Parts of south-east England have hosepipe bans in place because of high water use during recent heatwaves and dry weather. More than eight million homes must avoid using hosepipes for watering gardens, washing cars, and filling pools to protect water supplies. The UK is watching water levels closely, as hotter, drier summers are expected with climate change.
Key Facts
Hosepipe bans affect over eight million households in parts of south-east England.
Bans stop using hosepipes for watering gardens, washing cars and windows, and filling pools.
Drought means long periods without rain; water scarcity means supply does not meet demand.
Five water companies in England have introduced hosepipe bans due to high water demand.
Some regions in England are in "prolonged dry weather" status but not declared drought.
Reservoir levels in Northern Ireland, Wales, and Scotland are healthy; England's reservoirs are average.
South-east England relies more on groundwater, which responds slowly to weather changes.
Climate change is expected to cause drier summers in the UK in the future.
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A British man named Craig Foreman, jailed in Iran on spying charges, has been given two extra years added to his 10-year sentence. He and his wife Lindsay, who are both in prison, deny the accusations and have been on hunger strike due to poor treatment and health concerns.
Key Facts
Craig and Lindsay Foreman were arrested in Iran in January 2025 while traveling by motorcycle.
Both were sentenced to 10 years in prison for alleged spying, which they deny.
Craig Foreman’s sentence was extended by two years without a lawyer, translator, or chance to defend himself.
The couple has been on hunger strike since May because they were not allowed to call their families.
Craig has lost about 16 kg (35 lbs), and Lindsay is experiencing dizziness and tremors.
UN human rights experts said their trial did not meet fair standards and called for their release.
The UK government advises against all travel to Iran due to risks of detention.
The UK appointed a new envoy to help British nationals detained abroad, hoping to improve the Foremans’ situation.
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Officials in a Japanese town are looking for a bear that broke into an elderly couple’s home and their fridge. The same bear may be responsible for about 14 break-ins in the area, including homes and a shop, where it took food like doughnuts and sweets.
Key Facts
The bear is an Asiatic black bear spotted in Shizukuishi, a town in north-eastern Japan.
An 87-year-old man found the bear inside his kitchen with the fridge open and food scattered.
Authorities suspect one bear caused 14 break-ins in two weeks.
Officials have set traps, put up electric fences, and started patrols to keep people safe.
The bear has been caught on camera trying to open a farmhouse door and has raided a farm for cattle feed.
A farmer uses a homemade Japanese mustard mix to try to keep the bear away.
The bear has repeatedly entered one house five times for cookies, sugar, and fried dough sweets called karinto.
Experts say shrinking rural populations make bears less afraid of humans, causing more break-ins and attacks.
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In northern Uganda, many shea trees are being cut down to make charcoal, causing environmental damage and loss of an important local resource. Lucy Everlyn Atim started a project that turns leftover shea husks into fuel briquettes, providing cleaner cooking fuel and helping women earn money.
Key Facts
Uganda loses about 122,000 hectares of forest each year, mostly due to charcoal production and logging.
Approximately 90% of Ugandan homes use charcoal for cooking.
Shea trees, valuable for their fruit and butter, are disappearing rapidly.
Research shows mature shea trees on fallow land dropped from about 20 per area in 2008 to 10-15 by 2017.
Lucy Everlyn Atim founded Moyao Africa Initiative to turn shea husks into fuel briquettes and support women’s income.
Over 1,200 women collect shea waste, make briquettes, and process shea butter with the initiative’s help.
Making briquettes uses shea husks mixed with clay and cassava flour, shaped into balls, and dried.
The initiative plans to buy machines to increase briquette production year-round for better supply and income.
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The U.S. Central Command said it carried out more air strikes on many military targets near the Strait of Hormuz and along Iran’s coast. These strikes happened after the U.S. restarted a naval blockade in the area with more than 20 Navy ships involved.
Key Facts
U.S. Central Command completed another round of air strikes on military targets near the Strait of Hormuz and Iran’s coast.
The strikes targeted “dozens” of military sites.
These strikes took place at 10 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT).
Earlier that day, at 4 p.m. EDT, the U.S. resumed a naval blockade in the area.
The blockade involves over 20 U.S. Navy warships positioned near Iran.
The Strait of Hormuz is a key waterway for global oil shipments.
The actions indicate increased U.S. military activity in a sensitive region near Iran.
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President Trump held a meeting in the Situation Room to plan a larger military offensive against Iran, beyond current strikes near the Strait of Hormuz. The U.S. has been conducting attacks on Iranian military sites while Iran has responded with missile and drone strikes on U.S. bases. The goal is to pressure Iran into negotiations regarding its nuclear program and reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
Key Facts
President Trump led a Situation Room meeting to discuss a broad new military strike campaign against Iran.
Current U.S. strikes target Iranian air defenses, missile sites, and drone launch areas near the Strait of Hormuz and southern Iran.
Iran retaliated with missile and drone attacks on U.S. bases in Jordan, Kuwait, and Bahrain.
A U.S. naval blockade on Iranian ports began on Tuesday afternoon.
The U.S. military has safely guided 300 ships through the Strait of Hormuz despite tensions.
Trump warned that upcoming strikes would target Iranian power plants and bridges if Iran does not negotiate.
The U.S. is monitoring a deep underground Iranian site called Pickaxe Mountain, suspected of being part of Iran’s nuclear program.
Trump’s team told Iranian officials they must negotiate or face further destruction.
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China has detained a US scientist named Chen Youlin on spying charges since November 2024 while he was visiting family in Beijing. Chen studies nuclear tests using earthquake data, focusing on North Korea, but Chinese authorities suspect him of espionage related to nuclear programs.
Key Facts
Chen Youlin is a 54-year-old US citizen and seismologist who tracks nuclear tests.
He was arrested in November 2024 during a family visit to Beijing.
China accuses him of espionage, which can lead to life in prison or death there.
Chen’s wife says his work was public, collaborative, and not secretive.
Chen has been interrogated over 100 times and was denied a lawyer for 13 months.
US and China both have voluntary bans on nuclear testing but have not ratified the official treaty banning all nuclear tests.
US groups say Chen’s health is at risk due to diabetes and other conditions.
US Senator Edward Markey criticized China’s treatment of Chen and hopes for his release.
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A Singapore court ruled that Bloomberg News and its reporter must pay about US$356,000 in damages for defaming two Singapore government ministers in an article about luxury property deals. The court found the article falsely suggested the ministers hid property transactions and acted with malice.
Key Facts
Bloomberg and reporter Low De Wei must each pay S$230,000 (about US$178,000) to two ministers, totaling S$460,000 (US$355,734).
The ministers involved are Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam and Manpower Minister Tan See Leng.
The article covered secretive luxury property sales involving “good class bungalows” in Singapore.
The court said the article falsely claimed the ministers used secretive methods to hide transactions.
Bloomberg defended the article as accurate reporting on property trends and said it did not accuse the ministers of wrongdoing.
A correction notice was issued under Singapore’s law against false online information, but Bloomberg removed the paywall to allow public access to the article and stood by its reporting.
The judge described the reporter’s claims about government record secrecy as reckless and false.
The judge found Bloomberg showed malice by removing the paywall after the correction direction.
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NASA astronaut Anil Menon traveled to the International Space Station (ISS) with two Russian cosmonauts for an eight-month mission. Menon, a trained doctor and former NASA flight surgeon, will live and work on the ISS during this time.
Key Facts
Anil Menon is a NASA astronaut and a trained physician.
He flew to the ISS alongside two Russian cosmonauts.
The mission will last about eight months.
Menon previously worked as a flight surgeon with NASA.
The trip launched on a Tuesday (specific date not provided).
The ISS is a space laboratory orbiting Earth where astronauts conduct experiments.
This mission continues cooperation between NASA and Russia in space exploration.
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The United States and Iran exchanged military strikes on July 15, 2026, including attacks in Iranian cities and US targets in Jordan and Kuwait. Iran's Revolutionary Guards announced the Strait of Hormuz will stay closed until the US stops its aggressive actions, while the US resumed a naval blockade on Iranian ports.
Key Facts
The US launched strikes on Iranian locations including Bandar Abbas, Qeshm Island, and Ahvaz.
Iran retaliated by targeting US military sites in Jordan and Kuwait with drones and missiles.
Iran's Revolutionary Guards stated the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until US aggression stops.
The Revolutionary Guards warned other regional oil export routes could also be closed.
The US reimposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports, impacting shipping routes.
Bahrain activated air raid sirens and urged people to seek shelter due to regional tensions.
Kuwait reported intercepting Iranian drone attacks aimed at its territory.
The conflict centers around control of important maritime routes used for oil and gas exports.
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Many UK newspapers focus on the upcoming World Cup semi-final between England and Argentina, highlighting players Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham. Other papers report on the investigation into the death of former minister Ann Widdecombe, with police exploring if the suspect planned attacks on other politicians.
Key Facts
The World Cup semi-final between England and Argentina is scheduled for 20:00 BST.
England’s team includes captain Harry Kane and star player Jude Bellingham.
Former England striker Sir Geoff Hurst expressed confidence that England could win.
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer may attend the World Cup final if England wins.
Police arrested a 28-year-old man from Rotherham on suspicion of murdering Ann Widdecombe.
The suspect was also questioned on possible terrorism charges and plotting attacks on other MPs.
Investigators are considering if the attack was motivated by political or personal hatred towards Widdecombe's views.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage is discussing security measures following Widdecombe’s death.
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The European Union is thinking about banning children from using social media. This idea follows actions by the UK and Australia, which have also worked to limit children’s access to these platforms.
Key Facts
The EU is reviewing a report on social media use by children.
The report was given to Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission.
It suggests restricting social media access for children under a certain age.
The move is similar to steps taken by the UK and Australia.
The goal is to protect children from potential harm on social media.
The report is 156 pages long.
The exact age limit for the ban has not been confirmed yet.
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A fire broke out on a pontoon boat near Alcatraz Island in San Francisco, leading to one person missing and 17 rescued. The U.S. Coast Guard is actively searching for the missing person while some rescued individuals receive medical help.
Key Facts
The fire happened on a pontoon pleasure boat about 600 yards from Alcatraz Island.
Seventeen people were rescued after the fire started.
One person is still missing as rescue operations continue.
The U.S. Coast Guard confirmed ongoing search-and-rescue efforts Tuesday afternoon.
Some rescued passengers are receiving medical treatment, but details on injuries are unknown.
The cause of the fire and any deaths have not been confirmed.
Alcatraz Island is a popular tourist site visited by millions each year.
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The UK is experiencing a heatwave with many areas seeing long periods of sunshine and daytime temperatures above 30°C (86°F). The heatwave has caused very dry conditions, leading to water use restrictions and wildfire risks, with temperatures expected to remain warm despite a brief cooling this weekend.
Key Facts
Some parts of southern and south-west England have had nearly twice their usual July sunshine in just 13 days.
Temperatures have been 30°C or higher for 10 straight days in several UK locations.
The highest recent temperatures reached 35°C on July 9 and 10.
A strong high-pressure system is causing clear skies and warm weather by reducing cloud formation.
Several areas in England have had almost no rainfall this month, with some places recording no rain for 27 days.
Over eight million households in England are under hosepipe bans due to the dry conditions.
A cooler northerly wind will lower temperatures this weekend but warmth and sunshine are expected to return next week.
The heatwave is affecting all parts of the UK, including Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
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A woman from Pennsylvania wore her late grandmother’s wedding dress for her own wedding without making any changes. She felt the dress was perfect just as it was and wanted to honor her grandmother by wearing it as is.
Key Facts
The granddaughter is the oldest in her family.
She wore her late grandmother’s original wedding dress.
The dress fit her without needing any alterations.
She chose not to change the dress because she felt it was already perfect.
This story was reported by Tony Dokoupil on CBS News.
The event took place in Pennsylvania.
The granddaughter walked down the aisle wearing the dress exactly as her grandmother did.
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President Donald Trump threatened to target Iran’s power plants and bridges next week if Iran does not come to a deal amid ongoing tensions over the Strait of Hormuz. The US has conducted airstrikes against Iran for four days and reimposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports in the strategic shipping channel.
Key Facts
President Trump said US strikes will target Iranian power plants and bridges unless Iran agrees to negotiate.
The US has carried out airstrikes against Iran for four consecutive days.
A naval blockade on Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz was reinstated by the US.
The Strait of Hormuz is a vital waterway for oil and gas shipments in the Gulf region.
Destroying civilian infrastructure like power and water plants is considered illegal under international law.
Iranian forces reportedly attacked a US military base in Jordan with a drone.
President Trump canceled a planned 20% fee on ships using the Strait after talks with Middle Eastern leaders.
The ceasefire agreement from June 17 between the US and Iran has effectively broken down.
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Heavy rain in Central Texas caused sudden flash floods and made rivers rise quickly. Officials issued a flash flood emergency to warn people about the dangerous conditions.
Key Facts
Central Texas experienced heavy storms this week.
The rain caused flash floods, which happen when water rises fast and can be very dangerous.
More than a foot of rain fell in some places.
Rivers in the area swelled because of the extra water.
Authorities issued a flash flood emergency to alert residents.
The situation caused disruptions and safety concerns in the region.
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The Broadway musical Hadestown is being made into a movie. Tony Award winners Andre De Shields and Anais Mitchell talk about how exciting it is to bring the show from the stage to film.
Key Facts
Hadestown is a popular Broadway musical.
The musical won Tony Awards, which are major theater prizes.
Andre De Shields and Anais Mitchell, stars of the show, shared their thoughts about the film version.
The musical is moving from live theater to a movie release.
The news was reported on July 14, 2026.
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The United States launched airstrikes against Iran for the fourth night in a row to stop attacks on oil and cargo ships. After initially saying the U.S. would act as a "guardian of the Hormuz Strait," President Donald Trump changed his position and decided not to take on that role.
Key Facts
The U.S. carried out airstrikes targeting Iran for four consecutive nights.
These strikes aim to prevent Iran from attacking oil and cargo ships.
President Trump first said the U.S. would protect the Hormuz Strait, a key waterway for oil transport.
The Hormuz Strait is important because much of the world's oil passes through it.
Later, President Trump reversed his decision and said the U.S. would not act as the region’s guardian.
The situation involves tensions between the U.S. and Iran over shipping security.
The news was reported by CBS News with Ed O'Keefe providing details.
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