A serial killer, Levi Bellfield, has admitted to killing a mother and her daughter in Kent, England, 30 years ago. Authorities will take a new DNA sample from Bellfield while also reviewing evidence from Michael Stone, who was previously convicted for the murders.
Key Facts
Lin Russell (45) and her daughter Megan (6) were murdered in Chillenden, Kent, in July 1996.
Megan's sister Josie (9 at the time) survived but with serious head injuries.
Michael Stone was convicted twice for the murders and is serving three life sentences but has always claimed he is innocent.
Levi Bellfield reportedly confessed to the killings in a written statement in 2022.
The Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) is re-examining the case and plans to take a DNA sample from Bellfield.
Bellfield is a convicted serial killer responsible for multiple murders and attacks in the early 2000s.
Stone’s lawyer hopes the new evidence and DNA tests will prove his innocence and lead to his release.
The original murders involved the victims being attacked with a claw hammer while walking along a country lane.
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The European Commission has launched a $1 billion fund to help Gaza recover from over two years of war. This money will support rebuilding water, health, and sanitation systems, as well as clearing rubble, but it is much less than the tens of billions estimated needed for full reconstruction.
Key Facts
The fund is called the “Team Gaza Initiative” and was announced at a donor meeting in Brussels.
It aims to restore water and sanitation, clear debris, and rebuild health infrastructure in Gaza.
The fund amounts to about 900 million euros or $1 billion USD.
Participating countries include Spain, France, Denmark, the UK, Germany, Norway, Finland, Italy, the Netherlands, Japan, Switzerland, Sweden, Belgium, Australia, and Canada.
The World Bank and European Investment Bank are also part of the initiative.
Gaza’s full recovery is estimated to need more than $71 billion over 10 years, including $26.3 billion in the first 18 months.
Since a US-brokered ceasefire last October, fighting has decreased but violence and humanitarian problems continue.
The EU called for easier humanitarian access to Gaza and more political effort from Israeli authorities.
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A wildfire near Paris has forced horses to be evacuated from a riding center as firefighters work to control the fire. The blaze has spread across 800 hectares of forest about 60 kilometers southeast of Paris and may have been started intentionally.
Key Facts
The wildfire is near Fontainebleau, about 60 kilometers southeast of Paris.
Horses were evacuated from a local equestrian (horse riding) center due to the fire.
The fire has spread over 800 hectares (about 1,980 acres) of forest.
Firefighters have been trying to control the fire for two days.
Officials described the fire as "virulent" and unusually large in size.
Interior Minister Laurent Nunez suggested the fire might have been deliberately set.
The Paris region is experiencing its third heatwave this summer.
This summer has seen record-breaking temperatures across multiple European countries.
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Scientists now expect El Niño, a climate pattern that affects weather worldwide, to be stronger and last longer than they first predicted. This could change weather conditions in many regions.
Key Facts
El Niño is a climate event that influences global weather.
Forecasters recently updated their prediction about El Niño’s strength and duration.
The new forecast says El Niño will be stronger than earlier estimates.
It is also expected to last longer than previously predicted.
El Niño can cause changes in temperature and rainfall around the world.
Stronger El Niño events can lead to extreme weather such as storms, droughts, or floods.
Scientists monitor El Niño to help prepare for these possible weather changes.
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The United States and Iran have recently exchanged attacks while both try to control the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway for global oil shipments. President Donald Trump stated that the U.S. will serve as the protector of this important strait.
Key Facts
The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow waterway crucial for international oil transport.
The U.S. and Iran have engaged in attacks related to control over the strait.
President Donald Trump declared the U.S. will act as the "guardian" of the Strait of Hormuz.
The situation reflects ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Iran in the region.
CBS News provided analysis on the security and political aspects of this conflict.
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China and the Philippines are in a dispute over Scarborough Shoal, a reef in the South China Sea rich in fish. China controls the area but the Philippines claims it and has reported Chinese efforts to expand its presence, raising tensions. The United States supports the Philippines through defense agreements and joint patrols to help maintain security in the region.
Key Facts
Scarborough Shoal is a fishing area in the South China Sea controlled by China since 2012 but claimed by the Philippines.
Chinese forces have forced Filipino fishermen out and used aggressive tactics against Philippine government vessels.
China declared much of the shoal a nature reserve in September 2025.
The Philippines said China placed buoys and a floating platform, which China later removed, claiming it was for research.
China increased its Coast Guard patrols in the shoal area in early 2026, nearly matching 2025's total number.
The U.S. has a 70-year Mutual Defense Treaty with the Philippines that covers attacks on Philippine forces anywhere in the Pacific.
The U.S. and Philippines have conducted joint patrols near the shoal, with U.S. Coast Guard vessels participating.
The Philippines commemorated the 10th anniversary of a 2016 international ruling rejecting China's broad maritime claims in this area.
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The UK and Switzerland have signed a new trade deal that will let British travelers use electronic gates (e-gates) at Swiss airports and end mobile roaming charges between the two countries. The deal also makes it easier for UK businesses and workers to provide services and work in Switzerland without needing a permit for up to 90 days or for certain professions to stay up to five years.
Key Facts
British travelers can use e-gates at Zurich airport by the end of 2026, with plans soon for Geneva and Basel airports.
Mobile roaming charges for visitors traveling between the UK and Switzerland will be removed.
UK companies can offer services in Switzerland for up to 90 days without needing a work permit, a change made permanent by this deal.
UK workers like lawyers, accountants, and architects can move to Switzerland without strict tests for up to five years.
Around 800,000 British people visit Switzerland each year.
Switzerland is the UK’s sixth-largest market for services, with trade worth over £30 billion in 2025.
Swiss citizens already use e-gates at UK airports.
The deal follows other recent UK trade agreements with the US, India, Gulf states, South Korea, and the EU.
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Counterterrorism police in the UK have taken over the investigation into the murder of Ann Widdecombe, a former British politician. This change follows new information suggesting possible terror-related motives in the case.
Key Facts
Ann Widdecombe, a 78-year-old former Conservative MP and Reform Party member, was found dead in her home in Devon.
Police initially said her death did not appear to be terror-related or politically motivated.
A 28-year-old white British man was arrested first on suspicion of murder and later rearrested on suspicion of terrorism-related offenses.
National Counterterrorism Policing is now leading the investigation to understand the attack's motivation.
Widdecombe was known for her socially conservative views and had a public profile including appearances on reality TV.
Two other UK MPs have been killed in the last decade, raising concerns about politicians' safety.
The Reform Party has increased security for its MPs, including 24-hour protection, after Widdecombe’s death.
The suspect was arrested about 200 miles from the crime scene and has not been formally charged.
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy praised U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham as a strong supporter of freedom after Graham died at age 71. Graham had visited Ukraine and met with Zelenskyy just one day before his death.
Key Facts
Senator Lindsey Graham died at the age of 71.
Graham met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a visit to Ukraine.
The meeting happened one day before Graham’s death.
Zelenskyy called Graham "a true defender of freedom."
The news of Graham’s death received attention from Ukrainians.
Lindsey Graham was a longtime U.S. senator.
CBS News reported on the reactions to Graham’s death.
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Scientists found a sugar called erythrulose in space, in the gas clouds between stars near the center of the Milky Way. This sugar is also found in raspberries and self-tanning products on Earth, and its discovery helps scientists learn more about how life’s building blocks form in space.
Key Facts
The sugar found is called erythrulose, a type of sugar also found in raspberries and self-tanning lotions.
It was detected in the interstellar medium, which is the thin gas and dust between stars.
Researchers used two radio telescopes in Spain to study a large gas cloud near the center of our galaxy.
The sugar was identified by matching telescope data with lab samples.
This is the latest sugar discovered in space; other sugars had been found near the Milky Way’s center and on asteroid samples.
Sugars are important because they can be parts of DNA and cells, key for life.
The new sugar can convert into a form thought to be important for starting life on Earth.
Finding these sugars in space supports the idea that essential life ingredients existed before our solar system formed.
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A British couple, Pete and Fran Gillam, have been confirmed dead in wildfires that struck southern Spain, killing 13 people. Authorities are using DNA to identify victims because many bodies are badly burned, and the fires were worsened by a severe heatwave.
Key Facts
The wildfires happened in the village of Bédar, Spain, which has many British residents.
Pete and Fran Gillam were confirmed as victims by their daughter after police notification.
DNA testing is required to identify many victims due to the severe burning.
Other identified victims include a Spanish man and his British wife, plus citizens from the US, France, and Belgium.
The fires moved so fast that some people died trapped in their cars trying to escape.
A 93-year-old British woman injured in the fires later died in hospital.
The fires were fueled by dry weather and a record heatwave, which experts say is made worse by climate change.
Spanish authorities are still determining the full number of missing people and victims.
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Anthropologists in northern Italy discovered a nearly perfectly preserved wooden coffin containing the remains of a newborn baby from about 200 years ago. The cold, humid, and chemical conditions in the crypt helped keep the baby's bones, hair, and clothing intact, which is very rare for remains of infants this old.
Key Facts
The coffin was found in an 18th-century cemetery called Mortorino in San Fiorano, Italy.
The baby inside was wrapped in cloth, and its hair was well preserved.
Infant bones are usually not well preserved because they are still growing and more fragile.
Researchers also found remains of a baby about four and a half months old nearby.
High humidity and water damage have harmed the crypt’s artwork, so the remains were removed temporarily for restoration work.
Scientists plan to use CT scans to study the baby’s remains without harming them.
The discovery helps researchers learn about child deaths and burial customs from 200 years ago.
The project combines bioarchaeology (the study of ancient human remains) and heritage conservation to protect and understand history.
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President Donald Trump announced that the United States will take control of the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway. He said this action will start immediately and accused Iran of violating a previous agreement. Trump also said the U.S. should be paid to guard the strait.
Key Facts
President Trump said the U.S. will take over the Strait of Hormuz.
The Strait of Hormuz is an important waterway for international shipping.
Trump accused Iran of breaking a deal related to the strait.
The U.S. plans to start the blockade or control of the strait right away.
President Trump wants the U.S. to be paid for protecting this waterway.
The announcement was made on Truth Social, President Trump’s social media platform.
No details were given about how the takeover would be carried out.
The situation involves tensions between the U.S. and Iran.
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A large wildfire has burned nearly 1,000 hectares of the Fontainebleau forest, located south of Paris. Hundreds of people living nearby have been evacuated, and officials are investigating if the fire was started deliberately.
Key Facts
The wildfire began on July 12, 2026.
The fire has burned an area bigger than Gibraltar (about 1,000 hectares).
Fontainebleau forest is an important natural area south of Paris.
Around 5% of the forest has been destroyed by the fire.
Hundreds of residents in nearby towns were forced to leave their homes.
Authorities suspect the fire may have been caused by arson (someone starting it on purpose).
Investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing.
The fire has drawn attention due to recent hot weather and other heatwaves in France this summer.
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Around 25 world leaders, including Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky, met in Paris on July 13, 2026, as part of the Coalition of the Willing. The group aims to support Ukraine by strengthening its position. Russia called the meeting a "coalition of warmongers."
Key Facts
The meeting took place in Paris on July 13, 2026.
At least 25 heads of state attended, including Ukraine’s President Zelensky.
The group is called the Coalition of the Willing.
The coalition’s goal is to put Ukraine in the strongest possible position.
The meeting happened one day before France’s Bastille Day holiday.
Russia criticized the summit, calling it a “coalition of warmongers.”
The event was reported by France 24 and Reuters.
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President Trump announced that the U.S. will reimpose a naval blockade on Iran, stopping ships from entering or leaving Iranian ports. This move follows increased clashes in the Strait of Hormuz and aims to keep the waterway open while charging a fee for protecting cargo ships.
Key Facts
The U.S. is restarting a naval blockade targeting only Iranian ships and customers.
President Trump said the U.S. will act as the “guardian” of the Strait of Hormuz.
The U.S. will charge 20% fees on all cargo shipped in the Strait for security services.
The blockade is a response to attacks by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on commercial ships.
U.S. military plans include more strikes in the area to reduce Iran’s ability to attack ships.
Iran claims it controls the Strait and warned it will escalate if the U.S. continues provocative actions.
The blockade is not yet active because ship owners must be notified 24 hours in advance.
The U.S. has not consulted regional allies about the security fees.
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Prince William does not plan to meet with Prince Harry and still feels betrayed by him, according to a royal biographer. Meanwhile, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, along with their children, visited King Charles III and Queen Camilla at the king’s private home during a visit to the UK.
Key Facts
Prince William "still feels betrayed" by Prince Harry and does not trust him.
William did not meet Harry during his recent UK visit.
Harry, Meghan, and their children spent time with King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Highgrove.
Tensions exist between Buckingham Palace and Harry over issues like police protection and a legal case.
William focused on his own public activities, such as school visits and charity events, while Harry was in the UK.
Harry’s visit received much media attention in the UK and was seen as a prelude to a bigger visit for the Invictus Games next year.
Prince William’s position as the heir apparent might be complicated by the relationship between Charles and Harry.
William has not seen Harry since the death of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022 and remains distant.
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Lindsey Graham, a U.S. senator and supporter of Ukraine and Israel, died suddenly at age 71 from an aortic dissection. He was known for pushing the U.S. to take military action against Iran, especially to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons.
Key Facts
Lindsey Graham died on Saturday after a brief illness; the cause was a tear in the main artery from the heart.
Ukraine’s President Zelensky called Graham a defender of freedom and praised his support for Ukraine.
Graham strongly supported U.S. strikes and a war against Iran that began about four and a half months ago.
Before the war started, Graham said President Trump would kill Iranian leader Ayatollah Khamenei if Iran continued cracking down on protests.
Khamenei was reportedly killed on the first day of U.S. and Israeli attacks, with his son injured.
The U.S. aimed to stop Iran from making nuclear weapons, although intelligence reports suggested Iran was not close to building a bomb.
Iran claims its nuclear program is peaceful, but international experts say Iran has enough enriched uranium that could be used to make a weapon.
Graham supported further strikes on Iran if it did not reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route Iran blocked early in the war.
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Police arrested twelve people, including three for suspected conspiracy to murder, linked to a far-right threat against a large Islamic event in Suffolk. Counter-terrorism officers acted quickly after intelligence showed a serious risk, leading to a major incident declaration and an early closure of the event.
Key Facts
Twelve people were arrested, including three on suspicion of planning murder and others under terrorism laws.
The threat targeted the UK Ijtima event held at Shrubland Hall in Suffolk, attended by about 15,000 people over four days.
One arrested man is 82 years old and has been released on bail; others remain in custody.
The arrests happened in several places: Greater Manchester, London, Essex, Ipswich, and Surrey.
Police declared a major incident and advised the event to end earlier than planned for safety.
Organisers said there was misinformation spreading about the event on social media.
Officials assured the public there was no wider threat beyond this specific event.
Suffolk police will keep a visible presence around Shrubland Hall to ensure safety for days after the event.
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A second U.S. citizen has been diagnosed with Ebola and was moved to Germany for medical care, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). This person is a humanitarian worker and was admitted to a hospital in Frankfurt.
Key Facts
The World Health Organization reported the second U.S. citizen diagnosed with Ebola.
The individual is a humanitarian worker involved in Ebola response efforts.
The patient was transferred to Frankfurt University Hospital in Germany for treatment.
The identity of the patient has not been made public.
Infections among health and response workers are considered a known risk during Ebola outbreaks.
The diagnosis and transfer happened early Monday after the Ebola diagnosis on Friday.
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