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Cuba experienced a third nationwide power blackout in ten days, causing the entire country to lose electricity. Officials said the blackouts are linked to problems in the power system worsened by the U.S. oil embargo.
Key Facts
Cuba's National Electric System (SEN) went down again on Tuesday, cutting power across the whole country.
This was the third blackout in just two weeks.
The blackouts are putting strain on Cuba’s electricity grid.
The U.S. oil embargo is making it harder for Cuba to get fuel, which affects its power supply.
Officials are working to slowly restore electricity after the blackout.
The situation highlights ongoing energy challenges for the island nation.
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Taco Bell is taking voluntary safety steps while health officials investigate reports of a stomach parasite that has made thousands of people sick since May. The exact cause of the illness has not yet been found.
Key Facts
Thousands of people have gotten sick since May with symptoms connected to a stomach parasite.
Health officials are investigating the cause but have not identified the source yet.
Taco Bell is responding by taking precautionary action on their own.
The investigation is happening across multiple states.
The company has publicly addressed the reports linked to the parasite.
No official confirmation yet if the parasite is connected directly to Taco Bell food.
The situation remains under active review by health authorities.
This news was reported on July 15, 2026.
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Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton, who once worked closely with Prince William and Prince Harry, said the British monarchy has always faced crises but adapts well to survive. Recent polls show younger people in Britain are less supportive of the monarchy, raising questions about its future.
Key Facts
Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton was a private secretary to Prince William and Prince Harry.
He believes the monarchy is good at changing and adapting to survive over its 1,200-year history.
Past challenges to the monarchy included executions of kings, like Charles I.
Recent controversies have increased public debate about the royal family’s role and future.
Polls show younger British people tend to support the monarchy less than older generations.
Data suggests support for removing the monarchy may not reach a majority for many decades.
Lowther-Pinkerton left royal service in 2014 and did not comment on recent royal family conflicts.
Prince Harry praised Lowther-Pinkerton’s honesty in his book Spare.
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Thousands of people in over 30 states have gotten sick with cyclosporiasis, a parasite infection. Government officials have not yet identified the source of the outbreak.
Key Facts
The illness is caused by cyclosporiasis, a parasite.
The outbreak has affected more than 30 states in the U.S.
Thousands of people have become sick so far.
Federal health officials are still investigating to find the source.
CBS News medical expert Dr. Celine Gounder provided information on the illness and prevention.
The parasite often spreads through contaminated food or water.
People are advised to wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly to reduce risk.
Symptoms can include diarrhea, stomach cramps, and fatigue.
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A nearly complete Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton called "Gus" sold for $50.1 million at an auction in New York. This sale set a new record for the highest price paid for a dinosaur fossil at auction.
Key Facts
The skeleton is named "Gus."
It has 183 fossilized bones, making it one of the most complete T. rex skeletons found.
"Gus" was discovered in 2021 on a cattle ranch in South Dakota.
The auction took place at Sotheby's in New York.
Seven bidders competed for the skeleton, making the sale last about 10 minutes.
The $50.1 million price is the highest ever paid for a dinosaur fossil at auction.
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President Donald Trump said the U.S. will strike Iran’s power plants and bridges if Iran does not agree to negotiations. He also canceled a plan to charge cargo ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz and instead wants to focus on trade and investment deals with Gulf countries.
Key Facts
President Trump threatened to target Iran’s infrastructure if talks fail.
The targets mentioned include power plants and bridges in Iran.
He wants Iran to come to the negotiation table.
The U.S. had planned to charge fees on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
That plan was canceled in favor of focusing on trade and investments with Gulf nations.
The Strait of Hormuz is a key shipping route for global oil shipments.
U.S. officials are pursuing a new strategy regarding Iran and the Gulf region.
Mohammed Sergie, Gulf editor from Semafor, discussed this U.S. approach on CBS Mornings News.
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The French National Assembly is expected to approve a new law allowing assisted dying. This move would make France one of the countries that legally protect the right to end life with medical help.
Key Facts
The law concerns assisted dying, where a person can choose medical help to end their life.
The bill was supported by President Emmanuel Macron.
The final vote in the lower house of the French parliament was scheduled for Wednesday, July 15, 2026.
Some people and groups still oppose the law and want to stop it.
If passed, France will join other countries that legally allow assisted dying.
The issue has been debated for a long time in France.
The law is focused on patients' rights and end-of-life choices.
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The U.S. military uses a Royal Air Force base in Suffolk, England, as an important air refueling station. This station helps support missions related to operations against Iran by allowing planes to refuel while flying.
Key Facts
The Royal Air Force base is located in Suffolk, England.
The U.S. Air Force operates an air refueling station there.
Air refueling means planes get fuel in the air without landing.
This station plays a key role in U.S. operations involving Iran.
The refueling station helps extend the range and time of military flights.
The information was reported by CBS News correspondent Charlie D'Agata.
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Civil rights leaders, including Reverend Al Sharpton and Martin Luther King III, plan a march on Washington on August 28, 2026, to support voting rights. They aim to respond to recent court decisions that have reduced protections against racial discrimination in U.S. elections.
Key Facts
The march is called “March on Washington 2026: Defend the Vote” and will mark 63 years since Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech.
The Supreme Court’s April 2024 ruling changed parts of the Voting Rights Act and weakened protections against racial gerrymandering.
Some states have redrawn voting districts in ways that reduce Black political representation, such as in Alabama.
President Trump’s administration has proposed rules that would require proof of citizenship to vote and limit mail-in ballots, but courts have stopped these rules.
Many civil rights groups and political leaders, including the NAACP and a congressional representative, are part of the organizing coalition.
The march will return to the Lincoln Memorial, the historic site of the 1963 civil rights march.
Organizers say the event is both a remembrance and a call to action to protect voting rights today.
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The U.S. military carried out new daytime attacks on Iran to reduce its ability to attack ships in the Strait of Hormuz. On Tuesday, the U.S. also restarted a blockade of this waterway. President Trump held a strategy meeting to plan a larger offensive against Iran.
Key Facts
The U.S. military launched daytime strikes targeting Iran.
The strikes aim to limit Iran’s ability to attack ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
The U.S. reimposed a blockade on the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday.
President Trump held a Situation Room meeting on Tuesday.
The meeting focused on planning a broad new offensive against Tehran.
The Strait of Hormuz is a key waterway for international shipping.
The situation involves rising military tensions between the U.S. and Iran.
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Clashes in Pakistan-administered Kashmir have killed at least nine people amid protests against political issues. A planned protest march to the region’s capital, Muzaffarabad, was stopped temporarily as security forces and protesters exchanged gunfire and stone-throwing.
Key Facts
At least nine people, including security officers and protesters, were killed in clashes in Pakistan-administered Kashmir.
Security forces raided a house in Poonch district for weapons and were fired upon, resulting in one officer’s death.
In Sudhnoti district, protesters blocked a security convoy, leading to violence that killed seven protesters and one police officer.
The Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), the protest group, was banned under anti-terrorism laws on June 5.
Protesters planned to march to Muzaffarabad but were halted, staying in Rawalakot instead.
The government restricted internet and phone access in the region due to security concerns.
The protests focus on 12 legislative seats reserved for Kashmiri refugees living outside the region, which the group wants removed.
Elections are scheduled for July 27, with about 4,000 police and paramilitary forces deployed to maintain order.
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Ukraine has launched a new campaign using drones to attack Russian ships in the Sea of Azov. These strikes have greatly reduced Russian maritime traffic and aim to cut off supplies to the Crimean Peninsula without damaging the Kerch Bridge.
Key Facts
Ukraine’s drone forces hit 20 Russian vessels overnight, totaling 136 ship strikes from July 6 to 15.
The Sea of Azov connects to the Black Sea via the Kerch Strait, which links Crimea to Russia.
Ukraine targets Russia’s "shadow fleet," ships hidden to avoid sanctions.
Russia suspended shipping on the Don-Azov Channel linking the Sea of Azov to the Don River after the attacks.
Ukrainian operations combine attacks on ships and Russian air defenses, showing advanced planning and coordination.
Ukraine has no traditional navy in the Black Sea but uses drones to control the area.
Ukrainian strikes also target fuel and supply routes to isolate Crimea, causing fuel shortages there.
Maritime traffic in the Sea of Azov dropped sharply from 132 ships to 43 between July 6 and July 12.
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A man named David Francis had his murder conviction overturned by the Court of Appeal. The court decided there was not enough evidence to prove he took part in a stabbing that killed Davices Anderson in Nottingham in April 2023.
Key Facts
Davices Anderson died from a stab wound to the heart after being found injured on a street in Nottingham.
David Francis was originally sentenced to life in prison with a minimum of 16.5 years.
Courtney McLeary, also jailed for the murder, had his appeal rejected.
The stabbing happened in McLeary’s flat during a drug use gathering.
McLeary admitted to stabbing Anderson, claiming self-defense.
Francis said he tried to act as a peacemaker and was not involved.
The Court of Appeal found insufficient evidence to show Francis helped or encouraged McLeary.
The court ruled the trial judge was right to allow certain hearsay evidence during the trial.
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Many parts of the United States are experiencing extreme heat due to a "heat dome," which traps hot air and stops clouds and storms. This unusual heat has broken temperature records in several cities and increases risks of heat-related illnesses and wildfires.
Key Facts
Billings, Montana reached 111°F (43.9°C), its hottest day ever.
Salt Lake City, Utah hit 109°F (42.8°C), setting a new record high.
A "heat dome" is causing the heat by trapping warm air over large areas for days.
Heat illnesses like heat exhaustion and heatstroke are concerns; symptoms include heavy sweating, fatigue, and high body temperature.
Nighttime temperatures are staying high in some regions, increasing health risks for vulnerable people.
Wildfires are burning millions of acres, worsened by hot, dry conditions.
Several firefighters have died recently while fighting wildfires in Colorado and Utah.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration expects dangerous heat to continue through next Monday, spreading to more southern states later in the week.
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Anna Liedtke, a European activist detained by Israeli forces after trying to deliver aid to Gaza, has accused Israeli female guards of raping her during her imprisonment. Liedtke and lawyers have filed a complaint demanding an investigation into her allegations, highlighting concerns over sexual violence in Israeli detention centers.
Key Facts
Anna Liedtke was detained for five days after Israeli forces intercepted her flotilla boat in international waters near Gaza.
She reported being illegally strip-searched three times and raped by female guards during her detention.
Male guards were reportedly present and possibly filmed the attack.
Liedtke has publicly spoken about her experience and filed a criminal complaint in Israel seeking justice and an investigation.
Allegations of sexual violence against Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails have been reported for years and are now said to be expanding to foreign activists.
The United Nations has placed Israel on a blacklist for sexual violence in conflict situations, based on documented abuse.
Other countries like Australia and France are investigating similar allegations related to flotilla activists.
Liedtke’s legal team aims to challenge what they call a “culture of impunity” for prisoner abuses in Israel.
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Residents in the Big Bend region of Texas have started a group called No Big Bend Wall to fight against plans for a border wall along the Rio Grande. They say the wall would harm wildlife, block access to the river, and hurt tourism in the area, which is known for its natural beauty.
Key Facts
Molly Walker, a local resident, started the campaign through an Instagram post in February.
The group has grown to include people from different backgrounds working together.
The U.S. Congress approved $46.5 billion to expand the border wall under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
The border wall would pass through Big Bend National Park, where illegal border crossings are rare.
Experts warn the wall will damage wildlife habitats and reduce access for fishing and boating.
The area might lose its international dark sky status, important for attracting tourists.
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection website shows changing construction plans, sparking skepticism.
Locals are concerned about increased surveillance and the environmental impact of the wall.
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Large wildfires have damaged parts of the Fontainebleau forest near Paris, France. Firefighters have contained the fires, but they are not fully out yet, and local people are surprised because fires are not common in this area.
Key Facts
Wildfires broke out in the Fontainebleau forest region close to Paris.
The fires have destroyed large forest areas.
Firefighters have managed to contain the blaze but not completely extinguish it.
Fontainebleau is an area that usually does not experience forest fires.
Local residents are shocked by the event.
The report was issued on July 15, 2026.
The news was covered by France 24 correspondent Claire Paccalin on site.
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The article says the Democratic Party needs to reconnect with its historical support for workers. It highlights that strong worker rights help build a strong democracy and suggests that presidential candidates should focus on this message.
Key Facts
The Democratic Party has moved away from its traditional support of labor.
There is a connection between successful workers and a healthy democracy.
This idea is important for Democrats running for president in 2028.
The article mentions grocery store workers as an example of where this support could begin.
The message aims to show how helping workers benefits the whole country.
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Norah O'Donnell is starting a new podcast called Healthful on July 22. The show will focus on women’s health topics like reproductive health, menopause, and cancer. It aims to provide clear and useful information from experts without myths or fear.
Key Facts
The podcast launches on July 22.
Norah O'Donnell is an award-winning journalist hosting the show.
Healthful focuses on women’s health issues often ignored by medicine.
Topics include reproductive health, menopause, and cancer.
The show features doctors, scientists, and health innovators.
It aims to give real, helpful advice without fear or false cures.
New episodes will be released every Wednesday.
Norah will share some of her personal health tips on the show.
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ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) has ordered its agents to stop most vehicle stops during enforcement operations across the country. This change follows the fatal shooting of Johan Sebastián Durán Guerrero in Maine while he was in his car.
Key Facts
ICE is pausing most vehicle stops during enforcement activities nationwide.
The pause comes after a recent fatal shooting involving an individual in a car.
The victim was Johan Sebastián Durán Guerrero.
The shooting happened on a Monday in Maine.
This directive applies to ICE agents across the United States.
The decision aims to address concerns about safety during such stops.
The incident and response were reported by CBS News.
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