US states have seen an early rise in West Nile virus cases this year, prompting Delaware to use sentinel chickens as an early warning system. These chickens help officials monitor virus activity and improve efforts to control mosquitoes and protect public health.
Key Facts
West Nile virus transmission started unusually early in some US states, with the highest early summer cases since 2004.
Delaware uses sentinel chickens, which can show infection but do not spread the virus, to detect mosquito-borne diseases like West Nile and Eastern equine encephalitis.
Delaware keeps four sentinel chickens at 20 locations to monitor virus presence throughout the state.
Chickens provide precise information about localized virus activity because they stay in one place.
It takes about a week for chickens to develop antibodies after exposure to the virus.
Some states use mosquito pool testing as a faster method, but Delaware prefers chickens for better location accuracy.
Data from sentinel chickens helps researchers create models to predict the severity of virus outbreaks.
Sentinel chickens can be tested for emerging mosquito-borne illnesses if necessary.
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Gene Folkes, a contestant on season 10 of The Apprentice in 2010, shares his experience working with President Donald Trump on the show. Folkes describes initial admiration turning into disappointment when he realized Trump lacked empathy and used coded language in the boardroom to criticize him unfairly.
Key Facts
Gene Folkes was a contestant on The Apprentice season 10, which aired in 2010.
Folkes was a former air force recruiter who later became an investment banker and entrepreneur.
He was fired by President Trump in episode 5 of the show.
Folkes initially admired Trump and wanted to emulate him.
He describes Trump as charismatic but lacking empathy.
An incident in the boardroom involved Trump criticizing Folkes’s ability to read, which Folkes felt was unfair and racially coded.
Folkes emphasizes the importance of empathy for anyone leading a nation.
After The Apprentice, Folkes now runs a technology consulting company and hosts a podcast.
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The article shares a personal story about Nick Dothée, who talks about the challenges after his husband Walker asked for a divorce. Nick explains how his mother’s understanding and support have been important, especially since he has ADHD and is gay.
Key Facts
Nick Dothée and his husband Walker decided to divorce around Christmas Eve 2025.
Nick told his mother about the divorce during a phone call while driving.
The couple still lives together for now, but Nick is looking for a new place to live.
Nick’s mother offered to help him once she visits.
Nick was diagnosed with ADHD in fourth grade and faced bullying at school.
Theater was a positive outlet that helped Nick and his mother connect.
Nick realized he was gay by age 15 and expected his mother already knew.
His mother reacted by grounding him the first time she really addressed his personal life.
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Labour leader Andy Burnham and Conservative minister Kemi Badenoch have brought back clear political differences between their parties. Labour and the Tories are focusing on distinct priorities like social welfare and national security, with recent debates highlighting these contrasting views while both sides work to engage voters.
Key Facts
Labour’s red and Conservative blue colors are appearing stronger in political materials, signaling clearer party identities.
Nigel Farage’s Reform party received a large £36 million donation, gaining headline attention.
Burnham said national security should not come at the cost of social welfare, a position Conservatives quickly emphasized.
Conservatives view Burnham’s stance as a clear dividing line, believing he favors welfare spending even over defense.
Labour supporters say Burnham wants to balance security with strong community support, not just cut welfare.
There is a sense within both parties that traditional political competition is returning after years of disruption.
Labour sees Burnham as a more effective leader who connects well with the public and shares their values.
The debate on issues like welfare and defense spending is expected to become more challenging for politicians.
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President Donald Trump held a Republican midterm convention event in Dallas, urging voters to treat the upcoming November congressional elections as a vote on him personally. The event showed strong support among Trump’s base but faced challenges, including low approval ratings and uncertain election forecasts.
Key Facts
President Trump spoke to thousands of supporters in Dallas at the first-ever Republican midterm convention.
He asked voters to “pretend that I’m on the ballot” in the November congressional elections.
Trump promised $5,000 payments to every U.S. adult if Republicans keep control of both the House and Senate.
Many members of Congress and candidates did not attend the convention, leaving many seats empty.
Trump’s speech drew about 2.5 million viewers on Fox News, which is considered modest for such an event.
The convention was a two-day event with no official nominations or party business, focusing entirely on supporting Trump.
Polls and experts project Democrats are likely to retain control of the House, with the Senate race too close to call.
The event highlighted fears about a Democratic win and praised Trump with strong loyalty from supporters.
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Senator Mitch McConnell, who is 84 years old, plans to return to the U.S. Senate next week after being hospitalized this summer. His recent health issues, including a fall and pneumonia, have brought attention to the well-being of older lawmakers in Congress.
Key Facts
Mitch McConnell is a Republican senator from Kentucky.
He is 84 years old.
McConnell was hospitalized for nearly two months after a fall and pneumonia.
He has been recovering at home since leaving the hospital.
His planned return to the Senate is expected next week.
The situation highlights concerns about the health of older members of Congress.
Age and health of lawmakers are becoming a topic of discussion.
McConnell described his recovery process publicly.
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President Donald Trump received strong support from his political base during the Republican midterm convention in Dallas. However, it is uncertain if the convention will help the Republican Party improve its chances in the upcoming midterm elections, which are less than eight weeks away.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump was a central figure at the Republican midterm convention held in Dallas.
The convention energized the MAGA (Make America Great Again) base of the Republican Party.
The convention took place just weeks before the midterm elections, which are key for control of the U.S. Congress.
Current data shows that the Republican Party faces challenges in the political landscape ahead of the elections.
The event aimed to unify and motivate Republican voters for Election Day.
The impact of the convention on voters outside the core Trump supporters remains uncertain.
Political analysts are watching whether the convention can help the GOP gain ground against the Democrats.
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President Donald Trump promised to give $5,000 checks to every U.S. adult if Republicans keep control of both the House and Senate after the midterm elections. This offer has raised questions about whether it is legal under current U.S. laws.
Key Facts
President Trump made the $5,000 payment promise during the Republican National Committee’s midterm convention in Dallas.
The checks would go to all adults living in the United States.
The payments are called “Trump dividends.”
This promise depends on Republicans winning both chambers of Congress.
Legal experts are questioning if this plan might break laws about elections or government payments.
The plan has no clear details on how it would be funded or distributed.
Midterm elections will decide which party controls the House of Representatives and the Senate.
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A woman shared her story of becoming pregnant after years of fertility treatments but was diagnosed with stage two triple negative breast cancer just five weeks into her pregnancy. She underwent chemotherapy and surgery during pregnancy, delivered her baby early at 34 weeks, and faced challenges being separated from her newborn in the hospital.
Key Facts
The woman and her husband spent four years trying to get pregnant with fertility treatments.
She found out she was pregnant at three weeks and then noticed unusual symptoms in her breast.
Tests showed the liquid from her breast was not cancerous, but the breast tissue was diagnosed with cancer.
She was diagnosed with stage two triple negative breast cancer at five weeks pregnant.
She started chemotherapy while pregnant, and her baby continued to grow well.
At 32 weeks pregnant, she had a mastectomy (breast removal surgery).
Her son was born early at 34 weeks and spent time in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
She was separated from her baby after birth and was only allowed to see him the day after delivery.
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Grammy-winning rapper Lil Durk was found not guilty in a federal trial that accused him of planning a murder in Los Angeles. He faces a separate trial on different charges later this year.
Key Facts
Lil Durk, whose real name is Durk Devontay Banks, was acquitted of murder-for-hire and conspiracy charges.
The case involved a 2022 shooting where the cousin of rival rapper Quando Rondo was killed.
The verdict followed three days of jury discussion after a three-week trial.
Two other defendants were convicted of stalking but not murder-for-hire.
Prosecutors said Lil Durk offered money to have the rival rapper killed.
Lil Durk remains in custody for a separate trial on racketeering and firearms charges scheduled for October 5.
Lil Durk has released multiple hit albums and won a Grammy in 2024.
Supporters celebrated outside the courthouse after the verdict was announced.
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President Donald Trump has asked the Smithsonian to replace a modern sculpture outside the National Museum of American History with a large 30-foot statue of George Washington. He also wants a smaller statue of Washington placed inside the museum before the new one is ready, as part of plans to better honor the first president before the 300th anniversary of his birth in 2032.
Key Facts
President Trump proposed a 30-foot “Washington Colossus” statue to replace the current modern sculpture named “Infinity.”
He also suggested placing an existing 11-foot bronze statue of Washington inside the museum by Constitution Day, September 17.
The “Infinity” sculpture, a rotating abstract work, was installed in 1967 and was the first modern abstract sculpture commissioned by the U.S. government for a public building.
Trump made these requests via posts on his social media platform, Truth Social.
Trump signed an executive order in March 2025 to remove what his administration called “improper ideology” from Smithsonian exhibits.
The Smithsonian is overseen by a Board of Regents, including Vice President JD Vance and Chief Justice John Roberts, and is independent from the executive branch.
Trump considers George Washington America’s greatest hero and criticized the museum for not giving enough attention to Washington and other Founding Fathers during the 250th anniversary celebrations.
The smaller bronze statue was shown during an IndyCar race near the National Mall as part of the United States’ 250th birthday events.
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said the largest outbreak of a parasite called cyclospora, which caused severe diarrhoea and affected more than 12,000 people in the US, has ended. The outbreak was linked to lettuce from Mexico supplied by Taylor Farms, which recalled the product, and Taco Bell stopped using that lettuce.
Key Facts
Over 12,000 people in 21 US states got sick from cyclospora during the outbreak.
The parasite causes cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness with symptoms like explosive diarrhoea.
Two people died in Michigan; both had other serious health problems.
About 570 people were hospitalised during this outbreak.
The CDC said cases have dropped significantly, but the investigation is ongoing.
The outbreak was linked to lettuce imported from central Mexico by Taylor Farms.
Taylor Farms recalled the lettuce, and Taco Bell removed it from their menu.
Cyclospora spreads through contaminated food or water, and deaths are rare.
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A court case between the Zionist Federation of Australia and journalist Mary Kostakidis was ended by agreement, with no costs ordered. The case involved allegations that Kostakidis violated racial discrimination laws by sharing posts critical of Israel, but it was dropped after a public apology from Kostakidis.
Key Facts
The Zionist Federation of Australia (ZFA) filed a legal claim against Mary Kostakidis over posts on X about a speech by Hezbollah’s Hassan Nasrallah.
ZFA accused Kostakidis of breaking the Racial Discrimination Act by sharing posts they said caused harm to Jewish Australians.
Kostakidis argued that the claim did not specify which racial group was offended and tried to have the case dismissed.
The case was first raised at the Australian Human Rights Commission before moving to federal court.
The legal proceedings ended with both sides agreeing to end the case and no payment of legal costs.
Kostakidis said the end of the case was a win for free political expression and press freedom.
ZFA’s chief said the lawsuit’s goal was met after Kostakidis gave a public apology in 2025 for any pain caused.
The issues raised in the case are also being investigated in a royal commission on antisemitism in Australia, with a report expected in December.
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Chicago rapper Lil Durk was found not guilty in a federal case involving a murder-for-hire plot linked to a 2022 shooting. The jury cleared him of all charges, but he will face another trial on racketeering and firearm charges later this year.
Key Facts
Lil Durk, whose real name is Durk Banks, was accused of ordering a hit on Atlanta rapper Tayquian Bowman.
The attack happened in West Hollywood in 2022, where Bowman's cousin was killed.
Prosecutors claimed Lil Durk’s group tracked Bowman and carried out the shooting as revenge for the 2020 death of Lil Durk’s friend King Von.
A witness who said he took part in the shooting testified about Lil Durk asking for details after the attack.
Lil Durk’s lawyers challenged the witness’s trustworthiness and suggested another person led the shooting.
Prosecutors said the case does not make sense without Lil Durk's leadership.
The jury found Lil Durk not guilty of the murder-for-hire charges.
Lil Durk has a second trial planned for October on racketeering and firearm charges connected to the case.
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Florida Governor Ron DeSantis criticized the media for reporting on the background of the single juror who disagreed in the Lindsay Clancy murder trial. DeSantis said Florida would offer asylum to this juror, who has a history involving domestic violence and a current restraining order.
Key Facts
Governor Ron DeSantis made the statements on a Friday.
A news report revealed the lone holdout juror in the Lindsay Clancy case had an alleged past of domestic violence.
The juror also has an active restraining order against them.
DeSantis accused the media of trying to damage the juror’s reputation.
The governor pledged that Florida will provide asylum to this juror.
The case involves a murder trial related to Lindsay Clancy.
The holdout juror was the only one objecting during the trial verdict process.
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Tony Dokoupil shared his thoughts on the 9/11 terror attacks as the country marks 25 years since the event. The reflection looks at the impact and legacy of what happened on September 11, 2001.
Key Facts
The article focuses on the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks.
Tony Dokoupil, a CBS News journalist, offers his reflections on 9/11.
The article is based on a CBS News segment.
It discusses how the nation remembers and reflects on the tragedy.
The attacks took place 25 years ago from the present.
The article highlights the ongoing legacy of 9/11 in the United States.
CBS News presented this content through their app and video formats.
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A widow of a 9/11 victim publicly asked Saudi Arabia and U.S. presidents for answers about Saudi connections to the attacks during the 25th anniversary memorial. Families of victims say some FBI records about Saudi help to hijackers have not been fully shared or investigated, raising questions about the government’s handling of the case.
Key Facts
Terry Strada, widow of a 9/11 victim, demanded more information about Saudi Arabia’s role during the 25th anniversary memorial.
Fifteen of the 19 hijackers were Saudi nationals.
Official reports say the Saudi government did not fund the attacks, but individual Saudis helped two hijackers in California.
Omar al-Bayoumi, a Saudi student in San Diego, helped the first two hijackers settle in the U.S.
New FBI records show Bayoumi worked with Saudi intelligence and received payments from them.
Critical evidence related to Bayoumi was not shared with FBI agents and almost destroyed.
Families and experts criticize the FBI and 9/11 Commission for not fully investigating Saudi connections.
Ongoing civil lawsuits and investigations push for more transparency and accountability about Saudi Arabia’s involvement.
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General Dan Caine, now chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, flew fighter jets to defend the U.S. on September 11, 2001. He was chief of weapons and tactics for the 121st Fighter Squadron at Andrews Air Force Base when the attacks happened.
Key Facts
On 9/11, Dan Caine held the rank of Major and led weapons and tactics at the 121st Fighter Squadron.
The 121st Fighter Squadron is based at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland.
Caine took immediate action after the second plane hit the World Trade Center.
He flew fighter jets to help protect the country that day.
Dan Caine is currently the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
The interview took place with CBS News and was shared by Norah O'Donnell.
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A New York City Fire Department family shared their experience of the 9/11 attacks across three generations. They spoke about remembering the loved one they lost on that day, 25 years later.
Key Facts
The family has members who served in the Fire Department in different generations.
They all experienced the events of 9/11 in their own way.
A loved one from the family was lost during the 9/11 attacks.
The story reflects on how they remember and honor that loss 25 years after the event.
The story was told by Tony Dokoupil on CBS News.
The event took place in New York City.
The article highlights the personal impact of 9/11 on public service families.
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Firefighters exposed to wildfire smoke have tried using glutathione, a natural antioxidant, to reduce health problems like cough and fatigue. However, the largest firefighters’ union in the US has warned that glutathione’s safety and effectiveness are not proven, and there are concerns about contamination in some supplies.
Key Facts
Firefighters inhale toxic smoke during wildfires, which increases their risk of illnesses, including cancer.
Glutathione is a substance naturally made by the body and used by some firefighters after exposure to smoke.
Firefighters report feeling better after glutathione treatment, but no large scientific studies confirm its benefits or safety.
The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) warns about potential risks, including contaminated glutathione products.
IAFF is concerned about how glutathione has been promoted to firefighters without enough evidence.
Some firefighters reported feeling worse after taking glutathione, with explanations given that symptoms were due to metals leaving the body.
The rise in glutathione use began in 2017 after naturopath groups started offering it at wildfire sites.
The group offering glutathione said it agrees more testing is needed and wants to help prove its effect.
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