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The two largest reservoirs in the U.S., Lake Mead and Lake Powell, which rely on the Colorado River, have reached their lowest water levels ever. Seven Western states are struggling to agree on how to share limited water, and the federal government, led by President Donald Trump’s administration, is considering large water use cuts.
Key Facts
Lake Mead and Lake Powell are at record low water levels.
The Colorado River supplies water to seven Western states: Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, New Mexico (upper basin) and California, Arizona, Nevada (lower basin).
Lower basin states have reduced water use by almost 20% since 2015, while upper basin states have increased their use.
California, Arizona, and Nevada have proposed to cut water use by 1.6 million acre-feet per year for two years.
Federal officials are thinking about cutting nearly double that amount of water use.
The cuts would increase water costs, reduce outdoor water use, and affect farmers who use most of the water.
Climate change is reducing snowfall in the Rocky Mountains, which means less water flows into the Colorado River.
If Lake Powell’s water drops 33 feet more, it will stop generating hydroelectric power, affecting water flow downstream.
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House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries said the Democratic Party plans to focus on lowering the cost of living if it wins back control of Congress in the upcoming midterm elections. He highlighted reducing prices for groceries, gas, and housing as key goals.
Key Facts
Hakeem Jeffries is the House Democratic Leader from New York.
He made his statement at the start of the 100-day period before the midterm elections.
Jeffries said the Democrats want to make America more affordable.
The key areas he mentioned are groceries, gas, and housing costs.
The goal is to lower these living expenses if Democrats regain Congress.
The midterm elections will decide control of Congress.
Jeffries used the phrase "100 days" to emphasize urgency.
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The Calgary Stampede is the biggest outdoor rodeo in the world and takes place in Alberta, Canada. Since Alberta has the fourth-largest proven oil reserves globally, the rising oil prices are influencing the event and the local economy.
Key Facts
The Calgary Stampede is the largest outdoor rodeo worldwide.
It is held in Alberta, Canada.
Alberta has the fourth-largest proven oil reserves in the world.
Oil prices have been rising recently.
Higher oil prices affect Alberta's economy.
This economic impact is reflected in the atmosphere of the Calgary Stampede.
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The New York City Police Department (NYPD) released new aerial video showing a dangerous activity called subway surfing. This trend involves people riding on top of moving subway trains, which has led to serious injuries and deaths.
Key Facts
The NYPD shared new video footage from the air capturing subway surfing in New York City.
Subway surfing means riding on the outside of moving subway trains.
This activity is very risky and has caused multiple deaths.
The video aims to raise public awareness about the dangers involved.
Authorities continue to work to stop this dangerous behavior in the subway system.
The footage was released over a recent weekend.
Subway surfing is illegal and can lead to serious legal consequences.
Police hope the video will discourage people from attempting this stunt.
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The Colorado River provides water to seven Western U.S. states, but its water levels have dropped to record lows. After years of unsuccessful discussions among the states, the federal government is ready to enforce large reductions in water use.
Key Facts
The Colorado River supplies water to seven states in the western U.S.
Water levels in the river's reservoirs have reached historic low points.
The seven states have failed to agree on how to share the limited water supply.
The federal government plans to step in and require major water use cuts.
These cuts are meant to address ongoing water shortages and preserve the river.
The Colorado River is a critical water source for agriculture, cities, and communities in the region.
The situation highlights tensions over water rights during a prolonged drought and changing climate.
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Indonesia plans to close many open garbage dumping sites starting August 1 to reduce methane emissions and improve how waste is managed. This change will affect people who collect recyclable materials from landfills, such as those working at the Bantargebang landfill near Jakarta.
Key Facts
Indonesia aims to reduce methane gases by closing open dumping sites for trash.
The new rules will restrict landfills to only hold leftover waste that cannot be recycled or reused.
The changes start on August 1, 2026.
Bantargebang is Indonesia’s largest landfill located near the capital, Jakarta.
Many people, called waste pickers, earn money by collecting recyclable items from the landfill.
Some waste pickers worry the new rules might threaten their jobs and income.
The government is trying to improve waste management for environmental reasons.
Photos show waste pickers working and garbage trucks unloading trash at Bantargebang.
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A recent CBS News poll shows many Americans are unhappy with how President Donald Trump is managing the economy, inflation, and the situation in Iran. Most people disapprove of his performance in these areas.
Key Facts
65% of Americans disapprove of President Trump’s handling of the economy.
71% disapprove of his handling of inflation.
63% believe the war in Iran is going badly for the United States.
The poll was conducted by CBS News.
The results reflect public opinion on key issues under President Trump’s administration.
The poll highlights concerns about economic and international matters.
Inflation refers to the general rise in prices and fall in purchasing power.
The war in Iran involves U.S. military and diplomatic efforts in the region.
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A two-day pause in fighting between the U.S. and Iran follows almost two weeks of intense conflict. This break is connected to progress in diplomatic talks, according to sources.
Key Facts
The fighting between the U.S. and Iran has lasted nearly two weeks.
There is currently a two-day pause in the strikes.
This pause is linked to positive movement in diplomatic negotiations.
Sources confirmed the connection to CBS News.
There are concerns that the U.S. is running low on important military supplies (munitions).
The situation includes both ongoing conflict and diplomatic efforts.
CBS News reported this information through reporter Charlie D'Agata.
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A 21-year-old man drove a van into a crowd at Berlin Pride, killing one woman and injuring at least 29 people. The suspect was later shot and killed by police after attacking officers with a knife.
Key Facts
The incident happened during the Berlin Pride celebration.
The suspect’s name was Abdul Ballout.
Ballout rented the van used in the attack.
One woman died because of the attack.
At least 29 other people were hurt.
Police confronted Ballout the next day.
Ballout charged at officers with a bladed weapon.
Police shot and killed Ballout during this confrontation.
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UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres visited the Sednaya prison in Syria, the first time a UN leader has done so since 2009. Sednaya prison is known for harsh conditions and reports of torture and killings under the Assad government.
Key Facts
Antonio Guterres is the Secretary-General of the United Nations.
He visited Sednaya prison in Syria during an official trip.
This is the first visit to Syria by a serving UN chief since 2009.
Sednaya prison was a main detention center under the Assad regime.
The prison gained a reputation for serious human rights abuses, including torture and killings.
Thousands of people were reportedly held and suffered at Sednaya.
The visit highlights ongoing international attention to Syria’s human rights situation.
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he plans to attend the United Nations meeting in New York City despite threats from Mayor Zohran Mamdani to arrest him. The mayor later said he does not have the legal power to arrest Netanyahu over an International Criminal Court warrant.
Key Facts
Netanyahu intends to visit New York City for the UN General Assembly this fall.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani threatened to arrest Netanyahu based on an ICC warrant accusing him of war crimes.
Mamdani later admitted New York City lacks the legal authority to carry out the arrest.
Netanyahu called the charges "bogus" and said he is not worried about the arrest threat.
Mamdani criticized Netanyahu and called him a "war criminal" due to the Gaza conflict.
The Gaza conflict began after a Hamas attack in Israel on October 7, 2023, leading to many casualties.
Two recent stabbings in New York targeted a Jewish man and an Asian man, with hate crime charges filed.
Mamdani supports Palestinian rights and opposed Israel's military actions in Gaza during his mayoral campaign.
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The Pentagon website lists four U.S. service members killed in Jordan and Iraq in July as "Overseas Operations Casualties," separate from 14 killed in the war with Iran. The Defense Department said the website had errors causing confusion in casualty numbers and is working to fix them.
Key Facts
Four service members died in July in Jordan and Iraq and are listed separately from those killed in the war with Iran.
Four names briefly appeared under the Iran war casualties but were later removed from that list.
The 14 other service members are recorded as killed in Operation Epic Fury, the name for the war with Iran.
The four who died are 1st Lt. Tyler James Feehan, Sgt. Angel S. Rampersad, Pvt. Isabella Gonzales, and Sgt. Michael Emmanuel Swinton.
The Pentagon blamed "site errors" and a "temporary data disruption" for the casualty listing problems.
Nearly 100 service members have been injured since July 7; most injuries are minor concussions.
The Pentagon has not briefed reporters about the Iran war casualties or injury details since May.
The Pentagon continues to update its casualty database and promises more updates in the future.
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Australia will test a new national emergency alert system called AusAlert on Monday, 27 July at 2pm AEST. The test will send a loud siren and a pop-up message to most mobile phones, tablets, and some smartwatches across the country to prepare for future emergencies.
Key Facts
AusAlert is a new system to send emergency warnings to phones during disasters like fires, floods, or health crises.
Unlike previous alerts sent by text messages, AusAlert uses mobile towers to send a loud alert and a pop-up notification.
The national test will happen at 2pm AEST on 27 July 2026, with different times adjusted for each Australian time zone.
The alert sound will last about 10 seconds and cannot be silenced, even if phones are on silent or “do not disturb.”
Phones made after 2019 and some smartwatches and tablets will receive the alert; some older phones may not.
The system was created following the 2019-20 bushfires, when many people missed emergency texts due to network problems.
AusAlert allows local warnings for specific areas, like flood zones, and national broadcasts for widespread emergencies.
Existing emergency systems will still be used alongside AusAlert as an additional tool.
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A strong heatwave has caused more than 40 million people across the central and southern United States to face extreme heat warnings. Temperatures have reached dangerously high levels, causing health risks and disrupting activities, while authorities advise people to stay cool and hydrated.
Key Facts
Over 40 million people in central and southern U.S. are under extreme heat warnings.
Heat indexes reached above 100°F (38°C) from Minnesota to Mississippi, and parts of the southwest saw highs around 120°F (49°C).
The heat is caused by a weather pattern called a heat dome, which traps hot air in one area.
Rapid City, South Dakota, recorded a record high of 112°F on Saturday.
Some events, like a horse race in Minnesota, were canceled due to the heat.
Severe storms, flash flooding, and hail were also a risk near the Great Lakes because of moist air around the heat dome.
Vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and people with health conditions are at higher risk of heat-related illnesses.
Experts say the climate crisis, caused by burning fuels, is making extreme heat events more frequent and intense.
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Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei said that peace between Iran and the United States depends on Israel stopping its attacks on Lebanon. He also expressed support for Hezbollah and the people of southern Lebanon, where Israel's attacks have concentrated.
Key Facts
Khamenei stated on social media that peace with the U.S. requires ending Israeli aggression against Lebanon.
Iran sees protecting Lebanon’s borders and ending Israeli attacks as key conditions for peace.
Khamenei supports Hezbollah and considers defending them a strategic priority for Iran.
A U.S.-Iran agreement signed in June linked peace to Israel stopping attacks on Lebanon, but it has collapsed.
Lebanon and Israel agreed to a U.S.-mediated framework for Israeli withdrawal, but Israel has delayed and resisted leaving some zones.
Southern Lebanon continues to experience Israeli military actions, including shelling and bulldozing.
Recent fighting has killed thousands in Lebanon and dozens in Israel; UN peacekeepers report Israel violated ceasefire agreements many times.
Mojtaba Khamenei is the son of former Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and took over after his assassination.
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BBC radio and TV programs created for South Asian migrants helped them adjust to life in the UK starting in the late 1960s. These shows provided language lessons, advice, music, and cultural connection for new arrivals and their families in places like West Yorkshire.
Key Facts
The BBC made radio and television programs specifically for South Asian immigrants in the UK.
Early programs included language teaching, such as "Look, Listen and Speak" to help migrants learn English.
Shows like "Nai Zindagi Naya Jeevan" featured music and cultural content that brought families together.
Many South Asian families moved to Yorkshire for jobs in industries like textiles.
These programs helped reduce feelings of loneliness by providing familiar language and culture.
Families often gathered on Sundays to watch these shows and share traditional food.
The programming has impacted three generations of South Asian families in the UK.
Presenters like Anita Bhalla worked to integrate Asian broadcasting into broader BBC roles.
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Oil prices dropped after the United States and Iran paused their military attacks in the Persian Gulf for two days. Brent crude oil fell to about $92 per barrel, down from a high of $102 reached last week, as fears of war disruptions eased.
Key Facts
Brent crude oil prices fell 4.9% to $92.02 per barrel following a pause in attacks by the U.S. and Iran.
Oil prices had surged to $102 per barrel last week due to increased fighting and worries about shipping disruptions.
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical shipping route for a fifth of the world’s oil supply and has been affected by the conflict.
Alternative shipping routes are also under attack, such as Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea.
Higher oil prices have contributed to increased gasoline prices in the U.S., currently averaging $4.11 per gallon.
Rising oil costs can raise prices for shipped goods worldwide and slow consumer confidence in the U.S. economy.
The recent oil price rise has increased concerns about inflation and led traders to expect a possible Federal Reserve interest rate hike.
Higher interest rates could cool inflation but may also slow down economic growth by making borrowing more expensive.
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The Pentagon changed how it counts U.S. casualties in the Iran war by replacing the previous category "Operation Epic Fury" with a new one called "Overseas Operations." This change reduced the reported number of U.S. soldiers killed and wounded, and it is unclear exactly what the new category includes. The update follows a debate in Congress about authorizing continued military action in Iran.
Key Facts
The Pentagon lowered the reported U.S. deaths in Operation Epic Fury from 18 to 14.
Dozens of wounded soldiers previously counted were removed from the tally.
The Defense Casualty Analysis System (DCAS) now uses “Overseas Operations” to track casualties instead of Operation Epic Fury.
It is unclear if “Overseas Operations” counts only Iran war casualties or other events as well.
Since the war began, at least 624 U.S. troops have been wounded.
The Pentagon has not clearly explained the changes or responded to media requests.
The Trump administration considers Operation Epic Fury ended in May, treating new fighting as a separate conflict.
The House of Representatives passed a resolution requiring congressional approval for further military involvement in Iran, but the Senate blocked it.
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A survey showed that most people in the UK would choose a sure £50,000 over a 50/50 chance to win £1 million. Women were more likely than men to pick the guaranteed amount, and younger people were more willing to take the risk than older people.
Key Facts
73% of 4,600 UK adults chose the guaranteed £50,000 in the survey by YouGov.
21% preferred the 50/50 chance to win £1 million, while 6% were undecided.
82% of women chose the sure £50,000 compared to 63% of men.
Younger people (age 18-24) were more likely (28%) to take the risk than those over 65 (11%).
£50,000 is more than the average annual full-time salary in the UK.
People tend to avoid risk because losing a guaranteed amount feels worse than missing out on a larger prize.
Historically, investing £50,000 around 38 years ago in a global fund could have grown to £1 million today, though past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk preference changes depending on the amount of money involved; smaller amounts often encourage more risk-taking.
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