A man who rates benches on Instagram gave his first perfect 10 out of 10 rating after seven years and 300 reviews. This milestone marks a special moment in his unusual hobby of judging benches instead of movies or restaurants.
Key Facts
The man reviews benches on Instagram, not movies or food.
He took seven years and wrote 300 reviews before giving a perfect 10/10 rating.
This rating was his first ever perfect score.
His unusual pastime involves examining benches he encounters.
CBS News reported this story through Tony Dokoupil.
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Investigators are examining a midair collision in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, between a small plane and a Pennsylvania State Police helicopter. The crash killed the small plane’s pilot and injured two state troopers. Officials are trying to find out why the plane veered off course and hit the hovering helicopter during a training exercise.
Key Facts
The crash happened at a rural airport in Carlisle, PA, about 110 miles northwest of Philadelphia.
A small plane (Cessna 150) was landing when it hit the tail of a hovering police helicopter (Bell 407).
The small plane’s pilot, Paul William Sokoloski, 57, died in the crash.
Two Pennsylvania State Police troopers were injured but survived.
Both pilots involved were flight instructors.
There was no traffic control tower at the airport; pilots communicate using a shared radio frequency.
Investigators say the Cessna pilot knew the helicopter was hovering nearby before the crash.
Officials are studying the plane, helicopter, pilot actions, and conditions to determine the cause, including possible mechanical issues or visual obstacles.
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The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is now involved in investigating the sudden death of actress Hayden Panettiere. She was about to turn 37 years old.
Key Facts
Hayden Panettiere, an actress, has died suddenly.
The DEA has joined the investigation into her death.
She was near her 37th birthday at the time of her death.
The investigation is ongoing to understand the cause.
The DEA’s involvement suggests authorities are checking for any drug-related issues.
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Hayden Panettiere’s mother said a harmful person in the actress’s life contributed to her death. Panettiere’s on-and-off boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, was at the scene when she died, and Neutrogena apologized for not supporting her during a difficult time.
Key Facts
Hayden Panettiere’s mother, Lesley Vogel, blamed a “toxic individual” linked to her daughter’s death.
Vogel said the family tried to remove this person, Brian Hickerson, from Hayden’s life but could not.
Brian Hickerson released a statement through his lawyer, saying the death is still under investigation and no foul play was found.
Neutrogena responded to criticism by saying they made Panettiere feel unsupported during a tough period.
Panettiere was a Neutrogena brand ambassador for over 10 years.
She said in 2015 that Neutrogena didn’t renew her contract after she spoke publicly about postpartum depression.
Fans called for a boycott of Neutrogena following her statement about the contract cancellation.
Experts noted companies should support talent as part of their brand, not only when they appear perfect.
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A small plane and a Pennsylvania State Police helicopter collided in midair near an airport outside Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The crash was recorded on video and resulted in a deadly accident.
Key Facts
The collision happened on a Wednesday near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
A small plane hit a state police helicopter while both were in the air.
The accident was captured on video.
The helicopter belonged to the Pennsylvania State Police.
The crash resulted in fatalities.
The incident took place near the state capital, Harrisburg.
Authorities reported the event following the crash.
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Heavy rain caused serious flooding in Ohio, Kansas, and Nebraska. Strong storms also moved through the Mid-Atlantic region, creating dangerous weather.
Key Facts
Ohio experienced heavy rain that led to many flash floods.
Kansas and Nebraska also faced heavy rain and flooding.
A line of strong storms moved across the Mid-Atlantic on Thursday.
Flash floods happen when heavy rain causes water to rise quickly in rivers or streets.
The storms posed potential dangers to people and property in affected areas.
Weather experts tracked the storm system as it moved through these regions.
The Mid-Atlantic includes states along the East Coast like Maryland and Virginia.
The weather caused disruptions and warnings for residents in the affected states.
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Two prominent Hong Kong activists, Lee Cheuk-yan and Chow Hang-tung, are on trial under Hong Kong’s national security law for their roles in organizing annual vigils remembering the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown. The case is seen as a sign of shrinking freedoms in Hong Kong since the security law was imposed by Beijing.
Key Facts
Lee Cheuk-yan and Chow Hang-tung led the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China, which organized Tiananmen Square vigils.
They were charged in 2021 with inciting subversion under Hong Kong’s national security law.
The court case focuses on their calls to end one-party rule in China, which prosecutors say encouraged unlawful acts against the Communist Party.
Lee Cheuk-yan witnessed the 1989 crackdown and has worked to raise awareness about it since then.
Lee is also a veteran labor activist and former Hong Kong lawmaker.
The Hong Kong Alliance behind the vigils has disbanded amid increased pressure from authorities.
The case has drawn international attention as an example of decreasing freedoms in Hong Kong.
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A Hong Kong court is set to announce its decision in the trial of two prominent activists, Lee Cheuk-yan and Chow Hang-tung, who organized annual vigils commemorating the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown. They face charges of inciting subversion under a China-imposed national security law and could be sentenced to up to 10 years in prison if found guilty.
Key Facts
Lee Cheuk-yan and Chow Hang-tung were leaders of the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China.
The alliance organized annual candlelight vigils in Hong Kong to remember victims of the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown.
Both activists pleaded not guilty to charges of inciting subversion.
The trial is seen as part of a broader crackdown on Hong Kong’s pro-democracy movement following Beijing’s 2020 security law.
The candlelight vigil was banned in 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic and political changes in Hong Kong.
The national security law aims to stop actions that challenge China's Communist Party rule.
A panel of three government-appointed judges will deliver the verdict.
Observers say the trial reflects a decline in freedom of speech and judicial independence in Hong Kong.
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The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Nigeria, once the dominant political party since 1999, is now facing serious challenges that threaten its survival. Internal conflicts, defections to the ruling party, and leadership disputes have weakened the PDP ahead of the January 2026 general election.
Key Facts
The PDP was founded in 1998 and ruled Nigeria's presidency from 1999 to 2015.
In 2015, the PDP lost the presidency to Muhammadu Buhari and the All Progressives Congress (APC).
After 2015, the PDP struggled to adapt to being the opposition party.
In 2025, several state governors left the PDP for the APC, reducing the PDP’s control over Nigerian states to zero by early 2026.
Former prominent PDP leader Atiku Abubakar left the party in 2025.
The PDP is experiencing internal divisions, including a leadership dispute between factions.
One faction of the PDP held a national convention despite court orders and expelled a key member, Nyesom Wike, who leads a rival faction.
The law recognizes the faction led by Wike as the legitimate PDP, allowing it to participate in elections while the rival faction cannot.
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Fighting between Yemen’s government forces and the Houthi rebels has increased, with dozens of attacks happening in the past day. Both sides have launched drone and missile strikes, and there are signs that Yemen could be returning to full-scale war after years of relative calm.
Key Facts
Yemen’s government forces attacked Houthi positions 81 times in the past 24 hours, claiming to kill fighters and commanders.
The Houthis launched two drone attacks on targets in Saudi Arabia’s Najran province, including an airport and an oil facility.
Saudi Arabia has been targeted by the Houthis repeatedly since they declared a naval blockade in July.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps supports the Houthis and warned Saudi Arabia it cannot stop Houthi attacks.
Fighting has increased recently, but there have been no major offensives from either side yet.
Both sides have attacked civilian infrastructure like ports and airports with missiles and drones.
The 2014 conflict began when Houthis took control of much of Yemen, including the capital Sanaa.
A UN-brokered truce in 2022 reduced fighting, but recent attacks suggest this ceasefire is breaking down.
About 18 million people in Yemen face severe food shortages, according to the UN.
A tanker was hijacked off Yemen’s coast and redirected toward Somalia by armed individuals.
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President Donald Trump has announced a new phase of economic pressure against Iran, warning countries that do business with Iran will face strong consequences. The US aims to use stricter sanctions and financial controls to break the current stalemate in the conflict with Iran, but Iran has so far managed to withstand and adapt to economic pressure.
Key Facts
President Trump promised an "economic D-Day" to pressure Iran by targeting any country that does business with it.
The details of the new US sanctions campaign are expected to be announced on August 24.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the US will act against any country moving money or oil linked to Iran.
Vice-President JD Vance called the sanctions a new phase and said economic pressure is the best tool available.
Iran has faced US sanctions since 1979, with a major increase after the US left the 2015 nuclear deal.
The US is already running "Operation Economic Fury," combining sanctions with a naval blockade on Iran.
Experts say the US may expand sanctions to punish countries and financial institutions that help Iran evade sanctions, especially those linked to the US dollar.
Iran has so far adapted well to sanctions by using unofficial channels to continue its activities.
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The Panama Canal will reduce the number of ships passing through each day starting September 3 because a severe drought, caused by the El Nino weather pattern, has lowered water levels. Ship traffic will decrease from 36 to 34 vessels per day, then to 32 vessels starting September 15 to protect water supplies.
Key Facts
The Panama Canal connects the Atlantic and Pacific oceans and is important for global trade.
It currently allows 36 ships to cross daily but will reduce this to 34 ships on September 3, then 32 ships on September 15.
The canal relies on rainwater collected in two artificial lakes to operate.
A drought in Central America, worsened by El Nino, is causing water shortages for the canal.
El Nino is a climate pattern that warms parts of the Pacific Ocean and changes weather worldwide.
The Panama Canal handles about 5% of global maritime trade and 40% of US container traffic.
The canal authority already lowered the maximum ship draft, meaning ships cannot sit as deep in the water, to save water.
El Nino events usually happen every 2 to 7 years; this year's is one of the strongest recorded.
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Congo will get 70,000 doses of the Ervebo vaccine to help control the current Ebola outbreak. The vaccine works well for some Ebola viruses but its effectiveness against the Bundibugyo virus causing this outbreak is still being studied.
Key Facts
Congo is receiving 70,000 doses of the Ervebo Ebola vaccine.
The vaccine is proven against some Ebola viruses but not yet for Bundibugyo virus, which is causing the current outbreak.
So far, this outbreak infected 5,208 people and caused 2,476 deaths.
Early tests suggest Ervebo might offer some protection against the Bundibugyo virus.
20,000 doses will be used in a clinical trial to study vaccine effects on this virus.
The remaining 50,000 doses will be given to front-line health workers.
This Ebola outbreak is spreading faster and killing more people than any previous outbreaks in Congo.
The official outbreak started in May, but the virus likely began spreading in February from Mongbwalu.
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The USS Abraham Lincoln, a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier, is returning home after about nine months away. In other news, severe weather hit parts of Germany, and China sentenced the founder of Evergrande to life in prison following the real estate company's financial crisis.
Key Facts
The USS Abraham Lincoln had a deployment lasting roughly nine months.
The U.S. military announced the carrier is heading back home.
Reports mentioned poor living conditions on the USS Abraham Lincoln during deployment.
Germany experienced storms and at least one tornado overnight.
The tornado and storms damaged parts of Germany.
China sentenced the founder of Evergrande, a major property company, to life imprisonment.
The Evergrande founder’s sentence comes five years after the company’s financial collapse.
Authorities, including the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), have joined the investigation into the sudden death of actor Hayden Panettiere. The investigation began after she passed away over the weekend.
Key Facts
Actor Hayden Panettiere died suddenly over the weekend.
The DEA is now involved in investigating her death.
The reason for the DEA's involvement has not been publicly explained.
CBS News reporter Mark Strassman is covering the story.
Details about the cause of death have not been released.
The investigation is ongoing.
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Ukraine said Russia launched many missiles and about 168 drones, causing deaths and injuries among civilians. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy asked allies to send more patriot interceptors, which are weapons used to stop incoming missiles and drones. A retired U.S. Army colonel spoke about the situation after being in Kyiv during the attack.
Key Facts
Russia launched several missiles and roughly 168 drones at Ukraine.
At least 17 civilians were killed in the attacks.
More than 40 civilians were injured.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy requested allies to provide more patriot interceptors.
Patriot interceptors are defensive weapons that stop missiles and drones.
Retired U.S. Army Colonel Robert Hamilton was in Kyiv during the attacks.
The attacks are part of Russia’s military actions in Ukraine.
The situation involved discussions on military strategy and defense needs.
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U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the United States plans to put very strong sanctions on Iran due to ongoing conflict between the two countries. The news also mentioned North Korea launching ballistic missiles.
Key Facts
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced plans for severe sanctions on Iran.
The sanctions are described as the toughest ever imposed.
The sanctions relate to ongoing conflict between the U.S. and Iran.
North Korea recently launched ballistic missiles.
The news was reported by CBS News.
The sanctions aim to pressure Iran during the ongoing war with the U.S.
Ballistic missiles are weapons that can be launched over long distances.
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This article starts a series about Afghanistan 25 years after the September 11 attacks and the start of the U.S. war there. It focuses on the lives of three Afghan people and their families five years after the Taliban took control from the U.S.-backed government.
Key Facts
The article is the first in a series on Afghanistan’s history since 9/11.
It looks at what life is like five years after the U.S. left Afghanistan.
The Taliban regained control of the country after the U.S.-supported government fell.
The story follows three Afghan individuals and their families.
The report is by Special Correspondent Leila Molana-Allen and videographer Eric O’Connor.
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A woman was arrested for an alleged plan to bomb the New York State Capitol. Heavy rain caused flooding in Ohio, Kansas, and Nebraska as storms affected the Mid-Atlantic region.
Key Facts
Authorities arrested a woman linked to a possible bombing plot targeting the New York State Capitol.
Severe storms brought heavy rain to parts of the Mid-Atlantic region.
Ohio, Kansas, and Nebraska experienced flooding from the rain.
The weather event affected several states across the central and eastern US.
Emergency services responded to weather-related incidents in multiple areas.
The CBS Evening News reported these events on August 20.
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