A Hong Kong court found the publisher of the Wall Street Journal guilty of trying to stop a reporter from taking a leadership role in a journalist trade union. The reporter, Selina Cheng, was fired weeks after becoming chair of the Hong Kong Journalist Association, leading to concerns about press freedom in the city.
Key Facts
Selina Cheng was dismissed by the Wall Street Journal shortly after she became chair of the Hong Kong Journalist Association in 2024.
The court ruled Dow Jones Publishing guilty of deterring Cheng from exercising trade union rights but not guilty of dismissing her because of those rights.
Cheng said her employer tried to prevent her from holding the union position and required prior approval for outside activities.
Cheng started a private legal case against Dow Jones Publishing after losing her job in July 2024.
The publisher argued Cheng’s firing was due to restructuring and denied a link to her union activities.
The magistrate described Cheng as honest and said her dismissal was unjustified based on company conduct rules.
Hong Kong’s press freedom has declined sharply since a Beijing-imposed national security law began in 2020.
The Hong Kong Journalist Association is the city’s oldest journalist union and has faced increased pressure since 2020.
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Hugo, a Shire horse living in Towcester, UK, has been officially named the world's tallest living horse at 199 cm tall (about 6.5 feet to his shoulders). He is still growing, and his owner takes special care of him with regular health treatments to support his size and wellbeing.
Key Facts
Hugo is a four-year-old Shire horse measured at 199 cm tall to the withers (shoulders).
His height was confirmed by Guinness World Records after measurement by a vet without shoes.
Shire horses are known for their large size and strength, often used historically for farming and transport.
Hugo's owner, Brett Masters, provides chiropractic care, massages, dental care, and a special diet for him.
Hugo is still growing and may get even taller, with expected growth until about eight and a half years old.
Hugo participates in demonstrations showing traditional uses of Shire horses, like pulling wagons and farming tools.
The tallest horse ever recorded was also a Shire named Sampson (later Mammoth), standing 2.19 meters tall in 1850.
Hugo is described as gentle and friendly, gaining attention from people when seen in public.
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The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) says North Korea has built a new facility to enrich uranium for nuclear weapons at its Yongbyon site. North Korea has expanded nuclear uranium enrichment, increasing its ability to produce weapons-grade material, which violates UN security rules.
Key Facts
North Korea built a new uranium enrichment facility at Yongbyon, capable of holding 28 centrifuge cascades.
Centrifuge cascades are machines used to increase uranium concentration for nuclear weapons.
North Korea also expanded nuclear enrichment operations at Kangson near Pyongyang.
The IAEA has not inspected North Korean sites since 2009 due to being expelled.
Satellite images and North Korean media photos helped identify and verify the new facility.
Kim Jong-un said North Korea's weapons-grade uranium production more than doubled in five years.
The Yongbyon facility could produce about 85 kg of highly enriched uranium annually, enough for 3-4 warheads.
This nuclear expansion violates UN Security Council resolutions.
South Korea estimates North Korea has 80 to 120 nuclear warheads, higher than the 57 cited by President Trump.
North Korea wants to be recognized internationally as a nuclear state and has tested long-range missiles since 2017.
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Paul Nowak, the general secretary of the UK’s Trades Union Congress (TUC), urged Prime Minister Andy Burnham to change proposed migration rules that would make low-paid workers wait 15 years to live legally in the UK. Nowak warned these rules could worsen social care staff shortages and increase support for far-right groups.
Key Facts
The UK government is considering new migration rules making over 300,000 low-paid workers wait 15 years for legal residency.
Many affected workers are carers who moved to the UK with the promise of applying for indefinite leave after 5 years.
There are currently 111,000 job vacancies in UK social care.
Nowak says long wait times for legal status make it hard for migrants to plan their lives and integrate.
Some Labour politicians support the changes to reduce public worries about migration and counter far-right parties like Reform UK.
Nowak warns these rules might actually increase far-right support by making migrants feel unwelcome.
Reform UK has faced accusations of racism regarding comments on a refugee candidate running for office.
Nowak says addressing cost-of-living issues may better reduce populist support than strict migration limits.
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Russia has increased its use of new fast jet-powered drones in attacks on Ukraine, with daily attacks recorded in August. These drones are harder for Ukraine’s air defenses to stop because they fly much faster than earlier models, causing more damage and casualties.
Key Facts
Russia used fast, jet-powered drones daily against Ukraine in August.
These drones travel over 300 mph, making them difficult to intercept.
The new drones are powered by turbojet engines, some reportedly from China.
Attacks using these drones caused at least 12 deaths and 20 injuries on September 1.
Ukraine intercepted 94% of older drones earlier in the war but struggles with the faster drones now.
Ukraine is developing new interceptor missiles to deal with the jet drones.
Russia is building new launch bases for these drones closer to the Ukrainian border.
Jet drones are less costly than cruise missiles but have smaller attack ranges and payloads.
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A fire broke out on the ferry MV June Aster in the Philippines near Palawan, killing at least five people and leaving 86 missing. The ferry was close to its destination when the fire started, and rescue efforts are complicated by strong currents and bad weather.
Key Facts
The fire happened on the ferry MV June Aster, which left Manila with 117 passengers and 17 crew.
The ferry was near Coron, a tourist area in Palawan, when the fire began around 6:00 pm local time.
At least five people have died, and 86 are still missing.
The fire was still burning nearly a day later, making rescue difficult.
Strong sea currents moved the ferry from its original distress location, causing problems for rescuers.
43 people have been rescued and taken to an evacuation center.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Maritime accidents are common in the Philippines due to its many islands and reliance on ferries.
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The National Theatre in London will open a new season featuring eight world premieres, including a play about John Major’s rise to prime minister by James Graham. The season focuses on political change, global conflicts, and diverse cultural stories, with many new works alongside modern classics.
Key Facts
The new play about John Major is written by James Graham and directed by Jeremy Herrin.
The play shows Major’s journey from a lesser-known political role to prime minister during a key time with Europe.
The season includes eight world premieres and other new works addressing political and global themes.
Other premieres include plays about Nelson Mandela’s 1997 meeting, the Arab Spring, and a political family drama by Oladipo Agboluaje.
The season also features a new musical with Joan Armatrading’s songs and an immersive production called Ghostlight by Punchdrunk.
There will be several modern classics and 20th-century plays, such as West Side Story, Plenty, and Death of a Salesman.
No Shakespeare plays will be performed on the main stages; instead, Hamlet will be available through the theatre’s streaming service.
The season’s theme centers on resilience, hope, and global perspectives, aiming to reach audiences in theatres, cinemas, schools, and online.
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HBO’s new documentary series "A Killer Story" revisits the 2002 murders of Mike Sisco and Karen Harkness and the controversial legal case against Sisco’s ex-wife, Dana Chandler. The series explores Chandler’s three trials, her eventual life sentence, and questions about the evidence and investigation.
Key Facts
Mike Sisco and Karen Harkness were killed in 2002 in Topeka, Kansas.
Dana Chandler, Sisco’s ex-wife, was arrested in 2011 and first convicted in 2012.
Chandler’s initial conviction was overturned in 2018 due to prosecutorial misconduct.
A retrial in 2022 ended with no jury verdict (hung jury).
Chandler represented herself during a third trial in February 2025, which resulted in a guilty verdict and a life sentence in June 2025.
Prosecutors relied on circumstantial evidence, including phone records and gaps in cellphone activity, but no physical evidence like DNA or a murder weapon was found.
The documentary investigates the doubts about the case raised by Eileen Umbehr, a Kansas woman who believes Chandler was wrongfully convicted.
The series is hosted by former New York Times journalist Joe Sexton and premieres on HBO Max on September 10.
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A ferry caught fire near Palawan island in the Philippines, killing at least five people and leaving more than 80 missing. Rescue teams saved 43 passengers, and the cause of the fire is still being investigated.
Key Facts
The ferry, named MV June Aster, caught fire Wednesday night near Palawan island.
Five people were confirmed dead, and more than 80 are missing.
Forty-three people were rescued from the ferry.
The ferry had 117 passengers and 17 crew members on board according to the manifest.
The ferry departed from Baseco in Manila and was heading to Coron, Palawan.
Rescue operations are ongoing, so numbers might change.
Authorities are investigating what caused the fire.
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Global average temperatures reached the highest levels on record in August 2026, driven in part by a strong El Niño weather pattern. This marks the warmest August and one of the hottest months ever recorded, with global warming continuing due to human-caused greenhouse gas emissions.
Key Facts
August 2026 was the warmest August on record globally, with an average surface temperature of 62.5°F.
This August tied with July 2023 as the joint warmest month in the global record since 1940.
Global temperatures in August were 1.65°C (2.97°F) above the pre-industrial average from 1850-1900, exceeding the 1.5°C limit set by the 2015 Paris Agreement.
Record high global ocean surface temperatures were also recorded in August 2026, reaching 69.98°F.
The warming trend is influenced by both the El Niño climate pattern and ongoing human-caused greenhouse gas emissions.
In the United States, summer 2026 was the warmest meteorological summer on record, surpassing previous highs from 1936 and 2021.
Scientists warn these rising temperatures affect communities, economies, and ecosystems worldwide.
El Niño contributes to short-term temperature spikes but is not the only cause of the rising global average temperatures.
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August 2024 tied with July 2023 as the hottest month ever recorded, according to the European climate agency Copernicus. The high temperatures were caused by climate change and the growing effect of El Niño, a natural event that warms the Pacific Ocean and raises global temperatures.
Key Facts
August 2024 was 1.65°C warmer than pre-industrial times, exceeding the important 1.5°C limit set to avoid severe climate damage.
This heat record is linked to both human-caused climate change and a strengthening El Niño event in the Pacific.
Western Europe experienced its hottest summer ever, surpassing the deadly heat of 2003.
The oceans also reached their highest temperatures on record in August 2024.
El Niño warms the eastern Pacific Ocean and pushes heat into the atmosphere, often raising global temperatures for about a year.
Experts warn that the combination of climate change and El Niño will likely cause more heat records and extreme weather events soon.
The warm summer in Europe caused serious problems, including health crises, food supply issues, fires, droughts, and many deaths.
Climate scientists emphasize that reducing fossil fuel use is critical to prevent even worse heat and weather extremes in the future.
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On the 25th anniversary of 9/11, the small Canadian town of Gander, known for welcoming stranded Americans after the attacks, showed resistance to hosting the US ambassador for commemorations. Tensions between Canada and the United States have increased due to trade disputes and controversial remarks by US officials, affecting public opinion in Canada.
Key Facts
In 2001, Gander, Newfoundland, welcomed 38 planes and over 6,000 stranded passengers after the US closed its airspace following 9/11.
Local residents in Gander provided free food, beds, and supplies to the stranded passengers for five days.
Gander’s welcome inspired the musical "Come From Away," highlighting kindness between Canada and the US.
This year, some residents oppose the US ambassador's visit for 9/11 remembrance events and want the invitation canceled.
The US ambassador to Canada, Pete Hoekstra, has made statements that upset many Canadians and led to a petition demanding his expulsion.
Recent tensions include a trade war with tariffs imposed by both countries and stalled negotiations since August 2026.
Fewer Canadians now see the US as a reliable partner, dropping from 83% in 2022 to less than half in 2026.
Canadian officials and leaders have publicly rejected US President Donald Trump’s "51st state" comments regarding Canada.
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President Donald Trump said the war involving Iran will end right after the US midterm elections and said the war is causing oil prices to rise. Oil prices went up to $100 a barrel after attacks on oil tankers and facilities in the Gulf and Saudi Arabia.
Key Facts
President Trump said the Iran war will end immediately following the US midterm elections.
He blamed the rising cost of oil on the ongoing war.
Oil prices reached $100 per barrel on Wednesday.
The increase followed attacks on tankers in the Gulf region by the US and Iran.
Yemen’s Houthi group attacked oil facilities in Saudi Arabia.
The report includes opinions from Republican voters in Texas about the effect of oil prices on elections.
The video report was made by BBC correspondent Sarah Smith.
The news links oil price changes closely to tensions in the Middle East related to Iran.
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The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) shared videos showing their investigators examining the crash site of an Amazon cargo plane in Miami. The crash happened on Sunday, causing five deaths and injuring five people.
Key Facts
The NTSB released footage of the crash site investigation on Wednesday.
The crash involved an Amazon cargo plane.
The accident took place in Miami.
Five people died in the crash.
Five others were injured.
Investigators are searching through the debris and wreckage to find out what happened.
CBS News correspondent Skyler Henry reported on the investigation.
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The National Park Service is searching for a volunteer to help manage the Point Reyes Lighthouse. This job attracted a large number of people interested in the position. The lighthouse was originally built during the Ulysses S. Grant administration.
Key Facts
The job is to volunteer as a lighthouse keeper at Point Reyes.
The lighthouse dates back to the Grant Administration in the 1800s.
The National Park Service is responsible for the recruitment.
The position has received a very high number of applications.
The role likely involves helping visitors and maintaining the lighthouse.
The news story was reported by Tony Dokoupil on CBS News.
The information was shared as part of a CBS News segment.
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Dolly Parton’s sister explained why their family chose to have a small, private funeral two weeks after Dolly Parton died at age 80. Around the same time, Dolly Parton released a new song called "Bound to Ride," which is part of a tribute album to the Stanley Brothers.
Key Facts
Dolly Parton passed away at age 80.
The funeral was kept small and private by the family.
Dolly Parton’s sister gave an interview about the funeral.
The interview will air on "CBS Mornings" on Thursday.
Dolly Parton’s new song "Bound to Ride" was released two weeks after her death.
The song is part of a tribute album dedicated to the Stanley Brothers.
The Stanley Brothers were influential figures in country music.
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In Afghanistan, the Taliban government has banned girls from attending school after sixth grade. A secret school in Kabul teaches girls aged 14 to 16 advanced subjects like calculus, despite the ban.
Key Facts
The Taliban control Afghanistan again and have restricted girls’ education beyond sixth grade.
Girls ages 14 to 16 are secretly studying advanced math, including calculus.
The secret school is located in a quiet part of Kabul, the capital city.
The girls write “letters to the world” to share their experiences.
This school operates in defiance of the current government’s rules.
The story was reported by CBS News and includes footage from reporter Imtiaz Tyab.
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Hurricanes caused damage in both Hawaii and California. In Hawaii, Hurricane Lowell led to power outages and at least one death, while in Southern California, the remains of Hurricane Marie brought strong waves that threatened homes along the coast.
Key Facts
Hurricane Lowell hit Hawaii, causing power outages for tens of thousands of people.
The storm in Hawaii caused at least one death.
People in Hawaii are cleaning up after the hurricane and waiting for power to be restored.
The leftover effects of Hurricane Marie reached Southern California.
Strong surf from Marie threatened beachfront homes along the Southern California coast.
The hurricanes affected two different U.S. states on the Pacific coast.
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Prince William has launched a new campaign called "On Your Side" that uses sport to help prevent suicide and support mental health. The project involves sports stars like Harry Kane and Alan Shearer to encourage people to talk openly about mental health and to provide tools to help those who may be struggling.
Key Facts
The campaign aims to reduce suicide by using sports to reach people who might not seek mental health support on their own.
It targets difficult conversations about mental health among friends, family, teammates, and colleagues.
The Football Association, Premier League, and Team GB support the initiative.
Suicide is the leading cause of death for men under 50 in the UK.
A film featuring Harry Kane and boxer Carl Frampton promotes stepping in to help people with mental health struggles.
The campaign offers a free website with a sports-themed toolkit called GOALS to guide how to help someone in distress.
GOALS stands for Get ready, Open the conversation, Ask the question, Listen and respond, Support and signpost.
Mental health charities, including Chasing the Stigma, helped create the project, which includes a large directory of mental health resources.
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A new Netflix documentary called "Turning Point: Generation 9/11" tells the stories of people who were children when the 9/11 attacks happened. It features individuals whose parents died in the attacks and soldiers who joined the military because of 9/11.
Key Facts
The documentary is available on Netflix.
It focuses on the generation that grew up after the 9/11 attacks in 2001.
It includes profiles of people who lost their parents on 9/11.
It also features soldiers motivated to join the military due to the attacks.
Brian Knappenberger directed the documentary.
The director appeared on "The Takeout" show to talk about making the film.
The film explores how 9/11 shaped lives over the years.
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