Many South Koreans adopted by families abroad are finding out that their adoption records were false or incomplete. Some adoptees discovered their birth families thought they were dead, and adoption agencies may have hidden or changed important information. The South Korean government has apologized for its role in these problems.
Key Facts
Marie Wang, adopted from South Korea to Denmark, found her adoption records contained false information about her birth mother.
Many adoptees were told their birth parents gave them up because of poverty or other reasons, but some learned their families believed they had died.
Mia Lee Hansen was reunited with her birth family after DNA testing revealed they thought she had died as a baby.
Hospital records and other documents often conflicted or were missing for adoptees.
South Korea’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission found the government was involved in problematic overseas adoptions.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung apologized to adoptees and families for the pain caused by these adoption issues.
Advocates say adoption agencies did not keep accurate records and sometimes fabricated files.
Many adoptees have never returned to South Korea, feeling disconnected from their birth families.
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Volunteers in the United States are helping the National Archives read and type out old handwritten documents from the Revolutionary War. These documents include about 2.5 million pages of pension files, which are records related to payments made to war veterans.
Key Facts
Volunteers are reading handwritten papers from the Revolutionary War period.
The documents are written in cursive, which can be hard to read today.
These papers come from pension files, which are records about money given to veterans.
There are about 2.5 million pages that need to be transcribed.
The project helps preserve history and makes the information easier to access.
The National Archives organizes this work.
People helping with this task are called "citizen archivists."
This effort relies on ordinary Americans volunteering their time and skills.
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The U.S. Central Command said it started a second round of military strikes against Iran on Wednesday, after an earlier set of attacks the same day. Retired Navy Vice Admiral Robert Murrett explained that the conflict between the U.S. and Iran has entered a new phase.
Key Facts
The U.S. Central Command carried out a second wave of strikes against Iran on Wednesday.
These strikes followed an earlier series of attacks earlier that day.
Retired Navy Vice Adm. Robert Murrett spoke about the situation in a CBS News interview.
Murrett said the conflict between the U.S. and Iran is now in a new phase.
The information was reported by CBS News.
The article does not specify what prompted the strikes or the details of the attacks.
The focus is on the increased military actions and the changing nature of the conflict.
No direct response from Iran is mentioned in the report.
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The Australian National University (ANU) denied losing control of its campus during a pro-Palestine student encampment held in 2024. An internal review found the encampment posed high mental and social risks, leading the university to improve its security procedures for future protests.
Key Facts
The pro-Palestine encampment was set up in April 2024 to show support amid the Israel-Gaza war.
ANU conducted a safety review which rated the encampment’s psychosocial risks as high. Psychosocial risk means problems that affect people's mental health and social wellbeing.
The university tried several times to end the encampment, which finished after a dispute over electricity and lights.
ANU announced it would stop investing in controversial weapons and small arms manufacturers during this period.
The university’s security team kept close watch on the encampment and interacted with students to ensure safety.
ANU investigated claims of a Nazi salute at a student meeting but found no misconduct. The gesture thought to be a salute was explained as a common personal gesture by the student.
About 500 people attended the student meeting where the allegations arose, with one student removed for misconduct unrelated to the salute.
The royal commission is examining antisemitism and social cohesion in universities, including ANU’s handling of these events.
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The US attacked an oil tanker near the Strait of Hormuz as part of a blockade on Iranian ports during ongoing military strikes. These strikes, hitting targets in Iran including near Tehran, follow Iranian attacks on Bahrain and Kuwait and mark a sharp escalation in tensions between the two countries.
Key Facts
The US disabled an empty oil tanker near Kharg Island with Hellfire missiles after multiple warnings.
US strikes targeted Iranian military sites, including missile storage and coastal defenses, over several days.
Iranian attacks responded with hits on Bahrain and Kuwait, but initial damage reports are unclear.
Iran stated the recent US strikes killed over 35 people and wounded more than 300.
The conflict escalated after Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for nearly 20% of global oil shipments.
The US reinstated a naval blockade of Iran, while Iran's Revolutionary Guards threatened to stop all regional energy exports.
Oil prices rose above $85 a barrel due to the conflict but remain below peaks seen earlier in the war.
President Donald Trump said Iran wants peace but warned the US might expand attacks to force open the strait, including targeting a key underground facility.
An agreement (MOU) aimed at ending the conflict and resuming nuclear talks is at risk, as Iran insists the US follow its terms to reopen the strait.
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Smoke from wildfires in northwestern Ontario has caused Toronto to have the worst air quality among major world cities. The smoke is also affecting northeastern U.S. states, leading to health warnings and some evacuations, while wildfires continue to burn in parts of Canada.
Key Facts
Toronto’s Air Quality Health Index reached 10+, meaning very high risk to health.
Smoke from Ontario wildfires spread to U.S. states including New York, Pennsylvania, and New England.
Over 800 wildfires are active across Canada, with 112 out of control.
The fires have burned about 1.9 million hectares (4.7 million acres) so far.
The Canadian wildfire season started slower than in recent severe years but remains dangerous due to warm temperatures.
Evacuations occurred near Armstrong, Ontario, where a train was surrounded by fire.
New York City officials advised residents to avoid heavy outdoor activity during poor air quality days.
Experts expect more frequent combined heat and wildfire smoke events in the future.
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New Zealand has confirmed its first case of the deadly H5N1 bird flu in a seabird, raising concerns about the risk to the country's many native and endangered bird species. Officials are preparing by monitoring wildlife and vaccinating certain endangered birds to reduce the virus’s impact.
Key Facts
The first confirmed H5N1 bird flu case in New Zealand was found in a brown skua seabird at Petone beach in Wellington.
Bird flu has spread worldwide since 2021, reaching Antarctica and recently Australia.
New Zealand has many unique native birds, including many flightless species, with about 80% considered endangered.
A vaccination program is underway for endangered birds in captivity, such as kākāpō and takahē.
The government has a large surveillance system involving wildlife parks, poultry farms, vets, and the public.
Signs of bird flu include weakness, seizures, head twisting, and trouble breathing.
Species that gather in large groups, like shorebirds and scavengers, face the highest risk.
Public are urged to report groups of three or more sick or dead birds to authorities immediately.
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President Donald Trump announced that Iran released an American citizen who had been held since December 2024. The woman, identified as Dena Karari, is now safely out of Iran, and the release was described as a "gesture of goodwill" despite ongoing tensions between the two countries.
Key Facts
The American citizen, Dena Karari, was detained in Iran since December 2024.
President Trump said the release was a positive act despite recent conflicts with Iran.
Karari was held on charges of collaborating with a hostile state and espionage, which her lawyer called false.
She ran a non-profit organization helping poor children in Iran.
Karari faced many interrogations and hardships but was never physically detained.
Iran holds several Western nationals, often using them in political negotiations.
Relations between the U.S. and Iran remain tense, with renewed military actions and blockades.
Washington and Tehran recently signed an agreement aiming to reduce conflict, but fighting continues.
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Drones are now an important part of battles in Ukraine and the Middle East. They are changing how wars are fought by allowing forces to gather information and attack from the air without risking soldiers directly.
Key Facts
Drones are widely used in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
They have also been used a lot in the Middle East during the war involving Iran.
Drones help armies to see enemy positions and carry out attacks.
Using drones reduces the risk to soldiers because the machines fly instead of people.
Military experts are closely studying how drones affect these wars.
This new technology is changing modern warfare strategies.
The report was discussed by a military affairs reporter from Business Insider on CBS News.
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Kyiv experienced a large missile attack by Russia, causing fires and damage in several districts. The attack happened shortly after the European Union and Ukraine signed a deal to boost drone production for Ukraine’s defense.
Key Facts
Russian missiles hit Kyiv, damaging buildings and causing fires.
Emergency services worked to control the fires triggered by the missile strikes.
Ukraine’s Air Force reported the missile threat lasted about one hour.
The attack followed a new agreement between the EU and Ukraine to increase drone production.
The EU plans to use its large industrial capacity to help make drones quickly.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed the deal.
Recent Russian attacks also hit cities like Odesa and Sumy, causing civilian casualties.
The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has lasted over four years and continues to cause damage and loss of life.
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French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu visited Morocco in July 2024 to strengthen ties after France recognized Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara. The visit aimed to improve cooperation in defense, security, and economic investment, reflecting France’s effort to rebuild one of its key partnerships in North Africa amid growing global competition in the region.
Key Facts
Lecornu’s visit was his first official foreign trip as French Prime Minister, lasting two days in July 2024.
France recently recognized Moroccan control over Western Sahara, a disputed territory claimed by Morocco and the Algeria-supported Polisario Front.
Between 2021 and 2023, relations between France and Morocco were strained due to disagreements over visas, intelligence sharing, and legal cooperation.
Morocco has grown as a major trade and transport hub between Europe and Africa, with large investments in ports, industrial zones, and renewable energy.
France sees Morocco as a stable partner to engage both the Mediterranean region and Africa amid growing influence from China, Turkey, Gulf states, and the United States.
The two countries are focusing on cooperation in defense, security, and economic fields such as artificial intelligence, big data, and advanced manufacturing.
Morocco benefits from access to foreign investment and technology to build a stronger, more competitive economy.
The partnership reflects a shift in French foreign policy seeking reliable regional allies as France’s influence in North Africa and the Sahel decreases.
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A U.S.-Iran dual citizen named Dena Karari has left Iran after being barred from leaving for more than a year under accusations of spying. She was never formally charged and left Iran safely, with President Donald Trump acknowledging her release.
Key Facts
Dena Karari was unable to leave Iran since December 2024 due to an exit ban, not imprisonment.
Iranian authorities accused her of espionage and working with a hostile state but never formally charged her.
Her exit ban ended in April, but Iran still did not allow her to leave until recently.
Karari had a heart attack on July 8 while still in Iran.
The U.S. State Department included her among Americans whose release was sought in diplomacy talks led by envoy Steve Witkoff.
President Donald Trump confirmed on social media that she was safely outside Iran.
Several other Americans remain detained in Iran, with some considered "wrongfully detained" by the U.S. government.
The release of Karari was not part of the recent U.S.-Iran ceasefire agreement.
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US strikes hit several cities in southern and western Iran, causing damage to ports and at least one hospital. Residents and officials are assessing the damage from these attacks.
Key Facts
The strikes targeted key cities in southern and western Iran.
Ports in these areas have been damaged by the attacks.
At least one hospital, including a children’s cancer hospital, was impacted.
Local people are inspecting the damage after the strikes.
The attacks happened over several days.
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Hong Kong police raided two independent bookstores and arrested five people for selling materials considered seditious under the city’s 2024 national security law. The authorities accuse the suspects of offering books that incite hatred against the government and law enforcement, continuing recent crackdowns on free expression.
Key Facts
Police raided Have A Nice Stay and Greenfield Book Store in Mong Kok, Hong Kong.
Five people (two men and three women) were arrested on suspicion of selling seditious publications.
The raids are part of ongoing actions following similar arrests in March and June.
The national security law passed in 2024 prohibits materials that threaten state security or incite hatred against authorities.
Hong Kong was previously known for its freedom of publication, attracting readers from mainland China.
Security chief Chris Tang emphasized that booksellers must ensure their items do not violate the law.
Have A Nice Stay announced it would close by the end of August due to financial and legal pressures.
The crackdown follows a broader political shift reducing freedoms in Hong Kong since 2019 protests.
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The US military disabled an empty oil tanker attempting to break a naval blockade near Iran by firing missiles at the ship's smokestack. This action is part of a series of US strikes on Iranian targets amid rising tensions, with Iran responding by activating air defenses and launching attacks on US and allied forces.
Key Facts
US Central Command said they fired Hellfire missiles at the oil tanker M/T Belma to stop it from reaching an Iranian port.
The tanker was sailing in international waters near Kharg Island and ignored multiple US warnings.
The US military launched a new wave of strikes targeting Iranian military capabilities threatening ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards claimed to have attacked the US Fifth Fleet in Bahrain and launched missiles intercepted by Jordanian forces.
Kurdish forces in Iraq said US-led coalition forces shot down drones near Erbil, close to the US consulate.
Iranian air defenses were activated in Tehran to protect against hostile threats.
President Trump warned of escalating strikes, including targeting power plants and bridges, if Iran does not return to negotiations.
Iran expressed plans to respond decisively and threatened to halt energy exports from the Middle East in reaction to the US blockade.
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The United States, under President Donald Trump's orders, launched new air strikes on Iran targeting military sites linked to threats against ships in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran responded with attacks on Bahrain and Kuwait after the U.S. reimposed a naval blockade. Meanwhile, President Trump announced that Iran released a U.S. citizen who was previously detained.
Key Facts
The U.S. attacked Iranian command centers, air defense sites, missile and drone facilities, and coastal surveillance locations.
The strikes included targets in Bandar Abbas, a major Iranian port on the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran responded by attacking Bahrain and Kuwait, using drones and other means.
The U.S. military reinstated a naval blockade on Iranian ports.
Air raid sirens sounded in Bahrain, and Kuwait reported intercepting Iranian drone attacks.
President Trump said Iran freed a U.S. citizen they had detained during the Biden administration.
Lebanon and Israel agreed on pilot zones where Israeli forces will withdraw and hand control to the Lebanese army.
Iran threatened to close additional energy export routes beyond the Strait of Hormuz.
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England lost to Argentina in the World Cup semi-final, ending their hopes of reaching the final. The news also covers possible political changes in the UK, with Andy Burnham expected to become Prime Minister and considering Shabana Mahmood for Chancellor.
Key Facts
England was defeated by Argentina in the World Cup semi-final after Argentina scored two goals in seven minutes.
England took the lead in the second half but could not hold on, leading to their exit from the tournament.
Multiple UK newspapers covered the emotional reaction of England fans and players after the loss.
Andy Burnham is expected to replace Keir Starmer as UK Prime Minister soon.
Burnham may appoint Shabana Mahmood as Chancellor, a key role managing the UK’s finances.
Markets reacted positively to the idea of Mahmood becoming Chancellor.
Burnham has not ruled out a wealth tax and suggested some people might pay more to improve public finances.
A new UK pay negotiation body will include unions and employees to set pay for care workers, offering NHS-style annual raises.
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More than 1,600 cases of cyclosporiasis, a parasitic illness, have been confirmed in the United States. Health officials are working to find the food source causing the outbreak and advise people to take precautions when eating certain foods.
Key Facts
Cyclosporiasis is caused by a parasite that can make people sick with diarrhea and stomach pain.
Over 1,600 people have been diagnosed with cyclosporiasis in the current outbreak.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is investigating to identify which foods are causing the illness.
People are urged to be careful about what they eat to avoid getting sick.
The outbreak is still active, and more cases may be reported.
Washing fruits and vegetables thoroughly may help reduce the risk of infection.
Symptoms of cyclosporiasis usually appear a few days after eating contaminated food.
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Smoke from many wildfires in Canada has filled the air over Toronto and Ontario. This caused the sky to look orange, and Toronto had the worst air quality of any big city in the world.
Key Facts
Hundreds of wildfires are burning across Canada.
Smoke from these fires reached Toronto and Ontario.
The sky over these areas appeared orange because of the smoke.
Toronto recorded the worst air quality among major cities worldwide.
The haze from the wildfires affected health and visibility.
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The United States and Iran have exchanged military strikes for five days in a row. President Donald Trump warned Iran to "behave" during this conflict.
Key Facts
The U.S. carried out military strikes on Iran on Wednesday.
This marks the fifth day in a row of attacks exchanged between the U.S. and Iran.
President Donald Trump gave a warning to Iran, telling them they need to behave.
The ongoing conflict has involved multiple back-to-back attacks.
CBS News reported on the situation with updates from their White House correspondent.
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