Two tropical storms could form soon in the eastern Pacific Ocean near Baja California, following Tropical Storm Lowell near Hawaii. Forecasters expect these storms to move west-northwest and possibly develop close to each other, which is unusual.
Key Facts
Tropical Storm Lowell is moving north-northwest near Hawaii and recently weakened from hurricane status.
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) is monitoring a system called EP96, south-southwest of Baja California, with an 80% chance of developing into a tropical depression within 48 hours.
A second low-pressure area may form south of Baja California this weekend or early next week, with a 40% chance of becoming a tropical depression within seven days.
Both systems are expected to follow similar paths west-northwest away from Mexico.
There is a chance the two storms could interact or merge, an event called the Fujiwhara effect.
NOAA forecasts an above-normal Pacific hurricane season due to ongoing El Niño conditions, which make storm formation more likely.
In contrast, the Atlantic hurricane season is expected to be below average because El Niño increases wind shear, reducing storm formation there.
So far, the Atlantic basin has had five named storms this year, none of which reached hurricane strength.
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Dozens of European royals and world leaders gathered in Oslo to honor King Harald V of Norway, who died at age 89 after ruling for 35 years. The funeral included a procession, a ceremony at Oslo Cathedral, public tributes, and a minute of silence across Norway.
Key Facts
King Harald V died at the age of 89 after 35 years on the throne.
His funeral in Oslo was attended by European kings, the Prince of Wales, and leaders from countries including Ukraine and Germany.
The new King Haakon, Queen Mette-Marit, and Queen Sonja participated in the ceremonies.
Thousands of people lined the procession route from the royal palace to Oslo Cathedral.
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre gave a speech praising the late king.
A minute of silence was observed nationwide, marked by bell tolls and a flyover of four fighter jets in honor of King Harald.
Family members, including Haakon’s children and other royals, walked behind the coffin during the procession.
The funeral came after a period of national mourning and amidst recent family challenges, including legal issues involving a step-grandson.
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A technical problem with the UK’s air traffic control system caused many flight delays and cancellations at major airports like Heathrow and Gatwick. Passengers experienced long waits, difficulties with luggage, and some had to sleep in airports or hotels while airlines worked to fix the situation.
Key Facts
The air traffic control issue affected hundreds of thousands of passengers on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Flights were cancelled or delayed at main UK airports including Heathrow, Gatwick, Luton, and Glasgow.
Nats, the UK’s air traffic control provider, said operations are now stable but some delays will continue.
Martin Rolfe, head of Nats, apologized and met with Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander, who requested a full investigation.
Passengers described crowded baggage reclaim areas, long waits, and having to sleep on floors in airports and hotels abroad.
More than 340 flights were cancelled on Wednesday alone.
Airlines must still get passengers to their destinations, sometimes using other carriers.
Passengers were advised to check flight status before going to airports.
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British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband said that intelligence sharing between the UK and Israel will continue despite new UK sanctions on trade with Israeli settlements. The UK, backed by countries like Canada and France, has banned trade with illegal Israeli settlements to support a two-state solution and promote stability in the Middle East.
Key Facts
The UK imposed sanctions banning trade with Israeli settlements considered illegal under international law.
Israel assured Britain that intelligence cooperation will continue as before.
The UK denies its intelligence sharing has supported Israeli actions in Gaza and the West Bank.
The US has not publicly criticized the UK sanctions and has shown some frustration with Israeli settlement policies.
President Donald Trump spoke with the UK Prime Minister before the sanctions were announced.
Canada and France joined the UK in the trade ban against Israeli settlements.
Several European countries plan to support or introduce similar sanctions.
France had previously proposed EU-wide measures but faced resistance from some EU members and the European Commission.
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A technical failure in the UK’s air traffic control system caused over 2,000 flight cancellations and major travel disruption. The Transport Secretary said the problem could have been avoided and ordered both an independent investigation and a review of the system’s resilience.
Key Facts
The UK air traffic control system run by Nats failed for about four hours on Tuesday.
More than 2,000 flights were cancelled due to the outage.
The failure happened at Nats’ Swanwick Centre, which manages flight plans and updates for controllers.
The Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, ruled out a cyberattack but said the failure was avoidable.
Nats has had three major technical faults in three years causing disruption.
The Civil Aviation Authority will conduct an independent review and report back in six months.
Airlines UK criticized the system, saying airlines pay the costs of failures while responsible organizations face limited consequences.
Nats is partly government-owned (49%) and partly owned by UK airlines and Heathrow Airport.
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The UK has placed sanctions on Israeli settlements in the West Bank, which led Israel to respond with actions such as closing the British Consulate in Jerusalem. This has caused tensions between the two countries, including differing opinions among UK officials and community leaders about the impact of these measures.
Key Facts
The UK imposed sanctions targeting Israeli settlements in the West Bank.
Israel’s Foreign Minister, Gideon Saar, announced counter-measures against the UK.
One counter-measure is the closure of the British Consulate in Jerusalem by Israel.
Ed Miliband, a UK political figure, disagreed with Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis over the sanctions.
The Chief Rabbi called the sanctions a "truly dark day" and said it could put British Jews at greater risk.
The situation has led to ongoing political and diplomatic fallout between the UK and Israel.
The news was discussed by BBC correspondents Lyse Doucet and Jane Corbin in a podcast episode.
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Rock musicians Alice Cooper and Joe Perry from Aerosmith formed a new band called Hollywood Vampires. They appeared on CBS News to talk about how they started the band.
Key Facts
Alice Cooper and Joe Perry are rock stars.
Joe Perry is also a member of the band Aerosmith.
They created a new group named Hollywood Vampires.
They explained the band's origin on CBS News 24/7 Mornings.
The interview is available on the CBS News app and website.
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Lucia Sisic, Miss Austria 2024, who had a congenital heart condition, died at age 22. She underwent multiple heart surgeries and publicly shared her health journey before her passing, though the exact cause of death was not disclosed.
Key Facts
Lucia Sisic was Miss Austria 2024.
She suffered from a congenital heart valve defect.
Sisic had seven heart surgeries since childhood.
Her latest heart surgery was in winter 2023-2024.
She openly talked about her condition and thanked her doctors publicly.
No national Miss Austria competition took place after she won, so she held the title for two years.
Tributes came from fellow contestants, organizers, and heart health charities.
Sisic had Croatian and Bosnian roots and lived in Austria.
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denies a report that he was warned by the United Arab Emirates about Hamas planning an attack on October 7, 2023. The Israeli newspaper Haaretz said Netanyahu was warned but did not pass it on to security leaders, a claim Netanyahu calls false and plans to sue over. The coming Israeli election is expected to focus on how the surprise attack was handled.
Key Facts
On October 7, 2023, Hamas attacked Israel, killing over 1,200 people and kidnapping hundreds.
Haaretz reported that Netanyahu was warned days before by the UAE leader about the attack plans.
Netanyahu’s office denies any such phone call or warning took place before the attack.
Netanyahu plans to sue Haaretz and the reporter for defamation.
The UAE has maintained open communication with Israel since normalizing ties five years ago but has not confirmed or denied the report.
Israeli elections are scheduled for October 27, 2024, with Netanyahu currently in a tight race.
Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, an election rival, supports the report and calls Netanyahu’s alleged ignoring of the warning "criminal negligence."
Netanyahu says security officials, not him, were responsible for the failure to protect Israel on the attack day.
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More than 90 million people across the U.S. from California to Kentucky face dangerous heat and humidity. Temperatures are much higher than usual, with some places in Southern California feeling as hot as 113 to 116 degrees due to the mix of heat and moisture.
Key Facts
Over 90 million people are under heat alerts from California to Kentucky.
Southern California is about 20 degrees hotter than normal with rare humidity.
Los Angeles may feel like 113 degrees, San Diego 102 degrees, and Indio 116 degrees.
Heat warnings cover cities like San Diego, Las Vegas, and Phoenix.
Heat advisories apply to places including Bakersfield, San Francisco, and Sacramento.
The extreme heat will extend east to cities like Dallas, Little Rock, Oklahoma City, Memphis, and Louisville.
Cooler weather is expected to arrive in parts of California by Saturday.
Heat will likely come back from Friday through Sunday in some places like Oklahoma City.
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Oil prices have risen above $100 per barrel due to increasing conflict in Iran and ongoing tensions related to Ukraine. These geopolitical issues are affecting the global oil market and causing prices to go up.
Key Facts
Oil prices are currently above $100 per barrel.
Rising tensions in Iran are contributing to the increase.
Ongoing conflict and political issues around Ukraine are also impacting prices.
The situation is causing concerns about oil supply and energy security worldwide.
The information comes from a report by The Wall Street Journal and coverage by CBS News.
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A group of about 30 to 40 people gathered outside a hotel in Portsmouth, England, because they wrongly believed that migrants had arrived there. The hotel guests were actually the Pakistan under-19 national cricket team, and police confirmed there was no threat or offense.
Key Facts
The incident took place at the Marriott Hotel in Cosham, Portsmouth.
False rumors spread online saying migrants had arrived by bus, causing a crowd to form.
A local councillor confirmed with hotel staff that the guests were the Pakistan under-19 cricket team.
Police spoke to protesters and explained the situation; no crimes were found.
The crowd left the hotel by about 9 p.m. on the same day.
The incident occurred shortly after migrants arrived by boat in Portsmouth, sparking protests.
Local MP Amanda Martin criticized the misinformation and called for fact-based discussions on immigration.
The England and Wales Cricket Board is reviewing security and checking on the cricket team's wellbeing.
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A new study shows that the risk factors for dementia can be different for American Indians compared to the general U.S. population. The research found that education, depression, high blood pressure, and past brain injuries are key risks for dementia in this group.
Key Facts
The study was done by Boston University and published on August 24 in Alzheimer's & Dementia journal.
Researchers looked at 808 American Indians in middle and older age.
Common dementia risk factors in this group included obesity, smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, brain injury, and depression.
Compared to the general population, American Indians had higher rates of depression (2.4 times), brain injuries (2.6 times), and hypertension (4.2 times).
Some common risks in the general population, like high cholesterol and low physical activity, were less common among American Indians.
Experts say these differences come from varied social, historical, and environmental conditions, not race itself.
Dementia can be caused by multiple diseases linked to brain damage from protein buildup.
About 42% of Americans over 55 are expected to develop dementia, which currently affects over 6 million people in the U.S.
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Many countries, including Canada and members of the European Union, are adopting tariff policies similar to those supported by President Donald Trump. These policies aim to protect local industries and jobs, even if that means consumers pay higher prices. This marks a shift from previous global trade practices that focused mainly on free trade and low import costs.
Key Facts
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney introduced tariffs that match U.S. tariffs dollar-for-dollar to protect Canadian industries.
Carney admitted the tariffs would increase costs and limit choices for Canadian consumers but said the trade-off was necessary.
President Trump supports tariffs to preserve American factories, jobs, and important industries despite higher costs for consumers.
Canada is also investing in infrastructure, domestic business support, and new export markets to strengthen its economy.
The European Union set limits on duty-free steel imports and added a 50% tariff on excess imports to protect its steel industry.
The EU’s tariff policy targets one specific industry, unlike the U.S., which applies tariffs broadly to many products and countries.
This global trend shows a growing acceptance of protectionism, where governments focus on safeguarding local industries over pure free trade.
The debate now centers on when and how strongly to protect domestic industries, rather than if protectionism should be used.
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A new study from the Max Planck Institute in Germany found that women’s faces are generally rated as more attractive than men’s across many groups. However, male attractiveness scores show a unique pattern, with a smaller group of men rated as very attractive compared to the average lower scores for men.
Key Facts
Women’s facial attractiveness ratings follow a normal pattern, centered around an average score.
Men’s attractiveness ratings have an uneven pattern, with a small group of men rated much higher than most.
The study was led by Eugen Wassiliwizky at the Max Planck Institute for Empirical Aesthetics.
Male beauty has been celebrated in culture, even though men rate lower than women on average.
Attractiveness ratings may reflect broader social and cultural ideas about beauty, not just sexual attraction.
The study showed that heterosexual women rated other women’s faces more extremely, suggesting ratings are not only about partner preference.
Experts say attractiveness is linked to social acceptance, cultural ideals, and feelings of safety, not just romantic interest.
The research encourages a new way to study beauty, separating aesthetic appreciation from sexual attraction.
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Iran says it attacked 10 ships near the Strait of Hormuz after the US destroyed five Iranian tankers. The conflict has raised oil prices above $100 a barrel and increased tensions as both sides seek control over this key global shipping route.
Key Facts
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) reported attacks on two US vessels, eight oil tankers, and 10 other ships near the Strait of Hormuz.
The US denied that its ships were hit and said all attacks on its vessels failed.
The US destroyed five Iranian tankers in response to Iran targeting a US navy warship twice in two days.
Iran also fired missiles at US bases in Jordan; most missiles were intercepted, with some landing in unpopulated areas.
A tanker in Iraqi waters was hit by a drone, but no casualties or oil leaks were reported.
The Strait of Hormuz is a vital waterway for global oil and gas shipments, with around 20% of the world's energy passing through it.
Rising oil prices over $100 per barrel could lead to higher fuel and food prices worldwide and increase inflation concerns.
The conflict is part of a wider regional struggle involving Iran, the US, and groups like the Houthis in Yemen, who attacked Saudi Arabia in recent days.
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A long study of Finnish men found that controlling key health factors in midlife, such as not smoking and keeping blood pressure and cholesterol low, increased the chance of living to 90 and having better health and happiness in old age. Men with all five healthy habits in midlife were much less likely to be frail and reported higher quality of life decades later.
Key Facts
The study followed 2,690 Finnish men for up to 60 years, starting at about age 42.
Five key health factors were measured: not smoking, body mass index (BMI) under 25, blood pressure below 140 mmHg, cholesterol below 6.0 mmol/L, and healthy blood sugar levels.
Men with none of these factors had only a 6.8% chance of living to 90, while men with all five had a 41.9% chance.
At age 79, men with all five healthy factors were much less likely to be frail (2.2% vs 24.5%) and had better psychological wellbeing.
The study shows healthy habits improve both lifespan and quality of life in old age.
Researchers said it is never too late to improve risk factors like quitting smoking and managing blood pressure or cholesterol.
The study included only men in Finland, so results might not apply to everyone.
The research is observational, so it does not prove the healthy factors cause longer life, but it shows a strong link.
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A Connecticut mother heard strange clawing sounds at home and found a young squirrel stuck in a gap near their chimney. After trying to get help, the family had to wait until the squirrel found its own way out.
Key Facts
Alanna Fox noticed her cat spending a lot of time near an unused chimney.
Her 6-year-old son heard clawing sounds inside the house.
Fox investigated and recorded video showing a squirrel trapped between the brick and a pipe.
Wildlife rescue said removing the squirrel would require cutting it into pieces, which the family rejected.
The family waited while monitoring the squirrel, talking to it through the gap.
After some time, the clawing stopped and the squirrel appeared to have escaped.
The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection says squirrels often get into homes in that state.
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Actor John Malkovich canceled his planned performance in Israel after a PR firm incorrectly quoted him expressing support for Israel. Malkovich said he did not approve or make the statements and does not want to be seen as endorsing any political position.
Key Facts
John Malkovich was scheduled to perform in Tel Aviv on April 13 in a show called The Music Critic.
A PR company hired by the Israeli promoter created quotes attributed to Malkovich claiming solidarity with Israel.
Malkovich stated he never made those comments and was not consulted before the quotes were published.
The PR firm apologized for wrongly attributing the statements to him.
Malkovich emphasized that his performances do not mean he supports any country’s political actions or leaders.
He canceled his participation in the Israel show due to the false quotes.
Malkovich has performed internationally without endorsing political views of the countries he visits.
His last visit to Israel was in 2013, and he has expressed disinterest in political labels in past interviews.
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Scientists in China have discovered a new virus spread by ticks called the Asian longhorned tick nairovirus (ALTNV). This virus causes flu-like symptoms and can be serious when found with another tick virus called Dabie bandavirus (DBV). ALTNV has not yet been found in U.S. ticks, but its carrier tick is present in parts of the U.S.
Key Facts
The new virus, ALTNV, was found in about 10.4% of over 3,000 patients bitten by ticks in China.
ALTNV causes fever, tiredness, stomach problems, low blood platelets, and signs of liver damage.
If a patient has both ALTNV and DBV, symptoms get worse, including breathing and kidney problems, with a higher death rate (18.4%).
ALTNV was found in 1.3% of nearly 47,500 ticks in 15 Chinese provinces, mostly in the Asian longhorned tick.
The Asian longhorned tick can reproduce without mating, which helps it spread quickly.
This tick has already spread to parts of the U.S., but ALTNV has not been detected in American ticks yet.
Doctors warn that people in areas with this tick should take precautions to avoid tick bites.
Scientists call for better testing to distinguish between ALTNV and other tick-borne viruses, especially where diseases like SFTS are common.
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