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French President Emmanuel Macron visited the Fontainebleau forest near Paris after wildfires burned about 10% of the forest area. He said the fire will take weeks to fully put out and promised to replant the damaged forest. Police have arrested several people suspected of starting the fire, including a volunteer firefighter.
Key Facts
Wildfires affected at least 10% of the 20,000-hectare Fontainebleau forest.
President Emmanuel Macron visited the site to assess the damage.
The fire is expected to take several weeks to be completely extinguished.
Macron pledged to replant the forest after the fire.
Several arrests have been made in connection with the fire.
One arrested person is a volunteer firefighter who has been formally investigated.
Authorities suspect the fire was started intentionally by arsonists.
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Elon Musk’s AI company xAI has filed a lawsuit against a man in South Carolina for allegedly using its AI system, Grok, to create illegal sexual images involving children. The company says this user broke its rules and caused harm by making fake sexual content without consent.
Key Facts
xAI sued Terry Harwood in federal court in Texas.
Harwood was arrested earlier this year on charges related to exploiting minors.
The lawsuit claims he used Grok to create child sexual abuse material and non-consensual sexual images of adults.
xAI says it usually punishes rule-breakers by suspending or terminating accounts and reports illegal content to authorities.
Harwood allegedly uploaded real photos to Grok and tried to make fake sexual images from them.
xAI seeks financial compensation and wants the court to stop Harwood from using Grok forever.
This case is among the first where an AI company is suing a user for making illegal sexual content with AI tools.
The company states such misuse leads to harm for victims and damages xAI’s reputation.
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Sadiq Khan, the mayor of London, has been made a member of the House of Lords by Labour leader Keir Starmer just before Starmer’s planned resignation. Khan will continue as mayor and has said he does not want a government minister role, focusing instead on his current term and London’s future.
Key Facts
Keir Starmer appointed Sadiq Khan to the House of Lords shortly before stepping down as Labour leader.
Sadiq Khan is the current mayor of London and has served since 2016.
Khan has said he wants to focus on his mayoral duties and does not wish to join the government cabinet.
He is the first Muslim mayor of a major Western capital.
Khan has led London through major events like the Covid pandemic and terrorist attacks.
Khan received a knighthood last year.
Some other regional mayors, like Ben Houchen, also serve in the House of Lords while holding mayoral office.
Starmer has appointed many new members to the House of Lords to rebalance it, which has been dominated by Conservatives.
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French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu visited Morocco to strengthen the partnership between the two countries, focusing on security, counterterrorism, and energy cooperation. They agreed to explore projects for exporting renewable electricity from Morocco to France while facing new allegations that Morocco used Pegasus spyware to spy on French officials.
Key Facts
French PM Lecornu called the relationship between France and Morocco "exceptionally positive" and at a "turning point."
The two countries signed an "enhanced exceptional partnership" to deepen cooperation.
France and Morocco aim to increase energy cooperation, including exploring ways to export renewable electricity from Morocco to France.
Morocco’s Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch emphasized shared goals and restored trust between the two nations.
A media consortium reported that Morocco used Pegasus spyware to target French officials, including Lecornu.
Pegasus spyware can secretly read messages, track locations, and turn on cameras and microphones on phones.
Morocco denied the spying accusations and has asked for proof.
These spying reports caused some tension during Lecornu’s visit, limiting the press conference to brief statements without questions.
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Todd Blanche’s confirmation hearing for attorney general continued into its second day with witness testimonies. Some important Republican senators have not yet decided if they will support his appointment.
Key Facts
Todd Blanche is being considered for the role of attorney general.
The confirmation hearing entered its second day.
During the hearing, witnesses gave testimonies about Blanche.
Several key Republican senators have not made up their minds on his nomination.
The decision on his appointment is still pending as the hearing continues.
The coverage is provided by CBS News reporter Jake Rosen.
Senators’ opinions will influence whether Blanche gets the permanent job.
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Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy defended his choice to remove Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov after tensions with the military’s top leader. This decision caused protests in Kyiv and concern from foreign partners during a visit by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Key Facts
Zelenskyy said there was a difficult relationship between Defence Minister Fedorov and Ukraine’s military commander, Oleksandr Syrskyi.
Zelenskyy chose to support Syrskyi, leading to Fedorov’s dismissal.
Over 1,000 people protested in Kyiv, showing their support for Fedorov and demanding Syrskyi’s removal.
The protests were one of the few large anti-government demonstrations since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer visited Kyiv, met Zelenskyy, and expressed strong support for Ukraine.
Zelenskyy gave Starmer Ukraine’s highest foreign award, the Order of Freedom.
Starmer praised Ukrainian drone strikes and said the war’s momentum was shifting away from Russia.
Fedorov accused military leaders of blocking reforms and favoring loyalty over effective decisions.
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Andrew Marr discusses Andy Burnham’s upcoming role as the leader at Number 10 Downing Street. The conversation covers uncertainties about Burnham’s cabinet choices and his plans to handle economic problems that challenged the previous Prime Minister, Keir Starmer.
Key Facts
Andrew Marr interviewed Andy Burnham before Burnham takes charge of the UK government.
Burnham is preparing to become Prime Minister and lead from Number 10 Downing Street.
There is uncertainty about who Burnham will appoint to his cabinet, the group of senior government officials.
Burnham will face economic challenges similar to those encountered during Keir Starmer’s time as Prime Minister.
The interview is featured on the BBC Newscast podcast, presented by Adam Fleming.
Newscast offers daily political news analysis and can be accessed on smart speakers and online.
The content is produced by a BBC team including Jack Maclaren, Shiler Mahmoudi, Beth Pritchard, Ben Andrews, Chris Gray, and Sam Bonham.
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President Joe Biden announced a new memoir titled Promise Me, America, scheduled for release on November 17, 2026. The book will reflect on his presidency, key decisions, and his belief in the future of the United States, while referencing the personal theme from his earlier memoir about his late son Beau Biden.
Key Facts
The new memoir’s title, Promise Me, America, echoes Biden’s 2017 book Promise Me, Dad, which focused on his son Beau’s illness and death.
Promise Me, America will explore the major challenges Biden faced as president and why he made certain decisions.
The book will cover events such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the economy, the January 6 Capitol attack, the Afghanistan withdrawal, support for Ukraine, and relationships with NATO allies.
Biden will discuss his reasons for first running for reelection in 2024 and his later decision to end his campaign.
The memoir is set to publish two weeks after the 2026 midterm elections.
Biden has used “promise” themes in his major memoirs: Promises to Keep (2007), Promise Me, Dad (2017), and now Promise Me, America.
The title refers back to a conversation where Beau Biden asked his father to promise he would be all right despite the illness.
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A new study by the University of Southern California found that young, non-smoking lung cancer patients often eat healthier diets than the general population. Researchers suggest pesticide residues on fruits, vegetables, and whole grains might play a role in lung cancer, but the findings are still early and need more research.
Key Facts
The study focused on people diagnosed with lung cancer by age 50, most of whom never smoked.
These patients scored higher on the Healthy Eating Index, meaning they ate more fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains than average Americans.
Researchers suspect pesticide residues on non-organic produce might be an environmental risk factor for lung cancer.
Earlier studies show farmworkers exposed to pesticides have higher lung cancer rates.
Lung cancer is usually linked to older adults, smokers, and men, but rates are rising in young non-smokers, especially women.
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide, with 2.5 million new cases and 1.8 million deaths in 2022.
Experts caution that the fruits and vegetables themselves are not likely causing cancer, but the pesticides used in farming might.
More research is needed to understand the possible link between healthy diets, pesticides, and lung cancer in young non-smokers.
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A British minister has asked FIFA to investigate after Argentina’s World Cup players displayed a banner saying "The Falklands are Argentinian" during their match against England. The UK government says political messages are not allowed in football and wants FIFA to look into the matter.
Key Facts
Argentina’s players showed a banner claiming the Falkland Islands belong to Argentina after beating England 2-1 in the World Cup semifinal.
British Business Minister Peter Kyle called this a serious break of FIFA’s rules, which ban political messages at games.
The UK prime minister’s office supported the call for an investigation by FIFA.
The Falklands conflict happened in 1982 when Argentina invaded the islands and the UK took back control after a brief war.
Argentina still claims the islands, which the UK governs as a British overseas territory.
Argentina’s Vice President called the English "usurping pirates" before the match, raising tensions.
Argentina’s foreign minister said Buenos Aires filed a formal protest over a British warship near the Falklands, accusing the UK of illegal actions.
FIFA has not yet responded to the calls for investigation.
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A new Pew Research poll shows that China is viewed more favorably than the United States in 27 out of 36 countries surveyed. President Donald Trump’s global trust rating is lower than both Chinese leader Xi Jinping and President Joe Biden.
Key Facts
The survey covered 36 countries and over 42,000 people from February to May 2026.
China is preferred to the U.S. by major U.S. allies like Germany, Turkey, and Sweden.
Mexico and Canada favor China over the United States, by 59% to 40% and 44% to 33%, respectively.
Only six countries strongly favor the United States: Japan, South Korea, India, the Philippines, Israel, and Poland.
Confidence that President Trump will "do the right thing regarding world affairs" dropped from 31% to 21%.
Confidence in Xi Jinping rose from 25% to 31%.
Trump’s favorability rating is 16 percentage points below President Biden’s lowest rating from 2024.
The poll reflects shifting global opinions with declining views on the U.S. and improved views on China.
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John Harold Rogers, a former senior adviser at the Federal Reserve, was sentenced to 38 months in prison for lying to investigators about sharing sensitive information with Chinese spies. He was arrested last year on charges including conspiracy to commit economic espionage.
Key Facts
John Harold Rogers worked as a senior adviser at the Federal Reserve.
He was sentenced to 38 months in federal prison.
Rogers lied to investigators about giving sensitive central bank information to Chinese spies.
He was arrested last year.
Charges against him included conspiracy to commit economic espionage, which means working secretly to steal economic secrets.
The Justice Department made the sentencing announcement.
The sensitive information related to central banking and financial matters.
The case involved concerns about national security and foreign spying.
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The New York Times asked a court to cancel subpoenas given to its journalists. These subpoenas came from the Justice Department about stories on security issues with a new Air Force One plane gifted by Qatar. This request sets up a court battle between press freedom and the government’s power to make reporters reveal their sources.
Key Facts
The New York Times filed a motion to quash subpoenas served on its journalists.
The subpoenas were issued by the U.S. Justice Department.
The subpoenas relate to reporting on security concerns about a new Air Force One plane.
The new Air Force One was gifted by Qatar.
David McCraw, a top lawyer at The Times, said the subpoenas were meant to punish the newspaper.
The case raises questions about the balance between press freedom and government authority.
The dispute will likely lead to a court fight over journalists’ rights to protect their sources.
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Gabriel Perez, who operates President Donald Trump's teleprompter, is under investigation for making over $100,000 betting on the content of Trump's speeches. Federal regulators from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission are discussing a settlement with Perez after suspicious betting activity was reported by the prediction market Kalshi.
Key Facts
Gabriel Perez has operated President Trump's teleprompter since 2016.
Perez allegedly made more than $100,000 by betting on Trump's speeches using insider knowledge.
Betting occurred on Kalshi’s "Mentions" market, where people bet on whether specific words or topics appear in public speeches.
Kalshi reported the suspicious bets to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).
Perez is cooperating with federal regulators and is currently in settlement talks.
The White House reminded staff not to use private information for betting after these incidents.
Perez has been involved in controlling and editing many of Trump's prepared speeches, including some with last-minute changes by the president.
President Trump often speaks off-script, making it harder to predict his exact words.
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Jay Clayton, chosen by President Donald Trump to be director of national intelligence, would not say who won the 2020 presidential election during his confirmation hearing. President Trump is expected to give a speech on Thursday night.
Key Facts
Jay Clayton is President Trump's pick for director of national intelligence (DNI).
During his confirmation hearing, Clayton refused to say who won the 2020 presidential election.
The confirmation hearing is a process where nominees answer questions before being approved.
President Trump is scheduled to deliver a primetime speech on Thursday night.
The refusal to answer questions about the election results was noted by CBS News.
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The World Health Organization (WHO) says the Ebola virus is spreading faster in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) than in any previous outbreak. In just two months, there have been over 2,000 confirmed cases and 796 deaths, with the virus present in several provinces and neighboring Uganda.
Key Facts
The current Ebola outbreak in DRC began on May 15, 2026.
More than 2,000 Ebola cases and 796 deaths have been confirmed.
This is the third-largest Ebola outbreak ever recorded.
The outbreak spread to five provinces in DRC and to Uganda.
The virus strain causing this outbreak is Bundibugyo, which has no approved vaccine or treatment.
The outbreak is occurring in an area with active armed conflict, complicating response efforts.
Over 80% of new cases are found outside known contact lists, meaning many infections are not traced.
About two-thirds of deaths occur in communities among people who did not receive medical care in health facilities.
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Daily smoking rates in Australia have dropped to a historic low of 5.6% in 2025, surpassing national targets. However, more smokers are turning to illegal tobacco, even as vaping use has leveled off and overall nicotine use is declining.
Key Facts
Daily smoking among Australians aged 14 and over fell from 8.3% in 2022-23 to 5.6% in 2025.
The government aimed to reduce smoking to under 10% by 2025 and now targets 5% or less by 2030.
Over two-thirds of Australians 14+ have never smoked, a historic high.
34% of smokers reported recently using illicit tobacco, up from 16.7% in 2022-23.
About 22% bought branded illegal tobacco without health warnings; 1 in 6 smoke unbranded loose tobacco.
More than half of those buying illicit tobacco got it from tobacconists.
Overall nicotine use (from smoking, vaping, and cessation products) fell from 17.4% to 15.2%.
Experts say tackling illicit tobacco needs stronger law enforcement, not lower taxes on legal cigarettes.
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A man paralysed from the chest down has regained the ability to move his arms and feel touch through a brain implant that bypasses his spinal cord injury. The implant connects his brain to his arms and sends touch sensations back to his brain, helping him feed himself and feel objects.
Key Facts
Keith Thomas became paralysed after a swimming accident in 2020.
Researchers implanted electrodes in his brain to detect movement signals.
The system sends signals from the brain to his arms and hands to move them.
Sensors on his fingers and hand send touch signals back to his brain.
After training, Thomas regained partial arm strength and touch sensation.
He can now feed himself, scratch his nose, and feel his sister’s hand and his dog’s fur.
The technology partly rewires the nervous system to keep some function even when turned off.
More trials are needed to test the system with other patients and spinal injuries.
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Scientists say the El Niño weather pattern in the Pacific Ocean could become the strongest ever recorded. This event may cause very hot and dry weather in parts of the world and could help make 2027 the hottest year on record.
Key Facts
El Niño is a natural climate pattern where ocean temperatures in the Pacific rise above normal.
Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology says this El Niño could be the strongest ever seen.
The peak temperature in the Niño 3.4 region might reach over +3°C, higher than the previous record of +2.6°C in 1983.
A strong El Niño usually causes hotter, drier weather in southern and eastern Australia during winter and spring.
Globally, El Niño can cause severe storms in some areas and droughts in others.
Experts warn this event could help make 2027 the hottest year worldwide.
Many Australian cities like Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne have a high chance of extreme heat and low rainfall from August to October 2026.
Scientists link the stronger El Niño to rising ocean heat caused by climate change.
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