The New Bedford Whaling Museum is selling shirts and other items featuring a viral one-star review calling it the “worst aquarium ever.” This merchandise has become very popular, leading to a big increase in sales after news coverage and social media attention.
Key Facts
The phrase “worst aquarium ever” came from a 2020 one-star Google review of the museum.
The museum does not have live aquatic animals but displays large whale skeletons.
The museum started selling T-shirts, hoodies, and tote bags with the review printed on them, along with a whale skeleton drawing.
After local and national TV coverage, online orders surged to 738 in less than a day.
Weekly sales increased by 250% following the recent media attention.
The merchandise first gained popularity after a TikTok video got over 96,000 views.
The museum has restocked with hundreds of new shirts, crewnecks, hoodies, and bags due to high demand.
Prices are $32.50 for adult T-shirts, $50 for crewnecks, and $60 for hoodies.
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A large wildfire called the Fox Fire has forced the closure of a 70-mile section of Interstate 84 in Oregon near the Idaho border. The fire has led to evacuation orders for nearby towns and has burned nearly 72 square miles with no containment yet.
Key Facts
The Fox Fire caused the closure of I-84 between Baker City and Ontario, near the Idaho state line.
I-84 is an important highway running from Portland through eastern Oregon to Boise, Idaho.
The fire is about 12 miles northeast of Huntington, a town of 500 people who have been ordered to evacuate.
The fire has burned around 72 square miles and is 0% contained.
Hot, dry, and windy weather is fueling the fire.
Other roads in eastern Oregon, including part of U.S. Route 20, are also closed due to wildfires.
Firefighters are using bulldozers to create firebreaks near Huntington to protect infrastructure.
Another fire near Sisters, Oregon, remains a high priority due to its closeness to the town and ongoing evacuation alerts.
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U.S. diplomats walked out of a United Nations Security Council meeting when France criticized America’s human rights record. This action highlights growing tensions between President Donald Trump’s administration and France, as well as wider disagreements between the U.S. and Europe on several issues.
Key Facts
The U.S. walked out during a UN meeting after France criticized the Trump administration’s human rights record.
The walkout followed U.S. opposition to reappointing Volker Türk as the UN human rights chief.
France supported the reappointment of Volker Türk for another four years.
Relations between President Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron have become more tense.
Other issues causing tension include NATO commitments, U.S. troop deployments in Europe, and Greenland.
France accused the U.S. of losing its role as a leader on human rights and isolating itself globally.
The U.S. responded by accusing France of supporting countries with poor human rights records and hypocrisy.
Volker Türk, the UN human rights chief, has spoken out about human rights abuses in several countries, including Russia and Israel.
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Thousands of people protested in Palma, the capital of Mallorca, Spain, to speak out against mass tourism. Locals say the large number of visitors harms the environment and reduces their quality of life.
Key Facts
The protest took place in Palma, Mallorca’s capital city.
Thousands of people joined the protest.
The protest was against the large number of tourists visiting the island.
Spain expects about 100 million tourists this year.
Locals believe the high number of tourists damages the environment.
They also feel tourism lowers their quality of life.
Mallorca is part of Spain’s Balearic Islands.
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Senator Mitch McConnell has not voted in the Senate since being hospitalized in June after a fall but continues to support new laws by cosponsoring bills remotely. He is still recovering and not yet cleared to return to the Capitol, while his office says he remains active in his work.
Key Facts
McConnell, age 84, was hospitalized after a fall that caused brief unconsciousness.
He was tested for serious conditions; doctors ruled out stroke, heart attack, concussion, tumor, and bleeding.
During hospitalization, McConnell had mild pneumonia and underwent many tests.
He continues to cosponsor legislation from home, including bills honoring Senator Lindsey Graham and sanctioning Russia.
McConnell has not returned to the Senate floor and is still undergoing rehabilitation.
He faces challenges in recovery partly due to aftereffects of childhood polio.
Some lawmakers and public figures have asked for clearer updates on his health and ability to serve.
McConnell’s office says he is working with staff and engaged in policy discussions remotely.
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The Trump administration decided that power plants providing electricity only to data centers and not connected to the main power grid do not need to follow pollution rules designed to stop acid rain. This change was explained in new guidance announced on Monday.
Key Facts
The decision was announced by the Trump administration on a Monday.
It applies to power plants that supply power exclusively to data centers.
These power plants are called “islanded” because they are not linked to the broader electricity grid.
The exemption means these plants do not have to meet certain pollution limits.
The pollution limits are part of the Clean Air Act and aim to reduce acid rain.
This change clarifies previous rules about which power plants must follow pollution restrictions.
The exemption could affect how data centers manage their electricity and pollution.
The guidance helps power plants know their responsibilities under environmental laws.
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Senator Thom Tillis, a Republican from North Carolina, said he no longer trusts Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth because of how Hegseth is handling the ongoing war with Iran. Tillis criticized Hegseth for poor management, firing respected military leaders, and being inexperienced in leading a large organization. President Donald Trump, however, defended Hegseth’s performance.
Key Facts
Senator Thom Tillis publicly stated that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has "lost my confidence."
Tillis criticized Hegseth for micromanaging the Pentagon and dismissing senior military officers.
Tillis said Hegseth lacks experience managing large organizations.
The war with Iran has lasted for months and expanded beyond its original scope.
Some Republicans are upset about the war’s length, costs, and economic impacts.
Tillis had voted to confirm Hegseth but has grown critical over time.
President Trump supports Hegseth and praised his handling of the military against Iran.
Tillis has become more independent and openly disagrees with some Trump administration policies.
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Some Republican lawmakers are working to limit the use of Flock Safety cameras, which automatically read license plates and track vehicles. They believe these cameras threaten privacy and may violate the Fourth Amendment, which protects against unreasonable searches.
Key Facts
Flock Safety cameras take pictures of vehicles and read license plates to help police with investigations.
These cameras record details like time, location, and vehicle features.
The technology is used by thousands of police departments across the United States.
Supporters say the cameras help catch criminals, recover stolen cars, and find missing people.
Critics argue the cameras create mass surveillance without proper privacy protections or warrants.
Key Republican lawmakers pushing for limits include Representatives Tim Burchett, Thomas Massie, Scott Perry, Keith Self, Eli Crane, and Andrew Clyde.
Modern systems share license plate data nationwide, increasing surveillance reach.
Some proposed federal laws aim to restrict the deployment or funding of these camera systems.
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Haiti’s electoral council has scheduled the country’s first presidential election in ten years for December 13, with a runoff planned for February 21. The election will only happen if security conditions improve and funding is secured, as violent gang activity continues to threaten the process.
Key Facts
Haiti has not held a presidential election since 2016.
The last president, Jovenel Moise, was assassinated in 2021.
The scheduled election dates are December 13 for the first round and February 21 for the runoff.
Final election results are expected to be published by March 7.
Voters will also decide on constitutional changes and local representatives.
The electoral council depends on better security and funding to hold the elections.
Armed gangs control much of the capital and surrounding areas, causing violence and insecurity.
These gangs have been involved in kidnappings, killings, and other serious crimes, and have been labeled a terrorist group by the United States.
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President Barack Obama will lead a fundraising event for the National Democratic Redistricting Committee on August 31. The fundraiser aims to support efforts against Republican attempts to redraw voting district maps.
Key Facts
President Obama is the main speaker at a redistricting fundraiser.
The event is scheduled for August 31.
It is organized by the National Democratic Redistricting Committee (NDRC).
The fundraiser will include a dinner and discussion.
The goal is to oppose Republican efforts to change voting district boundaries.
Redistricting affects how voting districts are set for elections.
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The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, said Israel has committed serious human rights violations in Lebanon that might be considered war crimes. Despite a ceasefire in April, Israeli military actions such as shelling and airstrikes continue to cause damage and suffering.
Key Facts
Volker Turk is the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.
He visited Lebanon and reported serious violations of international law by Israel.
The Israeli military continues air strikes and ground operations in southern Lebanon despite a ceasefire.
Many displaced people have faced destruction of their villages multiple times.
Some of Israel's actions may be classified as war crimes.
Turk highlighted the suffering, trauma, and demand for justice among affected people.
UN personnel have been harmed or killed in conflicts in Gaza, Lebanon, and Yemen.
Turk emphasized the need to document abuses and hold those responsible accountable, saying no one is above international law.
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The U.S. Department of Justice has dropped charges against David Huerta, a California union leader arrested during a 2025 protest against an immigration raid in Los Angeles. The charges, first serious and then lesser misdemeanors, will be fully dismissed, ending the case against him.
Key Facts
David Huerta is the president of a large California union representing workers like security guards and janitors.
He was arrested in June 2025 while protesting an immigration raid by ICE agents in Los Angeles.
Huerta was initially charged with a serious felony but the charges were later reduced to a misdemeanor.
The government recently moved to dismiss the misdemeanor charges entirely and permanently by the end of August 2026.
Videos show Huerta’s arrest involved officers tackling him and using pepper spray.
The LA Mayor criticized the federal government for treating Huerta like a criminal.
The Justice Department said this dismissal came after Huerta agreed to certain pre-trial conditions, but no detailed agreement was made public.
This case is part of a pattern where many prosecutions of protesters and immigrants during ICE operations have failed in court.
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President Donald Trump joked about running for a fourth term during the White House Correspondents' Dinner, where he also wore a "TRUMP 2028" hat. He announced new tariffs on 60 countries, including the UK and China, and the US signed a nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia to develop civilian nuclear energy, which has caused concern among some lawmakers.
Key Facts
President Trump made a joke about running for a fourth term at the White House Correspondents' Dinner.
The event was rescheduled after a previous cancellation due to a shooting.
He announced new tariffs of 10% to 12.5% on goods from 60 countries, including the UK and China.
These tariffs follow a Supreme Court ruling that found earlier tariffs by President Trump illegal.
The US signed a nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia to allow civilian nuclear energy development.
Some US lawmakers worry the Saudi deal could increase nuclear risks in the Middle East.
President Trump mentioned he respects most of the media but accused some of having "Trump Derangement Syndrome."
The Americast podcast team discussed these topics and answered listener questions on BBC Radio 5 Live.
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President Trump claimed in a recent speech that over 250,000 noncitizens might be registered to vote in four U.S. states. However, his administration has not provided clear details on how they arrived at this number, and letters sent to the states have not answered these questions.
Key Facts
President Trump said there could be more than 250,000 noncitizens registered to vote in four states.
The four states mentioned are not named in the article excerpt.
The Trump administration has not shared the data or methods behind this voter number.
Authorities sent letters to these states to check the voter rolls for noncitizens.
Responses from the states have not clarified how the numbers were calculated.
The issue was raised during a prime-time speech by President Trump earlier this month.
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Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for over 300,000 Haitians living in the United States will expire on Monday due to a court deadline. This expiration also affects thousands of Syrians who had similar protections.
Key Facts
TPS is a program that allows people from certain countries affected by crisis to stay and work legally in the U.S. temporarily.
More than 300,000 Haitians in the U.S. have been protected under TPS.
The TPS status for Haitians is set to end on Monday under a court-ordered deadline.
Thousands of Syrians with TPS protections will also lose their status at the same time.
The expiration means these individuals could lose their legal right to stay and work in the U.S. soon.
TPS protections are usually granted due to unsafe conditions like natural disasters or armed conflicts in the home country.
The decision to end TPS protections often leads to debate about immigration and humanitarian issues in the U.S.
This news was reported in the context of broader immigration and legal developments.
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The House Ethics Committee is investigating Representative Lance Gooden from Texas. The committee has not shared details about the investigation but confirmed it received a referral from the Office of Congressional Conduct.
Key Facts
The investigation involves Rep. Lance Gooden, a Republican from Texas.
The House Ethics Committee announced the investigation on a Monday.
The committee did not reveal what the probe is about.
The Office of Congressional Conduct sent a referral to the committee.
The House Ethics Committee is responsible for overseeing the behavior of members of Congress.
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A $25,000 deposit into a 1-year certificate of deposit (CD) can earn over $1,000 in interest with current rates around 4.1% to 4.17%. Although the money is locked in for a year, the fixed interest rate offers a safe way to grow savings more than a typical savings account.
Key Facts
CDs require locking your money for a fixed time, like one year, to earn interest.
Current 1-year CD rates range from 4.10% to 4.17%.
At these rates, $25,000 in a CD can earn between $1,025 and $1,042.50 after one year.
Early withdrawal from a CD usually results in penalties and loss of some interest.
Interest rates vary by bank, making it important to compare before choosing a CD.
CDs protect the original money (principal) and provide guaranteed returns.
If you need access to the money during the year, alternatives like high-yield savings accounts or money market accounts offer competitive interest with more flexibility.
Rates might change soon after the next Federal Reserve meeting, so timing can affect earnings.
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Direct flights between Lebanon and the United States have been banned for about 40 years. President Donald Trump recently announced that these flights can start again. The ban began after a tragic event involving TWA Flight 847.
Key Facts
Direct flights between Lebanon and the US were stopped around 40 years ago.
The ban started because of the hijacking of TWA Flight 847 in 1985.
The hijacking involved militant groups taking control of the plane, raising security concerns.
President Donald Trump announced that direct flights can now resume.
The news highlights a significant change in US-Lebanon travel relations.
TWA Flight 847’s hijacking remains a key reason the ban lasted so long.
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A Secret Service agent and two other men were arrested in Miami for violent hazing that caused serious injuries to two men during a fraternity ritual. The agent has been placed on leave while authorities continue to investigate the case.
Key Facts
Marquez Christopher Pinder, 29, a Secret Service agent in Miami, is charged with violent felonies related to fraternity hazing.
The alleged hazing involved repeated beatings with canes and paddles over four nights in April.
Two victims were seriously injured, one needing skin grafts and having kidney damage, the other requiring a breathing tube.
Charges include felony hazing with a deadly weapon, aggravated battery causing great bodily harm, and attempted manslaughter.
Pinder was described as a “dean of pledges” for a Miami chapter of the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity.
Pinder was released on a $75,000 bond and faces arraignment on September 24.
The Secret Service is cooperating with investigators and has placed Pinder on administrative leave.
Florida law considers hazing a crime, with authorities emphasizing its dangerous and abusive nature.
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A shooter fired at the U.S. Consulate in Toronto early Monday, causing damage but no injuries. Police chased the suspect for an hour but did not make an arrest, and the investigation is ongoing.
Key Facts
The U.S. Consulate in Toronto was shot at early Monday morning.
No one was hurt in the shooting, but the building’s front was damaged.
Police found one shell casing at the scene.
A high-speed police chase lasted an hour but did not catch the shooter.
This is the second attack on the consulate this year; the first was in March.
Two suspects were arrested last month in connection with the March shooting.
The consulate had police protection and security staff during the latest attack.
Police are looking into possible links between the consulate shootings and other gun attacks, including those targeting Jewish-owned businesses.
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