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Scientists have discovered a new species of monkey in the dense forests of the Democratic Republic of Congo. This black-furred monkey has bright pinkish-orange lips and was confirmed as a new species after many years of study and genetic testing.
Key Facts
The monkey was first seen in 2008 in Lomami National Park, DRC, but was only confirmed as a new species recently.
It is named Colobus congoensis and belongs to the group of colobus monkeys, which do not have thumbs.
The monkey lives high in the trees and is shy, making it hard to study.
Local people call the monkey "Likweli" and only some villagers have ever seen it.
The monkey has a unique loud "roaring" call that can be heard more often than it is seen.
It plays an important role in the forest by helping with seed spreading and growth.
The species is hunted for meat, so researchers want it to be protected now that it is officially recognized.
Scientists plan to do more research on the monkey’s population size and behavior.
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A trial is underway in Genoa, Italy, to decide who is responsible for the collapse of the Morandi bridge in 2018. The disaster killed 43 people, and families of the victims have waited nearly eight years for a verdict. The court is examining whether the collapse was due to poor maintenance or a design fault.
Key Facts
The Morandi bridge in Genoa collapsed on August 14, 2018, during a summer storm, killing 43 people.
The victims included Claudia Possetti, her husband Andrea, and their two children, who fell with their car from the bridge.
The bridge was built in the 1960s and was a key part of the route between Genoa and the French border.
Since July 2022, 57 people have been on trial, including former company executives, engineers, and government officials.
Charges include multiple manslaughter and falsifying documents; all defendants deny wrongdoing.
Prosecutors claim maintenance was neglected despite warning signs, while defense lawyers say a hidden design flaw caused the failure.
The trial has lasted nearly four years with 284 hearings and could take years more due to appeals.
The collapse sparked a wider discussion in Italy about aging infrastructure and the need for better maintenance.
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A lawsuit has been filed against President Donald Trump’s executive order that imposes sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC) and Palestinian human rights groups. The lawsuit claims these sanctions violate free speech by limiting advocacy related to investigations of human rights violations involving Israel.
Key Facts
President Trump signed an executive order in February 2025 placing sanctions on ICC judges, prosecutors, and groups linked to investigations of Israel.
The ICC is an international court that can prosecute genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity.
The sanctions include financial and visa restrictions on people helping ICC investigations of U.S. citizens or allies.
Two U.S.-based advocacy groups, Democracy in the Arab World Now (Dawn) and Taxpayer Alliance Against Genocide (Taag), filed the lawsuit in New York federal court.
The lawsuit argues the sanctions stop their political speech and advocacy, violating the U.S. Constitution.
The U.S. and Israel are not members of the ICC.
The executive order followed an ICC arrest warrant for Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over alleged war crimes in Gaza.
U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, have expressed intent to expand sanctions and oppose the ICC, claiming it threatens U.S. sovereignty.
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A natural deodorant company called Wild spends millions of pounds on Instagram influencer marketing to sell its products. They work with well-known people like tennis player Emma Raducanu and TV personality Stacey Solomon, paying some influencers up to £1 million for campaigns.
Key Facts
Wild is a natural deodorant brand that uses refillable packaging.
The company was bought by Unilever last year.
Wild’s annual budget for influencer marketing is nearly £10 million and may double next year.
Top celebrities like Emma Raducanu can be paid about £1 million to be brand ambassadors.
Influencers may earn from £2,000 to £50,000 for a single Instagram post.
Wild employs over 20 people to manage influencer partnerships.
Influencer marketing is preferred because followers trust influencers more than traditional ads.
Authenticity is important; influencers usually promote products that match their personal brand or interests.
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The United States and Iran have been attacking each other for five days in a row. President Donald Trump warned that the U.S. might target Iran’s civilian infrastructure if the conflict continues.
Key Facts
The U.S. and Iran have exchanged military strikes for five consecutive days.
President Donald Trump threatened to attack civilian infrastructure in Iran.
The conflict is increasing tensions between the two countries.
CBS News covered the ongoing situation and featured analysis from a national security expert.
This escalation involves direct actions and threats from both governments.
The conflict affects international relations and regional security in the Middle East.
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A new bill called the Radiation Exposure Reauthorization Act of 2026 would allow veterans involved in Cold War nuclear cleanup missions to get a one-time payment up to $150,000. It would expand the current Radiation Exposure Compensation Act to include veterans from specific nuclear sites and increase the types of illnesses covered.
Key Facts
The bill targets veterans who took part in cleanup work at Enewetak Atoll (Marshall Islands), Palomares (Spain), and Thule (Greenland).
These sites were locations of nuclear accidents or testing that left behind radioactive contamination.
Veterans exposed to radiation during cleanup missions often face cancers, heart disease, and other health problems.
The bill would increase the maximum compensation payment from $75,000 to $150,000.
It would also extend the deadline for filing claims until December 31, 2042.
The legislation is expected to be introduced by Representative James Moylan and a bipartisan group soon.
Fewer than 6,000 veterans served at these sites, with only several hundred still living.
Previously, these veterans were excluded from federal compensation programs even though some illnesses are now presumed to be connected to radiation exposure.
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Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee as part of his nomination process to become permanent Attorney General. Senators asked him about his work as President Trump’s personal lawyer, the proposed settlement fund for people affected by the Department of Justice, and how he dealt with files related to Jeffrey Epstein.
Key Facts
Todd Blanche is the current Acting Attorney General.
He appeared before the Senate Judiciary Committee for confirmation hearings.
Senators questioned him about his past role as President Trump’s personal lawyer.
He was asked about a proposed settlement fund linked to Department of Justice cases.
Blanche faced questions regarding his handling of files connected to Jeffrey Epstein.
The hearing is part of the process to decide if Blanche will become the permanent Attorney General.
Justice correspondent Ali Rogan reported on the hearing.
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Jay Clayton attended a Senate hearing to be confirmed as the director of national intelligence. Although the job deals mostly with foreign threats and security, the hearing focused mainly on the 2020 U.S. presidential election.
Key Facts
Jay Clayton is nominated to be the director of national intelligence.
The director of national intelligence's role centers on threats from other countries and national safety.
The Senate Intelligence Committee held a confirmation hearing for Clayton.
Much of the hearing concentrated on the 2020 U.S. presidential election.
Clayton declined to state who won the 2020 election during the hearing.
The discussion involved intelligence expert Fred Fleitz, who has 25 years of experience.
The hearing took place under President Donald Trump’s administration.
The director of national intelligence oversees U.S. intelligence agencies to protect the country.
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President Donald Trump plans to talk about new claims that China interfered in U.S. elections. He will allege that China accessed U.S. voter information and that the CIA knew about it but did not tell him during his first term.
Key Facts
President Trump will give a primetime speech on Thursday night.
The speech will include allegations of Chinese interference in U.S. elections.
He claims China obtained U.S. voter data.
President Trump says the CIA was aware of this but did not inform him.
Cabinet members, including leaders of the CIA, FBI, and other agencies, are invited to the speech.
Some cabinet members may not attend due to scheduling conflicts.
The White House press secretary said no one knows exactly what the president will say yet.
This story is developing and more information may come.
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The US military will begin testing testosterone levels in service members as part of a new health program. Troops aged 30 and older will be tested every year, and those with low levels can choose to receive hormone therapy to help improve their strength and health.
Key Facts
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the military will screen testosterone levels to help troops perform their best.
Service members 30 years and older must have annual testosterone tests; younger troops can ask for testing if they want.
Troops with low testosterone can voluntarily receive testosterone replacement therapy.
The military bans using testosterone for muscle enhancement without a doctor’s approval.
The program aims to support service members’ long-term health and ability to perform both during and after service.
Testosterone therapy can help increase muscle, reduce fat, decrease depression risk, and improve bone strength.
Therapy can cause infertility and may increase heart risks, so it’s recommended only for those with symptoms.
The US Health Secretary and FDA are working to make testosterone therapy more accessible, citing concerns like a national fertility crisis.
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President Donald Trump ended the temporary pause on ICE traffic stops that had been put in place after two deadly shootings. The U.S. also carried out new military strikes against Iran. Meanwhile, smoke from wildfires in Canada and Minnesota is making the air unhealthy for many people in the Midwest and Northeastern United States.
Key Facts
President Trump canceled the pause on Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) traffic stops.
The pause was originally issued after two deadly shootings related to traffic stops.
The U.S. launched several new military strikes targeting Iran.
Wildfires in Canada and Minnesota are producing heavy smoke.
The smoke is causing poor air quality for millions in the Midwest and Northeastern U.S.
The unhealthy air affects a large region across multiple states.
The news was reported on a Wednesday.
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Two health experts nominated by President Donald Trump appeared before the Senate for confirmation. Senators from both parties questioned the nominees, focusing on concerns about pressure on vaccine decisions during the administration.
Key Facts
Erica Schwartz was nominated to be the next director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Sean Kaufman is also a health nominee from President Trump’s administration.
Both nominees faced questions from Senate Democrats and some Republicans.
Senators expressed concern about whether nominees would resist political pressure related to vaccines.
The hearing took place on a Wednesday.
The discussion showed tensions about how much the health officials would maintain independence from the administration’s influence.
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Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi recently attended the funeral of Iran's supreme leader and shortly after met with President Donald Trump in the White House. His meetings show he is trying to balance relations between Iran and the United States while focusing on Iraq’s interests.
Key Facts
Zaidi attended the funeral procession of Iran's former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in Najaf, Iraq.
He then traveled to Washington to meet President Donald Trump at the White House.
Zaidi became prime minister in May after a long political deadlock in Iraq.
He is seen as less dependent on Iran than previous leaders, supported by both Shiite factions and the Trump administration.
Zaidi promised to fight corruption and to control Iran-backed militias in Iraq.
Iran pressured Zaidi not to make the U.S. his first overseas visit, but he insisted on meeting President Trump.
At the White House, President Trump praised Zaidi and added an unplanned lunch during their meeting.
Zaidi focused on improving economic ties with the U.S., completing the U.S. troop withdrawal, and disarming militias under Iraqi government control.
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Kathy Ruemmler, former chief legal officer at Goldman Sachs and former White House counsel for President Obama, testified before the House Oversight Committee about her ties to Jeffrey Epstein. She said she never saw evidence of Epstein’s criminal behavior while working with him and expressed regret for associating with him after his 2019 arrest.
Key Facts
Kathy Ruemmler worked as top lawyer at Goldman Sachs and served as White House counsel under President Obama.
She testified in a closed-door session of the House Oversight Committee investigating government handling of Epstein cases.
Ruemmler said she never saw evidence of Epstein’s criminal conduct during their interactions.
Epstein called her after his arrest in July 2019, but she stopped all contact with him afterward.
She declined to join Epstein’s legal defense team following his arraignment.
Ruemmler expressed that Epstein was a “masterful liar” who used her to appear credible.
She was shocked by Epstein's 2019 indictment alleging he recruited underage girls for sex acts.
Ruemmler regretted ever meeting Epstein and said she would have reported abuse if she had seen it.
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George Santos, a former U.S. congressman who was expelled and served time in federal prison, will appear on a reality TV show called “Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test” on Fox. The show features tough military-style challenges in a Malaysian jungle and includes other celebrity contestants.
Key Facts
George Santos was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2022 as a Republican.
He was expelled from Congress after it was revealed he lied about much of his life story.
Santos faced criminal charges for stealing from donors, campaign fraud, and lying to Congress.
He pleaded guilty but had his sentence reduced by President Donald Trump after serving about 84 days in prison.
Santos will appear on the fifth season of Fox's reality show “Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test.”
The show involves difficult physical, mental, and emotional challenges, including chemical gassing and underground bunker searches.
Other contestants on the show include former NBA player Matt Barnes and actor Ruby Rose.
Santos recently faced federal investigation over alleged illegal online betting practices.
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Several reporters from The New York Times have been ordered to appear before a federal grand jury. This happened after the newspaper published articles about security problems with the new Air Force One airplane.
Key Facts
The New York Times published stories about security concerns regarding the new Air Force One.
Federal authorities issued subpoenas to multiple Times reporters.
The reporters must testify before a federal grand jury.
The case has raised questions about the freedom of the press.
White House correspondent Liz Landers and analyst Will Creeley have discussed these issues.
The situation involves government interest in national security information.
It highlights tensions between press reporting and government secrecy.
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Hundreds of employees and supporters protested layoffs at Bethesda and Zenimax, part of Xbox's parent company Microsoft. The rally aimed to urge Microsoft to resume contract talks and address job cuts affecting game development teams.
Key Facts
The protest took place outside Zenimax’s headquarters in Maryland during a midday rally.
Similar rallies were held at Microsoft offices in Texas, California, and Montreal.
The layoffs affected Bethesda Game Studios and Zenimax Online Studios employees.
The union involved is Zenimax Workers United, part of the Communication Workers of America (CWA).
Union leaders demanded Microsoft return to contract negotiations with uncontracted Bethesda staff.
Microsoft said it reached out to the union on July 6 to begin bargaining over the layoffs.
Microsoft CEO Asha Sharma stated layoffs were necessary to restructure Xbox for long-term growth.
Some laid-off employees criticized the layoffs as avoidable despite the company’s strong performance.
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Police in the U.S. use cameras with artificial intelligence to scan many cars every month. Some people say these cameras help catch criminals, while others worry they invade privacy and create a large surveillance system.
Key Facts
Law enforcement agencies in the U.S. use AI-powered cameras to monitor vehicles.
These cameras scan billions of cars each month.
Many drivers do not know their vehicles are being scanned.
Supporters believe the technology helps solve crimes.
Critics say it builds a nationwide network that watches people closely.
There are concerns about how much privacy is lost for the sake of safety.
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Todd Blanche, President Donald Trump's nominee for attorney general, faced questions from senators about how he handled files related to Jeffrey Epstein. Blanche admitted to some mistakes but defended his actions during his confirmation hearing.
Key Facts
Todd Blanche was nominated by President Trump for attorney general.
He became acting attorney general in April 2026 after Pam Bondi was fired.
Senate members questioned Blanche about the release of Epstein files to the public.
Blanche acknowledged errors in how the Epstein files were managed.
He was also asked about his personal relationship with President Trump.
The confirmation hearing was closely followed by news outlets, including the BBC.
Blanche defended his decisions during the hearing despite criticism.
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Congress may soon make daylight saving time permanent in the U.S., meaning clocks would no longer change twice a year. Health experts warn that this change could disrupt natural body rhythms and lead to long-term health issues like heart disease and obesity because people would get less morning sunlight.
Key Facts
The Sunshine Protection Act passed the House with 308 votes in favor and 117 opposed, and it now goes to the Senate.
If the Senate approves, President Donald Trump has said he will sign the bill into law.
Nearly all states except two would stay on daylight saving time year-round, with evenings having more sunlight and mornings less.
Studies show people do not generally exercise more just because of extra evening daylight; some existing exercisers may shift their workout time.
Health experts report more obesity and heart disease rates with permanent daylight saving time.
People tend to never fully adjust their sleep cycles to daylight saving time because it conflicts with the body’s natural clock, called the circadian rhythm.
Less morning light and later sunsets can cause difficulty falling asleep and waking up on time.
Poor sleep increases risks of heart issues, weight problems, weaker immune response, and possibly higher cancer rates.
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