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Also: The U.S. blames North Korea for a massive ransomware attack last May; and Britain's new aircraft carrier, the HMS Queen Elizabeth, has sprung a leak.

Also: Afghanistan's leader calls for unconditional talks with the Taliban; Southern California officials fear mudslides and call evacuations ahead of a storm; and Barbra Streisand clones her dog.

Also: A study shows more young kids get small screen time; a suspect in shootings in 2 states is arrested; and there's a report that some Iditarod dogs tested positive for a banned drug.

Also: Toys 'R Us files for bankruptcy protection; Senate Republicans try again to replace Obamacare; and there are 250 new words in Merriam-Webster's dictionary.

Also: More than 80 arrested in St. Louis protests after an ex-officer is acquitted of murder; four American women are hit with acid in France; and "Handmaid's Tale" and "Veep" win at the Emmy Awards.

Also: CVS moves to buy Aetna, the U.S. and South Korea begin huge air military drills, and an Australian lawmaker proposes to his partner as same sex marriage legislation is introduced.

Those jeans you bought at Walmart? They might have been made in Kenya. Here's a look at the country's leading exports.

The Senate and House have approved a $1.5 trillion government spending package, plus $13.6 billion in emergency funding for Ukraine. Billions in new COVID aid requested by the White House was cut.

This week is national SepticSmart Week! If you live on Cape Cod and own a septic system, you have an important role to play in protecting our precious water resources.

For more information about Septic Smart Week, go here. >

The Barnstable Test Center has additional local information. >


This week's tips:

Grease   
Let’s talk about grease. What goes down your drain can have big impact on your septic system. Leftover cooking grease should always be disposed of in the trash. Scrape hot grease into a cup to cool before putting it in the trash can. Grease in your septic system can clog your leach field, leading to costly repairs.

Pharmaceuticals
Let’s talk about getting rid of medications. Old or leftover medications should never be flushed – it’s best to bring them to your local police or fire department for proper disposal. Remember: Always think about what you’re putting down the drain.

Pump it out
Your septic system needs a little looking after. Protect your system by having your septic tank pumped out every 3-5 years – hundreds spent today can save you thousands in replacing a failed system tomorrow.

Advanced
Every septic system needs looking after. If you have an advanced septic system, also called Innovative/Alternative or “I/A”, make sure to have it maintained to keep it in top working order.