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The gut's link to Parkinson's — and more takeaways from this week's "Healthful"

The gut's link to Parkinson's — and more takeaways from this week's "Healthful"

Summary

Scientists have found that certain gut problems and sleep disorders might be early signs of Parkinson’s disease, which may start in the gut before affecting the brain. New research also shows a type of drug called GLP-1 may protect the gut by lowering inflammation and cancer risk, and most Americans are not eating enough fiber, which is important for gut and brain health.

Key Facts

  • Parkinson’s disease may begin in the gut, with damaged proteins affecting brain cells later on.
  • Constipation and vivid dream-related sleep problems can appear years before Parkinson’s motor symptoms.
  • GLP-1 drugs, although known for causing stomach issues, may reduce gut inflammation and lower the chance of ulcers and some cancers.
  • About 95% of Americans do not meet recommended daily fiber intake levels.
  • Fiber helps heart and brain health and reduces inflammation in the body.
  • Women under 50 should eat 25 grams of fiber daily; men under 50 should aim for 38 grams.
  • Adding high-fiber foods, like berries and nuts, to meals is a good way to improve fiber intake.
  • Dr. Trisha Pasricha is a gastroenterologist and expert on the connection between the gut and brain.
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The Gut-Brain Secret: What Your Body Knows Before You Do

The Gut-Brain Secret: What Your Body Knows Before You Do

Summary

The article discusses how the health of the gut, or digestive system, is connected to the brain and can affect diseases like depression, anxiety, and Parkinson’s. Dr. Trisha Pasricha explains how food can help treat illnesses and talks about topics like irritable bowel syndrome, the effects of hormones and antibiotics on digestion, and a current Cyclospora disease outbreak.

Key Facts

  • Many diseases may be linked to gut health.
  • Food can play a role as a form of medicine in treating some diseases.
  • Women are more likely than men to have irritable bowel syndrome.
  • Hormones and antibiotics affect the digestive system.
  • There is an ongoing outbreak of Cyclospora, a parasite that affects digestion.
  • Dr. Trisha Pasricha is an expert on the connection between the gut and brain.
  • The discussion about gut health appeared on a CBS News show called Healthful.
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Russia, losing in Ukraine, abruptly changes its propaganda narrative

Russia, losing in Ukraine, abruptly changes its propaganda narrative

Summary

Russian propaganda has suddenly changed its message as the situation in Ukraine worsens for Russia. This shift shows a new way of presenting information about the conflict.

Key Facts

  • Russia is currently facing difficulties in the conflict in Ukraine.
  • Russian propaganda efforts have altered their usual messages.
  • The change in propaganda reflects Russia's response to the worsening situation.
  • Propaganda is information spread to influence people's opinions.
  • The new narrative may aim to adjust public perception inside Russia.
  • This shift shows how countries can use media to shape views during conflicts.
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Married couple deported by ICE killed in Guatemala

Married couple deported by ICE killed in Guatemala

Summary

A married couple who were sent back to Guatemala by U.S. immigration authorities have been found dead. They were tied up and shot, while their young daughter was left alive next to them.

Key Facts

  • The couple had sought safety in the United States.
  • U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) deported them to Guatemala.
  • Nixon Giovanni Paz was one of the individuals deported last year.
  • Both were found tied up and shot dead in Guatemala.
  • Their 14-month-old daughter was found alive beside them.
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Three Key Obstacles Facing New Spy Chief Jay Clayton

Three Key Obstacles Facing New Spy Chief Jay Clayton

Summary

Jay Clayton was confirmed by the Senate as the Director of National Intelligence (DNI), leading all U.S. intelligence agencies. He faces challenges due to his limited experience in intelligence, concerns about his independence from President Trump, and upcoming decisions on a key surveillance law.

Key Facts

  • The Senate confirmed Jay Clayton as DNI by a narrow vote of 51 to 47.
  • Clayton’s background is mainly in financial regulation and law, not intelligence or national security.
  • Some Democrats questioned whether Clayton can stand up to political pressure from the White House.
  • During his confirmation hearing, Clayton avoided saying President Trump lost the 2020 election.
  • A major issue Clayton will address is the possible renewal of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), which allows intelligence agencies to monitor foreign communications.
  • Section 702 is controversial because it might lead to spying on U.S. citizens and was not renewed by the Senate in June.
  • Threats against protected individuals have increased by 40% in one year, and cyberattacks are rising according to U.S. intelligence reports.
  • Clayton’s role involves managing intelligence efforts at a time when national security threats are growing both inside and outside the U.S.
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Trump’s attacks on mail balloting and concerns over delays turn midterms spotlight on Postal Service

Trump’s attacks on mail balloting and concerns over delays turn midterms spotlight on Postal Service

Summary

President Donald Trump has issued an executive order aiming to control mail-in voting by creating a national voter list to decide who receives mail ballots. Concerns have risen about the U.S. Postal Service’s ability to deliver ballots on time after delays affected past elections, leading some election officials to advise voters to drop off ballots in person instead.

Key Facts

  • President Trump’s executive order seeks more control over mail-in voting through a national voter list.
  • The U.S. Postal Service has faced criticism due to delays that caused some ballots to arrive too late to be counted.
  • Election officials in Kansas and Michigan recommend early voters drop off ballots instead of mailing them.
  • The Postal Service says it remains committed to supporting elections and delivering ballots securely and on time.
  • Multiple lawsuits have challenged Trump’s order, with a case currently before the U.S. Supreme Court.
  • President Trump has called mail ballots “inherently corrupt” but has used mail voting himself in the past.
  • Studies show very low rates of fraud in mail voting, with about four cases per 10 million ballots.
  • Mail ballots remain popular with voters from both major political parties.
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U.S. bans humanoid robot imports, eyeing China and national security concerns

U.S. bans humanoid robot imports, eyeing China and national security concerns

Summary

The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has banned imports of new foreign-made humanoid robots and power inverters due to national security concerns, particularly targeting China. This move may affect U.S.-China relations ahead of a planned September meeting between President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping.

Key Facts

  • The FCC banned new imports of humanoid robots, quadruped robots (four-legged robot dogs), and power inverters.
  • The ban aims to protect U.S. critical infrastructure and supply chains from cybersecurity risks linked to foreign-made robots.
  • China holds about 85% of the global market for humanoid robots and is expanding production rapidly.
  • The ban applies only to "new versions" of these imports, focusing on national security.
  • China’s Foreign Ministry criticized the U.S. move as protectionism and promised to defend its companies’ rights.
  • The ban follows other U.S. restrictions on Chinese products like drones and advanced technology exports.
  • U.S. companies like Tesla and Figure AI ship far fewer humanoid robots compared to leading Chinese firms Unitree and AGIBOT.
  • The ban may affect U.S.-China tech collaborations, such as Nvidia’s project using Chinese-made humanoid robot parts.
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Pentagon Photo Shows AI Agent Being Asked to Help ‘Create a War’

Pentagon Photo Shows AI Agent Being Asked to Help ‘Create a War’

Summary

The Pentagon shared a photo showing a military officer using an artificial intelligence (AI) system with a prompt mentioning building an agent to "create a war." The Defense Department is rapidly expanding its use of AI to help military personnel work faster and make better decisions.

Key Facts

  • The photo was posted by the Department of Defense Chief Technology Office and shows a laptop running Google Gemini AI software.
  • The prompt visible on the screen starts with "I NEED HELP BUILDING AN AGENT TO CREATE A WAR," though the full text is unclear.
  • The person using the AI system is identified as U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander Brandon Mizuhara.
  • The photo was taken at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Hawaii on July 21.
  • The Pentagon is actively integrating AI into military, intelligence, and administrative tasks to improve efficiency and decision-making.
  • The Defense Department calls its strategy "AI Acceleration" and aims to support over 3 million personnel with AI tools.
  • Several projects are part of this strategy, including Agent Network for battle management and GenAI.mil for access to advanced AI models like Google Gemini.
  • The Department of War is the current preferred name for the Department of Defense under President Donald Trump.
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Nepal's tiger numbers rise 20 percent to an estimated 429

Nepal's tiger numbers rise 20 percent to an estimated 429

Summary

Nepal’s tiger population has grown by about 20 percent over four years, reaching an estimated 429 tigers. This increase is seen as a conservation success, though it has also led to more tiger attacks on local people.

Key Facts

  • Nepal’s tiger numbers rose from 355 in 2022 to an estimated 429 in 2026.
  • The tiger population has increased by about 5 percent each year.
  • The survey covered over 7,300 square kilometers of tiger habitat in Nepal’s southern plains.
  • More than 3,600 motion-sensitive cameras were used to track and identify individual tigers.
  • Nepal has secured tiger habitats, helping to protect and grow the population.
  • Between 2019 and 2023, at least 38 people were killed in tiger attacks in Nepal.
  • Nepal met its goal of doubling tiger numbers by 2022, having increased from about 121 tigers in 2009.
  • Conservation officials emphasize the need for programs that help people and tigers live safely together.
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UK looks to build naval coalition to secure shipping in Strait of Hormuz

UK looks to build naval coalition to secure shipping in Strait of Hormuz

Summary

The UK is trying to form a naval group to protect ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, US and Saudi forces have attacked an Iraqi militant group linked to Iran as the conflict in the Middle East expands.

Key Facts

  • The Strait of Hormuz is a key waterway where many ships pass through.
  • The UK wants to create a coalition of navies to secure this area.
  • US and Saudi forces struck an Iraqi militant alliance on July 29, 2026.
  • This militant group is connected to Iran and its allies.
  • The war in the Middle East is growing beyond Iran to include its proxy groups.
  • Recently, there was a brief pause in direct US attacks on Iran.
  • Iran's allies in Yemen and other places are getting more involved in the conflict.
  • The situation reflects ongoing tensions and violence in the region.
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'Climate change is really here: We should seize this crisis moment to create a new momentum'

'Climate change is really here: We should seize this crisis moment to create a new momentum'

Summary

A climate scientist from Belgium says Europe’s recent heatwave shows the continent’s climate is changing in a big way. He warns that while it is not too late to act, the world must urgently reduce fossil fuel use and prepare for more extreme heat, wildfires, and health problems caused by climate change.

Key Facts

  • Europe has experienced a strong heatwave, showing the climate is changing steadily.
  • The scientist says the world has not yet passed a “point of no return” but action cannot be delayed.
  • Extreme heat, wildfires, and public health issues are clear signs of climate change effects.
  • Current government efforts are too weak and do not match the urgency shown by science.
  • Societies need to adapt to unavoidable climate changes and also reduce fossil fuel use quickly.
  • The goal is to become stronger against impacts already happening while preventing worse damage.
  • Spain and France are among countries dealing with wildfires linked to the heat and drought.
  • The expert calls for combining prevention of future problems with managing current effects.
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How volunteers are helping forest wildlife survive their blazing habitats

How volunteers are helping forest wildlife survive their blazing habitats

Summary

Large wildfires have damaged forests in France, forcing many wild animals like deer to flee. Volunteers are searching the burned areas to find and help injured animals recover.

Key Facts

  • France has experienced huge wildfires in recent weeks.
  • Wild animals, including deer, have been scared and displaced by the fires.
  • Smaller animals and insects important to ecosystems have been heavily affected.
  • Groups of volunteers are actively looking for surviving animals in the affected forests.
  • These volunteers work to rescue and care for injured wildlife.
  • The wildfires are part of a larger environmental crisis spreading across the region.
  • Social media has shared many images of animals escaping the fire.
  • The fires and heatwaves are making firefighting efforts more difficult in parts of France.
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Matcha and protein pivot pays off for Greggs as profits rise

Matcha and protein pivot pays off for Greggs as profits rise

Summary

Greggs, the UK's largest fast-food chain, reported a 20% profit increase in the first half of 2026 after introducing healthier products like protein salads and iced matcha lattes. The company also opened 34 new stores, expanding locations in places such as petrol stations and hospitals, while keeping prices steady.

Key Facts

  • Greggs’ pre-tax profit for the first half of 2026 was £76.0 million, up from £63.5 million in the same period of 2025.
  • Total sales reached over £1.1 billion in the 26 weeks ending June 2026, a 7.2% increase from the previous year.
  • The company launched new menu items focused on health trends, including high-protein salads and iced matcha lattes.
  • Greggs opened 34 new stores in the first half of 2026, offset by 31 closures, bringing the total to 2,773 outlets.
  • More than half of the new stores opened in locations without a Greggs nearby and away from traditional High Street areas.
  • Greggs did not plan any price increases after multiple hikes in 2025 and in May 2026.
  • The company is testing new store formats like “bitesize” shops and self-service “Greggs Express” to expand further.
  • Greggs expects 2026’s full-year profits to be similar to 2025’s £172 million, despite increased investment costs.
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French DJ ​and electropop ‌musician Kavinsky dies aged 50

French DJ ​and electropop ‌musician Kavinsky dies aged 50

Summary

French DJ and musician Vincent Belorgey, known as Kavinsky, was found dead at his home in Paris at the age of 50. He was famous for his 2010 song "Nightcall," which featured in the movie Drive and was recently performed at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Key Facts

  • Kavinsky’s real name was Vincent Belorgey.
  • He passed away at his home in Paris at age 50.
  • His 2010 track "Nightcall" became popular through the film Drive starring Ryan Gosling.
  • "Nightcall" became the most Shazamed song in one day after the Paris 2024 Olympics closing ceremony.
  • French President Emmanuel Macron and Culture Minister Catherine Pégard publicly praised Kavinsky’s impact on French culture.
  • Police say no suspicious signs were found at his home; a stroke is being considered as a possible cause of death.
  • Kavinsky started his career in the early 2000s and worked with French electronic music artists like Daft Punk.
  • At the Paris 2024 Olympics, a new version of "Nightcall" was performed by Belgian singer Angèle, Kavinsky, and the band Phoenix.
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Russia charges Telegram founder with aiding terrorism, seeks his arrest

Russia charges Telegram founder with aiding terrorism, seeks his arrest

Summary

Russia's security agency charged Pavel Durov, the founder of the Telegram messaging app, with helping terrorism and asked for his international arrest. Russian authorities accused Telegram of allowing channels used by Ukrainian intelligence and terrorists to plan attacks in Russia, leading to restrictions on the app.

Key Facts

  • Pavel Durov, creator of Telegram, was charged with aiding terrorism by Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB).
  • The FSB says Telegram failed to remove channels used by Ukrainian intelligence and terrorist groups.
  • Russian officials claim a Telegram chatbot recruited young Russians for attacks against law enforcement.
  • Telegram is officially based in Dubai, and Durov holds French and UAE citizenship; he lives outside Russia.
  • If found guilty, Durov could face life in prison in Russia.
  • Russia has blocked or restricted many foreign internet services to control online information.
  • Telegram’s earlier attempts to avoid Russian restrictions included denying charges accusing it of limiting free speech.
  • Russia promotes a domestic app called MAX, which lacks strong privacy protections and complies with government surveillance requests.
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Apple Lets Customers Lease Products With Klarna: Is It Cheaper?

Apple Lets Customers Lease Products With Klarna: Is It Cheaper?

Summary

Apple has started a new leasing program called Apple Upgrade with Klarna for iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Apple Watches. This program replaces the iPhone Upgrade Program, offering lower monthly payments but requiring customers to buy AppleCare+ separately if they want it.

Key Facts

  • Apple Upgrade lets customers lease devices and either upgrade, buy, or return them after the lease ends.
  • It covers multiple Apple products, not just iPhones.
  • Customers apply online or in stores and undergo a soft credit check that does not harm their credit score.
  • Apple ended new sign-ups for the iPhone Upgrade Program, which allowed a 24-month payment plan with included AppleCare+.
  • Apple Upgrade's monthly payments are about $11 lower for the iPhone 17 Pro Max lineup compared to the old program.
  • AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss is no longer included and costs about $14 per month if added.
  • The old program gave device ownership after payment; the new program is a lease until the customer buys or returns the device.
  • Customers can trade in devices to reduce payments and get 3% Daily Cash back with Apple Card payments.
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Incoming heatwave set to worsen firefighting conditions in France's southwest

Incoming heatwave set to worsen firefighting conditions in France's southwest

Summary

A large wildfire in the Gironde area of southwest France has burned 42,000 hectares and caused over 220,000 people to evacuate. Firefighters are working to control the fire, but a new heatwave with very high temperatures is making the situation more difficult.

Key Facts

  • The wildfire is located in the Gironde department in southwest France.
  • So far, 42,000 hectares of land have been burned by the fire.
  • More than 220,000 people have been evacuated, including about 57,000 near Bordeaux overnight.
  • On July 28, there were about 14 cases of burnt areas catching fire again.
  • Firefighters continue to fight the fire, which is currently stable but still dangerous.
  • A heatwave with very high temperatures is hitting the region, making firefighting harder.
  • This wildfire is one of the worst France has ever faced.
  • Authorities are closely watching the situation due to the hot weather conditions.
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My Mom Had Pain in the Roof of Her Mouth. It Turned Out She Was Having a Heart Attack

My Mom Had Pain in the Roof of Her Mouth. It Turned Out She Was Having a Heart Attack

Summary

A woman’s mother experienced unusual pain in the roof of her mouth and extreme tiredness, which turned out to be signs of a heart attack. Thanks to knowledge gained at a heart health event, she went to the emergency room quickly, received life-saving treatment, and survived.

Key Facts

  • The mother had pain in the roof of her mouth and severe fatigue before going to the hospital.
  • Doctors discovered she was having a heart attack and performed emergency surgery.
  • Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the U.S.
  • Many women do not recognize heart attack symptoms because they can be subtle and different from common chest pain.
  • Symptoms can include jaw pain, toothache-like pain, and unusual tiredness.
  • Only 44% of women know heart disease is their greatest health risk.
  • The author hopes sharing this story will help others recognize warning signs and seek help early.
  • Awareness and quick action can save lives, especially for women who may experience less typical heart attack symptoms.
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Fauci to face Republican questions over Covid pandemic origins – US politics live

Fauci to face Republican questions over Covid pandemic origins – US politics live

Summary

Anthony Fauci will testify before Senate Republicans about the origins of the Covid-19 pandemic. Some Republicans are investigating whether the virus came from a lab, while many scientists say there is no proof for this and defend Fauci against accusations.

Key Facts

  • Fauci served as director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) for 38 years and advised seven US presidents.
  • Republicans, led by Senator Rand Paul, are questioning Fauci about the "lab leak" theory of the Covid-19 origin.
  • The "lab leak" theory suggests the virus accidentally escaped from a laboratory, but many virologists say this is unlikely.
  • Over 150 infectious disease experts signed a letter defending Fauci and denying any credible evidence for the accusations against him.
  • Fauci has faced harassment and threats over the past five years because of these allegations.
  • The Republican investigation is described by some scientists as unfair harassment of Fauci.
  • President Donald Trump met with world leaders and participated in a funeral around the same time as these events.
  • The US Senate confirmed Jay Clayton as director of national intelligence, appointed by President Trump.
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Donald Trump’s Unwanted Approval Rating Lows So Far This Year

Donald Trump’s Unwanted Approval Rating Lows So Far This Year

Summary

President Donald Trump’s approval ratings have dropped to record lows in 2026 according to several major national polls. Many surveys show more people disapprove of his job performance, especially regarding the economy. Weak approval ratings like these can make it harder for the president’s party in upcoming elections.

Key Facts

  • Polls from Big Data Poll, Fox News, American Research Group, Economist/YouGov, and Pew Research Center all show Trump’s approval below 40%.
  • Economist/YouGov recorded 34% approval and 62% disapproval in late July, the lowest net approval rating (approval minus disapproval) of minus 28 points during his second term.
  • American Research Group found even lower numbers in July with 30% approval and 67% disapproval.
  • Big Data Poll in May showed Trump at 39.4% approval, the lowest for his second term in that poll series.
  • Pew Research Center reported 34% approval in April, the lowest mark for this term.
  • Reuters/Ipsos surveys found Trump’s approval similar to President Joe Biden’s at a comparable time but with higher disapproval.
  • Weak approval ratings are especially risky for the Republican Party ahead of midterm elections involving economy and foreign conflict concerns.
  • The White House states that President Trump’s policies on jobs, inflation, and housing are making historic progress despite the approval ratings.
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