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The family of Nolan Xavier Wells, an 18-year-old who died after a July 4 boat trip near Mississippi, will release the results of an independent autopsy on Wednesday. The autopsy, paid for by former NFL player Colin Kaepernick and conducted by civil rights attorney Ben Crump, aims to examine whether Wells had any injuries beyond drowning. Wells’ body was found two days after he disappeared from the boat trip, and local authorities have not yet released their autopsy results.
Key Facts
Nolan Wells went missing during a July 4 boat trip with friends and was found dead two days later off a Mississippi island.
The Mississippi State Medical Examiner’s Office performed an autopsy but has not released the findings.
The family arranged a second, independent autopsy funded by Colin Kaepernick.
Attorney Ben Crump represents the family and will share the autopsy results at the NAACP National Convention in Chicago.
The independent autopsy will check for injuries beyond drowning to clarify circumstances around Wells’ death.
Wells was Black, and his friends on the trip were all white, raising questions and calls for transparency.
A $125,000 reward has been offered by public figures including Rev. Al Sharpton and Tyler Perry for information leading to an arrest.
Local civil rights leaders have criticized the official investigation and called for a deeper inquiry into the case.
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Democrats may vote this week to decide the order of states for their 2028 presidential primary elections. The final decision will need approval from the full Democratic National Committee.
Key Facts
The Democratic party is planning the order of states for the 2028 presidential primary calendar.
A key committee called the Rules and Bylaws Committee may vote on this as early as Friday.
The committee holds monthly meetings to review which states want to vote first in the primaries.
States like Iowa, Michigan, New Hampshire, Nevada, and South Carolina are competing to have early primary or caucus dates.
The final primary calendar must be approved by the full Democratic National Committee.
The events determining the voting order are happening ahead of the 2028 presidential election.
The information about the vote was provided by people familiar with the process but not authorized to speak publicly.
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Scientists studied how chimpanzees and bonobos use touching, hugging, and kissing to calm each other before stressful events like fights over food. This behavior helps them trust and cooperate peacefully and may have started millions of years ago before humans existed.
Key Facts
Researchers observed chimpanzees and bonobos in sanctuaries in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia.
The apes touched and embraced each other before food was given, to reduce stress and build trust.
Physical contact included touching, hugging, kissing, and even putting fingers in mouths.
Groups that showed more close contact were more peaceful when sharing food.
Scientists called these actions "reassurance trains," where many apes hugged in a row.
The behavior is seen as a very old way to communicate and likely existed before humans and apes split from a common ancestor around seven million years ago.
This study was published in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences.
The findings suggest human gestures like hugs or pats before stressful events may come from these ancient social behaviors.
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Somalia’s government is worried about WhatsApp’s new feature that allows users to chat using usernames instead of phone numbers. They say this could make it harder to track criminals and increase fraud in a country fighting Islamist militants like al-Shabab.
Key Facts
WhatsApp plans to let people use usernames rather than phone numbers to chat.
Somalia’s Communications Minister says this could hurt security and make criminals harder to find.
Somalia relies heavily on mobile money transactions, which could be targeted by fraud.
Al-Shabab, an Islamist militant group, has used WhatsApp for extortion and propaganda.
Somalia has previously shut down WhatsApp groups linked to al-Shabab’s criminal activities.
WhatsApp said phone numbers will still be needed and the new feature includes protections against scams.
India has also raised concerns about usernames increasing fraud and impersonation risks.
Somalia is asking Meta (WhatsApp’s owner) to prove the feature won’t harm digital tracking before allowing it.
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A 16-year-old boy in Perth, Australia, has been charged with murdering his mother and stabbing his 12-year-old sister. The sister escaped and was taken to the hospital in serious but stable condition.
Key Facts
The incident happened in Bentley, a suburb in south-east Perth.
Police arrived at the home on Tuesday morning and found the mother dead.
The 12-year-old sister was stabbed but managed to run to a nearby highway for help.
Bystanders provided first aid to the sister before paramedics took her to Perth Children’s Hospital.
The sister is in critical but stable condition at the hospital.
The 16-year-old boy was charged with one count of murder and one count of attempting to unlawfully kill.
He was scheduled to appear in Perth children’s court on Wednesday.
Police said the event has deeply affected the community and the family.
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The U.S. military conducted its eleventh night of strikes against Iran, with explosions reported in the Tabriz region in the northwest of the country. These strikes aim to reduce Iran’s ability to threaten commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway for global trade.
Key Facts
The U.S. began the strikes at 7 pm Eastern Time (2300 GMT) on Tuesday.
Explosions were reported in Tabriz, northwestern Iran, which differs from earlier strikes mainly focused in southern Iran.
The goal of the strikes is to limit Iran’s threat to shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
The Strait of Hormuz is an important waterway for commercial shipping in the Gulf region.
The strikes resumed after a June 17 agreement between the U.S. and Iran ended.
The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) oversees these military actions.
There is an ongoing competition between the U.S. and Iran for control of the Gulf’s waterways.
This marks a continuation of heightened tensions between the two countries.
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A Florida judge ordered President Donald Trump to provide financial records to the BBC during a defamation lawsuit. The BBC is defending itself against a $10 billion claim by Trump over a TV show segment about the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot.
Key Facts
The judge ruled Trump must hand over financial records from his business trust.
The case involves Trump’s accusation that a BBC Panorama episode edited his speech unfairly.
The lawsuit demands $10 billion in damages from the BBC.
The ruling on the financial records can still be appealed.
The judge partly denied the BBC’s request for Capitol riot-related documents from Trump.
The discovery process is ongoing, where both sides exchange evidence and documents.
BBC claims Trump’s side has provided very few documents compared to the BBC’s large submission.
Trump’s lawyers called the BBC’s document requests “oppressive” and said the BBC is trying to harass officials.
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An oxygen tank that was not disposed of properly exploded inside a Milwaukee garbage truck while it was crushing trash. A sanitation worker was hurt, suffering a concussion and an injury to his eye.
Key Facts
The explosion happened in the back of a garbage truck in Milwaukee.
The blast was caused by oxygen tanks that were thrown away improperly.
The explosion occurred while the truck was compacting trash.
A sanitation worker was knocked off his feet by the blast.
The worker suffered a concussion and an eye injury.
The incident highlights the dangers of improper disposal of hazardous materials.
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Severe storms caused flash flooding across the Northeastern United States, affecting areas from Ohio to New England. The National Weather Service warned that the situation was dangerous and could threaten lives.
Key Facts
Storms hit the most populated part of the country on Tuesday.
Widespread flash flooding occurred in states from Ohio to New England.
The National Weather Service described the flooding as dangerous and life-threatening.
The flooding affected roads and communities in multiple states.
Weather experts provided forecasts and updates through news outlets.
Residents were advised to take precautions due to the severe weather.
The storm system brought heavy rain leading to rapid water rise.
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Senator John Kennedy asked top military leaders in a Senate hearing about the possible consequences if the United States stopped its military actions in Iran and brought troops home. Military officials avoided giving a direct answer, saying the question was hypothetical and involved political decisions.
Key Facts
Senator John Kennedy spoke at a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing.
Some senators want to end U.S. military actions against Iran.
Kennedy asked military leaders what would happen if the U.S. left Iran now.
General Dan Caine, chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, did not give a direct answer.
Military officials called the question hypothetical and related to politics.
The hearing included discussions about the future of U.S. involvement in Iran.
The video clip of the hearing is available for public viewing.
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Senator Gary Peters criticized Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth during a congressional hearing. Peters said Hegseth failed to win the war in Iran but is now asking Congress for nearly $70 billion more in funding.
Key Facts
Senator Gary Peters is a Democrat from Michigan.
Peters spoke during an appropriations hearing on Tuesday.
He called Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth a "failure."
Peters said Hegseth lacked the leadership needed to win the Iran war.
Hegseth is requesting almost $70 billion in additional funding from Congress.
The hearing involves budget decisions for defense spending related to the Iran conflict.
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President Donald Trump said the United States is not done attacking Iran as conflict in the Middle East grows. Iran and its allies have launched attacks on Gulf states, while the US responded with strikes and diplomatic talks continue.
Key Facts
President Trump warned Iran would take 20 to 25 years to recover from US attacks.
Iran and its Houthi allies expanded strikes against Gulf states like Jordan, Kuwait, and Bahrain.
Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan reported intercepting Iranian drone and missile attacks.
Iran targeted US forces and military sites in the region, including radar and defense systems.
The Iran-backed Houthi rebels threatened to block Saudi ports, potentially affecting oil exports.
Saudi Arabia condemned the Houthi threat and fights between Saudi forces and Houthis recently resumed.
Two oil tankers reversed course in the Red Sea, possibly due to the Houthi threat to port access.
President Trump said the US would act if the Houthis blockaded Saudi ports, recalling past actions against them.
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HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said the cyclospora outbreak, which has made thousands of people sick across the U.S., is under control. He defended the work his department has done to manage the situation.
Key Facts
The cyclospora outbreak has sickened thousands of people in the United States.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
He stated that the outbreak is currently under control.
Kennedy defended how his department has handled the outbreak.
Cyclospora is a parasite that can cause illness, often spread through contaminated food or water.
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A group of UK MPs recommends lowering the tax employers pay on wages for workers under 25 to help more young people find jobs. They say high costs like employer National Insurance contributions make it harder to hire young workers, contributing to many youths not being in school, work, or training (called Neet). The MPs want the government to create clearer, more helpful policies for youth employment.
Key Facts
MPs suggest cutting employer National Insurance (NI) contributions for all workers under 25.
Over one million 16 to 24-year-olds in the UK are not in education, employment, or training (Neet).
Employer NI rates rose from 13.8% to 15% in April last year, with the start threshold lowered from £9,100 to £5,000.
The retail and hospitality sectors, which hire many young people, have been hit hard by increased employer NI costs.
Employers pay no NI for workers under 21 or apprentices under 25 (unless paid over £50,270), but must pay 15% for non-apprentices aged 21-24 on earnings above £5,000.
MPs highlighted contradictions in policies, like cutting benefits for trainees that discourage apprenticeships.
The cost of young people being Neet is estimated at £125 billion a year due to benefits and lost economic output.
The government says it is working to create opportunities for young people and support education and jobs.
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Senator Gary Peters criticized Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for the U.S. strategy in the ongoing conflict with Iran, saying that American troops are still dying and key problems remain unresolved. Hegseth responded by calling Peters' statement reckless and said it disrespects the sacrifices made by U.S. troops.
Key Facts
Senator Gary Peters made his remarks during a hearing with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Peters said the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, causing higher prices and continued risks to U.S. service members.
Peters questioned what has changed since the start of the conflict, implying a lack of progress.
Hegseth rejected the claim that the U.S. strategy has been a failure.
Hegseth said Peters’ criticism unfairly disrespects the troops fighting to prevent Iran from getting nuclear weapons.
The discussion centered on the U.S. approach to the conflict with Iran and its consequences.
The article highlights a disagreement between a senator and a defense official over the war’s management and outcomes.
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Democratic lawmakers held a special hearing to criticize President Trump’s construction projects in Washington, D.C., calling them "vanity projects" and raising concerns about corruption and no-bid contracts. Republicans did not participate, and the hearing did not have official congressional status.
Key Facts
Democrats held a shadow hearing on July 21, 2026, to criticize President Trump’s construction projects like the East Wing renovation and the Reflecting Pool repair.
They accused the president of using no-bid contracts, including one awarded to a company owned by a political donor and neighbor.
Witnesses said these projects show corruption and misuse of power without proven legal violations so far.
The hearing had no Republican participation and was done on temporary tables, not in the usual Senate setup.
Democratic lawmakers highlighted possible conflicts between donors to Trump’s projects and government decisions.
Musician Ben Folds testified that politicizing art at the Kennedy Center, where Trump was chairman, hurt its reputation and led to show cancellations.
Democrats are investigating funding and contracts for Trump-led projects but cannot force the administration to share information yet.
Senator Richard Blumenthal said Democrats may use subpoena power next year if they gain more authority.
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Tropical Storm Bertha is forming and weather experts are tracking its path. Meteorologists expect the storm to move along a certain route, which they share to help people prepare.
Key Facts
Tropical Storm Bertha is currently developing.
Weathercasters are closely monitoring its path.
The storm's expected route has been projected and shared publicly.
The information helps communities prepare for possible weather impacts.
Updates are available through CBS News and their app.
Lonnie Quinn is a chief weathercaster providing this information.
Tropical storms are organized weather systems with strong winds and rain.
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Tropical Storm Bertha is getting stronger in the Gulf of Mexico. The Gulf Coast is preparing for heavy rain and possible dangerous flooding caused by the storm.
Key Facts
Tropical Storm Bertha is currently active in the Gulf of Mexico.
The storm is increasing in strength.
Areas along the Gulf Coast are expecting heavy rainfall.
There is a risk of flooding from both rain and storm surge, which is water pushed onto land by winds.
Meteorologists are tracking the storm's path closely.
Local communities are taking steps to prepare for potential flooding and dangerous conditions.
Officials may issue warnings to keep people safe from the storm’s impact.
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A Mexican man named Juan Jairo Coronilla Durán died after being hit by a truck in Florida while fleeing from U.S. immigration officers. He was visiting the U.S. on a tourist visa and had been vacationing with family before the incident.
Key Facts
Juan Jairo Coronilla Durán, 28, died on July 14 in St. Augustine, Florida.
He was struck by a tractor trailer after running across a busy road during an encounter with immigration officers.
Coronilla Durán had a tourist visa and was visiting from Mexico, staying first in Georgia before traveling to Florida.
The incident occurred after he and three others fled on foot from ICE and Homeland Security agents at a gas station.
Authorities have not explained why the officers stopped the vehicle or what happened to the others involved.
His wife, Yezzika Alamilla, was helped by a farmworker advocacy group to return to the U.S. and handle his remains.
Coronilla Durán will be buried in his hometown, San Luis de la Paz, Guanajuato, Mexico.
His death is part of a series of fatal encounters with ICE agents since President Trump began a mass deportation campaign last year.
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Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing how jobs are done by automating some tasks and helping workers with others. Studies show AI is affecting job opportunities and wages in sectors like finance, software, and creative industries, with companies investing heavily in AI tools to improve productivity and reduce costs.
Key Facts
AI companies claim their tools can either replace or assist human workers.
Businesses are spending large sums on AI to save money on employee costs.
Some AI models now perform complex tasks like software coding that used to take humans hours.
AI is beginning to impact jobs in finance, legal work, and creative fields.
Research from Stanford shows a 2.7% drop in jobs for young adults since ChatGPT launched, with bigger drops (up to 12.8%) in AI-exposed jobs.
Online job postings have declined in sectors exposed to AI, such as telemarketing and legal services.
The UK’s service-heavy economy is vulnerable to AI-related job changes.
Top companies track AI use with "token leaderboards" to boost worker productivity from AI models.
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