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The U.S. State Department plans to spend nearly $41 million to reopen the U.S. Embassy in Libya after closing it in 2014 due to conflict. This step aims to restore diplomatic presence and support U.S. security interests in the region, which faces challenges from rival countries like Russia.
Key Facts
The U.S. Embassy in Libya was closed in July 2014 because of ongoing conflict in the country.
The State Department informed Congress of a $41 million plan to help reestablish the embassy.
Funding will improve security at a smaller U.S. office in Tripoli and prepare for a full embassy reopening.
Libya is important to the U.S. because of its location by the Mediterranean and its influence on regional security, energy, and migration.
Russia has increased its involvement in Libya, challenging U.S. interests in North Africa.
Libyan leaders from both the western and eastern parts of the country have recently met with U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
U.S. diplomats have been working from nearby countries Tunisia and Malta since the embassy closed.
The reopening is part of a broader U.S. effort under President Trump to restore embassies in regions with strategic importance, including Venezuela and Syria.
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A large set of files related to Jeffrey Epstein was released by the U.S. Justice Department, showing his connections to many rich and powerful people, including Elon Musk and former Prince Andrew of England. None of these people have been charged with a crime related to Epstein’s illegal activities, and all have denied involvement.
Key Facts
The files come from documents tied to Jeffrey Epstein, a wealthy financier and convicted sex offender.
Epstein died by suicide in a New York jail in 2019 while awaiting trial.
Former Prince Andrew’s name appears hundreds of times in the released documents.
Prince Andrew denies allegations that he engaged in sexual abuse involving Epstein’s victims.
Prince Andrew lost his royal titles last year, including being called Duke of York.
Some released emails show invitations and offers involving Epstein and Prince Andrew.
Other prominent individuals named include Elon Musk and Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York.
No one named in the documents has been charged with related crimes so far.
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Scientists discovered that naked mole-rat queens produce a special chemical scent to stop other females in their colony from having babies. This chemical, found only in queens, spreads through their tunnels and signals their breeding status, helping to keep order without violent fights.
Key Facts
Naked mole-rats live mostly underground and have unique traits like pain insensitivity, long life, and cancer resistance.
They live in colonies where only one female, the queen, breeds, similar to ants or bees.
Scientists studied the mole-rats’ sense of smell, which is very important since they are blind.
Mole-rats use complex chemical signals to recognize colony members and strangers, leading to aggression towards outsiders.
Researchers identified a specific chemical called isopropyl myristate that only queen mole-rats produce.
This chemical is spread through tunnels and changes with the queen’s fertility cycle.
The queen’s scent stays on surfaces for about 24 hours, helping her control the colony without fighting.
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President Donald Trump met with Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun at the White House. They talked about the war involving Iran, the group Hezbollah, and attacks by Israel.
Key Facts
The meeting took place at the White House.
President Trump and President Aoun discussed the ongoing conflict involving Iran.
They talked about Hezbollah, a political and militant group based in Lebanon.
The discussion included Israel’s attacks on Hezbollah.
The meeting was reported by CBS News.
Nancy Cordes was the CBS News correspondent covering the story.
The focus was on regional security issues in the Middle East.
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Airbus is testing folding wings for its next generation of planes to save energy and fit better in crowded airports. The company plans to try wing extensions on an A321neo plane next year and decide the new aircraft design by 2030. Rolls-Royce aims to supply new engines for these planes and is seeking UK government support for its UltraFan engine program.
Key Facts
Airbus will test folding wing extensions around 4-5 meters long on an A321neo plane in 2025.
Folding wings help longer wings fit into existing airport gates, improving energy efficiency.
Boeing already uses folding wingtips on its 777X but not on single-aisle planes like Airbus’s A321neo.
Airbus plans to decide the shape of its new planes by 2030, including wing shape and engine type.
New planes will have heavier, larger engines and wings shaped like a gull’s for better aerodynamics.
Rolls-Royce is developing UltraFan engines for both widebody and narrowbody planes.
Rolls-Royce seeks UK government support to invest in its engine program, arguing it will boost the UK economy.
UK government must balance support for Rolls-Royce with other priorities like social care and homelessness.
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President Donald Trump and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun met in the Oval Office and answered questions together. During this event, President Trump talked about recent U.S. military strikes against Iran.
Key Facts
The meeting took place in the Oval Office at the White House.
President Trump and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun held a joint question-and-answer session.
President Trump discussed U.S. military actions targeting Iran.
CBS News covered the event with a report by Aaron Navarro.
The discussion included topics related to U.S.-Iran relations.
The details were shared through CBS News and available on their app and website.
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People in Iran are facing many problems because of economic troubles, government limits, and damage from recent conflicts involving the United States and Israel. Prices for food, rent, and medicine have risen sharply, while wages and pensions have not kept up, making it hard for many Iranians to pay for basic needs.
Key Facts
A pensioner in Tehran now pays about $5 for a small tub of ice cream and yogurt, while her monthly pension is about $94 after a government increase.
Iran is dealing with long-term economic problems worsened by recent conflicts and sanctions from the United States and Israel.
Inflation last month was nearly 90%, and food prices increased by 134% compared to the previous year.
Rent increases in Tehran have averaged about 50%, although the government limits legal increases to 27%.
The government offers small cash subsidies and electronic food coupons, but some shops refuse them because they have not been reimbursed.
Iran’s currency recently hit a record low, trading at more than 1.9 million rials per US dollar.
The government doubled official bread prices last month, and petrol prices may rise again soon.
Internet access in Iran was completely cut off for three months during recent unrest and war, and even now it remains very slow and heavily controlled.
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A short-term certificate of deposit (CD) account can earn more interest than a regular savings account this July. For example, putting $15,000 into a short-term CD can generate several hundred dollars in interest within a year while still allowing access to the money after the term ends.
Key Facts
Regular savings accounts currently offer very low interest rates, around 0.38%.
Short-term CDs offer higher fixed interest rates, ranging from about 3.95% to 4.17% depending on the term length.
A $15,000 deposit could earn around $146 in 3 months or $626 in 1 year with top CD rates.
Terms offered include 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, and 1 year.
Interest earned depends on the CD’s fixed rate and the length of the term.
Savers should shop around to find the best rates and be aware of withdrawal penalties that could reduce earnings.
Short-term CDs provide a balance between earning higher interest and maintaining access to funds within a year.
Online platforms make it easier for savers to compare CD rates and open accounts quickly.
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United Airlines is looking into an incident where a video shows one of its employees seemingly threatening to call ICE, the U.S. immigration agency, during a disagreement with a passenger in San Francisco last week. The airline is investigating what happened.
Key Facts
The event took place last week in San Francisco.
A United Airlines employee and a passenger had a confrontation.
Video footage shows the employee appearing to threaten to call ICE.
ICE stands for Immigration and Customs Enforcement, a U.S. government agency.
United Airlines is conducting an investigation into the incident.
The situation was reported by CBS News and Kris Van Cleave.
The company has not yet shared the results of the investigation.
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Indian police detained Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and other opposition members during a protest outside Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s home. The protest supported a youth movement that criticized problems in India’s exam system.
Key Facts
Rahul Gandhi is a leader of the Congress party in India.
Police detained him and other opposition figures at the protest.
The protest took place outside Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s residence.
The rally supported a youth-led movement focused on exam system failures.
The protest highlighted issues in India’s education and examination processes.
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House Speaker Mike Johnson is encouraging members of Congress to approve the SAVE America Act before they take a monthlong break starting July 27. The act has caused some disagreement among lawmakers.
Key Facts
Mike Johnson is the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
He wants Congress to pass the SAVE America Act quickly.
Congress will go on a monthlong break starting July 27.
The SAVE America Act is a controversial bill, meaning it has both supporters and critics.
Passing the bill before the recess is a priority for Speaker Johnson.
CBS News reported on this development through correspondent Nikole Killion.
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Kaylee Hottle, an 18-year-old actress known for her role in the Godzilla vs Kong movies, died in a car crash in Maryland. Police said the crash involved one vehicle and that speeding was likely a factor.
Key Facts
Kaylee Hottle was 18 years old and an actress in the Godzilla vs Kong films.
She was deaf and played a character named Jia, a young orphan.
The crash happened in Frederick, Maryland.
Police believe excessive speed caused the single-car crash.
A 19-year-old driver was injured but not seriously.
Hottle's father confirmed her death in a video using American Sign Language.
The Texas School for the Deaf, where she studied, expressed sadness and asked for privacy.
Warner Bros, the film distributor, publicly paid tribute to her.
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China and Russia conducted joint naval drills near Japan, including a live-fire exercise inside Japan's exclusive economic zone. Japan protested the drills, which analysts see as a challenge to the U.S. and its allies in the Pacific region.
Key Facts
A Chinese guided-missile destroyer fired machine guns about 100 miles southwest of Okinotori, Japan's southernmost island.
The flotilla included three other Chinese warships and a Russian frigate.
Japan filed a diplomatic protest with China over the exercises, citing potential danger to ships.
China and Russia have increased military cooperation since 2022, including joint submarine patrols.
Beijing dismissed Japan's concerns, accusing Japan of pushing for more military buildup.
The drills are seen as testing the limits of U.S.-aligned countries like Japan, which hosts about 55,000 American troops.
Experts say these exercises reflect China’s and Russia’s strategy to challenge U.S.-led regional security.
The drills complicate efforts by the U.S. and its allies to predict responses in potential conflicts, such as over Taiwan.
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President Donald Trump warned Canada that the United States may seek compensation for damages caused by smoke from Canadian wildfires drifting into the U.S. He suggested that Canada should pay for the impact of the smoke on American communities.
Key Facts
President Trump addressed the issue of smoke from Canadian wildfires crossing into the U.S.
He indicated that the U.S. might ask Canada to pay for damages related to the smoke.
This is a new challenge in the relationship between the U.S. and Canada concerning environmental impacts.
The wildfires are occurring in Canada and produce large amounts of smoke affecting air quality in neighboring U.S. areas.
The matter involves cross-border environmental and health concerns due to wildfire smoke.
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Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega announced that his country might not hold a presidential election next year. He aims to keep shared control of the government with his wife and co-president, Rosario Murillo.
Key Facts
President Ortega spoke at a rally for the 47th anniversary of the Sandinista revolution.
He suggested there may be no presidential election in Nicaragua next year.
Ortega shares power with his wife, Rosario Murillo, who is also co-president.
The announcement points to continued joint rule by Ortega and Murillo.
The Sandinista revolution began 47 years ago and brought Ortega’s party to power.
Ortega has been a central political figure in Nicaragua for many years.
The move to possibly skip elections raises concerns about the country’s democracy.
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Rescue teams in Afghanistan are searching for survivors after flash floods hit the eastern Nuristan province, killing at least 23 people and leaving more than 100 missing. Weather experts warn that more heavy rains and floods could affect many parts of Afghanistan in the coming days.
Key Facts
Flash floods struck Nuristan province in eastern Afghanistan on Monday, causing buildings to collapse.
At least 23 people died and over 100 remain missing following the floods.
Rescue crews are currently searching the rubble for survivors.
More floods and extreme weather are predicted in 10 out of 34 Afghan provinces.
Afghanistan is highly vulnerable to flooding due to climate change, weak infrastructure, deforestation, and decades of conflict.
Many homes in remote areas are made of mud, offering little protection against sudden floods.
Similar monsoon floods and landslides have caused deaths in neighboring Pakistan, India, and Nepal.
In 2024, flash floods in Afghanistan killed over 300 people, and earlier floods killed at least 110.
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Seventeen American service members have died since the start of the Iran war in February 2026. The latest deaths include two soldiers killed in an attack in Jordan and one who died in an accident in Iraq. President Donald Trump said the U.S. will respond strongly to these losses.
Key Facts
The Iran war began in late February 2026 with the U.S. launching “Operation Epic Fury.”
Seventeen U.S. service members have died during the conflict so far.
Two soldiers, 1st Lt. Tyler James Feehan and Pvt. Isabella Gonzales, died on July 17 during an attack at Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan.
A third soldier went missing in Jordan but remains were later found and are still unidentified.
Sgt. Michael Emmanuel Swinton died on July 19 in Iraq during a controlled explosion of an unmanned aerial system.
Sgt. Swinton was promoted posthumously and will receive several military honors, including the Bronze Star and Purple Heart.
President Trump vowed to punish Iran for the deaths of U.S. soldiers.
The U.S. military continues to investigate the circumstances around Sgt. Swinton’s death.
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New Jersey's governor said a software mistake caused about 6,600 non-US citizens to be registered to vote by accident. Fewer than 400 of these people actually voted in elections, even though non-citizens are not allowed to vote.
Key Facts
A software error happened at New Jersey’s motor vehicle department.
The error took place between June 2023 and June 2024.
Around 6,600 non-US citizens were wrongly registered to vote.
Fewer than 400 non-citizens cast ballots because of this mistake.
The error affected people who said they were not citizens when applying for driver’s licenses.
Nineteen US states let non-citizens get driver’s licenses.
Non-citizens cannot vote in national elections.
President Donald Trump is promoting a law that would require proof of citizenship and ID to vote.
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Andy Burnham, the new Labour leader, made big changes to the party’s cabinet, removing or moving many people who worked under the last leader, Keir Starmer. Some of Starmer’s supporters feel the reshuffle was done with some punishment in mind, while others say it’s normal for a new leader to choose their own team.
Key Facts
Andy Burnham replaced or demoted over half of the previous cabinet members in his first reshuffle.
Some allies of Keir Starmer believe the reshuffle showed signs of revenge against those loyal to him.
Certain ministers who quietly supported Starmer were removed or given less important roles.
Ministers who resigned in protest against Starmer were promoted by Burnham.
The reshuffle was handled by Burnham personally informing outgoing ministers about the changes.
Special advisers were given a chance to discuss their roles with Burnham’s deputy chief of staff.
There is concern about fewer women holding top government positions after the reshuffle.
Despite the tough changes, there is recognition that politics requires accepting such shifts and that Labour governments are rare chances to lead.
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More than 6,000 non-U.S. citizens were mistakenly registered to vote in New Jersey between June 2023 and June 2024 because of a software problem at the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles. Fewer than 400 of these people voted, according to New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill.
Key Facts
Over 6,000 non-citizens were wrongly registered to vote in New Jersey.
The error happened between June 2023 and June 2024.
A software issue at the New Jersey Department of Motor Vehicles caused the problem.
Fewer than 400 of the non-citizens who were registered actually voted.
New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill announced these details on a Tuesday.
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