Courtney Grace gained attention for a brief but powerful role in Steven Spielberg's latest film, "Disclosure Day." Previously a journalist, Grace shared in an interview that her past experience helped her perform authentically, and she spoke about the courage it took to pursue acting.
Key Facts
Courtney Grace appears briefly near the end of Spielberg’s new movie, "Disclosure Day."
Her performance has received strong praise and is seen as a major breakthrough in her career.
Grace worked as a journalist for about seven years before becoming an actress.
She believes her journalism experience helped her stay calm and genuine on camera.
A mentor encouraged her to admit her true dream of acting, which she credits for her path forward.
Grace says success comes from taking the next right step and being brave, even when feeling unsure or scared.
She is grateful for the positive response to her role in the film.
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A Greek Air Force F-16 fighter jet crash-landed at Zakynthos airport after a technical problem during a training flight. The pilot was unharmed, but the plane caught fire on the runway, causing the airport to close and delaying flights.
Key Facts
The F-16 experienced a technical fault and landed around 13:45 local time.
The pilot is reported to be in good health.
Greek media said the jet showed signs of an onboard fire before landing and caught fire on the runway.
The plane landed without using its landing gear and slid along the runway.
Firefighters responded quickly to put out the fire.
The jet belonged to the 335 Squadron of the 116th Combat Wing, based in western Greece.
The airport was closed, delaying all flights until 21:00.
A special air force team is set to remove the damaged aircraft from the runway.
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Andy Burnham, leader of the UK's Labour Party, apologized for the party’s early response to Israel’s military actions in Gaza and said the party needs to improve its approach. He promised to increase pressure on the Israeli government, including sanctions and possible trade bans related to illegal settlements, while condemning violence and calling for accountability.
Key Facts
Andy Burnham admitted Labour's initial response to the Gaza conflict was not adequate and apologized.
He plans to pressure Israel with measures like sanctions and trade restrictions on illegal settlements.
Burnham criticized the UK government for being slow to call for a ceasefire in Gaza.
Labour leader Keir Starmer faced criticism for his early remarks supporting Israel’s right to withhold power and water from Gaza.
Starmer recognized Palestine as a state after months of pressure in 2025.
Burnham condemned Hamas’s attacks and antisemitism in the UK, stressing a balanced approach.
He acknowledged possible war crimes in Gaza but said international courts should decide on legal judgments.
Many Labour voters left the party because of its stance on Israel and Palestine, moving to the Green party.
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Tuareg separatists and jihadist groups attacked a convoy of Russian mercenaries and Malian soldiers heading to a military camp in northern Mali. The convoy was trying to reinforce troops holding a key town called Anefis, which is near the separatists’ stronghold of Kidal.
Key Facts
The convoy included Russian paramilitary forces from Africa Corps and Malian soldiers.
The attackers are from the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) and an Al-Qaeda-linked jihadist group called JNIM.
Anefis is an important town for controlling the larger northern town of Kidal.
The FLA and jihadists have taken control of Anefis after coordinated attacks.
Mali's government wants to hold Anefis to eventually retake Kidal from separatists.
The convoy was ambushed twice, with heavy fighting ongoing as of the report.
Russia supports Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger with military help against jihadists.
Russia is also pursuing energy and mining deals with these Sahel countries in Africa.
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Conservative commentator Scott Jennings said he is not surprised that the temporary ceasefire deal between the U.S. and Iran is failing as fighting increases. He stated that Iran has always been strongly opposed to the United States, and that President Trump tried to address this.
Key Facts
Scott Jennings is a conservative political commentator.
Jennings spoke about the ceasefire deal between the U.S. and Iran.
The deal was meant to temporarily stop hostilities.
Hostilities between the U.S. and Iran are increasing again.
Jennings said Iran has historically been very adversarial to the U.S.
He mentioned that President Trump attempted to manage the situation.
Jennings expressed no surprise at the failure of the ceasefire.
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The UK government has shortlisted 15 towns for the first-ever UK Town of Culture title. These towns will receive funding to develop cultural bids, and three winners (small, medium, large) will be chosen next year, with one overall winner receiving £3 million to host cultural events.
Key Facts
The shortlist includes 15 towns across the UK, such as Pontypridd, Birkenhead, Isle of Bute, Basildon, and Rotherham.
Each shortlisted town will get £60,000 to help prepare a full cultural bid.
The competition divides towns into three size groups: small (under 20,000 people), medium (20,000–75,000), and large (over 75,000).
Three winners will be picked early next year: one from each size group.
The overall winner will get £3 million to host cultural events in 2028.
The two runners-up will receive £250,000 each for part of their programs.
The competition aims to celebrate towns’ culture, support storytelling, involve local communities, and boost visitors and investment.
Nearly 400 towns applied, showing strong interest in promoting local culture across the UK.
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The article says that Iraq has changed a lot over the past 20 years. It suggests that the United States should update its policies to match the new situation in Iraq.
Key Facts
Iraq today is different from what it was two decades ago.
The article calls for a change in how the U.S. deals with Iraq.
U.S. policy needs to recognize Iraq’s current state and challenges.
This implies a shift toward a partnership based on Iraq’s present conditions.
The article focuses on international relations between the U.S. and Iraq.
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Two weeks after strong earthquakes hit Venezuela, thousands of people are still missing and families are searching for their loved ones among the rubble. The official death count is about 3,811, but many people remain unaccounted for, causing ongoing uncertainty for many families.
Key Facts
Two powerful earthquakes recently struck Venezuela.
About 3,811 people have been confirmed dead so far.
Around 40,000 missing persons cases have been reported on crowdsourcing websites.
The number of missing people is uncertain due to possible duplicates and some people being found.
Families like Adolfo Guerra’s are searching in disaster areas for missing relatives.
Guerra traveled 400 km to look for his daughter Alexandra, who has not yet been found.
Conditions at the search site are difficult, with no proper shelter or facilities.
Rescuers recovered bodies, adding to the harsh reality for those still hoping for survivors.
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A fire at a shoe factory in Jinjiang city, Fujian province, China, killed 28 people on July 9, 2026. Authorities rescued 213 others, arrested the factory owner and managers, and launched an investigation into the cause of the fire.
Key Facts
The fire occurred at the Huiteng shoe factory in Jinjiang, a city known for its shoe industry.
There were 237 workers and 2 visitors inside when the fire started.
28 people died, including 2 who died after being taken to the hospital.
213 people were rescued or evacuated safely.
Chinese President Xi Jinping called for a full search and rescue effort and demanded a quick investigation.
The factory owner and other responsible persons were arrested.
The company’s financial accounts have been frozen as part of the investigation.
Videos showed the factory building severely damaged, with thick smoke and fire on several floors.
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France has returned 23 Syrian archaeological artifacts after keeping them for about 15 years following a loan for an exhibition. The return happened during French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Damascus, Syria, marking the first visit by a major Western leader since President Bashar Assad’s ouster in 2024.
Key Facts
The 23 artifacts include Roman bronze objects, Byzantine and Islamic-era pieces, and a colorful mosaic panel from the Umayyad Mosque.
These items were loaned to an exhibition in Paris in 2011 but stayed in France as diplomatic ties between France and Syria were cut under Assad’s rule.
The artifacts belong to museums in Damascus, Aleppo, Latakia, and Palmyra.
The returned pieces cover Syrian history from the ninth millennium B.C. to the 14th and 15th centuries A.D.
Syria described France as the first country to cooperate in its national campaign to recover antiquities kept abroad.
The artifacts were flown back to Syria on President Macron’s plane and displayed at the National Museum in Damascus.
Syria’s deputy director-general of antiquities called the return a historic moment amid years of conflict and diplomatic isolation.
The visit by President Macron is considered a landmark event as the first major Western leader to come to Syria since President Assad’s removal.
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The United States and Iran have exchanged attacks for two days after President Donald Trump said the ceasefire between them had ended. Iran reported that US strikes killed at least 14 people and injured more than 70, while Iran responded by targeting US interests in nearby countries.
Key Facts
The US and Iran continued military strikes for a second day on July 9, 2026.
President Donald Trump declared the ceasefire between the two countries was "dead."
Iran’s health ministry said at least 14 people were killed and over 70 injured in the US attacks.
Iran responded by attacking US assets in Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar.
The tension follows ongoing conflicts involving Iran's nuclear activities.
Iran is undergoing a political shift following the death of its leader Khamenei.
Both countries appear unwilling to resume full-scale war but maintain a hostile stance.
The situation is contributing to instability in the Middle East region.
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After a NATO summit in Ankara, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan gave each NATO leader an old-fashioned revolver along with a box of bullets. This gift was given as a gesture following the meeting.
Key Facts
The NATO summit took place in Ankara, Turkey.
President Erdogan presented vintage revolvers to NATO leaders.
Each revolver came with a box of ammunition.
The revolvers are old-style handguns known as vintage revolvers.
The gift was given after the official summit meeting.
The article was published on July 9, 2026.
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An aid worker who helped organize World Cup soccer match viewings in Gaza was killed in an Israeli missile strike. The strike also killed three other people, and the Israeli military said it targeted a Hamas military figure but is reviewing the impact on civilians.
Key Facts
Mohamed Al-Wahidi was a Palestinian aid worker who organized public World Cup screenings in Gaza.
He worked as public relations director for the Egyptian Relief Committee, which provides humanitarian aid in Gaza.
Al-Wahidi was killed in an Israeli missile strike hitting a car in Gaza City just before the Egypt-Argentina World Cup match.
Three others died in the strike: the car’s driver and two children aged 10 and 8.
The Israel Defense Forces said the strike targeted a Hamas military wing member and is reviewing civilian harm claims.
The World Cup viewing event continued despite the strike, with Palestinians gathering to watch the game.
Since an October ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, Israeli attacks have resulted in over 1,000 deaths in Gaza.
The Egyptian Relief Committee has not commented on Al-Wahidi's death or future screenings.
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Louise Haigh accused a group of men close to Keir Starmer of mistreating women in the UK government, including herself and other female politicians. She spoke about her resignation from the cabinet and her support for Andy Burnham, who is expected to become prime minister soon.
Key Facts
Louise Haigh resigned as transport secretary in 2024 and later criticized allies of Keir Starmer.
Haigh said she faced unfair and hostile briefings by male colleagues aimed at damaging her reputation.
She accused a “cabal of men” of mistreating women like Lisa Nandy, Bridget Phillipson, Angela Rayner, and Sue Gray.
Haigh was removed from cabinet after admitting she falsely reported a lost phone as stolen in 2013.
She said Starmer and his chief of staff did not fully explain new information before her sacking.
Haigh helped support Andy Burnham’s campaign to become prime minister.
She suggested strengthening the economic advisory team in Downing Street under the next government.
Haigh is expected to receive a cabinet position in Burnham’s government but not as chancellor.
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The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) has restored Syria’s voting rights after new Syrian authorities took steps to cooperate on chemical weapons inspections. This change follows Syria’s suspension in 2021 due to the previous government’s failure to fully declare its chemical weapons and repeated poison gas use during the civil war.
Key Facts
Syria was suspended from OPCW in 2021 because it did not fully disclose its chemical weapons program.
The previous government of Bashar al-Assad used poison gas multiple times during the civil war.
Since al-Assad was ousted in 2024, the new Syrian government has worked with OPCW to meet its obligations.
The new authorities have helped inspectors verify and begin destroying chemical weapons leftovers.
Syria joined OPCW in 2013 and agreed to destroy about 1,000 tonnes of chemical toxins.
The 2013 decision came after a chemical attack in Ghouta that killed many civilians.
The US intelligence said the Syrian government was responsible for the 2013 attack, which it denied.
OPCW praised the recent cooperation between Syria’s new government and the international community.
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Renewed fighting in the region is causing concern about its impact on Lebanon. Reporters in Beirut are closely watching how the situation might affect the country.
Key Facts
Fighting has recently increased in the surrounding region.
Lebanon is worried about how this violence could affect its stability.
Reporters are reporting from Beirut, the capital of Lebanon.
The situation in Lebanon is linked to events happening nearby.
There are fears that regional violence could spill over into Lebanon.
The news is being covered by Al Jazeera journalists on the ground.
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Iran has again threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway for global oil shipping. This comes after President Donald Trump said the U.S.-Iran ceasefire has ended, raising tensions between the two countries.
Key Facts
Iran threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz, an important route for oil transport.
President Donald Trump announced the end of the ceasefire agreement with Iran.
The ceasefire was a pause in hostilities between the U.S. and Iran.
The renewed threats increase tensions between Iran and the United States.
The Strait of Hormuz is strategically crucial because much of the world's oil passes through it.
CBS News national security analyst Aaron MacLean commented on the situation.
These developments have drawn attention from international observers due to potential impacts on global markets and security.
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More than three weeks after the United States and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to end conflict and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, attacks on ships and military strikes between the two countries have resumed. The situation has led to fears of a return to full conflict and risks disrupting a crucial global oil shipping route.
Key Facts
The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow waterway vital for global oil shipping, with about 20 million barrels passing daily before the conflict.
Since the US-Iran MoU on June 17, at least five commercial ships have been attacked in the Strait of Hormuz or nearby waters.
The US military responded to attacks with strikes on Iranian coastal cities, including Tehran, while Iran fired missiles and drones at US bases in Gulf countries.
The US President Donald Trump stated he believes the ceasefire is over, raising concerns of renewed war.
Iran has threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz again, which would disrupt global energy supplies.
Ship traffic through the Strait has remained much lower than usual since reopening after the MoU, averaging 28 ships per day compared to about 100 pre-war.
Some ships have turned on tracking devices to signal their positions, but many have not, making it harder to monitor traffic fully.
The conflict affects global trade and energy markets due to the strait’s strategic importance.
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Doctors found a living 10-inch tapeworm inside a 71-year-old man during surgery to fix a painless hernia in his groin. The worm was identified as Spirometra erinaceieuropaei, which causes a rare infection called sparganosis and usually comes from contaminated water or undercooked animal meat.
Key Facts
The man had surgery planned to repair an inguinal hernia, which is a common bulge in the groin area caused by tissue pushing through a weak spot in the abdominal wall.
The hernia was painless and did not show signs of infection, and the man’s blood tests were normal.
During the laparoscopic surgery, doctors found a live 26 cm (10 inch) tapeworm located between the bladder and pubic bone.
The worm was pulled out intact and was still moving when removed.
Genetic testing identified the worm as Spirometra erinaceieuropaei, a parasite that causes sparganosis.
These worms normally live in dogs and cats and need water and certain small animals to complete their lifecycle but can accidentally infect humans.
Humans usually get infected by drinking contaminated water or eating undercooked fish, amphibians, or reptiles.
The infection is rare in humans and the worms tend to wander through the body, causing symptoms depending on where they settle.
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Two strong earthquakes hit Venezuela, causing many deaths and destroying homes. Volunteers are working to rescue pets and help families reunite with their animals amid recovery efforts.
Key Facts
Venezuela experienced two deadly earthquakes.
The earthquakes killed thousands of people.
Many homes were destroyed during the quakes.
Volunteers are rescuing pets affected by the disaster.
Rescuing pets helps bring hope to families affected by the earthquakes.
Cleanup and recovery efforts are currently happening across the country.
CBS News reported on the situation and spoke with animal rescuers.
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