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Armed groups linked to al-Qaeda and a separatist group attacked a Malian military convoy in the Gao region. The Malian army responded with a counterattack, and fighting is still ongoing in the area.
Key Facts
Armed groups Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) and Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) ambushed a military convoy near Tabankort in Gao region.
Both groups claimed responsibility and reported heavy losses for the Malian army.
The army mentioned that its partners, probably including Russian mercenaries, were also attacked.
The convoy was moving from Anefis to Gao when ambushed; Anefis was retaken by the army on July 10 after being held by the rebels.
The conflict has lasted over 14 years and involves separatists seeking northern Mali independence and jihadist groups trying to control more territory.
The fighting has caused a humanitarian crisis affecting about 20% of Mali’s population.
Rebel groups released videos showing captured soldiers and some reportedly being shot while lying on the ground.
The FLA reported losing some of its best fighters during recent fighting.
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The United States and Iran are exchanging military strikes near the Strait of Hormuz. The Gulf Cooperation Council condemned Iran's attacks on civilian sites and called them war crimes.
Key Facts
The US Central Command carried out air strikes against Iran for seven nights in a row.
These strikes targeted Iran's military facilities and naval capabilities.
Iran launched attacks on nearby Gulf countries in response.
A water desalination plant in Kuwait suffered major damage during the strikes.
The Gulf Cooperation Council, a regional group of Gulf countries, condemned Iran's attacks on civilian areas.
The council described the attacks as violations of war laws, calling them war crimes.
The conflict escalates tensions over control of the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route.
Both sides continue military actions despite some diplomatic efforts.
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Two men in North Dakota found out they were switched at birth nearly 40 years ago after doing DNA tests. They and their families are suing the hospital, which denies responsibility but admits the babies were switched.
Key Facts
Kyle Bylin and Jeremy Morrison discovered they were switched as newborns after using home DNA tests.
Both babies were born at Unity Medical Center in North Dakota on January 28, 1988, just hours apart.
The lawsuit claims the hospital staff switched the babies without informing their parents.
Unity Medical Center denies causing the switch and says records and staff from that time are no longer available.
Bylin still has the hospital bracelet with the wrong name on it.
Both men have met their biological parents, describing the meetings as "welcoming but awkward."
Their families are trying to adjust to new relationships formed after the discovery.
About 18 babies each year in the U.S. might be accidentally switched at birth, but most are caught quickly.
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The United States and Iran have exchanged military strikes for seven days, increasing tensions around the Strait of Hormuz. Iran attacked a water desalination plant in Kuwait, causing serious damage, while the Gulf Cooperation Council called Iran’s attacks on civilian areas war crimes.
Key Facts
The US Central Command has launched attacks for seven nights in a row targeting Iranian military and maritime sites.
Iran responded by striking countries near the Gulf, including Kuwait.
A water desalination plant in Kuwait suffered major damage from Iran’s strikes.
The Strait of Hormuz region is a key strategic waterway for global oil transport.
The Gulf Cooperation Council, a regional political group, condemned Iran’s attacks on civilian places and called them war crimes.
The conflict reflects rising tensions between the US and Iran over control in the Middle East.
Diplomatic efforts to ease the conflict are still being discussed but progress is limited.
The ongoing exchange of strikes threatens stability in the Gulf region.
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President Donald Trump’s approval rating on the economy has dropped to record lows in two national polls conducted in early July 2026. Most Americans disapprove of how he is handling economic issues, with widespread concern about the cost of living and the country’s financial future.
Key Facts
Trump’s overall approval rating is 40% according to CNBC and 37% according to Washington Post–Ipsos polls.
Approval of Trump’s handling of the economy is lower, with 38% approval and 60% disapproval in CNBC, and 33% approval and 65% disapproval in Washington Post–Ipsos polls.
61% of people surveyed in the CNBC poll feel pessimistic about the current and future economy, the highest level since late 2023.
Nearly half of Americans (47%) report cutting back on essentials like food and medical care.
About two-thirds of Americans are reducing spending on non-essential items such as dining out and entertainment.
Despite negative economic views, Democrats only hold a small 4-point advantage for Congress, showing the electorate is closely divided.
Economic concerns are seen as likely to influence the 2026 midterm elections, with voters focusing on cost of living.
The White House emphasized that President Trump is working to create jobs, lower inflation, and make housing more affordable.
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A federal appeals court has allowed the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) to continue with some changes to how it delivers mail-in ballots while legal challenges are still ongoing. However, a specific mail-in ballot rule from President Donald Trump’s administration is still blocked by another court order.
Key Facts
A three-judge panel from the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals made the decision.
The USPS can move forward with proposed changes to mail-in ballot delivery.
Legal challenges against these changes are still happening.
The Trump administration’s mail-in ballot rule remains blocked by a separate court order.
The appeals court’s decision narrows but does not end the legal issues related to mail-in ballot procedures.
The case involves how the USPS handles election mail, which is important for voting by mail.
The ruling came on a Friday.
The lower court had previously stopped certain USPS changes related to mail-in ballots.
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The U.S. is experiencing a large increase in Cyclospora infections, a parasitic illness causing severe diarrhea, with more than 1,600 cases confirmed across 34 states. One major outbreak has been linked to shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico served at Taco Bell in five states, leading to product recalls and ongoing federal investigations into other possible sources.
Key Facts
There are 1,645 confirmed Cyclospora cases in 34 states, with over 5,100 more under review as of mid-July 2026.
Cyclospora causes severe watery diarrhea and stomach problems.
141 people have been hospitalized, but no deaths have been reported.
One outbreak cluster is linked to shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico served at Taco Bell in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia.
Taco Bell and Taylor Farms have removed the contaminated lettuce from their supply chains.
The CDC and FDA are investigating other Cyclospora outbreaks to find additional contamination sources.
This surge follows several other foodborne illness outbreaks in 2026, including Salmonella linked to backyard poultry and moringa products, and infant botulism linked to powdered formula.
These outbreaks have involved multiple states and led to hospitalizations and regulatory actions to protect public health.
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Belgium’s government has approved a ban on importing goods made in Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories. This decision follows similar moves by other European countries and comes amid calls for the European Union to adopt a common policy on the matter.
Key Facts
Belgium banned imports from Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territories.
The decision was made before Belgium’s summer break and fulfilled a previous government promise.
The ban aims to respond to Israel’s attacks in Gaza and settlement expansion.
Investigations found many Israeli agricultural exports to Europe include products from settlements, often mislabeled.
Other European countries like Spain, the Netherlands, Slovenia, and Ireland have also taken similar steps.
The EU, Israel’s biggest trading partner, has not agreed on a unified policy yet.
Some former European leaders urge the EU to adopt a block-wide ban to strengthen trade rules.
Several EU members have limited arms exports to Israel due to the Gaza conflict.
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A Legionnaires' disease outbreak in New York City's Upper East Side has caused the first reported death and sickened at least 67 people. Health officials are investigating the source, focusing on cooling towers atop many buildings where bacteria can grow and spread.
Key Facts
At least 67 people have been sickened in a Legionnaires' disease outbreak in Manhattan's Upper East Side.
One death has been reported, but details about the person have not been made public.
The outbreak began being tracked on July 2 after two initial cases.
Legionella bacteria, which causes Legionnaires' disease, has been found in cooling towers on over 75 buildings in the affected area.
Cooling towers are large devices used to cool buildings and can spread bacteria through water droplets in the air.
The city has ordered all affected buildings to clean and disinfect their cooling towers.
Legionnaires' disease is a type of pneumonia that is treatable but has about a 10% death rate.
The disease does not spread from person to person, usually spreading through inhaling contaminated water droplets.
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Anti-abortion groups are increasing their efforts after a plan to stop Medicaid money from going to abortion providers like Planned Parenthood was not included in a recent Republican budget plan called reconciliation 3.0. This has caused more friction between Republican lawmakers and anti-abortion activists, who were already unhappy with President Donald Trump’s actions on the issue.
Key Facts
Anti-abortion groups want to block Medicaid funding for abortion providers such as Planned Parenthood.
The latest Republican reconciliation 3.0 budget plan did not include this funding restriction.
Anti-abortion activists are growing more active because of this exclusion.
There is existing tension between Republican leaders and anti-abortion activists.
Some activists were already upset with President Donald Trump for not using his executive power to restrict abortion funding.
Medicaid is a government program that helps low-income people pay for medical care.
Planned Parenthood provides reproductive health services, including abortions.
The debate is part of broader politics around abortion funding and access in the U.S.
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A recent poll shows that the Democratic Party has a small lead over the Republican Party in the race for the U.S. House of Representatives this November. The poll indicates that 48% of registered voters support Democrats, while 45% support Republicans.
Key Facts
The poll was conducted by Washington Post and Ipsos.
It surveyed registered voters’ preferences for the U.S. House elections.
Democrats are ahead by 3 percentage points.
48% of respondents favor Democratic candidates.
45% of respondents favor Republican candidates.
The election is scheduled for November.
The lead for Democrats is described as slim.
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Midland is a country music group from Texas. They performed their song "Shooting Memories With Tequila" on CBS News Saturday Sessions. Their new album "Stages" has received positive reviews as a top traditional country album this year.
Key Facts
Midland is a trio, meaning it has three members.
The band is known for traditional country music.
Their album "Stages" is new and well-reviewed.
The song performed is called "Shooting Memories With Tequila."
The performance was shown on CBS News Saturday Sessions.
Midland has been nominated for a Grammy award.
They come from the Texas country music scene.
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Midland, a Grammy-nominated country music group from Texas, performed their song "Drinkin' Problem" on CBS News Saturday Sessions. Their latest album "Stages" is recognized as one of the best traditional country albums this year.
Key Facts
Midland is a country music trio from Texas.
They have been nominated for a Grammy Award.
Their song "Drinkin' Problem" was performed on CBS News Saturday Sessions.
Their new album is called "Stages."
The album "Stages" has received praise as a top traditional country album this year.
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French lawmakers have approved a law that allows adults with incurable illnesses to choose assisted dying. The law was supported by President Emmanuel Macron and reflects public support for this option in France.
Key Facts
The new law gives adults with incurable diseases the right to assisted dying.
President Emmanuel Macron supports the assisted dying law.
The topic has been debated politically in France for a long time.
Opinion polls show most French people agree with assisted dying.
The approval happened on July 18, 2026.
The article also mentions Macron's promise to replant the Fontainebleau forest after wildfires.
France celebrated its Independence Day with a fireworks display at the Eiffel Tower.
The Grand Mosque of Paris marked its 100th anniversary recently.
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Over 5,000 people have died after two strong earthquakes hit Venezuela’s Caribbean coast in June, especially in the coastal state of La Guaira. Venezuela has received $346 million from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to help with emergency relief and humanitarian needs.
Key Facts
The earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, struck within one minute on June 24.
Most deaths and damage occurred in La Guaira, a coastal state with a major airport, seaport, and many apartment buildings.
Over 16,700 people were injured; most have left hospitals.
Rescue efforts have been slowed by aftershocks, equipment shortages, and command confusion.
About 20,000 people are still displaced, living in crowded shelters without consistent access to clean water or sanitation.
Venezuela secured $346 million in emergency aid from the IMF, released from the country’s reserve funds.
The IMF and World Bank restored relations with Venezuela in April after suspending them in 2019.
Some survivors and international observers say the government was slow to respond immediately after the quakes, while officials deny these claims.
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Large smoke clouds appeared in Kuwait after several Iranian attacks hit areas in Mangaf. The strikes targeted a power plant and a facility that turns seawater into drinking water. Kuwaiti officials have asked people to save electricity when they can.
Key Facts
Iranian attacks struck multiple places in Mangaf, Kuwait.
The targets were a power generation plant and a water desalination plant.
The attacks caused large plumes of smoke to rise over the area.
Kuwaiti authorities advised citizens to conserve electricity.
These events affected essential services like power and water supply.
The attacks are part of ongoing regional tensions involving Iran and its neighbors.
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The United States and Iran have exchanged military strikes targeting key infrastructure and military sites, escalating tensions in the region near the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has announced it will stop following its part of a recent interim agreement with the U.S., while attacks have caused damage to water plants and oil facilities in countries including Kuwait and Iran itself.
Key Facts
Iran said it suspended commitments under an interim deal with the U.S. amid ongoing military strikes.
The conflict focuses on control of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for about one-fifth of the world's crude oil.
U.S. military strikes have targeted Iranian surveillance sites, military infrastructure, weapons storage, and naval facilities.
Iranian missile and drone attacks have hit infrastructure in Kuwait, damaging a desalination plant and an oil facility, injuring several people.
Kuwait depends heavily on desalination plants for drinking water; these attacks caused power outages and fires.
Iraq and Jordan reported shooting down Iranian drones and missiles; Bahrain and Saudi Arabia experienced air raid sirens.
U.S. airstrikes damaged Iranian electricity and desalination plants, cutting off water supply to thousands and damaging key transportation routes.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard warned countries hosting U.S. forces to expect retaliatory responses.
At least 50 people have been killed and over 500 injured in recent weeks due to U.S. strikes; U.S. service member injuries have also increased.
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Iran's supreme leader warned of serious consequences if the United States continues its attacks and called President Donald Trump's signature invalid. Recent military strikes between the two countries have targeted infrastructure and water facilities, escalating tensions around the important Strait of Hormuz.
Key Facts
Iran’s supreme leader issued a warning against continued U.S. attacks and dismissed President Trump’s signature as worthless.
Tehran announced it is suspending its commitments to a peace deal signed about a month ago.
Both the U.S. and Iran have carried out strikes targeting military and infrastructure sites.
Iranian strikes damaged a water desalination plant and oil facility in Kuwait, injuring several people.
Kuwait relies on desalination plants for 90% of its drinking water; two plants were hit recently.
The U.S. Central Command reported hitting surveillance and weapons sites in Iran for seven consecutive nights.
The Gulf Cooperation Council accused Iran of war crimes for attacking civilian infrastructure.
Air defenses in Iraq, Jordan, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia intercepted Iranian drones and missiles on the same day.
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The U.S. military reported two soldiers killed and one missing after Iran attacked a base in Jordan with missiles and drones. The conflict continues to escalate, with Iran suspending its commitments to a recent peace agreement and striking facilities in Kuwait and Iran, while regional countries boost their defenses.
Key Facts
Two U.S. troops died and one went missing in an Iranian missile and drone attack on a base in Jordan.
Four other U.S. service members were injured but later released from hospitals.
Iran’s supreme leader warned the U.S. of consequences if attacks continue and dismissed President Trump’s peace deal as invalid.
Iran announced it will no longer follow the peace deal signed roughly a month ago to stop the fighting.
Iranian strikes hit a water desalination plant and oil facility in Kuwait, causing fires and injuries.
Kuwait closed its airspace temporarily and rescheduled flights due to missile threats.
Iraq and Jordan shot down Iranian drones and missiles, and Bahrain and Saudi Arabia experienced air raid sirens.
The U.S. conducted airstrikes inside Iran, damaging water and electricity infrastructure near the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil route.
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The U.S. military launched new airstrikes against Iran’s Revolutionary Guard to punish them for a recent attack in Jordan that killed two American soldiers and injured others. These strikes aim to reduce Iran’s ability to control oil tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for global oil supplies. Tensions remain high as Iran’s leaders threaten retaliation and suspend parts of a recent peace agreement.
Key Facts
The U.S. carried out airstrikes targeting Iran’s Revolutionary Guard after an attack in Jordan killed two U.S. service members and injured others.
The strikes focus on limiting Iran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz, through which about 20% of the world’s oil passes.
Since the war’s start, 16 U.S. soldiers have died and over 430 have been wounded.
Iran’s supreme leader warned of "unforgettable lessons" if the U.S. continues attacks and criticized President Trump’s peace deal as invalid.
Iran suspended its commitments to a recently signed interim peace deal aimed at ending the conflict.
Iranian strikes hit a water desalination plant and an oil facility in Kuwait, causing injuries and a fire.
Kuwait closed its airspace temporarily, and several Gulf countries reported missile attacks or defenses against missiles from Iran.
The Gulf Cooperation Council accused Iran of war crimes for striking infrastructure in the region.
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