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The 10 busiest commuter trains in England and Wales revealed

The 10 busiest commuter trains in England and Wales revealed

Summary

The Department for Transport reported that the busiest commuter train in England and Wales last autumn was a Thameslink service between Bedford and Three Bridges, with overcrowding slightly decreasing overall due to increased capacity. Four South Western services and two Thameslink routes are among the top ten busiest, and work is ongoing to improve space during peak hours.

Key Facts

  • The most crowded train was a Thameslink morning service from Bedford to Three Bridges with a load factor of 176%.
  • Overcrowding on commuter trains in major English and Welsh cities fell slightly compared to autumn 2024.
  • About 1.1% of peak-time travelers were on overcrowded trains.
  • More than 1.2 million of 1.9 million daily autumn journeys were in London.
  • South Western Railway increased capacity by nearly 30% in the last year with new trains.
  • Thameslink trains include extra standing room and have added services to reduce crowding.
  • The data comes from passenger counts on weekdays between September and December 2025.
  • A quarter of passengers traveling in and out of London during peak times had to stand; in other cities, only 5% stood.
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Sen. Lindsey Graham's funeral services take place in DC

Sen. Lindsey Graham's funeral services take place in DC

Summary

Senator Lindsey Graham’s funeral services are being held in Washington, D.C., including a ceremony at the U.S. Capitol and a funeral at the National Cathedral. Senator Graham, who served over 20 years and was a close adviser to President Donald Trump, died suddenly on July 11 from a heart-related condition.

Key Facts

  • Senator Lindsey Graham died unexpectedly on July 11 at age 71.
  • Cause of death was an aortic dissection linked to heart disease.
  • His casket lay in state in the Capitol rotunda, with a tribute including remarks from Senate leaders.
  • A funeral service is scheduled at Washington National Cathedral, with President Donald Trump expected to speak.
  • World leaders like Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy will attend the funeral.
  • Graham was a key Republican senator, adviser to President Trump, and member of the Senate Judiciary Committee.
  • He was a strong ally of Israel and Ukraine and met with Zelenskyy shortly before his death.
  • Memorial services will also take place in South Carolina, Graham’s home state and district.
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Harris backs Troy Jackson in Maine Senate race

Harris backs Troy Jackson in Maine Senate race

Summary

Vice President Kamala Harris has endorsed Troy Jackson in the Democratic race for the U.S. Senate seat in Maine. Jackson recently became the official Democratic candidate after replacing Graham Platner.

Key Facts

  • Kamala Harris is currently the Vice President of the United States.
  • Harris endorsed Troy Jackson, a former state senator from Maine.
  • Jackson is running for the U.S. Senate as a Democrat in Maine.
  • Jackson replaced Graham Platner as the Democratic candidate on Saturday.
  • President Donald Trump is the U.S. President during this election cycle.
  • Former President Joe Biden ended his bid for a second term, leading Harris to receive the Democratic presidential nomination in August 2024.
  • Jackson faces a shorter campaign timeline due to the recent changes in candidates.
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Can you transfer a credit card balance if you've missed payments?

Can you transfer a credit card balance if you've missed payments?

Summary

If you have missed credit card payments, transferring your balance to a new card with a lower interest rate can still be possible but harder to qualify for. Missing payments lowers your credit score, which makes lenders less likely to approve a balance transfer or may offer less favorable terms.

Key Facts

  • Balance transfers allow moving debt from one card to another with a lower or 0% interest rate for a period.
  • Missing payments on your current card can damage your credit score.
  • Lenders use credit scores and payment history to decide if you can get a balance transfer card.
  • Missing one payment might still allow approval if your overall credit and income are strong.
  • More severe delinquencies (60 or 90 days late) make qualifying much harder.
  • If you apply before missing payments, you have a better chance of approval.
  • Balance transfers work best if you can pay off the transferred debt before the low-interest period ends.
  • If debt problems continue, balance transfers might not solve the issue and other debt relief options may be better.
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Rand Paul on Fauci diary entries: ‘Level of dishonesty is really astounding’

Rand Paul on Fauci diary entries: ‘Level of dishonesty is really astounding’

Summary

Senator Rand Paul shared private diary entries written by Dr. Anthony Fauci during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic response. Senator Paul said the entries show a high level of dishonesty.

Key Facts

  • Senator Rand Paul is the chairman of the Senate Homeland Security Committee.
  • He published private diary entries written by Dr. Anthony Fauci.
  • The diary entries come from the time Fauci led the U.S. COVID-19 response in 2020.
  • Senator Paul says the diary reveals dishonesty.
  • Dr. Anthony Fauci was a key health official during the pandemic.
  • The published documents provide insight into Fauci’s actions and thoughts during the early pandemic period.
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Witness says Lincoln Memorial pool was damaged before alleged vandalism

Witness says Lincoln Memorial pool was damaged before alleged vandalism

Summary

A former Olympic canoeist, David “Davey” Hearn, is accused of damaging the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool, but a witness testified that the pool was already damaged before Hearn’s actions. Hearn’s lawyers argue that the damage existed beforehand and question whether the grand jury was properly informed when charging him with felony property destruction.

Key Facts

  • David “Davey” Hearn is charged with a felony count of property destruction for allegedly vandalizing the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool.
  • Hearn pleaded not guilty and is scheduled for trial on September 28 in Washington DC superior court.
  • A National Park Service official stated the pool was leaking over one million gallons per week and had a rip before Hearn touched it.
  • The witness could not confirm any new damage caused by Hearn’s actions and said repairs would have been needed anyway.
  • Hearn briefly touched the pool liner during a bike ride but complied when told to let go.
  • The reflecting pool had undergone a $16 million renovation ordered by President Trump, which faced problems like leaks and algae.
  • Trump blamed vandals for the renovation's failures and charged three people, including Hearn, with misdemeanor offenses related to tampering with the pool liner.
  • Hearn's lawyers claim there were irregularities in the grand jury process and have requested full access to grand jury records to challenge the indictment.
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US Reveals Rare Coast Guard Drills With Taiwan

US Reveals Rare Coast Guard Drills With Taiwan

Summary

The U.S. and Taiwan coast guards held a rare joint exercise to work together on maritime safety issues like storms, drug trafficking, and illegal fishing. This cooperation is part of a 2021 agreement and takes place amid ongoing tensions with China, which claims Taiwan as its territory.

Key Facts

  • The American Institute in Taiwan shared photos of U.S. and Taiwanese coast guard ships working together during typhoon season.
  • The joint exercise focuses on shared concerns such as disaster relief, marine resource protection, and combating illegal activities at sea.
  • The cooperation follows a 2021 memorandum of understanding between the U.S. and Taiwan on maritime law enforcement.
  • China claims Taiwan as its own and has increased its coast guard presence near Taiwan in recent years.
  • The U.S. disagrees with China's patrols near Taiwan, calling them a threat to regional stability.
  • While the U.S. supports Taiwan's security, it keeps official ties low-profile to avoid provoking China.
  • The two coast guards recently stopped a semiconductor smuggling case, protecting sensitive technology from possible military use by China.
  • The U.S. Coast Guard cutter USCGC Midgett sailed with Taiwan’s patrol vessel CG5005 Taipei during the exercise.
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Wildfires scorch Spain and France with more dry weather expected

Wildfires scorch Spain and France with more dry weather expected

Summary

Firefighters in Spain and France are fighting some of the worst wildfires ever seen in western Europe. More hot and dry weather is expected, which may make the fires harder to control.

Key Facts

  • Wildfires are burning across Spain and France.
  • These fires are among the worst in western Europe’s history.
  • Firefighters are actively working to stop the spread of the fires.
  • Weather forecasts predict continued hot and dry conditions.
  • Dry weather increases the risk and intensity of wildfires.
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Can Burnham's vision for Manchester's schools really work for the rest of England?

Can Burnham's vision for Manchester's schools really work for the rest of England?

Summary

Prime Minister Andy Burnham, now leading England, has announced plans to expand the Manchester Baccalaureate (MBacc) across the country. The MBacc is a program designed to give students clear paths into practical and technical jobs, combining vocational courses with work experience starting from Year 10.

Key Facts

  • The MBacc started in Greater Manchester and is now planned to be adopted nationally in England.
  • It is not a new qualification but a framework guiding students toward vocational and technical careers.
  • The program offers step-by-step routes into seven career areas, including construction, digital technology, education, finance, health, and manufacturing.
  • Work experience is a key part, with a goal of 45 days of work placement by age 19.
  • So far, 101 schools and colleges in Greater Manchester (about 40%) have adopted MBacc.
  • In its second year, 1,405 young people in Greater Manchester gained workplace experience through MBacc.
  • The program aims to clarify the often confusing options for students wanting practical careers, alongside traditional academic routes.
  • The full impact will be clearer after students leave school and enter work in the coming years.
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Exclusive discounts from CBS Mornings Deals

Exclusive discounts from CBS Mornings Deals

Summary

CBS Mornings Deals offers special discounts on products that aim to improve daily life. Customers can buy these items through the website cbsdeals.com, where CBS earns commissions from the sales.

Key Facts

  • CBS Mornings Deals features products with exclusive discounts.
  • The products are chosen to help improve everyday lifestyle.
  • Customers can visit cbsdeals.com to purchase these items.
  • CBS earns a commission from sales made through the website.
  • The deals are promoted during the CBS Mornings show.
  • The article encourages viewers to use the CBS News App or web browsers to access the deals.
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Drone footage shows Wisconsin tornado damage

Drone footage shows Wisconsin tornado damage

Summary

An EF-2 tornado hit Wisconsin, causing damage but no reported deaths or injuries. Officials declared a state of disaster, and emergency crews are clearing debris and checking the area for safety.

Key Facts

  • An EF-2 tornado caused damage in Wisconsin.
  • No deaths or injuries have been reported so far.
  • Authorities declared a state of disaster in response to the tornado.
  • Emergency workers are removing debris and assessing the damage.
  • Residents were told to stay indoors due to safety risks like downed power lines.
  • Search and rescue efforts are ongoing in affected areas.
  • The tornado event was recent, with updates continuing as officials respond.
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Qantas plane flies for more than 24 hours in record-breaking flight

Qantas plane flies for more than 24 hours in record-breaking flight

Summary

Qantas completed a non-stop flight from Melbourne to Toulouse lasting 24 hours and 24 minutes, setting a record for the longest commercial flight. The flight tested a specially modified Airbus A350-1000ULR plane designed to fly nonstop from Australia to London starting in 2027.

Key Facts

  • The flight covered 23,075 kilometers (14,338 miles) without stopping.
  • The Airbus A350-1000ULR has extra fuel tanks, allowing very long flights.
  • This flight beat the previous longest commercial flight record of 22 hours and 42 minutes set in 2005.
  • Qantas plans to use this aircraft for nonstop flights from Sydney to London and New York in about 20 hours.
  • Qantas ordered 12 of these modified planes, with the first delivery expected in April 2027.
  • The nonstop Sydney-London flight is planned to start in October 2027.
  • The plane can carry 238 passengers and has 20,000 liters more fuel than standard models.
  • Over 3.6 million people tracked this flight online, making it one of the most followed commercial flights ever.
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Gorsuch: US ‘never supposed to be … about one race or one religion’

Gorsuch: US ‘never supposed to be … about one race or one religion’

Summary

Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch said that the United States was not created based on a single race or religion. He emphasized that many early American colonies were founded on religious diversity and the freedom to practice different faiths.

Key Facts

  • Justice Neil Gorsuch spoke about the founding principles of the U.S. in a recent interview.
  • He stated that the country was not founded on one race or one religion.
  • Gorsuch highlighted that many early colonies were established to support religious pluralism.
  • Religious pluralism means allowing people to follow different religions freely.
  • His comments appeared to respond to views held by conservatives, including Vice President Vance, who emphasized a different perspective.
  • The focus was on the original intent behind America’s foundation regarding race and religion.
  • Gorsuch's remarks reflect ongoing debates about the country’s identity and values.
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Zelenskyy will visit Trump at the White House before Sen. Graham's funeral

Zelenskyy will visit Trump at the White House before Sen. Graham's funeral

Summary

President Donald Trump will meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House on Tuesday. This meeting happens shortly before Senator Lindsey Graham’s funeral, which Zelenskyy is attending after Graham helped arrange sanctions on countries buying Russian oil and gas.

Key Facts

  • President Trump and President Zelenskyy will meet on Tuesday at the White House.
  • This is their second meeting in the same month.
  • Zelenskyy is visiting Washington to attend Senator Lindsey Graham’s funeral.
  • Senator Graham made a final effort to support Ukraine by securing sanctions on countries buying Russian energy.
  • Zelenskyy announced his arrival in the U.S. on social media and shared his visit’s goals.
  • A far-right activist close to President Trump recently changed position on Russia’s war in Ukraine.
  • The funeral service for Senator Graham is held at Washington National Cathedral.
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Banks charged mortgage holders $55m in extra interest after offset account errors, Asic finds

Banks charged mortgage holders $55m in extra interest after offset account errors, Asic finds

Summary

The Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC) found that banks made errors with mortgage offset accounts, causing customers to pay $55 million more in interest over two years. Many borrowers were unaware their accounts were not linked correctly, leading to higher loan repayments and longer payoff times.

Key Facts

  • ASIC reviewed over 200,000 home loans from eight banks and found hundreds of offset account problems.
  • Banks repaid $55 million to affected customers but expect the total to increase.
  • Mortgage offset accounts allow borrowers to reduce interest by offsetting savings against their loan balance.
  • Errors included accounts becoming unlinked without customers’ knowledge, causing extra interest charges.
  • Some banks struggled to even identify if a customer had requested an offset account.
  • Banks have compensated most affected customers but were slow to detect and fix problems.
  • Customers often did not realize their offset accounts were not working properly, leading to paying more interest and longer loan terms.
  • Industry leaders confirmed most banks managed offset accounts correctly in over 99% of cases.
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Dozens injured, buildings damaged after powerful earthquake strikes Japan

Dozens injured, buildings damaged after powerful earthquake strikes Japan

Summary

A strong earthquake with a magnitude of 7.1 hit southern Japan on Tuesday. Dozens of people were injured, and some buildings were damaged, according to officials.

Key Facts

  • The earthquake measured 7.1 on the Richter scale.
  • It occurred in southern Japan.
  • Dozens of people were reported injured.
  • Several buildings sustained damage.
  • The Japan Meteorological Agency reported the earthquake.
  • The event happened on a Tuesday.
  • Emergency services responded to the incident.
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CBP Phone Searches: US Citizens' Rights as Man Charged Over Device Wiping

CBP Phone Searches: US Citizens' Rights as Man Charged Over Device Wiping

Summary

A man named Samuel Tunick was charged after U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents said he wiped his phone during a border search at an Atlanta airport. This case highlights the debate over the rights of U.S. citizens when their phones are searched by border agents and whether using security features that erase data during inspections can lead to criminal charges.

Key Facts

  • Samuel Tunick was stopped for a secondary inspection at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in January 2025.
  • CBP agents asked to see his Google Pixel phone, and after a passcode was entered, the phone reset and erased its contents.
  • Tunick was charged with violating a federal law that forbids destroying property to prevent authorities from taking custody of it, punishable by up to five years in prison.
  • Tunick pleaded not guilty and his lawyers claim the search was illegal and that he was denied access to a lawyer and proper rights warnings.
  • The phone used a privacy system called GrapheneOS, which has a "duress password" that wipes data when typed instead of unlocking.
  • CBP states that device searches happen in fewer than 0.01% of travelers and are part of their border security efforts.
  • U.S. law currently allows border agents to search devices without a warrant as part of routine border checks.
  • The case could set an important precedent on balancing privacy rights with border security powers.
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Ex-FCC officials warn agency sending ‘chilling message’ with ABC license review

Ex-FCC officials warn agency sending ‘chilling message’ with ABC license review

Summary

A group of former Federal Communications Commission (FCC) officials from past Democratic and Republican administrations warned that the FCC’s early review of ABC’s local TV station licenses sends a harmful message to broadcasters. The review was triggered by petitions from conservative groups accusing ABC of bias, but the former officials said the process violates the law and could censor speech.

Key Facts

  • The FCC, led by Chair Brendan Carr, ordered an early review of license renewals for eight ABC local stations.
  • This action followed criticism of ABC by President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump.
  • Conservative groups Media Research Center and the Center for American Rights filed petitions to deny ABC’s license renewals, citing bias and discrimination claims.
  • The filing against the FCC’s actions was made by former FCC leaders appointed by presidents from both parties.
  • The former officials said the FCC’s license review is unprecedented, likely unconstitutional, and threatens free speech.
  • They urged the FCC to stop the review process and avoid punishing ABC for its editorial choices.
  • Interested groups have until August 5 to respond to the petitions, but the outcome and timing remain uncertain.
  • This situation creates uncertainty for ABC and its local stations about their ability to keep broadcasting in the long run.
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It’s time to prosecute climate crimes – with laws that already exist | Aaron Regunberg

It’s time to prosecute climate crimes – with laws that already exist | Aaron Regunberg

Summary

Big oil companies knew for decades that their pollution would cause serious harm by worsening climate change, but they hid this information and misled the public. Existing criminal laws, such as reckless endangerment and causing a risk of catastrophe, can be used to hold these companies responsible for the damage caused by the climate crisis.

Key Facts

  • Record-breaking wildfires and deadly heatwaves recently caused severe damage in the U.S., forcing families to stay indoors for safety.
  • Scientists say these extreme weather events are made much more likely by climate change linked to pollution from big oil companies.
  • Research shows companies like ExxonMobil, Chevron, Shell, and BP made some heatwaves at least 10,000 times more likely due to their emissions.
  • Decades ago, these companies predicted their fuels would cause dangerous climate effects but hid this knowledge to protect their profits.
  • Big oil engaged in campaigns to deny and deceive the public about climate change impacts.
  • There are existing criminal laws in many states that can prosecute reckless actions creating serious risks or widespread harm.
  • Laws against reckless endangerment apply when someone knowingly causes risks of injury, which fits big oil’s conduct.
  • Some states with catastrophe risk laws, like Pennsylvania and New Jersey—both hit hard by recent heat—could use these laws to pursue legal cases.
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America is at war with Iran. Trump should ask Congress to declare it formally.

America is at war with Iran. Trump should ask Congress to declare it formally.

Summary

President Donald Trump and Congress are discussing whether the United States should officially declare war on Iran. A formal declaration of war would clarify the legal and political basis for military action.

Key Facts

  • President Donald Trump is involved in discussions with Congress about Iran.
  • The topic is whether to formally declare war on Iran.
  • A formal declaration would give a clear legal basis for war.
  • It would also have political implications for the U.S. government.
  • Currently, no formal war declaration against Iran has been made.
  • Congress has the constitutional power to declare war.
  • The decision affects how the U.S. engages militarily in Iran.
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