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5th Circuit blocks Texas law requiring websites to filter "harmful" speech

5th Circuit blocks Texas law requiring websites to filter "harmful" speech

Summary

A federal appeals court blocked a Texas law that required websites to monitor and filter certain speech to protect minors. The court said the federal law, Section 230, prevents Texas from enforcing this rule because it would force websites to censor lawful content.

Key Facts

  • The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit ruled against Texas enforcing a law to filter harmful speech for minors online.
  • The law targeted social media and websites to block speech categories like suicide promotion, bullying, and child exploitation.
  • Tech groups CCIA and NetChoice challenged the law, winning a preliminary injunction in a lower court.
  • The 5th Circuit ruled 2-1 that the Texas law conflicts with Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act.
  • Section 230 generally protects websites from being treated as the publisher of third-party content.
  • Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton appealed but was not able to overturn the block on enforcing the law.
  • The court distinguished this case from a previous one where age verification on porn sites was allowed.
  • The ruling allows other parts of the Texas law unrelated to content filtering to remain in effect.
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Mom of Murdered Student Reacts to Bryan Kohberger's Plan to Change Plea

Mom of Murdered Student Reacts to Bryan Kohberger's Plan to Change Plea

Summary

Kristi Goncalves, mother of Kaylee Goncalves who was killed along with three other students, reacted to Bryan Kohberger’s plan to change his plea in their murder case. She expressed doubt about the plea change and said the family is staying positive and focused regardless of the outcome.

Key Facts

  • Kaylee Goncalves and three other students were murdered in an off-campus home in Moscow, Idaho in November 2022.
  • Bryan Kohberger was linked to the crime through DNA found on a knife sheath.
  • Kohberger had previously pleaded guilty but now wants to change his plea.
  • Kaylee’s mother, Kristi Goncalves, said she believes Kohberger is playing "judicial games" and doubts his new plea has merit.
  • The family has endured a lot of pain since the murders but remains hopeful and focused on the case.
  • The other victims were Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin, all students at the University of Idaho.
  • Each victim was remembered for their personality, academic focus, and close friendships.
  • The case and the victims’ deaths have deeply affected the university community and beyond.
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Movie theaters making big bucks from themed popcorn buckets

Movie theaters making big bucks from themed popcorn buckets

Summary

Movie theaters are earning more money by selling special popcorn buckets designed around popular movies. These themed buckets attract fans who want unique souvenirs while enjoying their snacks.

Key Facts

  • Movie theaters are using custom popcorn buckets based on popular films.
  • These buckets are designed to attract movie fans.
  • Themed buckets encourage more people to buy popcorn.
  • Selling these special containers is increasing theater profits.
  • Examples include buckets from movies like "The Odyssey."
  • Fans enjoy owning unique movie-related items.
  • This trend is helping theaters make more money beyond ticket sales.
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All senators invited to Zelensky meeting as Congress weighs Russia sanctions bill

All senators invited to Zelensky meeting as Congress weighs Russia sanctions bill

Summary

All 100 U.S. senators have been invited to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the Capitol on Tuesday evening. This meeting is happening while the Senate is discussing a bill to increase sanctions against Russia and its trade partners.

Key Facts

  • Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is visiting the U.S. Capitol for a meeting with all senators.
  • The meeting is scheduled for Tuesday at 6 p.m.
  • All 100 senators have been invited to attend.
  • The invitation was confirmed by several sources and first reported by Punchbowl News.
  • At the same time, the Senate is considering a bill for stronger sanctions on Russia.
  • The sanctions target Russia and countries that trade with it.
  • The meeting and Senate bill are connected to the ongoing situation involving Russia and Ukraine.
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Savannah Guthrie renews plea for answers in mother’s disappearance: ‘Do the right thing’

Savannah Guthrie renews plea for answers in mother’s disappearance: ‘Do the right thing’

Summary

Savannah Guthrie released a video asking anyone who knows about her missing mother, Nancy Guthrie, to come forward and help find her. Nancy, aged 84, has been missing since February 1 in Tucson, Arizona, and authorities believe she was kidnapped.

Key Facts

  • Nancy Guthrie was reported missing from her home in Tucson on February 1, 2024.
  • Authorities believe Nancy was abducted.
  • Blood drops were found on Nancy’s porch, and DNA was found on a glove two miles from her home.
  • The glove initially thought to be linked to the suspect was later shown to belong to a restaurant worker.
  • Savannah Guthrie posted a public plea on Instagram to raise awareness and ask for help.
  • The family has offered a $1 million reward for information leading to Nancy’s location.
  • The FBI added a $100,000 reward and is searching for a man about 5ft 9in to 5ft 10in tall.
  • No arrests have been made yet.
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Homan: ICE officer in Maine shooting shouldn’t have cleared vetting if allegations true

Homan: ICE officer in Maine shooting shouldn’t have cleared vetting if allegations true

Summary

Tom Homan, a border official, said that ICE officer David Brouillette should not have passed the background checks if claims about his violent past are correct. Brouillette, who is accused of fatally shooting a man in Maine, reportedly had serious mental health issues and a history of violent actions according to his family.

Key Facts

  • ICE officer David Brouillette is accused of fatally shooting a man in Maine.
  • Tom Homan, a border official, spoke about the case on Sunday.
  • Homan said Brouillette should not have passed vetting if violent history claims are true.
  • Brouillette’s family said he had severe mental health problems.
  • The family also mentioned he had a history of violent behavior.
  • The shooting incident is currently under investigation.
  • Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) employs Brouillette.
  • The vetting process refers to background checks for suitability to work.
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Michigan AG investigating child services swatting call involving Buttigieg, his kids

Michigan AG investigating child services swatting call involving Buttigieg, his kids

Summary

The Michigan Attorney General's office is investigating a false call made to child services about Pete Buttigieg that caused him to be temporarily separated from his children. They described the call as a harmful act meant to intimidate public figures and want to prevent similar incidents.

Key Facts

  • The investigation is led by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel’s office.
  • The false child services call targeted Pete Buttigieg, a former Transportation Secretary and potential 2028 presidential candidate.
  • The call resulted in Buttigieg being separated from his two children for a short time.
  • Michigan’s Attorney General called the incident a “malicious act.”
  • The investigation aims to find any illegal actions and reduce the risk of copycat threats against public figures.
  • The incident happened last month and was reported publicly in late July 2026.
  • The case highlights concerns about threats targeting well-known people and elected officials.
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Watch: Officials give update on deadly shooting near Seattle's Space Needle

Watch: Officials give update on deadly shooting near Seattle's Space Needle

Summary

Officials in Seattle gave an update on a deadly shooting that happened Sunday night near the Space Needle during a food festival. Three people died and four others were injured in the incident.

Key Facts

  • The shooting occurred on Sunday night near Seattle’s Space Needle.
  • It took place during a food festival event.
  • Three people were killed in the shooting.
  • Four people were wounded and needed medical attention.
  • Seattle authorities held a news conference on Monday to share information.
  • The update was provided by local officials and reported by CBS News.
  • The investigation into the shooting is ongoing.
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Court told of slain girl’s final texts as she approached singer D4vd’s home

Court told of slain girl’s final texts as she approached singer D4vd’s home

Summary

Prosecutors described the last night of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, showing her final texts to singer David Burke (known as D4vd) before she arrived at his home and her phone went silent. Burke is accused of stabbing her to death and is facing charges including murder and sexual abuse; the court is deciding if he will go to trial.

Key Facts

  • Celeste Rivas Hernandez was 14 years old and texted singer D4vd before arriving at his Hollywood home in an Uber he arranged.
  • Her final text said she was almost at his door, after which her phone stopped responding.
  • Prosecutors say David Burke (D4vd), aged 21, stabbed her to death and dismembered her body in his garage.
  • Burke denies causing her death and pleaded not guilty.
  • The hearing is to decide if Burke will go to trial on charges including murder, sexual abuse of a child under 14, and mutilation.
  • Text messages showed they argued about his other relationship, and she threatened to harm his career and life, while he sent messages after her phone stopped replying.
  • No witnesses or cameras confirmed her entering his house or Burke’s presence at the time prosecutors say the killing happened.
  • Both families knew about their relationship and had consented to some time together, including travel.
  • Celeste’s body was found in a Tesla registered to Burke about five months after her disappearance.
  • Burke is a young singer with a large online following and popular songs on streaming platforms.
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Pakistan-administered Kashmir opens polls in violence-wracked vote

Pakistan-administered Kashmir opens polls in violence-wracked vote

Summary

Pakistan-administered Kashmir began local elections amid heavy security and recent violent clashes. Voting is taking place in three phases due to safety concerns, with internet and mobile services mostly suspended during the unrest.

Key Facts

  • Local legislative elections began Monday in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, with voting split into three rounds.
  • The area has seen violent protests recently, with nearly 40 people killed since early June.
  • Security forces are heavily deployed because of clashes between protesters and police.
  • About 3.8 million people are eligible to vote in this region.
  • Internet and mobile services have been mostly shut down, affecting election campaigns.
  • Some protest groups have called for a boycott of the vote, opposing reserved assembly seats for refugees.
  • The protest movement, JAAC, was banned under anti-terrorism laws and its leaders arrested or in hiding.
  • Voter turnout appeared low in the first voting district, Mirpur, during hot weather conditions.
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Wisconsin tornado causes extensive damage and cuts power to thousands of homes

Wisconsin tornado causes extensive damage and cuts power to thousands of homes

Summary

A tornado hit Wisconsin on Monday, causing heavy damage to homes, trees, and power lines. Thousands of people lost electricity, and several communities were affected, including Appleton and Menasha.

Key Facts

  • The tornado struck Winnebago County, about 90 miles northwest of Milwaukee.
  • It moved over Lake Winnebago and headed south toward Fond du Lac County around 12:25 p.m.
  • In Appleton, many homes lost roofs and siding, cars were flipped, and streets were covered with broken branches.
  • Menasha, a city of about 18,000 people, lost power due to a downed transmission line.
  • Thousands of homes experienced power outages.
  • The National Weather Service confirmed the tornado's presence.
  • Damage included uprooted trees and electrical infrastructure losses.
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ICE extends no-bid contract for major detention center in Texas, rejecting calls for closure

ICE extends no-bid contract for major detention center in Texas, rejecting calls for closure

Summary

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) plans to keep the Camp East Montana detention center in Texas open for another year by extending a no-bid contract with the company running the facility. This decision comes despite reports of mistreatment and poor conditions for detainees, along with calls from lawmakers and advocacy groups to close the center.

Key Facts

  • ICE will extend the contract with Amentum Services Inc. to run Camp East Montana until September 30, 2027.
  • The extension could cost taxpayers an additional $776 million, on top of the original $452 million contract.
  • Camp East Montana opened in August 2025 near the U.S.-Mexico border and houses over 2,000 detainees daily.
  • Reports accuse staff of beating detainees, denying medical care, and providing poor living conditions and bad food.
  • Federal agency reports have found unsafe conditions and wasted government spending at the center.
  • At least three detainees have died at Camp East Montana.
  • ICE said moving detainees to other facilities is not practical due to lack of space and high costs of switching contractors.
  • The no-bid contract extension means there was no competitive bidding process for continuing the center’s operation.
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Judge dismisses challenge to Trump’s Religious Liberty Commission

Judge dismisses challenge to Trump’s Religious Liberty Commission

Summary

A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit challenging President Trump’s Religious Liberty Commission. The challenge claimed the commission unfairly excluded some religions, but the judge found no legal problem with its membership.

Key Facts

  • The challenge argued the commission left out non-Judeo-Christian religions.
  • The law requires commissions like this to be “fairly balanced” among different faiths.
  • The commission includes members from public, private, and nonprofit sectors.
  • The judge ruled the challenge was not valid and dismissed the case.
  • The case was decided on Monday.
  • President Donald Trump appointed the Religious Liberty Commission.
  • The interfaith coalition brought the challenge against the commission’s composition.
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Verizon touts $1B dark fiber deal for Google data centers as first of many

Verizon touts $1B dark fiber deal for Google data centers as first of many

Summary

Verizon announced a deal worth over $1 billion to connect Google data centers using its dark fiber network as part of a new AI-focused business effort. The company is also upgrading its central offices into small data centers to support fast AI computing near users, expecting more AI-related deals that will bring in billions of dollars over the coming years.

Key Facts

  • Verizon has a $1 billion deal with Google to link its data centers using Verizon’s dark fiber routes.
  • Dark fiber means unused fiber-optic cables that can be rented out for data transmission.
  • Verizon is converting some of its central offices into small data centers to support AI applications that need very low delays, like robotics or autonomous driving.
  • This conversion supports "inference edge computing," which processes AI tasks closer to users instead of in large data centers.
  • Verizon is retiring old copper wiring and replacing it with faster fiber-optic cables.
  • Verizon expanded its fiber network to 31 states plus Washington, DC, after buying Frontier Communications for $20 billion.
  • The company has been reducing its workforce and moving some retail stores to franchise owners.
  • Verizon expects its AI-related deals to increase revenue and profits starting next year and grow a lot over 5 to 10 years.
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Savannah Guthrie asks alleged kidnappers to "do the right thing" in new video

Savannah Guthrie asks alleged kidnappers to "do the right thing" in new video

Summary

Savannah Guthrie made a public video appeal asking the people who took her 84-year-old mother, Nancy Guthrie, to "do the right thing" and bring her home. Nancy has been missing since February 1 in Tucson, Arizona, and the family continues to search for her after receiving ransom notes and a message saying she had died.

Key Facts

  • Nancy Guthrie went missing on February 1 after not showing up for church.
  • Authorities believe Nancy was taken from her home in Tucson, Arizona.
  • Two ransom notes were sent to the Guthrie family asking for millions in bitcoin.
  • A second note claimed Nancy had died but said her death was not intended.
  • Savannah Guthrie publicly appealed for the return of her mother in a video posted on Instagram.
  • This was the Guthrie family’s first major public message about Nancy since June 23.
  • Savannah described the situation as an ongoing nightmare for her family.
  • The family promises to keep searching and has asked the kidnappers to do the right thing.
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New bridge connecting Detroit and Canada opens amid diplomatic tension

New bridge connecting Detroit and Canada opens amid diplomatic tension

Summary

The Gordie Howe International Bridge, linking Detroit in the United States with Ontario in Canada, officially opened on Monday. The bridge aims to improve cross-border travel and trade, but President Donald Trump has expressed concerns about the agreement that controls how the bridge will be used.

Key Facts

  • The new bridge connects Detroit, Michigan, and Ontario, Canada.
  • It is called the Gordie Howe International Bridge.
  • The bridge opened on Monday.
  • The bridge is meant to enhance travel and trade between the U.S. and Canada.
  • President Donald Trump has raised questions about the agreement governing the bridge’s use.
  • Marta Leardi-Anderson, executive director of the Cross-Border Institute, discussed the bridge opening on CBS News.
  • The opening happens amid diplomatic tension between the two countries.
  • The bridge is an important new connection for cross-border transportation.
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The biggest weather risk for homeowners? It's no longer hurricanes.

The biggest weather risk for homeowners? It's no longer hurricanes.

Summary

New research shows that tornadoes, hail, and strong winds caused by climate change now cause more costly damage to homeowners than hurricanes and floods. In 2025, insurance payouts for these severe convective storms were higher worldwide, especially in the U.S., where such storms hit valuable property.

Key Facts

  • Severe convective storms (including tornadoes, hail, and strong winds) caused more insurance losses globally in 2025 than cyclones or hurricanes.
  • Insurance payouts for these storms over the past 25 years totaled $794 billion, more than floods, earthquakes, and droughts combined.
  • In 2025, these storms caused one-third of global natural disaster economic losses, with $82 billion in losses, $68 billion of which happened in the U.S.
  • The U.S. has many valuable insured properties, which increases the financial impact of these storms.
  • Homeowners' insurance usually covers damage from these storms, but costs and insurance premiums are rising, especially in the Midwest and northern Texas.
  • Illinois, Ohio, North Carolina, and Georgia are particularly at risk due to large urban areas and property values.
  • Severe convective storms cause frequent damage through hail, wind, and tornadoes, unlike hurricanes or earthquakes that cause fewer but larger disasters.
  • Hail causes the highest insurance payouts among these storms because it damages homes, cars, and infrastructure over wide areas.
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Are the US and Iran heading towards a forever war?

Are the US and Iran heading towards a forever war?

Summary

The United States has carried out daily bombings on Iran’s civilian sites for 13 nights. Iran responded by attacking US allies in the Gulf. President Donald Trump has warned of increasing the attacks, raising concerns about a wider war between the two countries.

Key Facts

  • The US bombed Iranian civilian infrastructure such as bridges, airports, electrical plants, and a desalination facility.
  • These attacks occurred over 13 consecutive nights.
  • Iran retaliated by striking civilian infrastructure of US allies in the Gulf region.
  • President Donald Trump threatened to escalate US attacks even more.
  • There is a risk that the conflict could turn into a full-scale war.
  • The article discusses the historical background that shapes the current tensions between the US and Iran.
  • The discussion involves experts analyzing the situation on a news program called UpFront.
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Experts warn current Starship heat shield tech is a "dead end" for rapid reuse

Experts warn current Starship heat shield tech is a "dead end" for rapid reuse

Summary

SpaceX successfully launched its Starship rocket, showing progress toward delivering satellites and landing safely. However, experts say the current heat shield, made of ceramic tiles, may not allow the rocket to be reused quickly and cheaply.

Key Facts

  • Starship uses about 18,000 ceramic tiles to protect it during reentry through Earth's atmosphere.
  • Experts, including a former NASA engineer, say this heat shield design is a "dead end" for fast and full reuse.
  • Space Shuttle faced similar issues with ceramic tiles, which required expensive and slow inspections after each flight.
  • Starship’s steel body can tolerate higher heat than the Shuttle, allowing for some tile damage.
  • After Starship’s recent flight, some tiles showed cracks, edge damage, and possible hot gas leaks between tiles.
  • This damage means the heat shield will need inspections and repairs before another flight, slowing down reuse.
  • SpaceX founder Elon Musk recognizes this heat shield challenge as one of the hardest problems for the company.
  • SpaceX aims for “rapid reuse,” turning the rocket around in days or weeks, but the current heat shield may prevent this.
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Will mortgage rates improve after this week's Fed meeting?

Will mortgage rates improve after this week's Fed meeting?

Summary

The Federal Reserve will meet this week and might raise interest rates, which could cause mortgage rates to rise. Most experts expect mortgage rates to stay the same or increase, making it important for borrowers to consider locking in current rates.

Key Facts

  • The Fed may raise interest rates by 0.25% during this two-day meeting, with about a 35% chance according to market tools.
  • Higher Fed rates tend to push mortgage rates higher, affecting homebuyers and people refinancing.
  • Mortgage rates dropped last year but have increased recently due to global issues like conflicts and rising oil prices.
  • Even if the Fed pauses rate changes, mortgage rates could still increase because of expectations for future hikes.
  • Borrowers might protect themselves by locking in current mortgage rates before the meeting.
  • Other factors like government bond yields, inflation reports, and global events can also affect mortgage rates.
  • Borrowers can try to get lower-than-average mortgage rates by paying fees called points, choosing adjustable-rate loans, or comparing lender offers.
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