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A new movie called "The Odyssey" has increased interest in the ancient Greek epic poem by Homer. Kelly Olson, an expert in classical studies, explains the history and importance of this old story on CBS News.
Key Facts
"The Odyssey" movie is based on Homer's ancient Greek epic poem.
The poem tells the story of Odysseus and his long journey home after the Trojan War.
Kelly Olson is a graduate chair at the University of Western Ontario’s Department of Classical Studies.
She appeared on CBS News to discuss the historical background of the poem.
The movie and discussion aim to help people understand the original epic better.
Homer’s "The Odyssey" is one of the oldest and most important works of Western literature.
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President Donald Trump encouraged Darline Graham, the sister of the late Senator Lindsey Graham and his temporary replacement in Congress, to run for a full Senate term in South Carolina. This is for the special election coming up to fill the Senate seat permanently.
Key Facts
Senator Lindsey Graham recently passed away.
Darline Graham, his sister, is currently filling his Senate seat temporarily.
President Trump spoke to Darline Graham about running for the full Senate term.
The special election in South Carolina will decide who fills the Senate seat permanently.
This encouragement came as part of President Trump's involvement in South Carolina politics.
The seat represents South Carolina in the United States Senate.
The special election timeline was not specified in the article.
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A review of Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust found serious problems in how the mortuary handled babies and mothers after death. Families experienced distress due to mistakes such as wrong baby releases, poor storage, and disrespectful treatment of deceased babies over many years.
Key Facts
The review covers mortuary failings at Nottingham University Hospitals from 2008 to 2025.
Some babies were stored for long times without proper freezer storage; one stayed for 772 days.
A baby was disposed of as clinical waste, and another was placed in a mortuary space for an adult.
One family received graphic photos of their deceased baby with a cost letter, causing further trauma.
A mother was mistakenly told her baby was a boy and buried him as such, but later found out the baby was a girl.
Poor communication and a lack of coordination existed between bereavement services, funeral directors, and mortuary staff.
The report highlighted insensitive language used by some staff when referring to babies, calling them "fetuses," "samples," or "specimens."
Incidents included a stillborn baby being left in a hospital fridge for four days before being moved to the mortuary.
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Political analyst Eric Ham says President Donald Trump is focusing again on election security and promoting the SAVE Act. Ham believes this is an effort to increase federal control over US elections before the November midterm elections.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump is promoting the SAVE Act.
The SAVE Act relates to US election security.
Political analyst Eric Ham says Trump’s actions aim to expand the federal government’s role in elections.
This renewed focus comes ahead of the November midterm elections.
The midterms will decide the balance of power in the US Congress.
There is debate about the appropriate level of federal versus state control in elections.
Election security involves protecting voting systems from fraud or interference.
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Police found the wreckage of a boat that sank in San Francisco Bay after recovering the body of a missing person, Tondra Madruga. The boat capsized when hit by a wave, and search continues for two other missing people.
Key Facts
The boat, named Volare, was a 49-foot cabin cruiser carrying 20 people.
It sank on Wednesday after being hit by a wave and capsizing.
Tondra Madruga, 58, was identified as a missing person whose body was recovered.
One man, Clifford Boisa, died soon after being rescued from the water.
The boat was near Treasure Island in water about 120 feet deep.
Police used sonar and a remotely operated vehicle to locate and inspect the wreck.
Two people, Carol Boisa and Jackie Boisa, remain missing.
The Coast Guard searched over 800 square miles but stopped search efforts Wednesday evening.
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Skyroot Aerospace, an Indian private space company, is set to launch its first commercial rocket, Vikram-1, from ISRO’s facility in Sriharikota. If successful, it will become India’s first private firm to send a rocket into orbit, aiming to offer customized, on-demand satellite launches.
Key Facts
Skyroot Aerospace is India’s first space tech unicorn, valued at $1.1 billion.
Vikram-1 rocket will launch from Sriharikota and target Low Earth Orbit, about 280 miles (450 km) above Earth.
The rocket can carry payloads weighing up to 350 kg.
Skyroot wants to offer a “cab service to space,” allowing customers to book launches tailored to their satellite’s needs.
The launch mission, named Aagman (meaning arrival), will carry six payloads including scientific instruments and symbolic items like a diamond lotus and tiny gold rocket sculptures.
The sculptures honor Indian scientists CV Raman, APJ Abdul Kalam, and Vikram Sarabhai, the latter being the father of India’s space program.
This launch would make India the third country, after the US and China, with a private company capable of orbital rocket launches.
Skyroot plans two test flights this year, with commercial launches expected next year.
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President Donald Trump spoke on Thursday night and said that China interfered in U.S. elections. He also questioned how honest the voting system is. CBS News checked the facts behind his statements.
Key Facts
President Trump made his comments during a primetime speech on Thursday evening.
He accused China of interfering in U.S. elections.
He expressed doubts about the fairness and accuracy of the U.S. voting system.
CBS News reporter Jake Rosen reviewed and fact-checked the president’s claims.
The report is available to watch on CBS News and through their app.
The fact-check aims to clarify which claims are true or false.
The focus is on election security and foreign influence.
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A landslide near Chongqing in southwest China has killed at least eight people and left 34 missing. Ten homes were buried, and over a thousand people had to leave their homes because of the disaster.
Key Facts
The landslide occurred on the outskirts of Chongqing, a city in southwest China.
At least eight people have died due to the landslide.
Thirty-four people are still missing after the event.
Ten residential buildings were buried by the landslide.
More than 1,000 residents were evacuated from the area for safety.
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Gracie Abrams has released her third album called Daughter From Hell, which explores themes of pain, responsibility, and emotional struggles in early adulthood. The album features soft, introspective music with sharp, personal lyrics but maintains a sound similar to her previous work.
Key Facts
Daughter From Hell is Gracie Abrams' third album.
The album deals with themes like heartbreak, relationships ending, and personal responsibility.
Abrams uses sharp and emotional lyrics, often using the metaphor of knives to describe pain.
Some songs hint at darker, gothic influences, but the overall music remains soft and introspective.
The album was produced by Aaron Dessner, known for working with other famous singers like Taylor Swift.
Abrams gained fame touring with Taylor Swift and Olivia Rodrigo and was nominated for a Grammy in 2023.
Her previous album included a UK number one single called That’s So True.
The album’s quiet music style sometimes contrasts with the intensity of Abrams’ lyrics.
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President Donald Trump’s social media company, Trump Media and Technology Group, is considering charging a high fee for early access to his posts on Truth Social. This plan faces criticism because it could reduce government transparency and let the president profit from his position.
Key Facts
Trump Media and Technology Group may charge $100,000 per month for priority access to Trump’s social media posts.
A lower fee of $60,000 per month could apply for a three-year subscription.
The data feed, called “Truth API,” would give banks and trading firms early access to top accounts on Truth Social, especially Trump’s.
Trump’s social media posts can influence markets and global financial conditions due to his role as U.S. President.
Critics say charging for early access is a conflict of interest and harms transparency in government.
Trump uses Truth Social since his Twitter account was suspended after the January 6, 2021 Capitol attack.
Lawmakers like Senator Ron Wyden have publicly opposed the plan, concerned it benefits Wall Street and the Trump family.
The plan was reported by news agencies Reuters and The Financial Times.
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Nigel Farage is running to retake his seat in a UK parliamentary by-election following his recent resignation over undeclared gifts and donations. The election will have a record number of 34 candidates and take place on August 13, with Farage favored to win according to an online prediction market.
Key Facts
Nigel Farage resigned as MP for Clacton after controversy about gifts and donations he did not initially declare.
Farage received a £5 million ($6.7 million) gift from a billionaire cryptocurrency investor.
Other donations under question include one from a convicted fraudster, which Farage denies wrongdoing over.
The by-election is expected to feature 34 candidates, the largest ever for a UK parliamentary election.
Major UK political parties are not competing, calling the election a "media circus."
Candidates include satirical figures like comedian Jon Harvey (Count Binface) and Alan "Howling Laud" Hope from a long-standing satirical party.
Lawrence Fox, a far-right actor and politician, is also running.
Farage spoke at CPAC London, inviting voters to decide if he should return to Parliament.
Online betting markets give Farage a 95% chance of winning the election on August 13.
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Daneka Etchells suffered from severe endometriosis, a painful condition affecting many women, but doctors missed her diagnosis for 17 years. This delay caused permanent physical disability and ongoing pain, despite surgery to remove the disease. She now performs in a new stage play that highlights issues of medical neglect and disability.
Key Facts
Daneka Etchells first noticed heavy, painful periods at age 12.
Doctors initially dismissed her symptoms and prescribed birth control pills, which did not help.
Her diagnosis of endometriosis took 17 years, much longer than the average nine-year wait.
The untreated disease caused nerve damage and permanent mobility problems.
She needed excision surgery to remove endometriosis lesions.
Etchells uses a mobility aid and experiences constant pain.
She raised money privately for treatment due to long NHS wait times.
She is now acting in a new disabled-led stage adaptation of The Secret Garden that addresses medical dismissal and disability.
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Paul Pelosi, husband of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, was charged with a misdemeanor hit-and-run after he hit a parked car in Yountville, California, and then left the scene. No one was hurt, and Pelosi was not under the influence of alcohol at the time.
Key Facts
The incident happened on July 3, 2026, in Yountville, California.
Paul Pelosi hit a legally parked car with his brown convertible.
He briefly stopped but then drove away without leaving his information, which is against the law.
No injuries were reported from the collision.
Pelosi was charged with misdemeanor hit-and-run and making an unlawful turn.
His court date is scheduled for August 14, 2026.
In 2022, Pelosi pleaded guilty to driving under the influence and was sentenced to jail time, probation, fines, and required safety measures like an ignition interlock device.
Pelosi was severely beaten in an attack at his home in 2022.
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Paul Pelosi, husband of Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi, is charged with misdemeanor hit-and-run after he crashed into a parked car and left the scene in California. He also faces a charge for making an illegal turn, with a court date set for August 14.
Key Facts
The incident happened on July 3 in Yountville, California.
No one was in the parked car, but it was heavily damaged.
Paul Pelosi apologized and is taking responsibility for the damage.
He faces two charges: misdemeanor hit-and-run and an illegal turn infraction.
Pelosi has past driving violations, including a 2022 guilty plea for driving under the influence (DUI).
He is not charged with DUI this time, as there is no evidence he was impaired.
Video from police body cameras will not be released until the case is over.
Pelosi’s arraignment is scheduled for August 14.
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Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin supported President Donald Trump’s plan to push strict changes to U.S. elections, focusing on states that do not follow these new rules. Mullin mentioned possible punishments for people accused of misleading the public about the 2020 election and said federal funds might be withheld from states that refuse to improve election security.
Key Facts
Secretary Markwayne Mullin repeated President Trump’s threats about changing how U.S. elections are run.
The administration plans a “maximum pressure” campaign to make states follow election reforms.
Mullin mentioned targeting individuals in the intelligence community and the Biden administration who allegedly misled the public during the 2020 election.
Four states—California, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Nevada—are the main focus for these election efforts.
Mullin claimed there are 250,000 non-citizens registered to vote in those states, but no clear evidence was provided.
The Trump administration says nearly 278,000 foreign nationals are registered to vote nationwide, but experts say registration does not mean they voted.
Experts say voting by non-citizens is very rare; for example, one study showed it made up just 0.0001% of votes in a past election.
Mullin warned that states must strengthen election security to receive federal funds, including securing voting machines and cleaning voter registration lists.
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Andy Burnham will become the new prime minister of the United Kingdom on Monday, taking over without a general election or a full Labour Party contest. He plans to lead a significant left-wing government with changes focused on energy bills, public services, and social care.
Key Facts
Andy Burnham, former mayor of Greater Manchester, is becoming UK prime minister.
He assumes power without a general election or a full Labour leadership vote.
Burnham promises major changes not seen in 40 years.
His plans include lowering energy bills, reducing bus fares, and increasing public control of utilities.
Burnham aims to reverse the influence of policies from the 1980s under Margaret Thatcher.
He will appoint a cabinet, including the new chancellor Shabana Mahmood.
Burnham wants to unite Labour and avoid internal party conflicts.
Some parties criticize Burnham for lacking a public mandate and being too left-wing.
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AIPAC, a group that supports U.S.-Israel relations, has stopped raising money for over 24 House Democrats. These lawmakers voted to block billions of dollars in U.S. military aid to Israel in a recent vote.
Key Facts
AIPAC is an organization involved in U.S. politics supporting Israel.
More than two dozen House Democrats had their campaign fundraising halted by AIPAC.
These Democrats voted to stop billions in U.S. military aid to Israel.
The vote occurred as part of the fiscal 2027 funding bill for the State Department.
Over 100 House Democrats supported the amendment to cut the aid.
AIPAC’s action shows it rewards or punishes lawmakers based on their votes about Israel.
The issue is part of current U.S. government budget and foreign aid decisions.
This event reflects ongoing debates on U.S. support for Israel in Congress.
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Many places in the US and Europe are facing record-breaking heatwaves that cause thousands of deaths. Phoenix, Arizona, has successfully reduced heat deaths by creating programs like cooling centers and free air conditioning, serving as a model for other cities dealing with extreme heat.
Key Facts
Heatwaves recently caused over 2,000 extra deaths in France and about 2,700 in England and Wales.
The US reported at least 44 heat-related deaths over the 4th of July weekend.
Scientists note that nighttime temperatures are staying high, preventing the body from cooling down.
Phoenix, located in Maricopa County, has very hot weather and has worked for years to reduce heat-related deaths.
Phoenix was the first city to hire a "heat officer" in 2021 to manage heat safety efforts.
Heat deaths in Maricopa County dropped from 645 in 2023 to 405 in 2025 due to better programs.
The county offers free or repaired air conditioning to low-income residents and open, 24-hour cooling centers.
Experts suggest assigning a heat officer and improving communication can help other cities handle extreme heat too.
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Jordan Wilmore, a former professional basketball player who is 7 feet 3 inches tall, has been officially sworn in as a police officer in Texas. Although many assumed he would pursue basketball due to his height, his true goal was to become a police officer.
Key Facts
Jordan Wilmore is 7 feet 3 inches tall.
He used to play professional basketball.
Many people thought he would have a basketball career because of his height.
Wilmore’s real dream was to become a police officer.
He has now been sworn in as a police officer in Texas.
This news was reported by CBS News and featured by Steve Hartman.
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Seven American aid workers from Samaritan’s Purse are quarantined at a U.S.-supported Ebola isolation facility in Kenya after being exposed to the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo. None of the workers have symptoms, and they are staying in military tents on a base in Kenya for the 21-day monitoring period before returning to the U.S.
Key Facts
Seven American aid workers are quarantined at an Ebola isolation site at Laikipia Air Base, Kenya.
The workers are part of a 72-member team responding to the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The isolation period is 21 days, which is the standard time to monitor Ebola exposure.
The facility was built and is supported by the U.S. government.
The workers live in military tents and receive food from the U.S. military.
Kenya has no recorded Ebola cases but has opposed the facility due to health risk concerns.
Kenya’s High Court ordered a stop to the facility’s construction, but it was completed nonetheless.
The Ebola outbreak in the DRC has over 2,100 confirmed cases and more than 800 deaths, spreading faster than before.
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