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Khalil al-Hayya, a founding member of Hamas, has been chosen as the group’s new leader. He is known as a respected and careful veteran who survived a recent Israeli attack that killed some members of Hamas, including his son.
Key Facts
Khalil al-Hayya was elected as Hamas’s new leader, replacing the late Yahya Sinwar.
He helped lead ceasefire talks with Israel to stop the Gaza war.
Hayya survived an Israeli assassination attempt in Doha in 2025 that killed several people, including his son.
He has strong ties with Hamas’s allies such as Hezbollah, Qatar, Egypt, Algeria, and Iran.
Hayya has a religious education and holds a doctorate in Islamic law.
He spent several years in Israeli prisons in the 1990s and survived other assassination attempts.
Hayya led Hamas’s parliamentary group after their 2006 election win.
After Sinwar’s death, Hamas was temporarily led by a five-member council, which will now be dissolved.
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Some countries are using extreme weather events like heatwaves and floods to spread false information and confuse the public. A French report says Russia and the United States send misleading messages about climate issues in Europe to create instability and influence opinions on European climate policies.
Key Facts
Extreme weather events in Europe, such as heatwaves in France and floods in Spain, are increasing.
Foreign governments, especially Russia and the United States, spread false information related to climate crises.
A false claim links the U.S. HAARP scientific program to causing European heatwaves; this has no scientific proof.
The French think tank IRIS released a report in May 2026 about climate disinformation and its security risks.
The disinformation often targets European efforts to reduce carbon emissions, like the European Green Deal aiming for carbon neutrality by 2050.
Russia and the U.S. are fossil fuel exporters and may benefit if Europe slows down its climate goals.
Disinformation aims to create distrust and confusion, such as false emergency numbers and death tolls during the 2024 floods in Valencia, Spain.
These tactics may further political tensions, especially related to the ongoing conflict involving Russia and Ukraine.
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Hamas has chosen Khalil al-Hayya as its new leader after Yahya Sinwar was killed by Israel in 2024. Hayya, who survived an Israeli air strike in 2025, leads the group’s Gaza faction and won a close election against Khaled Meshaal amid debates about Hamas’s future strategy.
Key Facts
Khalil al-Hayya replaced Yahya Sinwar as Hamas’s leader after Sinwar’s death in October 2024.
Hayya leads Hamas from exile and is part of the group’s harder line post-Gaza war that began in 2023.
He survived an Israeli air strike in Qatar in September 2025, which killed five others including one of his sons.
Hayya served as Hamas’s chief negotiator in indirect ceasefire talks with mediators in Egypt and Qatar.
In the leadership vote, Hayya narrowly defeated former leader Khaled Meshaal in a two-round election.
Hamas has been weakened by the Gaza war, losing many leaders and facing destruction in Palestinian areas.
There is a division in Hamas between a group wanting a tougher stance (Hayya’s supporters) and those favoring a more political approach (Meshaal’s supporters).
Hamas refuses to disarm without political guarantees for Palestinian statehood and security protections against Israel and rival groups.
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This CBS News segment shares three positive stories from the United States. It highlights the family of a Civil Rights leader, honors a coach who inspired many, and shows how a hospital network is spreading hopeful messages.
Key Facts
The segment is part of CBS News' "Beg-Knows America" series with contributor David Begnaud.
One story celebrates a descendant of a Civil Rights trailblazer receiving a surprise.
Another story honors a coach who has inspired many people.
A third story features a hospital network that shares messages of hope to patients and communities.
All stories focus on positive, uplifting themes within American society.
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Nearly half of companies hit by ransomware attacks pay the hackers to regain control of their data, according to recent research. While some governments, like the UK, plan to ban such payments for public services, experts warn that paying ransoms does not guarantee data recovery and can encourage more attacks.
Key Facts
Around 50% of ransomware victims pay the demanded ransom to unlock their data or systems.
The average ransom amount is increasing over time.
Some governments, including the UK, want to ban ransom payments by public sector and critical infrastructure groups.
Ransomware gangs have become more organized and use advanced AI tools to perform more attacks faster.
Confirmed ransomware cases increased nearly 4 times from 2024 to 2025 globally.
Paying ransoms can lead to further extortion since criminals may not delete stolen data.
Experts disagree on bans; some say bans risk more harm when data recovery is impossible without payment.
Cyber insurers may raise costs if ransom payments are banned for critical infrastructure sectors.
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The Toronto International Film Festival will feature world premieres of movies starring Helen Mirren, Seth Rogen, and Chris Rock. The festival includes a variety of films, from thrillers and comedies to dramas, many directed by well-known filmmakers and featuring notable actors.
Key Facts
Helen Mirren stars in A Talent for Murder, playing author Patricia Highsmith.
Seth Rogen appears in Babies, a comedy-drama directed by his wife about unexpected parenting.
Chris Rock wrote, directed, and stars in Misty Green, a comedy about a director helping an actor’s career comeback.
The festival will premiere I Play Rocky, a drama about Sylvester Stallone’s famous movie, directed by Peter Farrelly.
Courteney Cox’s directorial film Evil Genius, based on a true crime story, will debut.
Rebel Wilson’s Girl Group, about a singer making a comeback, will premiere after delays.
Other premieres include films starring Amanda Seyfried, James McAvoy, Lily James, and Antonio Banderas.
The festival occurs after the Venice film festival and has previously premiered Oscar-winning movies.
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Many people living near chemical plants in Louisiana face health problems from toxic air pollution. However, public air monitoring in the area is limited, and new state laws restrict how community air data can be used, making it harder to understand and address the pollution.
Key Facts
Residents near chemical storage tanks often experience health issues like headaches and nausea due to toxic fumes.
Louisiana has some of the highest cancer rates linked to air pollution in the U.S.
Public air monitors are located far from many heavy polluters and do not test for some dangerous chemicals such as ethylene oxide, chloroprene, and formaldehyde.
Ten of the top 25 polluting facilities have no public air monitors within five miles of them.
Industry groups helped pass a 2024 law that limits how data from community air monitors can be used to enforce pollution rules.
A large chemical leak and fire in 2023 at a Louisiana refinery showed the slow response and gaps in air pollution monitoring.
Residents were exposed to toxic chemicals during the fire, but the state monitors nearby only measured ozone, not the most harmful pollutants.
Similar laws restricting air monitoring data use have been proposed in other states like Kentucky, Ohio, and West Virginia.
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Andy Burnham, previously the Mayor of Manchester, has become the new Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. He has been involved in politics for many years, and the BBC explores his political background and record.
Key Facts
Andy Burnham was Mayor of Manchester before becoming Prime Minister.
He has a long career in politics.
The BBC produced a program to explain who he is and what he stands for.
The program is available for 11 months on BBC iPlayer.
It offers insight into his political views and achievements.
The show is about 23 minutes long.
The BBC featured this content as part of its news coverage on UK politics.
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G. William Hoagland, a former Senate Budget Committee staff director, says the Senate parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough should not be removed. He highlights that her neutral role is very important for enforcing Senate rules, such as the Byrd Rule.
Key Facts
Elizabeth MacDonough is the Senate parliamentarian who advises on Senate rules.
President Donald Trump has called for her removal.
G. William Hoagland opposes removing her.
Hoagland is a former staff director of the Senate Budget Committee.
The parliamentarian helps enforce the Byrd Rule, which guides budget-related decisions.
Her role is neutral and focused on following the Senate’s procedural rules.
Keeping this role independent is important for fair Senate operations.
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A woman in the U.K. planned a home birth but experienced complications during labor and had to go to the hospital for emergency care. After a difficult delivery, she suffered heavy bleeding but both she and her baby were eventually safe.
Key Facts
Bethany Childs planned a home birth for her baby in southwest England.
Her labor started on June 7, 2026, and progressed quickly at home.
Medical staff found the baby was in a back-to-back position, causing longer and more painful labor.
She was transferred by ambulance to the hospital for an epidural and emergency care.
Childs gave birth safely to her son Billy Paul later that evening.
After birth, she had a severe hemorrhage and lost about three times the normal blood amount.
Emergency staff treated her, and she was discharged the next day with her baby.
She shared her story to show that childbirth can be unpredictable and medical help is sometimes needed, which is okay.
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Andy Burnham has become the new prime minister of the United Kingdom. He is the seventh person to hold this job in the past ten years. CBS News features a discussion with journalist Andrew Neil about Burnham’s time as prime minister.
Key Facts
Andy Burnham is the current prime minister of the United Kingdom.
He is the seventh U.K. prime minister in the last decade.
The high turnover shows quick changes in U.K. leadership.
Andrew Neil, a journalist and podcast host, discussed Burnham on CBS News.
The discussion appeared on "CBS Morning News."
The article is based on a CBS News broadcast segment.
The focus is on Burnham’s potential time in office.
This situation reflects political instability in the U.K. government.
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Two oil tankers exploded in the Strait of Hormuz, according to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The IRGC said the ships tried to use an unsafe route, which led to the explosions.
Key Facts
Two oil tankers exploded near the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran’s IRGC reported the explosions.
The ships were described as “deviant” by the IRGC.
The tankers attempted to enter and exit the strait using what Iran called an unsafe route.
The news was reported by Iran’s state-run Fars News Agency.
The Strait of Hormuz is a key passage for global oil shipping.
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Outgoing Colombian President Gustavo Petro plans a public farewell speech on July 20, amid ongoing disputes over last month’s close presidential election. Tensions rise as President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella proposes a military base inauguration, which Petro opposes, while both leaders make strong accusations against each other.
Key Facts
Gustavo Petro, Colombia’s outgoing president, will give a farewell speech on July 20, Colombia’s Independence Day.
Petro has called for nationwide protests on July 20 to support social reforms and national independence.
The new Congress opens on July 20, about three weeks before President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella takes office on August 7.
De la Espriella wants to hold his inauguration at a military base to honor the military, but Petro has refused, stating the ceremony must take place in Congress.
Petro claims the recent election was affected by foreign interference, accusing Israel without providing proof; the claims have been rejected by Colombia’s Inspector General and international observers.
De la Espriella won the election narrowly, with less than a one percent margin.
De la Espriella, supported by U.S. President Donald Trump, plans to restore ties with Israel, including reopening an embassy in Jerusalem.
Petro cut ties with Israel earlier in 2024 over the Gaza conflict and labeled de la Espriella an “accomplice to genocide.”
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When a person dies, someone must notify their creditors and debt collectors about the death. Usually, the executor or the court-appointed administrator of the deceased’s estate is responsible for informing creditors and managing the debts during probate.
Key Facts
The executor or personal representative of the estate typically has the duty to notify creditors after a person dies.
If the deceased had a will, the named executor takes this role after court approval; if no will exists, the court appoints an administrator.
This person must identify all debts and inform creditors like credit card companies, mortgage lenders, and loan providers.
The executor usually provides a death certificate and legal documents proving authority to act for the estate.
Creditors have a limited time during probate to submit claims for debts owed by the deceased.
Estate assets are used to pay valid debts before anything is given to heirs.
Family members who are not estate representatives are generally not required to notify creditors or pay the debts.
Some creditors may find out about the death from official records or relatives but the legal responsibility lies with the executor or administrator.
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Andy Burnham has become the new Prime Minister of the United Kingdom after Keir Starmer resigned on July 20, 2026. Burnham promised to launch a ten-year plan for Britain and will soon announce his government and first policies.
Key Facts
Andy Burnham, former mayor of Manchester, is the UK's new Prime Minister.
He is the seventh person to hold the position in the last ten years.
Keir Starmer resigned from the role on July 20, 2026.
Burnham delivered his first speech as Prime Minister after taking office.
He announced plans to start a ten-year plan for the country.
The new government team and initial policies will be announced soon.
The change comes at a time when many UK voters are skeptical about politics.
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Smoke from wildfires in Canada and the U.S., combined with ozone pollution caused by heat and sunlight, has created poor air quality in many U.S. states. Air quality alerts have been issued for several states warning that the air may be unhealthy, especially for sensitive groups.
Key Facts
Smoke from Canadian wildfires has spread into the Midwest and Northeast U.S.
Wildfires in the western U.S. are also producing local smoke adding to pollution.
As of July 19, 2026, there have been over 40,000 wildfires in the U.S., burning more than 3.8 million acres.
Hot, still air conditions cause ozone pollution to build up near the ground.
Air Quality Alerts have been issued in states including Michigan, Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Oregon, Idaho, Washington, and Colorado.
Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) from smoke can reach unhealthy levels for sensitive groups.
Wildfire smoke can travel hundreds or thousands of miles, affecting air quality far from fire locations.
The Environmental Protection Agency reports that wildfire smoke levels and affected areas have increased over recent years.
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Bus drivers in the West Midlands, UK, reported very hot working conditions reaching 40°C inside their buses during recent heatwaves. They said the lack of proper air conditioning made driving unsafe for themselves and passengers. The union and some politicians want better rules and protections for workers in such extreme heat.
Key Facts
Bus drivers in the West Midlands experienced inside temperatures of about 40°C during heatwaves.
Drivers said the heat made them very uncomfortable and tired, raising safety concerns.
Some passengers have passed out on buses due to the heat.
Drivers criticized their employer, National Express, for not addressing the heat issues seriously.
The union Unite warned about the "greenhouse effect" caused by glass windows trapping heat.
The union gave drivers letters that allow them to stop working if the bus is too hot for safety.
Politicians like MP Hannah Spencer want to create laws for maximum workplace temperatures.
London’s mayor and other local leaders are working on better support for bus drivers in heatwaves.
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A 16-year-old boy stabbed his history teacher, Vicki Williams, in the head with a kitchen knife at Milford Haven Comprehensive School in Wales. He was found not guilty of attempted murder but guilty of wounding with intent and unlawful wounding.
Key Facts
The boy asked his teacher for help with history work before attacking her in an empty classroom.
He pulled a kitchen knife from his bag and stabbed Ms. Williams in the head and other parts of her body.
Ms. Williams feared she would die during the attack and tried to defend herself.
The boy was found guilty of wounding with intent and unlawful wounding but not guilty of attempted murder.
He had previously admitted to carrying a kitchen knife on school grounds.
The boy said he brought the knife to school as part of a "game" with friends, not to hurt anyone.
School staff and the boy’s grandmother described him as a "quiet boy."
The boy will be held in youth detention until he is sentenced in September.
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Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez supported Abdul El-Sayed, a candidate for the U.S. Senate from Michigan. El-Sayed is competing against Haley Stevens in a primary election scheduled for August 4.
Key Facts
Abdul El-Sayed is running for U.S. Senate in Michigan.
He is competing in a primary election on August 4.
His opponent in the primary is Haley Stevens.
Senator Bernie Sanders publicly supports El-Sayed.
Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez also campaigned for El-Sayed.
The event was covered by CBS News.
The campaign rally was a way to show political support.
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European natural gas prices have risen sharply due to increased conflict between the US and Iran, causing concerns about supply shortages this winter. The conflict has disrupted liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports from Qatar and led to fears of higher costs and the need for government action to ensure energy supplies in Europe.
Key Facts
Dutch natural gas prices briefly rose above €60 per megawatt hour, nearing highs seen at the start of the US-Iran conflict.
The US expanded its air strikes and Iran retaliated with attacks on Bahrain and Kuwait.
Europe's gas storage is currently less than 54% full, down from 64% at the same time last year.
Since February 28, only 26 LNG shipments from the Gulf have moved east, compared to 90-100 monthly normally.
Analysts expect Europe may have to pay €54 to €60 per MWh this autumn to restock gas supplies.
The conflict threatens shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for about 20% of the world’s oil and gas.
Oil prices also rose, with Brent crude briefly going above $90 per barrel due to the conflict.
Experts note UK gas prices are tied to global markets and can be affected by distant conflicts.
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