The European Union and the United Kingdom have imposed sanctions on Russian military intelligence officers, hackers, and companies involved in cyberattacks targeting European governments and critical infrastructure. These cyberattacks, linked to Russia’s Federal Security Service and military intelligence, have been ongoing since 2010 and aimed to destabilize the EU and its partners.
Key Facts
The EU sanctioned nine people and four organizations linked to Russian cyberespionage activities.
The UK sanctioned 24 individuals and entities connected to Russian cyber operations.
The sanctions include freezing assets and banning travel for those involved.
The targeted groups have attacked critical infrastructure like heating and power plants in various European countries.
The Russian Federal Security Service’s (FSB) 16th Center and the GRU military intelligence agency are central to these cyber activities.
The company Impuls, led by GRU member Yevgeny Bashev, provides support for cyberattacks and has been sanctioned.
Several European countries, including France, Germany, Poland, and Sweden, have been victims of these cyberattacks.
The EU and UK governments accuse Russian intelligence of using hackers to support military and political goals through cyber interference.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Emmanuel Macron of France pledged to defend freedom in Europe, even if it requires sacrifices. He also highlighted that France has fulfilled its promise to increase spending on defense.
Key Facts
President Emmanuel Macron gave a speech to the French armed forces before the July 14 national holiday parade.
In his speech, Macron said France and Europe will protect freedom at any cost, including bloodshed if needed.
He praised the completion of France’s commitment to increase defense spending.
The speech is part of Macron’s effort to support European defense projects.
The July 14 parade is an important French national celebration.
The article mentions current European issues like wildfires but focuses mainly on Macron’s defense message.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Iraq’s Supreme Judicial Council announced the seizure of 375 kilograms of gold linked to a corruption case involving the former Deputy Minister of Oil, Adnan Al Jumaili. The recovery is part of a wider anti-corruption campaign launched under Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi, which has also involved arresting senior officials and recovering large amounts of missing money.
Key Facts
Authorities recovered a total of 375kg of gold connected to the corruption case against Adnan Al Jumaili.
358kg of the gold was seized in cooperation with Kurdistan regional authorities, and 17kg was recovered in a separate investigation.
The recovered gold has been handed to Iraq’s Central Bank as investigators track illegal assets.
Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi started a wide anti-corruption crackdown in May 2024.
Police have arrested senior officials and recovered over $100 million and other valuables so far.
Al Jumaili was arrested in May and dismissed from his position on June 2.
Investigations accuse him of using state resources and contracts for personal gain through kickbacks.
The anti-corruption effort is part of “Operation Dawn,” targeting missing state funds and includes lifting political immunity of some suspects.
Authorities are seeking to extradite suspects living abroad and recover smuggled assets through international cooperation.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A large wildfire in southeastern Spain's Almeria province has killed 13 people, including several foreign nationals. The Spanish Prime Minister visited the site, and some victims' families say they did not get warnings to leave before the fire.
Key Facts
The wildfire occurred in Almeria province, in southeastern Spain.
It is one of the deadliest wildfires in recent Spanish history, with 13 confirmed deaths.
Among the victims is a British woman who died from her fire-related injuries.
Eight people were hospitalized because of the fire; four of them are seriously injured.
Some families of the victims say they were not given evacuation orders by authorities.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez visited the area affected by the fire.
There are calls for improved preventive measures against wildfires, which are becoming more common in Spain.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A 13-year-old girl named Layla Jeffery went missing in the small Victorian town of Donald, Australia, and her human remains were later found nearby. A 16-year-old boy has been charged with her alleged murder, and the local community is grieving and coming together to support her family and friends.
Key Facts
Layla Jeffery disappeared on 4 July in Donald, a small town in Victoria with less than 1,500 people.
Human remains believed to be Layla’s were found in nearby bushland the following week.
A 16-year-old boy has been charged with Layla’s alleged murder and appeared in children’s court.
Layla was described as “somewhat shy” and “well-liked” by her community.
The town’s sports teams honored Layla by wearing pink during a recent weekend.
Psychological support is being offered to local children as school resumed.
A crowdfunding campaign raised over $41,000 for Layla’s family to help with expenses.
The community held a vigil and shared messages of condolence and support for the family.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
In 2025, South Australia saw a sharp rise in dolphin deaths, mainly caused by lack of food after a dangerous algal bloom reduced key prey like squid. The bloom, combined with a marine heatwave, affected many marine animals, and experts link the dolphins' poor condition to the damaged food chain.
Key Facts
At least 70 dead common and bottlenose dolphins were found in South Australia in 2025, with 20 more in early 2026.
Many dolphins were found very thin, especially in the Gulf St Vincent area, which was hit hard by the algal bloom.
The bloom involved Karenia cristata algae starting in March 2025 and significantly lowered squid populations by about 80%.
Scientists link dolphin deaths mostly to food shortages caused by the algal bloom's impact on squid and other prey.
Marine heatwaves since September 2024 may have added stress to marine life in the area.
A long-running marine mammal postmortem program ended in 2023, making it harder to study dolphin deaths and the bloom’s full impact.
Experts have called for reinstating systematic dolphin postmortems to better understand causes of death.
The South Australian government confirmed food chain disruption as a potential reason for increased dolphin deaths.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A large wildfire is burning in the Fontainebleau forest, located south of Paris, France. Authorities say the fire has destroyed about 5% of the forest, and they suspect the fire may have been started on purpose.
Key Facts
The fire is described as exceptionally large and difficult to control.
Firefighters on the ground and aircraft are working to put out the flames.
About 5% of the Fontainebleau forest has been destroyed by the fire.
The forest is an important green area near Paris, often called the "lungs of greater Paris."
Authorities are investigating whether the fire was set deliberately.
The fire happened on July 13, 2026.
The Fontainebleau forest is located south of Paris, France.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump announced that the United States is reestablishing a blockade on Iran in the Strait of Hormuz and will charge a 20% toll on certain cargo for safe passage. This decision follows increased conflict in the region, including recent attacks on ships, and comes amid stalled peace talks between the U.S. and Iran.
Key Facts
The U.S. is reinstating a blockade on Iran's ships in the Strait of Hormuz, stopping their passage.
A 20% toll will be charged on eligible cargo to cover the cost of providing security in the area.
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical route where about 20% of the world’s oil and gas passes through.
Iran claims control of the strait and the right to charge fees based on a recent interim peace deal.
The U.S. and others reject Iran’s control, arguing for freedom of navigation under international law.
Recent attacks have included an Iranian attack on a container ship and U.S. military strikes on Iranian targets.
The conflict has increased fears of wider war and caused fluctuations in oil prices.
U.S.-allied countries like Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan reported missile attacks and intercepted hostile fire.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump announced that the U.S. will restart a naval blockade at the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway, during rising tensions between the U.S. and Iran. He also declared that the U.S. will charge a 20 percent toll on all shipping passing through the strait.
Key Facts
President Trump declared the reimposition of a U.S. naval blockade on the Strait of Hormuz.
The blockade comes amid conflict between the U.S. and Iran after recent attacks were exchanged.
The Strait of Hormuz is a vital passage for global shipping, especially oil transport.
President Trump stated the strait will remain open to shipping with or without Iran’s cooperation.
A 20 percent toll will be charged by the U.S. on all shipping passing through the strait.
The announcement was made publicly on President Trump’s social media platform, Truth Social.
Both Washington and Tehran are currently competing for control over this strategic waterway.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A video showing a Russian soldier losing control of a powerful helicopter machine gun adapted for use on the ground has been viewed millions of times online. The footage, from an unknown date and location, shows the gun swinging wildly during a training exercise, with soldiers narrowly avoiding injury.
Key Facts
The weapon in the video is a four-barrel YakB-12.7 rotary machine gun, originally designed for the Soviet Mi-24 attack helicopter.
The gun was mounted on a ground stand instead of its usual helicopter turret.
After the trigger was pulled, the heavy gun came loose and spun uncontrollably.
Soldiers were seen jumping away to avoid being hit; one soldier burned his hand on the hot barrel.
The video has been viewed over 16 million times and circulated widely on social media.
The incident reportedly involved a Russian anti-drone mobile fire group during training.
Russian forces have suffered heavy losses and face equipment and training challenges in the Ukraine war.
Newsweek has not confirmed the exact location, date, or if anyone was injured, and is seeking comment from the Russian Defense Ministry.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump said the US will restart its naval blockade against Iran and act as the "guardian" of the Strait of Hormuz. He also said the US plans to charge fees for protecting this important shipping route, amid recent attacks exchanged between the US and Iran.
Key Facts
President Trump announced the US will restart the naval blockade targeting Iranian ships.
The US will claim the role of "guardian" of the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for about 20% of the world’s oil and gas exports.
The US intends to charge a 20% fee on all cargo passing through the strait to cover protection costs.
Recent attacks involved Iran striking US military sites in Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Jordan, while the US targeted Iranian port cities.
Both sides signed a preliminary agreement last month to end fighting and open the strait, but recent events have threatened this deal.
Iran rejects any US control over the strait and warned it will respond strongly to US interference or attacks on commercial vessels.
The US and Iran have tried to negotiate issues like Iran’s nuclear program and control of frozen assets, but talks face difficulties.
Both countries want to avoid full-scale war despite ongoing conflict and disagreement over control of the strait.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A British woman named Nadia Abraham moved from London to Texas after meeting her fiancé. While she enjoys life in Texas, she shared five things she misses about living in the UK, including better food delivery, walking everywhere, closeness to Europe, pub culture, and historic sites.
Key Facts
Nadia Abraham, 31, lived in Mayfair, London before moving to Dallas, Texas.
She moved after a long-distance relationship that lasted a year and a half.
Abraham says food delivery options are much better in London, with more variety and warmer meals.
In London, she could walk to many places and use public transport, but in Texas a car is necessary.
She misses being close to many European countries for quick trips and cultural experiences.
British pub culture, with frequent social drinking and cozy pubs, is something she enjoyed and misses.
She appreciates the UK’s historic streets, architecture, and countryside, which are less common in Texas.
Abraham has not ruled out returning to the UK later in life.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
British counterterrorism police have taken charge of investigating the murder of former politician Ann Widdecombe after new information emerged. A 28-year-old man was arrested and is now suspected of terrorism-related offenses in connection with her death.
Key Facts
Ann Widdecombe, a former British politician, was found dead at her home in southwest England.
Police launched a murder investigation after she was discovered with serious injuries.
A 28-year-old man was arrested in South Yorkshire, far from the crime scene.
The suspect’s charge was changed from murder to terrorism-related activities.
Widdecombe was a member of Parliament from 1987 to 2010 and known for socially conservative views.
After leaving politics, she participated in reality TV shows like "Strictly Come Dancing" and "Celebrity Big Brother."
She later joined the Brexit Party and spoke for the Reform UK party, which opposes immigration.
The U.K. Home Secretary announced the counterterrorism police are leading the investigation and will update Parliament soon.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Kimberley Sidhu from Alberta, Canada, developed a serious infection called sepsis shortly after giving birth in May 2024. Despite her warning signs being dismissed, she ended up needing emergency surgery and a long recovery.
Key Facts
Kimberley Sidhu had severe morning sickness during pregnancy and a membrane sweep procedure days before labor.
She noticed green discharge before giving birth but was told not to worry if the baby was active.
After delivery, Sidhu experienced shaking, purple extremities, extreme pain, fever, and numbness in her leg.
Her concerns were repeatedly explained as normal postpartum symptoms by her midwife.
Four days after birth, her left leg became numb, prompting her to seek urgent hospital care.
Doctors diagnosed her with septic shock caused by invasive group A streptococcal infection.
She had an emergency hysterectomy to stop the infection and was treated for pneumonia, cellulitis, and kidney failure.
Recovery took weeks in hospital plus ongoing physiotherapy and left lasting health effects like chronic pain and memory issues.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
European Union foreign ministers met to discuss new ways to limit trade with Israeli settlements in the West Bank, which many consider illegal. The EU is debating options like import licenses, high tariffs, or a total ban but has not made a final decision due to differing views among member countries.
Key Facts
The EU foreign ministers met in Brussels to explore measures against trade with Israeli settlements in the West Bank.
Options under discussion include an import licensing system, high tariffs, or a full trade ban with the settlements.
Israel has controlled the West Bank since 1967, with over 500,000 Israeli settlers living there among about three million Palestinians.
Recently, Israel approved plans to build 13 new settlements, increasing the total number significantly.
Violence and damage by settlers against Palestinians and their property have reached record levels in recent years.
Several EU countries, like Spain, the Netherlands, and Ireland, have already imposed their own restrictions on trade with the settlements.
The International Court of Justice ruled in July 2024 that the settlements and occupation are illegal and urged countries to prevent trade and investment there.
EU nations are divided on how to proceed, with Germany and Italy still unsure, making a unified decision difficult.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
"Set-jetting" is a travel trend where people visit places shown in TV shows and movies. Henley Vazquez, a travel adviser, explains this trend on CBS Mornings.
Key Facts
Set-jetting means traveling to real locations seen in films or TV shows.
Henley Vazquez is a travel expert and co-founder of the travel agency Fora.
She spoke about set-jetting on the CBS Mornings show.
The trend is growing because fans want to experience their favorite scenes in real life.
This type of travel connects fans to stories and characters they enjoy.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump said the U.S. will act as the protector of the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway for global oil shipments, and expects to be paid by other countries for this role. Tensions between the U.S. and Iran have increased after Iran attacked ships and the U.S. responded with military strikes near the strait.
Key Facts
President Trump stated the U.S. will become the "guardian" of the Strait of Hormuz.
He suggested wealthy countries, especially those producing energy in the Persian Gulf, should pay the U.S. for protecting the strait.
The U.S. has guarded the strait for over 50 years without payment.
The Strait of Hormuz is an important route for oil transportation and has seen reduced ship traffic since the U.S. and Israel began military actions against Iran.
Iran claims it has the right to control shipping through the strait under a recent U.S.-Iran agreement and opposes U.S. calls for ships to use an alternative route near Oman.
Iran attacked ships near the southern route last week and a container vessel near the strait's western entrance, leading to U.S. airstrikes on Iranian targets.
Iran’s authorities declared passage through the strait "unfeasible" due to U.S. military actions and stated ships must use its permit system to cross.
The U.S. opposes Iran’s plans to charge commercial ships fees for using the strait.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Chronic inflammation is a long-term condition that can cause symptoms like tiredness, muscle pain, and headaches. New research suggests it may also harm your mental health and thinking abilities.
Key Facts
Chronic inflammation lasts for a long time and shows signs such as fatigue, muscle aches, and headaches.
It has been linked to diseases like cancer and high blood pressure.
Recent studies indicate that chronic inflammation might negatively affect mental health and brain functions.
Dr. Mark Hyman from CBS News provides advice on how to reduce inflammation.
Reducing inflammation could improve both physical and mental well-being.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Qatar’s former Emir, founded the Al Jazeera news channel in 1996, changing the media landscape in the Middle East by offering free and independent Arab news. Al Jazeera challenged the dominance of state-controlled and Western media, becoming a major global media organization despite political pressures from regional and Western governments.
Key Facts
Sheikh Hamad founded Al Jazeera in 1996, breaking Middle Eastern state control over the media.
The channel quickly became one of the world’s most influential Arab media organizations.
Al Jazeera was officially renamed Al Jazeera Media Network in 2005.
It provided a platform for freer expression and diverse viewpoints in the Arab world.
Journalists working for Al Jazeera experienced an unprecedented level of freedom.
Sheikh Hamad supported editorial independence, even on sensitive domestic issues.
Al Jazeera’s coverage upset many regional governments and Western powers.
Sheikh Hamad refused requests from the US CIA to silence the network during wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
