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Scientists discovered that naked mole-rat queens produce a special chemical scent to stop other females in their colony from having babies. This chemical, found only in queens, spreads through their tunnels and signals their breeding status, helping to keep order without violent fights.
Key Facts
Naked mole-rats live mostly underground and have unique traits like pain insensitivity, long life, and cancer resistance.
They live in colonies where only one female, the queen, breeds, similar to ants or bees.
Scientists studied the mole-rats’ sense of smell, which is very important since they are blind.
Mole-rats use complex chemical signals to recognize colony members and strangers, leading to aggression towards outsiders.
Researchers identified a specific chemical called isopropyl myristate that only queen mole-rats produce.
This chemical is spread through tunnels and changes with the queen’s fertility cycle.
The queen’s scent stays on surfaces for about 24 hours, helping her control the colony without fighting.
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President Donald Trump met with Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun at the White House. They talked about the war involving Iran, the group Hezbollah, and attacks by Israel.
Key Facts
The meeting took place at the White House.
President Trump and President Aoun discussed the ongoing conflict involving Iran.
They talked about Hezbollah, a political and militant group based in Lebanon.
The discussion included Israel’s attacks on Hezbollah.
The meeting was reported by CBS News.
Nancy Cordes was the CBS News correspondent covering the story.
The focus was on regional security issues in the Middle East.
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President Donald Trump and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun met in the Oval Office and answered questions together. During this event, President Trump talked about recent U.S. military strikes against Iran.
Key Facts
The meeting took place in the Oval Office at the White House.
President Trump and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun held a joint question-and-answer session.
President Trump discussed U.S. military actions targeting Iran.
CBS News covered the event with a report by Aaron Navarro.
The discussion included topics related to U.S.-Iran relations.
The details were shared through CBS News and available on their app and website.
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People in Iran are facing many problems because of economic troubles, government limits, and damage from recent conflicts involving the United States and Israel. Prices for food, rent, and medicine have risen sharply, while wages and pensions have not kept up, making it hard for many Iranians to pay for basic needs.
Key Facts
A pensioner in Tehran now pays about $5 for a small tub of ice cream and yogurt, while her monthly pension is about $94 after a government increase.
Iran is dealing with long-term economic problems worsened by recent conflicts and sanctions from the United States and Israel.
Inflation last month was nearly 90%, and food prices increased by 134% compared to the previous year.
Rent increases in Tehran have averaged about 50%, although the government limits legal increases to 27%.
The government offers small cash subsidies and electronic food coupons, but some shops refuse them because they have not been reimbursed.
Iran’s currency recently hit a record low, trading at more than 1.9 million rials per US dollar.
The government doubled official bread prices last month, and petrol prices may rise again soon.
Internet access in Iran was completely cut off for three months during recent unrest and war, and even now it remains very slow and heavily controlled.
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Indian police detained Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and other opposition members during a protest outside Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s home. The protest supported a youth movement that criticized problems in India’s exam system.
Key Facts
Rahul Gandhi is a leader of the Congress party in India.
Police detained him and other opposition figures at the protest.
The protest took place outside Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s residence.
The rally supported a youth-led movement focused on exam system failures.
The protest highlighted issues in India’s education and examination processes.
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Kaylee Hottle, an 18-year-old actress known for her role in the Godzilla vs Kong movies, died in a car crash in Maryland. Police said the crash involved one vehicle and that speeding was likely a factor.
Key Facts
Kaylee Hottle was 18 years old and an actress in the Godzilla vs Kong films.
She was deaf and played a character named Jia, a young orphan.
The crash happened in Frederick, Maryland.
Police believe excessive speed caused the single-car crash.
A 19-year-old driver was injured but not seriously.
Hottle's father confirmed her death in a video using American Sign Language.
The Texas School for the Deaf, where she studied, expressed sadness and asked for privacy.
Warner Bros, the film distributor, publicly paid tribute to her.
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China and Russia conducted joint naval drills near Japan, including a live-fire exercise inside Japan's exclusive economic zone. Japan protested the drills, which analysts see as a challenge to the U.S. and its allies in the Pacific region.
Key Facts
A Chinese guided-missile destroyer fired machine guns about 100 miles southwest of Okinotori, Japan's southernmost island.
The flotilla included three other Chinese warships and a Russian frigate.
Japan filed a diplomatic protest with China over the exercises, citing potential danger to ships.
China and Russia have increased military cooperation since 2022, including joint submarine patrols.
Beijing dismissed Japan's concerns, accusing Japan of pushing for more military buildup.
The drills are seen as testing the limits of U.S.-aligned countries like Japan, which hosts about 55,000 American troops.
Experts say these exercises reflect China’s and Russia’s strategy to challenge U.S.-led regional security.
The drills complicate efforts by the U.S. and its allies to predict responses in potential conflicts, such as over Taiwan.
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Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega announced that his country might not hold a presidential election next year. He aims to keep shared control of the government with his wife and co-president, Rosario Murillo.
Key Facts
President Ortega spoke at a rally for the 47th anniversary of the Sandinista revolution.
He suggested there may be no presidential election in Nicaragua next year.
Ortega shares power with his wife, Rosario Murillo, who is also co-president.
The announcement points to continued joint rule by Ortega and Murillo.
The Sandinista revolution began 47 years ago and brought Ortega’s party to power.
Ortega has been a central political figure in Nicaragua for many years.
The move to possibly skip elections raises concerns about the country’s democracy.
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Rescue teams in Afghanistan are searching for survivors after flash floods hit the eastern Nuristan province, killing at least 23 people and leaving more than 100 missing. Weather experts warn that more heavy rains and floods could affect many parts of Afghanistan in the coming days.
Key Facts
Flash floods struck Nuristan province in eastern Afghanistan on Monday, causing buildings to collapse.
At least 23 people died and over 100 remain missing following the floods.
Rescue crews are currently searching the rubble for survivors.
More floods and extreme weather are predicted in 10 out of 34 Afghan provinces.
Afghanistan is highly vulnerable to flooding due to climate change, weak infrastructure, deforestation, and decades of conflict.
Many homes in remote areas are made of mud, offering little protection against sudden floods.
Similar monsoon floods and landslides have caused deaths in neighboring Pakistan, India, and Nepal.
In 2024, flash floods in Afghanistan killed over 300 people, and earlier floods killed at least 110.
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The cast of "Spider-Man: Brand New Day" is touring across North America. ABC News reporter Sophie Flay shared updates about the tour on "Good Morning America" Pop News.
Key Facts
"Spider-Man: Brand New Day" is a show with a touring cast.
The tour is happening throughout North America.
Sophie Flay from ABC News reported on the tour.
The report was featured on "Good Morning America" Pop News.
The article mainly highlights entertainment news about the tour.
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Italian police seized about 1,700 pounds of cocaine worth $286 million hidden inside banana containers at the port of Vado Ligure. The port is now under closer watch due to its use by drug traffickers to hide cocaine in shipments of bananas.
Key Facts
Police found around 1,700 pounds (770 kg) of cocaine inside refrigerated banana containers from Ecuador.
The estimated street value of the cocaine is $286 million.
The seizure took place at the Vado Ligure port in northwest Italy.
This port has been targeted before for drug trafficking, leading to increased security and monitoring.
Cocaine hidden in banana shipments is a common method used by criminals in many countries.
Recent similar cocaine seizures in banana containers have occurred in the UK, Greece, Russia, Norway, Dominican Republic, and Ecuador.
The Vado Ligure port is a growing European trade hub, attracting criminal networks.
Police released video footage showing officers removing the drugs from the shipment.
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Lebanese President Joseph Aoun told US President Donald Trump that Lebanon’s main goal is to stop all fighting with Israel permanently. Aoun is in Washington to ask for US help in getting Israeli forces to leave southern Lebanon.
Key Facts
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun met with US President Donald Trump in Washington.
Aoun said Lebanon wants to end hostilities with Israel forever.
The statement followed a US-backed agreement framework.
Lebanon seeks US support for Israel to withdraw from southern Lebanon.
The meeting focuses on improving peace efforts between Lebanon and Israel.
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The U.S. and Iran continue to attack each other near the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil shipping route. Despite ongoing military strikes and casualties, President Donald Trump's administration remains open to diplomatic talks, but no agreement has been reached so far.
Key Facts
The U.S. and Iran are engaged in daily bombing near the Strait of Hormuz.
The Strait of Hormuz is important because about one-fifth of the world's oil passes through it.
Iran has refused to ease its control over the shipping corridor.
President Trump has said Iran will face heavy consequences if it kills more American soldiers.
The Trump administration says it still wants diplomacy despite ongoing attacks.
Military strikes against Iran will continue until President Trump decides otherwise.
Experts say using airstrikes alone may not solve the conflict and sending ground troops is not popular.
Renewed attacks repeat earlier strikes that did not force Iran to back down.
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The Houthi militia in Yemen has warned shipping companies that their tankers could be attacked if they use Saudi Arabian ports in the Red Sea. This threat follows a naval blockade announced by the Houthis and has caused some oil tankers to change course to avoid the area. President Donald Trump responded that the US would act if the Houthis followed through on their threats.
Key Facts
The Houthis are an armed group in Yemen aligned with Iran.
They warned that ships using Saudi ports on the Red Sea may be attacked.
The Houthi threat follows their announcement of a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia.
Two oil tankers carrying Saudi crude oil turned away from the Red Sea towards the Suez Canal.
The Red Sea is an important shipping route used by 7% of the world’s maritime traffic.
President Trump said the US would “take care of business” if the Houthis acted on their threats.
The Houthis control northern Yemen, including the Bab el-Mandeb strait at the southern end of the Red Sea.
The situation adds to regional tensions involving Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the US, with diplomats trying to negotiate peace talks.
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Tropical Storm Bertha is moving northwest near the Florida coast and is expected to reach southeastern Louisiana by Wednesday. The storm has winds near 50 mph and may bring rain, gusty winds, and a small storm surge along parts of the Gulf Coast, but major damage is not expected.
Key Facts
Bertha is about 70 miles south-southwest of Panama City, Florida, moving northwest at 5 mph.
Maximum sustained winds are around 50 mph, making it a tropical storm.
Tropical storm watches are in place from the Florida Panhandle through southeastern Louisiana, including New Orleans.
The heaviest rain and strongest winds are south of the storm’s center and mostly offshore so far.
New Orleans may see showers and gusty winds starting Tuesday night through Thursday.
The storm is expected to weaken as it moves west toward Texas and likely dissipate by Friday.
Rain totals of 2 to 4 inches are expected along the Gulf Coast, with localized amounts up to 8 inches.
A storm surge of 1 to 4 feet and dangerous rip currents may occur along the coast.
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French lawmakers narrowly approved Senator François-Noël Buffet as the new Defender of Rights, a human rights ombudsman role, despite strong opposition. Buffet has a history of opposing same-sex marriage and other rights expansions for vulnerable groups, which critics say conflicts with the job’s mission.
Key Facts
François-Noël Buffet was approved by French lawmakers with a vote of 43 to 39.
The Defender of Rights defends citizens’ rights and ensures equal legal protection in France.
Buffet opposed legalizing marriage for same-sex couples in the past.
He also opposed extending medically assisted reproduction to single women and lesbian couples.
Critics, including human rights groups, say Buffet’s views clash with the responsibilities of his new role.
Buffet is a lawyer and a right-wing senator from the Rhône area near Lyon.
He served briefly as minister for overseas territories in 2024 and worked in the interior ministry.
Some employees of the Defender of Rights office expressed dismay and shock at Buffet’s nomination.
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Police in Athens arrested a 60-year-old man after he reportedly stabbed two Greek-American tourists near the Acropolis. One tourist was seriously hurt in the arm, and the other was injured in the leg, but both are expected to recover.
Key Facts
The incident happened near the Acropolis in Athens, Greece.
Two Greek-American tourists were stabbed.
A man was seriously injured in the arm.
A woman was wounded in the leg.
Both victims are expected to survive.
Police arrested a 60-year-old man in connection with the stabbing.
The arrest took place on Tuesday.
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Andy Burnham became the new Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and quickly made big changes, including cutting the tax on energy bills and reshuffling his cabinet. John Healey was unexpectedly appointed chancellor, returning to a key government role after recently resigning from another position.
Key Facts
Andy Burnham replaced Keir Starmer as Prime Minister of the UK.
Burnham cut VAT (tax) on energy bills in his first day as PM.
John Healey was appointed chancellor, the government's finance minister.
Healey had resigned earlier as defence secretary over military budget issues.
New defence secretary is Wes Streeting; new energy secretary is Miatta Fahnbulleh.
Some cabinet moves rewarded those who helped Burnham rise to power.
Labour MPs show mixed reactions; some unhappy about Burnham’s decisions.
There is talk of a possible early general election, but Burnham seems to oppose it.
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Christopher Nolan’s film The Odyssey, starring Matt Damon, made $264.1 million worldwide in its first weekend. The movie also sparked attention for Damon’s physique and Anne Hathaway’s maternity fashion during the press tour. A Newsweek analysis found no clear link between the size of Damon’s biceps in his movies and their box office success.
Key Facts
The Odyssey earned $264.1 million globally in its opening weekend, Nolan’s biggest debut.
Matt Damon plays Odysseus and lost weight to look lean and strong for the role.
A female stunt performer doubled for Damon in some scenes requiring forced perspective.
Newsweek gave Damon’s films biceps scores based on visibility, size, activity, and story importance.
Damon’s highest biceps scores were in Jason Bourne movies, Elysium, Invictus, The Great Wall, and The Odyssey.
Movies like Good Will Hunting and Ocean’s Eleven had low biceps scores but made strong box office returns.
Statistical analysis showed almost no connection between Damon’s arm size in films and how much money they earned.
Damon joked that the female stunt double had the best arms on set, making the analysis less precise.
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Scientists warn that up to 13 million people in the UK could face coastal flooding in the long term due to rising sea levels caused by climate change. Even if current efforts to reduce carbon emissions succeed, more people will be at risk by 2200 and 2300, making proactive planning and flood defenses essential.
Key Facts
Up to 13 million people in the UK might be at risk of coastal flooding in the long term.
Even if current global carbon-cutting promises are met, 1.4 million more people will be at risk by 2200, and 1.7 million more by 2300.
Sea levels around the UK have already risen about 20 cm in the last century and are rising faster.
By 2100, sea levels are expected to rise another 40 to 60 cm, putting an additional half-million people in danger.
Some areas, like Lincolnshire and the Humber estuary, face especially high risks.
A worst-case scenario could cause up to 15 meters of sea level rise by 2300, flooding large parts of London and other areas.
Scientists say flood defenses and managed relocation of communities will be necessary to handle future risks.
The study did not include future storm surges, population growth, or changes in flood defenses, meaning the actual risk could be higher.
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