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A woman who had a miscarriage was given ashes by a funeral director that police said might not be human but possibly from an animal. The funeral director, Robert Bush, is facing court for fraud and other charges related to mishandling ashes from many families.
Key Facts
Lucy Ness had a miscarriage in April 2021 and was given ashes by funeral director Robert Bush.
Police told Ness that the ashes she received could be from an animal, not her baby.
Bush is on trial for 67 offenses, including fraud and denying proper burials to 30 people.
Police found Bush collected the real ashes from the crematorium after giving Ness the ashes.
Ness kept the ashes with her baby scan for three years before finding out about the issue.
Bush was arrested at Heathrow Airport after returning from a holiday in the U.S.
Ness was not charged with burial denial because of her baby’s early gestational age.
Ness and others are calling for more rules and regulations for funeral directors to prevent cases like this.
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The ongoing war and blockade in Gaza have caused a rise in miscarriages and pregnancy complications. Women in Gaza face health problems due to air strikes, displacement, lack of medical care, hunger, and stress.
Key Facts
Many women in Gaza, including Nuha Abu Lebda, have lost pregnancies during the conflict starting in October 2023.
Causes of pregnancy loss include air strikes, forced displacement, malnutrition, and mental stress.
Gaza’s healthcare system is overwhelmed and struggling to provide adequate care for pregnant women.
Medical officials report about 70% of pregnancy losses they treat are linked to the war and blockade.
Some women have had premature births or lost newborns due to lack of medical support.
One mother, Mai Zaqout, lost her daughter during childbirth because medical care was unavailable, compounded by her husband’s death in the conflict.
Sara al-Awad experienced severe bleeding caused by stress from explosions and her baby was born very premature with limited care.
Families are sometimes separated from their newborns due to the unsafe and unstable conditions in hospitals.
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Airbus tested a new airplane, the A350-1000ULR, by flying nonstop for over 24 hours between Australia and France. This plane is designed for very long commercial flights, like Qantas Airways’ planned nonstop trips from Sydney to New York or London starting in 2027.
Key Facts
The Airbus A350-1000ULR flew from Toulouse, France, to Melbourne, Australia, and back nonstop, with the return flight lasting 24 hours and 25 minutes.
The plane covered about 12,460 nautical miles on the long return trip across the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans.
It has an extra fuel tank holding about 20,900 liters (5,521 gallons) to fly longer distances, increasing its range by 1,000 nautical miles.
The plane has a special rest area for pilots so they can take turns flying without disturbing each other during long flights.
Airbus test pilots and Qantas pilots flew together to prepare Qantas crews for using this new plane variant.
Over 3.6 million people tracked the flight online, making it one of the most followed flights ever.
Qantas plans to use this aircraft for nonstop flights that could last up to 21 hours and 40 minutes on routes like Sydney to New York.
Currently, the longest nonstop commercial flight is operated by Singapore Airlines and takes about 18-19 hours using a different Airbus model.
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Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, key U.S. officials involved in peace talks, are planning a visit to Ukraine. This visit aims to support efforts to end the war between Russia and Ukraine, following a recent meeting between President Donald Trump and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Key Facts
Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff are top U.S. officials working on peace negotiations.
They are considering a visit to Ukraine soon.
The goal is to help find a settlement to stop the war with Russia.
This plan comes after a meeting between President Trump and President Zelensky.
The visit would signal a renewed effort by the U.S. to assist in the peace process.
The war between Russia and Ukraine has been ongoing, causing international concern.
Discussions about the trip are currently in progress, according to a Ukrainian official.
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The United States may soon reach the highest temperature ever reliably recorded on Earth, with forecasts predicting up to 129 degrees Fahrenheit in California's Death Valley. Experts warn of dangerous heat from Thursday through the weekend, with potential new temperature records in the Southwest.
Key Facts
Death Valley is forecasted to reach up to 129°F, just below the 130°F highest reliable temperature recorded in July 2021.
The record 130°F was measured at Furnace Creek in Death Valley in 2021.
Forecasts warn of dangerous heat across southern Nevada, southeastern California, and northwestern Arizona from Thursday to Sunday.
Some forecasts predict Las Vegas could see 117°F on Saturday.
The extreme heat is partly influenced by a heat dome and Hurricane Genevieve’s outflow strengthening high-pressure ridges.
The often-cited 1913 record of 134°F in Death Valley is considered likely inaccurate by experts.
The National Weather Service has issued Extreme Heat Warnings in affected areas.
Forecasts several days ahead can vary by a few degrees, so the exact temperature may differ slightly when measured.
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Mediators from Qatar and Pakistan are working to help the U.S. and Iran reach a temporary ceasefire in ongoing conflicts. Both American and Iranian forces have stopped attacks, but fighting continues in other parts of the Middle East.
Key Facts
Mediators from Qatar and Pakistan are leading talks between the U.S. and Iran.
Both American and Iranian forces have paused their attacks during the negotiations.
Fighting still continues in some other areas of the Middle East despite the pause.
The goal is to agree on an interim (temporary) ceasefire.
The talks aim to reduce violence and create a foundation for more lasting peace.
This effort focuses specifically on the conflict involving the U.S. and Iran.
No final agreement has yet been announced.
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A federal judge blocked Minnesota’s law that would have banned prediction markets, which are online platforms where people bet on the outcomes of events. The judge said federal law, controlled by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), likely protects these markets because many bets qualify as “swaps,” a type of financial contract regulated at the federal level. Minnesota may still be allowed to limit some types of prediction market bets that don’t fit the federal definition.
Key Facts
Minnesota passed a law banning prediction markets, calling them a form of gambling.
The law was set to take effect on August 1 but was stopped by a federal court injunction.
President Trump’s administration and two major prediction market companies, Kalshi and Polymarket, sued Minnesota over the law.
The CFTC regulates prediction markets under federal law because many bets are considered “swaps,” financial contracts tied to event outcomes.
Judge Katherine Menendez ruled Minnesota’s full ban likely conflicts with federal law and blocked enforcement temporarily.
Some prediction market bets, like those on TV shows, may not be considered swaps and could be regulated by the state.
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison said the state disagrees with the ruling and will continue to defend the law.
Other states have tried to regulate prediction markets through gambling laws, with mixed court results.
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French authorities ordered 4,000 more people to evacuate due to a large wildfire near Bordeaux, bringing the total displaced in southwestern Europe to about 330,000. Firefighters managed to hold the fire stable but not fully controlled, while Spain faces several wildfires and a heat wave.
Key Facts
About 330,000 people have been evacuated in France and Spain because of wildfires.
The wildfire in the Gironde region of France has burned 420 square kilometers (162 square miles), about four times the size of Paris.
Around 220,000 people were evacuated just from the Gironde fire, possibly the largest peacetime civilian evacuation in France outside of war.
Firefighters used 23 planes and helicopters to drop water and fire retardant to control the flames.
The fire has created unusual weather, including France’s first recorded pyrocumulonimbus cloud—a thundercloud formed by fire heat that causes lightning and wind.
Despite some homes burning, a few tourists chose to continue or debate continuing their holidays near the fire.
France’s national weather service has issued heat warnings, and Europe is experiencing its hottest June on record, worsening fire risks.
The fires have damaged at least 150 homes in Le Porge, near Bordeaux, and authorities remain cautious about new flare-ups as weather conditions change.
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President Donald Trump held back-to-back meetings at the White House with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The talks focused on Ukraine’s missile defense needs, US-Israel relations, and issues related to Iran and Middle East diplomacy.
Key Facts
President Trump met with Zelenskyy and Netanyahu on the same day at the White House.
Zelenskyy discussed the possibility for Ukraine to produce its own missiles for the US Patriot defense system.
Netanyahu’s visit marked his first Oval Office meeting with Trump since launching a joint campaign against Iran in February.
Netanyahu and Trump have had recent tensions over approaches to Iran and Lebanon.
The meetings covered topics like Iran, a US-Israel-Lebanon deal, and expanding the Abraham Accords peace agreements.
Netanyahu is currently facing a difficult re-election campaign and seeks to ease tensions with Trump.
Public support in the US for Israel has dropped amid criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza.
White House said both meetings were “positive and productive.”
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Lidl is recalling certain cookies sold in all its stores in the United States because they contain allergens that are not listed on the packaging. This recall affects customers who may have allergies to those ingredients.
Key Facts
Lidl is a German supermarket chain with stores in the U.S.
The recall involves cookies sold in all Lidl locations in the United States.
The reason for the recall is undeclared allergens in the cookies.
Undeclared allergens can pose health risks to people with food allergies.
Lidl is taking action to remove these products from its shelves.
Customers should check their cookies and avoid eating the recalled items.
Lidl is likely informing customers and offering refunds or replacements.
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Malaysia’s foreign minister said the country may reconsider allowing the United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) to operate if it does not use stricter controls when giving refugee documents. This comes after Malaysian police detained over 100 Rohingya asylum seekers who had gathered outside the UNHCR office in Kuala Lumpur seeking help.
Key Facts
Malaysia’s Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan wants stricter screening by UNHCR when issuing refugee IDs.
More than 100 Rohingya asylum seekers were detained outside the UNHCR office in Kuala Lumpur.
The Ministry of Home Affairs wants UNHCR and local authorities to jointly screen refugees.
The UNHCR currently allows people to apply for refugee status online from their home country.
The detained Rohingya had valid UNHCR documentation and are temporarily sheltered at a police station.
Malaysia is not a UN Refugee Convention member but hosts about 126,000 registered Rohingya refugees.
Refugees in Malaysia face increased scrutiny amid rising hate speech and misinformation online.
Amnesty International criticized Malaysia for detaining refugees and called for respect of their human rights.
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After Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu ordered a large military operation in the West Bank, many areas were sealed off, causing long delays at checkpoints for ambulances carrying patients to hospitals. These restrictions have made it difficult for medical teams to reach care on time, leading to tragic outcomes for some patients.
Key Facts
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu began a wide military operation in the West Bank following a settler attack.
Palestinian ambulances face long waits and detours at checkpoints, extending travel distances from 20 km to up to 100 km.
Even with prior permission, ambulances have suffered hours-long delays at checkpoints like Awarta.
A pregnant woman, severely bleeding, lost her unborn baby after a 30-minute ambulance delay at a checkpoint where medical equipment was stopped.
Other delays have caused deaths, including a three-month-old infant and a 30-year-old woman, when ambulances were blocked or delayed.
Restrictions and closures in the West Bank have increased since a far-right Israeli government took power in late 2022 and after the war in Gaza began in October 2023.
Medical access challenges have grown with multiple checkpoints and sealed entrances throughout Palestinian towns and villages.
Health workers report extreme stress and difficulty performing their life-saving work under these conditions.
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The Pentagon removed the name of James Clapper, former Director of National Intelligence, from an auditorium at the Defense Intelligence Agency headquarters. The auditorium was renamed the Thomas Knowlton Leadership Hall.
Key Facts
The auditorium was formerly called the Clapper Leadership Hall.
James Clapper served as Director of National Intelligence.
The name change took place at the Defense Intelligence Agency headquarters.
The location of the building is Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling.
The new name is Thomas Knowlton Leadership Hall.
The Pentagon and Defense Department made the change.
The article does not explain the reason for removing Clapper’s name.
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Sulemana Abdul Samed, Ghana's tallest man at 7 feet 4 inches, died at age 33 in a hospital in Tamale due to complications from sores on his legs. Known locally as Awuche, he had Marfan syndrome, a genetic condition causing his large size and health problems, and he was well-known and respected in his community.
Key Facts
Sulemana Abdul Samed was Ghana's tallest man, measuring 7 feet 4 inches in 2023.
He suffered from Marfan syndrome, a genetic disorder affecting connective tissues and causing his height and health issues.
He died in Tamale hospital due to infected sores on his legs, which were complications related to his condition.
Awuche was 33 years old at the time of his death.
He was from the village of Gambaga and was popular for his tall stature, giving the village an identity.
He struggled with medical expenses but received help from Ibrahim Mahama, brother of former President John Mahama.
His height and condition forced him to stop working as a driver and affected his social life and physical abilities.
The family chose to bury him in Tamale to manage the number of mourners.
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Lifeguards at Seabright State Beach in Santa Cruz rescued a boy from strong waves during a busy, warm day. The rescue happened last weekend and was witnessed by many people on the beach.
Key Facts
The event took place at Seabright State Beach in Santa Cruz.
It happened on a warm day in July.
Many people were on the beach enjoying the weather.
Lifeguards noticed the boy was in trouble in the water.
They quickly acted to rescue the boy from the waves.
The rescue was seen by the crowd gathered on the beach.
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The Booker Prize announced 13 semifinalists for its fiction award, including past winners Marlon James and Douglas Stuart, as well as Pulitzer Prize winner Elizabeth Strout. The novels cover diverse themes such as Jamaican gay life in the 1980s, Scottish island family secrets, and New England small-town stories.
Key Facts
The Booker Prize semifinalist list includes 13 books chosen from 163 novels.
Marlon James won the Booker Prize in 2015; Douglas Stuart won in 2020.
Elizabeth Strout, a Pulitzer Prize winner, is a semifinalist again.
The books represent writers from Britain, Ireland, Jamaica, Mexico, Turkey, and the U.S.
Three semifinalists are debut authors, including Kenan Orhan, Rebecca Perry, and Djamel White.
The youngest author is 28 years old, the oldest is 81.
The judges aim to select novels that challenge traditional storytelling with humor, emotion, and surprise.
The Booker Prize is open to any novel published in the UK or Ireland, regardless of the author’s nationality.
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The global collagen market is changing as companies focus on proving their products work through scientific studies. Sel Sanayi, with its CollaSel brand, has published several peer-reviewed studies showing its collagen peptides may be more effective than typical products. This shift is driven by stricter rules and smarter customers who want clinically proven health benefits.
Key Facts
The collagen market is moving from broad health claims to clinical proof backed by research.
Sel Sanayi’s CollaSel has three recent peer-reviewed studies validating its collagen peptides.
One study found CollaSel Tripeptide has stronger biological activity relevant to heart and metabolic health compared to standard collagen.
Two clinical trials showed CollaSel Pro improved skin health and reduced joint pain in osteoarthritis patients.
CollaSel peptides are much smaller in molecular size (300-500 Daltons) than typical collagen (2,000-5,000 Daltons).
The smaller size may help the peptides absorb better in the body, increasing exposure by about 2.7 to 3.3 times.
Sel Sanayi treats clinical validation as a key part of making their products, not just marketing.
Regulatory agencies in the US and Europe require stronger scientific evidence for health claims, influencing market trends.
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Former Vice President Mike Pence spoke about Senator Lindsey Graham before Graham’s funeral in Washington, D.C. Pence described Graham as a dedicated and patriotic leader.
Key Facts
Lindsey Graham, U.S. Senator, passed away recently.
His funeral was scheduled to take place in Washington, D.C. on a Tuesday.
Mike Pence, the former Vice President, gave remarks remembering Graham.
Pence called Graham a "true American statesman," showing respect for his service.
The commentary was part of a CBS News interview segment.
The focus was on reflecting Graham’s contributions to the country.
No additional details about Graham’s life or cause of death were provided in this article.
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Starting Tuesday, the U.S. government will stop giving asylum seekers an interview to review their claims. Instead, migrants will be sent directly to immigration court, where a judge will decide if they can stay or are deported.
Key Facts
The new rule began on a Tuesday.
It eliminates a required interview that asylum seekers used to have.
Migrants will now go straight to immigration court for decisions.
The rule comes from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
This change skips the usual public review and comment process.
Officials expect this to speed up deportations.
The rule may face legal challenges because of how it was introduced.
It is part of the Trump administration’s approach to immigration.
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Several schools in the United States are installing drones equipped to spray pepper to respond quickly to school shootings. These drones can fly remotely, communicate with people on the scene, and help law enforcement locate and manage threats.
Key Facts
The drones are provided by Campus Guardian Angel, a company based in Austin, Texas.
Schools in Georgia, Florida, and Colorado are installing these pepper-spraying drones.
The drones activate after a confirmed attack alert and can be controlled from far away.
They have a speakerphone to talk to teachers, staff, and law enforcement during an incident.
Each drone can fly about eight minutes per battery charge and can break through windows without special coatings.
The drones carry pepper balls to disable shooters and create noise with sirens and air poppers to distract attackers.
The drone idea was inspired by the use of small drones during the war in Ukraine, where they helped in combat situations.
Some people affected by school shootings question whether these drones are the best way to address the problem.
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