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An expert warned that parts of the U.S. might face a "mini Dust Bowl" due to ongoing severe drought conditions. There is concern that the climate pattern called El Niño could make the dry weather worse.
Key Facts
The U.S. is experiencing long-term drought in some areas.
Severe drought conditions already exist in those regions.
A "mini Dust Bowl" refers to a situation with very dry soil and dust storms.
Experts say this could happen if drought worsens.
El Niño is a weather pattern that can cause changes in rainfall.
El Niño might increase the dryness, making drought conditions more severe.
The Dust Bowl was a major drought in the 1930s that caused dust storms and crop failure.
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Plants do not have brains but can react to touch and other signals. Scientists call this thigmomorphogenesis, which means plants change their form or behavior when they feel something outside.
Key Facts
Plants lack brains but show responses to touch.
Thigmomorphogenesis is the scientific term for how plants react to physical stimuli.
These reactions can cause changes in the plant's shape or growth.
The phenomenon shows that plants are more sensitive to their environment than previously thought.
Robert Krulwich and Barnaby Dixon presented this information in a CBS News segment.
The segment included a creative element inspired by the science, such as a song.
The discussion aims to help people understand plant behavior better.
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Laura Loomer, once known for spreading conspiracy theories and criticizing Ukraine, visited the country to see the effects of Russia’s war firsthand. After meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and touring near the frontline, she changed her view and now warns conservatives against Russian propaganda.
Key Facts
Laura Loomer traveled across Ukraine, including areas near the conflict front line.
She used to spread false ideas about Ukraine being full of Nazis and downplayed the war.
Loomer admitted she was misled by Russian propaganda.
She interviewed Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy during her visit.
Their discussion took place partly in a bomb shelter during a missile attack in Kyiv.
Loomer remains influential with President Donald Trump and expects to meet him soon.
She says Ukraine did not pay for her trip.
Loomer hopes her visit will shift U.S. conservative opinions and impact upcoming U.S. decisions on sanctions against Russia.
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Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye launched a new political party called Kiiraay-The Republican Patriots, formalizing his break from former ally Ousmane Sonko. This split ended their alliance that brought them to power in 2024 and raises questions about Senegal’s political stability as the country faces economic challenges.
Key Facts
President Faye started a new party named Kiiraay-The Republican Patriots in Dakar.
The new party comes after a split with Ousmane Sonko, who was previously his ally.
Faye and Sonko originally worked together through the PASTEF party.
Sonko could not run for president in 2024, so Faye ran with PASTEF’s support and won.
Sonko was appointed prime minister but was later dismissed by Faye in May 2024.
Sonko’s party PASTEF refused to join the new government formed by Faye.
The split may cause political difficulties and economic problems in Senegal.
Observers fear the divide could lead to legislative gridlock and reduce the government’s effectiveness.
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Sixty years ago, a pleasure boat called the Prince of Wales sank in the Mawddach Estuary in Wales, killing 15 people, including the entire family of 14-year-old Peter Watts. The boat hit a toll bridge due to strong tides, throwing passengers into the water, and an official inquiry found the boat was overloaded and poorly crewed. A new memorial has been unveiled to remember those who died in this tragedy.
Key Facts
On July 22, 1966, the Prince of Wales pleasure boat sank in the Mawddach Estuary, Gwynedd, Wales.
The boat struck the Penmaenpool toll bridge because of tides, causing passengers to fall into the water.
Of 42 passengers, 15 died, including Peter Watts’ mother, father, brother, and sister.
The boat carried six more passengers than its legal limit of 36.
Only one crew member, the skipper Edward Llewelyn, was on board instead of the required two.
Lifebelts were insufficient, and safety equipment was improperly stored.
The skipper was found negligent but was not prosecuted; he had to pay £100 towards inquiry costs.
The disaster led to changes in laws about boat passenger limits and insurance.
A memorial has been set up to honor the victims of the disaster.
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Lauren Hutton became a famous supermodel despite initial rejections. She earned a record as the highest-paid model and appeared on American Vogue many times. Hutton shared stories about her adventurous life, including living with the Kalahari bushmen and surviving a serious motorcycle accident.
Key Facts
Lauren Hutton was rejected by several modeling agencies before being accepted by Eileen Ford.
She became the highest-paid model in history for Revlon.
Hutton holds the record for the most cover appearances on American Vogue magazine.
She lived among the bushmen in the Kalahari desert.
In 2000, she had a near-fatal motorcycle accident.
She views her life experiences without regrets and would make the same choices again.
The interview was originally broadcast on CBS News on January 25, 2026.
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The conflict between Israel, the United States, and Iran since February 28 has shown an unusual pattern: Iran and its allies face most of the damage and costs, while Israel experiences fewer attacks and benefits economically. Iran’s strategy of using allied groups across the region is weakening, and Iran now bears more of the war’s burden.
Key Facts
The war began on February 28 and involves the US, Israel, and Iran.
Iran used a network of allied groups in Lebanon, Yemen, and Iraq to confront Israel indirectly.
Israel’s main ally groups, like Hezbollah and pro-Iran factions in Iraq, have been weakened by Israeli and US actions.
Iran’s attacks have focused on Gulf countries’ civilian and energy infrastructure rather than heavily targeting Israel.
Israeli air defenses, including the US-supported Iron Dome, have stopped many Iranian missiles aimed at Israel.
The Israel stock market and currency have grown stronger during the war, and Israel’s defense industry profits have increased.
The Gulf states and civilians there have faced most of the damage from Iranian attacks.
Iran is under growing pressure as its long-term strategy to surround Israel with allied groups is falling apart.
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Worm grunting is a method that uses vibrations to bring earthworms up from the soil. People use this trick to gather live worms for fishing bait. Sopchoppy, Florida, holds a Worm Gruntin' Festival to celebrate this practice and the importance of worms.
Key Facts
Worm grunting uses vibrations to make earthworms come to the soil surface.
This method helps people collect worms without digging.
The technique is not fully understood by scientists yet.
Sopchoppy, Florida, calls itself the "Worm Capital of the World."
The town hosts a yearly Worm Gruntin' Festival to honor worms and worm grunting.
The festival includes events and activities focused on worms and the local culture.
Worms are important for fishing as live bait.
The news piece was originally aired on June 15, 2025.
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JD Vance expressed interest in the effects of living outside Earth's gravity on the human body. He raised questions about space colonies and how they might impact human health.
Key Facts
JD Vance discussed concerns about the effects of low gravity on people in space.
He wondered about the challenges of living in colonies beyond Earth.
The topic relates to understanding human health in space.
Space colonies involve settling humans outside Earth, often in low or zero gravity.
These questions are important for future space exploration and colonization efforts.
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This news segment highlights the latest top-selling books on The New York Times bestseller lists for fiction and non-fiction. It provides viewers with current information on popular books.
Key Facts
The article focuses on books listed on The New York Times bestseller lists.
It includes both fiction and non-fiction categories.
The information is presented as part of CBS News coverage.
Viewers can access the details through the CBS News app or website.
The lists reflect the most purchased or popular books at the time.
The date mentioned is July 26 (7/26), indicating the timing of this update.
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Thaddeus Kosciuszko was a Polish-born military engineer who helped General George Washington in the American Revolutionary War. His work was important in winning independence for the United States.
Key Facts
Kosciuszko was born in Poland in 1746.
He was a skilled military engineer.
He joined the American Revolutionary War on the side of the Patriots.
Kosciuszko helped plan key defenses and fortifications for General Washington’s army.
His work contributed to the American victory over the British.
Kosciuszko is recognized as a hero in United States history.
The story of Kosciuszko highlights the role of immigrants in America’s fight for independence.
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An Israeli air strike killed two Hamas security officials, including a senior officer in central Gaza, when their car was hit in Deir al-Balah. This attack is one in a series of near-daily Israeli strikes in Gaza since a ceasefire began on October 10, and peace talks remain stalled.
Key Facts
Colonel Wael Musa al-Ladawi, head of Hamas’s internal security in central Gaza, was killed in the strike.
Another Hamas security official, Ramez Tawfiq Abu Zureiq, died in the same attack.
The car they were traveling in was hit in the city of Deir al-Balah.
The bodies were taken to Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital.
The day before, Israel killed the head of Hamas police in northern Gaza, who was also linked to Hamas’s military wing.
Hamas claims Israel’s attacks aim to disrupt Gaza’s government and cause chaos.
The ceasefire started on October 10 but has not stopped Israeli strikes.
Peace talks led by U.S. President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace have made little progress.
Hamas recently elected a new leader, Khalil al-Hayya, nearly two years after the previous leader was killed.
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Peter Lassally, a television producer known for working with late-night hosts like David Letterman and Johnny Carson, died at age 93. He was respected for helping hosts improve their shows and was called "The Host Whisperer."
Key Facts
Peter Lassally worked in television for about 50 years.
He produced shows for famous late-night hosts such as David Letterman, Craig Ferguson, Tom Snyder, and Johnny Carson.
Lassally was known as a trusted advisor and friend to many hosts.
He passed away last Sunday at the age of 93.
Mo Rocca shared a tribute remembering Lassally's impact on late-night TV.
He was recognized for his skill in guiding television hosts to succeed.
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Corinne Bailey Rae started her music career working coat check before her singing talents were discovered at a club in Leeds, England. After her first album's success, she faced personal tragedy when her husband died, which deeply affected her but also inspired her second album. Today, she balances her music career with family life, appreciating both loss and the beauty of life.
Key Facts
Corinne Bailey Rae worked at a coat check in Leeds before becoming famous.
Her first hit song was "Like a Star," followed by "Put Your Records On."
She grew up feeling different because of her mixed Black and white heritage.
Her husband, Jason Rae, died of an accidental overdose in 2008.
After a two-year break, she released a second album called "The Sea."
Jason Rae’s mother helped her meet and marry producer Steve Brown in 2013.
She has two daughters and sees her life as divided into before and after her husband's death.
Bailey Rae reflects on grief as both sadness and a reminder of life’s beauty.
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A 19-year-old Sudanese teenager, Chan Mathok Atak, has been charged for piloting a small boat carrying a record 165 migrants across the English Channel from France to England. This crossing broke the previous record of 128 people on one boat, highlighting ongoing challenges with migrant crossings and safety concerns.
Key Facts
Chan Mathok Atak, aged 19, is charged with endangering lives during a Channel crossing.
The boat carried 165 migrants, the highest number ever recorded on one small vessel crossing the Channel.
The previous record was 128 people crossing in July.
Over 13,000 migrant arrivals were recorded in 2026 so far, down 45% from the same time in 2025.
The dinghy used was about 13 meters (42 feet) long, roughly the size of a standard bus.
Migrant crossings by small boats have become the most common way to enter the UK illegally since 2020.
Nearly all arrivals by small boat apply for asylum, which lets them stay while their applications are processed.
The UK government is working with France to stop people smuggling and has deported or removed nearly 70,000 people arriving illegally.
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British singer-songwriter Corinne Bailey Rae talks about her life and music in an extended interview. She shares her experiences growing up, musical influences, personal losses, and lessons from aging.
Key Facts
Corinne Bailey Rae grew up in Leeds, England.
She felt like an outsider during her childhood.
Billie Holiday and Kurt Cobain have influenced her music style.
Her song "Put Your Records On" became very popular.
She experienced the loss of her first husband.
She later found love again.
She reflects on what aging has taught her.
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New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani spoke out after a 12-year-old boy was shot and killed in the Bronx. He emphasized that gun violence should not be accepted as normal and promised to hold those responsible accountable.
Key Facts
A 12-year-old boy was fatally shot in the Bronx while riding his bike on Saturday.
Two other people, a 34-year-old and a 25-year-old, were wounded but expected to survive.
The shooting happened near Elliot Place and Walton Avenue, with police investigating the scene.
Mayor Mamdani expressed sympathy for the victims and criticized the normalization of gun violence.
Since January, NYC has had 322 shooting incidents and 381 victims, according to police.
Several recent shootings involved children, including a 7-month-old baby fatally shot in Brooklyn in April.
Mamdani took office on January 1 and has frequently spoken about the urgent need to reduce gun crimes.
Arrests have been made in some cases, such as Robert Smith charged in a July shooting at a Brooklyn barbecue.
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Health workers in Mukalla, Yemen, are working to stop a dengue fever outbreak by finding and removing mosquito breeding sites. Despite efforts like spraying insecticide and raising awareness, mosquitoes that carry dengue and malaria continue to breed in stagnant water, causing many illness cases.
Key Facts
Dengue fever is spread by Aedes mosquitoes and can cause high fever and serious health problems.
Mukalla, a city in Yemen, is one of the worst-hit areas in the latest dengue outbreak.
Health workers search for mosquito larvae in stagnant water, such as open drainage and water tanks.
A previous mosquito control campaign took place two months ago but breeding sites still exist.
Covering water storage tanks and removing standing water can help stop mosquito breeding.
Some residents are not cooperating with health workers, making control efforts harder.
From January to July 2026, there were 7,815 suspected dengue cases and 33 deaths in Yemen’s government-controlled areas.
The hardest-hit regions include Hadramout, Aden, Abyan, Shabwa, and Taiz governorates.
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British singer Corinne Bailey Rae is going on tour to celebrate 20 years since her first album was released. She spoke about her inspirations, including Billie Holiday and Kurt Cobain, and how she has coped with the loss of her first husband and moved forward in life.
Key Facts
Corinne Bailey Rae became well known 20 years ago with her hit song "Put Your Records On."
She has won two Grammy Awards.
She is starting a tour to mark the 20th anniversary of her first album.
She mentioned that Billie Holiday and Kurt Cobain inspired her music.
She talked about dealing with her first husband's death.
Rae described her experience as one of rebirth and moving on after loss.
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