Trump administration for imposing sanctions on officials linked to the International Criminal Court (ICC). They claim these sanctions unlawfully block the ICC’s work on international criminal justice.
Key Facts
Four human rights groups filed the lawsuit in New York.
The lawsuit targets the Trump administration’s sanctions against ICC judges, prosecutors, and others.
The sanctions are part of an economic pressure campaign against the ICC.
The groups argue the sanctions interfere with the ICC’s legal work.
The ICC is an international court that deals with serious crimes like war crimes and genocide.
The Trump administration imposed these sanctions to push back against the ICC’s investigations.
The lawsuit asks the court to stop the sanctions and protect the ICC’s independence.
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Senator Darline Graham and Representative Ralph Norman will compete in a runoff election in South Carolina's special Republican primary to fill the U.S. Senate seat left vacant by the late Senator Lindsey Graham. Darline Graham, who was appointed to serve the remaining months of her brother's term, received strong support and led the 10-candidate race.
Key Facts
Senator Lindsey Graham passed away on July 11, creating a Senate vacancy.
Governor Henry McMaster appointed Darline Graham to temporarily fill the seat.
Darline Graham and U.S. Representative Ralph Norman were the top two vote-getters in the special Republican primary.
There were 10 candidates competing in the special primary election.
The runoff between Graham and Norman is scheduled for August 25.
President Donald Trump quickly supported Darline Graham's campaign.
The election is seen as a test of President Trump's influence over Republican voters in South Carolina.
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In July, U.S. consumer inflation rose slightly by 0.1% compared to June but was 3.4% higher than a year ago. Energy prices dropped briefly, helping slow inflation, but they remain much higher than last year due to ongoing issues in the Strait of Hormuz, which affects oil shipping and prices.
Key Facts
Consumer inflation increased 0.1% from June to July and was 3.4% higher than last year.
Energy prices fell 1.5% in July but rose 14.7% over the past year.
The Strait of Hormuz remains blocked after Iran set up a maritime checkpoint amid conflict involving the U.S. and Israel.
Brent crude oil prices fell 7% last week but recently rose slightly to about $89 per barrel.
Gasoline prices dropped 2.9% from last month but went up 39.1% from a year ago, averaging about $4.03 per gallon.
Food prices went up 0.1% in July and 3% compared to last year.
The U.S. economy lost 23,000 jobs in July, mainly in retail, local government, and hospitality, while healthcare jobs grew.
The Federal Reserve kept interest rates steady in July at 3.50–3.75%, with debate about raising rates in September.
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Rosie O’Donnell said that President Donald Trump’s repeated attacks against her over many years have made her well-known again. She shared this during an interview on Amy Poehler’s podcast.
Key Facts
Rosie O’Donnell has a long public feud with President Donald Trump.
President Trump has verbally attacked and threatened her multiple times.
O’Donnell feels she has become famous again because of this attention.
She made these remarks on the podcast called "Good Hang," hosted by Amy Poehler.
The interview was released on a Tuesday.
O’Donnell is a former co-host of the TV show "The View."
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The ABC aired a satirical film with offensive comments about billionaire Gina Rinehart, leading to public backlash and threats of legal action. In response, ABC's managing director, Hugh Marks, apologized and said the broadcaster will change its editorial rules to ban violent comedy targeting individuals.
Key Facts
ABC aired a four-minute satirical film containing offensive remarks about Gina Rinehart on 12 July.
The film ended with a violent joke about Rinehart, which caused widespread complaints and criticism.
ABC managing director Hugh Marks apologized and pledged to change editorial guidelines.
New rules will forbid comedy that describes violence against any individual in ABC programming.
The ABC’s ombudsman found the film did not breach harm or offense policies but noted it fell below community expectations.
Critics said the satire was poor but further policy changes may lead to censorship pressures.
Media outlets like News Corp and The West Australian heavily criticized the program, prompting over 980 complaints to the ombudsman.
Some experts believe the apology was sufficient and stricter editorial rules may limit creative satire.
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Victorian police are investigating claims that a car drove quickly toward a protester during an anti-racism rally in Melbourne on July 25. The protester was hit on the legs by the car, and witnesses say racial abuse was shouted from the vehicle. Police confirmed they know about the event and are looking into the matter.
Key Facts
Over 150 people attended a peaceful anti-racism rally in Broadmeadows, Melbourne on July 25.
The protesters marched on a two-lane road, occupying one lane.
A car driving on the same road honked its horn and a passenger opened the door twice, allegedly trying to push people aside.
Video shows a protester kicking the car before it clipped him on the legs and sped away without slowing down.
Witnesses reported hearing racial abuse shouted from the car.
Several protesters reported the incident to police within hours and days afterward.
Police confirmed awareness of the rally and said the incident is under active investigation.
Organizers and community leaders expressed concern that police did not attend the rally to provide safety.
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Sydney airport has faced major flight delays and a near-collision between two planes due to a shortage of air traffic controllers. The shortage results from many experienced staff leaving during the pandemic, and hiring has not kept pace with demand, causing safety measures to slow flights.
Key Facts
Over 150 flights at Sydney airport were delayed due to a lack of air traffic controllers.
A Jetstar plane nearly collided with a Qatar Airways plane on the airport ground.
Two workers were temporarily stood down for drug and alcohol testing after the near-miss.
Many controllers left Airservices Australia during the pandemic, encouraged by a redundancy program.
Hiring new controllers has been slow despite high starting salaries and raises for experienced staff.
Controllers are working long overtime hours, leading to exhaustion and increased flight delays.
Airservices Australia is also managing new technology upgrades and workplace bullying issues.
The number of controllers has grown from 985 in 2020 to 1,073 in 2024, but staff shortages remain due to increased workload.
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The trial of Lindsay Clancy, charged with killing her three children in Massachusetts in 2023, is ongoing. A state police investigator testified about his involvement after the children’s deaths and interactions with Clancy in the hospital, while the defense argued she was not responsible due to mental illness.
Key Facts
Lindsay Clancy is on trial for first-degree murder for the deaths of her three children in January 2023.
The children were ages 5 years, 3 years, and 8 months.
Clancy has pleaded not guilty, claiming postpartum psychosis and overmedication affected her.
Sgt. Dan Lawlor, a Massachusetts State Police investigator, testified about his role during the investigation and hospital visits.
Prosecutors say Clancy planned the murders and faked a suicide attempt; the defense disputes this.
Defense attorney questioned whether psychologist Paul Ziezel influenced Clancy to say she heard voices in a phone call to her husband.
The judge held private discussions with attorneys about testimony and objections during the trial.
Investigators acknowledge their theories can change as they gather more information.
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Many U.S. states are putting limits on students using cellphones at school. California’s Oakland Unified School District recently started a rule that requires students to keep phones locked away during the school day.
Key Facts
Oakland Unified School District began enforcing a cellphone ban on August 10, 2026.
Students in Oakland must store phones in lock boxes or pouches during school hours.
California’s Phone-Free School Act requires schools to create cellphone rules by July 2026.
As of August 2026, 45 states have laws or policies about cellphone use in K-12 schools.
Thirty-six states ban or limit cellphone use in schools.
Some states require schools to create their own policies without strict statewide rules.
Supporters say limiting phones improves students’ focus and lowers distractions.
Some students worry about losing phone access during emergencies or important moments.
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Sabato’s Crystal Ball, a political analysis group, changed its forecast for the Wisconsin governor’s race from uncertain to leaning toward the Democrats. This change came after David Crowley, the Milwaukee County Executive, won a key primary election over Francesca Hong.
Key Facts
Sabato’s Crystal Ball tracks and predicts political races.
It changed the Wisconsin governor’s race forecast to favor Democrats.
David Crowley won the Democratic primary in Milwaukee County.
Crowley defeated Francesca Hong, who is known as a democratic socialist.
Crowley’s win was unexpected based on earlier polls.
The shift in forecast increases the chances of a Democratic win in the governor’s race.
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Simon Levy was sentenced to life in prison for murdering two women and raping another while on bail for other sex offenses. Victims’ relatives and a survivor spoke in court about the pain he caused and their hope that he remains in prison for life.
Key Facts
Simon Levy, 49, was jailed for life for killing two women and raping another in 2025.
He committed these crimes while on bail for other sexual assault charges.
One victim’s sister said Levy destroyed their family and hopes he spends his life in prison.
Sheryl Wilkins, a mother of four, was murdered just before her 40th birthday.
Sheryl’s mother believes her daughter’s death helped stop Levy from hurting others.
Carmenza Valencia-Trujillo, a grandmother who moved to the UK for safety, was also murdered by Levy.
A survivor described the lasting trauma from being attacked by Levy.
Families expressed their grief and determination to remember their loved ones despite the loss.
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President Donald Trump secretly left a decoy Air Force One plane before boarding a different flight in Turkey on July 8. Two cabinet members, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, stayed on the first plane, which kept the Air Force One call sign as a security measure.
Key Facts
On July 8, President Trump entered Air Force One with officials and the press.
Trump then left the plane secretly using a catering truck and boarded a military plane.
The original plane kept the Air Force One call sign and became a decoy.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stayed on the decoy plane.
They remained there to maintain the presidential line of succession in case something happened to Trump.
Vice-President JD Vance is next in line after the president, followed by the Speaker of the House and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate.
Other officials on the decoy plane included Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller and Communications Director Steven Cheung.
The BBC asked the White House for comment on the situation.
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In the Wisconsin primary, Democrat David Crowley narrowly defeated a challenger from the democratic socialist wing. The election showed a close contest between different views within the Democratic Party. Other races rewarded candidates with more experience and voters also chose new representatives in some areas.
Key Facts
David Crowley, a Democrat, won a very close race against a democratic socialist challenger.
The race highlighted a split between the left-wing and center parts of the Democratic Party.
In two governor races, candidates with more experience won.
Voters chose to replace an existing member of the House of Representatives with a younger candidate.
The results showed mixed signals about which direction Democrats are heading.
The primary was held in Wisconsin.
No candidate gained a clear, strong victory in the close Democratic race.
The election results affected both state and federal positions.
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The article says that Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is not a doctor or medical researcher. It argues that government health policies should be based on scientific evidence, not on Kennedy’s personal habits.
Key Facts
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is not a medical doctor.
He is not a medical researcher.
Federal health policies should rely on scientific data.
Personal lifestyle choices should not influence public health rules.
The article stresses the importance of science in policy-making.
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President Donald Trump said he secretly left Air Force One last month during a trip to Turkey because the Secret Service and military wanted him to use a different plane due to a threat. He said the threat did not scare him and minimized the risks to the staff and officials who stayed on Air Force One.
Key Facts
President Trump left Air Force One secretly during a Turkey trip last month.
The Secret Service and military wanted him on a different plane because of a threat.
Trump said he was not scared by the threat.
He hid in an airport catering container to board the other plane.
Air Force One remained flying as a decoy after he left.
Trump said the secretive action was not unusual or dangerous.
He minimized the potential risk to White House staff, security, and reporters left on Air Force One.
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Simon Levy was sentenced to life in prison without parole for killing two women and raping another in London between 2025 and 2026. Police and prosecutors admitted mistakes that let him stay free while under monitoring after earlier convictions for sexual assault.
Key Facts
Simon Levy, 40, murdered Carmenza Valencia-Trujillo and Sheryl Wilkins and raped a third woman.
Levy was under police bail and monitoring when he committed the attacks.
The murders happened in Tottenham and south-east London in 2025.
He has a history of sexual assault convictions dating back to 2018.
Levy was sentenced by Judge Mark Lucraft at the Old Bailey.
Police and the Crown Prosecution Service apologized for poor handling of his case.
The case is under review by the police watchdog to understand system failures.
Family members of the victims expressed sorrow and spoke at the sentencing hearing.
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Hasan Piker, a political commentator on Twitch, said he could have expressed his comment about "America deserved 9/11" more carefully. He still stands by using strong language to criticize groups that promote racial or ethnic superiority.
Key Facts
Hasan Piker is a left-wing commentator with many followers on Twitch.
He previously said the phrase “America deserved 9/11.”
Piker now says he could have said this in a better way.
He often uses harsh words to describe supremacist groups.
The comment about 9/11 was made during a live Twitch stream.
Piker defends criticizing groups that promote hate or racial superiority.
His statements have attracted public attention and debate.
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Federal health officials say the Cyclospora outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce is under control and that the contaminated lettuce has been removed from stores. However, recent data shows the number of confirmed Cyclospora infections continues to rise, partly due to delays in reporting cases.
Key Facts
The outbreak is linked to contaminated iceberg lettuce processed by Taylor Farms de Mexico.
A recall of the contaminated lettuce was issued on July 17.
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the FDA say American food is safe.
The FDA confirmed the recalled lettuce should no longer be in stores or restaurants.
The CDC reported 13,895 confirmed Cyclospora cases in the U.S. through August 10, up from 10,468 on August 3.
There is a reporting delay of up to six weeks between when people get sick and when cases are confirmed.
The increase in reported cases reflects past infections being confirmed, not necessarily new ones.
This Cyclospora outbreak is one of the largest ever recorded in the U.S.
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