Investigators in the Bahamas disagree with Brian Hooker's version of the events surrounding his wife Lynette Hooker's disappearance. Lynette's family says that Brian's story does not match what the authorities believe happened that night.
Key Facts
Lynette Hooker went missing in the Bahamas.
Her husband, Brian Hooker, provided an account of the events that night.
Investigators have doubts about the accuracy of Brian Hooker's story.
Lynette Hooker's family has spoken out, saying Brian's version differs from the investigation's findings.
Authorities in the Bahamas are leading the investigation.
The exact circumstances of Lynette Hooker's disappearance remain unclear.
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Iran buried its former supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, more than four months after he was killed in an airstrike. Meanwhile, fighting between the U.S. and Iran resumed with new attacks, raising concerns about a broader conflict in the Middle East.
Key Facts
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s late supreme leader, was buried in Mashhad on July 9, 2026.
He was killed in an airstrike more than four months before his burial.
The burial took place at the Imam Reza shrine, with many people attending.
Iran and the U.S. exchanged attacks over two days, increasing fears of full-scale war.
President Donald Trump informed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about U.S. military actions in the Gulf.
Explosions were reported in southern Iran near important sites, including a nuclear plant in Bushehr.
The U.S. is overseeing Israeli military withdrawals from certain southern areas in Lebanon.
Tensions involve multiple countries in the region, including Israel, Lebanon, Bahrain, and Kuwait.
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Pastor Ezra Jin was released from a Chinese prison after spending more than 250 days there. He had been detained for running a church that the Chinese government said was not registered. Pastor Jin has now safely returned to the United States, where he was reunited with his daughter Grace Jin Drexel, a human rights activist.
Key Facts
Pastor Ezra Jin was imprisoned in China for over 250 days.
The reason for his detention was running a church without government registration.
He has now returned safely to the United States.
Pastor Jin’s daughter, Grace Jin Drexel, is a human rights activist.
Grace shared the story of her father’s detention and reunion on CBS News.
The case highlights issues of religious freedom and government control in China.
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The U.S. and Iran have increased their military attacks, causing the most intense fighting since President Trump made a deal to start talks three weeks ago. The U.S. hit about 90 targets in Iran, and Iran responded by launching ballistic missiles and drones at U.S. bases in the area. This conflict has helped push gas prices higher.
Key Facts
The U.S. carried out strikes on around 90 targets inside Iran.
Iran responded with ballistic missile and drone attacks against U.S. military bases nearby.
This is the strongest fighting between the two since President Trump arranged talks three weeks ago.
The ongoing conflict is affecting global gas prices, making them rise.
The military actions involve key strategic sites in the region.
Both sides have escalated their attacks rather than moving toward peace talks recently.
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The U.S. and Iran entered a ceasefire in April 2026 after months of conflict but the agreement broke down in July. President Donald Trump ended the ceasefire following renewed attacks and ordered large-scale U.S. strikes on Iran, escalating the conflict.
Key Facts
The war between the U.S. and Iran began on February 28, 2026, after Israel killed Iran’s Supreme Leader with U.S. help.
A ceasefire was first announced by President Trump on April 7, 2026, and was extended several times.
On June 17, 2026, the U.S. and Iran signed a 14-point Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) formalizing the ceasefire and reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
The MOU included ending the U.S. naval blockade and offering Iran economic incentives, including easing oil sanctions.
The ceasefire was set for 60 days while talks aimed to resolve issues like Iran’s nuclear program and shipping security.
In early July, the ceasefire began to fail as Iran attacked commercial ships and U.S. retaliated with strikes on Iran.
President Trump declared the ceasefire “over” at the NATO summit on July 8, 2026.
The U.S. launched a second round of offensive strikes hitting 90 targets, including bridges, broadening the air campaign inside Iran.
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Migrants deported from the U.S. are being held in a hotel in Equatorial Guinea where authorities have also quarantined at least one person suspected of having Ebola. The hotel is owned by Equatorial Guinea’s President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo and holds 17 migrants from several African countries under a deportation agreement with the U.S. government.
Key Facts
Migrants deported from the U.S. are detained in a hotel in Equatorial Guinea.
At least one suspected Ebola patient has been quarantined in the same hotel.
The hotel is located on a tropical island off Equatorial Guinea’s coast.
The hotel is owned by President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea.
Seventeen migrants from Angola, Mauritania, Ethiopia, and other countries are housed there.
This arrangement is part of a third-country deportation deal involving the U.S. government.
Ebola cases and deaths are increasing in Congo, affecting even new provinces.
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The death toll from two earthquakes in Venezuela last month has risen to 3,889. Health groups warn that many displaced people face a higher risk of diseases due to poor water, sanitation, and medical services.
Key Facts
At least 3,889 people have died from the earthquakes.
About 16,740 people were injured and 17,907 were forced to leave their homes.
The northern coast of Venezuela was the most affected by the earthquakes.
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) said disease risks are rising due to overcrowded shelters and lack of clean water.
PAHO works with Venezuela’s health ministry to improve vaccination and track illnesses.
The United Nations asked for nearly $300 million to help 1.3 million Venezuelans in urgent need.
PAHO called for $15 million in emergency aid to fix hospitals and keep shelters sanitary.
Health risks include injuries and problems from disrupted medical care and poor hygiene.
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Supporters of former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán protested in Budapest against plans by the new Hungarian prime minister, Péter Magyar, to remove President Tamás Sulyok from office. Magyar's government aims to change the constitution to end Sulyok’s term, set term limits for parliament members, and reform the judiciary.
Key Facts
Thousands protested outside the presidential offices in Budapest defending President Tamás Sulyok.
New Prime Minister Péter Magyar defeated Orbán in April, ending Orbán's 16-year rule.
Magyar wants to remove Sulyok by amending the constitution, citing Sulyok's failure to block antidemocratic acts under Orbán.
The amendment would also set term limits for parliament, reform courts, and create a body to investigate alleged financial abuses by Orbán’s government.
Orbán’s Fidesz party claims these moves threaten democratic rules and accuse the new government of moving toward dictatorship.
Hungary’s president has mainly ceremonial powers but can send laws to the constitutional court for review.
Magyar’s government has taken steps to dismantle Orbán-era institutions, including suspending public broadcaster services seen as biased.
The new government unlocked about 16.4 billion euros in EU funds by promising democratic reforms.
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Large crowds gathered in Mashhad, Iran, to bury the country’s late supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, at the Imam Reza shrine. His burial followed six days of mourning and came amid ongoing tensions and recent strikes between Iran, the US, and Israel.
Key Facts
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was buried at the Imam Reza shrine in Mashhad, Iran’s holiest Shia Muslim site.
The funeral marked the end of six days of public mourning across Iran and Iraq.
Khamenei and several family members died in an Israeli strike on his Tehran residence on 28 February.
His son Mojtaba succeeded him as supreme leader but has not been seen publicly and reportedly was seriously wounded in the attack.
Iran's Revolutionary Guards accused the US of bombing railway bridges to disrupt the funeral.
Thousands of mourners in Mashhad held flags, banners, and photos, some calling for the death of US President Donald Trump.
The funeral ceremonies aimed to show unity and strength after a war and internal protests that caused many deaths in Iran.
Imam Reza’s shrine is a historic religious site visited by millions each year and is significant to Shia Muslims.
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The UK is experiencing a heatwave with temperatures reaching up to 35.5°C, marking the eighth day this year with temperatures above 34°C, a new record. This heatwave is expected to continue into next week before cooler weather arrives, but some regions will get brief relief from cooler sea breezes.
Key Facts
UK temperatures hit 35.5°C on Thursday in Wisley, Surrey.
This year has had eight days above 34°C, breaking the previous record of seven days set in 1976 and 2020.
The current heatwave is the third this year and may last into next week.
Cooler air is expected to reduce temperatures slightly in some areas over the weekend, especially near the North Sea.
Amber and yellow heat health warnings cover much of England until Sunday evening.
High temperatures affect vulnerable groups like the elderly, young children, and people with health problems.
Pollen levels are high due to the heat and dry weather, worsening allergies for some people.
The UK’s highest temperature record is 40.3°C, set in 2022 in Lincolnshire.
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The Port of Rotterdam in the Netherlands is Europe’s largest freight port and a major center for oil refining and chemical production. It faces pressure from environmental groups to reduce its large carbon emissions and transition away from fossil fuels toward greener energy sources.
Key Facts
Rotterdam is Europe’s biggest freight port and handles nearly as much cargo as all UK ports combined.
Five oil refineries, including Shell's largest in Europe, operate at the port, processing hundreds of thousands of barrels of crude oil daily.
The fossil fuels passing through the port are linked to about 600 megatonnes of CO2 emissions annually, far exceeding the emissions of the Netherlands' biggest airport.
Rotterdam’s industrial cluster emits around 29 million tonnes of CO2 each year, about half of the Netherlands’ total domestic emissions.
Environmental group Advocates for the Future filed a lawsuit claiming the port authority is not doing enough to reduce fossil fuel dependency.
The Port Authority plans to cut its own emissions by 90% by 2030 and is investing in hydrogen fuel, onshore electric power for ships, and alternative fuels.
The port is focusing on carbon capture and storage (CCS) to reduce CO2 emissions by storing it underground.
Many major companies operating at the port are controlled by boardrooms abroad, making emission regulations challenging.
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Syrian authorities say they arrested a group linked to Islamic State for bombings in Damascus during French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit. The attacks happened near the hotel where Macron stayed but did not harm him. The arrests followed raids across different neighborhoods in and around the city.
Key Facts
Bombings occurred in central Damascus during President Macron’s visit in early July 2026.
One person died and dozens were wounded in the attacks.
The Interior Ministry said the suspects belonged to a cell linked to the Islamic State group.
Syrian security forces conducted coordinated raids in four neighborhoods to capture the suspects.
The blasts happened near the hotel where Macron stayed, but after he had left the building.
Macron was the first EU leader to visit Syria since President Bashar al-Assad’s fall in 2024.
Syria joined the US-led coalition against Islamic State in 2025.
Officials said they will provide more details after investigations are complete.
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Many young men from African countries like Cameroon are joining Russian forces in the war in Ukraine. Some are experienced soldiers, while others are students or unemployed, hoping for better opportunities but end up fighting far from home.
Key Facts
Around 3,000 Africans from 35 countries are reported to be fighting with Russian forces in Ukraine.
Ukrainian officials say Russia actively recruits these fighters in Africa, but a former Russian officer denies organized recruitment.
Many recruits from Cameroon have connections to Russia due to past Soviet-era student exchange programs.
Some Africans join because of economic hardship and the hope to support their families.
Experienced soldiers from African conflicts, as well as students and unemployed young men, travel to Russia and sometimes end up signing military contracts.
Experts describe this movement as a new type of migration linked to the war, taking away skilled workers and soldiers from African countries.
Families of those who died, like Moses’s mother in Cameroon, wait for news or the return of their loved ones' bodies.
This migration adds to existing movements of Africans seeking better opportunities abroad.
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The ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran is close to ending after recent attacks. The U.S. military carried out new strikes against Iran, and neither side is ready to resume talks or ease tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route.
Key Facts
The U.S. Central Command said it conducted a new series of strikes against Iran on Wednesday night.
There was another exchange of fire between the U.S. and Iran, raising the risk of renewed conflict.
Neither the U.S. nor Iran is prepared to return to peace talks at this time.
Iran has not agreed to allow free passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz.
The Strait of Hormuz is a vital waterway for global shipping and oil transport.
Rising tensions threaten the safety of shipping in the region.
The current situation damages hopes of ending the ongoing conflict between the two countries.
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The United States and Iran increased their military attacks against each other this week. The U.S. carried out more strikes on Thursday than at any time since a recent ceasefire began.
Key Facts
The U.S. and Iran have a fragile ceasefire in place.
Despite the ceasefire, fighting between the two countries escalated this week.
On Thursday, the U.S. military conducted the highest number of strikes since the ceasefire started.
The situation shows increasing tension between the U.S. and Iran.
CBS News senior national security correspondent Charlie D'Agata reported on the events.
The ceasefire has not stopped military actions completely.
The exchange of attacks occurred over a short period within the same week.
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Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney visited Saudi Arabia to improve trade and investment ties. He said publicly criticizing countries from afar is not effective and emphasized working together despite disagreements over issues like human rights.
Key Facts
This was the first visit by a Canadian Prime Minister to Saudi Arabia in 26 years.
Carney met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the country’s main leader.
The visit aimed to reduce Canada’s reliance on the U.S. for trade and attract new investments.
Carney said criticizing countries from a distance may feel good but doesn’t work well.
Saudi Arabia faces global criticism for human rights, especially after the 2018 killing of Jamal Khashoggi.
Previous Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau openly criticized Saudi Arabia, causing a five-year diplomatic split.
Canada and Saudi Arabia restored full diplomatic relations in 2023 after tensions.
Carney stated he cares about human rights and raises such concerns privately during meetings.
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Olympic canoe athlete David Hearn said he is not guilty of intentionally damaging the Reflecting Pool in Washington. In other news, Ukraine used long-range drones to attack more energy sites in Russia. In southern China, heavy rain caused floods that killed at least 39 people.
Key Facts
David Hearn is a three-time Olympic canoe racer.
He pleaded not guilty to charges of damaging the Reflecting Pool in Washington.
Ukraine launched drone attacks on energy targets inside Russia.
The drones used were long-range, meaning they can fly long distances.
Southern China experienced record rainfall over several days.
Flooding in southern China has killed at least 39 people.
Authorities in China are managing the aftermath of the floods.
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Wally Funk, a pioneering female pilot who became the oldest woman to travel to space, died at age 87 in Grapevine, Texas. She was part of the Mercury 13, a group of women who underwent astronaut testing in the 1960s but were not accepted by NASA at that time.
Key Facts
Wally Funk died peacefully at her home in Grapevine, Texas, at the age of 87.
She was a respected pilot with over 19,600 hours of flying experience.
Funk was part of the "Mercury 13," a group of 13 women tested for astronaut training in 1961.
Despite passing tests faster and better than many men, NASA did not accept women astronauts until 1978.
She became the oldest woman to go to space later in life through a private spaceflight.
Funk was the first female flight instructor at a US military base.
She also worked as an aviation safety inspector for the Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board.
Funk owned a flying school in Taos, New Mexico, where she taught thousands of people how to fly.
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Bollywood actor Kalki Koechlin and theatre director Sheena Khalid have created a play called Belly of the Beast, based on Kalki’s 2021 book about motherhood. The play shares stories of five women experiencing different stages of motherhood, including challenges like postpartum depression, miscarriages, and balancing work with childcare.
Key Facts
Belly of the Beast is adapted from Kalki Koechlin’s book The Elephant in the Womb.
The play portrays five women at various stages of motherhood, from pregnancy to raising young children.
It discusses difficult topics such as abortions, miscarriages, and postpartum depression.
Motherhood is often seen positively in India, but this play highlights the less talked about struggles.
Kalki Koechlin wrote the original book during the Covid lockdown while experiencing postpartum depression.
The play aims to show the emotional and physical difficulties mothers face, which society often overlooks.
At its premiere in Delhi, the play was well received for its balance of serious themes and moments of humor.
The play also reflects the experience of many Indian women who carry the main responsibility for childcare.
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